Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Tablets of 2024

Updated April 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Apple  iPad Air (5th Gen)
Apple
iPad Air (5th Gen)
Check Price
Powerful & Versatile
Bottom Line

The Apple iPad Air is a powerful and versatile tablet with a large, high-resolution display and a fast processor.

Pros

Its M1 chip ensures fast performance and an all-day battery life. The tablet packs a better-than-average display and loud speakers. Features an expansive app catalog and support for a variety of accessories.

Cons

It’s more expensive than the competition, and the base model comes with just 64 GB of storage.

Best Bang for the Buck
Apple  iPad (9th Gen)
Apple
iPad (9th Gen)
Check Price
Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

While the iPad has a familiar design and an older processor, it's much more affordable, still works with the Apple Pencil and comes in handy for web browsing and playing games.

Pros

Automatically adjusts the screen’s color temperature and intensity depending on the light around you. Offers up to 10 hours of video playback or web browsing between charges. Features fast WiFi connectivity.

Cons

This older iPad model has thicker bezels compared to the latest version and lacks the newer USB-C port.

Google  Pixel Tablet
Google
Pixel Tablet
Check Price
Best Android Tablet
Bottom Line

The Google Pixel Tablet includes a unique charging speaker dock that transforms it into a voice-controlled smart home hub.

Pros

It has a long-lasting battery, a powerful processor for gaming, and a gorgeous 11-inch display. Supports multiple-profile accounts, a feature the iPad lacks. Its battery lasts for 12 hours on a single charge. It’s powerful enough for high-end games.

Cons

The tablet only supports USI 2.0-compliant styli, so it may not be the best option for illustrators.

Amazon  Fire HD 10 Tablet
Amazon
Fire HD 10 Tablet
Check Price
Great Battery Life
Bottom Line

The most affordable way to get a large-screen tablet with good performance and battery life for everyday tasks is the Fire HD 10.

Pros

This tablet, which starts at a reasonable price under $150, stands out in its price range because it offers a large 10.1-inch 1080p Full HD display; a long-lasting 13-hour battery and 32 GB of storage.

Cons

Amazon Fire tablets lack Google apps and services. This limits your app selection to Amazon's App Store, which has fewer options.

OnePlus  Pad
OnePlus
Pad
Check Price
Best for Cinephiles
Bottom Line

The OnePlus Pad is a media powerhouse with a stunning 144Hz display and a Dolby Atmos quad-speaker system at a price that undercuts the competition.

Pros

Boasts a super-smooth refresh rate for clear visuals. Packs 128 GB of storage for your movies and shows. The comfortable design makes it easy to hold for extended viewing sessions.

Cons

The OnePlus Pad runs a near-stock Android 13 experience with three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, which is a year less than its phones.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

51
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
22
Hours
Researched
Category cover

best tablets

A tablet is a versatile entertainment and productivity hub, all in a lightweight, portable package so you can play from the comfort of your couch or get some work done on the go. From streaming movies to devouring e-books to tackling spreadsheets, a tablet seamlessly integrates into your everyday life. And while iPads may be what first comes to mind when you think of a tablet, don't forget the fantastic selection of high-quality, budget-friendly Android tablets offering comparable features for less.

Before you select a tablet, consider where and how you'll use it most. Gamers and movie buffs will crave a large, smooth display with a high refresh rate. Photo and video editors should prioritize a sharp, color-accurate display with ample storage and support for styli. By understanding your needs, you'll find the perfect tablet to power your passions (and make life a little easier in the process).

To help you find the best tablet, the BestReviews Testing Lab scoured the market, tested today’s latest models and narrowed our list down to our favorites below. We highly recommend the Apple iPad Air (5th Generation), which boasts a gorgeous 10.9-inch display and is powerful enough to keep up with serious multitaskers.        

Which tablet is best?

Apple iPad Air (5th Generation)

Apple iPad Air (5th Generation)
The testing team loved the stunning photos and 4K videos created with the Apple iPad Air (5th Generation).

