The best tablets of 2026, tested and reviewed, from Apple, Amazon, Lenovo and more
Best iPad? Best Android tablet? Best model for kids? Find the perfect screen machine for your specific needs.
In this story
Phone = good. Tablet = maybe even better? I'm not saying I'll die on this hill, but I'll debate it here: Sure, your phone slips nicely into a pocket, but a tablet’s larger screen opens the door to a lot more fun — I'm talking gaming, streaming, e-reading, video chatting, doodling, note-taking, and more. Add a few key accessories and you might even be able to retire your laptop. Amazon has solid budget-friendly options, Apple delivers top-tier (and top-dollar) models, and Android users have plenty of strong contenders too. Prices run the gamut, from under $100 to well over $1,000 if you go all-in with the extras. So… how do you choose the right one?
Start by asking yourself how you intend to use it. For example, are you looking for something that's good for work as well as play? Something you can use for a tablet for writing or note-taking? A tablet that a child can use for games and learning? How about one that's purely for entertainment? Or maybe even a tablet designed for older users? Good news: If you have a specific use case, there's probably a tablet that's a perfect fit. And even if you don't, most tablets are so versatile, they can handle just about anything.
Side note: Your next tablet might also be your phone. Last year's Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold earned high marks, and the hot new Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold may just be a game-changer. Because who wouldn't want a full-size tablet that could fold up to ride in your pocket? Stay tuned as we look to include these and other models in future updates.
For the record, I've been in the technology-reviewing business for [checks calendar and grimaces] nearly 35 years. In that time, I've tested and reviewed nearly every major tablet to hit the market. With that in mind, let's take a look at some of the best tablets you can get right now.
Best tablet overall
Screen size: 10.9 inches | Storage: Starts at 128GB | Rated battery life: 10 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi (cellular 4G/5G optional) | Warranty: 1 year
I get it. There's just something about the iPad. Give Apple credit for crafting a tablet that really stands out against the competition.
In the new-for-2025 model, there's a little prestidigitation at work, starting with nomenclature: Although it's the 11th generation of this model, Apple is no longer referring to it as such. Instead, it's the "iPad (A16)," the parenthetical referring to the A16 processor that's the brains behind the operation.
Similarly, no more calling this the "iPad 10.9" in reference to its screen size. It still has a 10.9-inch screen, mind you — the same Liquid Retina beauty as before — but Apple is now rounding up and referring to it as an 11-inch.
Indeed, to look at this year's iPad is to see last year's; they're physically identical, including the four color choices — blue, pink, silver and yellow — and they're able to use the impressive Apple Pencil stylus (sold separately, of course).
The two notable changes are internal: The A16 chip (which Apple says delivers "a big jump in performance") and the 128GB of storage in the base model. That's double the amount in the 10th-gen iPad, yet Apple kept the starting price at $349. That's an unexpected and pleasant surprise given the 40% price jump in the latest entry-level iPhone, the 16e.
(Side note: You might think the smaller iPad Mini would be the "budget" iPad to pick, but it starts at $499.)
So. The new iPad is faster and has twice the storage for the same price. It's a ridiculously capable device, more or less on par with an iPhone but with a much larger screen. Granted, I never found the last model to be slow in any way — quite the opposite — so the processor bump doesn't excite me much. The extra gigabytes, however, represent a big win. That's a lot more space for games, movies, recorded videos and the like.
Of course, you still have the option of adding cellular to the mix, though it adds a hefty jump to the price of whatever model you choose. (The Wi-Fi-only iPad is $446 with 256GB, $595 with 512GB.) There's also the monthly cost of cellular service, but that's to be expected. Very few competing tablets offer this capability at all.
There's one fairly surprising thing missing from the iPad (A16), and that's Apple Intelligence. This integrated suite of AI tools can summarize e-mails, improve your writing, generate custom images and more; it also includes an upgraded Siri.
That makes this the only current Apple device with a screen to lack the company's next-gen smarts. That said, some would argue Apple Intelligence — in its current, not-fully-realized form, anyway — is nice to have, but hardly essential.
