Phone, good; tablet, better? Sure, the former fits in your pocket, but a tablet has a much larger screen, meaning it rules for things like gaming, movies, e-books, video calls, drawing, note-taking and lots more. And with a few accoutrements, it can even serve as a laptop replacement. Amazon makes some great cheap tablets; Apple makes some great premium ones. And let’s not forget the strong roster for Android users. These screen machines range in price from just $100 (or less, if you watch for sales) to a budget-busting $1,000 (or more, if you add accessories). So how do you decide what to get?
Quick Overview
Start by asking yourself how you intend to use it. For example, are you looking for something that’s good for work as well as play? Something a child can use for games and learning? How about one that’s purely for entertainment? Or maybe even a tablet designed for older users? Good news: If you have a specific use case, there’s probably a tablet that’s a perfect fit. And even if you don’t, most tablets are so versatile, they can handle just about anything.
I’ve been in the technology-reviewing business for [checks calendar and grimaces] nearly 35 years. (Show of hands: Who remembers the Commodore Amiga? I do!) In that time I’ve tested and reviewed nearly every major tablet to hit the market. I’ve seen more than Moses and Bayer put together.
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With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best tablets you can get right now. P.S. a few of them will start seeing Black Friday discounts as we approach holiday gifting season. Some, like the Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet, is on sale now for almost half off!
Table of contents
Update, Nov. 26, 2024: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for best tablet remains unchanged. We are constantly road-testing new tablets and will update this story again with the results.
The best tablet for 2024
Screen size: 10.9 inches | Storage: Starts at 64GB | Rated battery life: 10 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi (cellular 4G/5G optional) | Warranty: 1 year
I get it. There’s just something about the iPad. Give Apple credit for crafting a tablet that’s really desirable despite the out-of-whack price. In fact, following a 2022 redesign, it got even out-of-whackier: Apple bumped the semi-affordable $329 price tag to a disappointing $449. Thankfully, it’s now down to $349, which seems much more reasonable.
And while it may be two years old, there’s no denying the iPad 10.9’s appeal, starting with a slightly larger screen inside a frame that’s roughly the same size as before. Gone is the home button; in its place, a power button that supports Touch ID. And if you’re tired of the bland silver and space-gray color choices, the 10th-generation iPad adds blue, pink and yellow options to the mix.
Apple also made a bunch of under-the-hood improvements, including a faster processor, more RAM (4GB instead of 3GB), Bluetooth 5.0 (up from 4.2) and a USB-C charging port. (So long, Lightning!) None of these upgrades are what I’d consider must-haves, but they do make an already excellent tablet even better.
Photography fans, take note: This iPad’s rear camera can now capture 12-megapixel images. That partners with a wide-angle front camera that’s great for selfies and such. The latter supports Apple’s handy Center Stage feature as well, automatically adjusting to keep you in the frame even if you move around. And the rear camera can be used for augmented reality (AR) games and apps, one area where Apple far outpaces the competition.
Another plus: All iPads are available with a cellular option, which adds to the price but definitely adds to the versatility as well. That said, if your phone has a hotspot option, you can save money by leveraging that (for just about any tablet, really).
Worth noting, too, is that while the iPad has more accessories than a runway model, with options ranging from the Apple Pencil stylus (for sketching) to keyboard cases, none of them come cheap. And its older A14 Bionic processor won’t be able to handle the fancy new Apple Intelligence features coming with future software upgrades.
You might think the smaller iPad Mini would be the “budget” iPad to pick, but it starts at $499. At $349, the iPad 10.9 still isn’t cheap, but I do think it offers the best, most versatile tablet experience you can get.
- Extremely versatile
- Available in several cheerful colors
- Numerous improvements over previous-generation model
- Unrivaled selection of apps and accessories
- Cellular option available
- Only 64GB of storage in base model, and it’s not expandable
- Older processor doesn’t support Apple Intelligence
Other top tablets we recommend
Screen size: 8 inches | Storage: Starts at 32GB (expandable) | Rated battery life: 13 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi | Warranty: 90 days
The Fire HD 8 isn’t the sexiest tablet in town, but it delivers incredible bang for the buck — especially when it’s on sale (which is often).
