Today’s tablet market spans from the budget-friendly Amazon Fire lineup to the premium iPads from Apple, and in between, you have dozens of Android slates from various hardware makers. (Windows tablets are an entirely different category.) The range of choices might seem overwhelming, but we’ve been testing and rating tablets since the original iPad debuted in 2010, so you can trust our analysis and advice. The good news is that you can find a quality tablet regardless of your budget. The list below includes several of our Editors’ Choice winners, such as the affordable Amazon Fire HD 10, the midrange Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+, and the incredibly powerful Apple iPad Pro. Be sure to click through to our full reviews of each to get all the details, and scroll down below our top picks for our comprehensive buying guide.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
November 6, 2025: For this update, we swapped in the Apple iPad Pro (M5, 2025) for the outgoing 2024 iPad Pro as the best tablet for professionals. The remaining selections are unchanged, but have been vetted for currency and availability. Since our last update, we’ve reviewed a half dozen tablets for inclusion in this roundup.
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
Pros & Cons
Most affordable iPad
Good everyday performance
High-quality hardware
Improved storage options
No Apple Intelligence
Hardly anything new
Why We Picked It
You can’t go wrong with Apple’s entry-level iPad. It received a significant update in 2025, but it still costs far less than the iPad Air and the iPad Pro. It now offers an 11-inch display that’s sufficiently large for multitasking and productivity. It runs the latest version of Apple’s tablet OS and works with tons of accessories, like the Apple Pencil.
Who It’s For
Most people: The base iPad makes the most sense for the vast majority of buyers, thanks to its combination of functionality, power, and price. It’s the most affordable iPad and is a great platform for your browsing and entertainment needs.
Children: If you’re going to get an iPad for your kids, this is the one to get. It’s fast enough to satisfy their needs, can run the games and apps they want to use, and isn’t too expensive to replace to repair if needed.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
IPadOS 18
Dimensions
9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches
Weight
1.05 lbs
Screen Size
11 inches
Screen Resolution
2,360 by 1,640 pixels
CPU
Apple A16
Storage Capacity
128 GB
Battery Life
Up to 10 hours
Learn More
Apple iPad (11th Gen, 2025) Review
(Credit: Sarah Lord)
(Credit: Sarah Lord)
Pros & Cons
Affordable
Good build quality
Decent display
Alexa Echo Show mode
Limited app selection
Amazon-focused content
Why We Picked It
With a 10.1-inch, 1,920-by-1,200-pixel screen, a good-enough MediaTek processor, 3GB of RAM, and more than 10 hours of battery life, the Fire HD 10 is the most well-rounded Amazon tablet you can get. We’re also fans of the device’s modern design, microSD card slot for up to 1TB of extra space, and decent speakers. And it remains as exceptional a value as ever, with a price under $150.
Who It’s For
Entertainment seekers: If all you want is a simple slate that can serve as an entertainment platform, the Amazon Fire HD 10 is a great option. It has a good screen, plenty of battery life, and access to Amazon’s Prime content.
Budget buyers: At less than $150, the Fire HD 10 is about as inexpensive a tablet as you can buy. With its solid performance, it provides a lot of bang for the buck.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Amazon Fire OS
Dimensions
9.69 by 6.49 by 0.34 inches
Weight
15.3 oz
Screen Size
10.1 inches
Screen Resolution
1,920 by 1,200 pixels
CPU
MediaTek
Storage Capacity
32 GB
Battery Life
10 hours, 18 minutes
Learn More
Amazon Fire HD 10 Review
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
Pros & Cons
Large, sharp screen
Useful multitasking modes
Stylus and fast charger included
Supports microSD cards
Display could be brighter
No IP rating
Why We Picked It
The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro stands out by providing a bevy of high-end features for less than $400. It combines a spacious screen, smooth performance, and productivity extras like a stylus without inflating the cost. We also like its expandable storage, quick Wi-Fi, and solid battery life.
Who It’s For
Android fans: The Idea Tab Pro is the best all-around tablet for Android lovers to pick. In addition to the powerful software from Google, Lenovo has its own range of multitasking features on board that help balance its usefulness between productivity and play.
Big-screen lovers: If you want an enormous display, the Idea Tab Pro’s 12.7-inch panel will wow you. It’s bright, sharp, and provides an expansive canvas for movies, games, and more.
