Best tablets in 2025 for all budgets

It’s rare that technology circles back to old-school tools, but here we are using styluses to jot down notes on tablets. Of course, today’s versions swap ink and paper for pixels and precision. If you’re shopping for a new tablet for work or leisure, this buying guide has you covered.

Tablets aren’t just oversized phones anymore. They’ve grown into versatile tools that can slot into almost any part of your life. You might use one to sketch out a design, check your bank account, catch up on a book, or even replace your laptop for occasional work.

The market now covers just about every need. There are slim, travel-friendly models you can slip into a bag without thinking, as well as heavyweight performers that handle demanding apps and multitasking with ease.

In our roundup, we’ve included both ends of the spectrum — from premium options built for serious productivity to budget-friendly picks that are great for streaming, browsing, and casual use.

Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.

Quick list: what’s the best tablet?

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The best tablets you can buy today:

1. Apple iPad Air (M2)

Apple iPad Air (M2) specs
Display	11in 2360×1640 resolution at 264 ppi LED IPS
Processor	Apple M2
RAM	8GB
Storage	128/256/512GB and 1TB
Cameras	12MP (rear), 12MP (front)
Battery	10 hours
Connectivity	5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Lightning
Software	iPadOS
Dimensions	247.6×178.5×6.1mm / 9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24 in
Weight	462g / 16.3 oz

Apple’s iPad Air (M2) strikes a sweet spot between power and portability. It runs on the same M2 chip you’ll find in the MacBook Air, which means it doesn’t flinch at multitasking, creative projects, or even demanding apps like 4K video editors. That puts it comfortably ahead of most mid-range Android tablets, and not far off the iPad Pro for raw performance.

Add the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil or Magic Keyboard into the mix, and it quickly switches roles – one moment it’s a lightweight sketchbook, the next it’s standing in for a laptop.

Its 10.9in Liquid Retina display is sharp and colourful, with True Tone for comfortable viewing in any light. Weighing just 1lb and measuring 6.1mm thick, it’s slim enough to carry anywhere yet still manages up to 10 hours of use. Add 5G connectivity, and it’s a great pick for working (or watching) on the go.

With iPadOS features like Stage Manager, the Air is now a capable laptop alternative. Support for apps like Procreate, Final Cut, and Logic Pro also makes it a versatile tool for creatives who don’t want to pay Pro prices.

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2. Apple iPad Pro (M4)

Apple iPad Pro (M4) specs
Display	13 or 11-inch 2732 x 2064 120Hz Ultra Retina XDR Tandem OLED
Processor	Apple M4
RAM	8/16GB
Storage	128/256/512GB and 1/2TB
Cameras	12MP (rear), 12MP (front)
Battery	10 hours
Connectivity	5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C
Software	iPadOS
Dimensions	11in: 250 x 178 x 5.3mm (11.10 x 8.50 x 0.20 in) 13in 282 x 216 x 5.1mm (11.10 x 8.50 x 0.20 in)
Weight	11in: 444g or 446g (15.7 oz or 15.8 oz) 13in: 579g or 582g (20.4 oz or 20.5 oz)

Apple’s iPad Pro (M4) isn’t just the company’s flagship tablet — it’s one of the most powerful portable devices you can buy, full stop. The new chip pushes performance into laptop territory, even outpacing some Core i9 machines, which makes it a serious tool for video editing, 3D work, and multitasking. The OLED Ultra Retina XDR display is equally impressive, with colours that pop and contrast that makes films and photos look stunning.

At just 5.1mm thick, it’s Apple’s slimmest iPad yet, though it still feels reassuringly solid in hand. Pair it with the new Apple Pencil Pro, which adds haptics and extra controls, and it becomes a digital artist’s dream.

It’s not flawless, though. iPadOS still feels limiting compared to macOS, the Magic Keyboard accessory is pricey, and the slim design means battery life is good rather than great. For pure power and display quality it outclasses the iPad Air (M2), but those limitations keep it from replacing a laptop outright for most people.

