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.
Today’s tablet market spans from the budget-friendly Amazon Fire lineup to premium iPads from Apple, with dozens of Android slates from various hardware manufacturers in between. (Windows tablets are an entirely different category.) The range of choices might seem overwhelming, but we’ve been testing and rating tablets since the original iPad debuted in 2010, so you can trust our analysis and advice. The good news is that you can find a quality tablet regardless of your budget. The list below includes several of our Editors‘ Choice winners, such as the affordable Amazon Fire HD 10, the midrange Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+, and the powerful Apple iPad Pro. Be sure to click through to our full reviews of each to get all the details, and scroll down below our top picks for our comprehensive buying guide. Why We Picked It
You can’t go wrong with Apple’s entry-level iPad. It received a significant update in 2025, but it still costs far less than the iPad Air and the iPad Pro. It now offers an 11-inch display that’s sufficiently large for multitasking and productivity. It runs the latest version of Apple’s tablet OS and works with tons of accessories, like the Apple Pencil. Who It’s For
Most iPad users: The base iPad makes the most sense for the vast majority of buyers, thanks to its combination of functionality, power, and price. It’s the most affordable iPad and is a great platform for your browsing and entertainment needs.
Kids: If you’re going to get an iPad for your kids, this is the one to get. It’s fast enough to satisfy their needs, can run the games and apps they want to use, and isn’t too expensive to replace to repair if needed. 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
Avid media consumers: If all you want is a simple slate that can serve as an entertainment platform, the Amazon Fire HD 10 is a great option. It features a good screen, ample battery life, and access to Amazon Prime content.
Budget-conscious buyers: At less than $150, the Fire HD 10 is one of the most affordable tablets available. With its solid performance, it provides a lot of bang for the buck. Why We Picked It
The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro stands out by providing a bevy of high-end features for less than $400. It combines a spacious screen, smooth performance, and productivity extras like a stylus without inflating the cost. We also like its expandable storage, quick Wi-Fi, and solid battery life.Who It’s For
Android fans: The Idea Tab Pro is the best all-around tablet for Android lovers to pick. In addition to the powerful software from Google, Lenovo has its own range of multitasking features on board that help strike a balance between productivity and play.
Big-screen lovers: If you’re looking for an enormous display, the Idea Tab Pro’s 12.7-inch panel will impress you. It’s bright, sharp, and provides an expansive canvas for movies, games, and other visual content.
The cost-conscious: Those who want the best tablet for the least amount of money should look no further than this tablet, which delivers fast performance and a wealth of features at an affordable price.Why We Picked It
The iPad Air is available in 11-inch and 13-inch models. It has a pro-level M3 processor, sharp cameras, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro. It offers more storage options than older Air models, is available with 5G, and comes in several different colors.Who It’s For
Students: High school and college students need a solid tablet with enough power to handle classroom apps—and the iPad Air is the ideal choice. This tablet offers the perfect blend of price and power, enabling students to excel in the classroom and beyond.
Creators: If you’re a creator who dabbles in photography, videography, podcasting, or social media, the iPad Air provides the platform you need to accomplish your creative goals. It’s compatible with nearly every media format and is as comfortable manipulating 4K footage as it is streaming 4K movies from Netflix. Why We Picked It
The iPad Pro is a remarkably powerful machine for creators and professionals who require a tablet that performs exceptionally well. With the latest M5 processor, an OLED display, a flexible Thunderbolt port, reduced weight, improved battery life compared with the previous model, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro, it’s a phenomenal slate.Who It’s For
Power users: If you want the thinnest, lightest, most powerful Apple tablet money can buy, the iPad Pro is your top choice. It has the processor, graphics, and AI chops to handle the most intense workflows quickly.
Professional creators: No other tablet is as adept a platform for editing media as the iPad Pro. With its capacious memory and storage options, you have all the RAM and space you need to manipulate massive audio and video projects. Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ offers a lot of great features for a reasonable price, including an Exynos 1580 processor, a 13.