Best Tablet 

Product Specifications

Operating System: iPadOS | Screen Type: Liquid Retina | Screen Size: 10.9 inches | Dimensions & Weight: 9.74 inches by 7.02 inches; 1 pound  | Storage: 64GB | Battery Life: 10 hours

Apple’s iPad tablet is undoubtedly one of the most popular gadgets, and for good reason. It boasts a gorgeous 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and P3 wide color support, meaning it delivers vibrant visuals and exceptional clarity. It’s an outstanding tablet for gamers, creatives and anybody who is looking for a portable tablet to stream video on the go.

The tablet is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, which, during our testing, delivered smooth performance for multitasking, photo editing and even demanding mobile games. It runs on the latest version of iPadOS, which enhances productivity with its intuitive interface, robust multitasking capabilities and seamless integration with the Apple Pencil.

For security, its Touch ID sensor allows secure unlocking through your fingerprint and wireless Apple Pay transactions. When we tested it, the versatile 12-megapixel Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage kept us perfectly centered during video calls, while the 12-megapixel camera with True Tone flash captured stunning photos and 4K videos. The iPad is available in 64GB and 256GB variants in your choice of five vibrant colors.

Apple iPad (9th Generation)

Apple iPad (9th Generation)
The affordable Apple iPad (9th Generation) comes with excellent features for everyday use.

Best Value

Product Specifications

Operating System: iPadOS | Screen Type: Retina Display | Screen Size: 10.2 inches | Dimensions & Weight: 9.8 inches by 6.8 inches; 1.07 pounds | Storage: 64GB | Battery Life: 10 hours

Despite not being the latest model, the ninth-generation iPad offers an excellent balance of features and performance for an affordable price. The iPad is a versatile device that comes with access to a vast library of optimized apps and guaranteed software updates for years to come. It's great for work, play and even light gaming. With iPadOS, you can multitask and take advantage of your artistic side, as it supports the Apple Pencil for note-taking and drawing.

Our tester remarked that the tablet’s 8-megapixel rear camera is suitable for basic photos and document scanning, but its 12-megapixel ultrawide front camera is clearer than the competition, adding that it’s perfect for video calls. The iPad’s 10.2-inch Retina display features True Tone for comfortable viewing in any lighting, and it comes with 64GB or 256GB of internal storage.

The battery lasts about 10 hours and is charged with the included USB-C to Lightning cable and a 20-watt USB-C power adapter. If you prioritize affordability and a balance of everyday features, the ninth-generation iPad is a top contender.

Google Pixel Tablet

Google Pixel Tablet
The Google Pixel Tablet also functions as a smart-home hub through Google Assistant when docked.

Best Android Tablet

Product Specifications

Operating System: Android | Screen Type: Full HD | Screen Size: 11 inches | Dimensions & Weight: 11 inches by 6.7 inches; 3.37 pounds | Storage: 128GB | Battery Life: 11 hours

The Pixel Tablet includes a unique speaker dock that transforms it into more than just a tablet. The dock charges the tablet while enhancing the audio experience. When docked, the Pixel Tablet can function as a smart-home hub through Google Assistant. This means you can control smart lights, thermostats, cameras and more using your voice or the touch screen. The dock allows the tablet to transform into a smart display to showcase your photos like a digital frame. You can also use it to access smart-home controls.

The Pixel Tablet, created by Google, is the first tablet to be powered by the Google Tensor G2 chip, which provides smooth performance for tasks like streaming, video calls and even high-end gaming.

The tablet features 128GB of internal storage, a 1080p camera for video calls and a vibrant 11-inch display. Plus, Google TV with Chromecast built-in simplifies streaming, eliminating the need for a separate device. With a long-lasting battery and a starting price of $500, the Pixel Tablet is hands-down the best Android tablet you can buy, especially considering the included speaker dock.

Amazon Fire 10 Tablet

Amazon Fire 10 Tablet
The Amazon Fire 10 Tablet can be used for sketching with the “Made for Amazon” Stylus Pen.

