Digital reading has transformed the way we enjoy books, comics, magazines, and even professional documents. Thanks to major technological advances, we can now carry entire libraries in the palm of our hand. Among the devices that have gained popularity are tablets, which offer a versatile experience far superior to that of conventional e-book readers, allowing access not only to novels, but also to comics, newspapers, PDFs, and all types of documentation, as well as accessing the web, watching videos, studying, or working.
If you wonder What is the best tablet for reading e-books today?It's important to know that there's no single answer. It depends on your needs: you may prioritize comfort when holding the device, screen quality, battery life, the ability to store hundreds of books, or compatibility with different apps and formats. Here we offer a Detailed guide to the best tablets for reading books, with a selection based on real-life user experience, hardware, battery life, display, and features that optimize reading for hours without straining your eyes. We integrate key information from leading search engine articles and complement it with expert data so you can make informed choices. Discover the best options and how to get the most out of them!
Tablets are much more than simple e-readers. Unlike traditional eReaders, they offer the ability to install all kinds of reading apps, take notes, highlight, underline, or even listen to audiobooks. Furthermore, the versatility of these devices allows you to browse the internet, consult educational platforms, edit documents, play movies, or even play games.
Other key advantages of tablets over traditional e-books include:
- Compatibility with various formats: PDF, ePub, MOBI, comics (CBR/CBZ), digital magazines, etc.
- Customizing the reading experience: brightness settings, color temperature, dark or sepia backgrounds, customizable fonts and sizes.
- Access to a wide variety of applications: Kindle, Google Play Books, Kobo, Aldiko, Moon Reader, among many others.
- Large, high-quality color displays: ideal for comics, newspapers, PDFs and illustrations.
- Ease of note-taking and document organization: thanks to compatibility with digital styluses (such as the Apple Pencil or Samsung S Pen).
Differences between tablets, eReaders and which device to choose
The debate between eReader and tablet is recurrent among those who want to get into the digital readeReaders like the Kindle, Kobo, and Boox use electronic ink (e-ink) displays, which don't emit direct light and are less tiring on the eyes during long hours of reading, mimicking the experience of paper. They also typically offer battery life that far exceeds that of any conventional tablet (lasting up to weeks between charges), and their weight and dimensions are specially optimized for transport and extended use.
However, tablets They play in another league in terms of possibilities and versatility:
- Larger color screen with higher resolution and refresh rate, ideal for comics, magazines, newspapers and documents with complex images or graphics.
- Ability to install applications and manage multiple tasks (email, multimedia, office automation, web browsing, etc.).
- Option to take notes and annotate directly on books or PDFs if they have stylus support.
- Multipurpose use: A single tablet can cover reading, work, study and entertainment needs without restrictions.
If your goal is reading exclusively novels for hours and prioritizing less eye fatigue, an eReader is still recommended. But if you want to use the device for much more than reading books, or you're looking for the best experience in comics, magazines or PDFs, or you want to take notes, highlight, manage files and access multimedia content, the tablet is the best option.
What features should a good tablet have for reading books?
The needs of the digital reader go beyond raw power. Below we explain the Key features when choosing a tablet for reading:
- Screen quality: High resolution (Full HD or higher), good color reproduction, and, if possible, eye-protection certifications (such as blue light reduction, anti-flicker technologies, or settings like True Tone and Eye Care Mode). 8- to 11-inch displays tend to be the most balanced.
- Long-lasting battery: Ideally, choose tablets with more than 6.000 mAh. This way, you'll be able to read for several days without recharging.
- Weight and ergonomics: Look for models between 300 and 500 grams, which allow you to hold the tablet comfortably for long periods.
- Storage capacity: A minimum of 64 GB is recommended, especially if you want to store comics, large PDFs, or multimedia content. If it has a microSD slot, even better.
- Digital Pen Compatibility: Ideal for those who want to take notes, highlight, draw, or edit documents and books.
- Operating system and applications: Both iPadOS and Android offer an excellent variety of apps. If you're an Apple user, integration with the ecosystem can be key.
- Connectivity Options: WiFi, Bluetooth, and, if you need to read on the go, LTE/5G is available.
The best tablets for reading books: comparison and recommendations
We're going to take an in-depth look at the most recommended tablets, including their strengths, weaknesses, and the types of users they're designed for. We've also incorporated the most relevant and up-to-date information from expert portals such as Xataka, ComputerHoy, Movistar, Allzone, and Topes de Gama, and we've added comparative information never before seen in our content.
Xiaomi pad 6
La Xiaomi pad 6 It has positioned itself as one of the best value options for any type of demanding user. It integrates a 11-inch LCD panel with 2,8K resolution (2880 x 1800 pixels), which translates into ultra-sharp text, ideal for reading for hours. It also offers a refresh rate up to 144 Hz (something unique in tablets of its range) and support for technologies such as Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos (four integrated speakers).
Battery 8840 mAh, more than enough for several days of use, with 33W fast charging. Its weight of 490 grams isn't the lightest, but its ergonomics and build quality stand out compared to other models. The Snapdragon 870 processor and 6/8 GB of RAM ensure fluidity, even when using demanding applications, and allows you to use the Xiaomi Smart Pen stylus for taking notes.
Ideal for users seeking power, image quality and versatility for productivity or multimedia. While it's not the lightest tablet, its screen and battery life make it a great option for reading at home.
Apple iPad Mini
If you are looking for an Portability, screen quality and a premium experience, iPad Mini It's the perfect tablet. Its 8,3-inch Liquid Retina display offers high resolution, excellent brightness, and True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the white balance based on ambient light to reduce eye strain. Its ultralight weight (less than 300 grams) allows you to read comfortably for hours with one hand (ideal for travel and commuting).
