Best tablets for reading in 2024
If you're aiming to read more this year, investing in a reading tablet can be a game-changer. Reading tablets and e-readers combine the portability of a tablet with access to a vast library of e-books. Many are designed to mimic the experience of reading a paperback book, reducing eye strain with e-ink technology or high-resolution displays.
You can download books from platforms like the Kindle library or Apple Books app, giving you access to a wide range of genres. Kindle Unlimited is a great option for avid readers, offering unlimited access to e-books and audiobooks for $12 per month.
Below, we've compiled a list of the best tablets for reading in 2024, including the versatile Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, Apple iPad, Kindle Scribe and the eye-friendly Kindle Paperwhite.
Best Amazon Kindle tablets for reading
Amazon Kindles are often considered the best tablet for reading ebooks, as they offer the most paper-like experience. If you're looking for a dedicated reading tablet and don't care as much about streaming or getting work done on your device, a Kindle is an excellent choice.
Amazon Kindle
The basic Amazon Kindle e-reader is the lightest and most compact Kindle. It features a six-inch 300 ppi high-resolution display designed to provide a glare-free, paper-like experience. It offers 16 GB of storage and a battery that can last up to six weeks on a single charge.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is one of the most popular Kindle models. It features a 6.8-inch display, adjustable warm light, and up to 10 weeks of battery life. The device is also waterproof, making it perfect for reading by the pool or in the bath. Additionally, it offers a simplified reading experience with access to a vast library of e-books and audiobooks through Kindle Unlimited.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition offers everything in the Kindle Paperwhite, plus wireless charging, an auto-adjusting front light, and 32 GB of storage. This option also supports a more seamless reading experience with faster page turns and enhanced performance. With ample storage, it's perfect for users who want to carry a large library of books and audiobooks with them wherever they go.
Kindle Scribe
The Kindle Scribe features a larger 10.2-inch screen and a stylus for note-taking or drawing. This makes it a superior option for students, business professionals and artists who want a portable e-reader with an option for taking notes on the go. It's an overall excellent choice for avid readers who appreciate a distraction-free reading experience with the convenience of advanced technology.
Amazon Kindle Kids
The Kindle Kids e-reader is built specifically to encourage reading. It does not have games, ads, or videos like other tablets to reduce distractions for young readers. The Kindle Kids comes with a free one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ which provides access to a number of kid-friendly books. There are four cover options to choose from including solid colors and fun prints.
Best Apple iPads for reading
Apple iPads aren't necessarily considered reading tablets, but you can definitely read on them. Apple iPads come with the Apple Books app, making them great for quickly downloading and reading ebooks.
Apple iPad 9
The 10.2-inch iPad 9, released in 2021, is the most affordable of Apple's iPad offerings. It offers a 8 MP wide-angle back camera, and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle front camera. It boasts stereo speakers, too. This iPad is powered by a A13 Bionic chip. It boasts up to 10 hours of battery life, and is compatible with the Apple Pencil ($99) for drawing or note-taking.
Available in two colors; prices vary.
10.9" Apple iPad 10th generation
The latest edition in Apple's classic iPad lineup is the iPad 10th generation. This 10.9-inch tablet features a Liquid Retina display with Apple's True Tone technology. It has Apple's A14 Bionic chip, an upgrade from the iPad 9's A13 chip. The iPad 10 is compatible with Wi-Fi 6 and 5G internet for fast performance.
The iPad 10 also offers all-day battery life, so that you can read all day or bring it with you to school, work or on vacation without having to worry about plugging it in mid-day.
11" Apple iPad Pro 4 (2022)
The latest iPad Pro comes with several major upgrades. One of the most notable changes is that the 2022 iPad Pros are equipped with the M2 chip, the same fast and powerful chip included in the latest MacBooks. The M2 chip makes this the fastest iPad yet -- and an excellent choice for video editing, streaming or gaming.
Apple made some improvements to the writing and drawing experience on the new iPad Pros as well. When used with the Apple Pencil 2, the iPad Pro provides a more effortless experience. The Apple Pencil can now be detected up to 12 mm above the iPad Pro display, which allows users to draw with more precision and preview marks before they make them. It also makes it more efficient for the iPad to register handwriting and convert it to text with the Scribble app.
The new 11-inch iPad Pro comes in silver and space gray. Pricing varies based on storage and connectivity selections.
Apple iPad Mini 6
The iPad Mini 6 is a compact tablet with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display screen. Released in 2021, the Apple tablet is powered by an A15 Bionic chip. It features a 12 MP wide-angle back camera, and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle front camera. It boasts landscape stereo speakers. Available in four colors.
Amazon also has a good deal on the Wi-Fi and cellular model with 64 GB of storage. Choose from four colors.
Best Amazon Fire tablets for reading
Amazon Fire tablets are another great budget-friendly option for reading.
Amazon Fire HD 8
The new Fire HD 8 tablet (2022) offers 30% faster performance over the prior model. The tablet features a lightweight yet durable design with an 8-inch HD screen. It also provides enhanced battery life with 13 hours of watch time on a single charge.
Like all Amazon Fire products, you have a choice between ad-supported and ad-free models. The ad-supported models are less expensive, and feature advertisements on the tablet's lock screen. The ad-free models don't have these lock screen ads -- a better choice for those who are gift shopping.
The Amazon Fire HD 8 is available in black, denim and rose colors.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus offers includes fast charging and wireless charging capabilities. It comes with an improved 5MP rear-facing camera for clearer pictures. The Plus model includes 3GB of RAM for better multi-tasking.
Amazon also claims the Fire HD8 Plus is twice as durable as Apple iPad mini (2021), as measured in tumble tests.
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is a great deal at only $20 more than the standard model. It comes in a dimpled gray finish with two storage options: 32GB or 64GB. It's scheduled for release Oct. 19, though you can preorder now.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids
The new Fire HD 8 Kids is built for kids ages 3-7. The tablet comes in a durable kid-proof case and has a two-year warranty. It also includes a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, which includes thousands ad-free books, games, videos and apps suitable for children. The tablet includes parental controls to limit screen time and set content restrictions.
The tablet is offered in 32GB or 64GB storage options with a blue or purple kid-proof case.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet is designed for school-aged kids. It comes bundled with a kid-friendly case, a two-year worry-free guarantee and a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+. The Kids Pro tablet also has access to a digital store where parents can buy and download additional content, including popular games like "Roblox" and "Minecraft."
Best Samsung Android tablets for reading in 2024
Explore the best Android reading tablets from Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is a portable 2-in-1 device with PC and tablet functionality. It features Microsoft 365 integration for a better PC experience. It offers an 11-inch tablet screen size and a clear HD display for reading. The tablet also comes with an S Pen.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
The top-of-the-line Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is another great multi-use tablet for reading and work. It comes with a massive 14.6-inch screen (120 Hz), an ultra-wide dual front camera that records video in 4K and an upgraded Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset.
An S Pen is included.
Best Samsung Tab tablets for reading
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is an excellent choice for reading due to its compact size, lightweight design and sharp display.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 features an 8.7-inch display screen and an upgraded metal frame. It offers fast performance and a long-lasting battery and a sharp display, making it one of the best tablets for reading under $100. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 comes with 32 GB of memory.
