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The 7 best tablets of 2024: Apple, Acer, Amazon Fire and more

Best Android screen machine? Best iPad? Find the perfect gadget for your specific needs.

The modern tablet occupies a weird space between phone and laptop. They run on apps, like phones, but also have larger screens, like laptops. Some use Android in one form or another; some are iPads (meaning iOS). So it can be a challenge to figure out just where a tablet fits into your life and, consequently, which model to buy.

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For example, are you looking for something that's good for getting some work done? Something a little kid can use for games and learning and spilling juice on? How about one that's purely for books, movies and other entertainment? Good news: If you have a specific use-case, there's probably a tablet that's a perfect fit. And even if you don't, most tablets are so versatile, they can handle just about anything. (Some can even handle juice, after a fashion. See the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids, below.)

With that in mind, let's take a look at some of the best tablets you can get right now.

Why I'm qualified to review tablets

I've been in the technology-reviewing business for [checks calendar and grimaces] nearly 35 years. (Show of hands: Who remembers the Commodore Amiga? I do!) In that time I've tested and reviewed nearly every major tablet to hit the market. I've seen more tablets than Moses and Bayer put together.

How I selected the best tablets

My selections below are based on a variety of factors, including price, personal experience and reviews (from both users and professionals alike). Most of them I've tested myself; the few I haven't, I know from reputation — if not experience with very similar models. Make no mistake: If there's a tablet on this list, it deserves to be here.

Best tablet for 2024

Screen size: 10.9 inches | Storage: 64GB | Rated battery life: 10 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi (cellular 4G/5G optional) | Warranty: 1 year

I get it. There's just something about the iPad. Give Apple credit for crafting a tablet that's really desirable despite the out-of-whack price. In fact, following a 2022 redesign, it got even out-of-whackier: Apple bumped the sort-of-affordable $329 price tag to a disappointing $449.

Still, there's no denying the new iPad's appeal, starting with a slightly larger screen inside a frame that's roughly the same size as before. Gone is the home button; in its place, a power button that supports Touch ID. And if you're tired of the bland silver and space-gray color choices, the 10th-generation iPad adds blue, pink and yellow options to the mix.

Apple also made a bunch of under-the-hood improvements, including a faster processor, more RAM (4GB instead of 3GB), Bluetooth 5.0 (up from 4.2) and a USB-C charging port. (So long, Lightning!) None of these upgrades are what I'd consider must-haves, but they do make an already-excellent tablet even better.

Photography fans, take note: This iPad's rear camera can now capture 12-megapixel images. That partners with a wide-angle front camera that's great for selfies and such. The latter supports Apple's handy Center Stage feature as well, automatically adjusting to keep you in the frame even if you move around. And the rear camera can be used for augmented reality (AR) games and apps, one area where Apple far outpaces the competition.

Another: All iPads are available with a cellular option, which adds to the price but definitely adds to the versatility as well. That said, if your phone has a hotspot option, you can save money by leveraging that (for just about any tablet, really).

You might think the smaller iPad Mini would be the "budget" iPad to pick, but it starts at $499. At $449, the iPad 10.9 is far from cheap, but I do think it offers arguably the best, most versatile tablet experience you can get.

Pros
  • Extremely versatile
  • Available in several cheerful colors
  • Numerous improvements over previous-generation model
  • Cellular option available
Cons
  • Big price hike from previous-generation model
$349 at Amazon
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$429 at Walmart$449 at B&H Photo

Best budget tablet for 2024

Screen size: 8 inches | Storage: 32GB (expandable) | Rated battery life: 13 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi | Warranty: 90 days

The Fire HD 8 isn't the sexiest tablet in town, but it delivers incredible bang for the buck — especially when it's on sale (which is often).

Indeed, although Amazon lists it at $100, you can frequently find the Fire HD 8 marked down to just $60. 

Whatever price you pay, there's an embarrassment of tablet riches to be found here. The Fire HD 8 features a sharp (enough) display — iPads offer more pixels, but trust me when I say you won't notice in most apps — and something you can't get from any iPad model: expandable storage. If you fill up the included 32GB, just pop in an inexpensive MicroSD card for up to 1 terabyte more.

