Save yourself from backaches by opting for one of the best tablets for reading your favorite books when on the go. Some may miss the smell and sense of accomplishment when tearing through the crisp pages of a fresh novel, but eliminating that extra bulk in your bag while having an entire library at your fingertips can be a life changer. Plus, depending on the portable device you choose, it can do a whole lot more than display your latest book, letting you take notes, scroll socials, stream videos, and more.
TL;DR – These are the best tablets to read on:
- Kindle Paperwhite 2021 – Best overall
- iPad Mini – Best iPad for reading
- Kindle Fire HD 8 – Best for comics
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite – Best Android tablet for reading
- Boox Note Air3 – Best reading and writing tablet
The best experience when reading on a tablet always depends on the screen. Whether you opt for an e-reader, like a Kindle, or your average tablet, finding an option that’s comfortable on your eyes and resting in your hand for long periods is a must. The LCD screens seen on most tablets tend to cause eye strain and drain battery quicker, whereas e-reader displays offer the familiar book look, though are more likely to have limits on what you can do with them.
Beyond a good screen that's easy to handle, having enough storage to save a few books offline is essential, and some note-taking ability can be a life changer for students. After the basics are covered, the choice is yours. But if you’re after a little guidance, our experts have found the five best tablets for reading. Check them out below.
1. Kindle Paperwhite
The Best Kindle and Best Reading Tablet
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is king among e-book readers. It's small enough that you can carry it anywhere, with battery that'll last for days. The Kindle Paperwhite features a 6.8-inch e-Ink screen with a 300 ppi resolution, which is ideal for reading since there’s no glare to speak of and little to no blue light. Even better, the Paperwhite has 17 LEDs to light up the display from the sides, making it super comfortable to read in any condition.
The Kindle Paperwhite is one of the best ways to read books, allowing us to focus on the book and eliminating all outside distractions such as app notifications, emails, calls, and so on. It’s just you and your book. If necessary, the Kindle’s browser gives you access to anything you need to research.
2. iPad Mini
Best iPad for Reading
If you’re caught in the Apple universe, then you’re going to want an iPad mini to read your books. It’s a smaller tablet, measuring just 8.3 inches, but it’s still an iPad. It has a Liquid Retina display, which is gorgeous and you can adjust the screen brightness to match whatever you need when reading. Thanks to the True Tone technology, the iPad will automatically adjust the display’s color temperature based on the ambient light conditions, which is always great.
At the same time, the iPad mini features Apple’s A15 chipset, which means it’s quite a powerful device, being able to run any app you want, from social media to streaming to games. This is also a super light tablet so you can easily carry it with you anywhere you go while also holding it in a single hand when lying in bed and trying to get through another chapter. The only downside is battery life – at least when compared to an e-reader – because you’ll need to charge the iPad mini pretty frequently. Apple boasts that it has battery life of about 10 hours, but if you watch videos and so on, you’ll get much less than that. You can check out our list of the best iPad models for more options like this.
3. Kindle Fire HD 8
Best tablet for reading comics
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly tablet that will also serve as a great platform to read comics on, then the Fire HD 8 may be a solid option. Not only is this Amazon tablet compact enough to carry anywhere you want to go or to hold in one hand when you’re trying to finish another issue, but it’s also super affordable. Since you can get this one for as low as $65 during sale events, you can’t expect it to be a speed devil with a fantastic screen and fabulous battery.
So, while it may not be the best tablet out there, you can launch the Kindle app to read your books or comics, use Alexa to control various smart home devices or scroll through TikTok while still reeling from that one scene you just finished reading. The Fire HD 8 even has a decent battery life, so you’ll do just fine using this tablet for reading.
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
Best Android Tablet for Reading
If you want an Android tablet to read on, then the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a great option. While it’s slightly larger than other tablets on our list, we picked it over other models for its screen quality. With a resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels, you’ll get crisp and clear letters even if you do go for a smaller font size.
The Tab S6 Lite also comes with an S Pen, so you can easily take notes based on what you read. What’s more, since this is an Android tablet, you can do everything you do on your phone – watch movies, doomscroll through social media, play games, and so on. You also get a wide range of e-book and audiobook apps to choose from.
5. Boox Note Air3
Best Reading and Writing Tablet
The Boox Note Air3 is a bit more expensive than other tablets for reading, but it will easily cover all your reading and writing needs. This is an Android tablet with an E-Ink screen, meaning you get the same fantastic reading experience as a Kindle. There’s no glare and your eyes will be less tired than when reading on an LCD screen since there’s no blue light to speak of.
The Boox Note Air 3 will also replace your notebooks because you can use the stylus to write down your thoughts, make lists, and so on. You can install whatever Android apps you want to, but keep in mind that the E-Ink screen has loads of limitations when it comes to watching videos or playing games. So, while the tablet does have the power to do everything else an Android tablet can do, not even setting the maximum refresh rate available will help this screen deliver a decent video.
How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet
Choosing the best reading tablet requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure that the device meets your specific needs. Whether you're an avid reader delving into novels, a student reviewing textbooks, or a professional keeping up with all the files your boss keeps sending, selecting the right tablet can significantly enhance your reading experience.
One of the main things you have to look into is the display's quality. The screen is where your eyes will spend most of their time, making display quality paramount. Eye comfort is also crucial, especially for extended reading sessions. Tablets with blue light reduction features or e-ink technology, which mimics the appearance of paper, can help reduce eye strain. E-Ink screens are easier on the eyes, but LCDs are more versatile if you want to use the same tablet for multiple purposes.
Long battery life is essential for uninterrupted reading, especially when on the move. Looking into tablets with a solid battery life will ensure that you can enjoy your books, magazines, or documents without constantly worrying about finding the next power outlet.
Lastly, size and weight affect how comfortably you can hold the tablet for long periods. While larger screens provide more immersive reading experiences, they should not compromise the device's portability. A lightweight, slim design makes it easier to carry your tablet in a bag or even hold it with one hand.
Best Tablets for Reading FAQ
What is the best tablet for reading according to Reddit?
If you're hoping to look to Reddit for advice on which tablet is best for reading, there are a few clear winners pointed out by the users on the r/androidtablets subreddit. The top commenter points out that the Aldocube 50 Mini and Mini Pro are great options for reading due to being lightweight with good screens at a decent size for reading. Other commenters recommended the Nook due to the e-paper technology that offers more of a similar reading experience you'd get from an actual book.
Are tablets good for reading books?
Sure they are, but you’re going to be well aware that regular LCD screens will tire your eyes much faster than an e-Ink model. Battery life is also something you’ll want to keep in mind because tablets don’t last as long as a Kindle, for instance, since their hardware is more demanding.
What is the best tablet for reading outside?
If you're looking to read your tablet on the beach or sitting at the park, the Kindle Paperwhite is what you want. Unlike many tablets, this e-reader features an E-Ink display, which acts and looks similar to printed paper. That means battling severe glare, brightness, eye strain, and battery life will be far less of an issue compared to LCD screens. The Kindle Paperwhite is also IPX8 water-resistant, unlike many tablets, so getting splashed poolside or caught in the rain won’t slow the device down.
