When you’re following along with a meal recipe, reading small writing, or viewing your favorite Netflix series while sitting on the couch, smartphone displays just don’t cut it. So, if you find it difficult to see a phone screen but want the portability of a computer, a tablet is the ideal compromise.
The best tablets allow you to conduct video chats, play games, watch streaming services, operate smart home appliances such as bright lighting and plugs, snap photos, read the news, edit pictures, draw with a stylus, and spend much too much time cruising through social media. Some are created with children in mind and can keep them (briefly) entertained, while others are premium powerhouses that are more powerful and expensive than some laptops.
This list includes our favorite iOS and Android devices from big brands, including Apple, Samsung, and Amazon. Scroll down to the bottom of the list for a comprehensive guide that explains everything you need to know about purchasing a slate instead of one of the best budget phones, including how much to spend and the top features to look for.
Top tablets in 2023:
How the HA Tech Team Tests phones
We evaluate the finest tablets by seeing how they work in everyday situations. That is, we turn them on and time how long it takes to set up a user account before using the gadget for several days. We test the battery life by watching YouTube videos, listening to music on Spotify, and browsing the internet to see how responsive the screen is to touch and how the operating system feels.
We know that tablets are likely to carry many of your files, so we look at how easy it is to save photographs and programs and how fast the performance is in everyday use. This list was compiled through a combination of hands-on testing and extensive research.
1
PROS
- Beautiful high-resolution display
- S-Pen stylus included
CONS
- Very expensive
specifications
Screen size
6.3 inches
Resolution
2800 x 1752 pixels
Software
Android 12/One UI
Processor
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Storage
128GB/256GB
Cameras
13MP rear, 12MP front
Weight
572g
Battery life
Up to 13 hours
If you choose to continue with Android, the Galaxy Tab S8+ from Samsung is the one for you. It’s the middle sister of a trio of slates that debuted earlier this year, and it has a stunning and crisp 12.4-inch display that’s great for watching videos and browsing webpages in crystal-clear clarity. Unlike every other tablet on our list, it includes its S-Pen stylus – excellent news for designers.
When not in use, this handy pencil magnetically attaches to the back of the slate and is used for taking notes and drawing. The S8+ is a great-looking tablet with an aluminum chassis that’s strong enough to resist minor knocks, but the high price tag means this isn’t a device you’ll be handing to your children.
2
PROS
- Smooth performance
- Great display
- Seamless docking
CONS
- Nest Hub Max is still a better smart speaker
specifications
Screen size
10.95 inches
Resolution
1600 x 2560 pixels
Operating system
Android 13
Processor
Google Tensor G2
Storage
128GB, 256GB
Cameras
8 MP main, 8 MP selfie
Battery life
Up to 12 hours
Weight
493g
Google’s Pixel Tablet is an Android tablet that also functions as a smart speaker. It features a fluid user interface, a high-resolution display, premium build quality, and a unique hub mode that transforms it into a lighter version of the Nest Hub Max. This means it is never allowed to run out of battery power – the tablet is always ready to be picked up and used – and the station’s speakers are louder than any isolated tablet.
Unlike dedicated, intelligent displays, it provides proper access to apps via the Google Play Store, allowing you to download any streaming platforms or mobile games that you would be able to get on the best Android phones and Google’s apps (such as YouTube, Gmail, and Drive) are optimized for the large display. This hybrid device for in-home entertainment can also be controlled by “Hey Google” instructions, allowing you to go completely hands-free and control the slate solely with your voice if you want. However, it is pricey, and you would be better off with a less expensive Nest Hub if you never intend to use it as a tablet.
3
PROS
- Most affordable Apple slate
- Smooth software performance
CONS
- Dated design in 2023
specifications
Screen size
10.2 inches
Resolution
2160 x 1620 pixels
Software
iPadOS 15
Processor
A13 Bionic
Storage
64GB/256GB
Cameras
8MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide (front)
Weight
487g (wifi) 498 grams (wifi/cellular)
Battery life
Up to 10 hours
The iPad (9th generation) is the most cost-effective way to get your hands on an iOS tablet, and while it is Apple’s entry-level model, it outperforms any other budget tablet in terms of value. The 10.2-inch display is bright and snappy, and it’s the perfect size for online shopping, checking recipes, and binge-watching The Crown.
