Finding the best tablet is more complex than ever. Today's slates run the gamut from professional-grade computers like the Apple iPad Air with the Apple M3 inside, one of the best Apple iPads, to dependable Android productivity machines like Samsung's Galaxy Tab S10 Plus, one of the best Android tablets. Our team rigorously tests tablets every day, so we know what separates the must-haves from the money-wasters.
How do we pick our winners? We hammer out stories on these tablets with a keyboard attached, fight it out in the latest games with an Xbox controller, and binge-watch entire seasons of our favorite shows. We read, browse, and doomscroll through social media until the battery cries for bedtime. Then, it's off to Future Labs, where we subject each tablet to a gauntlet of benchmark software and our own proprietary tests to measure the performance down to the last pixel.
We've finally tested the first tablet with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the OnePlus Pad 3, and it's leapt to the top of our Android tablet ladder as one of the best tablets for the needs of most people. Unless you need to run professional-strength software or use this tablet instead of a laptop, the OnePlus Pad 3 will be one of the most satisfying tablets you can choose.
Will there be more tablets coming in 2025? We'll be on the lookout, and we're still testing more bargain tablets and options from brands that don't usually make this list, so check back soon to see if a new contender will emerge as the best tablet you can buy.
Quick List
Apple's latest iPad 11th generation tablet didn't change much over its predecessor, but it didn't need to. The iPad is the most reliable and simplest tablet you'll find, with great battery life and enough power to run your favorite apps for years to come.
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The newest iPad Pro is the thinnest product Apple has ever produced. With an M4 chipset on board, the iPad Pro is more powerful than most computers. It also uses a super-bright OLED display. It's not cheap, but the 13-inch iPad Pro is the best tablet money can buy.
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The third time is charming with the OnePlus Pad 3, a high-powered Android tablet that finally pushes Android to the forefront of premium tablets. The Pad 3 has the best display, the fastest processor, and the biggest battery of any Android tablet, making it an easy pick for serious tablet users who want a powerful, portable Pad.
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The Galaxy Tab S10 Plus is water resistant, and its big screen is great for drawing with the included S Pen. It's performance is built for gaming, but it handles multi-tasking better than most tablets. This is a perfect tablet for tablet bundle deals from your mobile carrier.
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You can find a tablet cheaper than this, but Apple's iPad 10.2 from 2021 is a great deal right now and offers much better value than the really cheap Android tablets. Plus, it will get new iPadOS updates for a few more years. We're always keeping a keen eye out for tablet deals on this one.
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The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus is a surprisingly good tablet that competes nicely against Apple's big iPad Air M3. It's not as powerful, but it gives you so many more features, including a water resistant design, the best multitasking on any tablet, and an S Pen in the box. If you haven't considered this beautiful, durable powerhouse tablet, you really should.
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With a powerful new Apple M3 chipset inside, the iPad Air is the perfect tablet for gaming. It has a fantastic display, great battery life, and it's light enough to be portable and easy to hold while playing.
The Samsung Galaxy S10 Ultra is one of the largest tablets you can buy, and that makes it perfect for drawing and creation. It isn't the fastest tablet around, and battery life might keep you close to the wall outlet, but it's the best big drawing tablet if you want versatile, powerful tools for creativity.
The iPad mini wins the award for best compact tablet by a knockout: all the best competitors stopped making small tablets. It's more powerful than the base model iPad, and even though the latest update was underwhelming, this is still a great tablet, especially if you like them small.
The best tablet 2025
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We've tested every tablet included here extensively, so you know you can trust our recommendations and know that each entry has earned a place on this list.
The best iPad for most people
If you want a solid tablet and you have an iPhone or MacOS computer, the iPad should be your first stop. Apple's enrty-level tablet is refined, powerful, and reliable, with just enough features to keep you entertained or help you be productive. There's a reason Apple has dominated tablets since the iPad created this market.
