Tablets are the perfect half-way between your phone and laptop, giving you the best of both worlds. Whether you need a lightweight device to watch your favourite shows, a big screen for mobile gaming or a portable way to get some work done on the go, tablets can do it all.
They’re also great for entertaining the kids, managing work tasks or sharing family moments via video calls. When a phone seems too small and carrying a laptop around becomes too much, a tablet is the perfect choice.
For many people, the Apple iPad is the best option, and it’s easy to understand why with its excellent performance and endless app options. But if iOS isn’t your thing, don’t worry – there are plenty of Android alternatives that offer the same level of convenience without tying 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 compiled a list of the best tablets you can get right now.
Which OS is right for me
Before you start looking at a specific device, consider how your new tablet will fit in with the gadgets you already have and how you plan to use it.
For example, if everyone in your house uses Macs and iPhones, it probably doesn’t make sense to buy an Android tablet, even if you’re tempted by the new Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra’s big 14.6-inch screen. This goes doubly for people who have an extensive library of purchased videos and music that can be hard to access after switching platforms.
Another consideration is the type of work you’ll be doing. This is because while most modern tablets are great for browsing websites or playing games, some operating systems like iPadOS and Windows 11 are designed to support multitasking and productivity better than Android or even Chrome OS.
The same is true for software, as most popular apps and games are available on both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store, while more niche software may only have proper support on desktop platforms like Windows or macOS.
What size screen do I need
Finding the best screen size for you will also depend on the type of work (or play) you want to do. A larger display makes it much easier to view two apps at once, and watching movies on a big screen is a much more immersive experience.
But at the same time, the bigger the tablet, the less likely you’ll want to carry it around. This means you’ll not only want to take stock of your workspace (i.e., if you have a desk or plan to work from the couch or your bed), but you’ll also want to think about how the device will fit into your everyday routine or commute (if you have one).
The Best Tablets for 2025
The Apple iPad Pro was already the best tablet money could buy, and it was then that the company introduced a number of impressive updates in the 2024 model that made it one of the best iPads you can buy. This redesigned premium tablet improves upon its previous model in many ways, most notably the new, incredible OLED display. It’s one of the best screens we’ve seen not just on a tablet but on any device.
It’s made up of two OLED panels for increased brightness and contrast, and it looks great no matter what you do with it. Meanwhile, the M4 chip means this tablet will be extremely powerful for years to come. And Apple has made the iPad Pro noticeably thinner and lighter than before — it’s a little shocking how compact it feels now. Finally, the front camera is now on the landscape edge, making it much better for video calls.
The main downside to the iPad Pro is its price, and these new models are more expensive than ever. The 11-incher starts at $999, while the 13-incher costs $1,299. That’s before adding accessories like the Magic Keyboard (starting at $299) and the Apple Pencil Pro ($129).
However, Apple updated those accessories in 2024: The new Magic Keyboard is thinner and lighter than before, and also has an aluminum palm rest, a larger, haptic trackpad, and a much-needed row of function keys. Meanwhile, the Apple Pencil Pro includes a new squeeze gesture for quick access to menus when taking notes, as well as haptic feedback, gyroscopes that allow you to rotate the Pencil, and support for the Find My network.