2023 was a great year for smartphone enthusiasts, particularly for those who were in the market for foldable phones. We got some solid releases like the OnePlus Open that blurred the line between a phone and PCs. That being said, the foldable phones are not quite ready to replace tablets just yet, and we expect them to be around for longer. They're still the best companions to have alongside your smartphone, laptop, or PC, as they let you work on things more effectively.

The best tablets are the ones that are big enough to keep you entertained when you fire up your favorite apps and games, but not so much that it becomes a hassle to carry them around. You should also pick the ones with a wealth of productivity apps and features to help you get some light work done when you are away from your desk. Choosing the right tablet, however, can be tricky due to the sheer number of options that are out there, but there are a few that stand out more than the others.

Best tablets in 2024

iPad Air
Apple iPad Air (2022)
Best overall

The best tablet out there for most people

The 2022 iPad Air brings the M1 chip along with double the RAM for a more powerful iPad that's almost Pro-level.

Pros
  • Premium and sleek design
  • Solid performance
  • Good battery life
Cons
  • Display is limited to 60Hz
  • Base storage starts at 64GB

The fifth-generation iPad Air may not be the newest iPad on the market, but it's the one I recommend to most users as the best tablet overall. It offers a good mix of features without compromising a lot in the name of keeping the price low. The iPad Air 5 looks exactly like the fourth-generation iPad Air, and it also retains the same exterior design that we know and love. You get a 10.9-inch LCD 60Hz display, a TouchID sensor embedded in the power button, and the same footprint that makes it a joy to use compared to the bigger iPad Pro units.

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The best thing about the iPad Air 5, however, is that it's powered by Apple's M1 chip, which makes it more powerful than a lot of other tablets on the market. It is true that you can buy iPads that are more powerful than this one that's powered by an M1 chip, but you're less likely to notice a significant difference as a casual user. This particular iPad Air model also has a 12MP Ultra Wide camera that can also handle Apple's Center Stage feature, which can track you as you move around and keep you in the frame. With the horsepower for gaming and productivity combined with the portability of this tablet, you can get a lot of use from it when you pair it up with some of the top iPad accessories.

The 10.9-inch screen makes the iPad Air 5 the perfect-sized tablet for most users. It's a step above the smartphone displays, so it's good for things like watching Netflix, playing your favorite game on Apple Arcade, and more. It's also big enough to be used as a canvas for your Apple Pencil 2 sketches and paintings. Apple's new iPad 10 is a close competitor, but the iPad Air 5 is a more well-rounded device with its M1 chip and support for Apple Pencil 2. It costs $150 more than the regular iPad, but it's worth it.

samsung galaxy tab s9 in beige
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
Best Android tablet

More of the same from Samsung, but still great

The latest refinement in the Galaxy Tab series, the 11-inch Galaxy Tab S9 has a Dynamic AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. It's loaded with great features like S Pen support and optional 5G connectivity and is one of the best-looking Android slates around.

Pros
  • Premium build quality
  • AMOLED panel on all three models in the series
  • S Pen is included
Cons
  • More expensive than other Android slates
  • Still no cellular variant

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 series is finally official, and it adds as many as three new tablets to the Android space. The base model of the regular Galaxy Tab S9 costs $100 more than its predecessor, but it brings a highly anticipated OLED panel upgrade to the table. The Galaxy Tab S9 is essentially just a spec bump compared to its predecessor, but it's still better than many other Android tablets out there, and I highly recommend considering it.

One of the highlights of the Galaxy Tab S9 is that it's among the most portable tablets out there in 2023. It comes in a considerably smaller package, bringing a new 11-inch AMOLED display with support for a 120Hz refresh rate. Both its siblings, the Galaxy Tab S9+ and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, have bigger displays, but they may not be ideal for all use cases.

The regular Galaxy Tab S9, just like its predecessor, comes with all the essentials. You get the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip as the bigger models, along with other features, including the same cameras, speakers, and more. You also get an S Pen with the Galaxy Tab S9 out of the box, which means you don't have to spend any additional money to get the best experience. You can also use the DeX mode on the Galaxy Tab S9 for productivity tasks, provided you have an external display to use.

Overall, the smaller Galaxy Tab S9 is easily among the top contenders in the Android tablet space. You can step up to the bigger models in the Galaxy Tab S9 series, but it goes without saying that they'll also burn a huge hole in your wallet.

Docked Pixel Tablet in Hazel colorway on transparent background.
Google Pixel Tablet
Best tablet for home

Comes with an included speaker dock too

The Google Pixel Tablet is an excellent tablet with the most polished and optimized Android software for a widescreen. The included speaker dock adds to the overall experience. 

