GoKawiilMany people today opt for smaller tablets, although our flexible and foldable smartphones may eventually earn a larger slice of the market. A small tablet makes a fantastic digital companion. They're great for reading on the beach, watching videos, or entertaining the kids on long car trips. These small devices -- with display sizes ranging from around six to 10 inches -- can be just as powerful as their larger counterparts, offering rapid performance, access to your favorite apps, and vibrant displays.
If you're looking to purchase your first tablet, you should consider one of these small, light, and often budget-friendly options. Some of our favorites include the iPad Mini and Amazon's Fire tablet lineup.
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What is the best small tablet right now?
My pick for the best small tablet is the iPad Mini (7th gen), thanks to its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and weight of just under one pound. In addition, Apple tablets have long been considered some of the best in the market.
ZDNET performs extensive hands-on testing with various tablets of all sizes while we are compiling our recommended tablets list. We have researched and tested compact-sized tablets from Samsung, Apple, Amazon, and other brands for those looking for something more portable.
Also: The best large tablets you can buy
In our August update, we added the Boox Palma Pro 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 as new top picks.
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The best small tablets of 2026
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