To help you find the best tabs to read, we spent hours identifying the best options available today and ranking them based on display quality, battery life, and portability. We recommend buying a reading tablet that stays on for long reading sessions, as well as one that offers solid display quality so text is clear and sharp. We also recommend getting a reading tablet that offers access to online book stores with many options so you don’t have to buy them on a computer and then load them onto your device.
After our tests and reviews, we found Amazon Kindle Paperwhite to be the best tab for reading available on the market today. Read on to learn more about this powerful e-reader and some of the best tablets on the market.
You are reading: Best tablet for reading books 2018
top 10 tabs to read
#1 amazon kindle paperwhite reading tab
prize: best choice
Why we like it: Everything about this reading tab focuses on books and reading them. With its e-ink screen, fully waterproof design, and seamless connection to the amazon kindle bookstore, this e-reader is the best choice for the largest number of readers.
Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite is an electronic reading tablet through and through, which is really nice if all you need is a tablet to read. One important thing to note before proceeding is the fact that Kindle is not intended to be anything other than an e-reader. yes, it does have a web browser, but it’s rudimentary at best and completely unusable at worst. Fortunately, the Kindle knocks the ball out of the park when it comes to a reading platform. you will have seamless access to the amazon kindle store and can easily buy and download books from there.
The paperwhite also lives up to its name with its e-ink display. this closely mimics the appearance of real paper. the display is backlit for night reading, but is also fully viewable in direct sunlight. this beats any other tablet for outdoor readers. Other features worth mentioning in the latest version include storage increased to 8GB, Bluetooth audio for listening to audiobooks, and a fully waterproof design. yes, that means you can take your kindle paperwhite to the pool without worrying about it getting ruined. it’s a great complement to the best rugged tablets on the market, as it’s designed to be fairly resistant to the elements.
#2 samsung galaxy tab a tab to read
award: honorable mention
Why We Like It: This reading tab features a durable, modern design while providing snappy overall performance and a bright display that’s perfect for reading books and magazines. Plus, with its long battery life and simple user interface, you can read longer without getting frustrated.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A is a great all-round option for readers who also want access to other features and functionality, such as mobile gaming and web browsing. This 10.1-inch tablet features a bright, colorful display that lends itself well to reading books, watching movies, or playing games. the screen features a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, which is perfect for reading. the user interface is also very easy to learn and use, making it a good all-around tablet for a wide range of people. if you prefer something more versatile, check out the best convertible tablet.
This tablet features a Samsung Exynos 7904 octa-core processor, which keeps everything running smoothly throughout the day, including gaming, streaming services, and reading apps. Samsung’s design is also noteworthy. With a full metal body, the device is stronger and more durable. The speakers are loud and produce rich audio, but they’re only on one side of the tablet, so the audio can sound a bit uneven at times if you’re listening to an audiobook. The Galaxy Tab A also features a MicroSD card slot that allows you to expand the internal storage space by up to 512GB, meaning you’ll have nearly unlimited space for your books. Thanks to all these features, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A is the best tablet for reading and browsing the web. It’s certainly one of the best gaming tablets on this list.
#3 apple ipad mini tab for reading
award: best portability
Why We Like It: With a vivid 7.9-inch retina display, this tablet gives you an amazingly portable and sharp reading experience. Plus, the device features Apple’s powerful A12 Bionic processor and famous seamless user interface so you always have a smooth and responsive experience.
If you’re looking for portability and functionality in the same package for your reading tablet, then you can’t go wrong with the Apple iPad Mini. This premium tablet gives you a compact 7.9-inch screen size, which is perfect for both reading and other applications, especially if you’re on the go all the time. In addition to this small screen size, the iPad mini also weighs just 0.66 pounds and is just 6.1mm thin. ipad’s design is premium, with an aluminum body and a high-resolution retina display. the only drawback here is the fact that the ipad has larger bezels than many new-gen options have.
