According to recent data, Apple still has the highest global market share for tablets, and all its iPads are among the best tablets, including the entry-level 11th-gen iPad and iPad Air M3, both of which were released in 2025 (the newish 7th-gen iPad Mini was released in late 2024). But there are plenty of other quality tablets I've tested, including several appealing Android tablets featured on this list. I've also selected some affordable budget tablets, which are good for consuming media or playing casual games but don't quite qualify as a professional productivity tool or true laptop replacement.
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What's the best tablet overall?
I have Apple's iPad (11th-gen, 2025) at the top of the list because it's the overall best tablet value for most people, particularly now that the base model comes with 128GB of storage (instead of 64GB) and sometimes gets discounted to as low $299. We also like the iPad Air M3 for those who want a more powerful tablet from Apple but aren't ready to shell out even bigger bucks for an iPad Pro model. As for Android tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus is our current top pick. It's expensive but can often be had at a nice discount when you trade in a device with Samsung.
What We Updated: May 2025
We added the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE to the list, plus additional specs and photos to all the tablets on the list.
Best tablets of 2025
Catan...one of my main iPad apps. I don't need high performance for this.
Pros
- Affordable
- 128GB storage included on base model
- Solid front video camera
- More powerful A16 processor
Cons
- No support for Apple Intelligence
- Won't work with newer Pencil Pro or Pencil 2 stylus
- Accessories still too expensive
A lot of the time, just going with the basics is best. That's certainly the case with the Apple iPad.
Why I like it
Apple has finally updated its entry-level iPad. While it only got the Apple A16 chip found in iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15, not one of Apple's more powerful M-Series chips -- that's a performance bump from the A14 processor in the 10th-gen iPad. Just as importantly, the base version of the iPad 11th-gen comes with 128GB of storage instead of 64GB (hallelujah!).
Who's it for
The 11th-gen iPad remains arguably the best value, especially when it is discounted to less than $300. It's best as a media consumption tablet, but it can also be used for basic content creation, education, simple home office tasks and FaceTime chats.
Who should skip it
Alas, this new basic iPad doesn't get you Apple Intelligence (the chip doesn't support it), and it still works only with the simple USB-C Pencil or the first-gen Pencil (with a USB-C-to-Lightning adapter), not the Pencil Pro. If those are must-haves, you'll need to move up to an Air or Pro model.
Pros
- Upgraded M3 processor
- Price hasn't increased
- New, less expensive Magic Keyboard option
Cons
- Lacks faster refresh rate display of Pro line
- Still doesn't have OLED screen
- Configs can get expensive fast
CNET reviewer Scott Stein has this to say about the iPad Air M3, which was released in 2025 and is equipped with an upgraded M3 processor: "A year ago, I called the iPad Air 'the iPad Pro you should buy.' So, obviously, my feelings remain unchanged with the Air getting a performance bump with the M3 chip.
Why I like it
As nice as the fancier M4 iPad Pro might be, spending an extra $400 for it now that it's also a year old seems like a lot to ask (though if you're considering the 13-inch iPad Air, you might be better off moving up to the Pro). I'd consider the 11-inch model instead, and at the right config, this could very well be the futureproofed, more affordable iPad that's perfect for you -- especially if you're interested in pushing the iPad hard for tools that will need the M3 performance. Plus, there's a new-and-improved keyboard for it.
Who's it for
It's a versatile tablet, just like the basic iPad, but with better performance. If you'd like to use a Pencil Pro and plan to power-use either AI or graphics features on the iPad, then the Air is your budget pick.
Who should skip it
The iPad Pro offers a high-contrast HDR custom OLED display, a thinner design, a Face ID camera and Lidar on the back, though those features come at a price jump of $400. Still, if those features are important to you, you don't want an Air. Similarly, you don't need the Air's M3 chip for basics like streaming video and audio, playing less graphically demanding games and using thousands of apps.
Pros
- Sleek, slim design
- Impressive AMOLED display and performance
- S-Pen included
- Memory expansion slot
- New AI features
Cons
- Pricey
Essentially, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 is the Android equivalent of Apple's iPad Pro line. There's a 12.4-inch Plus model and the S10 Ultra, which has a gigantic 14.6-inch display that's a little too large for my tablet tastes. These are premium, powerful tablets -- and both include Samsung’s S Pen.
