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The Best Tablets for 2024

Whether you're looking for an Amazon, Android, or Apple slate, here's what to consider, along with recommendations for the top tablets we've tested.

By Iyaz Akhtar
Updated February 12, 2024

Our Top 10 Picks

Apple iPad Air (2022)

Best iPad for Creators and Students
Jump To Details

Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022)

Best iPad for Most People
Jump To Details

Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)

Best Amazon Tablet Overall
Jump To Details

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+

Best Midrange Android Tablet
Jump To Details

Amazon Fire Max 11

Best High-End Amazon Tablet
Jump To Details

Apple iPad mini (2021)

Best Small iPad
Jump To Details

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

Best Android Tablet for Power Users
Jump To Details

Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 2022)

Best iPad for Power Users
Jump To Details

Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022 Release)

Best Tablet Under $100
Jump To Details

Google Pixel Tablet

Best for Doubling as Smart Display
Jump To Details

The Best Tablet Deals This Week*

*Deals are selected by our commerce team

There are countless tablets on the market, but which one is right for you? Whether you're eyeing an iPad or one of the many Android models available, we detail the key factors you need to consider when shopping, along with some of the top-rated tablets we've tested.

Keep in mind that Windows slates are different beasts entirely. If that's what you're looking for, head on over to our picks for the best Windows tablets, as well as the best 2-in-1s


Our Experts Have Tested 17 Products in the Tablets Category in the Past Year
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test.

Apple iPad Air (2022)

Best iPad for Creators and Students

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

The iPad Air offers many of the same features as the iPad Pro for much less money, including high-end performance and support for the latest Apple Pencil. It's also quite portable and has strong battery life.

Who It's For

We recommend the iPad Air for content creators and students. If you need a tablet that can handle advanced applications and/or editing, it's worth the premium over the base model.

PROS

  • Excellent performance
  • Works with second-gen Apple Pencil
  • Fits existing iPad cases and keyboards
  • Light and easy to carry

CONS

  • Battery life could be longer
  • No millimeter-wave 5G support

SPECS

Operating System iPadOS 15
Dimensions 9.74 by 7.02 by 0.24 inches
Weight 1 lb
Screen Size 10.9 inches
Screen Resolution 2,360 by 1,640 pixels
CPU Apple M1
Storage Capacity 64 GB
Battery Life 5 hours, 11 minutes

Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022)

Best iPad for Most People

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

You can't go wrong with the latest version of Apple's entry-level iPad. It retails for a reasonable price compared with the iPad Air and the iPad Pro, but still offers a 10.9-inch display that's sufficiently large for multitasking and productivity.

Who It's For

This is the best iPad for most people. It performs well, has plenty of features, and gets you into the Apple ecosystem for a relatively affordable price.

PROS

  • Appealing iPad Pro-like design
  • USB-C port
  • Relocated webcam
  • Higher-quality cameras
  • Improved speakers
  • Faster performance

CONS

  • Higher price than previous model
  • Loses traditional Touch ID button
  • No Face ID

SPECS

Operating System Apple iPadOS 16
Dimensions 9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches
Weight 1.1 lb
Screen Size 10.9 inches
Screen Resolution 2,360 by 1,640 pixels
CPU Apple A14 Bionic
Storage Capacity 64 GB
Battery Life 5 hours, 59 minutes

Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)

Best Amazon Tablet Overall

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

With a 10.1-inch, 1,920-by-1,200-pixel screen, a good-enough MediaTek processor, 3GB of RAM, and more than 10 hours of battery life, the Fire HD 10 is the most well-rounded Amazon tablet you can get. We're also fans of the device's modern design, microSD card slot for up to 1TB of extra space, and decent speakers. And it remains as exceptional a value as ever, with a price under $150.

Who It's For

If you want to watch movies and shows on the go without worrying about battery life or paying a lot, the Fire HD 10 is your best bet.

