- computing
The tablets stopped being that toy that everyone wanted as a novelty, and became true equipment to work, play and even learn. Indeed, emerging technologies have begun to be incorporated into classrooms at an exponential rate in recent years, and one of the most recent additions has been the tablet. And although this is not at all an educational method per se, recent studies confirm that it is a support instrument that contributes to the development of different capacities in children, also achieving this in a faster and more efficient way than with the use of conventional methods.
Thinking of buying one? There are a variety of brands and configurations for any type of budget. Below, you can see a complete rundown of the best tablets available in 2021 to meet all your needs.
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In this list, you'll find everything from heavy-duty workhorses to kids' tablets, and the Apple iPad Air 2020, which is the best buy overall, as its performance makes it great for whatever you want to use it for.
The best Tablets of 2021
better overall
Apple iPad Air (2020)
Why should you buy it? The new iPad Air takes everything that's great about the iPad Pro, but costs $200 less.
For whom it is? Anyone who wants a powerful, modern-looking camera and can afford to spend $600.
The iPad Air isn't as cheap as the entry-level iPad, which is still our pick for best-value tablet, but if you can stretch the budget to $600, it's worth buying.
It's more powerful, looks more modern, and supports better accessories, that's just for starters. The iPad Air takes almost everything that's great about the flagship-level iPad Pro, but costs $200 less.
That starts with the nice big screen, which may sit at a slightly smaller 10.9-inches and may not support 120Hz, but it looks fantastic.
The iPad Air is also not far behind inside. The device offers Apple's latest and greatest A14 Bionic chip, which will easily handle anything you can throw at it. It's not as powerful as the iPad Pro's M1 chip, but it's still powerful enough for almost any task.
To keep it energized, it has a battery that will outlast laptops in most uses.
Because iPad Air has the same overall design and size as iPad Pro, it's also compatible with iPad Pro accessories. That means you can use the expensive but awesome Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil. second generation.
The only real downsides to the iPad Air are the aforementioned lack of 120Hz, which you can probably live without, and the fact that it doesn't have as good a camera system as the iPad Pro, but honestly how many photos do you have? taken with your iPad anyway?
Other than that, while it's cheaper than the Pro, it's still not a cheap device. Again, though, if you can afford it, it's worth the money. If you really want performance, you can't go wrong upgrading to the 11-inch iPad Pro, which offers a super-powerful M1 chip, Face ID, and a few extra features, but you'll have to shell out $800 to do so.
Here, our comparison of the iPad Air 4 vs. iPad (2020)
best android tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
Why should you buy it? The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is the closest thing to an Android tablet that replicates the iPad Pro, and it has an absolutely beautiful screen.
For whom it is? Anyone looking for an alternative to the Android-based iPad.
The Galaxy Tab S7 is the best Android tablet available in 2021, with an absolutely gorgeous display.
There are few tablets in the world with a display capable of rivaling the S7's 11-inch display, though the larger Tab S7+ swaps LCD for OLED so it's even better.
It also supports HDR content (which companies like Netflix and YouTube are making more and more available these days). Even viewing non-HDR content on the S7's 2,560 x 1,600-pixel display is an absolute joy.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor (the same chip that powers popular flagship phones like Samsung's Galaxy S21) is fast, and 6 or 8GB of RAM is more than enough to keep this tablet humming happily.
It comes with 128, 256, or 512GB of internal storage, but it can be expanded via a microSD card if you're looking to download a lot of stuff.
The tablet's four speakers are respectably loud, and it has cameras on both the front and rear: the rear-facing 13MP and 5MP main camera is capable of recording 4K video at 30FPS, while the 8MP front camera is the good enough for selfies and video chat.
Perhaps the main drawback of the tablet is its experience with the software. While One UI paired with Android 10 will work fine for most, many Android apps simply don't support the big-screen experience.
The tablet gets around this a bit with the Samsung DeX desktop interface, however not all apps fully support DeX.
The 8,000mAh battery will see you through a busy day and beyond, and it can charge up pretty quickly if you get a 45W charger. The included S Pen stylus interacts seamlessly with the tablet screen and will please those who the artists take notes.
It also attaches magnetically and recharges wirelessly. The downside here is the high price: If you're primarily looking for a laptop experience, then Samsung's Chromebook Pro or Microsoft's Surface Go are cheaper and might be a better fit for you.
If you are a devotee of Android devices, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is a good choice. It's a solid step up from the Tab A 8.0, but that hefty price tag might give you pause for thought before you make up your mind.