We enjoy the support for keyboard cases and the first-generation Apple Pencil, but the show’s star is iPadOS. This software introduces additional multitasking, widgets, and video-calling capabilities from the more expensive models (including Centre Stage, which monitors your face as you move around in a conversation). Some parts of this iPad show their age, particularly the older design with more extensive borders and a physical home button. The A13 chip – the same as in the iPhone 11 – isn’t the most powerful, but it’s more than enough for the essentials. Are you looking for your first tablet? This will be very useful to you.
4
PROS
- Great value for money
- Strong battery life
CONS
- No Google Play Store apps
specifications
Screen size
10.1 inches
Resolution
1920 x 1200 pixels
Software
FireOS
Processor
Octa-core 2.0 GHz
Storage
32/64 GB (up to 1 TB microSD)
Cameras
5 MP rear, 2 MP front
Weight
465g
Battery life
Up to 12 hours
Amazon produces many tablets, but not all of them can compete with the iPads and Galaxy Tabs of the world. The Fire HD 10 series is an exception, and it truly shines if you are already a Prime member since it practically becomes an all-in-one slate for shopping, reading, watching movies, or listening to music and audiobooks. The 12-hour battery life makes it ideal for travel and commuting, and the 1080p display is one of the best on a Fire HD slate.
There is a good range of apps, like Spotify, Facebook, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Netflix; however, you need help accessing the entire Google Play Store to download programs due to Fire OS limits. Several HD 10 models are available, including a Plus variant with wireless charging, but we believe the standard 32GB device is suitable for most people. This reduces prices, and if you need more capacity, you can quickly add up to 1TB using a microSD card.
5
PROS
- Beautiful design and colour options
- Fantastic software performance
CONS
- Big price jump from 9th gen
specifications
Screen size
10.9 inches
Resolution
2360 x 1640 pixels
Software
iPadOS 16
Processor
A14 Bionic
Storage
64GB, 256GB
Cameras
12MP wide rear, 12MP front
Weight
477g (wifi), 481g (wifi/cellular)
Battery life
Up to 10 hours
This sleek new addition to Apple’s tablet lineup sits just above the entry-level iPad (9th generation), which is still available at a lower price. The central selling point is the redesign. The touch ID button and more extensive borders around the display have been removed, and it now looks more like the iPad Air and Pro models and comes in a range of colorful colors: blue, pink, yellow, and silver. Along with the eye-catching new design, there is a larger screen (10.9 inches, up from 10.2 inches) and a quicker A14 Bionic CPU – the same as found in the iPhone 12.
The camera has been upgraded from 8MP to 12MP, it now has 5G instead of 4G, and it uses USB-C instead of the Lightning port, which we love. Finally, the niceties cost over £200 more, but we see the allure of getting one of the best entry-level tablets in a more appealing form. We like the new finishes and welcome minor improvements, such as adding Bluetooth 5.2 over 4.2, which will retain a stronger connection with your headphones or wireless speakers.
6
PROS
- Great for travel or commuting
- Doubles as an e-reader
CONS
- Camera are pretty poor
specifications
Screen size
7 inches
Resolution
1024 x 600 pixels
Software
FireOS
Processor
Octa-core 2.0 GHz
Storage
16GB/32 GB (up to 1TB microSD)
Cameras
2MP rear, 2MP front
Weight
282g
Battery life
Up to 10 hours
You only sometimes want to spend a lot of money. We completely understand. So, if saving money is your primary goal, here’s Amazon’s Fire HD 7. It’s a more powerful Kindle. The HD 7, roughly the same size as the popular e-reader, is portable, inexpensive, and designed to be taken around in a handbag or backpack. We’ve played with the device and found it straightforward to use and comfortable to hold in one hand, with a substantial range of apps like Spotify, Twitter, Disney+, and YouTube on top of Amazon’s Prime Video.
The little screen is a lower resolution. Still, it’s perfect for train rides – we watched an episode of Amazon’s The Terminal List without straining our eyes – though you’ll want to connect Bluetooth headphones for better audio quality. Internal storage is small, as expected for a device for around £100, and performance is slow. When you launch or switch apps, you will notice lags and stutters. There are front and rear cameras, but at 2MP, you won’t be racing to use them. Believe us.