Best Cheap Tablet

Product Specifications

Operating System: fireOS | Screen Type: Full HD | Screen Size: 10.1 inches | Dimensions & Weight: 9.69 inches by 6.49 inches; 15.29 ounces | Storage: 32GB | Battery Life: 13 hours

Amazon’s latest tablet boasts a 25% performance improvement over the previous Fire 10 tablet and includes 3GB of RAM for smoother operation. It features a 10.1-inch, 1080p Full HD display for sharp visuals, a long-lasting 13-hour battery to keep you entertained and 32GB of built-in storage. If you need more space, you can expand it up to 1 terabyte with a microSD card (sold separately). The Fire tablet charges fully in under four hours, so you won't be waiting long to get back to using it

This sleek, durable gadget has a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. It can be used for Zoom calls, social media and even sketching with the “Made for Amazon” Stylus Pen. It's family-friendly, with parental controls and a wide range of books, apps, videos and more from Amazon Kids+. 

Since it is part of the Amazon ecosystem, you can interact with the Alexa virtual assistant using your voice for various tasks, such as checking the weather, creating a shopping list or calling friends and family.

OnePlus Pad

OnePlus Pad
The OnePlus Pad is a terrific option for content creators.

Best for Watching Movies

Product Specifications

Operating System: OxygenOS | Screen Type: LCD | Screen Size: 11.61 inches | Dimensions & Weight: 10.51 inches by 7.7 inches; 19.4 ounces | Storage: 128GB | Battery Life: 10 hours

The OnePlus Pad is a highly portable and elegant gadget with a sleek, ultralight design. It is fantastic for watching movies, as it has a high-resolution 11.6-inch LCD and a super-smooth 144-hertz refresh rate.

It features 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, making it an excellent option for content creators. And since it also uses Dolby Atmos and Vision with the world's first 7:5 ratio screen, you can be assured that the tablet's 10-bit True Color display offers unparalleled color accuracy and vibrancy and excellent sound.

The battery lasts for 10 hours and reaches a full charge in just under an hour. There are safeguards in place to prevent damage from overcharging, controlled by the included Battery Health Engine. If you’re in search of a tablet to enjoy movies, shows and games on a bright, high-resolution screen with smooth visuals and immersive sound, you won’t be disappointed.

Apple iPad Mini

Apple iPad Mini
The Apple iPad Mini is a great choice for those who need a compact and lightweight tablet.

Best Small Tablet

Product Specifications

Operating System: iPadOS | Screen Type: Liquid Retina | Screen Size: 8.3 inches | Dimensions & Weight: 7.69 inches by 5.3 inches; 0.65 pounds | Storage: 64GB | Battery Life: 10 hours

The iPad Mini is a compact yet full-featured iPad that can be easily held in one hand. It comes with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, a powerful A15 Bionic chip, a 12-megapixel Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, USB-C connectivity and fast Wi-Fi. 

The stunning Liquid Retina display boasts True Tone, P3 wide color and minimal reflectivity for vibrant visuals. Touch ID is integrated into the top button, offering secure unlocking, app sign-ins and Apple Pay transactions.

It uses Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, which packs a punch in terms of performance and graphics compared to its size. The battery lasts for about 10 hours and is easily recharged with the included cable and wall adapter. The iPad Mini is an excellent tool for note-taking, document marking and photo and video editing.

Amazon Fire 10 Kids Tablet

Amazon Fire 10 Kids Tablet
The Amazon Fire 10 Kids Tablet comes with a one-year Amazon Kids+ subscription.

Best Tablet for Kids

Product Specifications

Operating System: fireOS | Screen Type: Full HD | Screen Size: 10.1 inches | Dimensions & Weight: 10.5 inches by 8.1 inches; 23 ounces | Storage: 32GB | Battery Life: 13 hours

Tablets aren’t just for adults. There are several gadgets that allow kids to enjoy mobile games, educational apps and streaming apps. One of the best aimed at the younger market is Amazon’s Fire 10 Kids tablet. It is essentially as powerful as the grown-up version but made with kids in mind.

Designed for children between three and seven years old, this tablet has a 10.1-inch Full HD display, 32GB of internal storage and a rechargeable battery that lasts about 13 hours. It features extensive parental controls that can be managed through your phone, including screen time regulation, device pause and resume, access to educational materials and app store request approvals for apps like Netflix and Disney+. 

