Today's tablet market spans from the budget-friendly Amazon Fire lineup to premium iPads from Apple, with dozens of Android slates from various hardware manufacturers in between. (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 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.
Overview
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Best iPad for Most PeopleApple iPad (11th Gen, 2025)
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Best Android Tablet for Power UsersSamsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra
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Best Android Tablet for Most PeopleLenovo Idea Tab Pro
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Best Amazon Tablet for Most PeopleAmazon Fire HD 10
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Best iPad for Power UsersApple iPad Pro (M5, 2025)
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Best Android Tablet for Students and CreatorsSamsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+
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Best iPad for Creators and StudentsApple iPad Air (M4, 2026)
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Best Affordable Android TabletSamsung Galaxy Tab A9+
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Best Small iPadApple iPad mini (2024)
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Best Tablet Under $100Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024)
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Best iPad for Most PeopleApple iPad (11th Gen, 2025)
Pros & Cons
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.
Overall value: The base iPad's value is hard to beat. It packs a lot of tech, a lot of usability, and the top app ecosystem into a solid tablet that most people can afford.
Longevity: Apple supports most devices for at least five years, which means this iPad will remain current with OS upgrades for years to come.
Seamless device compatibility: The iPad is part of the Apple ecosystem, which means iPhone users will find a natural extension of their content across both devices.
Who It's For
Most iPad users: 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.
Kids: If you're buying 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 or repair if needed.
Who It's Not For
Android phone users: If you use an Android phone, you'll likely be better off with an Android tablet, due to the natural ecosystem support built in across the platform.
Power users: This base iPad works well, but the more advanced chips and superior screens of the iPad Air and iPad Pro make them better choices if you need to get serious work done.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life Up to 10 hours CPU Apple A16 Dimensions 9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches Operating System IPadOS 18 Screen Resolution 2,360 by 1,640 pixels Screen Size 11 Storage Capacity 128 Weight 1.05 Learn More Apple iPad (11th Gen, 2025) Review -
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Best Android Tablet for Power UsersSamsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra
Pros & Cons
With its 14.6-inch, 2,960-by-1,848-pixel screen, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra offers a massive desktop for productive workflows. Its MediaTek Dimensity 9500+ chip and 12GB or 16GB of RAM provide plenty of power to handle everything from basic apps to 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.
Why We Picked It
Dazzling display: The 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display features rich colors, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and 1,600 nits of peak brightness with effective anti-reflective coating.
Class-leading battery: Lasting an impressive 12 hours and 44 minutes in our testing, its 11,600mAh battery thoroughly outlasts rivals.
Productivity: It comes bundled with the S Pen stylus, includes expandable microSD storage up to 2TB, and offers robust multitasking tools.
Slim, rugged build: Despite being just 0.20 inches thick, it boasts full IP68 dust and water resistance and Armor Aluminum construction.
Who It’s For
Visual creators: Artists who want a color-accurate digital drafting table with included active pen input without paying extra.
Power users: Productivity-minded users who take advantage of Samsung DeX, multi-window split screening, and Google AI tools to replace a traditional laptop.
Movie streamers: Media lovers looking for a massive screen and long battery life for their favorite flicks.
Poolside workers: Anyone needing a slate that can safely shrug off water splashes, spills, or dust.
Who It Isn’t For
Daily commuters: With a 14.6-inch footprint and a 1.53-pound weight, its laptop-grade dimensions make it awkward to slip into compact bags.
Gamers: Demanding graphics benchmarks still trail significantly behind Apple’s M-series silicon.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life 12 hours, 44 minutes CPU MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Dimensions 12.9 by 8.1 by 0.20 inches Operating System Android 17 Screen Resolution 2,960 by 1,848 pixels Screen Size 14.6 Storage Capacity 1 Weight 1.53 -
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Best Android Tablet for Most PeopleLenovo Idea Tab Pro
Pros & Cons
The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro stands out by offering a bevy of high-end features for under $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.
Why We Picked It
Spacious screen: The 12.7-inch LCD features a 2,944-by-1,840 resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, delivering crisp text and smooth scrolling.
Midrange performance: Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chip and 8GB of RAM, it handles everyday workflows and maintains smooth frame rates in demanding games.
Generous accessories: It includes both the Tab Pen Plus stylus and a 45W fast wall charger in the box.
