Overview
- Jump To Details
Apple iPad Air (2022)
Best iPad for Creators and Students - Jump To Details
Apple iPad (2022)
Best iPad for Most People - Jump To Details
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)
Best Amazon Tablet Overall - Jump To Details
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
Best Midrange Android Tablet - Jump To Details
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
Best Affordable Android Tablet - Jump To Details
Amazon Fire Max 11
Best High-End Amazon Tablet - Jump To Details
Apple iPad mini (2021)
Best Small iPad - Jump To Details
Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 2022)
Best iPad for Power Users - Jump To Details
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Best Android Tablet for Power Users - Jump To Details
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)
Best Tablet Under $100 - Jump To Details
Google Pixel Tablet
Best for Doubling as Smart Display
There are countless tablets on the market, but which one is right for you? Whether you're eyeing an iPad or one of the many Android models available, we detail the key factors you need to consider when shopping, along with some of the top-rated tablets we've tested.
Keep in mind that Windows slates are different beasts entirely. If that's what you're looking for, head on over to our picks for the best Windows tablets, as well as the best 2-in-1s
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Apple iPad Air (2022)
Best iPad for Creators and StudentsWhy We Picked It
The iPad Air offers many of the same features as the iPad Pro for much less money, including high-end performance and support for the latest Apple Pencil. It's also quite portable and has strong battery life.
Who It's For
We recommend the iPad Air for content creators and students. If you need a tablet that can handle advanced applications and/or editing, it's worth the premium over the base model.
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Works with second-gen Apple Pencil
- Fits existing iPad cases and keyboards
- Light and easy to carry
Cons
- Battery life could be longer
- No millimeter-wave 5G support
Learn MoreApple iPad Air (2022) ReviewApple iPad (2022)
Best iPad for Most PeopleWhy We Picked It
You can't go wrong with the latest version of Apple's entry-level iPad. It retails for a reasonable price compared with the iPad Air and the iPad Pro, but still offers a 10.9-inch display that's sufficiently large for multitasking and productivity.
Who It's For
This is the best iPad for most people. It performs well, has plenty of features, and gets you into the Apple ecosystem for a relatively affordable price.
Pros
- Appealing iPad Pro-like design
- USB-C port
- Relocated webcam
- Higher-quality cameras
- Improved speakers
- Faster performance
Cons
- Higher price than previous model
- Loses traditional Touch ID button
- No Face ID
Learn MoreApple iPad (2022) ReviewAmazon Fire HD 10 (2023)
Best Amazon Tablet OverallWhy 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
If you want to watch movies and shows on the go without worrying about battery life or paying a lot, the Fire HD 10 is your best bet.
Pros
- Affordable
- Good build quality
- Decent display
- Alexa Echo Show mode
Cons
- Limited app selection
- Amazon-focused content
Learn MoreAmazon Fire HD 10 (2023) ReviewSamsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
Best Midrange Android TabletWhy We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ offers a lot of great features for a reasonable price, including an Exynos 1380 processor, a 12.4-inch screen with a 2,560-by-1,600-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 four Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the device, too.
Who It's For
Look no further if you want an excellent Android tablet that doesn't cost too much and is durable enough to use in your backyard or near a pool.
Pros
- Good performance
- Long battery life
- High-quality, waterproof build
- Includes S Pen stylus
Cons
- Occasional performance stutters
- Finicky fingerprint sensor
Learn MoreSamsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ ReviewSamsung Galaxy Tab A9+
Best Affordable Android TabletWhy 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
If you want unfettered access to the Google Play Store and the full Android experience on the cheap, the Galaxy Tab A9+ is a capable choice. It's fast enough for most tasks and can handle all your entertainment needs.
Pros
- Affordable
- Large screen
- Good performance
- Expandable storage
- Software aids productivity
Cons
- No fingerprint sensor
- Low base storage
Learn MoreSamsung Galaxy Tab A9+ ReviewAmazon Fire Max 11
Best High-End Amazon TabletWhy We Picked It
Amazon finally ventures out of the ultra-cheap tablet segment with the Fire Max 11. It performed well in our benchmark tests and feels snappy to use in real-world scenarios. The 11-inch, 2,000-by-1,200-pixel display is plenty large and sharp enough for enjoying movies and large-format reading material, while the build quality is a step up over other offerings in the company's lineup.
Who It's For
If you like the simplicity of Amazon's Fire OS platform or want the largest screen for the price, the Fire Max 11 is the way to go.
Pros
- Big, vibrant display
- Stepped-up design
- Respectable performance
- Amazon ecosystem access
Cons
- Limited app selection
- No clear path to future OS versions
Learn MoreAmazon Fire Max 11 ReviewApple iPad mini (2021)
Best Small iPadWhy We Picked It
The 8.3-inch iPad mini might not get as much attention as its larger siblings, but it's sized just right if you value portability. Importantly, it doesn't give up any of the power, connectivity, or accessory support that makes iPads so popular.
Who It's For
The iPad mini is ideal for anyone who wants the feature and performance of a larger iPad in as small a package as possible.
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Long battery life
- Works with second-generation Apple Pencil
Cons
- No multi-user option in iPadOS
- Pricier than previous model
Learn MoreApple iPad mini (2021) ReviewApple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 2022)
Best iPad for Power UsersWhy We Picked It
The iPad Pro's M2 chip is incredibly powerful, and options for up to 2TB of storage and 16GB of RAM elevate Apple's tablet to new performance heights. It also has a fantastic display, offers reliable connectivity (including 5G and Wi-Fi 6E), and works with a full suite of quality accessories, including the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard for expanded productivity.
