Even thebest smartphonesstill have comparatively small screens . After all , they can only get so big before they ’re no longer hard-nosed or pocket-sized . There are somegreat fold up phonesthat stress to give you the best of both worlds , but these are pricy option and often make compromises you ’re unwilling to populate with . If you ’re looking for a larger canvas for reading , sketching , gaming , or just about anything else , you ’re likely much better off get going with a tablet . This allow your smartphone keep doing what it does best — being portable , taking great pic , and offering solid battery life — while giving you an alternative for those times when you need more screen existent acres .
However , select the right tablet can be tricky . People use tablets in unlike style , so there are dozens of choice on the market to address these myriad needs . We know how heavy it can be to wade through them all and find the one that works best for your use compositor’s case and budget , so we ’ve done the legwork for you , reviewing wads of tablets across the full spectrum to compose a list of the top eight for all walks of spirit .
Our top option is still theiPad Air ( 2025 ) , which delivers exceptional performance and value and strikes the correct balance for most folks . Of of course , your needs might be different , so we have quite a few others here , admit more low-priced options , travel - friendly companions , and even one with a massive 14.6 - column inch silver screen for immersive entertainment . There are also sinewy tablet that can almost replace a laptop , plus a corner vitamin E - ink pad for those who lean more toward an e - reader style and want something that ’s easy on the centre .
see for some sweet tablet wad ? Check out our lists of thebest iPad dealsand thebest pad of paper deals .
The best tablet overall
Apple iPad Air (2025)
Why should you corrupt this?It offers everything most multitude desire in an Apple pad — and none of the extra the more pricey iPad Pro include .
Who ’s it for?Anyone with an old iPad should consider this translation . It ’s our favorite of the year — the Goldilocks of iPad .
Why we pick theiPad Air ( 2025 ):
If you ’re in the market for an iPad but want more than the basic model , but something less pricy than the feature article - packed iPad Pro , the iPad Air ( 2025 ) has your back . Striking the perfect correspondence in the iPad lineup , it offers all the major power of the Pro at a depleted price , with a choice of screen size and a clean intent . It ’s out top tablet pick for the year .
The iPad Air ( 2025 ) click box as a laptop computer surrogate , provided you do n’t need extensive computation capabilities . It packs the office of Apple ’s M3 microchip and is an ideal option for most people , specially considering the price startle to the M4 iPad Pro , which starts at over $ 1,000 .
If you ’re looking for your first iPad , or raise from an older model , the iPad Air ( 2025 ) is a must . With its M3 processor , up to 1 TB of onboard storage , and musical accompaniment for the Apple Pencil Pro , it ’s a productivity human dynamo . compare to the Pro , it lacks that M4 poker chip , OLED showing , and Face ID , but what it lacks it more than construct up for with solid battery biography , a sharp display , and sub-$800 cost tag — unless you choose for the 13 - column inch model 1 TB of storage , which will be overkill for most .
The 13 - in model is our filling for creativity and productiveness , with slightly higher brightness at 600 nits compared to the 11 - inch poser ’s 500 nits of brightness . In our critique , we noticed it adds significant letterboxing to videos , so the 11 - column inch variant is a skillful selection for streaming Netflix and consuming content .
This is easily our top tablet of the twelvemonth , and we ca n’t see that changing anytime soon .
The best Android tablet
OnePlus Pad 2
Why should you buy this?It ’s the best that Android tablets have to tender .
Who ’s it for?Anyone who require a medium - sized tablet with creative , professional , and passing pick .
Why we picked theOnePlus Pad 2 :
The OnePlus Pad 2 have a strong case for itself as the top - tier Android tablet in 2025 . Its combination of Qualcomm ’s fastest processor , fantabulous accessory like a high-pitched - quality keyboard and stylus , and promising software feature creates a compelling package . The human body character is superb , with standout speakers adding to the bounty experience . However , the Pad 2 is not without its drawback .
While the software is in the main enjoyable , it lacks the polish of iPadOS 18 , particularly in - app optimization and overall refinement . Samsung ’s Galaxy Tab series also presents a challenge , offering features like DeX modal value , ranking window management , and longer package supporting . The absence seizure of an IP rating for dust and water supply resistance on the OnePlus Pad 2 is another notable omission .
at long last , the salutary tablet choice depend on your individual needs and ecosystem predilection . exploiter of the iPhone might find the iPad Air or a refurbished iPad Pro more appealing . Samsung enthusiasts have excellent options in the Galaxy Tab S9 FE or Tab S8 Plus . However , the OnePlus Pad 2 is a powerful and well - rounded gadget that hand over a gravid Android tablet experience , peculiarly for those already using a OnePlus earpiece .
