Picking out the perfect tablet can feel overwhelming, we totally get it! Just look at Apple’s lineup – so many options, and the technical jargon like “Liquid Retina display” versus “Ultra Retina Tandem OLED with Pro Motion” can make your head spin. Plus, there’s a huge difference in performance, from an older A16 chip to the super-speedy M5.
Then you dive into the Android world, and it gets even crazier. While Apple usually phases out older models, the Android tablet market is cluttered with outdated devices that were barely good new, let alone now. You’ll find everything from underpowered gadgets to total overkill, where a Windows tablet might actually be a better fit. Software support is another big question mark; Apple is great at long-term updates, but Android tablets can be a mixed bag.
That’s where we come in! We’ve meticulously researched and tested a wide range of tablets, sifting through all the noise to bring you our top recommendations. Our goal is to help you find a fantastic tablet that truly fits your needs, without breaking the bank.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Tablets:
Here’s a quick overview of our top picks. Each one is designed to offer a balanced experience for its category:
- **Apple iPad (11th Generation):** Our Top Pick. Little has changed in outward appearance from the 10th gen, but a slightly bigger screen, faster chip, and extra storage are nice upgrades.
- **Lenovo Idea Tab Pro:** Best Budget Tablet. This low-cost tablet comes paired with a big screen and ample power for everyday activities.
- **Redmagic Astra:** Best Tablet for Gaming. Potent performance and a great display are an ideal match for this compact gaming tablet.
- **OnePlus Pad 2:** Best Android Tablet. Packing higher-end hardware than you’d expect for the price, the OnePlus Pad 2 is an exceptional option for those on the hunt for a worthy Android tablet.
- **Apple iPad Pro (M4, 2024):** Best Tablet for Creative Work. This stunning tablet has an OLED display and runs on Apple’s powerful M4 processor, making it perfect for creatives.
- **Onyx Boox Go 7:** Best for Reading. A conveniently portable Android tablet with an e-ink display that makes for a versatile e-reader.
- **Onyx Boox Tab X C:** Best E-Ink Tablet. This tablet combines powerful internals with a large and colorful e-ink display, giving you a solid platform for productivity.
- **Apple iPad Air (2024):** Best Thin and Light Tablet. Upgraded to an M2 chip and a slightly larger display, the 2024 iPad Air is a great portable, exceptionally thin option.
1. iPad (11th Generation)
Best Tablet
Apple has made finding the ideal iPad for most people quite easy over the years with its base-tier iPad generally being quite affordable while offering excellent performance and build quality. Even against competition from the Android side of the market, which has generally struggled with decent low-cost tablets, the base iPad stands out. And with the most recent 11th generation, Apple keeps the simplicity of choice going.
Product Specifications:
- **CPU:** Apple A16 Bionic chip 5-core CPU + 4-core GPU
- **RAM:** 6GB
- **Storage:** 128GB
- **Display:** 11-inch, 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina display
- **Cameras:** 12MP (rear), 12MP (front)
Pros:
- Upgraded base storage
- Stunning Liquid Retina display
Cons:
- Still on a dated processor
This new model is a very minor iteration on the 10th-gen iPad we had recommended previously. It makes very simple changes, like the shift from a 10.9-inch display to an 11-inch one, though the resolution remains unchanged. The display also continues to be 60Hz with a 500-nit peak brightness. Fortunately, none of this makes it a bad display. It even supports the Apple Pencil, albeit the same 1st-generation Apple pencil that the earlier model supported.
The internal upgrades are better. For one, the 11th-gen iPad finally does away with 64GB of base storage. It now starts with 128GB, providing a huge boost to the space you’ll have for apps, games, media, and digital creations. The chip inside also gets a bump from the dated A14 Bionic to the more recent A16 (though Apple is currently on the A19). In all, the 11th Gen iPad brings a bigger screen, more storage, and a more recent CPU all packed into a tablet that hasn’t changed its physical footprint.
See our guide to the best iPad models for more options.
2. Idea Tab Pro
Best Budget Tablet
Over the years, Lenovo has shown it knows how to make a solid more affordable tablet. You won’t have to settle for a terrible display or laggard performance here. The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro puts effort in all the right places.