Pros
  • Compact and easy to carry around
  • Comes bundled with a speaker dock accessory
  • Optimized software experience
Cons
  • The display could've been better
  • Tensor G2 is still a bit limited

Google's new Pixel tablet is my pick for the best alternative option for those who are looking to buy a reliable Android tablet. It has all the qualities of a great, reliable Android tablet, but it also attempts to do something different with the included speaker dock. That's right, the Pixel Tablet comes bundled with a dock that keeps it charged and also doubles up as a speaker.

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The Pixel Tablet enters the hub mode to serve as a capable smart home hub when it's docked. This makes it stand out from the sea of other Android tablets, including the ones mentioned in this roundup. It's powered by the company's in-house Tensor G2 processor, and Google has also updated the software to deliver a better tablet experience. Some noteworthy features of the Pixel Tablet include a reliable fingerprint scanner, a 7,020mAh battery, and more.

I wish it had a high refresh-rate panel with higher peak brightness, but they're not necessarily deal-breakers considering it's meant to be used as a casual home tablet. I highly recommend reading our Pixel Tablet review (linked above) to learn more about it in detail before making a purchase decision.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE render
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
Best value pick

Almost as good as the Galaxy Tab S9, for less

This more affordable version of the regular Tab S9 cuts corners to hit a lower price point, including an LCD 90Hz-refresh-rate display instead of OLED and a less powerful Exynos 1380 chipset. But you get just about everything else you'd want with a Samsung tablet.

Pros
  • Affordable price tag
  • S Pen is included
  • IP68 rating
Cons
  • Only a 90Hz display
  • No eSIM support

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 FE ended up making a surprise entry to the list of best tablets last year, and it remains one of the best Android tablets out there for those who are on a tight budget. The base variant of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE costs less than the OnePlus Pad, and it comes with almost all the bells and whistles that we have come to expect from a flagship Samsung tablet in 2023.

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Not only does it use the same build materials as the regular Galaxy Tab S9, but it also comes with the same IP rating, the same amount of storage with SD card support, and even an S Pen out of the box. Not to mention, it also runs the same One UI software, complete with support for features like Samsung DeX. The fact that you get all that for just $450 makes it an unbeatable device in its price range.

One of the biggest differences between the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and the Tab S9 is that it comes with a less powerful Exynos 1380 chip with Mali-G68 MP5 GPU instead of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and Adreno 740 GPU found inside the flagship model. You're also looking at a 90Hz IPS LCD panel with a slightly lower resolution instead of the 120Hz AMOLED 2X panel, and an 8MP main camera instead of a 13MP sensor. It's still a great tablet overall and is definitely worth considering alongside the OnePlus Pad if you're in the market to buy a relatively cheaper slate.

Front view of the Surface Pro 9
Surface Pro 9 (Wi-Fi)
Best Windows tablet

Can't go wrong with Windows for productivity

The Surface Pro 9 comes with 12th-generation Intel Core processors, and it features an array of beautiful colors for the first time ever. It's easily one of the best tablets out there.

Pros
  • Impressive hardware
  • Fluid 120Hz display
  • Decent battery life on the Wi-Fi model
Cons
  • Limited set of ports
  • A bit on the expensive side

Microsoft's Surface Pro lineup has given us some of the coolest devices, and the Surface Pro 9 has got to be one of the best among the lot. It's also the best tablet out there right now for productivity because the Windows operating system lets you do so much more than iPadOS and Android. While the overall design of the Surface Pro 9 is mostly unchanged from the outgoing model, I love how you can finally buy it in new colors. In addition to the classic Platinum and Graphite finishes, you can buy the Surface Pro 9 in Forest and Sapphire options, both of which are absolutely stunning.

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The display is also mostly unchanged, meaning you still get a 13-inch panel with a 2880x1920 resolution and support for up to 120Hz refresh rate. The Surface Pro 9 is powered by 12th-generation Intel Core processors, up to a Core i7-1255U (or a Core i7-1265U in the business version), and you can configure it with up to 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD for storage. You also get Intel's Iris Xe integrated graphics, which will allow for some lightweight gaming.

Microsoft has removed the headphone jack from the Surface Pro 9, so all you get are two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a Surface Connect port. It would've been nice to have some additional ports or at least a headphone jack, but it's nothing a good Thunderbolt dock or a hub won't fix. Microsoft is also selling another variant of this tablet called the Surface Pro 9 5G with a Microsoft SQ3 Arm processor and 5G connectivity. It's the first Surface device to have 5G support, and it offers other benefits, including better battery life, support for smart camera features, and more.

New Project-2-1
Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2022)
Best for advanced users

The best Apple iPad money can buy right now.