The best value tablet
Apple iPad (2025)
Why should you grease one’s palms this?It ’s just the best value tablet you’re able to corrupt .
Who ’s it for?Anybody who wants a tablet that can treat all the BASIC , without spending too much money .
Why we picked theiPad ( 2025 ):
Apple ’s 2022 iteration of the iPad was one of the most significant updates to the tablet in years , featuring a new designing , larger screen , more powerful chipset , and an improved camera system . With the iPad ( 2025 ) , Apple has done it again .
This prison term around , the service line iPad comes in four vibrant colors — a breath of fresh air from Space Gray . For under $ 400 you get iPadOS 18 , Apple ’s A16 Bionic chip shot , a sharp display , and reliable shelling living . What ’s not to sleep together ?
There ’s no Apple Intelligence or Stage Manager here , but if you ’re upgrading from an old poser or buying your first iPad , you likely wo n’t miss what you ’ve never had , especially at this Leontyne Price — and Google ’s Gemini is around for your AI pauperization .
Though charging is a little slow at well over two hours to full , with around 10 hours of electric battery life on Wi - Fi , you may easily get through a full day before reaching for the charger . link Apple ’s Magic Keyboard ( sell separately ) and use Samsung ’s DeX modality for productivity , enjoy grotesque video calls with the 12MP front television camera , and stream all your favorite shows and movie on the perfectly - proportion 11 - in display . It ’s just the right size for portability or getting stuck into working from household .
The iPad ( 2025 ) is our pick for best note value tablet and should suit most people ’s day - to - day need , gowever , if you have a larger budget and need a more open equipment , debate the iPad Air ( 2025 ) . It offers Apple ’s much more powerful M3 chip , a higher - quality laminated display , a good chipset , and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro .
The best value Android tablet
Amazon Fire Max 11
Why should you purchase this?It ’s an affordable Android pill that will give you the skillful bang for your buck .
Who ’s it for?Folks take care for an affordable Android tablet that handles all the basic principle well .
Why we picked theAmazon Fire Max 11 :
The Amazon Fire Max 11 is a basic small lozenge that will get the caper done if you are on a tight budget . Design - wise , the Fire Max 11 is n’t go to be a standout in any way , but that ’s fine . The 11 - inch size , combined with the simple-minded intention , makes it lightweight and implausibly easy to expend .
The MediaTek MT8188 octa - core central processing unit is not the absolute best out there , but it deal canonical tasks and even perfunctory game just fine . It also has 4 GB of RAM , so it ’s not go away to be able to handle tiptop - intensive labor , but if you need something with more king , then you would n’t be look at something this gaudy either . For the mean individual , the eyeglasses of the Fire Max 11 are fine for worldwide use of goods and services .
Plus , this Amazon Fire Max 11 can be used with freestanding supplement , like a keyboard and stylus , make it a fantastic time value if you desire to be more productive .
However , the Fire Max 11 wo n’t add up with the Google Play Store by default — you ’ll have to add that manually later on . The Fire Max 11 uses a version of Fire OS that is based on Android 11 , so it ’s a little outdated . It comes with Amazon ’s own curated app store , so the app option may be a bit more limited than other Android tablets . But there are mode to get the Google Play Store on the Fire Max 11 .
The Amazon Fire Max 11 is far from perfect . Software and app accessibility are a bit disappointing , and the separate stylus has limited use ( it does n’t amount with a sketching app by default ) . It has a 7,500mAh electric battery that ’s decent , but the included charging stop has a max charging fastness of 9W. The Fire Max 11 only hold up up to 15W of charging anyway , so even if you use a quicker charging brick , it will take around three hours to get a full charge — you well not postulate to appoint up before you steer out !
But with battery life being around 10 time of day , it should be fine for a full workday , then just turn on it up overnight . For the price , the Fire Max 11 is a pretty strong note value .
The best small tablet
Apple iPad mini (2024)
Why should you buy this?You require a premium tab with a small footmark that ’s particularly great for short letter - taking and recital .
Who ’s it for?Anyone who require a small but powerful tablet .
Why we pluck theiPad mini ( 2024 ):
The iPad miniskirt seems to be go on a almost three - year update cycle , and thankfully 2024 brought an update . The previousiPad mini ( 2021)was still the best small tablet on the market , but it was get to show its years . The former model takes everything that was great about its predecessor and breathes unexampled life into it with a faster CPU and support for the newApple Pencil Pro .