Product Specifications:
- **CPU:** MediaTek Dimensity 8300
- **RAM:** 8GB
- **Storage:** 128GB
- **Display:** 12.7-inch, 2944 x 1840 LCD display
- **Cameras:** 13MP (rear), 8MP (front)
Pros:
- Stylus included
- Big, sharp display
Cons:
- Not extreme performance
For $279, you’re still getting a tablet with a metal frame and back, and a sharp, large display. The 12.7-inch display offers a 2944×1840 resolution, keeping the pixel density high. The screen is a basic LCD panel – sorry, no OLED – but provides a decent 400-nit brightness and runs at a smooth 144Hz. It also supports stylus input, and Lenovo includes said stylus in the box so you’re ready to doodle and annotate right away.
You won’t be getting flagship-tier performance, but the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 inside the Idea Tab Pro isn’t bad. It’ll keep up with everyday browsing, run streaming apps, and run light games just fine, though you won’t be firing up Genshin Impact at max settings. Perhaps more critically, the tablet supports Wi-Fi 6, so you can tap into fast networks and enjoy quality streaming. With the tablet’s large battery, you can also count on it to keep you online for long stretches.
Another big get for a low-cost tablet is software support. The Idea Tab Pro comes with Android 14 out of the box and will get updates to Android 16, and it will receive four years of security patches. That’s not mind-blowing, but getting any support like this on cheaper tablets isn’t always a given.
3. Redmagic Astra
Best Tablet for Gaming
Gaming calls for a slightly different tablet than other tasks. While some of the bigger tablets can surely still handle games, actually holding them in your hands for lengthy sessions will emphasize one of their biggest shortcomings: their weight. The Redmagic Astra is tailor-made for gaming, sitting at a more tidy 370g, less than two average smartphones. In that footprint, it manages a 9-inch OLED display that’s excellent for gaming. The panel is sharp at 1504×2400 with a 165Hz refresh rate. The color and contrast rips along smoothly in everyday operation and games alike.
Product Specifications:
- **CPU:** Snapdragon 8 Elite
- **RAM:** 12-24GB
- **Storage:** 256GB/512GB/1TB
- **Display:** 9-inch, 2400 x 1504 OLED display
- **Cameras:** 13MP (rear), 9MP (front)
Pros:
- Excellent gaming performance
- Great display
Cons:
- Performance could still be faster
To make the most of a display like that, you need powerful internals, and that’s another key aspect of the Astra. It fits the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset I’ve seen working wonders in 2025’s top Android devices. While the Astra sadly doesn’t push the Snapdragon 8 Elite as hard as it could, it still offers excellent performance that’s a solid step above the earlier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Better still, it delivers consistent performance. In 3DMark’s Steel Nomad Light Stress Test, the Astra offered some of the most consistent performance I’ve seen. This is a demanding test that sees a lot of heat build up in even the best devices, and many of those will see their performance drop by anywhere from 30-50% in running it. The Astra, meanwhile, only saw its performance dip by 5.5% thanks to its capable internal cooling system.
That exceptional speed means fast-running games with their settings maxed out and no descent to slow frame rates after a half hour of gaming. I think it will be some time before Android games can bring this device to its knees, and even then, it’ll only be the most demanding new games. Now we can just hope that the PC emulation software Redmagic is working on eventually finds its way onto the Astra and Redmagic’s gaming phones.
4. OnePlus Pad 2
Best Android Tablet
I’m not convinced there’s any Android tablet worth spending $1,000 on – sorry, Samsung, but at that price you can get a competent 2-in-1 Windows machine that will have clearer longevity (like the Asus ProArt PZ13). On the other hand, many of the cheaper options raise a lot of concerns. The OnePlus Pad 2 is neither a shoddy budget Android tablet nor an unreasonably expensive one, and it brings a ton to the tablet. It pulls on its flagship-killer roots to provide a tablet that won’t leave you wanting for much more.
Product Specifications:
- **Screen size:** 12.1-inch, IPS, 2120 x 3000
- **Processor:** Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- **Storage:** 128GB
- **Cameras:** 13-megapixel rear, 8-megapixel front-facing
Pros:
- Large, smooth display
- Solid performance
Cons:
- Shorter-term OS support than Apple
First, it comes packing a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which was the flagship chipset from Qualcomm for mobile devices until very recently and has yet to be supplanted in tablets. This gives the OnePlus Pad 2 excellent performance, and 12GB of memory helps it keep up with the multitasking you’re liable to get up to on a tablet.
