The best tablets you can buy: iPads, Galaxy Tabs, and more compared
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Tablets are some of the most versatile gadgets available, and can be used for watching videos during travel, writing work emails, drawing, gaming, following recipes, and more. Many people use their iPad as a full- or part-time replacement for their computer, as it's lighter than the traditional laptop and can easily connect to various accessories to enhance your experience.
With so many tablets on the market today from trusted brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, and Amazon, it can be daunting to choose the right one. There are more budget tablets, like the Amazon Fire Max 11, and more high-end tablets, of the likes of the iPad Pro and the Android flagship Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. Whichever tablet you end up choosing, it'll cost you anywhere from $150 to $1,000.
What is the best tablet right now?
Our pick for the best tablet for most people is the Apple iPad (11th generation) for $349, thanks to its versatility and lightweight form. This base-model tablet outperformed others in our benchmark tests for performance, and its low price is hard to beat.
Also: The best cheap tablets you can buy
ZDNET went hands-on with some of the best tablets on the market, using them for work and entertainment and even testing them out with our kids. We also run our tablets through the gauntlet in our lab down in Kentucky, where we evaluated each tablet on this list on battery life, display brightness, and more. Read on to find the best tablet for your needs and see how each slate scored on our tests.
The best tablets of 2025
Why we like it: Apple's tried-and-true tablet, the base model iPad, is arguably the best value in the company's tablet lineup thanks to its versatility and compatibility. Plus, Apple updated this tablet earlier this year to include double the base storage as last year's model, more RAM, and an upgraded processor in the A16 Bionic chip.
When it comes to features, you essentially get the same suite as the more expensive iPad Pro and iPad Air models, but in a lighter form factor and an 11-inch Liquid Retina True Tone display.
Review: iPad 2025 (11th-Gen)
Who it's for: During hands-on testing, ZDNET writer Maria Diaz said that while many of the features are the same in this generation as the previous model, day-to-day performance is notably better. "From the standard Geekbench 6 testing, the new iPad is a clear leader among previous base models," she wrote, adding, "The higher scores mean you can expect less lag, faster multitasking, and a high-end gaming performance from the latest iPad compared to an older base model. This was evident in my testing, as the 11th-Gen iPad performed flawlessly during photo editing and gaming."
The base iPad model has always been a tablet for casual users, students, and kids, which makes it the best tablet for most buyers.
Who should look elsewhere: The base-model iPad doesn't have Apple Intelligence capabilities or support for the newer Apple Pencil Pro, so if you're more of a power user and intend to use heavier apps like Final Cut Pro, for example, the iPad Pro or iPad Air would be better picks.
Apple iPad specs: Display: 11-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone | Processor: A16 Bionic chip | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | Biometrics: Touch ID | Colors: Silver, Pink, Blue, Yellow | Cameras: 12MP f/1.8 wide, 12MP Landscape f/2.4 front | Weight: 1.05 pounds | Dimensions: 9.79 x 7.07 x .28 inches | Connections: USB-C, Smart Connector | Battery life: Up to 10 hours of video playback with USB-C charging
Why we like it: The Fire Max 11 starts at $229 and boasts an 11-inch display, 4GB of memory, and 64GB of storage with support for 1TB of microSD card storage. If you're looking for a tablet for work and play, the Fire Max 11 Productivity Bundle costs $329 and comes with a keyboard with touchpad, case, and a stylus.
Review: Amazon Fire Max 11
Who it's for: ZDNET contributor Jason Cipriani went hands-on with the Amazon Fire Max 11 and said that it's "easily the best Fire Tablet Amazon has made yet."
"[T]he Fire Max 11 productivity bundle provides everything you need to get some work done on the small and affordable tablet, as long as your work can be done in Microsoft's suite of apps and services or in sites that work properly with Amazon's Silk Browser," he said.
However, the Fire Max 11 is best suited for those looking for a basic entertainment tablet for streaming and browsing.
Who should look elsewhere: This budget tablet doesn't come with high-end features, so if you want something more capable of handling premium apps or workloads, this isn't the tablet for you.
Amazon Fire Max 11 specs: Display: 11-inch, 2000 x 1200, 410 nits brightness, 213 ppi | Processor: MediaTek MT8188J, 2.2Ghz Octacore processor | Storage: 64GB or 128GB | Memory: 4GB | Colors: Gray | Cameras: 8MP rear and 8MP front-facing camera | Weight: 1.08 pounds | Dimensions: 10.2 x 6.44 x 0.3 inches | Connections: 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C port | Battery life: 14 hours
Why we like it: If you're looking for an Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is one of the best around. The Tab S10 Ultra features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, runs on the Android 14 operating system, and includes Samsung's S Pen stylus.