To sweeten the deal, it comes bundled with a one-year Amazon Kids+ subscription, providing thousands of ad-free educational and entertaining content from top brands. After the first year, you can renew the subscription at an affordable rate.

Apple iPad Pro (M2)

Apple iPad Pro (M2)
The Apple iPad Pro (M2) is compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio.

Best Tablet for Professionals

Product Specifications

Operating System: iPadOS | Screen Type: Liquid Retina | Screen Size: 11 inches | Dimensions & Weight: 11.05 inches by 8.46 inches; 1.5 pounds | Storage: 128GB | Battery Life: 10 hours

If you need a powerful tablet that can handle demanding tasks like a laptop, you can’t go wrong with the iPad Pro. With a rather generous 128GB of internal storage, it provides ample space for your projects and files. Plus, 8GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking even when running memory-intensive apps like video-editing software.

This tablet is an excellent choice for content creators, video editors and animators. Thanks to its 11-inch Liquid Retina display, it’s easy to immerse yourself in your projects. You can capture high-quality photos and videos with the dual rear-camera system or use the onboard LiDAR Scanner for enhanced AR experiences. Plus, the 12-megapixel Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage keeps you in focus during video calls.

The battery lasts for about 10 hours, and the iPad Pro is compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio. It has a USB-C port for charging and supports Thunderbolt/USB 4. Without a doubt, the iPad Pro is the most powerful tablet money can buy.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
The durable Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is dust- and water-resistant.

Best Tablet for Note-Taking

Product Specifications

Operating System: Android | Screen Type: AMOLED | Screen Size: 11 inches | Dimensions & Weight: 11 inches by 7.5 inches; 1.6 pounds | Storage: 128GB | Battery Life: 11 hours

The Galaxy Tab S9 comes with the versatile S Pen Stylus, making it a suitable tool for note-taking and document management. It sports an immersive 11-inch AMOLED display with a 120-hertz refresh rate, is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and has 8GB of RAM. Previous iterations came equipped with a WQXGA LED display, so we were happy to see an upgraded AMOLED display, which truly shines for gaming and watching videos.

The Tab S9 introduces a new design feature, IP68 dust- and water-resistance, setting it apart as the sole tablet on the market with such formidable protection. This enhancement, coupled with its robust Armor Aluminum frame, provides users with unparalleled peace of mind.

The tablet is equipped with a 12-megapixel rear camera, a front camera with auto-focus capabilities and Dolby Atmos surround sound from quad speakers. It’s a compelling option, especially if you have a Samsung Galaxy smartphone to pair it with.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 vs. Apple iPad

When looking for a tablet, most people gravitate toward two manufacturers: Samsung and Apple. The two couldn’t be further apart in price and specifications. However, they each appeal to a separate market. The most significant difference is that the Galaxy Tab S9 runs on Android, and the Apple iPad operates on iPadOS.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

With the Galaxy Tab S9, Samsung uses OLED displays in every device within the lineup, and there's an S Pen included in every box. In contrast, you have to pay $100 for an Apple Pencil. 

To increase the value of the purchase, the tablet runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, up to 12GB of RAM with expandable storage, quad speakers and two front cameras in an aluminum chassis. While the price tag may be steep, it’s an excellent tablet option. 

The Tab S9 takes aim primarily at the high-end iPad Pro lineup, which continues to impress with Apple's blistering-fast M2 chipset running the latest iPadOS — legitimately good enough to replace your traditional laptop. But Samsung competes even more aggressively in that vein with a growing library of pro-grade apps and DeX mode, its built-in, multiwindow computing experience.

Apple iPad Pro

Apple’s flagship tablet comes in many flavors, but the most sought-after model is the full-size Apple iPad Pro with the latest M2 chip. This processor drives the power of the tablet, and by some accounts, it is stronger than some Windows laptops from a few years ago and even Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9.

For example, the M2 processor has a 9% higher CPU clock speed compared to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. It has about twice the GPU frequency, and it supports 60% higher memory bandwidth. In the popular benchmarking software 3DMark, the M2 outperformed the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 by 63%.