The cost-conscious: Those who want the best tablet for the least amount of money should look no further than this tablet, which delivers fast performance and plenty of features for an affordable price.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 14
Dimensions
7.44 by 11.49 by 0.27 inches
Weight
1.37 pounds
Screen Size
12.7 inches
Screen Resolution
2,944 by 1,840 pixels
CPU
MediaTek Dimensity 8300
Storage Capacity
128 GB
Battery Life
8 hours, 21 minutes
Learn More
Lenovo Idea Tab Pro Review
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
Pros & Cons
Fast performance
Good screen
Solid cameras for a tablet
Fast connectivity options
Apple Intelligence runs well
Hardly anything is new
Accessories add to the price
Why We Picked It
The iPad Air is available in 11-inch and 13-inch models. It has a pro-level M3 processor, sharp cameras, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro. It offers more storage options than older Air models, is available with 5G, and comes in several different colors.
Who It’s For
Students: High school and college students need a solid tablet with enough power to handle classroom apps—and the iPad Air is it. This tablet offers the perfect mix of price and power, allowing students to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Creators: If you’re a creator who dabbles in photography, videography, podcasting, or social media, the iPad Air provides the platform you need to accomplish your creative goals. It’s compatible with nearly every media format and is as comfortable manipulating 4K footage as it is streaming 4K movies from Netflix.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
IPadOS 18
Dimensions
9.74 by 7.02 by 0.24 inches
Weight
1.01 lbs
Screen Size
11 inches
Screen Resolution
2,360 by 1,640 pixels
CPU
Apple M3
Storage Capacity
128 GB
Battery Life
Up to 10 hours
Learn More
Apple iPad Air (2025) Review
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
Pros & Cons
Lightning-fast performance
A graphics powerhouse
Excellent screen
Quick 5G and Wi-Fi speeds
Capable cameras
Battery life could be longer
No IP rating
Little is new
Why We Picked It
The iPad Pro is a seriously powerful machine for creators and professionals who need a tablet that works hard. With the latest M5 processor, an OLED display, a flexible Thunderbolt port, less weight, better battery life than the previous model, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro, it’s a phenomenal slate.
Who It’s For
Power users: If you want the thinnest, lightest, most powerful Apple tablet money can buy, the iPad Pro is your top choice. It has the processor, graphics, and AI chops to handle the most intense workflows quickly.
Professional creators: No other tablet is as adept a platform for editing media as the iPad Pro. With its capacious memory and storage options, you have all the RAM and space you need to manipulate massive audio and video projects.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
iPadOS 26
Dimensions
11.09 by 8.48 by 0.20 inches
Weight
1.28 lb
Screen Size
13 inches
Screen Resolution
2,752 by 2,064 pixels
CPU
Apple M5
Storage Capacity
256 GB
Battery Life
8 hours, 11 minutes
Learn More
Apple iPad Pro (M5, 2025) Review
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
Pros & Cons
Large, sharp display
Thin and light design
Impressive performance
Includes S Pen stylus
Powerful productivity software
No Galaxy AI
5G limited to smaller model
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ offers a lot of great features for a reasonable price, including an Exynos 1580 processor, a 13.1-inch screen with a 2,880-by-1,800-pixel resolution, and excellent battery life. It uses top-notch materials and sports an IP68 rating that protects it from dust and water. It also includes Samsung’s excellent productivity and multitasking software. We like that Samsung promises seven years of Android OS and security updates for the device, too.
Who It’s For
Students with Android phones: The Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ is comparable to the iPad Air, making it an ideal tablet for students who prefer Android phones over iPhones. Android users will appreciate the ability to seamlessly access their classroom assignments, apps, and content, as well as get their work done and find space for entertainment.
Creators with Android phones: The Tab S10 FE+ also works as a great platform for creators who want the power and screen real estate to manipulate photos, edit video, or splice soundtracks. It’s an excellent tablet for both everyday needs and advanced functionality.
Klutzes: This tablet is dustproof and watertight, which means it can handle not only the occasional spill, but an accident dunk in the pool.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 15
Dimensions
7.66 by 11.83 by 0.24 inches
Weight
1.46 lbs
Screen Size
13.1 inches
Screen Resolution
2,880 by 1,800 pixels
CPU
Samsung Exynos 1580
Storage Capacity
128 GB
Battery Life
7 hours, 45 minutes
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ Review
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
Pros & Cons
Large, gorgeous display
Fantastic performance
Long battery life
Productivity-focused software
Included S Pen stylus
Why We Picked It
With its 14.6-inch, 2,960-by-1,848-pixel screen, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra offers a massive desktop for productive workflows. Its MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chip and 12GB or 16GB of RAM provide plenty of power to handle basic apps and the most demanding tasks. Additionally, the tablet sports a durable IP68 rating, ships with the excellent S Pen stylus, and includes a microSD card slot. Samsung’s productivity-focused tools make it a near laptop replacement, and Galaxy AI is impressive.