The latest iPad 11 doesn't offer much more than before, but it doesn't have to. This tablet uses the Apple A16 processor found in older iPhone models, not the latest Apple M4 or M3 chipset, like the iPads Pro and Air. That won't bother most users, as this tablet is plenty powerful for gaming, working, and creating.
The latest iPad 11th generation tablet from Apple seems to deliberately keep the entry level from using Apple Intelligence, for better and for worse. That's fine by me, I haven't been so impressed with Apple's AI that I would spend more money to have it on my iPad. This iPad 11 still has the rest of Apple's great iPadOS features, and it will be upgradeable to the luscious new iPadOS 26 later this year.
Unless you're running serious creativity software or you need to use this tablet as a laptop replacement, there's little need for most folks to upgrade to a more expensive iPad than this. The iPad 11-inch 11th generation tablet with the Apple A16 inside is the perfect starter tablet for Apple fans and anybody who just wants a bigger screen to go with their smartphone.
Read the full iPad 11-inch (2025) review
The best premium iPad
The iPad Pro 13 (2024) is unquestionably the biggest and baddest tablet money can buy in 2024. At 13 inches, it's the largest iPad ever, but it's also the most advanced, offering tandem OLED technology on an Apple XDR-branded display.
The newest iPad Pro comes equipped with an Apple M4 chip, too, meaning it's just as powerful as the very best MacBooks. This particular model boasts 20% better thermal performance than the previous iPad Pro, while also offering four times the rendering performance. So, if you thought the iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) was powerful, you'll be blown away by the iPad Pro 13 (2024).
For creative types, Apple's new iPad Pro supports the impressive Apple Pencil Pro stylus, not to mention the redesigned Magic Keyboard. When it comes to cameras, you'll get 12MP rear snapper, though you'll need to turn to your phone (or proper camera) for any ultra-wide and telephoto shots.
Naturally, you'll have to pay handsomely for the privilege of owning this particular tablet, and if you just want to video chat with friends and watch movies, then it's serious overkill. However, if you're in the market for the best of the best, look no further than the iPad Pro 13 (2024).
Read our full iPad Pro 13 (2024) review
The best Android tablet for most people
The OnePlus Pad 3 finally endows an Android tablet with the fastest Qualcomm processor around, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. With Qualcomm's push, the Pad 3 is the fastest Android tablet you can buy, with amazing battery life to boot. In fact, like recent OnePlus phones, it's hard to find anything I don't like about this tablet.
The OnePlus Pad 3 has the best display on any tablet in this price range. It's more sharp than the Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus, and it draws faster than the Samsung tablet or the iPad Air 13-inch, with a 144Hz refresh rate. In our tests, this display was exceptionally bright and clear, but the Pad 3 still had amazing long battery life.
You don't need a OnePlus phone to appreciate the OnePlus Pad 3, though it might help. OnePlus doesn't add as many cross-device features as Samsung or Apple, but if you buy an accompanying keyboard, you can quickly tap your phone to pair the two devices and share content across each.
The OnePlus Pad 3 is a premium tablet with a high price tag, so it isn't for everybody. If you don't need this much power or such a huge display, there are better options available. If you want the absolute best, most stunning Android tablet I've seen, with power that pushes performance over the top, the OnePlus Pad 3 should be the top tablet on your list.
Read our in-depth OnePlus Pad 3 review
The best premium Android tablet
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus is a top-tier tablet that's bursting at the seams with features you won't find on Apple's rival iPad tablets or other Android tablets. It's a serious contender for the tablet throne, and it's the best premium Android tablet you can buy.
Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor, the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus is a gaming powerhouse, with even better gaming benchmark performance one some tests than an iPad Pro M4 tablet. This chip excels at graphics performance, making it ideal for demanding games.
But it's not just about raw power. Samsung's software, with the included S Pen, elevates this tablet to a productivity machine. Multitasking is a breeze, and the S Pen adds a layer of precision and control that's perfect for creative work and note-taking.