Other Fire perks: USB-C connectivity, dual speakers, hands-free Alexa voice controls for your smart home ecosystem and support for something called Show Mode, which effectively turns the tablet into a poor man's Echo Show 8. If that's of interest, consider the Fire HD 8 Plus, which adds support for wireless charging. (You'll probably want the optional Wireless Charging Dock as well.)

Is it perfect? Not quite: The front and rear cameras are pretty low resolution — fine for Zoom calls and such, but not great for shooting photos and video. I also don't love Amazon's short warranty, which expires after just 90 days. And I've long been hoping for improvements to the Fire OS interface, which I find less than intuitive.

But if you're primarily looking to consume entertainment — books, music, movies and TV, games and so on — this is simply an incredible deal.

Pros
  • Great for consuming entertainment
  • Very affordable
  • Expandable storage
  • Show Mode adds Echo Show features
Cons
  • 90-day warranty
  • Low-resolution cameras
  • Somewhat limited app selection
  • Unintuitive user interface
$100 at Amazon
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$100 at Kohl's$100 at Target

The other best tablets of 2024

Screen size: 8 inches | Storage: 32GB (expandable) | Rated battery life: 13 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi | Warranty: 2 years

Modern parents, you have it so easy. A single tablet can hold a mountain of children's books, to say nothing of games, movies, educational apps and more. That's especially convenient for long car rides, trips involving airplanes and so on. (My wife and I used to schlepp heavy, overstuffed backpacks full of books; not fun.)

At the risk of me gushing, Amazon's Fire HD 8 Kids tablet is a godsend — and better than the best iPad in nearly every way. For starters, the affordable price: It can be yours for just $150; that's $350 less (!) than Apple's 8.3-inch iPad Mini.

Equally appealing, the Fire HD 8 Kids lives up to its name by arriving in a colorful, kid-proof case that's designed to withstand child abuse. In fact, Amazon backs the tablet with an unparalleled two-year warranty, one that covers accidental breakage. So if Junior sits on, dropkicks or tries to flush the thing, you're covered.

Meanwhile, Amazon offers a free year of its Kids+ subscription service, which includes unlimited access to age-appropriate books, games, apps, videos and so on. There are front- and rear-facing cameras for fun with photos and video, and baked-in parental controls you can monitor and update remotely.

By the way, if you have older kids (in the 6-12 range), the Fire HD 8 Kids Pro has a more "grown-up"-looking case and more advanced parental controls. In nearly all other respects it's the same, including price and warranty.

Although Amazon Fire tablets have 10-inch versions of both models, they cost at least $60 more. I don't see much advantage to the slightly larger screen, which will just be heavier and harder for little hands to hold.

I do consider the Fire HD 8 Kids a slam-dunk product, without question the best tablet for children.

Pros
  • Comes with child-proof case
  • 2-year worry-free warranty
  • Often on sale
  • Includes 1-year Amazon Kids subscription
Cons
  • No YouTube app
  • Performance lags at times
$150 at Amazon
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$150 at Target

Screen size: 11.5 inches | Storage: 128GB (expandable) | Rated battery life: 10 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi | Warranty: 1 year

Although Amazon's Fire HD lineup runs a specialized version of the Android operating system, it doesn't provide access to the Google Play Store — meaning you might not be able to get every app you want. What's more, the Fire OS is unapologetically Amazon-centric and not super-intuitive for those accustomed to Android.

Fortunately, if you want a "pure Android" experience, you can have it. The Lenovo Tab P11 closely resembles the iPad Pro 11, with one key difference: The latter starts at $799, while the former can be yours for $370 (sometimes less; sales are common). Another "key" difference is that Lenovo bundles a detachable keyboard. And where Apple charges an extra $129 for its pressure-sensitive Pencil stylus, Lenovo includes one right in the box.

Other noteworthy specs include four Dolby Atmos–enhanced speakers, a 2K-resolution 11.5-inch screen and 128GB of onboard storage. Alas, there's no expansion slot here if you need more space, and Lenovo doesn't offer a cellular option for on-the-go connectivity.

Those limitations aside, the Tab P11 ticks the important tablet boxes. If you want full-on Android in a spacious, productivity-minded screen, this is the one to get.

