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The best tablets you can buy right now (and no, they aren't all iPads)
With more offices and schools opting for virtual attendance or hybrid schedules, a tablet can be a great alternative to a laptop with its portability, ease-of-use, and connectivity options. A good tablet is something that should have a long battery life, a respectable selection of apps and services, and have more functionality than just a screen to watch YouTube videos. Apple has dominated the tablet conversation for years with its iPad line, but it's not the only company with a tablet that's worthy of making our top tablets of 2022 list.
Below is a list of tablets designed to fit specific needs and budgets. Whether you're looking for a low-cost device for your kids or something that can effectively replace a computer to take to school, there's a tablet for everyone. We limited what we included in this list to tablets that offer a reliable experience, along with a mix of affordability and features. Not all tablets are created equal, so we used our years of research, personal experience, and knowledge about the products included here to make suggestions.
More:
- The best cheap tablets
- The best large tablets
- The best rugged tablets
- The best Android tablets
- The best note-taking tablets
- The best tablet for kids
- The best stylus tablets
- Modernized design with a USB-C port
- Landscape front-facing camera is superior to other iPad models
- Four new colors to choose from
- $120 price bump from predecessor
- Dongle required to charge Apple Pencil (1st Gen)
Tech specs: Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone | Processor: A14 Bionic chip with 16-core Neural Engine | Storage: 64GB or 256GB | Biometrics: Touch ID | Colors: Silver, Pink, Blue, Yellow | Cameras: 12MP f/1.8 wide, 12MP Landscape f/2.4 front | Weight: 1.05 pounds | Dimensions: 9.79 x 7.07 x .28 inches | Connections: USB-C, Smart Connector | Battery life: Up to 10 hours of video playback with USB-C charging
Apple's tried-and-true tablet, the base model iPad, is arguably the best value out of Apple's tablet lineup. You get all of the same features as the more expensive iPad Pro and iPad Air models in a lightweight form factor with a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and thinner bezels than the previous generation.
Read the review: iPad 2022 (10th Gen) review: Better than the Pro in two ways
Apple updated the iPad in the fall of 2022 with the A14 Bionic processor, USB-C support, 5G support for on-the-go tasks, and a new 12MP ultra-wide camera. It also has support for the Magic Keyboard Folio made specifically for this iPad and include an adjustable kickstand with a 14-key function row for shortcuts.
It also comes in new and fun colors that break out of the standard space gray and silver we have seen for so long. The colors include pink, blue, yellow, and the expected Apple silver.
One major downside of the new iPad is that it doesn't support the second gen Apple Pencil. Instead, you'll have to connect your second gen Apple Pencil to a dongle in order to use it, making it an unnecessary hassle.
Another thing to consider is Apple increased the price of its base-model iPad by $120. You'll now have to shell out $449 to for this iPad. Still, it's the currently the cheapest iPad in Apple's lineup.
- Excellent battery
- 4 colors to choose from
- Very lightweight
- No biometric hardware
- Limited connections
- Limited storage
Tech specs: Display: 10.1-inch HD display | Processor: Octa-core 2.0GHz | Storage: 32GB or 64GB | Memory: 3GB | Biometrics: N/A | Colors: Black, denim, lavendar, olive | Cameras: 5MP rear. 2MP Front-facing camera | Weight: 16.4 ounces | Dimensions: 9.73 x 6.53 x 0.36 inches | Connections: 3.5mm headphone jack, Lightning port | Battery life: 12 hours
Amazon's Fire tablets run the company's forked version of Android, complete with Amazon's services baked right in. You won't find any of Google's own apps, or even the Google Play Store, on any Fire tablet. However, Amazon's own App Store has many of the same apps that regular Android devices have access to, as well. Apps like Netflix, Facebook, or Spotify are available.
The Fire HD 10 is affordable, faster than ever, and doubles as an Echo smart speaker, with Alexa awaiting your commands. After testing this cheap tablet for a few weeks, I was impressed with its versatility and performance. You can get it with 32GB or 64GB of storage, but don't fret if that's not enough. It has microSD card support for up to another 512GB of storage.