The new M2-powered iPad Pro has one of the most powerful Apple chips and a gorgeous Mini LED panel that is bright and bold. Pair it with the right accessories, and you get yourself a fantastic device that'll get you through a lot of work.

Pros
  • Premium design and build
  • Stunning XDR display
  • Impressive performance
Cons
  • Expensive accessories
  • Slow charging speeds

The 2022 iPad Pro model with a 12.9-inch display is easily the best tablet you can buy if you need a lot of power. It's overkill for most users, but it's definitely among the best — if not the best — tablets for advanced users with creative workloads. The 2022 model is very similar to the outgoing one, but Apple is using its new M2 chip this time for jaw-dropping performance. Couple that with a smooth Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, and you get a device that offers one of the best tablet experiences on the market.

The M2, in case you're wondering, is Apple's most powerful and power-efficient chip to date. It's the same chip inside the new MacBook Air. The iPad Pro display is also excellent, with a high-refresh-rate mini LED screen that gets up to 1,000 nits in brightness. This display is on par with what you get on the 15-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.

You can configure the 2022 iPad Pro model with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 2TB of storage. Even the 8GB RAM variant will handle pretty much any task you throw at it, thanks to the optimizations made with the new iPadOS. This particular tablet comes in both Wi-Fi and cellular flavors, and they're both readily available to purchase from the Apple Store right now. Apple has also updated the smaller 11-inch iPad Pro model with the new M2 chip, and that's also a great pick if you don't want to carry around a massive iPad with a 12.9-inch screen.

A render of the Apple iPad Mini 2021.
Apple iPad Mini (2021)
Best small tablet

Everything you know and love about the iPad in a smaller package.

The iPad Mini 6 is the 2021 compact iPad from Apple. It is powered by the A15 Bionic chip and supports the Apple Pencil 2.

Pros
  • Compact form-factor
  • Excellent performance
  • Solid battery life
  • Apple Pencil 2 support
Cons
  • Limited to a 60Hz display
  • No headphone jack

While it's been over two years since Apple refreshed the iPad Mini, the iPad Mini 6 is still a great option if you need something more portable. It measures just 7.69 x 5.8 x 0.25 inches and weighs 0.6 pounds, making it one of the most compact and portable tablets out there. It also matches the aesthetic of the top-end iPads in the series with its slim bezels and a home button-less design on the front, so you're not missing out on what Apple offers.

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Even though the new iPad mini 6 has a larger screen (8.3 vs. 7.9 inches) than the 2019 model, it still has a smaller footprint overall thanks to its new design. You'll immediately notice a difference coming from the older iPad Mini model. And for something that's this petite, the iPad Mini 6 isn't lacking in power. Apple uses its A15 Bionic chip, which has enough processing power to last you for years. It also supports the newer Apple Pencil 2.

The iPad Mini 6 starts at $499 in the U.S., which makes it slightly more expensive than the new iPad 10. However, the additional $50 will get you an A15 Bionic chip instead of an A14 Bionic chip on the regular iPad and support for the new Apple Pencil 2. All of this will make it easy to get things done on the go.

The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is a sleek tablet with 12th-gen Intel processors and a sharp 13-inch display. It can be paired with the XPS Folio keyboard for a more traditional laptop experience.
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (2022)
Best for productivity

It's like the Surface Pro 9, but cheaper

The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is a sleek device with 12th-generation Intel processors and a sharp 13-inch display. It can be paired with the XPS Folio keyboard for a more traditional laptop experience.

Pros
  • Way less expensive than a Surface Pro 9
  • Build quality and pretty design
  • A great form factor for running Android apps
Cons
  • The folio keyboard falls down too easily
  • Folio keyboard only has two angles

Dell decided to shake things up a bit in 2022 by turning its XPS 13 2-in-1 convertible into a tablet with a detachable keyboard. This is a significant change for Dell, making the XPS 13 2-in-1 the first XPS-branded tablet. As a tablet, the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 now locks horns with the likes of the Surface Pro 9. It undercuts Microsoft's tablet in the pricing department and earns a spot on this list. It's not the newest product on the market either, but it is still plenty capable.

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Since it's no longer a convertible, you'll need the XPS Folio cover to get the full laptop experience. It's sold separately, though, so you tend to lose some flexibility out of the box. The switch to a tablet form factor has forced Dell to make other necessary adjustments to the overall design. You don't get a 3.5mm headphone jack on the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1, so you'll have to settle for an adapter.

The tablet design also means the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 now has a 3:2 aspect ratio, which is traditionally found on Surface devices. At least the 13-inch display supports a 3K resolution and has good brightness, support for DisplayHDR 400 and Dolby Vision, and more. Of course, it also supports touch and pen inputs.