In essence, the M2 chip is faster than some Intel or Qualcomm chips found in laptops, and the tablet accesses the hard drive and RAM at a much faster rate. Simply put, the Apple iPad Pro does things faster and with more power. 

What to consider in your search for the best tablet

Screen size

Tablets come in a variety of screen sizes, ranging from 7 to 14 inches. Screen size is measured diagonally from one corner to the other. In some cases, the name of the tablet informs the screen size. For example, the Fire HD 8 features an 8-inch screen.

Similarly, the tablet’s primary use will inform its size. If you want something to act as a laptop replacement, you may want to opt for a larger size. If you want a tablet to intimately enjoy your favorite streaming services, like Netflix or Prime Video, a midrange or smaller option is likely suitable. For travel, seek a small, lightweight option for top portability.

Also, take note of the bezels, which measure the distance from the screen to the edge of the device. Thin bezels allow for a more immersive display.

Screen type and resolution

The best tablets feature AMOLED or OLED displays, which offer high refresh rates and peak brightness and boast stark contrast. An excellent choice for an AMOLED display is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9. Entry-level models with LCD screens, such as the Amazon Fire 10 tablet, are adequate for casual use.

Resolutions vary from HD up to around Quad HD. Unlike TVs, tablet resolutions don’t fall into exact categories due to screen size and pixel density. The top options, like Apple’s iPad line, are consistently rated among the best tablets partly because of their high resolution up to 2,732 x 2,048 pixels, and, in the case of the iPad Pro models, a 120-hertz refresh rate. Most quality Android-powered tablets offer resolutions of around 1,920 x 1,200 pixels.

Depending on where and how you’ll be using the tablet, you may want to seek out screens with anti-glare technology as well as IPS panels for wide-angle viewing, such as the Apple iPad Air 5th Gen and the Apple iPad Mini.

Operating system

The two most popular operating systems are Android OS and Apple’s iOS. 

While there’s certainly no rule against owning devices from different manufacturers, there are definite advantages to buying a tablet that’s built on the same platform as your smartphone. Setup and usage will be more familiar, and some companies create an elaborate ecosystem that you can easily engage in to make it easier to switch between devices.

For example, if you own an iPhone, you can set up your iPad Pro to answer phone calls from it. Samsung, meanwhile, allows users to share their phone screen on their laptop or tablet, such as the popular Samsung Galaxy Tab S6.

At the time of publishing, there are two main operating systems for tablets: Android and iPadOS. Android tablets use the Google Play Store for apps, while iPads use the App Store. The latest version of Android for phones is 14, but some tablets might still run on older versions, like Android 10. Apple's iPadOS is specifically designed for tablets; the latest version is iPadOS 17.4.

Amazon’s tablets run on Fire OS, which is similar to Android but lacks a few of Android’s features. Most notably, Fire tablets do not include the Google Play App Store, thereby forcing users to navigate the Amazon App Store.

For those seeking a great tablet for regular work, a Windows operating system may be preferred. While these don’t have the extensive collection of Android apps that populate the Google Play Store, Windows does offer power and efficiency for business. Windows features on tablets from popular laptop and desktop brands like Microsoft’s Surface Go line of options are fantastic laptop replacements. But, like tablets, they have smaller screens and require the purchase of a separate keyboard.

Standard tablet features

Storage

Like computers, tablets rely on storage space for the operating system, apps and your personal files. Storage options typically range from 16GB to 256GB, with higher capacities costing more.  

The ideal amount of storage depends on your habits. If you mainly use cloud storage for files like movies, shows and photos, you can get by with a lower storage option (16GB  to 32GB). If you prefer to download high-resolution movies and shows and store a large photo library directly on your tablet, opt for a higher storage capacity (128GB to 256GB).

Cameras

If you plan to take and edit a lot of photos, consider the rear-camera quality. At the same time, note that tablets can be bulky for photography compared to smartphones. As such, some users might prioritize a good rear camera on their phone instead. An HD front camera is likely more important for clear video calls and conferencing using apps like Zoom and FaceTime.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is a standard feature for all tablets; they’re not that useful without an internet connection. That said, it’s important to get a tablet that supports the fastest Wi-Fi speeds available, so make sure the one you buy supports the Wi-Fi 6 standard, such as the Apple iPad Air 5th Gen.  