Read the review: Amazon's Fire HD 10 Productivity Bundle review: This isn't the work tablet you're looking for
The touchscreen is 10.1 inches and is full 1080p high definition. Battery life should be good enough to get you around 12 hours of use, or enough to get through a full day of use.
It's not the fastest tablet available, but the Fire HD 10 is perfect budget tablet for someone who wants to browse the internet, watch videos, or check email without spending a ton of money.
- Giant display
- It comes with an S Pen
- Battery life
- 5G option
- A keyboard accessory to take full advantage of isn't included
- Pricey
Tech specs: Display: 14.6-inch, 120Hz refresh rate, Super AMOLED 2,960x1,848 display | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, microSD up to 1TB | Memory: 8GB, 12GB, 16GB | Colors: Graphite | Cameras: 13MP and 6MP rear. 12MP and 12MP ultra-wide front camera | Weight: 1.6lb | Dimensions: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 inches | Connections: USB-C | Battery: 11,200mAh
If you're looking for an Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab s8 Ultra is one of the best Android tablets. The Tab S8 Ultra features a 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display, runs on the Android 12 operating system, and Samsung's S Pen stylus is included in the box. When ordering your Tab S8 Ultra, you can equip it with 512GB of storage and 16GB of memory for $1,399, however, it's likely overkill.
Read the review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra review: Stunning hardware, but Android holds it back
The base model comes with 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage, and a microSD card for adding up to an extra 1TB of storage to the tablet, the combination of which should be enough for most.
With an Android tablet of this size, you're most likely looking at it as a laptop replacement. That means you'll want to pick up the $349 Book Cover Keyboard. Once connected, you'll be able to use Samsung DeX on the S8 Ultra, effectively turning the tablet into an Android-powered 2-in-1 device with plenty of space for multitasking and using more than one app at a time.
- Windows Hellow
- Lots of ports
- Up to 256GB storage
- Can only install apps from Microsoft Store in Windows 10 S Mode
Tech specs: Display: 10.5-inch PixelSense Display | Processor: Intel Pentium Gold or Intel Core i3 | Storage: 64GB or 256GB | Memory: 4GB or 8GB | Biometrics: Windows Hello face sign-in | Colors: Platinum | Cameras: 8MP rear, 1080p video. 5MP front facing camera | Weight: 1.07 pounds | Dimensions: 9.65 x 6.9 x 0.33 inches | Connections: 1 x USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack, 1 x Surface Connect Port, microSD card reader | Battery life: 11 hours
The design hasn't changed for the Go 3, meaning it should work with all of the original accessories, including the Type Cover keyboard. The Go 3 has faster internals that provides a better overall experience and performance, and this time around, all three configurations of the Go 3 use an SSD instead. Previously, the combination of slower storage via an eMMC drive and the Intel Pentium processor wasn't an enjoyable experience. We'll have to wait until we can test the Go 3 to see if the Pentium and SSD combo is worth spending money on, or if you should opt for the i3 build.
Read the review: Microsoft Surface Go 3 review: A portable and versatile 2-in-1, but battery life disappoints
It's a small tablet, with a display of just 10.5-inches, but it runs full Windows operating system that you can customize and tweak to your liking.
The tablet runs Windows 10 in S Mode and limits you to installing apps from only the Microsoft Store, along with a few other security features. But you can opt for the full Windows 10 experience by leaving S Mode and never looking back.
- iPadOS 16.1's new multitasking feature
- Strong performance thanks to M2 chip
- The most expensive, by a long shot
- Not many changes compared to previous model
Tech specs: Display: 11-inch Liquid Retina display or 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion and True Tone | Processor: Apple Silicon M2 | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB | Biometrics: Face ID | Colors: Silver, space gray | Cameras: 12MP wide, 10MP ultrawide rear and 12MP TrueDepth FaceTime front | Weight: 11-inch: 1.03 pounds 12.9-inch: 1.5 pounds | Dimensions: 11-inch: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 inches, 12.9-inches: 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25-inches| Connections: USB-C Thunderbolt/USB-4 | Battery life: 10 hours
Apple's 2022 iPad Pro lineup is by far the most capable and impressive iPad lineup we've seen, making it our best overall pick. It's also the most expensive, by a long shot. The design hasn't changed all that much on the outside, but on the inside, you'll find Apple's M2 processor which consists of 20 billion transistors — 25 percent more than M1. It's the same exact processor that Apple is using in the new 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.
