Ultimate Tablet Guide: Top 20 Best Picks & Reviews

Tablets have evolved beyond their smartphone-like origins. Whether you’re a creative professional, a student, or just someone who wants a reliable device for entertainment, there’s a tablet out there for you. From powerhouse performers like the iPad Pro 13 (2024) to budget-friendly options like the Amazon Fire HD 10, this list covers a wide range of devices to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

Upgrade your tech with the Ultimate Tablet Guide! We’ve ranked the top 20 best tablets with expert reviews for your perfect 2025 pick.

Ultimate Tablet Guide: Best Picks for 2025

1. iPad Pro 13 (2024)

The iPad Pro 13 (2024) is the largest and most advanced iPad ever. A 13-inch OLED display and Apple XDR technology deliver an exceptional visual experience. Powered by the Apple M4 chip, it outperforms the previous models with 20% better thermal performance and four times the rendering performance. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, which is ideal for creative professionals. The high price point may make it overkill for casual use, but the iPad Pro 13 (2024) is the best option for power users.

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus

The Galaxy Tab S10 Plus is a premium Android tablet that stands out for its powerful performance, thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chip. This tablet excels in gaming and graphics but also shines as a productivity tool, thanks to Samsung’s intuitive software and the included S Pen. The 12.4-inch display offers ample screen space, and the IP68 water resistance makes it durable. While it is a bit less portable than the 13-inch iPad Pro (2024), the Tab S10 Plus offers a larger battery, better multitasking capabilities, and more for a similar price point.

3. iPad 10.9 (2022)

The iPad 10.9 (2022) offers great value for its price. It provides solid performance and will likely continue to serve well for years, especially for iPhone or Mac users. With a larger display, no home button, and a USB-C port, this model is close to the iPad Air in terms of features. While the iPad Air offers more power with the M1 chip, the 10.9 model is more than enough for everyday use, and it comes in vibrant colors like pink and yellow.

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

The Galaxy Tab S9 is a productivity powerhouse, with Samsung’s OneUI interface making multitasking a breeze. With the same powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and included S Pen, it delivers top-tier performance for most tasks. Its DeX software allows it to mimic a desktop experience and supports an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The Tab S9 offers excellent value compared to an iPad Pro, especially with its lower price and the added benefits of the microSD slot and S Pen.

5. OnePlus Pad

The OnePlus Pad impresses with features expected from OnePlus phones. It integrates well with OnePlus and Oppo devices, boasts a 144Hz LCD, and offers 67W fast charging. While the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chip doesn’t provide the same performance as top Android phones with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, it’s still a good choice for entertainment use. The OnePlus Pad stands out with its attractive design, especially its unique green color and $479 price tag, making it an appealing option for those seeking value.

6. Apple iPad Air M2 (2024)

iPad Air M2 is a middle ground between the regular iPad and Pro ones, with lightness without compromising performance. With the M2 chip inside, it provides speedy performance for use by both leisure users and professionals as well. Its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina screen contains detailed and vibrant images, and its Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard support makes it very versatile, popular among professionals and students as well.

7. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra

The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is one of the largest tablets on the market, perfect for creative work and media consumption. Despite its impressive display, its performance is held back by the MediaTek 9300 chip, which may not be ideal for heavy-duty professional applications. The tablet offers a microSD slot for additional storage and has a water-resistant design—features not found in iPads. This tablet is a great choice for users seeking a large display with robust features.

8. Apple iPad mini 7

iPad mini 7 is a performance-packed small device, with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and A17 Bionic chip, for silky-smooth performance. Its small size is perfect for on-the-go use without sacrificing anything.
The iPad mini 7 with Apple Pencil support is a great note-taking and creative tool. Its improved cameras and Center Stage make for more engaging video calls, for personal or business purposes.

9. Microsoft Surface Pro 11

The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 carries on the tradition of 2-in-1 tablets’ multi-functionality with its kickstand and removable keyboard for use in motion. With Windows 11, it offers a desktop experience with the form factor of a tablet. Its PixelSense display and support for Surface Pen make it the perfect choice for creative professionals as well as for productivity work. The Surface Pro 11’s good performance and portability ensure it is among the best players for tablets.

