2025 Tablet Buying Guide: Our Favorite Picks Reviewed


In 2025, the tablet market has evolved significantly, offering a diverse range of devices tailored to various needs and budgets. Whether you’re seeking a high-performance tablet for professional tasks, a budget-friendly option for casual use, or a compact device for on-the-go entertainment, there’s a tablet designed for you. This comprehensive guide presents the top tablets of 2025, tested and rated to help you make an informed decision.

🥇 Best Overall Tablet: Apple iPad Air (M3, 2025)

The 2025 iPad Air, powered by Apple’s M3 chip, strikes an excellent balance between performance and affordability. It features an 11-inch Liquid Retina display, delivering vibrant visuals, and supports the Apple Pencil Pro, enhancing its utility for creatives and professionals alike. With a lightweight design and robust performance, it’s suitable for a wide range of tasks, from content creation to everyday use.

💰 Best Budget Tablet: Amazon Fire 7 (2025)

For those seeking a cost-effective tablet for basic tasks like browsing, reading, and streaming, the Amazon Fire 7 remains a solid choice. Priced under $100, it offers a 7-inch display, decent battery life, and access to Amazon’s ecosystem of apps and services. While it may not match the performance of higher-end tablets, it’s an excellent option for casual users and children.

Best Android Tablet: OnePlus Pad 2

The OnePlus Pad 2 stands out in the Android tablet market with its 12.1-inch 3K OLED display, 144Hz refresh rate, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. It offers 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for apps and media. With nearly 15 hours of battery life, it’s ideal for both productivity and entertainment.

💻 Best Windows Tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro 11

The Surface Pro 11 combines the versatility of a tablet with the power of a laptop. Featuring a 13-inch display and powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus or Elite processors, it delivers impressive performance for Windows 11 applications. Its lightweight design and optional keyboard make it a suitable choice for professionals and students seeking a portable workstation.

🎨 Best Tablet for Creatives: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra boasts a massive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for artists and designers. Equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipset and up to 16GB of RAM, it handles demanding creative applications with ease. The included S Pen enhances its utility for drawing and note-taking.

✍️ Best for Note-Taking: ReMarkable Paper Pro

The ReMarkable Paper Pro offers a unique e-paper experience, simulating the feel of writing on paper. With its color e-ink display, it’s tailored for users who prioritize note-taking and reading. While it may not support a wide range of apps, its focus on distraction-free writing makes it a favorite among students and professionals.

📱 Best Compact Tablet: Apple iPad Mini 7 (A17 Pro, 2025)

The iPad Mini 7 combines portability with performance. Its 8.3-inch display and A17 Pro chip make it suitable for users who need a powerful device in a compact form factor. With up to 10 hours of battery life, it’s ideal for reading, gaming, and on-the-go productivity.

🧠 Best AI-Integrated Tablet: Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus

Recognized as the best tablet at CES 2025, the Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus features a 12.7-inch 3K display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and 16GB of RAM. Its AI functionalities enhance user experience, and the inclusion of a keyboard and stylus makes it a versatile tool for professionals. Currently available at a discounted price, it’s a compelling option for those seeking advanced features.

📊 Comparison Table

TabletKey FeaturesBest For
iPad Air (M3)M3 chip, 11″ display, Apple Pencil Pro supportOverall performance
Amazon Fire 7Affordable, 7″ display, Amazon ecosystemBudget-friendly use
OnePlus Pad 212.1″ 3K OLED, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 12GB RAMAndroid users
Microsoft Surface Pro 1113″ display, Snapdragon X Plus/Elite, Windows 11Windows productivity
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra14.6″ AMOLED, S Pen, MediaTek Dimensity 9300+Creative professionals
ReMarkable Paper ProE-ink display, note-taking focusWriters and students
iPad Mini 7 (A17 Pro)8.3″ display, compact designPortability
Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus12.7″ 3K display, AI features, includes keyboard and stylusAI integration and versatility

🛍️ Final Thoughts

The tablet landscape in 2025 offers a plethora of options catering to diverse needs. Whether you’re a professional seeking a powerful device, a student needing a reliable note-taking tool, or someone looking for a budget-friendly tablet for everyday use, there’s a device tailored for you. Consider your primary use cases, preferred operating system, and budget to select the tablet that best fits your requirements.