So it’s not for those looking for a quick or high-end tablet, but it’s a solid alternative with a 10-hour battery life, Alexa support, and up to 1TB of extra storage through a microSD card. Who is it intended for? Anyone who frequently uses the Amazon website needs a low-cost portable device for travel or desires an e-reader with app download capabilities.
7
PROS
- Amazing performance
- Sleek design
CONS
- No bundled stylus
specifications
Screen size
10.9 inches
Resolution
2360 x 1640 pixels
Software
iPad OS 15
Processor
Apple M1
Storage
64GB/256GB
Cameras
12MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide front
Weight
461g (wifi) 462 g (wifi/cellular)
Battery life
Up to 10 hours
The iPad Air (5th generation) strikes a fantastic mix between the power of the Pro models, the elegant design of the small iPad mini 6th generation, and the cost of the entry-level iPad 9 – we’re convinced it’ll be the best tablet for the majority of consumers in 2023.
Surprisingly, Apple equipped this tablet with the same M1 CPU as its 2020 MacBook Pro computers, resulting in smooth performance when navigating apps or gaming. iPadOS 15 is still the king of tablet software, with many software and features such as multitasking to open multiple apps at once and configurable widgets to organize the layout of apps on your home screen.
The long-lasting 10-hour battery quickly powers through a long commute or travel, and support for the Apple Pencil (2nd gen) and Smart Folio Keyboard means it’s ideal for writing emails or creative artwork. If you have the money, the iPad Air checks almost every box on our list of what we seek in a tablet.
8
PROS
- Bumper case is great for kids
- Good parental controls
CONS
- Amazon Kids+ requires payment after a year
specifications
Screen size
8 inches
Resolution
1280 x 800 pixels
Software
FireOS
Processor
Hexa-core 2.0 GHz
Storage
32GB, 64GB
Cameras
2MP front, 2MP rear
Weight
518g
Battery life
Up to 13 hours
If you give a tablet to a toddler, ensure it’s protected from smudged fingerprints and the occasional (OK, more than rare) drop to the ground. It’s advisable to spend only a little money on it or to have a firm guarantee that it will be replaced if it breaks. The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids takes all of these factors into account, and as a consequence, it is our choice for the best kids’ tablet.
The 8-inch slate comes with a full year of Amazon Kids+ free, which gives you access to thousands of games, books, and kid-friendly apps such as Harry Potter and CBeebies, as well as a 2-year guarantee that will provide you with a complete replacement if it breaks. It’s a full-fledged tablet, but Amazon includes robust age filters and parental controls when you set it up, allowing you to monitor how your child uses it and block access to specific apps.
9
PROS
- Google app support, unlike Amazon slates
- Portable size
CONS
- Slightly sluggish software
specifications
Screen size
8 inches
Resolution
800 x 1280 pixels
Software
Android 12
Processor
Unisoc T606
Storage
32 GB, expandable up to 512 GB
Cameras
8 MP main, 2MP selfie
Weight
375g
Battery life
8 hours
The T10 is an excellent substitute for Amazon’s Fire HD series. The 8-inch screen is ideal for reading ebooks and browsing websites, and unlike the retail giant’s slates (which run FireOS), it has a full version of Android. This means you can get many more programs from the official Google Play Store, like YouTube, Google Photos, Gmail, and a range of games, plus there are no ads.
It’s not the quickest tablet on the market, especially compared to the Apple iPad, but it’s more than adequate for watching Netflix or Disney+ shows or looking up recipes for dinner. It was also small enough to fit inside a bag during testing, and it has a 3.5mm headphone connector for connecting a pair of headphones. The robust structure withstands a few knocks and is available for less than £100, making it a fantastic option for children who have outgrown the Fire HD Kids above.
10
PROS
- Great for editing projects
- Lots of storage options
CONS
- May be too much power for many users
specifications
Screen size
11 inches, 12.9-inches
Resolution
2388 x 1668 pixels
Software
iPadOS 16
Processor
Apple M2
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Cameras
12MP wide, 10MP ultra wide, 12MP front
Weight
From 466g (wifi), 470g (wifi/cellular)
Battery life
Up to 10 hours
If you want power, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro delivers. This is Apple’s giant tablet, and the sizeable high-resolution display is excellent for editing photographs or films, thanks to the blistering performance of the M2 CPU, which is also included in the company’s latest MacBook Air and Pro computers. As we explain in our guide to the best iPads, the Pro series is the closest a slate has gone to being a laptop replacement, even if we believe the power housed within this model is overkill for most people.
