Tablets are some of the most versatile gadgets available. Many people even use their devices as a replacement for their computer, as it's lighter than the traditional laptop and can easily connect to various accessories to enhance your experience.
With so many tablets on the market today from trusted brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, and Amazon, it can be daunting to choose the right one. The Amazon Fire Max 11 is a solid choice if you're on a budget. The iPad Pro and the Android flagship Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra however, are more of a splurge.
What is the best tablet right now?
Our pick for the best tablet for most people is the Apple iPad (11th generation), thanks to its versatility and lightweight form. This base-model tablet outperformed others in our benchmark tests for performance, and its low price is hard to beat.
ZDNET went hands-on with some of the best tablets on the market, using them for work, entertainment, and even testing them out with our kids. We also run our tablets through the gauntlet in our lab down in Kentucky, where we evaluated each tablet on this list on battery life, display brightness, and more.
In our January update, we added the iPad Pro M5 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra as top picks, replacing older models.
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The best tablets of 2026
Show less View now at Amazon View now at Apple Why we like it: Apple's tried-and-true tablet, the base model iPad, is arguably the best value in the company's tablet lineup thanks to its versatility and compatibility. Plus, Apple updated this tablet earlier this year to include double the base storage as last year's model, more random-access memory (RAM), and an upgraded processor in the A16 Bionic chip. When it comes to features, you essentially get the same suite as the more expensive iPad Pro and iPad Air models, but in a lighter form factor and an 11-inch Liquid Retina True Tone display. Review: iPad 2025 (11th-Gen) Who it's for: During hands-on testing, ZDNET writer Maria Diaz said that while many of the features are the same in this generation as the previous model, day-to-day performance is notably better. "From the standard Geekbench 6 testing, the new iPad is a clear leader among previous base models," she wrote, adding, "The higher scores mean you can expect less lag, faster multitasking, and a high-end gaming performance from the latest iPad compared to an older base model. This was evident in my testing, as the 11th-Gen iPad performed flawlessly during photo editing and gaming." The base iPad model has always been a tablet for casual users, students, and kids, which makes it the best tablet for most buyers. Who should look elsewhere: The base-model iPad doesn't have Apple Intelligence capabilities or support for the newer Apple Pencil Pro, so if you're more of a power user and intend to use heavier apps like Final Cut Pro, for example, the iPad Pro or iPad Air would be better picks. Apple iPad specs: Display: 11-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone | Processor: A16 Bionic chip | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | 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 Pros Better storage options
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