The Best Tablets for 2024

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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

Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022)
Best iPad for Most People

Why We Picked ItYou can’t go wrong with Apple’s entry-level iPad. Thanks to a price drop in 2024, it costs significantly less than the iPad Air and the iPad Pro, but still offers a 10.9-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. Who It’s ForThis 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

High-quality cameras

Good speakers

Fast performance

CONS

No traditional Touch ID button

No Face ID

SPECS

Name
Value

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

Learn More
Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022) Review

Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)
Best Amazon Tablet Overall

Why We Picked ItWith 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 ForIf 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

Name
Value

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

Learn More
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) Review

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
Best Midrange Android Tablet

Why We Picked ItThe 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 ForLook 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

Name
Value

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

Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Review

Apple iPad Air (2024)
Best iPad for Creators and Students

Why We Picked ItThe iPad Air is available in 11-inch and 13-inch models, comes with a pro-level M2 processor, shifts the front-facing camera to the center for better video calls, and includes support for the latest 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 ForPeople who need more power than the entry-level iPad but don’t need the professional-level power of the iPad Pro will find the iPad Air to be the perfect happy medium.

PROS

Powerful performance

Nice screen

Excellent cameras for a tablet

Plenty of connectivity options

Supports Apple Pencil Pro

CONS

Pricey accessories

iPadOS could be smoother

SPECS

Name
Value

Operating System

Apple iPadOS 17

Dimensions

9.74 by 7.02 by 0.24 inches

Weight

1.02 lbs

Screen Size

11 inches

Screen Resolution

2,360 by 1,640 pixels

CPU

Apple M2

Storage Capacity

128 GB

Battery Life

10 hours (est.)

Learn More
Apple iPad Air (2024) Review

Apple iPad Pro (2024)
Best iPad for Power Users

Why We Picked ItThe iPad Pro is a seriously powerful machine for creators and professionals who need a tablet that works hard. With the latest M4 processor, an OLED display, a flexible Thunderbolt port, less weight and better battery life than the previous model, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro, it’s a phenomenal slate for professionals.Who It’s ForThose who need the most performance from a tablet (and can afford it) should consider the iPad Pro, which runs circles around much of the competition.

PROS

Premium design

Brilliant OLED display

Unparalleled performance

Flexible connectivity options

Top cameras for a tablet

CONS

Expensive

Pricey accessories

iPadOS can be clunky

SPECS

Name
Value

Operating System

Apple iPadOS 17

Dimensions

11.09 by 8.48 by 0.20 inches

Weight

1.28 lbs

Screen Size

13 inches

Screen Resolution

2,752 by 2,064 pixels

CPU

Apple M4

Storage Capacity

256 GB

Battery Life

10 hours (est.)

Learn More
Apple iPad Pro (2024) Review

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
Best Affordable Android Tablet

Why We Picked ItThe Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is our favorite low-cost Android tablet because it doesn’t have any glaring flaws. Most aspects, including the refined design, 11-inch screen, reliable hardware, and helpful software enhancements are better than expected for the price. Moreover, a microSD card slot helps you get around the limiting 64GB of standard storage, while the face unlock option mitigates the lack of a fingerprint sensor. If you need 5G connectivity for travel, you can add a cellular radio for $50 more.Who It’s For If you want unfettered access to the Google Play Store and the full Android experience on the cheap, the Galaxy Tab A9+ is a capable choice. It’s fast enough for most tasks and can handle all your entertainment needs.

PROS

Affordable

Large screen

Good performance

Expandable storage

Software aids productivity

CONS

No fingerprint sensor

Low base storage

SPECS

Name
Value

Operating System

Android 13

Dimensions

10.1 by 6.6 by 0.3 inches

Weight

1.06 lbs

Screen Size

11 inches

Screen Resolution

1,920 by 1,200 pixels

CPU

Qualcomm Snapdragon 695

Storage Capacity

64 GB

Battery Life

7 hours

Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Review

Apple iPad mini (2021)
Best Small iPad

Why We Picked ItThe 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 ForThe 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

Name
Value

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

Learn More
Apple iPad mini (2021) Review

Amazon Fire Max 11
Best High-End Amazon Tablet

Why We Picked ItAmazon 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 ForIf 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

Name
Value

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

Learn More
Amazon Fire Max 11 Review

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Best Android Tablet for Power Users

Why We Picked ItWith 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 It’s ForIf 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

Name
Value

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

Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Review

Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022 Release)
Best Tablet Under $100

Why We Picked ItThe 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 ForYou 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

Name
Value

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.)

Learn More
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022 Release) Review

Google Pixel Tablet
Best for Doubling as Smart Display

Why We Picked ItThe 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 ForIf 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

Name
Value

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

Learn More
Google Pixel Tablet Review

Buying Guide: The Best Tablets for 2024
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 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 four different Apple Pencils.

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 Pro 11-inch and 13-inch (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.

Recommended by Our Editors

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 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.

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