At 12.4 inches, the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus isn't very portable, and Apple's newer 13-inch iPad Pro (2024) takes the lead in slimness. However, Samsung scores a major point by including the S Pen in the box, unlike Apple, who makes you shell out extra for the Apple Pencil. While benchmark tests might give the iPad Pro an edge in processing power, the Tab S10 Plus holds its own in real-world performance. Plus, Samsung's IP68 water resistance makes it a more durable and versatile companion for everyday life.
Price-wise, the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus goes head-to-head with the 11-inch iPad Pro. But with Samsung, you get more screen real estate, a larger battery to keep you going, and the S Pen included.
Samsung also makes the best tablet software. It's incredibly intuitive for multitasking, and you can even transform the Tab S10 Plus into a desktop-like experience by connecting it to a monitor and keyboard.
Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus is the Android tablet to beat. It's a powerful, versatile, and feature-rich device that challenges Apple's dominance in the tablet space.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus review
The best budget tablet
The iPad 10.2 (2021) is not the cheapest tablet you can buy, but it might be the cheapest tablet you SHOULD buy, since it's such a powerful tablet and a great entryway into Apple's walled garden. You can find cheaper tablets from Samsung, Amazon, and other brands, but Apple's iPad 10.2 gives you the experience of a premium tablet, for the cheapest possible price.
Even though it's a bit older, Apple supports its iPad tablets with regular software updates, so you can be sure that this tablet will get iPadOS on the same day as the best iPads you can buy. You can't say that about older Samsung Galaxy Tab tablets or any of the bargain tablets you might find. Apple's service and support are second-to-none, even when you're buying the least expensive iPad it makes.
Better yet, Apple's iPad 10.2 doesn't saddle you with ads or unnecessary software, like Amazon Fire tablets, and it feels much faster than similarly-priced Samsung tablets. You'll have no trouble running the latest apps, playing games on the larger screen, and browsing any website you please.
If this is still too much to spend, check out our list of the best budget tablets you can buy, but if you can afford to buy Apple's least expensive iPad, you'll be happier that you did.
Read our full iPad 10.2 (2021) review
The best battery life
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus suffers from terrible naming, but don't let that get in the way of admiring Samsung big iPad Air competitor. The FE means it's cheaper than a Tab S10 Plus, but it's still water resistant, packed with great software, and perfect for drawing, Journaling, and doodles.
While Samsung tablets seem underpowered on paper compared to the competition, you won't notice any slowdown as you snap multiple windows to the screen or play games on the huge display. The Tab S10 FE Plus handled everything we threw it's way in our hands-on testing. No task was too big for this tablet.
If you travel with your tablet and want to read or work by the pool, you need to forget about the iPad and get this tablet instead. Samsung's water resistant design is no joke. You can use this tablet in the bathtub, and if it gets dirty you can wash it in the sink. Don't do that with any iPad you care about.
This tablet also comes in a smaller flavor without the Plus, and it's the same inside either way, so pick your favorite size. Unlike the iPad, I've seen great deals on this tablet as well during the big sales holidays, so you might hold out and find a spectacular discount as well.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus review
The best gaming tablet
The 2025 iPad Air, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, becomes a seriously compelling mobile gaming platform thanks to the inclusion of Apple's powerful M3 chip. While the design remains unchanged, retaining the sleek aluminum build and vibrant Liquid Retina display (though without ProMotion 120Hz refresh), the M3 transforms the Air into a powerful gaming machine. This upgrade, without a price hike from the previous M2 model, makes the new Air a fantastic value for gamers.
The M3 chip's performance is where this iPad Air truly shines for gaming. It handles demanding AAA titles with ease, thanks to hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Games like Death Stranding and Resident Evil run smoothly, showcasing impressive visuals.
Beyond raw power, the iPad Air boasts other features beneficial to gamers. The stereo speakers get surprisingly loud, providing immersive audio without headphones. Battery life is also a strong point, providing all-day usage for most tasks, including extended gaming sessions. The iPadOS experience is fluid, and multitasking features like Stage Manager even allow you to keep a game running in a window while you browse the web or chat with friends.