Indeed, although Amazon lists it at $100, you can frequently find the Fire HD 8 marked down to the $60 range (give or take $5).
Whatever price you pay, there’s an embarrassment of tablet riches to be found here. The Fire HD 8 features a sharp display — iPads offer more pixels, but trust me when I say you won’t notice in most apps — and something you can’t get from any iPad model: expandable storage. If you fill up the included 32GB, just pop in an inexpensive MicroSD card for up to 1 terabyte more.
Other Fire perks: USB-C connectivity, dual speakers, hands-free Alexa voice controls for your smart home ecosystem and support for something called Show Mode, which effectively turns the tablet into a poor man’s Echo Show 8. A forthcoming software update will add a few AI-powered features, including a writing assistant that promises to “proofread, polish and adjust the tone of emails, notes and more.”
Is it perfect? Not quite: The front and rear cameras are pretty low resolution — fine for Zoom calls and such, but not great for shooting photos and video. I also don’t love Amazon’s short warranty, which expires after just 90 days. And it runs something called Fire OS, an Android variant with an interface that’s less than intuitive compared to iPad and stock Android. Amazon’s Appstore has a few notable app omissions, too.
Still, if you’re primarily looking to consume entertainment — books, music, movies and TV, games and so on — this is an incredible deal, especially if you pick up a pair of great wireless headphones to go with it.
Read our complete Fire HD 8 (2024) review to learn more.
- Inexpensive, and frequently discounted
- Some interesting AI features
- Expandable storage
- Hands-free Alexa voice assistant
- Solid battery life
- Wired headphone jack
- Few updates in the 2024 edition
- High-glare screen attracts lots of fingerprints
- Amazon’s app store not as robust as Google Play
- Interface needs work
Screen size: 8 inches | Storage: Starts at 32GB (expandable) | Rated battery life: 13 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi | Warranty: 2 years
Modern parents, you have it so easy. A single tablet can hold a mountain of children’s books, to say nothing of games, movies, educational apps and more. That’s especially convenient for long car rides, trips involving airplanes and so on. (My wife and I used to shlep backpacks full of books — not fun.)
At the risk of me gushing, Amazon’s Fire HD 8 Kids tablet is a godsend — and better for children than the best iPad in nearly every way. For starters, there’s the affordable price: It can be yours for just $150; that’s $350 less (!) than Apple’s 8.3-inch iPad Mini.
Equally appealing, the Fire HD 8 Kids lives up to its name by arriving in a colorful case that’s designed to withstand a lot of abuse from kids. In fact, Amazon backs the tablet with an unparalleled two-year warranty, one that covers accidental breakage. So if Junior sits on, drop-kicks or tries to flush the thing, you’re covered.
Meanwhile, Amazon offers a free year of its Kids+ subscription service, which includes unlimited access to age-appropriate books, games, apps, videos and so on. There are front- and rear-facing cameras for fun with photos and video, and baked-in parental controls you can monitor and update remotely.
By the way, if you have older kids (in the 6-12 range), the Fire HD 8 Kids Pro has a more “grown-up”-looking case and more advanced parental controls. In nearly all other respects it’s the same, including price and warranty.
Although Amazon offers 10-inch versions of both models, they cost at least $60 more. I don’t see much advantage to the slightly larger screen, which will just be heavier and harder for little hands to hold.
I do consider the Fire HD 8 Kids a slam-dunk product, without question the best tablet for children.
- Comes with child-proof case
- 2-year worry-free warranty
- Often on sale
- Includes 1-year Amazon Kids subscription
- No YouTube app
- Performance lags at times
Screen size: 11.5 inches | Storage: 128GB (expandable) | Rated battery life: 10 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi | Warranty: 1 year
Can a tablet take the place of a laptop? The Lenovo Tab P11 makes a strong case. Although you can buy it as a standalone tablet, the real deal here is the bundle that includes not only a detachable keyboard, but also a pressure-sensitive stylus. It typically sells for around $350 — the same as Apple’s iPad 10.9 by itself — remarkable considering how much power is packed into this kit (which is what I tested).