(If you have an older router, that’s OK, too. Tablets are backward-compatible with older Wi-Fi standards, like 802.11n.)

Processor

Every tablet needs a central processing unit (CPU) to run. Apple and Samsung generally make their own tablet CPUs, but other brands often use Qualcomm, MediaTek or Intel processors. For that reason, it is challenging to compare Apple’s A-series chips with Samsung’s Exynos or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon.

Similar to laptops and computers, a faster CPU generally translates to better performance. Look for the CPU's clock speed, measured in gigahertz. Higher numbers often indicate stronger performance. 

The amount of RAM (random access memory) also plays a role in performance. More RAM allows the tablet to handle multiple apps and tasks smoothly. The higher number is typically the better option.

Speakers

While tablet speakers can’t hold a candle to headphones or a pair of proper speakers, built-in speakers still matter. Most tablets have two speakers for stereo sound, but some newer models offer four speakers for richer audio. This can be especially noticeable when playing games, music or streaming content. 

While almost all tablets will allow you to connect Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, some include a headphone jack for a wired connection. This can be a plus for those who prefer wired headphones or who don't want to deal with Bluetooth pairing

Ports

Consider what devices you may want to connect to your tablet. Most tablets feature at least a USB-C port, which allows for a variety of devices to be connected. Some have a USB hub that multiplies the number of ports you can use. Memory card slots, including microSD, and headphone jacks are also common.

Premium features and upgrades

2-in-1 design

Some devices blur the line between laptop and tablet. Touch-screen laptops range in size from 10 inches up to 15 inches and allow for the keyboard to be removed so the unit can operate just like a tablet. This may be useful for those who need a versatile device on which they can scroll, like on a phone, but also type, like on a laptop. A 2-in-1 design may also allow you to use the keyboard as a stand to prop up the device.

Chromebooks are popular and affordable 2-in-1 laptops. Made by top brands, they are designed to be lightweight and portable and operate like touch-screen laptops when needed. Notably, Chromebooks run on ChromeOS and require W-iFi connectivity to be most useful.

Stylus

Tablet styli have come a long way since their introduction. Today, you can choose a basic, universal stylus with pressure sensitivity for a natural writing experience, or you can opt for an advanced, custom-designed stylus like the Apple Pencil or Samsung S-Pen. 

Advanced options often unlock features like pressure sensitivity for varying line thickness, palm rejection to avoid accidental touches on the screen and the ability to function as an on-screen eraser.

Kid-friendly

If you have little ones, it’s important to monitor their device usage and implement parental controls to prevent them from going places online that they shouldn’t. While parental control software can be used on any tablet, we recommend buying a kid-friendly tablet instead.

Tablets made for kids often have an ultra-durable build so they can be dropped without damage. They are engineered to make it easy for parents to keep kids safe, too. Amazon offers several Fire tablets geared toward youngsters. These products come with educational content and entertainment suitable for kids.

Expandable memory

Much like laptops, some tablets include Secure Digital (SD) card slots for adding more storage space. Expandable storage is an incredibly convenient feature because it gives you an option if you ever find yourself running out of storage space. You can even keep extra cards handy and swap them in as needed.

LTE connectivity

If you’ll primarily be using your tablet at home, W-iFi connectivity will be enough. But if you want to access the web from your tablet when you don’t have access to Wi-Fi, you’ll need one with an LTE radio. 

With LTE connectivity, tablets can get online anywhere. Keep in mind that to get this connectivity, you’d need to add your tablet to your mobile data subscription plan from a wireless provider like Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile.

Color

While color doesn’t affect functionality, it does add style. Apple and Samsung in particular offer tablets in a range of colors, including pink, blue and even rose gold.

Essential accessories

For the best experience, make sure your tablet is always protected and powered up with these peripherals.

Tablet case

We always recommend getting a tablet case to keep your investment safe and protect its resale value. Tablet cases are affordable, and many have kickstands that add to their versatility. Although lots of tablet cases are neutral shades like black and gray, you can find some fun colors and prints as well.