I'm in that camp. If you agree, then I can easily, wholeheartedly recommend this iPad. It's beautiful to look at, affordably priced and arguably more versatile than any competing tablet.
- Double the storage for same price as previous model
- Faster processor
- Unrivaled selection of apps and accessories
- Cellular option available
- Still doesn't support Apple Intelligence
Other top tablets we recommend for 2026
Rick Broida/Yahoo
Screen size: 8 inches | Storage: Starts at 32GB (expandable) | Rated battery life: 13 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi | Warranty: 90 days
The Fire HD 8 isn't the sexiest tablet in town, but it delivers incredible bang for the buck — especially when it's on sale (which is often).
Indeed, although Amazon lists it at $100, you can frequently find the Fire HD 8 marked down to the $60 range (give or take $5).
Whatever price you pay, there's an embarrassment of tablet riches to be found here. The Fire HD 8 features a sharp display — iPads offer more pixels, but trust me when I say you won't notice in most apps — and something you can't get from any iPad model: expandable storage. If you fill up the included 32GB, just pop in an inexpensive MicroSD card for up to 1 terabyte more.
Other Fire perks: dual speakers, hands-free Alexa+ voice controls for your smart home ecosystem and support for something called Show Mode, which effectively turns the tablet into a poor man's Echo Show 8. A relatively recent software update added a few AI-powered features, including a writing assistant that proofreads and polishes email, notes and other documents.
Is it perfect? Not quite: The front and rear cameras are pretty low resolution — fine for Zoom calls and such, but not great for shooting photos and video. I also don't love Amazon's short warranty, which expires after just 90 days. And it runs something called Fire OS, an Android variant with an interface that's less than intuitive compared to iPad and stock Android. Amazon's Appstore has a few notable app omissions, too. (Thankfully, a more traditional Android operating system is expected sometime in 2026.)
Still, if you're primarily looking to consume entertainment — books, music, movies and TV, games and so on — this is an incredible deal, especially if you pick up a pair of great noise-cancelling headphones to go with it.
Read our complete Fire HD 8 (2024) review to learn more.
- Inexpensive, and frequently discounted
- Some interesting AI features
- Expandable storage
- Hands-free Alexa voice assistant
- Solid battery life
- Wired headphone jack
- Few updates in the 2024 edition
- High-glare screen attracts lots of fingerprints
- Amazon's app store not as robust as Google Play
- Interface needs work
Rick Broida/Yahoo
Screen size: 11 inches | Storage: 128GB (expandable) | Rated battery life: 10 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi | Warranty: 1 year
Reading the spec sheet for the Lenovo Tab M11, I'm convinced I'm looking at a premium tablet, not a budget one. But with a price tag that's currently just $140 at Lenovo, the budget part is definitely accurate. And that's for the M11 bundled with the Lenovo Tab Pen, meaning you can scribble notes and drawings right out of the box. (Don't need a stylus? Look for the M11 without it and you might walk away for even less.)
As for what's premium about it, start with the spacious 11-inch screen: 1,920 x 1,200 resolution, bright, vivid, gorgeous. It's flanked by four speakers outfitted with Dolby Atmos and fronted by an 8-megapixel camera that can not only capture selfies, but also use facial recognition to unlock the tablet. I find that highly preferable to tapping out a code or using a fingerprint reader.
The rear camera also tops out at 8 megapixels, which isn't great by any means — but good enough for a budget tablet. And although it had a bit of difficulty focusing in low light, I was pleasantly surprised by the overall quality of the photos.
Meanwhile, you get an impressive 128GB of storage for photos, videos, apps and the like, and it's expandable thanks to a microSD slot.
Though the M11 was originally outfitted with Android 13, my review sample came with Android 14 preinstalled; Lenovo has committed to an Android 15 update at some point. While this "pure Android" OS is certainly preferable to the likes of Amazon's highly customized Fire OS (which can't access the Google Play Store), I wish it had text labels for icons in the taskbar and Quick Settings menu. A lot of them are incomprehensible.