The base model comes with 12GB of memory and 256GB of storage, and a microSD card for up to 1TB of extra storage. Plus, this generation boasts new Galaxy AI capabilities thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor. The tablet can also handle artificial intelligence features like Sketch-to-Image, an improved version of Note Assist, and Circle to Search.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
Who it's for: Diaz reviewed the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and found it a superb option for creative professionals and productivity-focused users looking to take advantage of a strong processor and reliable AI features. She added, "Even those looking for an AI-powered tablet like an iPad Pro would do well to consider the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra."
If you opt for the $350 Book Cover Keyboard, you can effectively turn the tablet into an Android-powered 2-in-1 device with plenty of space for multitasking and using more than one app at a time.
Who should look elsewhere: Just keep in mind the tablet isn't as portable as some other options on this list -- it weighs 2.35 pounds, compared to the S9 Ultra's 1.6 pounds. If you're looking for something more portable, the OnePlus Pad 2 or the Google Pixel tablet are lighter options.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra specs: Display: 14.6-inch, 120Hz refresh rate, Dynamic AMOLED 2X 2960 x 1848 display | Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Memory: 12GB, 16GB | Colors: Moonstone gray and platinum silver | Cameras: Rear: 13MP main, 8MP ultrawide, Front: 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide | Weight: 2.35 pounds | Dimensions: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.21 inches | Connections: 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth v5.3 | Battery: Up to 16 hours
Why we like it: The new OnePlus Pad 3 is a ZDNET Editor's Choice pick, and for good reason. The new model provides a smooth user experience thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which can handle more demanding AI tasks. This experience is further improved by its large 13.2-inch display, which ramps up to 144Hz.
Overall, this $699 tablet competes well with tablets on this list that cost hundreds more. Plus, you don't have to pay extra for accessories: when you buy the OnePlus Pad 3, you get to choose two of three available accessories for free between the smart keyboard, the folio case, and the Stylo 2.
Review: OnePlus Pad 3
Who it's for: Those looking for a flagship tablet that won't break the bank will love the OnePlus Pad 3. ZDNET reviews editor Kerry Wan said that in his testing, the performance was reliably fast, adding, "The tablet never showed frustrations with loading graphics, responding to inputs, and keeping services running in the background. I gracefully danced between on-screen gestures, keyboard shortcuts, and trackpad swipes, much like how I remembered doing with the $1,099 iPad Pro last year."
Who should look elsewhere: There are no real drawbacks to this tablet, except perhaps its large size. If you want something smaller, you can opt for the OnePlus Pad 2, which has a 12.1-inch screen, or the Google Pixel Tablet, and its 11-inch screen.
OnePlus Pad 3 specs: Display: 13.2-inch LCD display | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Storage: 256GB | Memory: 12GB | Colors: Storm Blue | Cameras: 13MP rear, 8MP front camera | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Dimensions: ‎11.40 x 8.25 x 0.24 inches | Connections: USB-C | Battery: 12,140mAh
Why we like it: Microsoft's 11th-generation Surface Pro earns the top spot as the best Windows tablet. The tech giant introduced several upgrades to this model, the most notable being Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite chipset. The hardware delivers solid performance, allowing the device to handle multiple apps and tasks without noticeable slowdowns.
Review: Microsoft Surface Pro
Additionally, the Surface Pro features a PixelSense OLED touchscreen that delivers high-resolution images. Advanced color-enhancing software, such as adaptive contrast, further enhances the quality.
Who it's for: ZDNET writer Cesar Cadenas said that this Surface Pro is for professional artists who want a high-performance machine with a brilliant display.
"The Surface Pro houses Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X Elite, which, if the hype is to be believed, makes this laptop a 'MacBook killer,'" he wrote in his review. "Browsers ran smoothly, even with multiple videos playing and a lot of open tabs. First-party software and some third-party apps also did pretty well."
The additional accessories like the keyboard and pen make it even more enticing of a tablet that can double as a computer. Cadenas particularly called out the Surface Slim Pen and its accuracy and precision in both writing and illustration.
Who should look elsewhere: This tablet is expensive, starting at a minimum of $1,000, and that doesn't even include the pen and keyboard, which make it perform its best. Those looking to spend less money would be better off with a different pick, such as the OnePlus Pad 2.