Who It's For
If price is no concern and you want the top-of-the-line iPad to push through professional workflows, you can't do better than the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Pros
- Laptop-level performance
- Gorgeous, roomy display
- ProRes video support
- Capable cameras
- Excellent connectivity
Cons
- Costs as much as a laptop
- iPadOS is still a limiting factor
- Accessories add up quickly
- Awkward front camera placement
Learn MoreApple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 2022) ReviewSamsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Best Android Tablet for Power UsersWhy We Picked It
With its 14-inch, 2,960-by-1,848-pixel screen, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is ideal for getting work done, watching movies, playing games, and running multiple apps. It performed well in testing thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and 12GB of RAM. 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.
Who It's For
If you want the biggest Android tablet for entertainment and cost isn't a concern, the Tab S9 Ultra is the one to get. Its giant screen and multitasking software make it a viable tool for getting work done. Just keep in mind that if you plan to travel or commute with your tablet, the 12.4-inch, 5G-capable Galaxy Tab S9+ is a better choice with comparable specs.
Pros
- Gorgeous screen
- Fast performance
- Tight Samsung integration
- Good productivity software
- IP68 rating
- S Pen stylus included
Cons
- Pricey
- Size makes it awkward to handle
- Android on tablets is still limiting
Learn MoreSamsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra ReviewAmazon Fire HD 8 (2022)
Best Tablet Under $100Why We Picked It
The Amazon Fire HD 8 has a bright screen with a decent 1,280-by-720-pixel resolution. It's a more reasonable platform for medium consumption than the smaller Fire Tablet 7, while still offering as much battery life. It comes in under $100, too.
Who It's For
You should enjoy the Fire HD 8 if you want a budget-friendly device with a larger screen than your phone. It doesn't compete with high-end iPads or Android tablets on performance metrics, but it's more than fast enough for casual use.
Pros
- Vibrant screen
- Good battery life
- Lightweight
Cons
- Sluggish performance
- $10 more than the previous model
- Limited app selection
Learn MoreAmazon Fire HD 8 (2022) ReviewGoogle Pixel Tablet
Best for Doubling as Smart DisplayWhy We Picked It
The Pixel Tablet provides a pure Android experience and feels snappy for everyday use. Its 10.95-inch, 2,560-by-1,600-pixel screen is enjoyable for media playback too, especially thanks to its 24-bit color support. The slate sounds good by itself, but the included speaker dock (which doubles as a charging stand and turns the device into a smart display) takes things up a notch with fuller, richer sound.
Who It's For
If you're committed to Google's version of Android, the Pixel Tablet is easy to recommend. It doesn't perform quite as well as some competitors or last as long per charge, but its audio chops are sure to attract music lovers and the smart display functionality can be a home-helping bonus.
Pros
- Solid Android tablet
- Flawless audio hand-off
- Good sound from Speaker Dock
Cons
- Expensive
- Speaker Dock has limited functionality
- Hub Mode could do more
Learn MoreGoogle Pixel Tablet Review
Buying Guide: The Best Tablets for 2024
Is Android, Fire OS, or iPadOS Better?
Broadly, Android tablets make great media players, ebook readers, and kids' devices (if you want a tablet specifically for children, check out the best kids' tablets) but they rarely compete with iPads when it comes to versatility and performance.
The greatest strengths of Apple's iPadOS are twofold: iPadOS is intuitive and the numerous apps that you can buy right on your tablet work fairly uniformly. The downside of iPadOS is that it can't handle multiple users per device and transferring files between apps is still awkward. iPads mostly remain a supplement to, not a full replacement for, MacBooks. iPads also support the best selection of accessories, including three different Apple Pencils.
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 includes support for 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 seldom get updates, but Google and Samsung outline upgrade policies for their devices to give you peace of mind.
Amazon's Fire OS is a branch of Android with a distinct interface and set of default apps from 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 offers a deep selection. Apple is your best bet if a wide range of compelling apps that look good and work well on your tablet is your main priority. For more, see the best iPad apps and the best Apple Arcade Games.
Android has made great strides in app selection, but it's still not home to as many as Apple offers. It's tough to say exactly how many tablet-optimized Android apps are available, but it's far fewer than on the iPad. You can use Android phone apps of course, which look decent on a 7-inch tablet, but less so on a 9- or 10-inch device. 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. Plenty of people have hacked the Play Store onto Amazon tablets, but that 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 that Amazon considers appropriate.
What Size Tablet Do You Need?
This consideration is a bit obvious, but size—both 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 Samsung's 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 such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 or OnePlus Open can easily do double duty as tablets if you're willing to pay a hefty premium.
Screen resolution is important, too, especially for reading and web surfing. 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 at least 1,280 by 800 pixels.
The low weight of a tablet is one definite advantage it has 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 likely won't be comfortable 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 very 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 when it comes to onboard storage, more is always better. All those apps; your local music, photo, and video libraries; and system updates can take up a lot of space. Some Android tablets feature a microSD slot for additional storage, but it's worth noting some apps won't work from those external cards.
Should You Buy a Wi-Fi-Only or Cellular Tablet?
Some tablets can connect only over Wi-Fi, but others can take advantage of always-on cellular service from a wireless provider. Unless you constantly use your tablet in an area without Wi-Fi or are a frequent international 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. 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.
The Top Tablets (for Now)
The tablets here represent the best options from Amazon, Android, and Apple across a variety of price levels. That said, plenty of other great tablets exist that might be better for you. For the latest lab-tested reviews, check out our tablet product guide. And if you're looking for a good deal, head over to our roundup of the best cheap tablets we've tested.
Dave LeClair and Sascha Segan contributed to this story.