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Good build quality
  • Decent display
  • Alexa Echo Show mode

CONS

  • Limited app selection
  • Amazon-focused content

SPECS

Operating System Amazon Fire OS
Dimensions 9.69 by 6.49 by 0.34 inches
Weight 15.3 oz
Screen Size 10.1 inches
Screen Resolution 1,920 by 1,200 pixels
CPU MediaTek
Storage Capacity 32 GB
Battery Life 10 hours, 18 minutes
GET IT NOW

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+

Best Midrange Android Tablet

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ offers a lot of great features for a reasonable price, including an Exynos 1380 processor, a 12.4-inch screen with a 2,560-by-1,600-pixel resolution, and excellent battery life. It uses top-notch materials and sports an IP68 rating that protects it from dust and water. It also includes Samsung's excellent productivity and multitasking software. We like that Samsung promises four Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the device, too.

Who It's For

Look no further if you want an excellent Android tablet that doesn't cost too much and is durable enough to use in your backyard or near a pool.

PROS

  • Good performance
  • Long battery life
  • High-quality, waterproof build
  • Includes S Pen stylus

CONS

  • Occasional performance stutters
  • Finicky fingerprint sensor

SPECS

Operating System Android 13
Dimensions 11.24 by 7.30 by 0.26 inches
Weight 1.4 lbs
Screen Size 12.4 inches
Screen Resolution 2,560 by 1,600 pixels
CPU Samsung Exynos 1380
Storage Capacity 128 GB
Battery Life 7 hours, 23 minutes

Amazon Fire Max 11

Best High-End Amazon Tablet

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

Amazon finally ventures out of the ultra-cheap tablet segment with the Fire Max 11. It performed well in our benchmark tests and feels snappy to use in real-world scenarios. The 11-inch, 2,000-by-1,200-pixel display is plenty large and sharp enough for enjoying movies and large-format reading material, while the build quality is a step up over other offerings in the company's lineup.

Who It's For

If you like the simplicity of Amazon's Fire OS platform or want the largest screen for the price, the Fire Max 11 is the way to go.

PROS

  • Big, vibrant display
  • Stepped-up design
  • Respectable performance
  • Amazon ecosystem access

CONS

  • Limited app selection
  • No clear path to future OS versions

SPECS

Operating System Amazon Fire OS
Dimensions 10.20 by 6.44 by 0.30 inches
Weight 1.1 pounds
Screen Size 11 inches
Screen Resolution 2,000 by 1,200 pixels
CPU Mediatek MTK8188J
Storage Capacity 64 GB
Battery Life 7 hours, 55 minutes
GET IT NOW

Apple iPad mini (2021)

Best Small iPad

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The 8.3-inch iPad mini might not get as much attention as its larger siblings, but it's sized just right if you value portability. Importantly, it doesn't give up any of the power, connectivity, or accessory support that makes iPads so popular.

Who It's For

The iPad mini is ideal for anyone who wants the feature and performance of a larger iPad in as small a package as possible.

PROS

  • Excellent performance
  • Long battery life
  • Works with second-generation Apple Pencil

CONS

  • No multi-user option in iPadOS
  • Pricier than previous model

SPECS

Operating System Apple iPadOS
Dimensions 7.69 by 5.31 by 0.25 inches
Weight 10.4 oz
Screen Size 8.3 inches
Screen Resolution 2,226 by 1,448 pixels
CPU Apple A15 Bionic
Storage Capacity 64 GB
Battery Life 6 hours, 41 minutes

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

Best Android Tablet for Power Users

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

With its 14-inch, 2,960-by-1,848-pixel screen, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is ideal for getting work done, watching movies, playing games, and running multiple apps. It performed well in testing thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and 12GB of RAM. Additionally, the tablet sports a durable IP68 rating, ships with the excellent S Pen stylus, and includes a microSD card slot. Samsung's productivity-focused tools make it a near laptop replacement.

Who's It For

If you want the biggest Android tablet for entertainment and cost isn't a concern, the Tab S9 Ultra is the one to get. Its giant screen and multitasking software make it a viable tool for getting work done. Just keep in mind that if you plan to travel or commute with your tablet, the 12.4-inch, 5G-capable Galaxy Tab S9+ is a better choice with comparable specs.

