The iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab lines lead the tablet picks from the main review sites this year.
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TechRadar calls the latest 11-inch iPad its best budget iPad. Tom's Guide says iPadOS still has the best app library and richest feature set for tablets.
Skip it if: You need pro-level power or a laminated, higher-end display
Tech Advisor reviewed the 2026 iPad Air and found more power with the same formula. Justbuy calls the 11-inch Air a light yet powerful everyday tablet.
Skip it if: You only browse and stream
Tech Advisor calls the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra the ultimate Android tablet, and Consumer Reports features the Galaxy Tab S11 in its top picks.
Skip it if: You want the biggest tablet app library
Tom's Guide says the iPad Pro M5 has possibly the best screen it has ever seen and is the first iPad with fast charging, but is overkill for most people.
Skip it if: You just read, browse and stream
The Fire HD 10 is a budget tablet designed for reading books, watching videos, and browsing the web. It is part of the Fire lineup and offers a good balance of performance and size.
Why buy it: Picture a student using it to read textbooks or watch lectures without spending a lot of money. It provides exceptional value for basic entertainment tasks. It beats the iPad Mini on price and is more focused on media consumption than the Ayaneo Pocket Micro. The catch: You must be okay with the Fire OS ecosystem, which may limit app availability compared to iOS or Android.
PCMag names the Fire HD 10 as an Editors' Choice winner and the best cheap tablet for most people. It offers the best blend of performance, price, and size in the Fire lineup.
Skip it if: You need a full Android or iOS experience for productivity apps.
A 7‑inch e‑ink reader with a crisp display, waterproof construction and faster performance than earlier models. It does not have a colour screen.
Why buy it: Picture a commuter reading on a rainy train without worrying about splashes. The Paperwhite gives a clear, bright view and quick page turns, and its waterproof body lets you read by the pool. It beats the Kobo Libra Colour by offering faster performance and the only waterproof rating among the picks. The catch: it lacks a colour display.
PCMag lists the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite as the top pick for most people, noting its slightly larger screen and faster performance than the previous version.
Skip it if: You need colour e‑ink
Amazon links for the picks below are being added
The iPad Mini is a small tablet with a display size ranging from around six to 10 inches. It offers rapid performance and access to apps. It is a premium device from Apple.
Why buy it: Picture a commuter using it to read on the beach or watch videos during a long car trip. It provides a vibrant display and powerful performance that rivals larger tablets. It beats the Amazon Fire HD 10 in build quality and app ecosystem, and it is more versatile than the Ayaneo Pocket Micro for general use. The catch: It is an Apple device, so it may not be suitable for users who prefer Android or Windows.
CNET lists the seventh-gen iPad Mini among the best tablets you can buy, noting that all iPads are top-tier options. It is highlighted as a quality choice for users who want a premium small tablet.
Skip it if: You are strictly on a budget or prefer Android.
The iPad Air uses Apple’s M4 chip, offers strong performance and a familiar Apple design. It runs iPadOS and supports accessories like the Pencil Pro, though those accessories add cost.
Why buy it: Picture a college student editing videos in a coffee shop. The M4 chip lets the iPad Air handle editing smoothly, outpacing the base iPad’s A16. It also beats the iPad Pro in price while delivering comparable speed for most tasks. The catch: accessories such as the Pencil Pro are expensive.
Best for: Students and creators who need power without a Pro‑level price
CNET calls it the “Best overall iPad for now” and notes its fantastic performance and well‑designed look.
Skip it if: You need the absolute highest specs for professional workloads
The 11th‑Gen iPad keeps the classic design, upgrades to an A16 processor, and includes 128 GB of storage. It lacks Apple Intelligence and does not work with the newer Pencil Pro.
Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers who need a solid everyday tablet
PCMag calls it the most affordable iPad and notes its A16 processor, 128 GB storage and $349 price.
Skip it if: You require the latest stylus support or professional‑grade performance
The iPad Pro features Apple’s most powerful chip, a large high‑resolution display and supports the full range of Apple accessories. It runs iPadOS and is priced from $999.
Why buy it: Picture a graphic designer running demanding apps on the go. The Pro’s advanced processor outperforms the Air and base iPad, making it the only choice for heavy workloads. It also offers the best display quality in the guide. The catch: it starts at $999, making it the most expensive option.
Best for: Professionals who need top‑tier performance and display quality
PCMag recommends the iPad Pro for professionals, noting its advanced processing power and a starting price of $999.
Skip it if: You are looking for a low‑cost tablet
The base iPad retains the classic Apple tablet design, uses the A16 processor and offers a reliable experience for web browsing, games and media streaming. It does not include Apple Intelligence.
Why buy it: Picture a retiree using the tablet for video calls and reading. The A16 provides smooth everyday use, and its familiar design is comfortable for all ages. It is the only model that combines affordability with a familiar form factor, beating the Air on price and the Pro on simplicity. The catch: it lacks Apple Intelligence and newer stylus support.
TechRadar lists the base iPad as the “Best for most people” and notes its unchanged design and solid performance.
Skip it if: You need the latest AI features or professional‑grade power
An e‑ink tablet with a colour display, available through Amazon’s Kobo storefront. It does not include advanced note‑taking features.
Why buy it: Picture a student highlighting textbook diagrams in vivid colour during a study session. The Libra Colour provides true colour e‑ink, making images and charts easier to read, and it is the only colour screen in this guide. It wins over the Paperwhite for colour content, though it lacks waterproofing. The catch: it does not support extensive note‑taking.
The Verge mentions the Kobo Libra Colour as one of its favorite e‑readers, noting its colour e‑ink screen.
Skip it if: You prioritize waterproofing or note‑taking
A larger e‑ink tablet designed for writing, with stylus support. It does not have a waterproof rating.
Why buy it: Picture an author drafting outlines on a beach, using the stylus to jot ideas directly on the screen. The Elipsa 2E offers a spacious writing surface and stylus input, making it the only dedicated note‑taking device here. It beats the Paperwhite for writing capability, though it is heavier and not waterproof. The catch: it lacks waterproof protection.
The Verge lists the Kobo Elipsa 2E as a favorite e‑reader for note‑takers.
Skip it if: You need a lightweight, waterproof reader
A premium e‑ink tablet with AI‑enhanced note‑taking features. It does not have a colour display.
Why buy it: Picture a professional reviewing documents on a flight, using AI suggestions to highlight key points. The Kindle Scribe combines note‑taking with AI assistance, offering the most advanced writing tools among the picks. It outperforms the Paperwhite in writing capability, though it shares the lack of colour and is pricier. The catch: higher cost.
The Verge notes the Kindle Scribe’s AI features rolling out to 2024‑2022 owners.
Skip it if: Budget is a primary concern
Picks come from Tom's Guide (via AOL), TechRadar, Tech Advisor and Consumer Reports' tablet testing. Only models covered by at least two of these sources are listed. Assumptions: We show no prices because tablet prices change often. Check the current price and storage size before you buy.