Microsoft Surface Go 3 tech specs: Display: 13-inch OLED PixelSense Display | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite | Storage: Up to 1TB | Memory: 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB | Biometrics: Windows Hello face sign-in | Colors: Platinum, dune, black, or sapphire | Cameras: Quad HD front-facing Surface Studio Camera, 1440p Quad HD rear camera with ultrawide field of view | Weight: 1.97 pounds | Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches | Connections: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C | Battery life: 14 hours
Why we like it: Apple's 2024 iPad Pro lineup is by far the most capable and impressive iPad lineup we've seen, and it makes replacing your laptop with a tablet an easy decision. The design is much slimmer than previous Pro models and includes Apple's powerful M4 processor. This chip consists of a new 10-core GPU, next-generation machine learning accelerators to handle a diverse range of tasks, and ProMotion technology, enabling variable screen refresh rates ranging from 10 to 120Hz.
The Pro also supports the new Apple Pencil Pro, which has a range of features -- a squeeze gesture for quick changes, a gyroscope for precise control of pen and brush tools, and custom haptic feedback. It also pairs with the newly revamped Magic Keyboard, which is thinner and lighter, has a larger trackpad, and a new row of function keys this year, making the keyboard case more essential than ever for the full iPad experience.
Who it's for: Wan said he was especially impressed by the new Tandem OLED screen, saying it makes it a great tablet for visual experiences. "I've been able to complete text-heavy and photo-editing work -- which often requires adequate viewing angles -- under a New York City sun that thinks it's already summer," Wan wrote in his review. "Watching Netflix and Disney+ on the iPad is straight eye candy; colors pop, and the darker, moodier scenes have a level of shadow detail unseen on older Pro models."
Review: Apple iPad Pro (7th-generation)
Who should look elsewhere: This particular iPad is for power users for the highest of high-end professionals. Unless you are an artist or a designer using the Apple Pencil Pro with it every day, or putting it to use in other creative-intensive fields, the standard iPad would be a better option for regular tablet users.
Apple iPad Pro tech specs: Display: 11- or 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion | Processor: Apple Silicon M4 | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB | Biometrics: Face ID | Colors: Silver, space black | Cameras: 12MP wide (4K, ProRes), Landscape 12MP ultra-wide | Weight: 11-inch: .98 pounds, 13-inch: 1.28 pounds | Dimensions: 9.83 x 6.99 x .21 inches or 11.09 x 8.48 x 0.20 inches | Connections: USB-C connector with support for Thunderbolt / USB 4 | Battery life: Up to 10 hours of surfing the web
Why we like it: Google's first Android tablet in years nails exactly the caliber of what Android tablets should have been all along. Not all apps are optimized for the larger screen, but Google's gotten clever in how it handles those apps while also getting developers to update their products for the bigger display.
Who it's for: If you're a smart home person -- especially someone who uses Google Assistant -- this is the tablet for you, since it comes with a Charging Speaker Dock that doubles as a smart display. "You can use the tablet as you would one of Google's smart displays, like the [Google] Nest Hub. You can talk to and interact with the Tablet via Google Assistant to control your smart home devices, play music, and watch videos on YouTube or a supported streaming service," Cipriani wrote in his review of the Google Pixel Tablet.
It's also a great tablet for those looking for a long-lasting battery life. When it's not in use and is on the dock, it's constantly charged and ready for use.
Review: Google Pixel Tablet
Customers who have bought the tablet have voiced on Reddit that they mainly use it for media consumption and that it serves that purpose well.
Who should look elsewhere: Unfortunately, right now there isn't any sort of official keyboard or stylus for the Pixel Tablet. If you want a tablet with accessories like this, the OnePlus Pad 2 or Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet would be better picks.
Google Pixel Tablet tech specs: Display: 10.95-inch LCD, 2560x1600, 500 nits | Processor: Google Tensor G2| Storage: 128GB or 256GB | Biometrics: Fingerprint sensor | Colors: Hazel, rose, porcelain | Cameras: 8MP front, 8MP rear | Weight: 1.09 pounds | Dimensions: 10.2 x 6.7 x 0.3 inches | Connections: USB-C, pogo pins | Battery life: Up to 12 hours of video playback
Why we like it: Apple's latest update to the iPad Air is more of a catch-up announcement. The seventh-generation iPad Air keeps the same design we saw Apple bring to the Air last year (including two size choices and Apple Pencil Pro compatibility), but it now boasts an M3 processor and Apple Intelligence.