Our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G
best value tablet
Apple iPad (2020)
Why should you buy it? iPad features a vibrant display, silky-smooth performance, and long-lasting battery life, all at an affordable price.
For whom it is? Anyone who wants a tablet.
The iPad has dominated the tablet scene for years, and the iPad 8th generation (2020) is the culmination of all Apple experiences. There are no bells and whistles here.
If you want innovation, keep looking. This is a solid and affordable all-around device that offers a really good tablet experience at a reasonable price.
It replaces last year's iPad, adding a better processor, so it should be even faster than before.
The bright 10.2-inch screen is perfect for watching videos. It feels thin and light to handle, with Apple's usual high standards shining through in terms of build quality, though the thick bezels are starting to look dated.
Inside, there's Apple's A12 Bionic processor with 3GB of RAM, but all you need to know is that it runs smoothly. Whether you're jumping in and out of apps, browsing the web, watching a movie, or playing the latest games, iPad delivers lag-free performance.
If you must take photos with your tablet, there's an 8MP rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture that's fast and capable of capturing plenty of detail. The 1.2 MP selfie camera has an aperture of f/2.2, which is adequate for FaceTime at 720p, and a bit more.
Battery life is fantastic. You can expect more than 10 hours of HD video playback on a single charge, and with normal Wi-Fi use, it's reasonable to expect to go a week between charges.
If you're looking for weak spots, it's the subpar speakers, and the entry-level model only has 32GB of storage. Other than that, there are no glaring flaws here, and we think Apple's iPad (2020) is the best tablet you can buy without spending a lot more money.
Our full review of the Apple iPad (2020)
best 8 inch tablet
ipadmini5
Why should you buy it? The iPad Mini is a perfect combination of power and portability. You can take it anywhere and read or run programs with ease.
For whom it is? Anyone who wants a smaller tablet.
Apple took a long time to update the smallest of its iPads, and the iPad Mini 5 is outwardly identical to its predecessor, but inside there are some big changes.
You'll find the powerful A12 Bionic processor in this tablet, which makes for smooth performance whether you're gaming, editing a photo, or drawing.
The 7.9-inch screen is a joy to read, and Apple has added support for the first-generation Apple Pencil. It's also good for watching movies or playing games, though you'll probably need to use headphones.
Battery life is solid, offering a good 10 hours between charges. There is also an 8-megapixel main camera and a 7-megapixel front camera.
Portability is the main reason for choosing the iPad Mini 5. If you want an iPad and need something smaller, then this is it.
Unfortunately, the design is a bit dated now. It's expensive, even more expensive than the 2020 iPad. But you can't beat the iPad Mini 5 if you want a small tablet.
Our full review of the iPad Mini 5
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best cheap tablet
Fire HD 8
Why should you buy it? The Fire HD 8 may be too Amazon-centric for some, but Prime subscribers and Alexa lovers will appreciate its ease of use.
For whom it is? Amazon enthusiasts on a budget.
Amazon's Fire HD 8 (2020), an update to the 2018 HD 8, doesn't bring much new. It has a USB-C port and a faster processor, but it's the low price that makes this cheap tablet an unqualified recommendation.
The LCD screen, with its 1,280 x 800-pixel resolution, is far from the sharpest, and viewing angles aren't great, but it's good enough for watching movies and reading. The fact is that compromises are inevitable to reach this price.
The Fire HD's all-plastic body is colorful and durable. You'll also find Dolby Atmos-optimized stereo speakers that deliver reasonably loud and clear sound for movies, TV shows, and Amazon's Prime Music streaming service.
Alexa works fine on this tablet. Asking questions about popular movies, nearby restaurants, and the weather shows visual results on the Fire HD 8 screen (even when locked).
That's just the tip of the iceberg, with the Alexa app installed on the Fire HD you can also control smart home devices, order pizza, call an Uber, and perform many of the same tasks as Amazon's Echo speakers or the Echo Show.
Battery life is also impressive, at about 10 hours of mixed use, including reading, gaming, and streaming. Fire HD 8 software, Fire OS, a custom version of Android, which isn't for everyone.
People immersed in the Amazon ecosystem will appreciate For You, a recommendation engine that puts videos, apps, games and movies from the retailer's library on the home screen.
You won't find a perfect tablet for less than $100, but the Fire HD 8 is quite an impressive package. Sure, the screen isn't as sharp or vibrant as we'd like, and the hardware struggles under heavy loads, but there's no better tablet at this price point.