Starting at US$999 / £999, the iPad Pro M4 caters to professionals seeking extreme power and precision. For casual users, the impressive iPad Air with an M2 chip might be more than enough. If you’re in the 1% of creators pushing tech to its limits, this is the tablet to beat—just don’t hold back on hoping for a significant software upgrade at Apple’s next developer event.

• Read more: Apple iPad Pro review (M4) review

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3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra specs
Screen	14.6in, 2960×1848, 210Hz AMOLED
CPU	MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus
Memory	12/16GB
Cameras	13MP + 8MP rear, 12MP+12MP front
Storage	256GB/512GB/1TB, plus microSD expansion
Operating system	Android 14 w/ OneUI
Battery	11,200mAh w/ 45W wired charging
Dimensions	209x326x5.4mm
Weight	718g

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is a giant in every sense. Its 14.6in anti-reflective AMOLED display dominates your desk, making it ideal for creative multitasking or losing yourself in films and games. Colours are vivid, contrast is excellent, and it’s bright enough to cut through direct sunlight. Samsung also bundles in the S Pen, which remains one of the best styluses around for note-taking, sketching, and editing. AI-powered extras like object removal in photos and real-time transcription add genuinely useful tools for creatives and students alike.

Performance is no less impressive. With MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300 Plus chip under the hood, the Tab S10 Ultra keeps pace with serious laptops, whether you’re cutting 4K video, layering up digital artwork, or running demanding Android games. Battery life is strong enough to last a full day of heavy use, although you’ll need to bring your own fast charger if you want to top it up quickly.

The catch is that Apple’s iPad Pro still has the edge when it comes to third-party creative apps, and Samsung’s upgrades here are more of a steady step forward than a huge leap. Even so, for anyone who prefers Android, the Tab S10 Ultra is hard to top. It feels solid in the hand, comes with IP68 water protection, and Samsung promises seven years of updates. Put together, that makes it the standout Android tablet right now – even if the price tag is on the high side.

• Read more: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra review

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4. OnePlus Pad 3

OnePlus Pad 3 specs
Display	13.2in, 3392×2400 LCD w/ 144Hz
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM	12/16GB
Storage	256/512GB on-board
Cameras	13MP rear, 8MP front
Battery	12,140mAh w/ 80W wired charging
Connectivity	Wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB-C
Software	Android 15
Dimensions	290x210x5.97mm, 675g

The OnePlus Pad 3 is one of the best all-around Android tablets we’ve tested and a great alternative to an iPad for Android users. It’s a proper powerhouse that nails productivity, gaming and entertainment without costing a fortune. It undercuts rivals like the Samsung Tab S10 FE+ and iPad Air, yet delivers a premium experience that rarely compromises.

It’s slim, sleek and solidly built, with a vibrant 13.2in LCD display that’s sharp, bright and colour-rich – we found it perfect for work and Netflix alike. There’s no OLED, but you won’t miss it. Eight speakers deliver impressive sound, and the 7:5 aspect ratio makes multitasking feel natural. OnePlus’ software polish shines too, especially Open Canvas, which handles multiple apps better than anything else on Android.

Performance is top tier, thanks to a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and up to 16GB of RAM. It flies through creative apps, games, and split-screen use. Battery life is class-leading, with its 12,140mAh cell lasting days on a charge, and 80W charging gets you topped up fast.

Accessories like the excellent Smart Keyboard and Stylo 2 stylus boost productivity but also push up the price. Cameras are forgettable, and you only get three years of major Android updates, not quite matching Samsung or Apple for longevity.

Still, for most people, this is everything a tablet should be: fast, versatile, and fun to use. If Android fits your workflow and you don’t want to spend iPad money, the OnePlus Pad 3 is an easy recommendation.

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5. Apple iPad Mini (6th generation)

Apple iPad Mini (6th generation) specs
Display	8.3in 2266×1488 LED IPS
Processor	Apple A15 Bionic
RAM	4GB
Storage	64/256GB
Cameras	12MP (rear), 12MP (front)
Battery	10 hours
Connectivity	5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
Software	iPadOS 15
Dimensions	195.4×134.8×6.3mm, 297g

Styled like an iPad Air that’s shrunk in the wash, the revamped iPad Mini is all screen and all the better for it. A vibrant canvas surrounded by a slim black bezel, it looks great and feels premium. Light at 300g, its smaller-than-A5 dimensions make it a good fit for any satchel.