Who It’s For
Power users: The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is one of the most powerful Android tablets available, and it is purpose-built so you can get your work done. Its massive screen, powerful processor, and Galaxy AI all combine to make it the ideal portable partner for your professional needs.
Creators: With a stylus in the box, the Tab S11 Ultra is a no-brainer for digital artists seeking the largest display and best drawing experience available on an Android tablet. Samsung’s S Pen is a powerful tool, and the latest Galaxy AI features enable a new level of artistry.
Laptop alternative seekers: If you want a device that’s more portable than a laptop, this is the Android tablet to get. Not only does it include the entire suite of apps from Google, it’s fully capable of running Microsoft Office and other desktop-quality apps in a slim, sleek slate.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 16
Dimensions
8.21 by 12.85 by 0.20 inches
Weight
1.53 lbs
Screen Size
14.6 inches
Screen Resolution
2,960 by 1,848 pixels
CPU
MediaTek Dimensity 9400+
Storage Capacity
256 GB
Battery Life
11 hours, 10 minutes
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Review
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
Pros & Cons
Affordable
Large screen
Good performance
Expandable storage
Software aids productivity
No fingerprint sensor
Low base storage
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is our favorite low-cost Android tablet because it doesn’t have any glaring flaws. Most aspects, including the refined design, 11-inch screen, reliable hardware, and helpful software enhancements, are better than expected for the price. Moreover, a microSD card slot helps you get around the limiting 64GB of standard storage, while the face unlock option mitigates the lack of a fingerprint sensor. If you need 5G connectivity for travel, you can add a cellular radio for $50 more.
Who It’s For
Budget buyers. The Tab A9+ is one of the most affordable Android tablets worth buying. It covers all the basics—price, power, performance, and portability—and looks good doing it.
Entertainment seekers. This tablet targets casual users who want an entertainment device more than anything else. Its screen is large enough to enjoy movies, its memory card support means you can load lots of media, and its good battery life means you can get from coast to coast on one charge.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 13
Dimensions
10.1 by 6.6 by 0.3 inches
Weight
1.06 lbs
Screen Size
11 inches
Screen Resolution
1,920 by 1,200 pixels
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695
Storage Capacity
64 GB
Battery Life
7 hours
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Review
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
Pros & Cons
Compact and portable
High-quality hardware
Solid performance
Supports Apple Intelligence
Works with Apple Pencil Pro
Dated design
Few real upgrades
Why We Picked It
Apple’s 8.3-inch iPad mini has an A17 Pro chip that can run Apple Intelligence and power most of your tablet needs. It remains sized just right for those who value portability and doesn’t sacrifice any of the power, connectivity, or accessory support that makes iPads so popular.
Who It’s For
People who prioritize portability: The iPad mini packs most of the power of the iPad Air into a slate small enough to fit into a coat pocket. It’s small enough for a purse or sling and still provides all the power and performance you need to browse the web, stream media, and create on the go.
People with smaller hands: The iPad mini’s small size makes it ideal for people who need things that fit their life, and not the other way around. The mini truly is mini and works well as an alternative to the massive 13-inch iPad Air and iPad Pro.
Travelers: The iPad mini is the best tablet to take on any trip. It lets you leave the laptop at home and still bring a powerful computing platform with you practically anywhere you need to go.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
IPadOS 18
Dimensions
7.7 by 5.3 by 0.3 inche
Weight
1.1 lbs
Screen Size
8.3 inches
Screen Resolution
2,226 by 1,448 pixels
CPU
Apple A17 Pro
Storage Capacity
128 GB
Battery Life
7 hours, 23 minutes
Learn More
Apple iPad mini (2024) Review
(Credit: Sarah Lord)
(Credit: Sarah Lord)
Pros & Cons
Affordable
Good battery life
Lightweight
So-so display
Limited app support
Poor cameras
Why We Picked It
The Amazon Fire HD 8 for 2024 has a bright screen with a decent 1,280-by-800-pixel resolution. It’s a more reasonable platform for media consumption than the smaller Fire Tablet 7, while still offering as much battery life. It comes in under $100, too.
Who It’s For
Travelers. Like the iPad mini, the Fire HD 8 is one of the most compact tablets on the market today. Its small form factor means it can go with you nearly anywhere and be available to keep you entertained without draining your phone’s battery.
Amazon Prime subscribers. The Fire HD provides access to Amazon’s huge library of streaming content, including Prime Video, Prime Music, and Audible. If you consume content, this is about the cheapest way to access it from a mobile device.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Amazon Fire OS
Dimensions
7.94 by 5.40 by 0.37 inches
Weight
11.88 oz
Screen Size
8 inches
Screen Resolution
1,280 by 800 pixels
CPU
Hexa-core 2.0 GHz
Storage Capacity
32 GB
Battery Life
9 hours, 41 minutes
Learn More
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) Review
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The Best Tablets for 2025
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Buying Guide: The Best Tablets for 2025
Is Android, Fire OS, or iPadOS Better?