The OnePlus Pad 2 packs in a sizable 12.1-inch display with a 2120×3000 resolution. It may only be an IPS panel, but it offers a 900-nit peak brightness and 144Hz refresh rate. That makes for easier visibility and smoother motion across the board. That 144Hz refresh rate can also help in the inking experience since the OnePlus Pad 2 works with a stylus that also charges while magnetically attached to the tablet.
The OnePlus Pad 2 even gets decent treatment where software is concerned. OnePlus launched on Android 14 and promised three years of OS and four years of security updates. In a market of tablets launching on outdated operating systems with next to no promise of updates, it’s refreshing to see an option that’s not destined to be outdated right out of the gate.
While the OnePlus Pad 2 launched at $550 and still proved a good value at the price, it has more often been running for $450 from OnePlus lately and usually includes a free accessory, like the folio keyboard case.
What About the OnePlus Pad 3?
The OnePlus Pad 3 is one hell of a machine, but it may be flying a little too close to the sun to earn a solid recommendation. (The sun in this case being full-fat PCs.) To get just the OnePlus Pad 3 on its own, you’ll be looking at a $699 price tag, which is already approaching laptop price territory. On top of that, OnePlus has its keyboard cover going for $199 and stylus for $99. That’s $1,000 to get the full OnePlus Pad 3 experience, which – I can’t stress enough – is still Android running on a tablet. Looking over at the Windows PC market, you’ll find no shortage of quality laptops under $1,000, and Asus even offers a 2-in-1 tablet fully loaded with keyboard cover and stylus with the Asus ProArt PZ13, and I’ve frequently seen it going for $849.
The OnePlus Pad 3 may be running the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip that has been a hit in other phones, but it’s so powerful it can almost feel wasted here. It ought to be running games with sharper graphics than some of the low-res titles I come across on Android. Maybe we’ll see some strong emulation in the future that makes the chip’s capabilities more valuable. But as it stands, the OnePlus Pad 2 isn’t absurdly far behind this one, and it’s cheaper.
5. iPad Pro (M4, 2024)
Best Tablet for Creative Work
When I first opened the iPad Pro, I wasn’t sure what to make of it. Apple was branding it as a permanent workstation replacement, but it still wasn’t running Finder or the desktop applications I would want in that kind of device. Not long after, however, it became one of my go-to daily devices. The Tandem OLED display alone is enough to get most people hooked, even if the price tag might make you wince.
Product Specifications:
- **CPU:** Apple M4
- **RAM:** 8GB/16GB
- **Storage:** 256GB – 2TB
- **Display:** 12.9-inch Tandem OLED
- **Cameras:** 12MP wide camera (rear), Landscape 12MP ultra-wide camera (front)
Pros:
- Powerful M4 chip ready for video editing and 3D rendering
- Tandem OLED display is the best you’re going to get in a tablet right now
Cons:
- The most expensive tablet most people will ever buy
Though the chip’s power has been usurped by the iPad Pro with the M5 (which we’ll get to testing soon), the iPad Pro with an M4 is packed with an 8-core CPU clocked at 3.49GHz, which is accompanied by a 10-core GPU that will make easy work of any game you throw at it. Just keep in mind the amount of RAM you get depends on the storage configuration you go with. As long as you get a 1TB model, you’re getting a respectable 16GB of RAM, but the 512GB and 256GB models will have to make do with half the memory. If you’re not planning to use the iPad Pro for heavy creative workloads, this is going to be a non-issue. After all, iPadOS isn’t exactly known for being super memory-intensive. If you’re doing a lot of work in Photoshop or Premiere, you’re going to feel it, though.
Artists will also want to pair this tablet with the Apple Pencil Pro (or one of the myriad Apple Pencil alternatives out there). With a stylus in hand, the iPad Pro becomes an incredible creative powerhouse, even with the limits that come with working with what’s essentially a souped-up version of iOS.
6. Onyx Boox Go 7
Best for Reading
There are all kinds of great reading tablets that can do a lot more beyond turning pages on ebooks, but if you’re looking to really focus on text, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better e-reader than the Onyx Boox Go 7.
