8 Tablets That Excel at Work AND Play: Expert-Tested Picks

A great tablets is all three rolled into one: a portable TV, a notebook, and a creative studio. You don't have to own it; once you do, you'll doubt how you lived without it. A good tablet is a really flexible friend whether you're binge-watching shows, drawing your next masterpiece, or doing a little light work away from your desk.

For most people, the 10th-gen iPad is the easy choice. It’s fast, easy to use, and has the best app selection out there. But if you're not into Apple, don't worry! Android tablets have made a real comeback lately, and Amazon’s Fire tablets are perfect for casual streaming and browsing on a budget.

We’ve tested dozens of tablets, and these are the ones worth your time in 2025.

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01 | for Most People: Apple iPad (2022, 10th Gen)

Key Features and Highlights:

Design and Display:

• The 10th Gen iPad features a sleek, uniform design with a slim bezel around its 10.9-inch LCD screen. Gone are the days of the home button; now, the Touch ID fingerprint sensor is conveniently integrated into the power button at the top edge. The device also lacks a headphone jack, but it offers a USB-C port, allowing you to use the same cable for recharging as your MacBook or iPhone 16. Plus, the 12-MP front camera is now centered when you hold the tablet horizontally, making video calls a breeze.

Performance:

• Priced at $349 (often on sale for under $300), this iPad packs a powerful punch. Equipped with the Apple A14 Bionic chipset and 4 GB of RAM, it effortlessly handles top-end games and provides a sharp, bright screen perfect for binge-watching your favorite movies and shows. It's also large enough to be used for light work when connected to a keyboard.

Creativity and Compatibility:

• The 10th Gen iPad supports the first-gen Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil USB-C, offering a decent drawing experience. However, there is a slight air gap between the screen and the glass, which means it might not feel as responsive as other iPads for sketching.

Storage and Connectivity:

Choose from 64 GB or 256 GB storage options. Both cellular and Wi-Fi models are available, with the cellular model offering 5G support for faster connectivity. The iPad is also compatible with the Magic Keyboard Folio and Smart Folio, and it features Touch ID fingerprint authentication for added security.

Specifications:

• Display: 10.9-inch LCD, 60 Hz refresh rate.
• Processor: Apple A14 Bionic with 4 GB RAM.
• Updates: Expected to receive updates for around 5 to 6 years from the date of manufacture.

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02 | Best Tablet and Smart Display Combo: Google Pixel Tablet

Key Features and Highlights:

Multi-Functional Design:

• The Google Pixel Tablet is a versatile device that combines the functionality of a tablet and a smart display. Its 11-inch LCD screen offers a sharp, vibrant display, making it perfect for both media consumption and interactive use.

Powerful Performance:

• Equipped with the Tensor G2 processor and 8 GB of RAM, the Pixel Tablet delivers smooth performance, whether you're streaming videos, playing games, or multitasking.

Smart Docking and Connectivity:

• The Pixel Tablet comes with a unique charging speaker dock. When you're done using it as a tablet, simply magnetically attach it to the dock to start recharging. The dock also functions as a speaker, enhancing the audio experience. Additionally, the tablet natively supports Google's Cast technology, allowing you to cast music or shows from your phone or laptop for a more immersive experience.

Digital Picture Frame and Smart Home Integration:

• When not in use, the Pixel Tablet can display a clock or photos from your Google Photos library, acting as a digital picture frame. A recent update also allows it to function as a Google Home Hub, displaying and controlling your smart home devices at any time.

Multi-User Support:

• The Pixel Tablet supports up to eight user profiles, each with its own fingerprint lock, widgets, apps, and layout. This feature makes it ideal for families, as each member can personalize their experience on the same device.

Specifications:

• Display: 10.95-inch LCD, 60 Hz refresh rate
• Processor and RAM: Google Tensor G2 with 8 GB of RAM
• Storage: 128 GB and 256 GB options
• Software Updates: 3 Android OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates from the date of manufacture
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi only
• Extras: Compatible with Pixel Tablet Case, includes Charging Speaker Dock, and features a fingerprint sensor

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03 | Best Upgrade: Apple iPad Air (2024, M2)

Key Features and Highlights:

Stunning Display Options:

• The 2024 iPad Air comes in two screen sizes: 11 inches and 13 inches. Both options feature a bright, high-quality LCD display with a 60 Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for media consumption, gaming, and creative work.

Powerful Performance:

• Equipped with the M2 processor, the same chipset found in some of Apple's MacBooks, this iPad delivers impressive performance. It handles multitasking, high-end games, and demanding apps with ease, thanks to its 8 GB of RAM.