I tested Lenovo's stylus with the bundled Nebo note-taking app and was impressed by how smoothly the digital ink flowed and how well handwriting-to-text conversion worked. However, as with most tablets, the screen is almost too smooth; note-taking feels slippery without the bit of grit afforded by the best writing tablets. And because the pen has no magnets for clipping onto the side of the tablet, a case with a pen holder is all but essential.
That gripe aside, I have only one real complaint with the M11: performance. Despite the presence of a reasonably capable MediaTek Helio G88 processor, the M11 feels a little laggy at times, even with basic tasks like swiping up to exit an app. After disabling animations (via the Accessibility settings menu), some of that sluggishness disappeared, but overall it lacks the silky-smoothness you get from, say, Apple's iPad.
On the whole, however, this is an impressive budget tablet, especially for anyone who wants a pen in the mix.
- Big, beautiful high-resolution screen
- Bundled pen for notes, drawing
- Can unlock using facial recognition
- Expandable storage
- Great speakers
- Sometimes feels a bit sluggish
- No magnets to affix the pen
- Rear camera could be better
Rick Broida/Yahoo
Screen size: 8 inches | Storage: Starts at 32GB (expandable) | Rated battery life: 13 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi | Warranty: 2 years
Modern parents, you have it so easy. A single tablet can hold a mountain of children's books, to say nothing of games, movies, educational apps and more. That's especially convenient for long car rides, trips involving airplanes and so on. (My wife and I used to shlep backpacks full of books — not fun.)
At the risk of me gushing, Amazon's Fire HD 8 Kids tablet is a godsend — and better for children than the best iPad in nearly every way. For starters, there's the affordable price: It can be yours for just $140; that's $349 less (!) than Apple's 8.3-inch iPad Mini.
Equally appealing, the Fire HD 8 Kids lives up to its name by arriving in a colorful case that's designed to withstand a lot of abuse from kids. In fact, Amazon backs the tablet with an unparalleled two-year warranty, one that covers accidental breakage. So if Junior sits on, drop-kicks or tries to flush the thing, you're covered.
Meanwhile, Amazon offers a free year of its Kids+ subscription service, which includes unlimited access to age-appropriate books, games, apps, videos and so on. There are front- and rear-facing cameras for fun with photos and video, and baked-in parental controls you can monitor and update remotely.
By the way, if you have older kids (in the 6-12 range), the Fire HD 8 Kids Pro has a more "grown-up"-looking case and more advanced parental controls. In nearly all other respects it's the same, including price and warranty.
Although Amazon offers 10-inch versions of both models, they cost at least $50 more. I don't see much advantage to the slightly larger screen, which will just be heavier and harder for little hands to hold.
I do consider the Fire HD 8 Kids a slam-dunk product, without question the best tablet for children.
- Comes with child-proof case
- 2-year worry-free warranty
- Often on sale
- Includes 1-year Amazon Kids subscription
- No YouTube app
- Performance lags at times
Other tablets we've tested or plan to test
Amazon Fire Max 11: Amazon's biggest and best tablet to date offers many of the same features and capabilities as the base-model, which costs around $100 more, and it offers expandable storage to boot. Just one problem: It's out of stock, and has been for a couple months. That could mean Amazon has discontinued the product. (We're checking with the company and will update this when we get an answer. In the meantime, read our complete Amazon Fire Max 11 review if you want to learn more.)
GrandPad: Designed with older users in mind, the GrandPad has the most user-friendly interface of any tablet: Large, easy-to-understand icons and a curated selection of useful and entertaining apps. It comes with a stylus, doubles as a phone and includes live 24/7 support. But the hardware is on the expensive side, and there's a required monthly service plan as well. Read our complete GrandPad tablet review.
iPad Mini (A17 Pro): You'd think a small iPad would cost less than a larger one, right? Yet Apple's iPad Mini still starts at $499. Yes, it has a slightly faster processor than the iPad (A16)'s, but for some shoppers that won't be enough to justify such a disparity. Make no mistake, I love the Mini's design and portability — it's cute as hell and easier to hold for long stretches — but I'd feel a little ripped-off paying $499 when Amazon's similarly sized Fire HD 8 is only $100.
