Tablets are the perfect middle ground between your phone and laptop, giving you the best of both worlds. Whether you want a lightweight device to binge your favorite shows, a larger screen for mobile gaming or a portable way to get some work done on the go, a tablet can do it all. They’re also great for keeping kids entertained, managing work tasks or sharing family moments through video calls. When a phone feels too small and lugging around a laptop is just too much, that’s where tablets fit into the mix.
For many, the Apple iPad is the go-to choice, and it’s easy to see why with its smooth performance and endless app options. But don’t worry if iOS isn’t your thing — there are plenty of Android alternatives out there, offering the same level of flexibility without locking you into Apple’s ecosystem. Plus, if you’re on a budget, there are more affordable options that still pack a punch. Whether you’re looking for a premium tablet for work, a kid-friendly device with parental controls or just a reliable everyday companion, we’ve tested all of the big players (and many others) to find the best tablets worth your money right now.
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Best tablets for 2025
Apple 84 100 Expert Score Best iPad Apple iPad Pro (M4) Screen size: 11- or 13-inch 120Hz tandem OLED XDR touchscreen | CPU: Apple M4 | Storage: Up to 2TB | Battery life: Up to 10 hours | Camera: 12MP rear, 12MP front Read our full Apple iPad Pro (M4) review In a lot of ways, the M4 iPad Pro is overkill for most. Its chip is just as powerful as what you can currently get in a MacBook Air and it has an arguably a better screen thanks to an OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, not to mention support for both touch and stylus input. It’s also available in two sizes (11 and 13 inches), so you get some control over how portable you need it to be. If you really want a tablet that can replace a laptop, this is as good as it gets, particularly on this side of the Apple vs. Android/Windows divide. This generation of iPad is also shockingly thin and light, so it’ll basically disappear into your bag without adding a ton of heft. Meanwhile, Apple’s new Magic Keyboard is sleeker than before while also featuring a larger trackpad and a very handy row of function keys. The only real downside is price, with the smaller, 11-inch model starting at $999, and the 13-inch model starting at $1,299. And that’s before you factor in the cost of things like additional storage or accessories. But if you’ve got the cash and want a top-of-the-line tablet, it’s hard to go wrong with the M4 iPad Pro. Alternatively, if you appreciate what the iPad Pro can do but don’t want to shell out quite that much money, the iPad Air is a more affordable option. We consider it to be the best iPad for most people. Its screen isn’t quite as nice and its M2 chip is a couple generations old, but all the important things are there including Apple Pencil compatibility and the ability to attach a Magic Keyboard (though you’ll have to use an older model). Critically, it also costs nearly half the price with the 11 and 13-inch models starting at $599 and $799, respectively. Pros Possibly the best screen I’ve ever seen
M4 chip is extremely powerful
Thinner and lighter than before, making it easier to hold
Front camera is now on the landscape edge
Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro include significant new features Cons Prohibitively expensive
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