Tablets are wonderful devices for people who like versatility. The gadgets, while small, can help you both work and relax in a multitude of different ways. They are great for streaming media, using apps, and, of course, reading.
However, not every tablet on the market works well for those who like to read books. Luckily, there are some great options out there if you know where to look. The following guide will break down those models based on features like display, storage, and portability to help you choose the one that best fits your lifestyle.
Contents
Quick Summary
- The Kindle Paperwhite expands on the original book reading tablet, giving you an item that’s glare-free, waterproof, and easy to carry. The thin design makes it portable and the adjustable light lets you read in all conditions.
- The Amazon Fire HD 8 is an affordable, lightweight device perfect for book readers and tablet users alike. The eight-inch screen is portable and bright, while the app store offers plenty of both book and non-book related apps.
- The 11-inch iPad Pro is a tablet that can do it all. Fully equipped with apps like Kindle, iBooks, Libby, and Kobo, this machine can easily meet all of your reading needs.
Who Should Get This?
Avid readers will love the tablets listed in this guide. Every model provides you with ways to enjoy your favorite books either at home or on the road. They are also portable and easy to carry, making them great choices for those who like to lounge in different places.
Some of the tablets listed here work as standalone devices as well. While they do give you the chance to kick back and read, you can also use them to browse the web, do some work, play games, or watch your favorite shows. If you want a more complete machine, they are the way to go.
Best Tablets for Reading Books: What to Consider in 2022
Battery Life
When reading you want to get lost in your book, not worry about plugging in your device. Always consider battery life when getting a reading tablet. Some devices last a decent amount of time, while others can stay on all day. Though longer is usually better, you can get a tablet with lower battery life if you only use it at home where there are many available outlets.
Display
On a reading tablet, display matters. Not only is a bright, vivid screen more pleasant to read on, it also makes it easier to see the words. Reading tablets need to have good lighting so you can easily see your display in any type of light at any time of day. Some models also come with adjustable lighting, which is a great option for users who like to read at night.
Portability
Tablets are portable devices, but some are much more portable than others. When getting a tablet for reading books you want something you can take to different places, as well as something you can throw into a bag or hold while laying down. However, you don’t want a model that’s too small, as that can make the screen difficult to read. Get an item you can comfortably see and hold.
Best Tablets for Reading Books: Our Picks for 2022
1. Kindle Paperwhite
Kindle has long been the king of reading tablets, and the Paperwhite continues that trend. This tablet is an e-reader that more than lives up to that name. It is incredibly easy to use, perfect for people who don’t like messing with technology, and has a waterproof shell for those who like to read by the pool or in the bath. As an added bonus, it is also thin and lightweight.
Another area where the Paperwhite excels is in its display. The glare-free screen enables you to read both inside and outside, while the backlight is perfect for people who want to read at night without too much blue light. That feature is especially useful for those who don’t want to keep their significant other up while they go through a few chapters. If you’re so inclined, you can even buy an additional case to go with the device.
What We Like:
- Glare-free screen
- Soft back light for night reading
- Waterproof
- Thin design
- Lightweight
- Pairs with Bluetooth headphones
- Built-in adjustable light
What We Don’t Like:
- Nothing. This is the tablet for avid readers.
2. Amazon Fire HD 8
Those who want a reading tablet that does a bit more should check out the Amazon Fire HD 8. This device has a bit of everything you would want in a standard tablet, including great apps, web browser functionality, and a bright screen. The case is also quite durable, which makes it perfect for busy households with a lot of kids or pets.
One of the biggest selling points for the Fire HD 8 in terms of reading is the display. At eight inches, it hits the perfect balance between portability and readability. This is a device you can easily take with you on a trip, but you also won’t have any issues flipping through pages or checking out a movie. Add on the 10-hour battery life and you have a solid tablet that can handle all of your favorite books.
What We Like:
- Simple interface
- Multiple color options
- 10-hour battery
- Compact and easy to carry
- Hands-free Alexa
- Extremely durable
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Ample storage
What We Don’t Like:
- Some people may prefer a bigger screen
- Battery can drain with a lot of use
3. iPad Pro (11-inch)
If you want a more traditional tablet that you can also read on, it’s hard to do better than the iPad Pro. This multi-functional device is the leader of the tablet world, and for good reason. You can use it to run programs, play games, watch movies, and browse through Apple’s App Store. In addition, the audio quality is fantastic for people who like to listen to music or use Audible.
Reading is a pleasure on the Pro’s 11-inch screen. The liquid retina display pops, and the lighting gives you great quality under a range of different conditions. The 1TB of storage ensures you can fit all of your favorite books onto the device, and the machine fully supports iBooks, Kindle, and Hoopla.
What We Like:
- App store functionality
- iBooks
- Gorgeous, colorful screen
- Up to 1TB of storage
- Extended battery life
- Facial recognition
- Multiple
- Edge-to-Edge liquid retina display
- Excellent cameras
- Solid audio quality
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
- A bit bigger than similar models
Useful Tips and Information
One of the best parts about tablets is their numerous apps. Every different system comes with its own app store, and each app store comes with specific reading apps. If you want to enhance your digital book experience, this video breaks down the best reading apps for both iOS and Android.
Reading on your tablet can be a lot of fun. However, reading at night does come with its share of issues from problems like digital eye strain. If you’re someone who likes to read in bed or after the lights go out and don’t want to hurt your vision, check out the tips here.
Final Words
There are many great tablets out there, but not all of them are good when it comes to catching up on your favorite books. The above models break that mold, providing you excellent reading devices that you can bring anywhere. As long as you know your budget and what features you want, you’ll be satisfied with your purchase.
Do you have a tablet you like to read on? What features make it so great? Let us know in the comments below!