Speedy charging: Its 10,200mAh battery charges fully in just 1 hour and 20 minutes and can act as a power bank to juice up other gadgets.
Who It’s For
Productivity-minded users: Students and professionals who want dedicated split-screen multitasking modes, PC-like desktop software features, and stylus support.
Digital artists and note-takers: Creators looking for an affordable, large canvas with bundled active pen input.
Media and streaming buffs: Anyone who wants an expansive screen paired with four loud, Dolby Atmos-tuned JBL speakers for watching shows and movies.
Casual gamers: Players looking for a big display with enough graphics muscle to smoothly run modern mobile games.
Who It Isn’t For
Outdoor workers: The 400-nit screen struggles against direct sunlight, and the lack of an IP rating limits outdoor versatility.
Wired headphone enthusiasts: With no 3.5mm audio jack onboard, users who don't want to use Bluetooth buds may be frustrated.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life 8 hours, 21 minutes CPU MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Dimensions 7.44 by 11.49 by 0.27 inches Operating System Android 14 Screen Resolution 2,944 by 1,840 pixels Screen Size 12.7 Storage Capacity 128 Weight 1.37 Learn More Lenovo Idea Tab Pro Review -
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Best Amazon Tablet for Most PeopleAmazon Fire HD 10
Pros & Cons
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 an exceptional buy at under $150.
Why We Picked It
Unbeatable value: It combines solid performance with a clean, lightweight build at an entry-level price, earning our Editors’ Choice award as the best cheap tablet available.
Sharp display: The 1,920-by-1,200 screen delivers crisp text for Kindle reading and great clarity for streaming video.
Marathon battery life: Lasting over 10 hours and 18 minutes in testing, it easily outlasts both the Fire Max 11 and the entry-level iPad.
Smart home flexibility: Hands-free Alexa integration and Echo Show mode allow it to double as a smart home hub.
Who It’s For
Prime members: Anyone invested in Prime Video, Kindle books, Amazon Music, and Alexa-connected smart devices.
Casual media streamers: Shoppers looking for an inexpensive, reliable slate primarily for entertainment.
Parents: Families needing a tablet with parental controls, and kid-friendly bundle editions.
Smart display seekers: Users who want a compact display that can prop up, answer voice commands, and show recipes or videos.
Who It Isn’t For
Android purists: Anyone who requires the Google Play Store, or specialized third-party productivity apps.
Mobile gamers and creators: Users looking for high-end 3D gaming performance, advanced video editing, or serious tablet productivity.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life 10 hours, 18 minutes CPU MediaTek Dimensions 9.69 by 6.49 by 0.34 inches Operating System Amazon Fire OS Screen Resolution 1,920 by 1,200 pixels Screen Size 10.1 Storage Capacity 32 Weight 15.3 Learn More Amazon Fire HD 10 Review -
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Credit: Eric Zeman
Best iPad for Power UsersApple iPad Pro (M5, 2025)
Pros & Cons
The iPad Pro is a remarkably powerful machine for creators and professionals who require an exceptionally capable tablet. With the latest M5 processor, an OLED display, a flexible Thunderbolt port, reduced weight, improved battery life compared with the previous model, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro, it's a phenomenal slate.
Why We Picked It
Unmatched performance: Driven by Apple’s next-generation 3nm M5 silicon with up to 16GB of RAM, it sets the tablet standard for CPU speed and raw graphics horsepower.
Stunning screen: The tandem OLED panel delivers rich contrast, fluid motion, and up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness.
Thin-and-light design: At just 0.20 inches thick, it delivers computing muscle in an ultra-sleek, premium aluminum chassis.
Backward compatibility: Because the exterior dimensions remain identical to the previous generation, existing Magic Keyboards and Folio cases fit without needing replacement.
Who It’s For
Demanding professionals: Video editors, animators, and digital illustrators who need cutting-edge power for heavy, complex workflows.
Mobile power users: Professionals looking for near-laptop multitasking via iPadOS 27, ultra-fast Wi-Fi, and optional high-speed 5G.
Film buffs: Anyone wanting the best possible visual experience with deep true blacks, wide color, and optional anti-glare glass.
Who It Isn’t For
Everyday users on a budget: With a high starting price that can climb well past $2,000, its horsepower is overkill compared with the more affordable iPad Air or base iPad.