You’ll also get a lot of value from the ipad mini’s internal processing power and overall performance. This reading tab packs a powerful A12 Bionic chipset to keep the operating system and all your apps running without annoying stutters or hesitation. Speaking of the operating system, you will be impressed with Apple iPads, which create an easy-to-use experience with seamless pairing with the entire Apple ecosystem. Overall, the iPad mini’s compact size, performance, and ease of use make it a good bet for an excellent reading tablet. it is one of the best ipads for reading and portability.
#4 kobo clear tab hd 6 for reading
award: the best for eye health
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Why We Like It: With a crisp e-ink display that’s easy to read in the dark as well as in direct sunlight without using blue light, this reading tab is one of the best options to keep your eyes healthy, even after long periods of use. this option is also lightweight and extra-portable, with plenty of internal memory to keep you reading for as long as you like.
The Kobo Clara HD 6 eReader is a great addition to our list of the best tablets for reading. For starters, it features a crisp, bright e-ink screen with a six-inch reading area. E-ink technology works both in the dark and in direct sunlight without the use of blue light, meaning your eyes will stay healthier, even during extended periods of reading. Of course, it’s true that e-ink will only display in black and white, but the text in books is sharp and incredibly easy to read. Plus, you can adjust the font size for a more personalized reading experience.
You can buy eBooks from the Kobo Clara online store, which can be accessed directly from the tablet interface. The store is a bit limited, especially compared to the Kindle store, but it offers the vast majority of the best selling and most popular books. the kobo e-reader is also very well designed, with a slim, compact body that’s easy to carry. the back of the case features a somewhat polarizing curved design that doesn’t lay flat on surfaces. however, the kobo clara hd 6 is an excellent tab to read, whichever way you look at it. is a great option if you’re also looking for the best tablets for seniors.
#5 apple ipad pro 11 reading tab
award: best quality
Why We Like It: From its premium aluminum construction to its extra user-friendly interface, this reading tab is your best bet if you’re looking for quality above anything else. This device also features a stunning high-resolution display and is compatible with extras like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.
the apple ipad pro 11-inch offers a high level of quality and functionality, especially when compared to many of the mid-range tablets available today. it sits on the line between large and portable with an 11-inch liquid retina display, offering high resolution and extra vibrant colors. The display is also compatible with the latest version of the Apple Pencil, which is a great accessory that lets you draw, take notes, or just navigate the iPad interface more easily. The other nice part of the iPad Pro 11’s design is the aluminum body, which is durable and made to feel comfortable in your hands.
premium design aside, the ipad pro also works very well as a standard reader and tablet. With access to iBooks, Amazon Kindle, and other online book retailers, you’ll get access to the widest variety of books here. Plus, everything is powered by the A12z Bionic chipset, which is one of Apple’s fastest chipset yet. We were even more impressed that the iPad Pro 11 supports Apple’s new Magic Keyboard, one of the best tablet keyboards available. With all these features, the iPad Pro 11 is the best reading and writing tablet your money can buy today. it’s also one of the best note-taking tablets on the market.
#6 huawei mediapad m5 reading tab
award: best for android users
Why We Like It: With a great 8.4-inch screen, a standard version of Android, and powerful Kirin 960 processors, this option is the best Android tablet for reading available today. Plus, it features premium speakers tuned and certified by Harman Kardon for an even better audiobook experience.
if you prefer the android operating system for your reading tablet, you’re in luck with the huawei mediapad m5. For starters, the tablet features a stock version of the Android operating system, without all the bloatware and unwanted apps so often found on today’s Android tablets. This streamlined interface combined with a powerful Kirin 960 processor provides a smooth and reliable user experience with no crashes or hiccups, especially while reading.
the mediapad m5 is also incredibly well designed. It features a durable metal casing and excellent display quality that’s hard to beat. The 8.4-inch screen sports an impressive 2560 x 1600 resolution and high pixel density with sharp details and vibrant colors. while reading a book, you will notice that the text is clear and easy to read. If you’re a fan of audiobooks, you’ll also love the MediaPad M5’s speakers, which are tuned and certified by the premium audio brand Harman Kardon. it is certainly one of the best Chinese tablets on our list.