For starters, there’s the 11.5-inch screen running at 2K resolution — it’s as sharp and colorful as any I’ve seen, and its 5:3 (i.e. very wide, a hair away from 16:9) aspect ratio makes it great for watching movies. It also delivers a 120Hz refresh rate for silky-smooth gaming, scrolling and the like. And speaking of games and movies, the Tab P11’s Dolby Atmos-enhanced quad speaker system produces some of the best tablet audio I’ve heard.
Lenovo supplies a generous 128GB of onboard storage, and there’s a microSD slot for adding more — though I had a difficult time removing the SIM card-like tray that protects that slot.
Like a lot of tablets, the Tab P11 has cameras that qualify as good, not great. You get a 13-megapixel sensor at the rear and an 8-megapixel camera facing front; both do well if there’s decent lighting and your subject isn’t too close or too far.
Although it’s a mostly plastic tablet, with a rather drab case/stand combo that’s needed if you want to use the keyboard, what the Tab P11 lacks in design flair it more than makes up for in utility. That keyboard is wide and comfortable enough for touch-typing, and I was also impressed by the stylus, which worked well in a variety of art and note-taking apps. (Initially I thought there was nowhere to dock it — it doesn’t attach magnetically anywhere — but then discovered the case includes an ingenious retractable holster in the top edge.)
I didn’t love the smattering of bloatware apps Lenovo preinstalled, but I did like the Reading Mode toggle designed to make the screen appear more Kindle-like (i.e., monochrome). Same goes for Productivity Mode, which reorganizes apps into a more PC-like configuration and enables windowed multitasking.
The value proposition here is spectacular. For around $350 you get a speedy, spacious tablet with a gorgeous screen, great speakers, a useful keyboard and an advanced stylus. This Lenovo Tab P11 bundle is the very definition of a steal.
- Impressive bang for the buck
- Extremely good quad-speaker sound
- Bundled keyboard is spacious and comfortable
- Pressure-sensitive stylus works well for art and notes
- Expandable storage
- So-so cameras
- MicroSD slot is difficult to access
- Some bloatware
Screen size: 11 inches | Storage: Starts at 128GB | Rated battery life: 11 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi | Warranty: 1 year
If you’re looking for a tablet that delivers a “pure Android” experience, go straight to the source: The Pixel Tablet comes from Google, and Google makes Android. That means you won’t get any unwanted apps or have to learn your way around a heavily modified interface (looking at you, Amazon Fire tablets).
But there’s more here than just the clean, familiar operating system: Google also supplies a magnetic dock that not only simplifies charging, but also turns the Pixel into a smart screen and home hub. That means when you’re not using it for portable tablet things, you can dock it on, say, your kitchen counter for watching recipe videos, or your nightstand for clock/weather duties. I keep it on my desk and ask for a live feed of my Eufy E340 video doorbell.
The dock isn’t just a display stand and wireless magnetic charger, either — it’s also a speaker. A small one, yes, but definitely an improvement over the four tiny speakers built into the tablet itself. And if you’re listening to music or watching a video and then dock the Pixel, it quickly and automatically “hands off” audio to that speaker.
I did encounter a few setup glitches. The operating system wanted me to plug a cable into an existing Android device or iPhone or iPad to copy over my data; why not do it wirelessly? Later, I was presented with a “let’s finish setting up your tablet” wizard that seemed to get stuck in a loop, asking me repeatedly to copy my data (which I’d already “skipped,” intentionally). And following a tablet reboot, the Pixel “forgot” which screensaver I’d selected and reverted to the default clock.
Those glitches aside, this is a fast, stylish and well-rounded tablet. I like its roomy 11-inch screen, which has a wider aspect ratio (16:10) than the iPad 10.9 (4:3) and is therefore better suited to watching movies and TV shows. (The image fills more of the screen, with smaller black bars at the top and bottom.) I also like the 128GB of storage in the base model — plenty of room for downloading movies and TV shows — but wish it had a memory-card slot for expansion.
I also wish Google offered a keyboard and stylus for those interested in productivity and creative pursuits, but you’ll have to rely on third-party products.
