In the quest for the best tablet for reading in 2024, readers are spoiled for choice, yet finding the perfect device can be daunting. Tablets have evolved beyond mere gadgets, becoming essential tools for devouring books, textbooks, and articles with unprecedented ease.
Whether you're a voracious reader seeking the best tablet to read books or a student on the hunt for the best tablet for textbooks, this year's lineup promises devices tailored to every reading preference. From the best Android tablet for reading to versatile devices perfect for both reading books and watching movies, we’ve curated a list that harmonizes cutting-edge technology with reader-friendly features.
Dive into our comprehensive guide, where we meld technology with the timeless joy of reading, ensuring that every recommendation brings you closer to finding the best tablet for reading books, ebooks, and beyond.
Top 5 reading tablets – shortlist
- Apple iPad (9th Generation) – best tablet for reading and multimedia in 2024
- Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation) – top reading tablet, perfect for on the go
- Amazon Kindle Paperwhite – unmatched eye comfort with a paper-like display
- Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition – additional storage for your books
- Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus – great tablet for reading and entertainment apps in 2024
How to choose the best tablet for reading books?
Choosing the best tablet for reading books isn't just about picking the most popular brand or the latest model. From the physical comfort of holding the device for long periods to ensuring text is crisp and easy on the eyes, each aspect plays a crucial role. Below are the key features to evaluate before making your purchase, ensuring you select a tablet that meets your reading needs perfectly.
- Screen size. The size of the tablet's screen affects how much text can be displayed at once and the overall portability. Smaller screens (around 7 to 8 inches) are more portable but may require more frequent page turns. Larger screens (over 10 inches), while less portable, offer an expansive reading area, ideal for textbooks and PDFs.
- Resolution. High-resolution screens offer sharper text and images, reducing eye strain. Look for a tablet with at least 1080p resolution for clear and comfortable reading.
- Weight. Lighter tablets minimize hand fatigue during extended reading sessions. Ideally, a tablet should weigh less than 500 grams for the best comfort.
- Eye Comfort. Tablets with adjustable brightness and blue light filters help prevent eye strain. E-ink displays, found in devices like the Kindle, mimic paper and are easier on the eyes for reading text.
- Storage. Depending on your library size, storage capacity can be crucial. Options range from 32GB for casual readers to 128GB or more for avid readers with large collections of ebooks, comics, and PDFs.
- Connectivity. Wi-Fi is standard, but consider 4G or 5G models if you plan to download books on the go. Cloud storage compatibility is also essential for accessing your library across devices.
7 best reading tablets – our detailed list
Our curated list of the top 7 tablets for reading in 2024 is the result of comprehensive research and feature testing. We evaluated each tablet based on display quality, battery life, ergonomic design, ebook store integration, and customization options to ensure an unmatched reading experience.
1. Apple iPad (9th Generation) – best reading tablet in 2024
| Screen: | 10.2-inch Retina display |
| Connectivity: | Fast Wi-Fi |
| Storage: | 64GB or 256GB |
| Battery life: | Up to 10 hours |
The Apple iPad (9th Generation) stands as a testament to versatility and performance, making it a superb choice for readers and multitaskers alike.
Screen quality. The 10.2-inch Retina display offers a large, vibrant viewing area for reading, ensuring text and images are sharp and easy on the eyes. Its high resolution enhances the reading experience by delivering crisp, clear content, whether you're browsing the web, reading ebooks, or working on documents.
Battery life. With up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge, the iPad (9th Generation) provides ample time for reading, streaming, and web browsing, ensuring you can enjoy your content all day without needing to recharge.
Storage options. Available in 64GB or 256GB storage options, this iPad can house an extensive collection of ebooks, apps, and media, catering to avid readers who like to keep their entire library at their fingertips.
Connectivity. Its fast Wi-Fi connectivity allows for quick downloads of books and easy access to online content, making it simple to purchase new reads or stream educational videos.
2. Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation) – top tablet for reading on the go
| Screen: | 8.3 inch Liquid Retina display, 10.4 ounces |
| Connectivity: | USB-C and ultrafast Wi-Fi |
| Storage: | n/a |
| Battery life: | 10 hours |
The Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation) is the epitome of portability and power, designed for readers who are always on the move.
Screen quality. The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, boasting a 326 ppi resolution, offers sharp, vibrant visuals, making text appear exceptionally crisp. Apple’s True Tone technology adjusts the screen to the ambient light, providing a comfortable, natural reading experience even during extended sessions.
Lightweight design. Weighing just 10.4 ounces, the iPad Mini is incredibly light, making it an excellent choice for reading anywhere, anytime without the burden of carrying a heavy device.
Battery life. Enjoy up to 10 hours of reading, browsing, or streaming with its all-day battery life. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, it handles multitasking with ease, ensuring a seamless experience across apps and tasks.
Connectivity. With USB-C connectivity, ultrafast Wi-Fi, and support for the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, it caters to a range of needs from note-taking to swift content downloads. The inclusion of Touch ID enhances security and convenience.
3. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite – great tablet for avid readers
| Screen: | 6.8 display, 300 ppi glare-free, waterproof |
| Connectivity: | Wi-Fi |
| Storage: | n/a |
| Battery life: | Up to 10 weeks |
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is a sanctuary for avid readers, offering unparalleled comfort and convenience.
Screen quality. The 6.8-inch, 300 ppi glare-free screen provides a reading experience that closely mimics real paper. This high-resolution display ensures sharp, clear text under any lighting condition, making it ideal for hours of uninterrupted reading.
Battery life. One of the Kindle Paperwhite's most impressive features is its battery life, lasting up to 10 weeks on a single charge. This longevity is perfect for travelers, commuters, or anyone who dislikes frequent charging.
Durability. Not just built for comfort, the Kindle Paperwhite is also waterproof, making it the perfect companion for reading by the pool, at the beach, or even in the bath without worry.
Extra features. With adjustable lighting, including a warm light option, the device ensures comfort in all reading environments, day or night. Its storage can hold thousands of titles, ensuring your library is always with you. Plus, with Bluetooth connectivity, you can switch seamlessly between reading and listening with Audible.
4. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition – tablet for night readers
| Screen: | 6.8 glare-free, 300 ppi |
| Connectivity: | Wi-Fi |
| Storage: | 32 GB |
| Battery life: | Up to 10 weeks |
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition redefines comfort during nocturnal reading sessions.
Screen quality. The device features a 6.8-inch, 300 ppi glare-free display, offering sharp, clear text that mimics the feel of real paper. This high resolution makes it easier to read for hours without straining your eyes.
Battery life. Remarkably, a single charge can last up to 10 weeks, ensuring that you're seldom interrupted by the need to recharge, even with heavy use.
Storage capacity. With 32 GB of storage, it holds thousands of books, allowing you to carry a vast library in your hands without the bulk.
Night reading features. Its signature adjustable warm light allows for a more natural reading experience in various lighting conditions, from bright daylight to dark environments. The auto-adjusting front light further personalizes your reading experience, ensuring optimal brightness at all times.
5. Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus – excellent tablet for multimedia readers
| Screen: | 8 inch HD display |
| Connectivity: | Alexa integration, wireless charging |
| Storage: | 32GB or 64GB, expandable up to 1TB |
| Battery life: | Up to 13 hours |
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is a versatile tablet that offers an excellent balance between reading and multimedia functionalities.
Screen quality. The 8-inch HD display provides a comfortable reading experience, with enough screen real estate to enjoy videos, web browsing, and e-books. The clarity and brightness make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Battery life. With up to 13 hours of battery life, it supports long reading sessions, movie marathons, and everything in between. This longevity ensures that you can rely on it throughout the day without frequent recharging.
Storage capacity. Choose between 32GB and 64GB of internal storage, both of which can be expanded up to 1TB via a microSD card. This flexibility allows you to store thousands of books, videos, and apps.
Extra features. Integration with Alexa adds a layer of convenience, allowing hands-free control for reading, entertainment, or smart home management. Wireless charging keeps the device powered up without the fuss of cables.
6. Google Pixel Tablet – reading tablet with smart home integration
| Screen: | 11-inch with adaptive brightness, Android |
| Connectivity: | Seamless integration with Google Pixel devices |
| Storage: | n/a |
| Battery life: | Efficient 5,000 mAh, up to 12 hours |
The Google Pixel Tablet merges the versatility of a tablet with the smart capabilities of a home hub, designed for those who love technology to be interconnected.
Screen quality. The 11-inch screen boasts brilliant colors and adaptive brightness, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience for reading, browsing, and multimedia, regardless of the lighting conditions.
Battery life. Equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, the tablet is tested to last up to 12 hours, providing ample time for both work and leisure without the constant need for recharging.
Smart home features. With hands-free Google Assistant and Hub mode, this tablet stands out by turning into a control center for your smart home devices, allowing for easy management of lights, locks, thermostats, and more.
Other extra features. It excels in creating a unified ecosystem, effortlessly connecting with Pixel phones, earbuds, and watches, making it an ideal choice for users invested in Google's ecosystem.
7. Amazon Kindle Scribe – outstanding reading tablet for note-takers
| Screen: | 10.2 inches, 300 ppi glare-free display with Premium Pen for natural writing and note-taking |
| Connectivity: | Fast Wi-Fi |
| Storage: | Up to 64 GB |
| Battery life: | Up to 12 weeks (reading), up to 3 weeks (note-taking) |
The Amazon Kindle Scribe is a groundbreaking device that merges the immersive world of e-reading with the practicality of digital note-taking.
Screen quality. Featuring a 10.2-inch glare-free display, the Kindle Scribe offers a comfortable reading experience similar to paper, enhanced by its 300 ppi resolution that makes text sharp and easy on the eyes.
Battery life. This device boasts an impressive battery life, lasting up to 12 weeks on a single charge when reading and up to 3 weeks for note-taking activities, ensuring that your creative or study sessions go uninterrupted.
Storage capacity. With up to 64 GB of storage, it can house thousands of books and documents, providing ample space for all your reading and journaling needs.
Premium Pen experience. The included Premium Pen transforms the Kindle Scribe into a versatile tool for readers who also love to jot down notes, doodle, or highlight key text passages, without the need for charging or pairing.