People who need durability: The iPad Pro lacks an official IP rating for dust or water resistance.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life 8 hours, 11 minutes CPU Apple M5 Dimensions 11.09 by 8.48 by 0.20 inches Operating System iPadOS 26 Screen Resolution 2,752 by 2,064 pixels Screen Size 13 Storage Capacity 256 Weight 1.28 Learn More Apple iPad Pro (M5, 2025) Review -
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Best Android Tablet for Students and CreatorsSamsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+
Pros & Cons
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ offers a lot of compelling 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. In addition, it includes Samsung's excellent productivity and multitasking software. We appreciate that Samsung also promises seven years of Android OS and security updates for the device.
Why We Picked It
Vast, bright display: It packs an expansive 2,880-by-1,800 screen with an 800-nit peak brightness and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, delivering plenty of workspace for multitasking and movie watching.
Included S Pen: Samsung bundles its stylus in the box for sketching, navigating, and note-taking.
IP68 rating: It features full IP68 ingress protection and rugged durability that competitors often lack.
Multitasking: Samsung’s software tools, multi-window support, and DeX desktop interface give it productivity chops.
Who It’s For
Digital sketch artists: Users who want a large drawing slate with a bundled stylus.
Productivity seekers: Students and remote workers who rely on side-by-side apps and windowed environments for getting work done.
Outdoor enthusiasts: Anyone needing peace of mind against spills, splashes, or dust exposure.
Shoppers seeking big-screen value: Buyers wanting a massive display without spending big bucks.
Who It Isn’t For
Demanding gamers: The Exynos 1580 processor easily handles everyday tasks, but benchmark testing shows its raw graphics muscle trails behind other chips.
Frequent travelers: Cellular 5G support is restricted to the smaller Tab S10 FE, leaving this model Wi-Fi only.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life 7 hours, 45 minutes CPU Samsung Exynos 1580 Dimensions 7.66 by 11.83 by 0.24 inches Operating System Android 15 Screen Resolution 2,880 by 1,800 pixels Screen Size 13.1 Storage Capacity 128 Weight 1.46 Learn More Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ Review -
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Credit: Eric Zeman
Best iPad for Creators and StudentsApple iPad Air (M4, 2026)
Pros & Cons
The iPad Air is available in 11-inch and 13-inch models. It has a pro-level M4 processor, sharp cameras, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro. It offers more storage options than older Air models, supports 5G, and comes in several colors.
Why We Picked It
Blistering performance: Upgraded with Apple’s M4 chip and unified memory, it blows past earlier models in benchmark testing.
Choice in screens: Available in both 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, providing either portable convenience or a laptop-class canvas.
Future-proof connectivity: Equipped with modern wireless radios and 5G cellular options, keeping it ready for years to come.
Flagship experience for less: It delivers much of the iPad Pro’s premium feel and performance without reaching four-figure pricing.
Who It’s For
College students: Users looking for a lightweight, all-day device that pairs seamlessly with keyboard accessories and the Apple Pencil.
Creative pros: Illustrators, designers, and video editors who need solid power and a sharp display.
Those who outgrow the base iPad: Tablet users who want more memory, better multitasking chops, and a fully laminated display.
Professional travelers: Remote workers seeking a fast, slim slate to manage emails, document editing, and video calls on the road.
Who It Isn’t For
Display spec chasers: Anyone who demands Apple’s ultra-smooth ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, true HDR black levels, or high outdoor peak brightness.
Fans of Face ID: Buyers frustrated by a power-button Touch ID sensor.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life Up to 10 hours CPU Apple M4 Dimensions 9.74 by 7.02 by 0.24 inches Operating System iPadOS 26 Screen Resolution 2,360 by 1,640 pixels Screen Size 11 Storage Capacity 128 Weight 1.02 Learn More Apple iPad Air (M4, 2026) Review -
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Best Affordable Android TabletSamsung Galaxy Tab A9+
Pros & Cons
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is our favorite low-cost Android tablet because it has no 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 overcome the 64GB storage limit, while the face unlock option mitigates the absence of a fingerprint sensor. If you need 5G connectivity for travel, you can add a cellular radio for an additional $50.
Why We Picked It
Strong value: It earns our Editors’ Choice award by delivering a balanced mix of competent everyday performance, solid build quality, and useful multitasking features at an affordable price.