Why I like it
Samsung knows how to make elegant mobile devices, and the Galaxy Tab line is no exception. The AMOLED displays are exactly the same as the previous models, except they’re now equipped with anti-reflective technology that helps reduce glare. Otherwise, the displays have the same pixel density with a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz. The S10 Ultra has a 2,960x1,848-pixel resolution, while the S10 Plus is 2,800x1,752 pixels.
Samsung also moved from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processor to a MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus processor. The new chip gives the Ultra an 18% bump in CPU speed, a 28% increase in GPU power and a 14% increase in NPU speeds (the neural processing unit is what helps drive the tablet’s AI features) compared to the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra’s processor. The speed gains are slightly less for the S10 Plus.
It's certainly pricey, but Samsung offers some decent trade-in deals, especially as we approach the arrival of the next-gen Galaxy Tab S11. The Galaxy Tab S10 Plus (or Tab S10 Ultra if you'd like to go big) remains the best Android tablet available.
Who's it for
This is a versatile, high-performance tablet for non Apple users that's not only a good productivity tool but an impressive entertainment device that also works well for Cloud gaming. With the keyboard accessory, it's also a potential laptop replacement.
Who should skip it
It's overkill for those looking for a tablet to primarily use as a device to consume content.
The iPad Pro is still a big blank slate of potential. There's no reason Apple couldn't reinvent it further.
Pros
- Slimmer design
- Vivid, bright Tandem OLED display
- New M4 processor is crazy fast
- New camera orientation for video chats
- Pencil Pro (not included) offers helpful new extras
- Plenty of power to last for years of OS updates to come
Cons
- Gets very expensive fast for configurations
- Magic Keyboard case still not great for Pencil use
- iPadOS limits this computer's potential
CNET Reviewer Scott Stein says that if money were no object, Apple’s M4 iPad Pros would clearly be the best iPads for anyone. Read CNET's iPad Pro (2024) review.
Why I like it
Not only are Apple’s M4 iPad Pros incredibly fast with new M4 processors, they have vivid OLED displays with excellent contrast and brightness, as well as improved Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard accessories (still sold separately). The M4 chip works with Apple Intelligence, Apple's set of AI features, and the M4 has plenty of power to last for years of OS updates to come. The Pro is a thinner tablet too.
Who's it for
Anyone who craves the best Apple tablet for creating and entertainment -- and doesn’t care about a budget -- this is your pick.
Who should skip it
The downside to the iPad Pro is its price: it starts at $999 for the 11-inch model or $1,299 for the 13-inch model. That's outside a lot of people's budgets for a tablet.
Pros
- iPad-like feel with smooth aluminum case
- Sharp 10.95-inch display
- Relatively zippy processor
- Included speaker dock sounds great
- Good front video camera
Cons
- Price ramps up for cases and more storage
- No keyboard or stylus case options
Although the Google Pixel Tablet has been out for a while, it remains a good value as a midrange tablet, particularly for folks who've already bought into the Google device ecosystem.
Why I like it
Google's versatile, dockable Pixel Tablet doubles as a home hub and a speaker dock-enabled assistant, and its multitasking features work great. You'll have to find your own stylus and keyboard options, but Google has otherwise served up a good family iPad alternative for anyone in the Android ecosystem. Google's currently offering the tablet for $299 without the dock now, but that dock is one of our favorite parts of the tablet.
Who's it for
The Pixel Tablet is one of our favorite family tablets. The dock keeps it in a central location, like a kitchen or living room, so it's always handy for sharing. A relatively zippy Google Tensor G2 processor, a good front camera for video chats, a crisp display (16:10 aspect ratio) and a clean Google Android software experience all add to the appeal.
Who should skip it
If you're looking for a little zippier, better-performing tablet, there are better midrange options, though they cost a little more.
OnePlus is known for producing solid-performing devices at a reasonable price. The midrange OnePlus Pad 2 delivers good bang for the buck.
Why I like it
Compared to the original OnePlus' Pad tablet, which remains on sale, the Pad 2 has a larger, brighter display (it's an IPS LCD, not OLED) that's a tad sharper. It's also equipped with an upgraded Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which offers a bump in performance from the Mediatek Dimension 9000 processor found in the Pad (it's not a huge performance bump, but a bump, nonetheless).
With its strong performance and excellent display -- it's one of the few Android tablets with a 7:5 aspect ratio -- the OnePlus Pad 2 feels like a premium tablet but has more of a midrange price, so it's a good value. We also like that OnePlus throws in its Folio Case 2 or Stylus 2 for free when you buy it directly from OnePlus. A smart keyboard case is available for around $120.