We spent some time with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and found it to be faster and more capable than any other iPad model we've tested to date. You can expect downloads up to 2.4Gbps, twice as fast as the previous model, 15 percent faster performance, and up to 35 percent faster graphics performance.
Read the review: iPad Pro (2022) review: I'm cautiously optimistic. Or foolish
The Pro also supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, and there's a new hover feature thanks to the M2 chip. The feature works like this: once the tip of the Apple Pencil gets near the iPad Pro's display, and when it's within 12 millimeters, parts of the interface come to life in apps that support the new feature.The Smart Connector is on the back of the iPad Pro, giving you the option to use it with the Magic Keyboard that includes backlit keys and trackpad, or Apple's Smart Keyboard.
And, although the differences between the fifth generation and this sixth generation model are more subtle, the M2 chip is really what shines here, making it a powerhouse tablet. The iPad Pro, combined with iPadOS and the M2 chip, is as close as you can get to a laptop without actually buying a laptop.
The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799 for the Wi-Fi model and $999 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model, and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,099 for the Wi-Fi model and $1,299 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
- Excellent battery life
- Up to 512GB storage
- Plenty of ports
- Windows Hello
- Can only run 32-bit apps
- No SD card slot
Tech specs: Display: 13-inch PixelSense display | Processor: Microsoft SQ 1 or Microsoft SQ 2 | Storage: 128GB, 256GB or 512GB | Memory: 8GB or 16GB | Biometrics: Windows Hello face unlock | Colors: Matte black or platinum | Cameras: 10MP rear, 1080p video. 5MP front facing camera | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.28 inches | Connections: 2 x USB-C, 1 x Surface Connect, 1 x nano SIM | Battery life: 15 hours
The Surface Pro X is like the aforementioned Surface Go 3, only bigger and more powerful. It runs full Windows 10 out of the box (and can be upgraded to Windows 11 once it's released) but because it uses an ARM-based processor, it's mostly limited to 32-bit apps. That means you may run into issues with app compatibility.
Read the review: Microsoft Surface Pro X review: Desirable but expensive hardware, work-in-progress software
The Pro X comes in either Wi-Fi only or with integrated LTE connectivity, a 13-inch display, and is just 7.3mm thin. There's even a special compartment in the optional keyboard to hide the Surface Pen -- it's pretty cool.
I've been using the Pro X as my main windows device for the past year and even with some random issues with apps, it's my go-to Windows device.
- Great battery life
- M1 processor
- 4K video capable
- Up to 256GB storage
- Only one USB-C port
Tech specs: Display: 10.9-inch Retina display | Processor: Apple Silicon M1 | Storage: 64GB or 256GB | Biometrics: Touch ID | Colors: Space gray, starlight, pink, purple, blue | Cameras: 12MP rear, 4K video. 12MP Ultra Wide camera | Weight: 1.02 pounds | Dimensions: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches | Connections: USB-C port | Battery life: 10 hours
Apple's latest update to the iPad Air is more of a catch-up announcement than anything. The fifth-generation iPad Air keeps the same design we saw Apple bring to the Air in late 2020, but it now boasts an M1 processor and 5G connectivity.
The Apple iPad Air still sits confidently between the base iPad and the iPad Pro when you look at price, but it's effectively caught up to the iPad Pro in terms of performance. But with a 10.9-inch display, a Touch ID sensor that doubles as a power button on the side of its housing, it's more affordable and slightly different than the iPad Pro. The new iPad Air still works with the Magic Keyboard and second-generation Apple Pencil.
Read the review: iPad Air (2022) review: So good I almost regret buying my iPad Pro
Where the iPad Pro is the model for those who want nothing but the best, the iPad Air is the model for those who want to use the tablet for work and play, without big sacrifices in performance or features.
Starting at $599, the Apple iPad Air comes with 64GB or $749 for 256GB of storage. You can add cellular to it for an extra $130. For (almost) everyone, this is the best iPad to get if you have the cash to spend.
What is the best tablet?