This marks the 7th looping of Apple ’s smallest tablet , although it ’s only the second to feature the raw edge - to - edge blind excogitation . piffling has changed from the 2021 model on the outside other than a unexampled gentle color that replaces the pink . However , it ’s received a significant peformance boost under the hood , thanks to Apple ’s A17 Pro chip .
This is basically the same cow chip that was used in the 2023 flagshipiPhone 15 ProandiPhone 15 Pro Max . Combined with 8 GB of RAM , that means the new iPad mini can handle all the new Apple Intelligence feature and AAA console games likeAssassin ’s Creed Mirage(technically , it ’s a " bin " version of the A17 Pro with one less GPU core than the one used in the iPhone 15 Pro , but we ca n’t say we ’ve noticed a difference ) .
Since Apple ’s resurrection of the iPad Air and iPad miniskirt in 2019 , the two tablets have extend very exchangeable specification , differ only in size and processor . The iPad mini ( 2024 ) is no exception ; it ’s a little sibling to theiPad Air ( 2024)in virtually every means , offering the same mellow - calibre Liquid Retina video display with an antireflective coating , landscape stereo speakers , 5 GB and Wi - Fi 6E capability , and full compatibility with all the feature of the Apple Pencil Pro . The key divergence is the turgid lozenge get Apple ’s M2 Saratoga chip versus the iPad mini ’s A17 Pro , but that ’s not as braggy a gap as you might think , as the A17 Pro is a new chip , which balances things out a bit . The iPad Air ( 2024 ) slenderly bewilder the iPad miniskirt ( 2024 ) in benchmarks , but the two tablet do equally well for everyday undertaking . Even Final Cut Pro run well on the iPad mini ; it ’s the small silver screen that ’s cumber more than the chip .
In other words , the iPad miniskirt ( 2024 ) gives you all the big businessman of Apple ’s larger midrange tablet in a form factor that ’s almost pocketable . This make it an excellent choice for casual surfriding , reading e - record , and scrabble eminence and elementary sketch . Serious artists will want the larger canvas tent of the iPad Air or iPad Pro — perhaps even the 13 - inch versions of those — but the iPad mini with the Apple Pencil Pro or the more affordable Apple Pencil ( USB - C ) feel much more lifelike as a notepad for capturing your thinking on the go . The downside is that there ’s no Smart Connector or Magic Keyboard choice . or else , you could pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard like any other iPhone or iPad , and you could even find a few keyboards amongthe best iPad mini cases(and it ’s amply compatible withiPad mini ( 2021 ) cases ) .
The best big tablet
Apple iPad Pro (2024)
Why should you buy this?The iPad Pro is super powerful and extend a vast screen .
Who ’s it for?Gamers , creatives , and power users .
Why we picked theiPad Pro ( 2024 ):
The M4 iPad Pro is a polarizing gimmick , lacking any dependable centre when it come to value . Here ’s the inwardness : the iPad Pro is expensive . However , the 2024 model may be the first that justifies its high price .
usable in 11 - in and 13 - inch displays , the latest iPad Pro is packed with telling functioning capability . The hardware is surpassing , and the battery life exceeds expected value . The OLED screen is outstanding , and the speakers provide first-class multimedia system support . The redesigned Magic Keyboard is a nice addition , though it comes at a premium Mary Leontyne Price . If you ’re within the quarry interview from a software perspective , this machine will consistently make you smile . It ’s that impressive .
On the snotty-nosed side , if you do n’t go to that rosy group , iPadOS can be a thwarting experience filled with usability and usable challenges . On a tough day , you might find yourself divvy up with a pose , non - resizable Google Docs windowpane . On a good day , you may even think ditching your laptop computer altogether and work solely on the iPad Pro .
The best big Android tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
Why should you buy this?:You get a lot for much less than most of the rival .
Who ’s it for : Anyone who wants a lower - toll tablet that ’s still offers a immense display should consider this .
Why we picked theSamsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra :
You might question whether a 14 - inch lozenge is necessary . Given the popularity of this size in laptop , a tablet with similar dimensions could be quite appealing . After all , braggart often entail better , right ?
To reply this question , it ’s significant to consider if any Android lozenge is really worth purchasing . The challenges face by the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra are n’t due to Samsung , but are built-in to the Android system itself . If you could accept these limitations , then the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra offers the best with child - cover Android experience available .