Who's it for
Someone who can't quite afford Samsung's flagship tablet but wants similar performance for less money.
Who should skip it
With its 7:5 aspect ratio, the OnePlus Pad 2 looks more like an iPad than most Android tablets. Some people prefer the 16:10 aspect ratios of most Android tablets. You can also get better trade-in values for Samsung tablets (especially if you're trading in for a new Samsung model).
Pros
- Sharper display and better performance than Fire HD 8
- Very good value when discounted
- Lots of free content from Prime members
Cons
- Costs $20 extra to remove ads
Amazon keeps updating its Fire HD 10 tablet every couple of years, bumping its processor speed and RAM. It delivers acceptable performance at a very affordable price.
Why I like it
In 2023, Amazon introduced a slightly lighter and 25% faster Fire HD 10. It comes in a few different versions, including a standard version with a list price of $140 with 32GB of storage, along with the Fire HD 10 Kids (intended for children aged 3 to 7) and Fire HD 10 Kids Pro (targeted at 6- to 12-year-olds). Aside from its larger 10.1-inch display compared to the Fire HD's 8-inch display, this model's screen is sharper, with a pixel density of 224 pixels per inch, which is the best for any Amazon tablet, including the flagship Fire 11 Max.
The non-Pro model has a Disney theme option. As with all Fire Kids tablets, these are bundled with padded cases, a 12-month subscription to the Amazon Kids Plus service, which offers kid-friendly apps and content, and an included two-year free replacement policy should the tablet get damaged. Battery life is rated at up to 13 hours.
Who's it for
When it goes on sale, the Fire HD 10 is arguably the best budget tablet value, and it often is. It's a great option for media consumption and online shopping, naturally.
Who should skip it
While the Fire HD 10's screen offers 1080p resolution, if you're looking for a tablet with a very sharp display, the entry-level iPad is a better bet. This also isn't a good choice for content creation.
Just keep in mind, the Pencil and cases are sold separately.
Best travel iPad
Apple iPad Mini (2024)
Pros
- Compatible with Apple Intelligence
- Works with Apple Pencil Pro
- More storage in the base model
Cons
- No new design changes
- Front camera placement isn't on landscape edge
- Can't multitask to external monitors
CNET's iPad reviewer Scott Stein was pretty pleased with the updates to the latest generation iPad Mini, though its high price remains a concern.
Why I like it
I've always liked the iPad Mini because it's smaller and lighter than the entry-level iPad and more travel-friendly (yes, the screen is smaller, but it's still decent for watching videos and reading). It has a newer A17 Pro chip that supports Apple Intelligence, it works with the Pencil Pro stylus, and now comes with 128GB of storage in its base $499 model (instead of 64GB). The Mini hasn't changed its basic looks, although this tablet got a total facelift in 2021.
Who's it for
It's a great, small but powerful tablet. It'll work well for everything from content creation and notetaking to streaming video, reading and gaming.
Who should skip it
The iPad Mini just seems a little overpriced for what it is. Yes, the A17 Pro processor is better than what you get with the entry-level iPad A16 chip, but it's not the M3 processor that powers the iPad Air and allows you to run extra apps on an external monitor like M-series iPads can.
The Tab S10 FE has a 10.9-inch screen.
Pros
- Fairly affordable
- Sharp, bright screen
- Most of the same features as standard Tab S10
- Upgraded rear camera
- S Pen inlcuded
Cons
- Isn't as zippy as standard Tab S10 (Exynos 1580 chip is more than adequate for most people but a bit middling)
If you can't afford Samsung's flagship Galaxy Tab S10 tablets, the company's step-down Galaxy Tab FE tablets are a value alternative.
Why I like it
Every year, Samsung comes out with "Fan Edition" versions of its flagship Galaxy Tab S series tablets that aren't quite as powerful and have less-advanced display technology -- but cost a lot less. Once again, that's true for the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus, which start at $500 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. While the Galaxy Tab S10 FE retains the same 10.9-inch display of its predecessor, the larger Tab S10 FE Plus ($650) is equipped with a 13.1-inch display, which is larger than the 12.4-inch screen found in its predecessor and the standard Tab S10 Plus.