The Apple iPad Air still follows the iPad Pro as the second-most capable tablet in the iPad lineup. With the new M3 chip, the Air gets about 17% gains in CPU improvements on the benchmark tests we performed. These improvements are most noticeable in better app performance, multitasking, and rendering speeds.
Review: Apple iPad Air (7th generation)
Who it's for: Diaz also tested the new Air and said it was "leaps and bounds ahead of my M1 MacBook Pro." "I can attest to the tablet's strong performance and capability to support a creator's workflow," she wrote in her review.
If you want the latest and greatest AI features from Apple, the built-in Apple Intelligence in the iPad Air is also a perk of the latest model. Its intrinsic features are woven into the user experience, with shortcuts and access points that blend into iPadOS.
Who should look elsewhere: The caveat to the iPad Air is that you must be willing to compromise on the applications you use and likely set up your browser to pull up desktop versions of your most frequently visited websites, since there are still some application limitations.
Apple iPad Air tech specs: Display: 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina IPS, 60Hz | Processor: Apple Silicon M3 | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB | Biometrics: Touch ID | Colors: Space gray, starlight, purple, blue | Cameras: 12MP rear camera, 12MP webcam (landscape-oriented) | Weight: 11-inch: 1.02 pounds, 13-inch: 1.36 pounds | Dimensions: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches and 11.04 x 8.46 x .24 inches | Connections: USB-C port and magnetic connector for Apple Pencil Pro | Battery life: 10 hours
Why we like it: The recently-updated Kindle Scribe is perhaps the perfect example of an e-reader-tablet hybrid to satisfy your reading and note-taking needs. Its updated AI features include a new display with flush white borders and a paper-like texture, and Active Canvas -- a new experience for taking notes in books.
The Active Canvas allows you to take notes and scribble your thoughts directly onto the pages of your book. The Kindle Scribe now comes with the Premium Pen, a step up from the Basic Pen, with tools like a dedicated eraser and a shortcut button.
Review: Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024)
Who it's for: ZDNET editor Kyle Kucharski put the Active Canvas to the test and said he appreciated the feature as an avid note-taker. "The cool design element here is that the notes you draw with the pan exist on another 'layer' than the book text, allowing you to edit what you write without messing with the text in the book," Kucharski wrote in his review. "I actually found that I preferred using the sticky notes function, which drops a tiny icon on the text that, when tapped, opens up a floating window with your notes that can then be closed."
The device's AI features can also summarize up to 15 pages in a notebook, neatly extracting key takeaways from the text. It can also transcribe handwritten notes into text, which might benefit those with questionably legible handwriting.
Who should look elsewhere: This tablet is not for those who want to browse the web or utilize apps like Instagram or Pinterest, so if that is the experience you're looking to get out of a tablet, an iPad or even the Amazon Fire Max 11 would be better suited for your needs.
Amazon Kinde Scribe tech specs: Display: 10.2-inch 300 ppi Paperwhite display | Storage: 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB | Weight: .96 pounds | Dimensions: 7.7 x 9.0 x .22 inches | Connections: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Battery life: Up to 12 weeks (at 30 minutes per day)
Why we like it: This model is easily the best tablet for kids. Not only does it have a kid-proof case built to withstand the whims of 3- to 7-year-olds, but the tablet's 2024 update gave this device more storage and case color options.
The tablet also gives users a free six-month Amazon Kids+ subscription, which grants them access to thousands of kid-friendly and ad-free books, as well as movies, games, and other age appropriate and educational content. Parents who purchased this tablet on Best Buy give it an average rating of 4.7 out of 5, and 95% would recommend it to other parents.
Review: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet
Who it's for: This tablet was made specifically for kids, and is built with kids and parents in mind. "The Fire HD 8 Kids tablet is a well-built, entry-level tablet that comes with a sturdy kid-proof cover and features useful parental controls," wrote Diaz, who bought the tablet for her kids. "Its 13-hour battery life means that you'll need to charge it less often than other competitors, and the combination of a durable case and screen ensures the integrity of the Fire tablet for years to come."
The tablet's durable case is also worth mentioning because it protects against drops and bumps, and it comes complete with an adjustable stand for hands-free use. Amazon offers a two-year worry-free guarantee in case the tablet succumbs to playtime.