Smooth display: The 1,920-by-1,200 LCD features a movie-friendly 16:10 aspect ratio and a 90Hz adaptive refresh rate that makes scrolling and media playback feel fluid.
PC-like multitasking: Equipped with Samsung DeX and multi-window support, it can run up to three apps simultaneously.
Media mavens: The four-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system gets plenty loud for video streaming, and the rare 3.5mm headphone jack is a major perk for wired-audio fans.
Who It’s For
Budget-conscious streamers: Buyers wanting a spacious, widescreen tablet with punchy speakers for watching video without spending a lot.
Students: Users who need an inexpensive slate for taking notes, managing split-screen browser tabs, and hopping on video calls.
Affordable 5G shoppers: Anyone looking for a low-cost tablet with a cellular option to stay connected on the go.
Who It Isn’t For
Digital artists: The Tab A9+ does not support Samsung’s active S Pen, making it a poor fit for digital art.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life 7 hours CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 Dimensions 10.1 by 6.6 by 0.3 inches Operating System Android 13 Screen Resolution 1,920 by 1,200 pixels Screen Size 11 Storage Capacity 64 Weight 1.06 Learn More Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Review -
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Best Small iPadApple iPad mini (2024)
Pros & Cons
Apple's 8.3-inch iPad mini has an A17 Pro chip that can run Apple Intelligence and power most of your tablet's 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.
Why We Picked It
Pocket-sized portability: Weighing just 0.65 pounds and sporting an 8.3-inch display, it’s effortless to hold one-handed or slip into a compact sling bag.
A17 Pro power: Equipped with the A17 Pro processor and 8GB of RAM, it handles gaming, light productivity, and more with ease.
Razor-sharp display: Packing 326 pixels per inch, its fully laminated 2,266-by-1,488 screen is denser and sharper than any other iPad in Apple’s lineup.
Works with Apple Pencil Pro: Support for Apple’s advanced stylus brings squeeze gestures, haptic feedback, and barrel roll capabilities.
Who It’s For
Frequent travelers: Mobile professionals and book lovers looking for an ultra-compact media and reading device that won’t weigh them down.
Digital note-takers: Pilots, technicians, and students who need a portable, handheld clipboard for forms, quick sketches, and stylus notes on the go.
Mobile gamers: Players who want top-tier processing power and console-level titles in an easy-to-grip form factor.
Those with smaller hands: Children or anyone who finds Apple’s 11-inch and 13-inch Air and Pro models awkward or tiring to handle.
Who It Isn’t For
Laptop-replacement seekers: Without Smart Connector pogo pins for an official Magic Keyboard, and with cramped screen real estate for multitasking, it won't replace a MacBook or PC.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life 7 hours, 23 minutes CPU Apple A17 Pro Dimensions 7.7 by 5.3 by 0.3 inche Operating System IPadOS 18 Screen Resolution 2,226 by 1,448 pixels Screen Size 8.3 Storage Capacity 128 Weight 0.65 Learn More Apple iPad mini (2024) Review -
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Best Tablet Under $100Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024)
Pros & Cons
The Amazon Fire HD 8 for 2024 (still the current model) 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.
Why We Picked It
Affordability: Starting at just $99.99, it provides a low-cost entryway into tablet ownership for basic entertainment and web tasks.
All-day battery life: Lasting 9 hours and 41 minutes in testing, it delivers plenty of endurance for cross-country flights.
Lightweight footprint: Weighing under 12 ounces with an 8-inch profile, it's significantly easier to hold for long reading sessions and pack into small bags.
Convenient extras: It carries over a 3.5mm audio jack for wired earbuds and includes an expandable microSD card slot to supplement the base storage.
Who It’s For
Budget media streamers: Shoppers who just want an inexpensive secondary screen for streaming on the couch.
Parents and children: Families looking for a low-risk, durable starter slate with rugged cases and Amazon's warranty.
Amazon Prime subscribers: Anyone who relies on Amazon’s ecosystem for ebooks, digital content, and smart home control.
Commuters: Readers who want a screen larger than a phone for digital books and light web browsing that won't cause strain.
Who It Isn’t For
Android power users: Fire OS restricts you to the Amazon Appstore, includes lock-screen ads, and locks you out of Google’s standard app suite.