Both new tablets run on an upgraded Samsung Exynos 1580 chipset instead of the more powerful MediaTek processors found in their standard counterparts (the Exynos 1380 chipset powers the Galaxy Tab S9 FE tablets). In our benchmarks, I can't say the Exynos 1580 offered blazingly fast performance (it was a tad middling, especially compared to the M3 chip in the latest Apple iPad Air), but the tablet's overall performance should be more than adequate for most folks and the LCD screen is bright and crisp with good color saturation (no, it's not quite as good as the AMOLED display on the standard Tab S10 Plus but I still liked it). Samsung says the Tab S10 FE is 4% lighter than its predecessor, and both tablets are equipped with a newly upgraded 13-megapixel high-resolution rear camera, though the Tab S10 FE Plus no longer has a second ultrawide camera.
Who's it for
While the Tab S10 FE screen sizes don't correlate to the standard Tab S10 Plus and Ultra screen sizes, the bottom line is that you're getting about 75% of the tablet that you get with the standard Tab S10 series for significantly less money. And if you have an older Samsung tablet to trade in, the price becomes even more affordable.
Who should skip it
Some argue that it's better to get a deal on last year's flagship Galaxy Tab S9 than to buy a Galaxy Tab FE 10, which is fairly zippy but isn't going to blow you away with its performance. There's some truth to that.
Pros
- Fairly affordable
- Decent display and performance
- Great sound from integrated JBL speakers
- Built-in kickstand
- Case is included
Cons
- Tablet is thicker than a lot of tablets
Lenovo bills its Android-based Tab Plus as a "premium entertainment tablet," it mostly lives up to that description though we could debate how premium it really is.
Why I like it
While Tab Plus' MediaTek Helio G99 processor delivers pretty middle-of-the-road performance, it was zippy enough. Its 11.5-inch 2K LCD (2,000x1,200 pixels) essentially provides 1080p resolution, though its 90Hz refresh rate helps create a smoother image and overall, the display seems like a small step-up from the screens you get with many budget Android tablets. All that said, the Tab Plus' standout feature is its sound. Equipped with JBL speakers, this tablet produces bigger -- and better -- sound than most of the tablets I've tested.
The built-in speakers add some girth to the tablet, which also has a retractable kickstand, so it's a bit chunky. Battery life is solid at around 12 hours, and I appreciate the included carrying case. The case is a little cheap-looking and feeling, but it is protective.
Who's it for
With its built-in kickstand and higher-grade JBL speakers, the Tab Plus is appealing for consuming media on the go. It's also a decent value, especially when discounted.
Who should skip it
If you're looking for a little svelter, sleeker tablet with more premium performance, this may not be for you.
The Fire HD 8 Plus in hand.
Best kids tablet
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024)
Pros
- Inexpensive, especially when discounted
- Compact and lightweight
- Improved performance from 2022 model
- Lots of free content from Prime members
Cons
- Display is only OK
- Costs $20 extra to remove ads
Amazon continues to make the best inexpensive tablets for media consumption. The Fire HD 8 is the middle of the lineup, hitting a sweet spot for price and performance.
Why I like
The biggest reason to like the Fire HD 8 is its price. Also, the 2024 version is a slight refresh from the 2022 model and includes a performance boost thanks to an upgraded six-core, 2GHz Arm processor and 3GB of RAM (up from 2GB). The step-up model with 64GB of memory instead of 32GB is equipped with 4GB of RAM.
While its 1,280x800 pixel display isn't terribly sharp and remains a weak point, the Fire HD 8 is a good low-cost option for streaming video, reading ebooks and web browsing. The key is to wait to pick it up when it's discounted, which it often is, selling for $65 or less.
Who's it for
Amazon Prime members looking for a cheap tablet for themselves or their kids to consume media since Amazon includes a lot of "free" content, including movies, games and ebooks, with Prime accounts.
Who should skip it
If you're looking for a tablet with a sharp display, zippier performance and a premium look and feel, you'll likely be disappointed.
Pros
- Excellent OLED display
- Very good battery life
- Class-leading NPU performance, for now
- Finally, mainstream-Intel-comparable performance
- Nice kickstand
Cons
- Mixed graphics performance
- Optional Pen and keyboard can get expensive
- Can get hot while plugged in or intense usage
- 16GB is not enough RAM (32GB preferred)
One of our biggest complaints about the iPad Pro is that it still runs on iPadOS instead of MacOS. The Surface Pro, on the other hand, is a full Windows PC in a slim, powerful tablet.