Apple Pencil Pro Support:

• The iPad Air (2024) supports the Apple Pencil Pro, making it an excellent choice for artists, designers, and anyone who loves to sketch or take notes. The fully laminated screen ensures a more responsive drawing experience compared to previous models.

Solid Battery Life:

• This iPad is designed to keep up with your busy lifestyle. With a long-lasting battery, you can use it throughout the day without worrying about recharging constantly.

Convenient Authentication:

• While it lacks Face ID, the Touch ID fingerprint sensor is integrated into the power button, providing a quick and secure way to unlock your device.

Versatile Connectivity:

• Choose from Wi-Fi or cellular models, giving you the flexibility to stay connected on the go. The iPad Air (2024) also supports a wide range of accessories, including the Smart Folio and Magic Keyboard, making it even more versatile.

Specifications:

• Display: Available in 11-inch or 13-inch sizes, LCD, 60 Hz refresh rate
• Processor and RAM: Apple M2 with 8 GB of RAM
• Storage: Options include 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB
• Software Updates: Expected to receive updates for around 5 to 6 years from the date of manufacture
• Connectivity: Both cellular and Wi-Fi models available
• Extras: Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro, Smart Folio, and Magic Keyboard | Touch ID | Apple Intelligence

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04 | Best Under $200: Amazon Fire Max 11

Key Features and Highlights:

Premium Build and Display:

• The Fire Max 11 has a higher-quality build compared to its predecessors, featuring a metal body instead of plastic. Its 11-inch LCD screen offers a larger and higher-resolution display, making it perfect for watching movies and playing games.

Powerful Enough for Daily Use:

• Equipped with the MediaTek MT8188J processor and 4 GB of RAM, the Fire Max 11 can handle most everyday tasks with ease. If you pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard, it can even be used for light work.

Convenient Features:

• The tablet includes a fingerprint sensor for secure and quick access. It also has a USB-C port, allowing you to charge it with the same cable you use for your laptop or phone. Additionally, its hands-free Alexa support means it can double as an Echo Show, making it a versatile addition to your home.

Storage and Expandability:

• Choose from 64 GB or 128 GB of storage, with the added benefit of microSD support for even more space.

Specifications:

• Display: 11-inch LCD, 60 Hz refresh rate
• Processor and RAM: MediaTek MT8188J with 4 GB of RAM
• Storage: 64 GB and 128 GB options (with microSD support)
• Software Updates: Expected to receive updates for 4 years from the date of manufacture
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi only
• Extras: Compatible with Keyboard Case and Stylus Pen | Fingerprint sensor

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05 | Best Cheap Android Tablet: Lenovo Tab Plus

Key Features and Highlights:

Large and Portable Screen:

• The 11.5-inch LCD display is big enough to enjoy your favorite shows and movies, yet the tablet remains portable enough to take on the go. Its 2,000 x 1,200-pixel resolution ensures sharp and vibrant visuals.

Built-In Kickstand:

• One of the standout features of the Lenovo Tab Plus is its built-in kickstand, which makes it easy to prop up the tablet for hands-free viewing. This is a feature that should be standard on all tablets!

Decent Performance:

• Powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 processor and 8 GB of RAM, the Lenovo Tab Plus offers smooth performance for everyday tasks. It’s not the fastest tablet on the market, but it’s more than capable of handling streaming, gaming, and light productivity tasks.

Great Audio:

• The tablet features punchy JBL speakers that deliver surprisingly good audio quality for its price point. Whether you’re watching a movie or playing a game, the sound is crisp and clear.

Storage and Expandability:

• Choose from 128 GB or 256 GB of storage, with the added benefit of microSD support for even more space. This makes it easy to store all your apps, movies, and games.

Specifications:

• Display: 11.5-inch LCD, 60 Hz refresh rate
• Processor and RAM: MediaTek Helio G99 with 8 GB of RAM
• Storage: 128 GB and 256 GB options (with microSD support)
• Software Updates: 2 Android OS updates, 4 years of security updates from the date of manufacture
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi only
• Extras: Compatible with Lenovo Tab Plus Sleeve and Lenovo Tab Pen Plus | Headphone jack

06 | Best Digital Notebook With Color: ReMarkable Paper Pro

Key Features and Highlights:

Color Display for Enhanced Note-Taking:

• The ReMarkable Paper Pro introduces a stunning 11.8-inch Canvas Color Display, allowing you to highlight text, use different font colors, and add visual elements to your notes. This feature makes it an excellent tool for both creative and practical note-taking.

Incredibly Low Latency:

• One of the standout features of the ReMarkable Paper Pro is its incredibly low latency. The delay between the stylus and the display is virtually imperceptible, making it feel like you’re writing on real paper. This level of responsiveness is crucial for a natural and enjoyable writing experience.

