There are countless tablets on the market, but which one is right for you? Whether you’re eyeing an iPad or one of the many Android models available, we’ve got the key factors you need to consider when shopping, along with some of the top tablets we’ve tested.
Apple iPad Air (2022)
Bottom Line:
The 2022 iPad Air offers many of the benefits of the iPad Pro for hundreds of dollars less, making it the ideal tablet for creators.
PROS
Excellent performance
Works with second-gen Apple Pencil
Fits existing iPad cases and keyboards
Light and easy to carry
CONS
Battery life could be longer
No millimeter-wave 5G support
Apple iPad (2021)
Bottom Line:
Apple’s 2021 base model iPad delivers strong performance and an excellent front-facing camera at a very palatable price, making it the best tablet for most people.
PROS
Powerful performance
Multi-year OS upgrades
Solid front-facing camera
CONS
Dated design
Tinny speakers
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)
Bottom line:
Amazon’s updated Fire HD 10 offers a very good tablet for $150, as long as all you want to do is control Alexa and consume Amazon’s books and media.
PROS
Fast processor for the price
Plenty of RAM
Acts as an Alexa smart display
CONS
Poor app selection
Very Amazon-centric interface
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids (2021)
Bottom Line:
The kids’ version of the new Fire HD 10 is ideal for parents who want to tap into Amazon’s carefully curated Kids+ library and take advantage of powerful, detailed parental controls.
PROS
Excellent parental controls
Library of brand-name kids’ content
Two rugged case options
Long warranty
CONS
App store lacks some popular comics apps and games
Not enough power for action gaming
Onyx Boox Note Air 2
Bottom Line:
No other E Ink tablet offers the build quality and software flexibility of the 10-inch Onyx Boox Note Air 2, making it ideal for taking notes and reading large-format documents.
PROS
Top-notch build quality
Built-in reading and note-taking apps work well
Good battery life
CONS
Taking notes in third-party apps isn’t great
App compatibility can be hit or miss
Not waterproof