Why I like it
Two items help make the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 my favorite two-in-one detachable Windows tablet: Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Elite X processor and an excellent OLED display (a more affordable version of the Surface Pro 11 is available with an LCD). The Arm-based CPU delivers competitive performance and far fewer compatibility issues for mainstream use than previous Windows-on-Arm efforts. And it helps the Surface Pro 11 deliver a long battery life. The 13-inch OLED display supplies a crisp 2.8K resolution along with P3 calibration and real HDR capability. It's the best Surface Pro I’ve seen in a while.
Who's it for
While the Surface Pro is primarily made for commercial use, the devices are well-suited for those who want or need a tablet that can run full versions of Windows software. Its versatile design is perfect for travel or desk use, connected up to a full-size monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Who should skip it
If you're looking to run iPadOS or Android apps, this won't do that. The Surface Pro is essentially a Windows laptop, but you still have to pay extra for a keyboard and stylus, which really drives the price up. Plus, we recommend getting 32GB of RAM instead of the 16GB in the base model.
Pros
- Versatile design
- Great battery life
- Improved pen performance
- Camera privacy shutter
- Spill-resistant keyboard cover included
Cons
- Tricky to use on your lap
- Rear cover magnets could be stronger
The 11-inch Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a pen-enabled ChromeOS tablet with a detachable keyboard. The Duet line is one of the bestselling Chromebooks of all time, according to Google's John Maletis, vice president of ChromeOS product, engineering and UX. That doesn't surprise me in the slightest, considering its versatility and because of what you get for its $350 starting price (and it's regularly available for less).
Why I like it
It's an excellent option for an inexpensive basic laptop for travel and at home. This is a smart choice if you're looking for something for pure mobility or as a secondary device.
Who's it for
With an included keyboard cover -- and sometimes a bundled pen -- it's good for basic office tasks, sketching out ideas, taking notes, web browsing, gaming, video chats and streaming media. It's a great second-screen couch companion.
Who should skip it
As your main computer, its performance and size may be too limiting.
Most recent additions
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE: The two models in the line look and feel a lot like the slightly more premium standard Galaxy Tab S10 models, which are powered by a more powerful processor and feature AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates instead of LCD screens with 90Hz rates. But the Galaxy Tab S10 FE models cost significantly less. They include an S Pen and are good tablets for those who like to draw or take handwritten notes that can later be converted to text.
How we test tablets
Tablets are, effectively, computers. We benchmark tablets against common performance and graphics metrics and run battery life tests for video playback. But we also look at what tablets can do that make them personal or fun. Playing games, trying out art apps, having video chats, watching movies and exploring how well multitasking works all factor in. Benchmarks are only one small part of the review story.
CNET also looks at our deep collective history and experience with tablets and computers in general. Our editors have decades of knowledge across Google, Microsoft, Apple and Amazon ecosystems, and we look at the value and performance of tablets against what laptops and other PCs can provide too.
Factors to consider when buying a tablet
Tablets are portable computers that have great usability while being less complicated than a traditional computer. The best tablet is the one that's versatile enough for all kinds of use cases from home, school or work. While finding the best tablet for you isn't hard, knowing where to start can be overwhelming, and that's where CNET's testing and reviews can help. We've picked out the best of the best, and these tablets can do it all, including checking email, managing finances, testing your art skills or casually browsing YouTube and watching videos.
Price, in that regard, is a huge factor. Most people we know consider tablets a secondary computer purchase or as a device for kids. Value matters for tablets more than maybe any other product category for that reason. Some tablets are more premium, which may be worth it if you value a more future-proof device, better OLED displays or faster chips.
You can't discuss tablets without talking about Apple. The iPad Pro and Air models just got big hardware upgrades, with the expensive Pro introducing OLED displays and a new M4 chip for the first time, along with an improved Pencil Pro. But keep in mind that Apple devices have their own app ecosystem and lean on Apple services. iPads are more versatile than ever, but they're still not the same, app or OS-wise, as Macs.
While the iPad is the king of the segment, Android tablets have made a comeback over the last couple of years. The Google Pixel Tablet and One Plus Pad 2 are excellent midrange options that are good for family or home use (Pixel Tablet) or as a personal mini laptop (OnePlus Pad 2). Meanwhile, Samsung's Galaxy Tab S10 tablets" target="_self, which feature a slim design and excellent AMOLED displays, are a top premium Android tablet option.
In the value segment, Amazon's Fire tablets are still the best tablet option for cheap and kid-friendly models. If you're looking for something good for productivity and entertainment, an affordable Chromebook blurs the line between a laptop and a tablet.
