Today’s tablet market spans from the budget-friendly Fire lineup from Amazon all the way up to premium iPads from Apple, and in between, you’ve got 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 back in 2010, so you can trust our analysis and advice. The good news is that you can find a quality tablet no matter how much you want to spend. 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
- Most affordable iPad
- Good everyday performance
- High-quality hardware
- Improved storage options
- No Apple Intelligence
- Hardly anything new
You can’t go wrong with Apple’s entry-level iPad. It received a significant update in 2025, but 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.
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.
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
- Affordable
- Good build quality
- Decent display
- Alexa Echo Show mode
- Limited app selection
- Amazon-focused content
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.
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.
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
- Large, sharp screen
- Useful multitasking modes
- Stylus and fast charger included
- Supports microSD cards
- Display could be brighter
- No IP rating
The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro stands out by offering 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.
Anyone one who needs an affordable slate that’s just as comfortable during playtime as it is for productivity will find plenty to like in the Idea Tab Pro with its peppy performance, multitasking tools, and expansive screen for consuming media.
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
- 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
The iPad Air is available in 11-inch and 13-inch models, comes with a pro-level M3 processor, has a sharp set of cameras, and includes 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.
People who need more power than the entry-level iPad but don’t need the professional-level power of the iPad Pro will find the iPad Air to be the perfect happy medium.
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
- Premium design
- Brilliant OLED display
- Unparalleled performance
- Flexible connectivity options
- Top cameras for a tablet
- Expensive
- Pricey accessories
- iPadOS can be clunky
The iPad Pro is a seriously powerful machine for creators and professionals who need a tablet that works hard. With the latest M4 processor, an OLED display, a flexible Thunderbolt port, less weight and better battery life than the previous model, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro, it’s a phenomenal slate for professionals.
Those who need the most performance from a tablet (and can afford it) should consider the iPad Pro, which runs circles around much of the competition.
Operating System
Apple iPadOS 17
Dimensions
11.09 by 8.48 by 0.20 inches
Weight
1.28 lbs
Screen Size
13 inches
Screen Resolution
2,752 by 2,064 pixels
CPU
Apple M4
Storage Capacity
256 GB
Battery Life
10 hours (est.)
Learn More
Apple iPad Pro (2024) Review
- Affordable
- Large screen
- Good performance
- Expandable storage
- Software aids productivity
- No fingerprint sensor
- Low base storage
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.
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.
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
- Large, sharp display
- Thin and light design
- Impressive performance
- Includes S Pen stylus
- Powerful productivity software
- No Galaxy AI
- 5G limited to smaller model
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.
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.
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
- High-quality hardware
- Useful AI and productivity features
- Excellent performance
- Includes S Pen stylus
- Waterproof build
- Expensive
- Average cameras
With its 12.4-inch, 2,800-by-1,752-pixel screen, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ hits the sweet spot for productivity and portability. Its MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chip and 12GB 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.
If you want a big Android tablet that excels at both work and entertainment, the Tab S10+ is the one to get. Its multitasking software and large screen make it a viable tool for both. There are also 5G-equipped models, but note that they are often tied to carriers.
Operating System
Android 14
Dimensions
7.30 by 11.24 by 0.22 inches
Weight
1.27 pounds
Screen Size
12.4 inches
Screen Resolution
2,800 by 1,752 pixels
CPU
MediaTek Dimensity 9300+
Storage Capacity
256 GB
Battery Life
8 hours, 10 minutes
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ Review
- Compact and portable
- High-quality hardware
- Solid performance
- Supports Apple Intelligence
- Works with Apple Pencil Pro
- Dated design
- Few real upgrades
Apple recently refreshed the 8.3-inch iPad mini by giving it an A17 Pro chip that’s capable of running Apple Intelligence while also powering most of your tablet needs. It remains sized just right for those who value portability and doesn’t give up any of the power, connectivity, or accessory support that makes iPads so popular.
The iPad mini is ideal for anyone who wants the feature and performance of a larger iPad in as small a package as possible.
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
- Affordable
- Good battery life
- Lightweight
- So-so display
- Limited app support
- Poor cameras
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.
If you want a budget-friendly device with a larger screen than your phone, you should enjoy the Fire HD 8. It doesn’t compete with high-end iPads or Android tablets on performance metrics, but it’s more than fast enough for casual use.
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
Compare Specs
Buying Guide: The Best Tablets for 2025
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: 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 can’t handle multiple users per device, and transferring files between apps is still awkward (though iPadOS 26 may improve this). iPads mostly remain a supplement to, not a full replacement for, MacBooks. 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 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. For more, see the best iPad apps and the best Apple Arcade Games.
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 10- or 12-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 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.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch and 13-inch (Credit: Eric Zeman)
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 approximately 1,920 by 1,080 pixels (Full HD) or higher.
Recommended by Our Editors
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 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 that 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 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.
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.