Pros
  • Pure Android operating system
  • Excellent specs that rival much pricier iPad
  • Keyboard and stylus included
  • Kindle-like Reading Mode for e-books
Cons
  • No memory expansion
$283 at Amazon

Screen size: 14 inches | Storage: 64GB | Rated battery life: 10 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi | Warranty: 1 year

If your top priority is work, your best bet is a convertible: a tablet with a keyboard that's built in rather than detachable. You'll also want a reasonably large screen, which makes work life easier while also affording a more spacious key layout.

The Acer Spin 314 is an affordable but very versatile Chromebook, with features like a 14-inch touchscreen and backlit keyboard (a highly underrated feature and one of my favorites). The screen resolution is a sticking point: At 1,366 x 768 pixels it's on the low side; consider choosing the Spin 514 if you want a Full HD screen instead.

It runs the Chrome OS, of course, so you're limited to Google software and browser-based productivity tools, but it also affords full access to the Google Play Store and all the Android apps therein.

The Intel Pentium Silver N6000 processor isn't a powerhouse, but Chromebooks don't need much to run smoothly. You do get 64GB of onboard storage and plenty of expandability via USB ports and a microSD slot.

Of course, by design, Chromebooks rely heavily on Google cloud storage, but local space is always welcome for things like movies and music libraries.

Speaking of which, I particularly like the top-mounted, up-facing speakers, which promise to provide much better sound than the muffled underside speakers found in most laptops.

Pros
  • Fully convertible design
  • Low price
  • Runs Chrome OS and Android apps
  • Current-gen Wi-Fi 6 onboard
  • Up-facing speakers
Cons
  • Low screen resolution
$352 at Amazon

Screen size: 10.1 inches | Storage: 128GB | Rated battery life: 10 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi | Warranty: 1 year

Many elementary and middle schools want students to use Chromebooks, but kids of that age don't necessarily need a big screen or full-size keyboard. That's what makes Lenovo's Duet such an ideal fit: It's a 10-inch Chromebook that's also an Android tablet (or, at least, capable of running Android apps), and it comes with a detachable keyboard.

That gives the Duet an immediate leg up over Microsoft's 10.5-inch Surface Go 2, which starts at $399 and doesn't include a keyboard.

Surprisingly, the Duet's low price doesn't come at the expense of features: Its screen packs in 1,920x1,200 pixels, very impressive given the size. And it comes with 128GB of onboard storage, far more than you get with the typical Chromebook.

The keyboard will definitely feel a bit cramped for adult-size users, and the single USB-C port limits the Duet's expandability (though an inexpensive hub can solve that). Even so, the Chromebook Duet definitely belongs on the short list for parents seeking an affordable school laptop — even if it's not technically a laptop.

Pros
  • High-resolution screen
  • Lots of storage
  • Low price
Cons
  • Only one USB port
  • Cramped keyboard
$349 at Amazon
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$209 at Newegg

Screen size: 11 inches | Storage: 128GB | Rated battery life: 10 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi (cellular 4G/5G optional) | Warranty: 1 year

The current-generation iPad Pro is the cream of the tablet crop, but it'll cost you — especially if you deck it out with accessories.

Apple's flagship tablet is a powerhouse, combining a lightning-fast processor, a dazzling display and support for some great add-ons — namely Apple's Magic Keyboard and Pencil stylus. Put those all together and you've got an amazing (and amazingly portable) tool for creatives making content: words, pictures, video, audio and more.

Just be prepared for sticker shock: The iPad Pro starts at $798 (for the 11-inch model; there's a 12.9-inch as well), while the keyboard and Apple Pencil add $299 and $129, respectively. If you want cellular connectivity in the mix (as opposed to just Wi-Fi), that's an additional $200 — plus the cost of service, natch.

So, yeah, what is arguably the world's best tablet setup requires you to max out your budget. You can accomplish a lot of the same tasks with less expensive hardware, but if money is no object, well, splurge away.