Powerful Organization Tools:

• The ReMarkable Paper Pro offers robust organizational features, including the ability to add tags, create folders, and manage multiple notebooks. It also does a commendable job of converting handwriting to text, making it easier to search and share your notes.

Versatile File Management:

• You can easily send your notes and files to your email in various formats, ensuring seamless integration with your digital workflow. While you don’t need to subscribe to ReMarkable’s Connect service, doing so provides unlimited cloud storage and the ability to access and annotate your notes on desktop and mobile devices.

Exceptional Battery Life:

• The ReMarkable Paper Pro boasts an impressive battery life, requiring a recharge only about once every two weeks. This long-lasting battery means you can use it all day without worrying about running out of power.

Enhanced with Accessories:

• The Type Folio keyboard accessory transforms the ReMarkable Paper Pro into a distraction-free typing machine, perfect for writing essays, taking notes, or drafting documents. The Marker stylus, included with the device, and the optional Marker Plus provide a premium writing experience.

Specifications:

• Display: 11.8-inch Canvas Color Display
• Storage: 64 GB
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi only
• Battery Life: Around 2 weeks
• Extras: Comes with Marker stylus, compatible with Marker Plus and Type Folio

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07 | Best Kids Tablet: Fire HD 8 Kids Edition (2024)

Key Features and Highlights:

Durable and Kid-Friendly Design:

• The Fire HD 8 Kids Edition comes with a protective case specifically designed to withstand drops and bumps. The case is colorful and lightweight, makig it easy for small hands to handle。

Two-Year Worry-Free Guarantee:

• This tablet includes a two-year replacement guarantee. If it breaks, Amazon will send you a replacement for free, providing peace of mind。

Amazon Kids+ Service:

• The tablet includes a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, which offers access to a vast library of kid-friendly books, movies, games, and educational content. After the first year, the subscription costs $8 per month ($6 for Prime members)。

Parental Controls:

• Parents can easily monitor and control their child’s activity, set time limits, and prioritize educational content. The Amazon Family Trust team ensures that all content is safe and age-appropriate。

Long Battery Life:

• The Fire HD 8 Kids Edition boasts an impressive battery life, lasting up to 13 hours on a single charge. This makes it perfect for long trips or extended use at home。

Specifications:

• Display: 8-inch HD LCD, 60 Hz refresh rate
• Processor and RAM: MediaTek MT8169A with 3 GB of RAM
• Storage: 32 GB, expandable up to 1 TB with microSD
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi only
• Battery Life: Up to 13 hours

08 | A Great Drawing Tablet: Wacom One 13 Touch

Key Features and Highlights:

Smooth and Responsive Touchscreen:

• The Wacom One 13 Touch features a silky smooth 13.3-inch IPS LCD touchscreen that provides a natural and intuitive drawing experience. The 60 Hz refresh rate ensures that your strokes appear seamlessly on the screen, making it feel like you’re drawing on real paper.

Easy Setup and Compatibility:

• Setting up the Wacom One 13 Touch is a breeze. Simply plug the USB-C cable into your PC or laptop, and you’re ready to start sketching with your preferred drawing app. The tablet is compatible with a wide range of creative software, making it a versatile addition to any artist’s toolkit.

No-Recharge Stylus:

• The EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) stylus that comes with the Wacom One 13 Touch doesn’t need recharging, which means you can focus on your art without worrying about battery life. The stylus is also compatible with third-party styli, giving you more options to customize your drawing experience.

Professional-Quality Drawing:

• The Wacom One 13 Touch is designed to meet the needs of professional artists. Its high-resolution display and pressure-sensitive stylus allow for precise and detailed work, making it ideal for illustration, graphic design, and digital painting.

Two USB-C Ports:

• The tablet features two USB-C ports, providing additional connectivity options and making it easy to switch between different devices or peripherals.

Specifications:

• Display: 13.3-inch IPS LCD touchscreen, 60 Hz refresh rate
• Stylus: EMR stylus, compatible with third-party styli
• Extras: Comes with stylus | 2 USB-C ports

Who Should Buy a Tablet?

Great for:

• Students who need a portable note-taking, reading, and research device.
• Creative folks who love drawing, photo editing, or video sketching on the go.
• Busy parents looking for easy entertainment for kids (with strong parental controls).
• Travelers who want movies, books, and games without lugging a laptop.

Maybe skip it if:

• You already have a great smartphone and laptop combo you’re happy with.
• You need heavy-duty software like full desktop Photoshop or Premiere Pro.
• You’re looking for a device that can fully replace your work laptop (unless it’s an iPad Pro with keyboard). 

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