#7 apple ipad pro 12.9 reading tab
award: best for pdf files
Why We Like It: Whether you want to read PDFs, magazines, or graphic novels, this tablet’s huge, vibrant display and powerful internal processor will create the best experience for you. The tablet also features a premium design that is compatible with Apple Pencil and Magic for added functionality and versatility.
If you’re looking for the best tablet for reading pdf textbooks or the best tablet for reading magazines, then you can’t pass up the apple ipad pro 12.9. This powerful iPad sports a stunning 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display with bright, vibrant colors and high resolution. This state-of-the-art display is to thank the iPad’s ability to display PDFs, magazines, and other media in rich colors with ease. the large screen size can be a bit awkward to hold if you haven’t held it before, but it’s easy to get used to.
ipad pro also works amazingly well with its a12z bionic processor, which is one of apple’s fastest chipsets to date. Plus, compatibility with accessories like the second-generation Apple Pencil and the new Apple Magic Keyboard make this option a powerful productivity tablet too. You’ll also get 10 hours of battery life with the iPad Pro 12.9, which is impressive for a big, bright display and high-performing battery. just make sure you buy one of the best tablet cases to keep it protected.
#8 amazon fire hd 8 kids edition tab for reading
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award: best durability
Why We Like It: This reading tablet comes with a durable rubber sleeve with your purchase, making it a great choice for kids or accident-prone readers. Plus, it gives you access to Amazon’s Kindle Store and expandable internal storage so you always have a new book to read.
Before we dive into the details of the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition, it’s important to note that this is a tablet designed specifically for kids. Its durable rubber case is made to protect the tablet from drops and bumps, but it can be removed if you want to use the tablet as normal. That said, if you’re buying this for your kids, it’s a great option thanks to the case and extensive parental controls you can adjust.
Fire HD 8 is a great reading tablet due to its compact size, bright screen, and access to Amazon’s Kindle store for e-books. Plus, it gives you the ability to insert a microSD card for an additional 1TB of storage. this way you can store as many books, games and photos on the device as you need. fire hd 8 is also incredibly affordable for anyone on a budget. It’s also one of the best kid-friendly tablet options on our list, as it’s great for one and very kid-friendly.
#9 amazon fire hd 10 tab to read
award: best user-friendly design
Why We Like It: This 10-inch reading tab offers one of the simplest, most user-friendly experiences for readers. Plus, with a high-quality display and access to the Amazon ecosystem, this makes for a great reading device with added functionality when you want it.
With recent improvements to the current generation of Amazon Fire tablets, their simple, streamlined design makes them great for readers who don’t need a lot of extra bells and whistles. The Fire HD 10 Tablet is one of Amazon’s best additions yet, especially with the specific improvements it has made with its release. The tablet has a 6300 mAh battery, which lasts more than 12 hours.
In addition to long battery life, the Fire HD 10 also features a reliable processor that maintains a smooth user experience. It’s not the fastest processor available on the market, so you may not be able to play the most intense mobile games, but it keeps you reading constantly without crashing or freezing. We were also very impressed with the tablet’s fire os 7 user interface, which is simple and easy to use. The Fire HD 10 also provides a USB-C port for faster charging and more flexibility to connect to other devices. it’s a great model if you’re looking for the best tablets for travel and have plenty of e-books to read.
#10 amazon fire 7 tab to read
award: best on a budget
Why we like it: If you’re on a tight budget for your next reading tablet, then this option is the perfect choice for you. The device gives you a bright 7-inch screen that’s perfect for reading, expandable storage with a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack for listening to audiobooks.