Screen protector

It’s important to protect your tablet’s screen. Screen protectors keep screens scratch-free and make it easier to wipe off dirt and fingerprints.

Power bank

If you take your tablet with you to places where there isn’t always power, get a power bank so you can recharge as needed. Take note of how many milliampere hours (mAh) any power bank you look at has. 

Also take note of your tablet’s capacity before choosing a power bank. For example, the Apple iPad Air 5th Gen roughly has a 7,730-mAh internal battery. That means if you were to get a 10,000-mAh power bank, such as the Anker PowerCore Slim, you’d be able to charge your tablet almost one and a half times. 

How much do tablets cost?

Inexpensive

Budget and refurbished tablets start around $50 to $100. These tablets have smaller screens and less powerful processors, and they tend to skimp on features like file storage and camera quality. If you’re buying a kids’ tablet or a tablet for short-term use, many of the best buys can be found here. You can get a good deal for less than $100, including the Amazon Fire HD 8.

Mid-range

Most tablets cost between $100 and $400. Tablets in this price range come in a variety of sizes and are offered by most top companies. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A series is a budget-friendly option in the middle of the range. Some older Apple tablets are available as well.

Expensive

High-end tablets start at $400 and can cost as much as $1,400. Most options in this range come from Apple, including their latest Apple iPad Mini and iPad Air. Samsung’s high-end tablets, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus, fall in this range. You can also find the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 here.

Tips

  • Think about storage. Storage space can drive up the price of a tablet. Sometimes, to get the next size up, you must pay more than $100. But microSD cards and other forms of external storage are all pretty cheap. If you need a lot of file storage space and don’t want to spend a ton, consider buying a tablet with expandable storage along with an extra microSD card or two.
  • Consider battery life. Tablet batteries last a while, but they don’t last forever. It’s important to have a backup plan for instances where recharging isn’t an option. Our favorite fix for that is a portable battery, a gadget that’s easy to carry around and always good for an extra charge (or three).
  • Avoid refurbished tablets. While buying a refurbished tablet may sound like a great way to save money, it can be risky, especially since battery life can degrade over time. We recommend buying new,if possible.

How we analyzed

Testing tablets isn’t as easy as comparing display sizes and operating systems. Plenty of factors go into determining which tablet is best for your needs and goals.

While screen size and display technology matter, the most significant aspects to take note of are internal, such as the tablet’s central processing unit, RAM and battery life. We looked at CPU and RAM specifications while considering display technology and what each tablet is best used for. All of this information helped us conclude whether a tablet is good value, an overpriced item or insufficient for its intended purpose. 

FAQ

Q. How long do tablet batteries usually last?

A. The best tablets offer fairly impressive battery life, with many exceeding 10 hours on a single charge. How long you can use the tablet before needing to recharge depends on what you’re doing. In standby mode, most tablets can last a few days. Streaming content runs the battery down fairly quickly. Multitasking for work is likely to draw the most energy.

Q. Should I buy a screen protector for my tablet?

A. In the early days of tablets, screens were prone to scratches, which made screen protectors vital. Since then, the glass used in tablet screens has gotten stronger and more scratch-resistant, although it's definitely not scratch-proof. 

With some basic precautions and the right case, your screen will likely only face minimal scratches. If you’ll be frequently traveling with your tablet, though, you may want to invest in some extra protection.

Q. Can I send text messages from a tablet?

A. Tablets can be great for sending messages, but it depends on the type of message. Standard text messages (SMS) typically require a cellular data connection, which most tablets don't have. However, many popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Apple Messages send messages over the internet (like Wi-Fi) and work perfectly on tablets. So, you can chat with friends and family through these apps on your tablet, but sending traditional SMS messages might be limited.

Our expertise

Tech reporter Charlie Fripp has focused on reviewing all kinds of tablets, from the smallest to the fastest and the most secure. He’s held, poked, prodded, touched and pushed buttons on tablets and mobile phones for the last 20 years and has pretty much seen it all, making him more than qualified to separate the great tablets from the expensive coffee coasters.