Gamers and creators: The low-resolution display, washed-out cameras, and basic processor choke on demanding tasks.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life 9 hours, 41 minutes CPU Hexa-core 2.0 GHz Dimensions 7.94 by 5.40 by 0.37 inches Operating System Amazon Fire OS Screen Resolution 1,280 by 800 pixels Screen Size 8 Storage Capacity 32 Weight 11.88 Learn More Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) Review -
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Best For | Best iPad for Most People | Best Android Tablet for Power Users | Best Android Tablet for Most People | Best Amazon Tablet for Most People | Best iPad for Power Users | Best Android Tablet for Students and Creators | Best iPad for Creators and Students | Best Affordable Android Tablet | Best Small iPad | Best Tablet Under $100 | Best iPad for Most People | Best Android Tablet for Power Users | Best Android Tablet for Most People |
Operating System | IPadOS 18 | Android 17 | Android 14 | Amazon Fire OS | iPadOS 26 | Android 15 | iPadOS 26 | Android 13 | IPadOS 18 | Amazon Fire OS | IPadOS 18 | Android 17 | Android 14 |
Dimensions | 9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches | 12.9 by 8.1 by 0.20 inches | 7.44 by 11.49 by 0.27 inches | 9.69 by 6.49 by 0.34 inches | 11.09 by 8.48 by 0.20 inches | 7.66 by 11.83 by 0.24 inches | 9.74 by 7.02 by 0.24 inches | 10.1 by 6.6 by 0.3 inches | 7.7 by 5.3 by 0.3 inche | 7.94 by 5.40 by 0.37 inches | 9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches | 12.9 by 8.1 by 0.20 inches | 7.44 by 11.49 by 0.27 inches |
Weight | 1.05 | 1.53 | 1.37 | 15.3 | 1.28 | 1.46 | 1.02 | 1.06 | 0.65 | 11.88 | 1.05 | 1.53 | 1.37 |
Screen Size | 11 | 14.6 | 12.7 | 10.1 | 13 | 13.1 | 11 | 11 | 8.3 | 8 | 11 | 14.6 | 12.7 |
Screen Resolution | 2,360 by 1,640 pixels | 2,960 by 1,848 pixels | 2,944 by 1,840 pixels | 1,920 by 1,200 pixels | 2,752 by 2,064 pixels | 2,880 by 1,800 pixels | 2,360 by 1,640 pixels | 1,920 by 1,200 pixels | 2,226 by 1,448 pixels | 1,280 by 800 pixels | 2,360 by 1,640 pixels | 2,960 by 1,848 pixels | 2,944 by 1,840 pixels |
CPU | Apple A16 | MediaTek Dimensity 9500 | MediaTek Dimensity 8300 | MediaTek | Apple M5 | Samsung Exynos 1580 | Apple M4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 | Apple A17 Pro | Hexa-core 2.0 GHz | Apple A16 | MediaTek Dimensity 9500 | MediaTek Dimensity 8300 |
Storage Capacity | 128 | 1 | 128 | 32 | 256 | 128 | 128 | 64 | 128 | 32 | 128 | 1 | 128 |
Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | 12 hours, 44 minutes | 8 hours, 21 minutes | 10 hours, 18 minutes | 8 hours, 11 minutes | 7 hours, 45 minutes | Up to 10 hours | 7 hours | 7 hours, 23 minutes | 9 hours, 41 minutes | Up to 10 hours | 12 hours, 44 minutes | 8 hours, 21 minutes |
Buying Guide: The Best Tablets for 2026
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 remain mostly a supplement to MacBooks rather than a full replacement, although iPadOS 27 makes iPads much closer to a laptop than ever before. iPads also support the best selection of accessories, including four 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 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 offers a deep selection. For more, see the best iPad apps and the best Apple Arcade Games.
Android also offers a large selection of apps, though its tablet-optimized apps are less mature than Apple's. Many major-league apps are available on both Android and iPadOS. (Check out the best Android apps.)
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.
Recommended by Our Editors
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. First things first: When you hear a term like "10-inch tablet," it refers to the screen size, measured diagonally, not the tablet's size.
We consider 7- and 8-inch tablets to be small-screen devices and 9-inch tablets to mark 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.
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 large-screen tablets typically weigh around a pound, which is 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 available on many tablets (Amazon Cloud Drive 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, 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 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 5G tablet (not to mention the service plan). You can also buy a dedicated mobile hotspot that won't drain your phone's battery. Some even double as backup batteries to charge your tablet.