Who should look elsewhere: If your kids are older, they might think this tablet is too childish. Therefore, they would do better with an iPad or the Amazon Fire Max 11 instead.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tech specs: Display: 8-inch display | Processor: Hexa-core 2.0 Ghz | Storage: 32GB or 64GB (expandable by up to 1 TB) | Memory: 3GB or 4GB | Colors: Blue, grape, Disney Pixar Cars, or Disney princess | Cameras: 2 MP front-facing and 5 MP rear-facing cameras with 1080p HD video recording | Weight: 1.14 pounds | Dimensions: 8.7 x 7.1 x 1.1 inches| Connections: 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C port | Battery life: 13 hours
Why choose a tablet over a phone or laptop?
Tablets sit in the middle of smartphones and laptops. They are a compromisable device that allows for a bigger screen than a smartphone for tasks like editing PDFs, streaming movies, or browsing websites, but smaller and more portable than a laptop for note-taking, sketching and drawing, or photo editing.
Plus, now many tablets have accessories like styli and keyboards that allow you to use it as a sort of laptop replacement if you're doing relatively easy work on it.
What is the best tablet?
After performing hands-on testing of all of these tablets, the 11th-generation iPad is our pick for the best tablet. It has a battery life of up to 10 hours, up to 256GB of storage, and a lightweight design that's perfect for working or streaming movies on the go. Its fairly affordable price tag also makes it a great choice for students who need a mobile work computer.
If you want to quickly see how the 11th-generation iPad specifically compares to the other tablets that made our list, see the handy chart below comparing factors like price, storage, and display size.
Tablet | Price | Display size | Storage |
Apple iPad (11th gen) | $349 | 11 inches | Up to 512GB |
Amazon Fire Max 11 | $150 | 10.1 inches | Up to 512GB with microSD card |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra | $1,200 | 14.6 inches | Up to 1TB with microSD card |
OnePlus Pad 3 | $699 | 13.2 inches | 256GB |
Microsoft Surface Pro 11 | Starts at $900 | 13 inches | Up to 1TB |
Apple iPad Pro (7th gen) | $999 | 11 or 13 inches | Up to 2TB |
Google Pixel Tablet | $499 | 10.95 inches | Up to 256GB |
Apple Gen iPad Air (7th gen) | $600 | 11 or 13 inches | Up to 1TB |
Amazon Kindle Scribe | $400 | 10.2 inches | 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB |
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids | $150 | 8 inches | 32GB or 64GB |
Which is the right tablet for you?
The biggest question you'll need to answer about any tablet purchase is what you plan on using it for: Do you just want something to read a comic book and binge on some Netflix shows while you walk on the treadmill? If so, then a Fire tablet or the base model iPad is going to be more than enough for you.
However, if you want to use a tablet more like a laptop, then you'll want to consider the iPad Pro, or one of the Surface devices. Here is a decision matrix that can help you choose which tablet is right for you:
Choose this tablet... | If you want or are... |
Apple iPad (11th gen) | The best overall option when it comes to power, storage, and user-friendliness. The Apple iPad is the best tablet for anything. |
Amazon Fire Max 11 | An affordable tablet with basic features great for streaming. If you're looking to spend less on a tablet, this is a great pick. |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra | An Android tablet with AI features and capabilities. This is Samsung's best tablet--and largest--tablet, by far. |
OnePlus Pad 3 | The best Android tablet for entertainment and daily tasks like checking your email and browsing the web. |
Microsoft Surface Pro 11 | A powerful Windows tablet for travel and mobile work. It has a long-lasting battery life and has AI capabilities. |
Apple iPad Pro (7th gen) | A tablet to replace your laptop thanks to its powerful Apple M4 chip. All you need to add is an attachable keyboard, and you have a device as powerful as the MacBook Pro. |
Google Pixel Tablet | Google's Pixel Tablet is one of the best Android tablets on the market. It's fast, reliable and comes with a Charging Speaker Dock that completely changes how you use it. |
Apple iPad Air (7th gen) | A lightweight tablet for those who want something for work and play, without big sacrifices in performance or features. |
Amazon Kindle Scribe | A part e-reader, part tablet with an outstanding battery life and an included pen. It's even compatible with Microsoft Word. |
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids | A kid-friendly tablet with built-in parental controls. It even has a kid-proof case and a two-year worry-free guarantee. |
Factors to consider when choosing the best tablet
These were the factors that were most important to us when making our top picks:
- Feature sets: Not all tablets are created equal. Some are better for kids, others are simply for artists, and then there's the mini laptop for working professionals and students. We considered a variety of use cases to match virtually every need.
- Price points: Tablets are an expensive piece of tech, especially if you're planning on investing in compatible accessories or buying for your kids to inevitably drop at a moment's notice.