Editors, designers, and anyone else needing terabytes of storage or add-ons like the Apple Pencil would adore it. There have also been minor improvements from last year’s model, such as ProRes video recording for improved picture quality, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and Apple Pencil hover, allowing you to use the stylus from up to 12mm away from the screen. Like previous models, this is available in two display sizes: 11 inches and 12.9 inches, with the larger one being more expensive and heavier.
These are wonderful for heavy users, but if you’re checking emails or watching movies, the smaller – and substantially less expensive – iPad Air 5th gen is a better choice.
How much do tablets cost?
Entry-level tablets with minimal functions cost less than £100, while premium ones, such as Apple’s latest iPad, may cost over £1000. However, unless you’re doing graphic design or have mastered at-home architectural sketching, you don’t need to pay that much to enjoy a decent tablet experience.
The sweet spot is roughly £300-£600, which will get you enough storage for your files, a vast, bright, colorful screen for watching Grand Designs on All 4, and a fast processor for surfing your apps.
Because each brand has different accessories for each model, the initial price can rise if you add attachable keyboards, a touch-sensitive pen, or more storage to your tablet. This can increase costs by £100 to £400, so be prepared.
What kind of tablet should you buy?
As with smartphones, you should choose one with your preferred operating system (OS). There are four major operating systems: Apple iOS, Google Android, Windows 10, and Amazon’s Fire OS.
Each one will come preinstalled with brand-specific apps (for example, the Google Play Store and Google Chrome for Android, and the App Store and Safari for iOS), and they can connect to voice control assistants such as Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant.
What is our recommendation? Keep to what you know. For example, if you have a Samsung phone, you will feel more at ease with a Samsung tablet, saving you the trouble of relearning a new system.
Also, if you use the same operating system, your files, accounts, and even additional devices are likely to sync easily. Apple is a prime example of this, with its phones, tablets, and earbuds swiftly integrating for convenience.
What tablet features should you look out for?
Tablets have screens roughly twice the size of some of the latest smartphones. They are measured from corner to corner in inches and can be as huge as an A4 sheet of paper – such as the 12.9-inch iPad Pro – or as little as seven inches.
If you’re only checking emails on your tablet, you will only need something smaller than nine inches, but if you plan on viewing movies or using it for business, pick something between 10 and 12 inches. 8-11 inches is the perfect spot.
Processor: The tablet’s intelligent section regulates speed, tasks, and apps. Most people don’t give this much thought because even old processors from several years ago can run Netflix and play a few games.
Generally, the better the CPU, the more expensive or new the tablet: apps open faster, there are fewer lags when gaming and the display feels more sensitive to touch.
Storage: You must have somewhere to save your photos, videos, and apps. Each tablet contains internal storage for files; some have slots for a microSD card to expand storage if it becomes full. Affordably priced slates start at 8GB (enough for roughly 1,000 photos), then double in storage to 16GB, then 256GB and up.
High-end slates can have many terabytes of storage, but you’ll likely need a little. Most individuals will be OK with 64GB to 256GB. Still, you may also choose cloud storage, such as Microsoft OneDrive or Apple iCloud, which sometimes offers free levels but requires a monthly cost for any significant quantity.
Cameras: Tablets are a terrific method to stay in touch with loved ones because they all include cameras that can be used to shoot and email images or make video calls using Skype or other chat apps. Each device’s lenses will be of a different grade but sufficient for clear communication. Most have a front-facing camera as well.
Megapixels (MP) are a metric for pixels’ quantity rather than quality. However, anything above 8MP indicates you’re dealing with a more capable camera setup.
Weight Tablets are always a little larger than the average phone, putting more significant strain on your wrists if you hold them all day.
If you intend to use the slate for traveling or commuting, choose something lightweight and pleasant to carry for an extended period.
Battery: Your tablet can only last so long before it needs to be charged again, and this may vary greatly depending on how frequently you use it, especially if you view a lot of video content, such as Netflix or Disney+.
Most of our options will have between five and fifteen hours of battery life before needing to be recharged. The more recent tablets employ USB-C charging, an upgraded cable that allows you to restore your device faster. Remember that these devices require a connector that can fit the USB-C cable.