Mostly, though, this is a great tablet not just for travel, but also for around the house. The dock may seem like a trivial addition, but it greatly expands the Pixel’s usefulness and makes me wish Apple offered something similar for its iPads.
(An important note on the price: While this tablet/dock combo ostensibly costs $100 more than the standalone tablet, I’ve also seen it thrown in for free — so do keep an eye out for that discount.)
- Superb wireless charging dock with speaker
- Wide aspect ratio better for watching videos
- Unfussy “pure Android” operating system
- A few setup glitches
- Non-expandable storage
- Light on available accessories
Other tablets we’ve tested or plan to test
Amazon Fire Max 11: Amazon’s biggest and best tablet to date offers many of the same features and capabilities as the iPad 10.9, which costs around $120 more, and it offers expandable storage to boot. With some interface polish and support for more Android apps, it would be even better. Read our complete Amazon Fire Max 11 review to learn more.
GrandPad: Designed with older users in mind, the GrandPad has the most user-friendly interface of any tablet: Large, easy-to-understand icons and a curated selection of useful and entertaining apps. It comes with a stylus, doubles as a phone and includes live 24/7 support. But the hardware is on the expensive side, and there’s a required monthly service plan as well. Read our complete GrandPad tablet review.
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iPad Mini: You’d think a small iPad would cost less than a larger one, right? Yet Apple’s iPad Mini starts at $499, a whopping $150 more than the iPad 10.9. Yes, it has a slightly newer processor, but for some shoppers that won’t be enough to justify such a disparity. Make no mistake, I love the Mini’s design and portability — it’s cute as hell and easier to hold for long stretches — but I’d feel a little ripped-off paying $499 when Amazon’s similarly sized Fire HD 8 is only $100.
iPad Pro 11 and 12.9: I expected more from Apple’s flagship tablet with its new M4 processor and OLED screen — though I don’t know exactly what more, because previous Pros were already pretty great (and less expensive). But if you’re breaking open the piggy bank just for the screen, don’t. I’ve looked at it alongside the $349 iPad 10.9 and noticed very little difference in color, clarity, vibrance or detail. (Eagle-eyed photographers, videographers or artists may feel differently.) Apple’s slightly redesigned Magic Keyboard is excellent, no question, but this is a “best tablet” only if money is no object. (If you want many of the Pro’s features at a lower price, take a look at the M2 iPad Air, which delivers the bulk of the features of the previous iPad Pro model at a more affordable cost.)
Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot+: If you want a tablet that can also run Windows applications, Microsoft’s latest Surface Pro is worth a look. It sports a powerful new processor, an impressive touchscreen OLED display and Microsoft’s trademark built-in kickstand. But it’s expensive and not too useful without a keyboard, which adds hundreds more to the cost. (The cool new Flex Keyboard, which works either attached or detached, runs a jaw-dropping $350.) I’ll admit I’ve never fully understood the appeal of the Surface tablets, pricey and limited such as they are, but this AI-enhanced model is arguably Microsoft’s best yet.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+: With a price tag of around $220, the 11-inch A9+ seems like a considerable bargain, especially compared with the company’s S9 series, which starts at $700. Indeed, with its expandable storage, quad-speaker Dolby Atmos audio system and higher-than-average screen refresh rate (90Hz), this could easily be our best budget Android tablet pick. However, Samsung declined to send us a unit for review, so for the time being it remains a question mark.
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Factors to consider when choosing a tablet
Before you pull the trigger on a new tablet, be sure you know what you’re getting. These are the most important features to keep in mind:
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Size: Tablets typically range from 7 inches up to 13. I think a 10-inch screen tends to be the sweet spot, though it really depends on how you plan to use the device. If you’re looking to get some work done or watch a lot of movies, a bigger screen is always better. But that also bumps up the weight and price. If you can, visit a local store that sells tablets and see what size feels most comfortable to you.
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Storage: It’s hard to know how much you’ll need. Movies consume a fair bit of space, but only if you download them for offline viewing (like on an airplane). If you’re just streaming, they take no space at all. Games and recorded videos can also eat up gigabytes. Thankfully, most Amazon tablets and some Android models let you expand the available space by popping in an inexpensive memory card. But iPads have fixed storage, so if you’re concerned about running out, plan on spending extra up front to get more space.