iPad Pro 11 and 12.9: I expected more from Apple's flagship tablet with its fancy M5 processor and OLED screen — though I don't know exactly what more, because previous Pros were already pretty great (and less expensive). But if you're breaking open the piggy bank just for the screen, don't. I've looked at it alongside the baseline iPad and noticed very little difference in color, clarity, vibrance or detail. (Eagle-eyed photographers, videographers or artists may feel differently.) Apple's optional Magic Keyboard is excellent, no question, but this is a "best tablet" only if money is no object. (If you want many of the Pro's features at a lower price, take a look at the M3 iPad Air, which delivers the bulk of the features of the previous iPad Pro model at a more affordable cost.)
Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot+: If you want a tablet that can also run Windows applications, Microsoft's latest Surface Pro is worth a look. It sports a powerful new processor, an impressive touchscreen OLED display and Microsoft's trademark built-in kickstand. But it's expensive and not too useful without a keyboard, which adds hundreds more to the cost. (The cool new Flex Keyboard, which works either attached or detached, runs a jaw-dropping $320.) I'll admit I've never fully understood the appeal of the Surface tablets, pricey and limited such as they are, but this AI-enhanced model is arguably Microsoft's best yet.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+: With a current price tag of around $150, the 11-inch A9+ seems like a considerable bargain, especially compared with the company's S9 series, which starts at $629. Indeed, with its expandable storage, quad-speaker Dolby Atmos audio system and higher-than-average screen refresh rate (90Hz), this could easily be our best budget Android tablet pick. However, Samsung declined to send us a unit for review, so for the time being it remains a question mark. Worth noting: The Lenovo Tab M11 (above) has twice the storage, a similar audio system and a pen, all for a lower price.
Factors to consider when choosing a tablet
Before you pull the trigger on a new tablet, be sure you know what you're getting. These are the most important features to keep in mind:
Size: Tablets typically range from 7 inches up to 13. I think a 10-inch screen tends to be the sweet spot, though it really depends on how you plan to use the device. If you're looking to get some work done or watch a lot of movies, a bigger screen is always better. But that also bumps up the weight and price. If you can, visit a local store that sells tablets and see what size feels most comfortable to you.
Storage: It's hard to know how much you'll need. Movies consume a fair bit of space, but only if you download them for offline viewing (like on an airplane). If you're just streaming, they take no space at all. Games and recorded videos can also eat up gigabytes. Thankfully, most Amazon tablets and some Android models let you expand the available space by popping in an inexpensive memory card. But iPads have fixed storage, so if you're concerned about running out, plan on spending extra up front to get more space.
Essential apps: If there are programs you consider must-haves, whether for work or play, don't buy a tablet until you're sure it's compatible with them. For example, Amazon's Appstore for Fire tablets lacks a smattering of key ones, including 1Password, Slack and YouTube. And Microsoft's Surface tablets can run standard Windows software, but the Microsoft Store has only a fraction of the popular apps available to Android and iPad users.
Connectivity options: All tablets can connect to Wi-Fi networks to download apps, stream video and so on. If you'll mostly be using yours at home or work, that should be sufficient. But if you want something you can use out in the world, where Wi-Fi isn't available (think: road trips, job sites, etc.), consider a tablet that has cellular 4G or 5G capabilities. That'll allow it to connect to mobile networks, just like your phone does. (That said, it's typically easier and cheaper to use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot. You won't need to spend extra on the tablet itself, nor will you need a separate line of service for it.)
Battery life: Most of the tablets here tout an "all-day battery," meaning you should be able to use it for at least 10 hours before returning to the charger. Obviously there are lots of variables that affect battery life, everything from screen brightness to the kinds of apps you use, but the good news is you can plug in a power bank — most likely the same one you use to juice your phone — if you need a top-up when traveling.
Warranty: One year is standard, but some of Amazon's Fire HD tablets are covered for just 90 days. (On the flip side, the Fire HD Kids models come with comprehensive two-year plans.) What can go wrong with a tablet? Not much, but there's always the possibility of battery failure or a bad charging port. Amazon offers extended warranties that might be worth considering; adding two years of coverage to the Fire HD 8, for example, costs just $13.