PROS

  • Gorgeous screen
  • Fast performance
  • Tight Samsung integration
  • Good productivity software
  • IP68 rating
  • S Pen stylus included

CONS

  • Pricey
  • Size makes it awkward to handle
  • Android on tablets is still limiting

SPECS

Operating System Android 13
Dimensions 12.85 by 8.21 by 0.21 inches
Weight 1.6 lbs
Screen Size 14.6 inches
Screen Resolution 2,960 by 1,848 pixels
CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Storage Capacity 256 GB
Battery Life 9 hours, 30 minutes

Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 2022)

Best iPad for Power Users

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The iPad Pro's M2 chip is incredibly powerful, and options for up to 2TB of storage and 16GB of RAM elevate Apple's tablet to new performance heights. It also has a fantastic display, offers reliable connectivity (including 5G and Wi-Fi 6E), and works with a full suite of quality accessories, including the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard for expanded productivity.

Who It's For

If price is no concern and you want the top-of-the-line iPad to push through professional workflows, you can't do better than the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

PROS

  • Laptop-level performance
  • Gorgeous, roomy display
  • ProRes video support
  • Capable cameras
  • Excellent connectivity

CONS

  • Costs as much as a laptop
  • iPadOS is still a limiting factor
  • Accessories add up quickly
  • Awkward front camera placement

SPECS

Operating System Apple iPadOS 16
Dimensions 11.04 by 8.46 by 0.25 inches
Weight 1.5 lb
Screen Size 12.9 inches
Screen Resolution 2,732 by 2,048 pixels
CPU Apple M2
Storage Capacity 128 GB
Battery Life 10 hours (est.)

Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022 Release)

Best Tablet Under $100

3.5 Good

Why We Picked It

The Amazon Fire HD 8 has a bright screen with a decent 1,280-by-720-pixel resolution. It's a more reasonable platform for medium consumption than the smaller Fire Tablet 7, while still offering as much battery life. It comes in under $100, too.

Who It's For

You should enjoy the Fire HD 8 if you want a budget-friendly device with a larger screen than your phone. It doesn't compete with high-end iPads or Android tablets on performance metrics, but it's more than fast enough for casual use.

PROS

  • Vibrant screen
  • Good battery life
  • Lightweight

CONS

  • Sluggish performance
  • $10 more than the previous model
  • Limited app selection

SPECS

Operating System Amazon Fire OS
Dimensions 7.94 by 5.40 by 0.37 inches
Weight 11.9 oz
Screen Size 8 inches
Screen Resolution 1,280 by 800 pixels
CPU Hexa-core 2.0 GHz
Storage Capacity 32 GB
Battery Life 10 hours (est.)
GET IT NOW

Google Pixel Tablet

Best for Doubling as Smart Display

3.5 Good

Why We Picked It

The Pixel Tablet provides a pure Android experience and feels snappy for everyday use. Its 10.95-inch, 2,560-by-1,600-pixel screen is enjoyable for media playback too, especially thanks to its 24-bit color support. The slate sounds good by itself, but the included speaker dock (which doubles as a charging stand and turns the device into a smart display) takes things up a notch with fuller, richer sound.

Who It's For

If you're committed to Google's version of Android, the Pixel Tablet is easy to recommend. It doesn't perform quite as well as some competitors or last as long per charge, but its audio chops are sure to attract music lovers and the smart display functionality can be a home-helping bonus.

PROS

  • Solid Android tablet
  • Flawless audio hand-off
  • Good sound from Speaker Dock

CONS

  • Expensive
  • Speaker Dock has limited functionality
  • Hub Mode could do more

SPECS

Operating System Android 13
Dimensions 10.16 by 6.65 by 0.32 inches
Weight 1.1 lbs
Screen Size 10.9 inches
Screen Resolution 2,560 by 1,600 pixels
CPU Google Tensor G2
Storage Capacity 128 GB
Battery Life 5 hours, 25 minutes

Is Android, Fire OS, or iPadOS Better?

Broadly, Android tablets make great media players, ebook readers, and kids' devices (if you want a tablet specifically for children, check out the best kids' tablets) but they rarely compete with iPads when it comes to versatility and performance.