10. Lenovo Tab Extreme 2

Lenovo Tab Extreme 2 leaves us impressed with its 12.6-inch OLED display and Dolby Vision, presenting vibrant color perfect for streaming, gaming, and business workflow. Fueled with Snapdragon 8cx Gen 4, it offers seamless multitasking and effortless performance. It is carefully crafted with support for Precision Pen, four JBL speakers, and ultrathin aluminum design. Support for add-on accessories such as keyboard case and second-screen feature positions it as a full-power productivity device.

11. Huawei MatePad Pro 13

Huawei MatePad Pro 13 comes with a slender 13-inch FullView display, Kirin 9900 power, and seamless HarmonyOS integration for convenient cross-device usage. Built for creativity, the M-Pencil stylus brings enhanced sketching and editing, while its lightweight ensures mobility. The high-end tablet is best suited for professionals and media fans who appreciate performance and design.

12. Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)

Price-conscious shoppers will appreciate the Amazon Fire HD 10. The 10.1-inch screen of the tablet offers sufficient screen real estate for streaming, internet surfing, and media consumption. While it is not packed with the Google Play Store, there are a good number of mainstream apps available in Amazon’s App Market to enjoy entertainment or productivity. An extremely low beginning price of $139.99 / £149.99 is an attractive option, particularly during sale prices where it goes lower.

13. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus is Samsung’s answer to the iPad Air, providing great features like the S Pen, multitasking software, and integration with other Samsung devices. While the performance isn’t on par with Apple’s top-tier tablets, its Exynos 1380 chip offers excellent battery life, lasting over 18 hours on a single charge. It’s the best option for those who need a tablet that can last a long time without recharging.

14. Google Pixel Tablet

Google’s Pixel Tablet combines tablet usage with smart home into a single device. It also serves as a smart display if used with a dock. Being able to hook it up with Google services and Google Assistant makes it handy for everyday usage. The minimalist and clean design coupled with high-definition output guarantees adequacy for multimedia video, and the productivity mode is suited for working activities with an all-around experience.

15. iPad 10.2 (2021)

The iPad 10.2 (2021) is an excellent entry point into the Apple ecosystem without breaking the bank. It may be an older model, but it continues to receive updates, ensuring it remains up-to-date with the latest iPad. While less expensive alternatives from Samsung or Amazon are available, the iPad 10.2 offers a premium experience, fast performance, and reliable software support, making it a top pick for budget-conscious buyers.

16. OnePlus Pad 2

OnePlus Pad 2 has an excellent mix of performance and price, featuring a minimalist aesthetic and a high-refresh-rate screen. Its positioning within the OnePlus ecosystem allows it to seamlessly connect and be productive. With its strong processor and plenty of RAM, the OnePlus Pad 2 can multitask and play games effortlessly. With its fast charging and long-lasting battery, the OnePlus Pad 2 is the ideal companion for everyday use.

17. Xiaomi Pad 6

The Xiaomi Pad 6 has a high-resolution display and powerful internals at a budget price, which makes it a value proposition for budget shoppers. Its thin design and MI UI-based optimizations offer a snappy and intuitive experience, whether browsing the web, streaming movies, or multitasking with several apps simultaneously. The 11-inch 2.8K screen with 144Hz refresh rate provides sharp pictures and smooth movement, perfect for gaming and video watching. Featuring the Snapdragon 870 chip, the Xiaomi Pad 6 delivers seamless performance for day-to-day use, while its huge 8,840mAh battery is backed for day-long battery life.

18. Microsoft Surface Pro 10

Microsoft Surface Pro 10 elevates the 2-in-1 tablet experience to new levels with a 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen, Alder Lake processors, and native Windows 11 support. Surface Slim Pen 3 offers precise, natural writing with haptic feedback, and improved cooling for sustained performance. A rich detachable keyboard, 15-hour battery, Thunderbolt 4 support, and Windows Hello security are some of the features that make it a reliable and versatile option for professionals and business users.

19. Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus

Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is one of the inexpensive models for the user who prefers smaller tablets. It does not have the horsepower to perform rigorous productivity work, but it makes a great consumption tablet. It operates most of the apps within Amazon’s App Market, not Google Play and Google services. It is normally less than $100 and represents a good, cheap option for a user in need of a small, functional tablet for streaming and casual usage.

20. iPad mini (2021)

The iPad mini continues to be the best compact tablet available. A powerful A17 Pro chip provides excellent performance in a small form factor. Though no significant updates are in the 2024 release, it remains the top choice for those seeking a portable tablet in a jacket pocket. Despite limited competition in the small tablet market, the iPad mini excels in power and versatility.

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Finding the Perfect Tablet for You