Comparison of top 5 tablets for reading
Choosing the perfect tablet for reading can be challenging with so many options available. Our comparison table simplifies this decision by highlighting the main features and pricing of the top 5 reading tablets for 2024, making it easier for you to find the one that best fits your needs.
| Model | Apple iPad (9th Generation) | Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation) | Amazon Kindle Paperwhite | Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition | Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus |
| Connectivity | Fast Wi-Fi | Fast Wi-Fi and USB-C | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Alexa integration, wireless charging |
| Storage | 64GB/256GB storage options | 64GB/256GB storage options | 32 GB storage | 32 GB storage | 32GB/64GB storage (expandable up to 1TB) |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours of battery life | Up to 10 hours of battery life | Up to 10 weeks of battery life | Up to 10 weeks of battery life | 12 hours of battery life |
| Main features | 10.2-inch Retina display, A13 Bionic chip, Supports Apple Pencil (1st gen). | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, A15 Bionic chip, Up to 10 hours of battery life, Supports 2nd generation Apple Pencil. | 6.8-inch 300 ppi glare-free display, Waterproof (IPX8), Adjustable warm light. | 6.8-inch 300 ppi glare-free display, Wireless charging, Auto-adjusting front light. | 8-inch HD display, Wireless charging, 3 GB RAM. |
How we selected these tablets for reading books?
In curating our list of the top tablets for reading in 2024, we meticulously evaluated each device against a set of criteria that is critical for enhancing the reading experience. Here's a breakdown of our selection process:
- Screen quality. A high-resolution, glare-free display is paramount for mimicking the comfort of reading on paper. Tablets like the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite and the Apple iPad Mini boast 300 ppi and Liquid Retina displays, respectively, ensuring crisp, clear text and images without eye strain.
- Battery life. For uninterrupted reading sessions, long battery life is crucial. Devices such as the Amazon Kindle Scribe offer up to 12 weeks for reading, and the Google Pixel Tablet provides up to 12 hours of versatile use, catering to avid readers and multitaskers alike.
- Weight and size. Portability without sacrificing screen size is essential for reading on the go. The lightweight design of the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus and the compact Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation) exemplify the ideal balance between ease of carrying and sufficient display area.
- eBook store integration. Access to a vast selection of titles is key for readers. Tablets with integrated eBook stores, such as Amazon's Kindle devices, offer seamless access to millions of books, magazines, and newspapers.
- Text customization. Personalizing reading experiences through adjustable text sizes and fonts can significantly enhance comfort and accessibility. The flexibility of text customization on devices like the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and the Apple iPad series caters to diverse reading preferences and needs.
Tablet vs. e-reader: which is better for reading?
When it comes to choosing between top rated tablets and e-readers for reading, several factors come into play:
- Eye strain. E-readers, with their e-ink technology found in devices like the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, are generally better for reducing eye strain, especially over long reading sessions, compared to the backlit screens of tablets.
- Portability. Both devices are portable, but e-readers are often lighter and more compact, making them slightly more convenient for on-the-go reading.
- Battery life. E-readers excel in battery life, lasting weeks on a single charge, unlike tablets such as the Google Pixel Tablet, which may need charging more frequently due to their more power-intensive features.
- Cost. E-readers are typically more affordable than tablets, offering a cost-effective option for dedicated readers who prioritize reading over other functionalities.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your reading habits and whether you value additional tablet features like app compatibility, web browsing, and multimedia capabilities alongside reading.
What is the best size tablet for reading?
The ideal tablet size for reading balances portability with sufficient screen real estate to provide a comfortable reading experience. An 8 to 10-inch display strikes this balance perfectly, offering enough space for text and images without the device becoming cumbersome to hold for extended periods.
For instance, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus and Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation) fall within this size range, making them excellent choices for readers seeking a device that is both easy to carry and pleasant to use for reading eBooks, articles, and documents. This size range ensures that the tablet is versatile enough to be used comfortably at home or on the go, without sacrificing screen quality or readability.
FAQ
Which tablet is best for reading?
The best tablet for reading in 2024 depends on your preferences. For dedicated readers, the Apple iPad (9th generation) offers excellent eye comfort and battery life. For those seeking versatility, the Apple iPad Mini (6th generation) provides a high-quality reading experience along with powerful tablet functionalities.
What tablets are best for studying?
For studying, tablets with strong note-taking capabilities are ideal, such as the Google Pixel Tablet and Amazon Kindle Scribe. They offer large, clear displays and the ability to annotate texts, making them perfect for students who need to take extensive notes alongside their reading.
Is it better to read on a tablet?
Reading on a tablet offers versatility for multimedia content and interactive reading, though it may increase eye strain compared to e-readers. Tablets are best for those valuing multipurpose use, while e-readers are preferred for extensive reading sessions due to their eye-friendly displays.
What is the best tablet for writing books?
The best tablet for writing books is the Apple iPad with an Apple Pencil, offering a seamless writing experience, powerful word processing apps, and excellent portability. Its versatility and robust ecosystem make it ideal for authors who also value sketching, research, and editing on one device.
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