Apple iPad Pro
The Apple iPad Pro is the top pick for the best overall tablet due to its powerful Apple M2 chip, which is also found in MacBooks. This tablet comes in two sizes, 11 and 12.9 inches, and can be paired with the Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard for added functionality. The iPad Pro’s mini-LED display with 120Hz ProMotion provides impressive brightness and smooth visuals, making it great for watching movies or creating presentations. Recent updates to iPadOS have made this tablet a more capable work device with new features such as sidebars for switching between apps and a desktop-like UI for Safari.
The main downside of the iPad Pro is its cost, with a starting price of $800 for the 11-inch model with 128GB storage, not including any additional features like cellular connectivity or a keyboard. However, the iPad Pro’s impressive performance, which is often better than that of some laptops, makes it a worthwhile investment.
If you’re looking for something similar to the iPad Pro but more affordable, the fifth-generation iPad Air is a great alternative. Powered by the M1 chipset, it supports Apple Pencil and optional 5G connectivity, and with a 10.9-inch screen, it’s roughly the same size as the smaller iPad Pro. The main difference is the display, which doesn’t have the same level of brightness and doesn’t support a 120Hz refresh rate. Nonetheless, the fifth-gen iPad Air is a more budget-friendly version of the iPad Pro, starting at $599.
Apple 10.2-inch iPad:
For those looking for an affordable tablet without compromising too much on features, the standard Apple iPad is a good choice. Priced at $329, it comes with a 10.2-inch display that offers good brightness (500 nits) and an A13 Bionic chip that performs relatively fast. It also features a Touch ID home button, a feature that has been phased out of newer models.
The latest iteration of the ninth-gen iPad, launched last year, includes updated features such as Apple Pencil support, improved front and rear cameras, and double the base storage (64GB instead of 32GB). Like its pricier counterparts, it is available in both WiFi-only and 4G LTE cellular connectivity options. Additionally, it is the most affordable Apple device that provides access to the App Store, making it a great multimedia device and a convenient way to manage your media library across other Apple devices.
iPad Air 2022:
Replacing the previous model, the iPad Air 2022 strikes a balance between portability and power, making it suitable for both content creation and consumption. It is priced at $599, which is relatively affordable considering its specs. With the addition of the M1 chip, the iPad Air 2022 has almost caught up with the iPad Pro in terms of power. While it may not be a direct replacement for the iPad Pro, the gap in performance is significantly smaller, making the iPad Air a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers who want the best iPad for their money.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8:
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is a premium Android tablet that excels at multiple tasks but is particularly great for leisure activities such as gaming or reading comics. While it can be used for work and as a note-taking device or secondary display, it is better suited for personal use. It works seamlessly with the Galaxy ecosystem and can be made DeX-friendly for a better workspace experience. If you want the most powerful Android tablet, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra would be the way to go. However, for those looking for a great premium Android tablet, the Galaxy Tab S8 sets a new standard for the category.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is a pricey ($1,099) but impressive tablet that outshines the iPad Pro. Its massive 14.6-inch OLED screen makes the 12.9-inch iPad Pro look small, and with its optional keyboard and improved multi-window mode, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra could potentially replace a laptop.
Samsung is targeting hybrid and at-home workers with this tablet, featuring dual front cameras with up to 4K resolution for video calls, auto framing, and advanced noise reduction for clear audio. Other features include a fast Snapdragon 8 Gen-1 chip, a low-latency S Pen experience, 45W fast charging, and better integration with Galaxy S series phones.
While the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is expensive, it delivers an exceptional combination of size, speed, and versatility, making it one of the best Android tablets available.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7:
Priced at $229 (often available for less), the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is a 10.4-inch tablet that is a true competitor to the iPad at an affordable price. It features super-thin bezels that are even thinner than the $329 iPad’s, making it great for browsing the web or streaming movies. It also has facial recognition to unlock the device, a feature usually found in pricier models. The battery life lasts 13 hours and 13 minutes on the Tom’s Guide battery test, and it charges over USB-C. While it may not be as fast as the iPad and its screen may not be as bright, it is still a great option at this price point. Additionally, the Galaxy Tab A7 provides true Android with the Google Play app store, rather than a watered-down version like the Amazon Fire tablet.