The Amazon Fire 7 features a 7-inch display that is bright with vivid colors, making it perfect for reading on the go and in the dark. however, be aware of the fact that this tablet doesn’t have as high a resolution as you’ll find on other tablets. Given that this is the best budget tablet for reading, this sacrifice in screen quality is to be expected for a lower cost. however, if you’re buying this tablet solely for reading, the low screen quality isn’t too much of a detractor, although you may notice the low quality when watching movies or playing video games.
This reading tablet has also been upgraded from previous models specifically in the processor department. The 1.3GHz quad-core processor keeps everything on the Fire 7 running smoothly and powers advanced features like Amazon Alexa hands-free voice control. We were also impressed with the Fire tablet’s inclusion of a headset for easier listening to audiobooks and a microSD card slot, which allows you to upgrade your internal storage by up to 512GB. With this type of storage, you can store as many books as you want right on your device. paired with the best headphones and you have a top-notch audiobook experience.
how do we decide
The first big consideration we made when ranking the best tablets for reading was screen quality. We award the most points to tablets with high-resolution screens that allow you to read in any conditions. e-ink screens are the best for reading, so those tablets scored the most points in this regard, especially since they can be read in direct sunlight and are healthier for the eyes in the long run. however, traditional LCD or LED screens received points based on their brightness and sharpness, especially with text.
Next, we consider battery life and overall design. The best tabs for reading are light, compact and portable. as such, we prefer tablets in the 7- to 10-inch range. however, we still include a couple of tablets larger than this, as they are good for reading magazines and textbooks. Reading tablets with longer battery life also scored higher in our test, allowing you to read better for longer periods of time without stopping to recharge.
Lastly, we consider additional features such as good quality speakers and headphone jacks for listening to audiobooks. We also award points for tablets that allow you to browse the web or download apps and video games. Overall, having a more versatile reading tablet gives you a more complete entertainment solution for all your on-the-go needs.
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the best tabs to read the buyer’s guide
the most important features to consider
- ereader vs. tablet when it comes to types of reading tablets, you have two main options:ereader: while an ereader is technically a tablet, it is focused solely on providing a reading platform and nothing more . Some of these tablets may include a web browser, but they are often rudimentary enough to be cumbersome to use. The e-readers biggest selling point is their innovative and unique e-ink screen, which closely mimics real paper, but still features a backlight so you can read in the dark. ink tends to be easier on the eyes, especially during long periods of reading, because it doesn’t use blue light. standard tablet: Everyone is familiar with the standard idea of a tablet, which has a backlit touch screen and access to a wide variety of features and functionality. if you want your reading tablet to do more than just give you access to books, then these tablets are the best option for you.
- display as mentioned above, you have two options in display technology when it comes to reading tablets. You can choose between an e-ink screen or a standard LCD/LED screen. however, you should also consider what screen size you want. if you’re just reading books, anything from a 7-inch tablet to a 10-inch tablet will work perfectly fine. however, if you want to play games, watch movies, or read pdfs and magazines, then your next best option is a bigger, brighter, more colorful screen.
- portability one a One of the best things about using a tablet for reading is the fact that you can carry thousands of books with you without taking up much space in your bags or pockets. consider the space you have to take a tablet with you and buy an option that fits that space. Remember that reading tablets only need to be big enough to display text at a size that works for you, unless you also want to use them for work and watching movies. consider the size, thickness, and weight of the screen when measuring for portability.
- internal storage space fortunately, the size of e-books is not as big as that of movies, video games and other applications. however, there are many tablets available today that offer the bare minimum when it comes to internal storage space. We recommend getting a tablet with at least 8GB of internal storage space for books, but if you also plan to use your tablet for games, apps, and movies, we recommend starting with at least 16GB of internal storage. you should also consider purchasing an option with a microsd card slot so you can expand the internal storage.
- battery life anyone who is an avid reader knows how easy it is to fit stuck in a good book and read for hours at a time. That is why it is important to buy a reading tab that offers a long battery life. E-readers typically offer the longest lasting batteries that can last for days, as their e-ink screens don’t consume as much power as an LCD or LED screen.