The greatest strengths of Apple's iPadOS are twofold: iPadOS is intuitive and the numerous apps that you can buy right on your tablet work fairly uniformly. The downside of iPadOS is that it still can't handle multiple users per device and transferring files between apps is still awkward. iPads mostly remain a supplement to, not a full replacement for, MacBooks. iPads also support the best selection of accessories, including the outstanding second-generation Apple Pencil.

Google Pixel Tablet
Google Pixel Tablet (Credit: Eric Zeman)

Google's Android OS lets you choose from a wider range of hardware manufacturers. That means you get maximum customization, a top-notch notification system, fast and smooth web browsing, and seamless integration with Google applications such as Gmail, Google Maps, and Meet for video chats. Android also includes support for multiple user profiles, so you can share your tablet with a friend or family member. (Apple's Family Sharing works the other way around, giving multiple people access to shared data and services.) Some Android tablets ship with older versions of the OS and seldom get updates, but Google and Samsung outline upgrade policies for their devices to give you peace of mind.

Amazon's Fire OS is a branch of Android with a distinct interface and set of default apps from Amazon. It's a simple gateway to Amazon content and for streaming videos from various services. We find it easier to use than standard Android if most of what you do is browse the web and access your Amazon library. It's less flexible, though, and doesn't support as many apps.


Which Tablet Has the Best Apps?

What's a tablet without quality apps? If you want third-party apps that work with a touch-screen interface, nothing beats the iPad's massive library of programs and games. The App Store is well-curated and offers a deep selection. Apple is your best bet if a wide range of compelling apps that look good and work well on your tablet is your main priority. For more, see the best iPad apps and the best Apple Arcade Games.

Android has made great strides in app selection, but it's still not home to as many as Apple offers. It's tough to say exactly how many tablet-optimized Android apps are available, but it's far fewer than on the iPad. You can use Android phone apps of course, which look decent on a 7-inch tablet, but less so on a 9- or 10-inch device. Check out the best Android apps for our top picks.

Amazon tablets don't have access to the Google Play Store, so they work with considerably fewer apps. Plenty of people have hacked the Play Store onto Amazon tablets, but that violates both Amazon's and Google's terms of service and isn't a reliable solution. With these tablets, you should likely stick with the subset of apps that Amazon considers appropriate.


What Size Tablet Do You Need?

This consideration is a bit obvious, but size—both screen real estate and storage capacity—is important to consider. First things first: When you hear a term such as "10-inch tablet," this refers to the size of the screen, measured diagonally, and not the size of the tablet itself.

We consider 7- and 8-inch tablets as small-screen devices and 9-inch tablets as the start of the large-screen category. Apple's iPads, Amazon's Fire tablets, and Samsung's slates all come in small- and large-screen versions. And more than ever, big phones blur the distinction between what is and isn't a tablet. Folding phones such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 or OnePlus Open can easily do double duty as tablets if you're willing to pay a hefty premium.

Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022)
Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022) (Credit: Eric Zeman)

Screen resolution is important, too, especially for reading and web surfing. A sharp, bright display is key. If you're in the market for a 10-inch tablet, look for a display with a resolution of at least 1,280 by 800 pixels.

The low weight of a tablet is one definite advantage it has over a laptop—but with large-screen tablets typically weighing around a pound, they're not nearly as light as smartphones. Holding one in your hand likely won't be comfortable after a while. Setting one flat in your lap, rather than propping it up on a stand, can also be a little awkward. And few tablets fit in your pocket (unless you're wearing a very large jacket).

Cloud (off-device) storage is an option for many tablets (Amazon Cloud Storage for Fire tablets, iCloud Drive for iPads, Google One for Android tablets), but when it comes to onboard storage, more is always better. All those apps; your local music, photo, and video libraries; and system updates can take up a lot of space. Some Android tablets feature a microSD slot for additional storage, but it's worth noting some apps won't work from those external cards. 


Should You Buy a Wi-Fi-Only or Cellular Tablet?

Some tablets can connect only over Wi-Fi, but others can take advantage of always-on cellular service from a wireless provider. Unless you constantly use your tablet in an area without Wi-Fi or are a frequent international traveler, you're probably better off using your smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot and saving the extra money you would spend on a 4G or 5G tablet. You can also buy a dedicated mobile hotspot, which won't kill your phone's battery life. Some even double as backup batteries to charge your tablet.  