The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 starts at $1,000 for a configuration that comes with an Intel Core i5-1230U chip, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Microsoft's Surface Pro 9 also starts at $1,000, but it's significantly cheaper to configure an XPS 13 2-in-1 with an Intel Core i7 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD. So if price matters more to you, then you might be better off buying the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 to fulfill the duties of a Windows tablet in your life.

Angled view of the Surface Go 3 facing left
Microsoft Surface Go 3
Best budget Windows tablet

One of the most portable and lightest Windows 11 tablet

The Surface Go 3 is an affordable tablet that offers a premium experience in some ways you might not expect. It's also the lightest Surface yet.

Pros
  • 2-in-1 touchscreen panel
  • Multi-user support
  • Compact and light form-factor
Cons
  • Battery life could've been better
  • A bit on the expensive side

Microsoft's Surface lineup has grown significantly over the years, and it's now at a place where there's a Surface device for pretty much everyone. If you don't want to open your wallets for the Surface Pro 9 tablets, then you might want to check out the more compact and relatively affordable Surface Go 3. This is also one of the top picks in our collection of the best Surface PCs in 2024, and there's a lot to like about it.

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The Surface Go 3 isn't the fastest tablet out there, but it delivers basic performance for day-to-day use. The base model is powered by an Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y processor, but you can upgrade to an Intel Core i3-10100Y chip. Neither of these chips will blow your mind, but they're plenty good for things like basic web browsing and writing up documents. The base model comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage, but I recommend upgrading to the variant with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD to get a better experience.

Microsoft makes up for the less impressive performance by stepping up on other aspects like display. You get a 10.5-inch panel with a 3:2 aspect ratio that supports Full HD+ (1920 x 1280) resolution and both touch and Surface Pen inputs. I also like how the Surface Go 3 has a 5MP front-facing camera with 1080p video, just like the more expensive Surface Pro models. You also get Windows Hello facial recognition and an additional 8MP camera at the back. Despite the inevitable sacrifices, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is one of the best compact Windows tablets you can buy right now.

A render of the Amazon Fire HD 8 Pro kids tablet in blue color.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro (2022)
Best tablet for children

The ultimate kids tablet with good parental controls

The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro is probably the best balance of performance, price, size, and durability for children aged 6 to 12, with a hexa-core CPU running, up to 32 GB of storage, and an 8-inch display for playing some light games.

Pros
  • Reliable performance
  • Good parental control options
  • Build quality and the size is perfect for kids
Cons
  • Limited to 32GB storage
  • Missing Google Play services

If you're a parent and want to get your kids their first tablet, then let it be one of the Amazon Fire HD Kids devices — specifically the Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet. This particular tablet is among the newest Fire HD Kids tablets you can buy from Amazon right now. The new models are mostly identical to the outgoing ones, but you do get a slight improvement in performance thanks to the upgraded chip.

The Fire HD 8 Kids Pro offers a good mix of features, specifications, and pricing. The hardware is the same as the regular Fire HD 8 tablet that you can buy without the case. This particular tablet features a hexa-core processor for up to 30% better performance than the previous model, an 8-inch HD display made of strengthened aluminosilicate glass, 2GB of RAM, and up to 32GB of internal storage, with space to add another 1TB storage.

One of the best things about buying one of the Fire HD Kids tablets is that it comes with a kid-friendly case. It's a perfectly fitted and highly durable case that'll keep the tablet safe even when you hand it to the most notorious kid in your house. If your young ones manage to get through the rugged case and damage the tablet, then you can use what Amazon calls a "worry-free warranty" at least once to cover the replacement or repair due to user damage. The Kids versions also come with a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ and parental controls to restrict your kid's access to the internet.

Best tablets in 2023: Final say

I've added a lot of reliable tablets to this collection, but Apple's iPad Air 5 remains my top pick even in 2024. It's not the most powerful or the most feature-packed iPad model out there, but it gets all the basics right and offers a lot of great features and a good set of internals in a relatively thin and light package. The best thing about the iPad Air 5 is that it packs an M1 chip, and it also supports the second-generation Apple Pencil 2 for intuitive inputs. It brings all the cool features and improvements over its predecessor for a starting price of $600, which is significantly cheaper than what you'd pay for some other options mentioned in this collection.

If you'd rather buy an Android tablet instead of an iPad, then you should check out Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9. It's a bit on the expensive side, but it offers a solid set of features and specifications. The Pixel Tablet is a solid option for $500, so give it a look. I've also highlighted some other options, including the Surface Pro 9, Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet, and more, so be sure to browse the full list.

iPad Air
Apple iPad Air (2022)
Best overall

The 2022 5th-generation iPad Air is powered by the Apple M1 processor, it supports 5G for the first time, and it comes in an array of beautiful colors.