Despite its dinkier dimensions, you still get a full iPad experience with few compromises. The 8.3in screen doesn’t support 120Hz ProMotion, but it is sharper than any other iPad display at 326ppi. Besides the design, the Mini apes the Air in other ways: True Tone tech, Touch ID in the power button, USB-C connectivity and a 12MP front-facing camera with Centre Stage.

Its 14:9 aspect ratio does mean some apps don’t fill the entire display, but the iPadOS ecosystem otherwise delivers the slick software experience we’ve come to know and love – especially when you use it with Apple’s second-gen Pencil. If you’re shopping for a capable and attractive tablet that’s easier to tote, the 6th-gen iPad Mini should sit top of your list.

• Read more: Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation) review

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6. OnePlus Pad Lite

OnePlus Pad Lite specs
Display	11in, 1920×1200 LCD w/ 90Hz
Processor	MediaTek Helio G100
RAM	6/8GB RAM
Storage	128GB on-board
Cameras	5MP rear 5MP front
Battery	9340mAh w/ 33W wired charging
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C
Software	Android 15
Dimensions	255x167x7.4mm, 530g

The OnePlus Pad Lite is exactly where I’d start if you’re shopping for a budget Android tablet. For not very much money at all, it undercuts most big-name rivals while still feeling far from cheap. The all-metal body is sturdy, the 11in 90Hz screen makes scrolling smooth, and the huge 9340mAh battery lasts forever – especially on standby, where it comfortably goes a week between charges if you’re a light user.

Performance is modest, thanks to a MediaTek Helio G100, but it’s fine for browsing, video streaming, socials and casual games. Push it harder with multitasking or demanding 3D titles, and it quickly shows its limits. The 5MP cameras are nothing special, but they’ll do for video calls. What impressed me most is the software: OxygenOS is clean, bloat-free and simple, with handy multitasking features and a proper kids mode. Four years of Android updates and six years of security patches also mean it won’t be abandoned any time soon.

At 530g it’s on the heavy side, the LCD isn’t the brightest, and you don’t get niceties like stylus support. But for the money, it nails the essentials. If you want a first tablet for the family, or just something reliable for everyday use without stretching the budget, this is the one I’d pick.

• Read more: OnePlus Pad Lite review

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7. Google Pixel Tablet

Google Pixel Tablet specs
Display	10.95in, 2560×1600 LCD
CPU	Google Tensor G2
Memory	8GB RAM
Storage	128/256GB on-board
Cameras	8MP rear, 8MP front
Operating system	Android 13
Battery	12 hours
Dimensions	258x169x8.1mm, 493g

Is it an iPad rival? A smart display you don’t have to keep tethered to a single spot? Or Google’s latest vision for what Android should look like on bigger screens? The Pixel Tablet is a bit of all three.

This is Google’s first home-grown tablet in five years and what makes it stand out from the crowd is that it ships with a bundled speaker dock, so it turns into a Nest Home Hub when not in your hands. This makes it very useful, as you’re essentially getting two devices in one.

It also ships with a new version of Android 13 that’s been properly optimised for tablets. It’s still not perfect, but a big step in the right direction.

Google fans hoping the Pixel Tablet was going to wipe the floor with every iPad are going to be disappointed, but those with more realistic expectations are in for a treat.

• Read more: Google Pixel Tablet review

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8. Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro

Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro specs
Display	11.2in, 3200×2136 LCD w/ 144Hz
CPU	Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
Memory	12GB RAM
Storage	128/256/512GB
Cameras	50MP rear 32MP front
Operating system	Android 15 w/ HyperOS 2
Battery	8850mAh w/ 67W wired charging
Dimensions	251x173x6.2mm, 500g

We’ve been crying out for an Android tablet that can genuinely rival the iPad Air – and the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro gets surprisingly close. During testing, we found it handled everything from split-screen multitasking to 60fps gaming without breaking a sweat, thanks to its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip and up to 12GB of RAM. Xiaomi’s HyperOS tweaks aren’t perfect – multitasking still lags behind Samsung – but we managed four apps at once without stuttering.

