Tablets are portable computers that have great usability while being less complicated than a traditional computer. The best tablet is the one that’s versatile enough for all kinds of use cases from home, school or work. While finding the best tablet for you isn’t hard, knowing where to start can be overwhelming, and that’s where CNET’s testing and reviews can help. We’ve picked out the best of the best, and these tablets can do it all, including checking email, managing finances, testing your art skills or casually browsing YouTube and watching videos.
Price, in that regard, is a huge factor. Most people we know consider tablets a secondary computer purchase or as a device for kids. Value matters for tablets more than maybe any other product category for that reason. Some tablets are more premium, which may be worth it if you value a more future-proof device, better OLED displays or faster chips.
You can’t discuss tablets without talking about Apple. The iPad Pro and Air models just got big hardware upgrades, with the expensive Pro introducing OLED displays and a new M4 chip for the first time, along with an improved Pencil Pro. But keep in mind that Apple devices have their own app ecosystem and lean on Apple services. iPads are more versatile than ever, but they’re still not the same, app or OS-wise, as Macs.
While the iPad is the king of the segment, Android tablets have made a comeback over the last couple of years. The Google Pixel Tablet and One Plus Pad 2 are excellent midrange options that are good for family or home use (Pixel Tablet) or as a personal mini laptop (OnePlus Pad 2). Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S10 tablets, which feature a slim design and excellent AMOLED displays, are a top premium Android tablet option.
In the value segment, Amazon’s Fire tablets are still the best tablet option for cheap and kid-friendly models. If you’re looking for something good for productivity and entertainment, an affordable Chromebook blurs the line between a laptop and a tablet.