The Top Tablets (for Now)

The tablets here represent the best options from Amazon, Android, and Apple across a variety of price levels. That said, plenty of other great tablets exist that might be better for you. For the latest lab-tested reviews, check out our tablet product guide. And if you're looking for a good deal, head over to our roundup of the best cheap tablets we've tested.

Dave LeClair and Sascha Segan contributed to this story.

Our Picks
Apple iPad Air (2022)
See It
$449.00
at Amazon
Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022)
See It
$349.00
at Best Buy
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)
See It
$94.99
at Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
See It
$499.00
at Amazon
Amazon Fire Max 11
See It
$179.99
at Amazon
Apple iPad mini (2021)
See It
$399.99
at Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
See It
$1,269.99
at Amazon
Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 2022)
See It
$1,289.00
at Amazon
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022 Release)
See It
$99.99
at Amazon
Google Pixel Tablet
See It
$399.00
at Amazon
Rating
Editors' Choice
4.5 Editor Review
Editors' Choice
4.0 Editor Review
Editors' Choice
4.0 Editor Review
Editors' Choice
4.0 Editor Review
Operating System
iPadOS 15 Apple iPadOS 16 Amazon Fire OS Android 13 Amazon Fire OS Apple iPadOS Android 13 Apple iPadOS 16 Amazon Fire OS Android 13
Dimensions
9.74 by 7.02 by 0.24 inches 9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches 9.69 by 6.49 by 0.34 inches 11.24 by 7.30 by 0.26 inches 10.20 by 6.44 by 0.30 inches 7.69 by 5.31 by 0.25 inches 12.85 by 8.21 by 0.21 inches 11.04 by 8.46 by 0.25 inches 7.94 by 5.40 by 0.37 inches 10.16 by 6.65 by 0.32 inches
Weight
1 lb 1.1 lb 15.3 oz 1.4 lbs 1.1 pounds 10.4 oz 1.6 lbs 1.5 lb 11.9 oz 1.1 lbs
Screen Size
10.9 inches 10.9 inches 10.1 inches 12.4 inches 11 inches 8.3 inches 14.6 inches 12.9 inches 8 inches 10.9 inches
Screen Resolution
2,360 by 1,640 pixels 2,360 by 1,640 pixels 1,920 by 1,200 pixels 2,560 by 1,600 pixels 2,000 by 1,200 pixels 2,226 by 1,448 pixels 2,960 by 1,848 pixels 2,732 by 2,048 pixels 1,280 by 800 pixels 2,560 by 1,600 pixels
CPU
Apple M1 Apple A14 Bionic MediaTek Samsung Exynos 1380 Mediatek MTK8188J Apple A15 Bionic Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Apple M2 Hexa-core 2.0 GHz Google Tensor G2
Storage Capacity
64 GB 64 GB 32 GB 128 GB 64 GB 64 GB 256 GB 128 GB 32 GB 128 GB
Battery Life
5 hours, 11 minutes 5 hours, 59 minutes 10 hours, 18 minutes 7 hours, 23 minutes 7 hours, 55 minutes 6 hours, 41 minutes 9 hours, 30 minutes 10 hours (est.) 10 hours (est.) 5 hours, 25 minutes
Where to Buy
$449.00
at Amazon
 
$449.99
at Best Buy
 
$349.00
at Best Buy
 
$429.00
at Walmart
 
$94.99
at Amazon
 
$499.00
at Amazon
 
$499.00
at Walmart
 
$179.99
at Amazon
 
$399.99
at Amazon
 
$399.99
at Best Buy
 
$1,269.99
at Amazon
 
$1,319.99
at Best Buy
 
$1,289.00
at Amazon
 
$1,049.00
at Best Buy
 
$99.99
at Amazon
 
$399.00
at Amazon
 
$399.00
at Best Buy
 

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About Iyaz Akhtar

Mobile Analyst

I’m one of PCMag’s mobile analysts. That means I check out phones, hotspots, and mobile networks. Technology has been my passion and hobby since I was a child. I’ve covered tech professionally for over 15 years at outlets including The Apple Blog, This Week in Tech, and CNET.

Read Iyaz's full bio

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