The 11.2in LCD isn’t OLED, but it’s pin-sharp (3200×2136) and refreshes at 144Hz. It’s brighter than many OLED rivals too, hitting 800 nits – ideal for outdoor use. Battery life was stellar: we squeezed several days out of its 8850mAh cell, and 30 minutes of Diablo Immortal only sapped 10%.

What surprised us most was how well the official Focus Keyboard transformed the Pad 7 Pro into a laptop replacement. Typing felt solid, the touchpad was slick, and we loved the stepless hinge. Just don’t forget to budget for it – the keyboard isn’t bundled.

No tablet is flawless – the LCD can’t match OLEDs for contrast, and you’ll need a Xiaomi phone to unlock its full ecosystem. But for not very much money at all, this thing is a steal. We’d happily use it every day.

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What to look for when buying the best tablet

When choosing a tablet, it helps to start by thinking about what you’ll actually use it for. If it’s mainly for casual stuff – browsing the web, streaming films, or a bit of gaming – you don’t need to go overboard. A solid mid-range model with a reliable processor, at least 4GB of RAM, and a Full HD screen should do the job nicely.

But if you’re planning to use it for work that’s more demanding, stuff like creating digital artwork, video editing, or juggling several heavy apps at once, you’ll want something more powerful. In that case, look for a tablet with a top-tier chip (such as Apple’s M2 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), at least 8GB of memory. Plenty of storage is important as well – 256GB or higher is a good baseline, and expandable storage is worth looking for.

The operating system is also a crucial factor, with iOS and Android being the primary options. The Apple iPad with iOS offers a smooth, integrated experience with a vast app ecosystem optimised for tablets. It’s perfect if you already have other Apple devices.

Android tablets, on the other hand, provide more flexibility and customisation, with a wide range of models to suit various budgets.

We’ve touched on it before, but the display quality really is a key feature for tablets. Consider the display size, resolution, brightness, and colour accuracy, especially if the tablet will be used for media consumption or creative work.

If you plan on using your tablet mainly for reading e-books, consider getting one of the best e-readers instead. These have matt, paper-like e-ink displays which are much easier on the eyes.

While a tablet’s battery life is important, it’s not quite as vital as a smartphone’s battery life. This is because a good tablet should last at least 8-10 hours on a single charge, but tablets are generally used at home or near a charging outlet (not out and about like phones).

If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, check out the best cheap tablets, and, if you’re only interested in Apple tech, then check out our guide to the best iPad.

Finally, you’ll also want to consider additional features such as stylus support, keyboard compatibility, and connectivity options (like USB-C, HDMI, or 5G capability) depending on how you plan to use your tablet.

Wi-Fi-only vs. cellular tablet – which should you buy?

Choosing between a Wi-Fi-only and a cellular tablet depends on how and where you’ll use it. A Wi-Fi-only tablet is more affordable and ideal if you’re mostly at home, work, or places with reliable Wi-Fi. However, it becomes useless when you don’t have Wi-Fi.

A cellular tablet offers on-the-go connectivity via a SIM or eSIM, making it perfect for frequent travellers, commuters, or remote workers. It’s more expensive upfront and requires a data plan, but it provides flexibility and independence when you’re out and about.

If portability and always-on access matter, go cellular; otherwise, Wi-Fi is sufficient.

Can a tablet replace a laptop?

For light use, a tablet can often stand in for a laptop. With a decent processor, support for multitasking, and cloud storage, it’s fine for browsing, streaming, emails, note-taking, and even some light editing. Add a keyboard, and it starts to feel like a slim, ultra-portable laptop.

Tablets are versatile, but they do have limits. If you’re coding, editing large video projects, or working with big spreadsheets, you’ll likely hit roadblocks with app support and clunky file management. That’s where laptops take the lead. They give you full desktop software, smoother multitasking, and extra ports for hooking up the accessories you need.

So, if your needs are simple and portability matters most, a tablet will do the job. But if you’re after serious productivity, a laptop is still the safer bet.