Pros
  • One of the most versatile tablets you can get, period
  • Exquisite screen
  • Very good cameras
  • Face ID
  • Very easy to learn and use
Cons
  • Costs as much as a mid-range laptop
  • Expensive accessories
$782 at Amazon
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$799 at Adorama$925 at Groupon

Features to consider when choosing a tablet

Before you pull the trigger on a new tablet, be sure you know what you're getting. These are the most important features to keep in mind:

One size doesn't always fit all: The Fire HD 8, iPad 10.9 and iPad Pro 12.9. (Amazon, Apple)
One size doesn't always fit all: The Fire HD 8, iPad 10.9 and iPad Pro 12.9. (Amazon, Apple)

Size: Tablets typically range from 7 inches on up to 13. I think a 10-inch screen tends to be the sweet spot, though it really depends on how you plan to use the device. If you're looking to get some work done or watch a lot of movies, a bigger screen is always better. But that also bumps up the weight and price. If you can, visit a local store that sells tablets and see what size feels most comfortable to you.

Storage: It's hard to know how much you'll need. Movies consume a fair bit of space, but only if you download them for offline viewing (like on an airplane). If you're just streaming, they take no space at all. Games and recorded videos can also eat up gigabytes. Thankfully, most Amazon tablets and some Android models let you expand the available space by popping in an inexpensive memory card. But iPads have fixed storage, so if you're concerned about running out, plan on spending extra up front to get more space.

Connectivity options: All tablets can connect to Wi-Fi networks to download apps, stream video and so on. If you'll mostly be using it at home or work, that should be sufficient. But if you want something you can use out in the world, where Wi-Fi isn't available (think: road trips, job sites, etc.), consider a tablet that has cellular 4G or 5G capabilities. That'll allow it to connect to mobile networks, just like your phone does. (That said, it's typically easier and cheaper to use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot. You won't need to spend extra on the tablet itself, nor will you need a separate line of service for it.)

Battery life: Most of the tablets here tout an "all-day battery," meaning you should be able to use it for at least 10 hours before returning to the charger. Obviously there are lots of variables that affect battery life, everything from screen brightness to the kinds of apps you use, but the good news is you can plug in a power bank — most likely the same one you use to juice your phone — if you need a top-up when you're traveling.

Warranty: One year is standard, but some of Amazon's Fire HD tablets are covered for just 90 days. (On the flipside, the Fire HD Kids models come with comprehensive 2-year plans.) What can go wrong on a tablet? Not much, but there's always the possibility of battery failure or a bad USB charging port. Amazon offers extended warranties that might be worth considering; adding two years of coverage to the Fire HD 8, for example, costs just $13.

Stylus support: Any tablet here can work with a stylus, but not all styluses are created equal. Some are good for little more than taking the place of a finger-tap or -swipe. Let me make a blanket statement about this: If your goal is to create art or capture notes, there's no better option than an iPad and Apple Pencil.

Can a tablet replace a laptop?

A tablet alongside a laptop.
Can a tablet substitute for a laptop? Theoretically, yes, but there are obstacles to consider. (Rick Broida/Yahoo News)

I get this question a lot, and the answer hasn't really changed over the years: Sort of. Virtually any good tablet can pair with a keyboard to allow for word processing and the like, but in many cases you'll be squinting at a smallish screen surrounded by a bezel and tapping on small, cramped keys. Also: Not many tablet-size keyboards are large enough to accommodate a dedicated numeric keypad, something to consider if you work with spreadsheets.

Sure, you can splurge on the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 and roomier Apple Magic Keyboard, but now you've spent a minimum of $1,450. At that point, why not just buy a laptop, especially if productivity is your main goal?

Something else to consider: While Android, Fire OS and iOS are capable operating systems, they're not Windows. (They're not Mac OS, either.) If you rely on Windows or Mac software even a little, a tablet probably isn't your best bet. And there are certain web-based tools that won't work properly in a mobile browser. So if you're buying a tablet in hopes of getting your work done, make absolutely sure it's compatible with your ecosystem of work tools.

What about Microsoft's Surface tablets, which run Windows? These Windows tablets are quite popular, but I honestly don't see the appeal. They're expensive and don't afford many tablet-y benefits. (Microsoft's app store offers only a fraction of the software available to Android and iOS users.) Plus, the keyboard is sold separately, which once again raises the question: Why not just buy a laptop?

In fact, you might want to consider a convertible, a laptop with a touchscreen and 360-degree hinge. I won't say that's the best of both worlds, but it's certainly one of the most versatile options. I have one such model listed above.