If you're determined to get something bigger, then you'll have to pay the difference, but you should check out Amazon's Fire HD 10, which packs a 10.1-inch screen, more processing power, and longer battery life.
Our full review of the Amazon Fire HD 8
best tablet for kids
Fire HD 8 Kids Edition
Why should you buy it? When it comes to parental controls, the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is second to none.
For whom it is? Young children who need supervision.
Amazon's revamped Fire 8 HD Kids Edition (2020) makes its kid-friendly tablet lineup even better, though there's a disappointing lack of strong competition in this category.
An 8-inch display with a resolution of 1,280 x 800 pixels offers bright, vibrant colors and a thick rubber sleeve around the tablet's frame cushions against accidental drops.
The tablet's 32GB of internal storage offers plenty of room for plenty of books, games, and other media, and there's a MicroSD card slot for expansion if you run out.
When it comes to parental controls, the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is second to none. Its Fire OS software, a custom version of Android, lets you manage usage limits, set educational goals, and restrict access to age-inappropriate content.
Parent Dashboard also provides insight into what your kids are doing on their tablet and encourages interaction with discussion questions related to the books your kids are reading.
Fire HD 8 Kids Edition also includes one year of free access to Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, a library of more than 15,000 kid-appropriate games, apps, educational content, books and videos from PBS Kids, Nickelodeon, Disney and others.
Every purchase is backed by Amazon's two-year, no-questions-asked replacement policy: if the Fire HD 8 breaks, Amazon will replace it. Simply put, there is no better tablet at this price point for young children who still need parental supervision.
If you want something bigger for your kids, there's also a Fire HD 10 Kids Edition (2021) that has a bigger screen, more processing power, and a USB-C charging port, but costs $200.
Our full Fire HD 8 Kids Edition review
best windows tablet
Surface Pro 7
Why should you buy it? We don't love Windows 10 as a pure tablet, but the Surface is a very good laptop replacement that puts touch first.
For whom it is? Anyone looking for a Windows tablet that can double as a laptop.
The original Surface Pro was flawed, but it made a huge impact on the market. Microsoft has refined the design ever since, and the Surface Pro 7 is as close as you can get to a hybrid device that works equally well as a tablet and a laptop. It's the 2-in-1 to beat.
Microsoft didn't update much on the Surface Pro 6, but the increase in performance and the switch from Mini DisplayPort to USB-C are welcome. It still has a gorgeous 12.3-inch screen with a resolution of 2,736 x 1,824 pixels, a thoughtful design, and a variety of internal specs that range from basic to super-fast.
It is by far the most configurable device on our list. The pixel-packed display and loud speakers make it a joy to watch movies, but we found it lags far behind the iPad Pro when it comes to gaming.
The Pro 7 takes a step back from the Pro 6 in terms of battery life, but you can still expect to get through a full day of mixed use before needing to plug it in.
The Type Cover and Surface Pen are great accessories, and combined with the full version of Windows 10, they help make it a great choice for creative professionals, students, and everyone in between. This is real portable productivity.
On the downside, Windows 10 tablet mode still needs work and the Surface Pro 7 can be insanely expensive if you go for the high-end specs and want the Type Cover to go with you. Still, it's our favorite 2-in-1 laptop.
If the Pro 7 is too much for your blood, then you might consider the Microsoft Surface Go, which is much more affordable at $400 to $500. It has a 10-inch screen, but it also runs Windows 10, has a great keyboard deck, and is compatible with the Surface Pen.
Our full Surface Pro 7 review
The best Chrome OS tablet
Lenovo Chromebook Duet
Why should you buy it? While the iPad is better for most, those truly connected to the Google ecosystem will like the integration with Assistant and other Google services.
For whom it is? Google fans who want a Googley tablet
If you make regular use of Google services, have Assistant-connected devices in your home, and don't mind using Google's apps and online services, then a Chrome OS device may be the way to go, and there's no better option. than Lenovo Chromebook Duet.
In classic 2-in-1 fashion, the device comes with a pluggable keyboard, with a kickstand on the back, making it a great choice for work. The keyboard feels pretty good too, so it's easy to type emails and documents on the device.
The Chromebook Duet isn't necessarily the most powerful tablet on the market, but given the fact that you'll be using mostly online apps anyway, that shouldn't matter too much. Plus, it's super lightweight and has a long-lasting battery to ensure it lasts a few days of normal use.
If you love the simplicity of Chrome OS, we've got a full list of recommendations for the best Chromebooks and Chromebook deals available right now.
best big screen tablet
Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch)
Why should you buy it? The iPad Pro is extremely powerful and offers a huge screen.