The 9th generation iPad is our pick for the best tablet you can buy. It has a battery life of up to 10 hours, up to 256GB of storage, and a lightweight design that's perfect for working or streaming movies on the go. Its fairly affordable price tag also makes it a great choice for students who need a mobile work computer.
Tablet | Price | Display size | Storage |
Apple iPad (10th gen) | $449 | 10.9 inches | Up to 256GB |
Amazon Fire HD 10 | $150 | 10.1 inches | Up to 512GB with microSD card |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra | $1000 | 14.6 inches | Up to 1TB with microSD card |
Microsoft Surface Go 3 | $450 | 10.5 inches | Up to 256GB |
Apple iPad Pro (sixth gen) | $799 | 11 or 12.9 inches | Up to 2TB |
Microsoft Surface Pro X | $600 | 13 inches | Up to 512GB |
5th Gen iPad Air | $600 | 10.9 inches | Up to 256GB |
Which is the right tablet for you?
The biggest question you'll need to answer about any tablet purchase is what you plan on using it for: Do you just want something to read a comic book and binge on some Netflix shows while you walk on the treadmill? If so, then a Fire tablet or the base model iPad is going to be more than enough for you.
However, if you want to use a tablet more like a laptop, then you'll want to consider the iPad Pro, or one of the Surface devices.
Choose this tablet... | If you want... |
Apple iPad (10th gen) | The best overall option |
Amazon Fire HD 10 | An affordable tablet for Amazon loyalists |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra | An Android tablet with expandable storage |
Microsoft Surface Go 3 | A compact tablet for travel and mobile work |
Apple iPad Pro (sixth gen) | A tablet to replace your laptop |
Microsoft Surface Pro X | A powerful tablet that can be equipped with LTE connectivity |
5th Gen iPad Air | A lightweight tablet that won't break the bank |
How did we choose these tablets?
We take our time when looking through the wide range of tablets available. From Apple and Amazon to Samsung and Microsoft, there are tablets that run different operating systems and support their respective ecosystems. We looked at the feature set, price point, and integration with other products.
I've been using tablets and smartphones for over a decade now, and I've tested numerous tablets from the likes of BlackBerry (remember the PlayBook?) to Apple. One thing that's become apparent is that there's not a one-size-fits-all option -- although, there's a strong argument that Apple's base iPad is the model for nearly everyone.
What does it mean if a tablet is Wi-Fi only?
When a tablet says that it is "Wi-Fi Only," that means that it requires a wireless internet connection to access things like email, websites, and apps. There are models available that give you the option to use LTE cellular data to connect to the internet, but if you aren't planning on traveling with your tablet, you can stick to a Wi-Fi only model.
Does a tablet need a phone number?
Any tablet that is capable of connecting to an LTE cellular network for internet requires an associated phone number. If you've bought a tablet through a phone carrier like Verizon, chances are it's LTE-capable and has an associated number. If you've bought your tablet via Amazon or a big-box store like Best Buy, it most likely is Wi-Fi only, and it does not need to be attached to a phone number for you to access the internet.
Is a tablet better than a laptop?
That depends on what you want to use your tablet or laptop for. Digital artists tend to prefer tablets since they're easier to draw on with a stylus. Tablets are also great for photo editing and streaming movies if you get one with a large enough screen size. But if you want to do things like create spreadsheets, type in a word processing program, or do intensive 3D animation or modeling, you're better off with a laptop.
What is the best tablet for drawing?
The best tablet for drawing is the 2021 iPad Pro. You can choose either an 11 or 12.9-inch screen for plenty of room to work, and the Liquid Retina XDR display has incredible color accuracy and detailing so you can create digital paintings and sketches that look as good as they would on paper. You can also configure the iPad Pro with up to 2TB of storage for plenty of space for raw files and finished projects as well as heavy-duty art apps.
What is the best Amazon Fire tablet?
The Amazon Fire HD 10 is our pick for the best Amazon Fire tablet. It has a battery life of 12 hours, expandable storage up to 512GB, and a lightweight design that is perfect for browsing the web, streaming videos, or working on the go. It also has an exceptionally affordable price of just about $150, so you can get a great tablet without spending a fortune.
Are there alternative tablets worth considering?
Got a kid? Then perhaps consider a rugged device for them, like the one below:
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