- Integrations with other products: We considered options that can work with a smart case, attachable keyboard, Apple Pencil, or Stylus, as well as other work and entertainment add-ons.
- Battery life: Whether you're using your tablet for work or play (or both), you'll want it to last the duration of your task.
How we test tablets
The ZDNET team chose all of the tablets included in this list based on their performance when tested in the real world. When we test tablets, we typically follow the same routine for each one to see which performs best.
- Display: We measure the brightness level in different lighting conditions and assess color accuracy.
We also compare the display's performance with what the manufacturer promised, test the screen's responsiveness to touch, and assess the performance of any extra features, like a manufacturer's stylus.
Performance: For real-world performance metrics, our reviewers measure how quickly the tablet reacts to input, assess game performance and frame rates, test how the tablet handles having multiple apps running simultaneously, measure the time it takes to launch apps, and even assess the tablet's temperature during intensive tasks.
- Battery life: We test different scenarios for battery life, including measuring how long the battery lasts while streaming, web browsing, using productivity apps, and playing games.
- Camera and audio: For cameras, we evaluate features like resolution, aperture, low-light performance, autofocus accuracy, dynamic range, color accuracy, image quality, sharpness, and video quality. For audio, we look at the sound quality and overall listening experience, including audio clarity at different volumes, stereo separation of left and right audio channels, maximum volume level in various environments, and if there is perceived distortion.
For a deeper look into our testing process, check out our comprehensive tablet testing methodology.
What are the different tablet sizes?
Tablets range in size from small to large. Small tablets are usually five to seven inches. Mid-size tablets have a screen ranging from nine to 11 inches. Then, there are large tablets with screen sizes from 12-14 inches.
Keep in mind that the larger the tablet, the heavier it will usually be.
What are the tariffs in the US?
The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, latops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.
Also: Tariff war has tech buyers wondering what's next. Here's what we know
Tablets are also hit hard by the new US tariffs, with import duties potentially increasing prices by up to 35%. Many major brands still rely on Chinese and Vietnamese factories for assembly, meaning consumers could soon pay significantly more for everything from budget Chromebooks to high-end gaming rigs.
These tariffs may accelerate efforts to move production to regions like Mexico or India, but shoppers can expect higher costs and fewer discounts in the short term.
Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it's always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.
Also: Tariff exemptions for electronics offer a break for tech - but not for long
Latest news on tablets
2025 is shaping up to be a big year for tablets, even despite tariff concerns. Already this year, the Samsung Galaxy S10 Ultra, Apple iPad, Apple iPad Air, and the OnePlus Pad 3 have debuted on the market as new models. In addition, Apple is set to debut its new iPad Pro with an M5 chip at some point, most likely during its September event.
Also on the Apple front, iPadOS 19 is expected to also be released this fall, and we're expecting a better multitasking mode for better productivity on iPads.
FAQs on tablets
What does it mean if a tablet is Wi-Fi only?
When a tablet says it is "Wi-Fi Only," it requires a wireless internet connection to access things like email, websites, and apps. There are models available that give you the option to use LTE cellular data to connect to the internet, but if you aren't planning on traveling with your tablet, you can stick to a Wi-Fi only model.
Can tablets replace a laptop?
That depends on what you want to use your tablet or laptop for. Digital artists tend to prefer tablets since they're easier to draw on with a stylus. Tablets are also great for photo editing and streaming movies if you get one with a large enough screen size. But if you want to do things like create spreadsheets, type in a word processing program, or do intensive 3D animation or modeling, you're better off with a laptop.
What is the best tablet for students in 2025?
Our top pick for the best tablet for students is the 10th-generation iPad, thanks to its affordable price and versatility of use. However, we'd also recommend the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ or the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 for students looking to buy a tablet.
Also: The best tablets for students going back to school
If you're looking for a tablet with a keyboard, your best bet is the iPad Pro. This option is great for work as well.
What is the best Windows tablet?
The best Windows tablet we've tested is the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, thanks to its long-lasting battery, high-quality OLED display, and great-performing chipset.
Also: The best Windows tablets you can buy
Windows tablets are better suited for work since they support Windows apps that your job probably relies on and have the hardware capable of supporting them. Windows tablets also house chipsets normally found on laptops, whereas Android tablets typically have smartphone-like chipsets.
Recent updates
- In our latest June 2025 update, we made the new 11th-generation base-model iPad our top pick based on our hands-on testing, added the 7th-gen iPad Air as a top pick over the older generation model, added the new OnePlus Pad 3, added more context on product features, added news on upcoming tablets, and added new alternative picks.