Product Specifications:
- **CPU:** Octa-core CPU
- **RAM:** 4GB
- **Storage:** 64GB
- **Display:** 7-inch, 1680 x 1264 Carta 1300 E-Ink display (300 ppi)
- **Cameras:** n/a
Pros:
- Physical page-turn buttons
- Full Android operating system
Cons:
- E-ink adjustment curve from traditional tablet screens
The compact and lightweight design of the Boox Go 7 is a great match for reading, being a much better stand-in for a physical book than the large and weighty tablets that try to suggest they’ll work just as well for reading. At just 6.9oz, the Boox Go 7 is lighter than plenty of smartphones, making it a viable option for extended one-handed use. Physical buttons for turning pages on one side of the tablet (which also provides a handy grip) also make flipping through books more convenient – no covering up the screen with your thumb – and it can flip orientations.
Of course, the big advantage of the Boox Go 7 is its e-ink display, packing a sharp e-ink Carta 1300 that provides a 300ppi pixel density for crisp text. As nice as it can be to have some color added to e-ink displays, it comes with a big hit to the black-and-white contrast and overall brightness, which can make it harder to read. If you prefer a bit of color and don’t mind the trade-off, Onyx also offers a color version of this tablet. Either way, you’ll also get the advantage of a very low power draw while you’re reading, making it likely you’ll be able to get through a whole book before needing to recharge (or numerous books depending on how fast you read).
Where the Onyx Boox Go 7 sets itself apart from competitors like Amazon and Kobo is in its use of Android as its operating system. It comes with a specially tuned version of Android to work better with the e-ink display, and you still get access to the Play Store and the wide range of apps available to Android. You won’t be installing all the latest games or streaming your favorite movies on this tablet, but you can read your favorite websites in the browser, do some studying with Duolingo or Anki, and load up just about any ebook library you want, including the Kindle or Libby app. Onyx’s native e-reader app also supports a ton of formats, letting you load your own collection of ebooks onto the tablet’s built-in storage. Boox devices also have a superior default sleep screen to both Kindles and Kobos; instead of rotating ads for the latest romantasy slop or affiliate companies, Boox’s tablets rest on sketched designs.
7. Boox Tab X C
Best E-Ink Tablet
If you’re looking for an e-ink tablet, the Onyx Boox Tab X C that we reviewed is simply the best you can get right now. This is no casual e-reader with a plain black-and-white display, ultra-low refresh rate, and processing speed just fast enough to turn the pages of a digital book. The Boox Tab X C sports a large 13.3-inch E-Ink Kaleido 3 display. This includes a 3200×2400 black-and-white layer and a 1600×1200 color overlay, giving you the crisp low-power e-ink for reading and a splash of color on top to make the tablet far more versatile than typical e-ink tablets. Whether you’re browsing websites, reading comics, or annotating ebooks, that extra color comes in handy. The Boox Tab X C also has a fast enough refresh rate to feel smooth in most uses, though you probably still won’t want to game or watch videos on it.
Product Specifications:
- **CPU:** Qualcomm Octa-Core (up to 2.8 GHz)
- **RAM:** 6GB
- **Storage:** 128GB
- **Display:** 13.3-inch, Color E-Ink Kaleido 3 (B&W: 3200×2400, Color: 1600×1200)
- **Cameras:** n/a
Pros:
- Full Android operating system
- Fast response time with minimal ghosting
Cons:
- Glossy, untextured screen
Another big plus for the Boox Tab X C is that it runs on Android and not some proprietary e-reader OS. This means you can load up just about any app you want. Your favorite note-taking apps, your favorite ebook or comic library apps, and your favorite browsers should be right there in the Play Store ready to go.
With the big screen it provides, the Boox Tab X C can work as a great productivity aid. You can pair with a keyboard to write up documents and enjoy the extra long battery life it offers, or you can load up PDFs to both read and mark up with a stylus without needing to deal with scaling.
All of this capability comes built onto solid hardware. The tablet runs on a potent Snapdragon 855 chip, which is far more mighty than you’ll find in most e-ink devices. It’s also tucked into a classy, aluminum design.
8. iPad Air (2024)
Best Thin and Light Tablet
Apple put together a wonderful little package with the 2024 iPad Air. It upgraded from its predecessors with a thinner design, an improved selfie camera, and a newer chip under the hood. You can snag the iPad Air with either an 11- or 13-inch display, and beyond a corresponding adjustment to resolution, most of the specs of the two tablets otherwise remain the same. Either option gets you an Apple M2 chip backed by 8GB of memory. In our testing, we found this provided ample performance for everyday uses, like streaming movies and browsing, and it even held up for extended gaming sessions in Zenless Zone Zero. The thin design of the tablet can result in some heat build-up, so be mindful of that if you’re looking to do serious gaming.