For whom it is? Gamers, creatives, and power users.
This is the biggest and most powerful tablet out there and it's perfect for all kinds of uses. iPad Pro (12.9-inch) isn't just the best tablet for media and gaming, it's also the best tablet for drawing.
The device offers a large edge-to-edge display that is perfect for watching movies, studying, or playing games.
The bezels are slim, and the home button has been replaced with Face ID. Apple has also embraced USB-C, which gives you so much more to choose from in terms of accessories and peripherals.
With the biggest and best display ever, with a resolution of 2,732 x 2,048 pixels and Apple's Liquid Retina XDR display technology, the tablet offers an incredible viewing experience everywhere.
The Liquid Retina XDR display means the iPad takes advantage of Mini LED for super deep black levels and tons of brightness, plus there's a 120Hz refresh rate, making the tablet perfect for gaming.
Then there is the processing power. With an M1 chip, the iPad Pro performs just as well as the new Mac Mini, iMac, and MacBook Air, which means power users shouldn't be pushed to the limits of the device.
Nothing is faster, whether you're commanding armies in Civilization VI or editing an image in Photoshop. The iPad Pro can handle any game or drawing app you throw at it. Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 2TB, but you have to pay a lot for a large capacity. It is not compatible with microSD cards.
Apple estimates you'll get 10 hours of mixed use on a full charge, or 9 hours if you opt for the model with cellular connectivity. The Apple Pencil connects magnetically and charges wirelessly, but it costs an extra $99. The Smart Keyboard for the 12.9-inch model costs $169.
It's expensive, especially if you need a lot of storage space and there's no headphone jack, but the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is still your best option if you're a power user who wants the best you can get.
Our full iPad Pro (12.9) review
Research and Buying Tips
Which operating system is best for you?
If your main consideration is entertainment and you are likely to use a lot of apps and games, we recommend Apple's iOS as the best platform.
There are plenty of polished apps made specifically for the iPad and you have access to all the major subscription services and an extensive store of content. Also, it's stylish and affordable, so anyone can quickly get to grips with it.
Android has a larger selection of free apps and games, though they're generally less polished, but that might be a tradeoff you'll accept.
Things are a bit complicated by manufacturer user interfaces, or in the case of Amazon, modified versions of the platform can delay Android updates and make the user experience quite different.
Amazon tablets, for example, run a version of Android called Fire OS and initially only have access to the limited subset of apps and games that are available on the Amazon Appstore, not the full list you'll find on Google's Play Store.
If you like the idea of accessing the same apps you have on your Windows computer, and want a business device that seamlessly links with Microsoft services, then a Windows 10 tablet will be tempting.
They're powerful, but it's also relatively expensive to get decent hardware for a good experience. If you're not a business user, or don't need to run Windows-only apps, it can be overkill.
Can you print from a tablet?
Yes, you can print from a tablet.
Can you make phone calls on a tablet?
Yes, you can make phone calls on a tablet, but you will need to be connected to the internet. You can connect to Wi-Fi, which each device does for free, or if you need to make calls while out of Wi-Fi range, buy a tablet with support for a SIM card.
Keep in mind that if you go the SIM card route, you'll also need to sign up for a service plan of some sort. Some companies offer special plans for tablets.
You can use FaceTime on an iPad, but there are plenty of good alternative video chat apps that work with Android tablets or iPads. Many of them allow you to make audio calls as well.
However, the person you want to call must usually have the same app. Some apps, like Skype, also let you call regular landlines or mobile phones, but you'll usually have to pay by the minute or get a subscription.
Google Voice is a nice app that will work on iPads or Android tablets that gives you a toll-free number for calls, texts, and voicemail, but it only works in the US.
If you are interested in this option for a business, then you might as well consider one of the best VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services.
Can you text on a tablet?
Yes, you can send text messages from a tablet. If you have an iPad, use iMessage, although this will only allow you to send messages to other iOS devices or Mac computers. There are many great text messaging apps that work on Android or iOS.
You can also use Google Voice if you are in the US, as it gives you a free number for calls and texts.
How we test
The tablets we tested serve as our everyday devices, so we used them extensively to put them to the test. That means watching movies, playing games, trying out lots of apps, reading, working on them, and even taking photos and recording videos with them (which is impossible to do without looking stupid).
We love innovative features, but we can also appreciate classic design done right. Ultimately, we look for tablets that meet the needs of the majority of people, which is why their ability to deliver entertainment is paramount.