If you ’re looking for a tablet in the first place for media consumption and prioritize screen space , this is an excellent choice . It also works well as a companion gadget if you own a Samsung phone or laptop . However , if you hope to utilize it as a laptop replacing or expect a seamless experience comparable to the iPad Pro , you might be let down . While the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra excels at multitasking , the software has limitations that it can not entirely overcome .
Overall , we enjoyed using the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra . It may not be the best for typing on the couch , but the with child screen is implausibly useful . It ’s perfect for use in the kitchen or for amusement intention when you ’re off from dwelling . If this matches how you use a pad , the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra could be the right choice for you . Just keep its limitation in judgement , and you ’ll encounter it to be a fantastical machine .
The best e-ink tablet
Onyx Boox Go 10.3
Why should you buy this?:An e - ink display provides an experience that ’s well-heeled on the eyes .
Who ’s it for : Anyone who wants an atomic number 99 - reader with a tablet experience .
Why we picked theOnyx Boox Go 10.3 :
Most tablet have backlist IPS or OLED displays that make them great picks for a wide variety of medium and even gaming . However , the Onyx Boox Go 10.3 offers an experience that ’s plan for those who tip more toward einsteinium - referee but do n’t require to sacrifice all the capabilities of a pad of paper to get there .
Key to the Boox Go is its 10.3 - inch e - ink display . It ’s homochromatic , to be sure , but it also offers a crisp 2480 x 1860 resolution at 300 pixels per inch . Only the OnePlus Pad 2 equate it among full - sized tablets . The Boox Go is also the thinnest and clean tablet on our list , coming in at 4.5 mm — 0.6 mm below Apple ’s " impossibly lean " M4 iPad Pro — and only 365 Gram .
It also run Android with full approach to the Play Store . It ships with Android 12 , but Onyx has promised updates through to Android 15 . you’re able to download productivity apps like Gmail , Google Calendar , and Google Meet , play YouTube videos ( in blackened and ashen ) , or listen to podcasts — the speakers are surprisingly clean and garish . It also multitasks and plump for split - view mode like any other Android tab , but do n’t expect the e - ink screen to be pantry smooth . It make the job done , but the display engineering is only subject of so much . There ’s also no backlight or frontlight here , so the Boox Go 10.3 is very much a tablet for use of goods and services outdoors or in a well - unhorse room . The build quality is such that we would n’t have any squeamishness about take away it on an out-of-door jaunt , and the beauty of east - ink is that it thrives in sunshine without the glare problems that harry most tab with backlit screens .
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes , you’re able to indeed print from a tablet . Check out our guides onhow to print from an iPhoneandhow to print from an Android tabletfor all the details you need .
Yes , you may make phone call on a pill , but you will call for to be connected to the internet . you may either touch base to Wi - Fi , which every tab can do for free , or if you involve to make Call while you ’re out and about beyond the reach of a Wi - Fi internet , purchase a tablet with cellular reenforcement and outer space for a SIM card . Just bear in judgment if you go the SIM visiting card road , you will also have tosign up for a service plan of some sort . Some carriers offer especial plans for pad , but keep in creative thinker that most tablet — and all of Apple ’s iPads — only support a SIM card for information manipulation , not traditional cellular vocation or even SMS / MMS messaging .
you could useFaceTimeon an iPad , but there are lots of good alternate video chat apps that form with Android tablets or iPads . Many of them permit you to make audio calls as well . However , the person you want to call usually has to have the same app . Some apps , like Skype , also allow you to call regular landline or mobile phone numbers , but you ’ll mostly have to pay per minute or get a subscription . A good app that will play on Android tablets or iPads that gives you a gratis number for scream , text edition messages , and voicemail isGoogle Voice , but it only work in the U.S.
If you ’re interested in this option for a business enterprise , then you might also consider one of the bestVoIP ( Voice Over Internet Protocol ) service .
Yes , you’re able to broadcast text messages from a tablet . If you have an iPad then you could use iMessage , which can connect to your phone to send standard SMS messages and iMessages alike . There are lots ofgreat text message appsthat work on Android or iOS . You could also employ Google Voice if you are based in the U.S. as it gives you a free number for yell and textbook messages .
What to consider when buying a tablet
One of the most critical broker when blame a pad of paper is the manoeuver system . However , beyond this , you ’ll also want to consider the display size of it , resolution , and type . The presentation timbre is paramount and can make a meaning difference in the clarity and crispness of trope .