Stylus support: Any tablet here can work with a stylus, but not all styli are created equal. Some are good for little more than taking the place of a finger tap or swipe. Let me make a blanket statement about this: If your goal is to create art or capture notes, there's no better option than an iPad and Apple Pencil. (But Lenovo's P11 Tab bundle runs it a close second.)
How we tested
My selections above are based on a variety of factors, including price, features and, of course, personal experience. I tested them in all the ways you'd expect: playing games, watching videos, reading books, joining Zoom calls and so on. Where applicable, I also tried their keyboards and styluses. Spoiler alert: These are all great tablets; it's hard to make a bad choice.
FAQs
Can a tablet replace a laptop?
I get this question a lot, and the answer hasn't really changed over the years: Sort of. Virtually any good tablet can pair with a keyboard to allow for word processing and the like, but in many cases you'll be squinting at a smallish screen and tapping on small, cramped keys. Also: Not many tablet-size keyboards are large enough to accommodate a dedicated numeric keypad, something to consider if you work with spreadsheets.
What are some tablet limitations?
Software is one: While Android, Fire OS and iOS are capable operating systems, they're not Windows. (They're not Mac OS either.) If you rely on Windows or Mac software even a little, a tablet probably isn't your best bet. And there are certain web-based tools that won't work properly in a mobile browser. So if you're buying a tablet in hopes of getting your work done, make absolutely sure it's compatible with your ecosystem of work tools.
What about Microsoft's Surface tablets, which run Windows?
These Windows tablets are quite popular, but I honestly don't see the appeal. They're expensive and don't afford many tablet-y benefits. (Microsoft's app store offers only a fraction of the software available to Android and iOS users.) Plus, the keyboard is sold separately, which once again raises the question: Why not just buy a laptop?
Can you make phone calls on a tablet?
Yes. But also no. But also sort of. A traditional phone call requires cell service (think: AT&T, Verizon, etc.), and only a handful of tablets offer that as an option. (Mostly iPads, but you have to choose a "WiFi + cellular" model at the time of purchase, then add a service plan from a carrier.) However, it's possible to make phone calls over Wi-Fi using apps like Google Voice, Skype, TextNow and WhatsApp. In some cases, however, the person you're calling will need to have that same app on their phone (or tablet).
Can you text on a tablet?
If it's connected to Wi-Fi, then most likely yes — with some caveats. Apple's iMessage app supports text messaging over Wi-Fi (meaning cell service isn't necessary), though if it's not paired with an iPhone, your messages will rely on iCloud or an e-mail address, not a phone number. That's fine for chatting with other iMessage users, but you may run into trouble texting via SMS, which is phone number- and cell service-dependent.
Google's recently adopted Rich Communication Services (RCS) for its messages app affords similar capabilities on Android tablets, but there are similar limitations here. Check with the tablet maker to find out exactly what messaging options are available.
A good workaround for all of this is to use a third-party messaging app like Facebook Messenger, Google Voice or TextNow, all of which rely on data (Wi-Fi or cellular) rather than a phone number, and can therefore make tablet texting easier. Just keep in mind that whoever you're texting will need to have the same app.
Update, Feb. 2, 2026: We checked all product prices and availability; the Google Pixel Tablet with Charging Speaker Dock has been removed, as it appears to be discontinued. Our number-one pick remains the same. We are constantly road-testing new tablets and will update this story again with the results.
Best tablet specs comparison chart
Screen size | Storage | Rated battery life | Connectivity | Warranty | |
Apple iPad (A16) | 10.9 inches | Starts at 128GB | 10 hours | Wi-Fi (cellular 4G/5G optional) | 1 year |
Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet (2024) | 8 inches | Starts at 32GB (expandable) | 13 hours | Wi-Fi | 90 days |
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet (2024) | 8 inches | Starts at 32GB (expandable) | 13 hours | Wi-Fi | 2 years |
Lenovo Tab M11 with Pen | 11 inches | 128GB (expandable) | 10 hours | Wi-Fi | 1 year |