Broadly speaking, Android tablets make terrific media players, ebook readers, and kids’ devices (if you’re looking for a tablet specifically for children, check out the best kids’ tablets), but they rarely compete with iPads in terms of versatility and performance.
The greatest strengths of Apple’s iPadOS are twofold: It’s intuitive, and the numerous apps that you can buy right on your tablet work fairly uniformly. The downside of iPadOS is that it still can’t handle multiple users per device, and its file management system can be confusing. iPads mostly remain a supplement to, rather than a full replacement for, MacBooks, although iPadOS 26 makes iPads much closer to a laptop than ever before. iPads also support the best selection of accessories, including four different Apple Pencils.
Lenovo Idea Tab Pro (Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
Google’s Android OS lets you choose from a wider range of hardware manufacturers. That means you get maximum customization, a top-notch notification system, fast and smooth web browsing, and seamless integration with Google applications such as Gmail, Google Maps, and Meet for video chats. Android also supports multiple user profiles, so you can share your tablet with a friend or family member. (Apple’s Family Sharing works the other way around, giving multiple people access to shared data and services.) Some Android tablets ship with older versions of the OS and rarely receive updates, but Google and Samsung outline upgrade policies for their devices to provide you with peace of mind.
Amazon’s Fire OS is a customized version of Android with a distinct interface and a set of default apps provided by Amazon. It’s a simple gateway to Amazon content and for streaming videos from various services. We find it easier to use than standard Android if most of what you do is browse the web and access your Amazon library. It’s less flexible, though, and doesn’t support as many apps.
Which Tablet Has the Best Apps?
What’s a tablet without quality apps? If you want third-party apps that work with a touch-screen interface, nothing beats the iPad’s massive library of programs and games. The App Store is well-curated and has a deep selection. For more, see the best iPad apps and the best Apple Arcade Games.
Android also features a large selection of apps, though its tablet-optimized selection is less mature than Apple’s. Many major-league apps are available on both Android and iPadOS. Check out the best Android apps for our top picks.
Amazon tablets don’t have access to the Google Play Store, so they work with considerably fewer apps. Many people have hacked the Play Store onto Amazon tablets, but this violates both Amazon’s and Google’s terms of service and isn’t a reliable solution. With these tablets, you should likely stick with the subset of apps Amazon considers appropriate.
What Size Tablet Do You Need?
This consideration is somewhat obvious, but size—both in terms of screen real estate and storage capacity—is important to consider. First things first: When you hear a term such as “10-inch tablet,” this refers to the size of the screen, measured diagonally, and not the size of the tablet itself.
We consider 7- and 8-inch tablets as small-screen devices and 9-inch tablets as the start of the large-screen category. Apple’s iPads, Amazon’s Fire tablets, and various Android slates all come in small- and large-screen versions. And more than ever, big phones blur the distinction between what is and isn’t a tablet. Folding phones can easily double as small tablets if you’re willing to pay a hefty premium.
Recommended by Our Editors
Apple iPad Pro (M5, 2025) (Credit: Eric Zeman)
Screen resolution is also important, especially for reading and web browsing. A sharp, bright display is key. If you’re in the market for a 10-inch tablet, look for a display with a resolution of approximately 1,920 by 1,080 pixels (Full HD) or higher.
The low weight of a tablet is one definite advantage over a laptop, but with large-screen tablets typically weighing around a pound, they’re not nearly as light as smartphones. Holding one in your hand will likely become uncomfortable after a while. Setting one flat in your lap, rather than propping it up on a stand, can also be a little awkward. And few tablets fit in your pocket (unless you’re wearing a large jacket).
Cloud (off-device) storage is an option for many tablets (Amazon Cloud Storage for Fire tablets, iCloud Drive for iPads, Google One for Android tablets). But for onboard storage, more is always better. All those apps, your local music, photo, and video libraries, as well as system updates, can take up a lot of space. Some Android tablets feature a microSD slot for additional storage, but it’s worth noting that not all apps will work from external cards.
Should You Buy a Wi-Fi-Only or Cellular Tablet?
Some tablets can only connect over Wi-Fi, but others can utilize always-on cellular service from a wireless provider. Unless you constantly use your tablet in an area without Wi-Fi or are a frequent traveler, you’re probably better off using your smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot and saving the extra money you would spend on a 4G or 5G tablet (not to mention the service plan). You can also buy a dedicated mobile hotspot, which won’t kill your phone’s battery life. Some even double as backup batteries to charge your tablet.