The iPad Air (M3) is an excellent choice for tablet gaming. With a vibrant display, great speakers, and solid battery life, the iPad Air offers a premium mobile gaming experience without the premium price tag of the iPad Pro. It's a great choice for gamers who want a versatile device that excels at both entertainment and productivity.
Read our full Apple iPad Air 11-inch (2025) review
The best drawing tablet
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is one of the biggest mainstream tablets you can buy, and it's great for drawing or basic productivity tasks. Samsung's software excels on a tablet display, and the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra brings features that no iPad can match, like its water resistant design and its microSD expansion slot.
That said, you might be happier finding a deal on the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra if you can, because the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra isn't much of an upgrade... like, at all. In some ways, it's actually a step backwards, like that MediaTek 9300 processor that has no business on Samsung's big creativity and business tablet.
If you want the biggest and best Android display, look no further, and the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra handles everything you'll find in the Google Play Store with ease, including fast multiplayer games, Adobe photo and video tools, and more.
If you mostly want a tablet you can get wet, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and FE Plus are cheaper options that handle almost everything the Ultra can do, only smaller. Hopefully this year will bring a powerhouse Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra to topple this list.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra review
The best compact tablet
There's still nothing like the Apple iPad mini. If you want a compact tablet that you can fit in a jacket pocket, the iPad mini isn't just the best small tablet you can buy, it's one of the only small tablets worth buying. You can find media playing tablets from Amazon and cheaper Android brands with small screens, but if you need a good compact tablet, the Apple iPad mini is a great choice, and it's the only one worth considering.
Sadly, that's because the best tablet makers have opted for larger sizes, and we no longer have a small Galaxy Tab from Samsung or a small Pixel or Nexus tablet from Google. That doesn't mean the iPad mini is only worth choosing because it's the default. The iPad mini is surprisingly powerful, though Apple has left it behind the larger iPad pack by including an A17 Pro chipset instead of an Apple M2 or better platform.
The iPad mini is ready for all of the latest software and games, including Apple Intelligence, since it uses the same processor as the iPhone 15 Pro.
With such performance, the iPad mini (2024) isn't cheap, and it hasn't gotten any major new features with the latest update, but it's still a capable compact and the best small tablet you'll find.
Read our full Apple iPad mini 8.3-inch (2024) review
How we test tablets
Our reviewers test the best tablets at home and in the office, and work with Future Labs to make sure each tablet is tested by our performance laboratory. We use tablets in our daily lives every day, and will replace our work laptop computers with a tablet for regular use and testing. We travel with tablets and use them extensively for work and personal travel. We use tablets for fun, for games, for creating art, for getting work done, and for doing nothing at all.
FAQs
What is the best brand of tablets?
Is the Apple iPad or the Samsung Galaxy Tab the best tablet brand, or is there another tablet brand to consider?
Tablet makers often match features to your smartphone, so the best brand of tablets for you may be the same brand as your phone. The Apple iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab are two of our favorite tablet brands, and OnePlus boasts an excellent tablet, too: the OnePlus Pad.
What should I look for when buying a tablet?
The first thing to look for is the operating system, if you want to use your tablet alongside your Apple iPhone or Samsung Galaxy phone. If that doesn't matter, you should consider the size of the display and how you'll be carrying and using the tablet. If you plan on doing more professional work on your tablet as a laptop replacement, you should consider the tablet's performance handling multiple apps or pro-level apps. Of course, price is always a consideration, because the least expensive tablets are surprisingly capable, and you may not need to spend more.
What tablet can replace a laptop?
The Apple iPad Air and iPad Pro models are also powerful enough to do work, but Apple does not make it easy to keep multiple windows and multiple apps open at the same time. Apple makes better keyboard accessories for its tablets, especially the Magic Keyboard, but that accessory is expensive, and most tablets will work with any Bluetooth or USB-C keyboard you find. Samsung makes better office productivity software for tablets, but its latest tablets lack a great keyboard option that equal the Apple Magic Keyboard.