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Essential apps: If there are programs you consider must-haves, whether for work or play, don’t buy a tablet until you’re sure it’s compatible with them. For example, Amazon’s Appstore for Fire tablets lacks a smattering of key ones, including 1Password, Slack and YouTube. And Microsoft’s Surface tablets can run standard Windows software, but the Microsoft Store has only a fraction of the popular apps available to Android and iPad users.
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Connectivity options: All tablets can connect to Wi-Fi networks to download apps, stream video and so on. If you’ll mostly be using yours at home or work, that should be sufficient. But if you want something you can use out in the world, where Wi-Fi isn’t available (think: road trips, job sites, etc.), consider a tablet that has cellular 4G or 5G capabilities. That’ll allow it to connect to mobile networks, just like your phone does. (That said, it’s typically easier and cheaper to use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot. You won’t need to spend extra on the tablet itself, nor will you need a separate line of service for it.)
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Battery life: Most of the tablets here tout an “all-day battery,” meaning you should be able to use it for at least 10 hours before returning to the charger. Obviously there are lots of variables that affect battery life, everything from screen brightness to the kinds of apps you use, but the good news is you can plug in a power bank — most likely the same one you use to juice your phone — if you need a top-up when traveling.
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Warranty: One year is standard, but some of Amazon’s Fire HD tablets are covered for just 90 days. (On the flip side, the Fire HD Kids models come with comprehensive two-year plans.) What can go wrong with a tablet? Not much, but there’s always the possibility of battery failure or a bad charging port. Amazon offers extended warranties that might be worth considering; adding two years of coverage to the Fire HD 8, for example, costs just $13.
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Stylus support: Any tablet here can work with a stylus, but not all styli are created equal. Some are good for little more than taking the place of a finger tap or swipe. Let me make a blanket statement about this: If your goal is to create art or capture notes, there’s no better option than an iPad and Apple Pencil. (But Lenovo’s P11 Tab bundle runs it a close second.)
How we tested
My selections above are based on a variety of factors, including price, features and, of course, personal experience. I tested them in all the ways you’d expect: playing games, watching videos, reading books, joining Zoom calls and so on. Where applicable, I also tried their keyboards and styluses. Spoiler alert: These are all great tablets; it’s hard to make a bad choice.
Can a tablet replace a laptop?
I get this question a lot, and the answer hasn’t really changed over the years: Sort of. Virtually any good tablet can pair with a keyboard to allow for word processing and the like, but in many cases you’ll be squinting at a smallish screen surrounded by a bezel and tapping on small, cramped keys. Also: Not many tablet-size keyboards are large enough to accommodate a dedicated numeric keypad, something to consider if you work with spreadsheets.
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Sure, you can splurge on the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 and roomier Apple Magic Keyboard, but now you’ve spent a minimum of $1,450. At that point, why not just buy a laptop, especially if productivity is your main goal?
Something else to consider: While Android, Fire OS and iOS are capable operating systems, they’re not Windows. (They’re not Mac OS either.) If you rely on Windows or Mac software even a little, a tablet probably isn’t your best bet. And there are certain web-based tools that won’t work properly in a mobile browser. So if you’re buying a tablet in hopes of getting your work done, make absolutely sure it’s compatible with your ecosystem of work tools.
What about Microsoft’s Surface tablets, which run Windows? These Windows tablets are quite popular, but I honestly don’t see the appeal. They’re expensive and don’t afford many tablet-y benefits. (Microsoft’s app store offers only a fraction of the software available to Android and iOS users.) Plus, the keyboard is sold separately, which once again raises the question: Why not just buy a laptop?
In fact, you might want to consider a convertible, also known as a 2-in-1. That’s a laptop with a touchscreen and a 360-degree hinge. I won’t say that’s the best of both worlds, but it’s certainly one of the most versatile options. If you want a laptop-style experience, your best bet is to just invest in one of the many great laptop options available right now.