Product Specifications:
- **CPU:** Apple M3
- **RAM:** 8GB
- **Storage:** 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
- **Display:** 11-inch 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina display
- **Cameras:** 12MP (rear), 12MP (front)
Pros:
- Impressively thin
- Excellent performance
Cons:
- Can get hot under load
The new design of the iPad Air trims its depth down to just 6.1mm, which is even thinner than an iPhone 17 and barely a half millimeter wider than the supremely slim iPhone Air. Between that and the tablet weighing just a hair over 1lb, it’s exceptionally portable. It’s also boasting a quality build with an aluminum frame and back – not that I’d expect any less from Apple.
The display on the iPad Air isn’t as bright as some of its competition, hitting 500 nits, but it offers a wide color gamut that looks great for TV and movies. It also works well with the Apple Pencil Pro, providing smooth inking for drawing and note taking. And, for those looking to incorporate the tablet into a broader device ecosystem, you’ll get the benefit of a USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port on the bottom of the tablet, supporting faster data transfers and DisplayPort output.
While there’s a newer model with an M3 chip, the M2 model is still going to be plenty for most and can occasionally be found at a discount. (The iPad Pro will still be the more sensible option for anyone who really needs top-level specs.) Of course, if you find the M3 iPad Air at the same price or better than the M2 model, you shouldn’t hesitate to choose it instead.
How to Choose the Right Tablet for You
Budget
Before diving into specs, consider how much you’re comfortable spending. If you primarily want a device for streaming shows and social media, a more affordable tablet might be perfect. However, if you’re looking for a powerful productivity tool that can rival a laptop, expect to invest a bit more. Some tablets can even transform into detachable laptops with added keyboards, offering versatility despite their inherent hardware and operating system limitations.
Design and Display
For on-the-go convenience, a lightweight yet durable design is key. A generously sized, sharp, and responsive display will significantly enhance your user experience. OLED panels, with their deep blacks and vibrant colors, are a premium choice, offering a richer visual experience compared to traditional LCDs. Alternatively, if eye comfort is your priority, an e-ink display provides a paper-like reading experience.
Internals
Nobody wants a slow device that sends them back to their smartphone or laptop. To avoid frustration, aim for a tablet with a robust processor and at least 4GB of RAM. For demanding tasks like gaming or creative work, upgrading these specifications will make a world of difference. Additionally, ensure the tablet’s software is up to date; for instance, Android OS is currently in its 16th generation, and iPadOS 26 is Apple’s latest offering.
Other Features
Beyond the core specs, certain features can greatly enhance your tablet experience. Look for long battery life for extended use, high-quality speakers for immersive audio, and crisp cameras for photos and video calls. Stylus support is a fantastic addition for artists or anyone who enjoys note-taking and precise input. You might also consider a 5G-enabled tablet for seamless connectivity when Wi-Fi isn’t available.
Tablets FAQ
Are iPads better than Android tablets?
Neither is inherently “better” or “worse”; it truly comes down to personal preference and needs. Both ecosystems offer a plethora of excellent models. If you’re already integrated into the Apple world with an iPhone and/or MacBook, an iPad provides seamless integration, including the ability to extend your MacBook screen. iPads are celebrated for their smooth user experience, vast app selection, and high-quality games, though their pricing tends to be less flexible.
Android tablets, on the other hand, boast a diverse market with numerous manufacturers, components, and Android OS versions, leading to a wide range of performance and user experiences. This variety means you can find tablets from ultra-affordable to high-end. However, thorough research is crucial to avoid underperforming models. While Android’s app selection optimized specifically for tablets is somewhat smaller, most Android apps will function well, even if not perfectly tailored for a larger screen.
Should you buy a tablet with cellular network support?
For most users, a tablet with cellular network support is unnecessary unless you’re constantly on the move without Wi-Fi access. Adding a separate data line to your cellular plan can be costly, and your smartphone typically doubles as a convenient Wi-Fi hotspot for your tablet when you need it. However, if constant, independent connectivity is a must, many of our recommended tablets do offer 5G versions; just remember to make that decision at the time of purchase.
This guide was brought to you by our expert team. Jacqueline Thomas, our Hardware and Buying Guides Editor, is a true maestro of PC components. Mark Knapp, a seasoned freelance contributor with over a decade of experience in tech and gaming hardware, has shared his extensive knowledge. Their insights ensure you’re getting the best advice for your next tablet purchase.