The pad ’s CPU and read/write memory are also important in determine your tablet ’s overall performance and f number . Also moot the connectivity choice you require in your pad — whether Wi - Fi is fine or you also desire 5 one thousand connectivity . USB - C and Bluetooth are reasonably standard these day , but it ’s best to double - check ; port like HDMI and microSD are less common . Good stamp battery life is crucial if you use your pad on the go or away from a mightiness source , as is fast commove if you plan to take farseeing tripper and do n’t need to hold off for it to bear down up overnight .
Which operating system is best for you?
If your top retainer is amusement , and you ’re probable to use a lot of apps and biz , then we recommendApple ’s iPadOS over Android . There are a lot of polished apps made specifically for the iPad and you have access to all the top subscription services and an extensive content entrepot . It ’s also slick and accessible , so anyone can come to grip with it promptly .
Android has a larger excerption of complimentary apps and games , though they ’re generally less polished , which might be a swap - off you ’ll accept . thing are a little complicated by manufacturer UIs , or in the causa of Amazon , separate versions of the political platform . They can delay Android updates and make the exploiter experience quite different . Amazon ’s tablets , for example , run a edition of Android shout out Fire OS and they initially only have access to the limited subset of apps and games that are available in the Amazon Appstore , not the full lean that you ’ll find in Google ’s drama Store .
If you like the idea of accessing the same apps you have on your Windows personal computer , and you want a business twist that tie seamlessly into your Microsoft services , then a pad running Windows 11 is live on to be tantalizing . It ’s powerful , but it ’s also relatively expensive to get enough hardware for a beneficial user experience . If you ’re not a byplay user , or you do n’t need to run Windows - only apps , it may be overkill .
Storage capacity
How much warehousing you necessitate will bet solely on how you be after to use your tablet . A 128 GB or 256 GB lozenge should be more than adequate if you ’re only looking to read books , browse the vane , and run a few productivity apps and casual plot . If you plan to see video , you may find a 5G - unite tablet with a virtually unlimited information plan is a better investment than pay for more storage . Conversely , buying more memory board to download and keep your motion-picture show and telly shows offline is a better direction to go if you ’re frequently off the power grid or do n’t want to be saddled with another monthly data point program .
If you ’re tablet has a microSD slot , you’re able to always add more storage later . However , many tablets , like Apple ’s popular iPads , do n’t come with expandable storage . In this case , we recommend buy one mental ability higher than what you cogitate you require , as it ’s much severe to change your brain afterwards .
How much are you willing to spend?
In some respects , the most crucial factor is considering your budget and how much you are willing to spend . There are tablets for every budget – from cheaper fashion model to high - end options .
If money is no object , you really ca n’t go wrong with Apple ’s flagship M4 iPad Pro . However , that delivers far more than most tablet user need . There are batch of other options for those who want to keep more of their hard - realize money in their wallets , such as Apple ’s entry - point iPad ( 2022 ) and Amazon ’s Fire Max 11 . These will both palm all your medium consumption needs on a budget .
How we tested
The tablets we test do as our daily driver , so we use them extensively to put them through their paces . That have in mind ascertain moving-picture show , gaming , essay out lots of apps , reading , function on them , and even accept photos and shooting video with them ( which is unsufferable to do without looking stupid ) . We love fresh , innovative features , but we can also appreciate classical design done well . Ultimately , we look for tab that will fulfill the pauperism of most people , so their ability to function up entertainment is overriding .
Why trust us
Our team here at Digital Trends has well over a X of experience with tablets and related engineering science . Wereviewed the original Apple iPad in 2010and we ’ve been researching , testing , exploring , and reviewing 100 of tablets since then . We ’ve collectively used near every modernistic tablet ever made , and the one we recommend here are the same ones we apply ourselves and tell our friends and class about .
We know tablets inside and out — and then some , and we ’re passionate about the engineering science . We use these pad out in the real world for many of the same things that you , our readers , do every sidereal day . We ’ve used our favorite tablet to splurge - lookout Netflix , scan New York Times best - vender , spiel everything from casual to AAA console table games , draw and outline , and even write many of the articles that you enjoy here at Digital Trends . If a pad does n’t work for us , we wo n’t expend it and we also wo n’t shy off from objectively telling you why it failed to encounter our expectations . We have no vested interestingness in any of these products other than picking the very beneficial ones for our needs , and the products we commend to you are the same ace we employ and have intercourse every 24-hour interval .
