Tablets are an interesting device. The larger form factor unlocks more productivity options than a smartphone while being more portable than a laptop. As an owner of a tablet, I can confidently state that a tablet is a fantastic device to augment your smartphone and your laptop. If you are looking for a tablet to add to your tech collection, here are the best tablets you can buy right now.

Apple iPad (11th Generation)

When it comes to tablets, the Apple iPad is a default choice for any list like this. While the iPad lineup has grown since its launch in 2010, featuring powerful iPad Pros that rival laptops, the iPad I have chosen is the entry-level 11th Generation Apple iPad.

On paper the iPad 11th Gen appears to be the most underpowered. However, the A16 Apple Silicon processor is more than capable of handling any task that you can think of, except for a few extremely heavy apps. The 11-inch display is crisp, giving great visuals whether you are gaming, watching a video, drawing, or writing an email.

As a device that enhances and assists your other devices, the iPad 11th Gen is probably the most affordable way to own an Apple iPad. This is the main reason I choose this over the iPad Pro.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+

Quick disclaimer: I own a Galaxy Tab S8+. It’s a great device that ticked all of the boxes I needed. However, if I was to buy a Galaxy Tab S device today, I would easily choose the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ over the Tab S10 or even the soon to be launched Tab S10 FE.

Yes, you will sacrifice the performance of the Snapdragon processor from the mainline S9 series, but I would argue that the Exynos 1380 in the Tab S9 FE+ is more than enough for general tasks. The included S Pen is another major plus to consider the Tab S9 FE+ over the competition.

For more intensive tasks, your laptop or desktop PC is always close by to handle it.

OnePlus Pad Go

OnePlus is a recent entrant to the tablet market, but they have made a splash. The OnePlus Pad Go was a quick follow-up to the first-generation OnePlus Pad. While the Pad Go featured a few downgrades compared to the OnePlus Pad, there were no compromises in terms of software or functionality.

A lower price while still delivering a full tablet experience is a win if you are looking for a tablet on a budget. The OnePlus Pad Go shows that you don’t need to spend a lot to get a full experience. It performs well for everyday tasks as well as intense gaming sessions while still delivering reliable battery life.

I also realize that the first three tablets I have suggested are the budget variants of their more powerful versions. Time to change that.

OnePlus Pad 2

With the OnePlus Pad Go taking care of budget tablet buyers, the OnePlus Pad 2 is the tablet to get if you want all the performance your money can buy. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 handles every task with ease, including the latest games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty, as well as processor heavy tasks like video editing.

The key highlight of the OnePlus Pad 2 is its 7:5 aspect ratio 12.1-inch display. The unconventional aspect ratio makes the Pad 2 a great tablet to use in portrait orientation, making it more comfortable for document editing, reading, and web browsing. Battery life is also another highlight considering OnePlus’ SuperVOOC tech charges the tablet in just over an hour, complementing the large battery in the OnePlus Pad 2.

If you are a gamer or want an entertainment-focused tablet, the OnePlus Pad 2 will not disappoint.

Apple iPad Air (M3)

If you’re looking for more from your iPad but don’t want to spend as much as a full-featured laptop, the iPad Air is the best iPad to consider. The main highlight of the iPad Air is the M3 processor that delivers laptop-like performance in an extremely portable form factor. This makes the iPad Air ideal for power users on a budget who want the performance of the iPad Pro at a more accessible price point.

While the entry-level iPad is geared towards casual users, the iPad Air is for a more serious customer. The 11-inch Liquid Retina Display offers accurate colour reproduction, making it suitable for designers as well as video editors. Paired with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, the iPad Air can seriously be considered a suitable laptop replacement for professionals and students looking for the ultimate portable workstation.

The only reason to consider the iPad Pro is to take advantage of the more powerful M4 chip for heavy video editing and 3D rendering.

Apple iPad Mini

When someone says tablet, you’re not thinking compact. However, there is a use case for a tablet that is larger than a smartphone BUT also be more portable than a traditional large tablet. Enter the iPad Mini. The 8.3-inch display allows you to use the iPad Mini one-handed, making it the ideal companion when you are travelling.

Pair the iPad Mini with the Apple Pencil and now you have a digital notepad. The smaller size of the iPad Mini also makes it a better gaming tablet than the larger iPads and the iPhone. The A17 Pro ensures there’s always enough power available for gaming or any other task you decide to throw at it.

When it comes to tablets, size does matter and the iPad Mini shows that even the smallest tablet can deliver a complete tablet experience.

Xiaomi Pad 7

Like OnePlus, Xiaomi is another relatively new entrant to the tablet market. The Xiaomi Pad 7 aims at delivering a premium tablet experience at an affordable price point. The lower price does mean you get Snapdragon’s mid-range 7+ Gen 3 processor, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you get a lesser tablet experience.

Instead, Xiaomi has ensured all the essentials are present. The bright, high refresh rate 11.16-inch display is ideal for browsing, videos, and gaming, while the HyperOS interface adds unique customization options for you. If you are looking for a tablet to use as a companion device rather than a standalone device, the Xiaomi Pad 7 is the one to consider.

Lenovo Idea Tab Pro

Today’s tablets are powerful enough to replace just about any budget laptop. However, having to buy additional accessories to transform your entertainment tablet to be a lightweight productivity machine can be a strong deterrent for most. That’s where the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro stands out.

Lenovo offers a bundle that includes the tablet, a stylus pen, and a keyboard cover. Everything you need for a productivity-focused machine. The MediaTek Dimensity 8300 is also not a slouch either, handling everything from gaming to productivity tasks like document editing. Viewing documents, videos, and photos is also a joy thanks to the 12.7-inch 3K IPS LCD display.

Lenovo Legion Tab

Lenovo is a productivity company that also likes to remind everyone that it also has a gaming-focused sub-brand. The Lenovo Legion Tab is the gaming-focused offering from the Chinese brand. Where the large size of the Idea Tab Pro is geared towards assisting with multi-tasking, the Legion Tab’s 8.8-inch display is built for immersive mobile gaming.

The Legion Tab comes equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. It might not be fastest processor on the market, but it can easily handle graphic-intensive games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile. Having used this same processor on my Galaxy Tab S8+, I can also say that the Legion Tab can be an amazing emulation device, allowing you to play games up to a PlayStation 2 level.

In many ways, the Legion Tab is the iPad Mini of the Android world, offering similar performance at a lower price.

Summary

The tablet market in 2025 offers diverse options for every need and budget. Apple continues to dominate with its versatile iPad lineup, from the affordable 11th Generation iPad to the powerful iPad Air with M3 chip and compact iPad Mini for portable use. Android alternatives provide compelling competition, with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ offering excellent value with its included S Pen, while OnePlus makes strong entries with both budget (Pad Go) and premium (Pad 2) options featuring impressive displays and performance. Lenovo caters to specific niches with the productivity-focused Idea Tab Pro and gaming-oriented Legion Tab. When choosing a tablet, consider your primary use case, budget constraints, and existing tech ecosystem to find the perfect device to complement your smartphone and laptop.

FAQs about Best Tablets