The tablets have become versatile templates in the world of gadgets. If you are on a plane and want something portable but slightly larger than your phone to read comics or watch movies, there is nothing better. Alternatively, if you want a shared device for the living room to control the things of the smart house, do a little shopping or conviction (that’s good, we do not judge), have a slim little slate that lives on your table low is super practical. And if you want something elegant to carry for work or school, tablets can also replace laptops now.
That said, a change that we have brought to this guide for 2025 is to adjust some of the categories, because let’s be honest: if you are an Android person, no amount of browbeating will convince you to change ecosystems and buy a iPad. The same goes for all the pure and destroyed Windows. And it’s more than ok. So, instead of topping the best overall, we simply recommend the most powerful and best tablets for each operating system, as well as certain additional choices for other use cases.
Table of contents
Important things to consider before buying a tablet
Before you start looking at specific devices, the first thing you need to do is determine what you plan to use your new tablet. Indeed, if everything you need is something to occupy a child, buying a brand new iPad Pro does not make sense. On the other hand, if you want to use a tablet for video publishing or drawing, you will have to take things like the performance and support for the stylus more seriously.
You will also want to think of things like the frequency you plan to travel with the device and if it is more for productivity, or for less demanding stuff such as web browsing or streaming emissions. There is also a major compromise to consider with regard to the battery life. Larger devices tend to have longer execution times, although an increase in size can make it less portable.
What screen size do I need?
The determination of the best screen size for you will also be linked to the type of work (or play) that you intend to do. Larger screens very much facilitate the two applications side by side, and the big screens also offer a more immersive film visualization experience. But at the same time, the larger the tablet, the less you want to move it. This means that you will not only want to take stock of your workspace (that is, if you have an office or plan to work from a sofa or even your bed), but you Also go want to think about how the device will integrate into your routine or your daily journey (if you have one).
Best tablets for 2025
How to test the tablets
When evaluating different tablets, there are a few important things that we are looking for above all: solid performance, a good screen and a long battery life. For performance, we carry out a handful of synthetic tests like Geekbench 6, while performing a certain number of real and real use cases such as modifying photos and playing games. And with tablets which often serve as hybrid devices, we also consider the ease with which it is several tasks and to quickly switch between various applications. The more reactive a device, the better.
Since the display of a tablet is such a critical component, we also consider a wide range of content to assess things such as brightness, color range and dynamic range. It is important to take into account the difference between the different types of panels like OLED, which generally produce richer colors and an excellent contrast but may not be as bright as a mini LED display. Recently, the cooling rate has become an increasingly important specification because 90 Hz and 120 Hz screens can make scrolling smoother and graphics seem sharper in games.
We also consider the design of a tablet (including things like size, weight and water resistance), its connectivity (Wifi, Bluetooth, NFC, 5G, and Cetera) and special features such as support stylus or the possibility of serving as a secondary screen. Indeed, although tablets are often considered as content consumption devices in the past, high -end devices like the pro surface and the iPad Pro are more than capable of replacing a laptop for many people.
Finally, we are testing the battery life by performing our standard local video dilapidation test, which consists in reading a single video on a 100% loop until it lacks juice. Ideally, a tablet should be able to last a whole day of work, but longer execution times are always welcome.
Other tablets that we tested
Apple iPad Mini
Apple has updated the iPad Mini for 2024 with certain modifications under the cap, including a new processor and an additional RAM to help support Apple Intelligence’s features. Although the iPad Mini is one of the best iPads you can buy, its small size is a little niche. It is only if you prefer that your tablet is the size of a straightener if you consider it.
Google Pixel tablet
The Google Pixel tablet excels as an intelligent screen rather than a simple tablet. As a second, it is not very exciting, but when associated with its speaker / load quay, it becomes much more useful. This could be a good option for those who already live in the Google ecosystem and often use the Google assistant, or those who like the idea of a tablet that can also be moored and used as a smart display.
Pad
The solid OnePlus pad is disappointed by Android because there are no many Android applications designed to be used on a large screen like the 11.6 -inch panel of this model. Otherwise, the equipment is well designed, his companion stylus is comfortable to use and he has excellent autonomy.
Tablet faq
What is the best brand for tablets?
The best brand for tablets is really the brand with which you feel the most comfortable. We recommend that you take stock of the gadgets you already have – do you already live in the Apple ecosystem? An iPad could be the best for you then. Do you have a Samsung phone? If this is the case, a Galaxy tab will probably be the most practical choice. There is not a single “best brand” for tablets; You will find good options made by companies such as Apple, Google, Samsung, Microsoft and Amazon.
Can a tablet replace a laptop?
It is possible for a tablet to replace a laptop, but you will need some accessories to really make the experience as close as possible to that of a traditional notebook. A keyboard is a must, whether it is a keyboard box or a Bluetooth accessory you keep with you. Some keyboard cases, such as Apple’s magic keyboard for the iPad, have an integrated trackpad, which will be more ergonomic than typing on the screen of your tablet for entry. In addition, you can go further and use a wireless mouse that connects via Bluetooth to your tablet. If you are mainly looking for a tablet to replace your laptop, consider buying a 2 -in -1 laptop, because these systems are generally made up of high power tablets designed to work well with (and without) keyboards.
Tablet accessories
Finally, you will want to consider all the additional modules or accessories that you plan to use, which can go from detachable keyboards to things like external microphones or a stylus. The good news is that many of the best tablets nowadays offer a kind of keyboard accessory, which allows the device to operate more like a 2 in 1 instead of simply being a content consumption device. Some tablets also include elements such as microSD card slots which support extensible storage, or optional 4G or 5G connectivity, which can be a real windfall for frequent travelers. And if you plan to use the tablet mainly for work, you may want to take a USB hub to connect all your favorite devices so that your devices do not have to fight for the charger.
Recent updates
February 2025: Updated to include clarifications around our best choices and new purchasing advice.
October 2024: We have updated this list to include information on the new iPad Mini 7.
June 2024: We have updated our best choices to include the Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot +publishing.
This article originally appeared on engadget to