The A15 Bionic chip delivers powerful multitasking performance, and its compatibility with Apple Pencil 2 makes it perfect for taking notes or highlighting. The battery life also allows for long reading sessions without worrying about charging.
Recommended for Apple users or those who prioritize a premium experience, reading app integration, and extreme portability.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
El Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 It's a fantastic option for those looking for a mid-to-high-end Android tablet with a large screen and battery life. Its 10,9-inch LCD panel offers a sharp resolution, enough to read books, comics, and PDFs without any problems. It includes S Pen in the box, making it easy to take notes, underline or draw.
The large battery and lightweight design make it very attractive for readers who spend hours using the device. Its performance is very solid thanks to the Exynos processor and 8GB of RAM, allowing you to switch between tasks effortlessly.
Perfect for those who value taking notes by hand or are looking for a complete Android experience with access to the Play Store and all reading apps.
Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE
With an 11-inch screen, Full HD+ resolution and 90 Hz refresh rate, the RedmiPad SE It's ideal for those who want a comfortable and fluid experience at a very reasonable price. It includes 128 GB of expandable storage up to 1 TB, perfect for storing a large digital library.
You have low blue light certification to protect your eyes, and excellent battery life thanks to its 8.000 mAh battery. It's one of the best value tablets on the market, especially for those looking to read for hours or on long trips.
Realme Pad Mini
La Realme Pad Mini It's a compact and lightweight tablet designed for those who prioritize portability, without sacrificing long battery life (6.400 mAh battery) or connectivity. Its 8,4-inch HD display is sufficient for reading, especially novels and simple PDFs. Its weight of 372 grams makes it ideal for travel, commuting, or reading anywhere.
While its resolution is more modest than other models, its low price and great portability make it one of the most recommended options as a "secondary tablet" or for children and occasional readers.
Honor Pad 8
La Honor Pad 8 stands out for its 2 inch 12K display, making it easy to read comics, magazines, and large PDFs. Its 7.250 mAh battery provides several hours of intensive use, and its price is very competitive compared to tablets with similar screen diagonals and resolution.
Perfect for those looking for the most immersive and spacious reading experience in tablet format, sacrificing some lightness in exchange for a larger display area.
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus and Lenovo Tab P12
Lenovo offers two highly recommended options:
- Tab M10 Plus: 10,6-inch display, 2K resolution, up to 128GB of storage, and a large battery. It stands out for its excellent value and performance for reading, educational apps, and streaming.
- Tab P12: 12,7-inch 3K display, 8GB of RAM, and support for the Lenovo Tab Pen Plus. Perfect for power users, taking notes, drawing, or reading comics and large-format technical documents.
Other alternatives to consider
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 and Galaxy Tab A8: Lightweight, well-balanced, and affordable tablets, ideal for family reading, students, or users who want reliability and update support.
- Microsoft Surface Go: For those who, in addition to reading, need a 2-in-1 device closer to a laptop, with Windows and full productivity compatibility.
- Onyx Boox devices (Note Air, Nova Air, etc): A hybrid alternative between a tablet and an eReader, with a color e-ink display, perfect for those who only read and take notes by hand.
Tips for choosing the best tablet based on the type of book and use
Depending on your habits, these are the Key tips when choosing a tablet for reading:
- Novels and long texts: Look for lightweight tablets with screens that are easy on the eyes (reading mode, reduced blue light, good brightness indoors or outdoors).
- Comics, magazines, newspapers, and PDFs with graphics: Prioritize large screens (10” or more) and high resolution, if possible with good colors and brightness.
- Technical PDFs and professional use: Best option with stylus for highlighting, taking notes, signing documents and good storage.
- Study and note-taking: Opt for tablets that support a digital pen (iPad Mini, Galaxy Tab S, Lenovo Tab P), have long battery life, and have apps like GoodNotes, Notability, OneNote, or Bamboo Paper.
- Children's or family reading: Rugged tablets with a kids' mode and parental controls. Models like the Galaxy Tab A9, Realme Pad Mini, and Fire HD tablets (Amazon) stand out here.
The best apps for reading e-books on tablets
Regardless of which tablet you choose, there are Essential apps to get the most out of your digital reading experience:
- Kindle: The leading ecosystem, compatible with almost any tablet (Android/iPad). Access to millions of books and customizable fonts, margins, and backgrounds.
- GooglePlayBooks: Seamless integration with Android and Google, support for ePub, PDF, and cloud sync.
- Moon+ Reader: Highly customizable, it excels at handling EPUB, PDF, and comics.
- Aldiko: Simple and powerful. Great format and library compatibility.
- Kobo: Another option with its own store and cross-platform synchronization.
- GoodNotes, Notability, OneNote: For PDF note-taking, especially recommended on iPadOS.
- PocketBook, Reader, Marvin: Other interesting options on Android and Apple.
Don't forget to take advantage of features like dark mode, automatic progress syncing, highlighting, annotations, and a built-in dictionary to enrich your reading experience.
The digital age has left behind the idea that you only need one type of device to read well. Today, it's possible to have a tablet that adapts to every need: from the most demanding users, who need to take notes on complex PDFs, to those who prioritize portability, maximum screen quality, and versatile uses. Analyze your user profile and, with this comparative information, you'll choose the best tablet for reading e-books, comics, documents, and much more, with the confidence that you're investing in a device that will be your faithful reading and productivity companion for many years.