Tablets are versatile tools that can be used for everything at school, work or home. Whether you’re checking email, managing finances, testing your art skills or casually browsing YouTube and watching videos, a tablet can do it all. Finding the best tablet isn’t hard, either, but knowing where to start can be overwhelming, and that’s where CNET’s testing and reviews can help.
Let’s start with Apple, which updated its entire iPad lineup in 2022. Along with faster processors across all of the latest models, Apple introduced the 10th-gen iPad with an entirely new design. However, the updated look and features come with a higher price, so Apple is still selling the ninth-gen iPad as its least expensive option.
Elsewhere in Best Tablet Land, Microsoft debuted a new Surface Pro 9 model in the fall of 2022. Meanwhile, Android tablets are available in a wide range of sizes and prices from the value-packed Amazon Fire tablets to Samsung’s top Galaxy Tab models that are strong competition for Apple’s iPad Pro.
In the value segment, Amazon’s Fire tablets remain the best tablet option for cheap and kid-friendly models. But if you’re looking for something that’s good for productivity and entertainment there’s an affordable Chromebook that blurs the line between laptop and tablet.
What’s the best tablet?
The ninth-gen iPad from 2021 is the best tablet that we continue to recommend, despite the availability of newer iPad models. That’s mainly for its features and reasonable price. If you’re definitely going with an iPad, though, we strongly recommend you check out the entire iPad lineup because there might be a better option for your needs.
Not interested in an iPad? Our other top picks for the best tablets 2023 has to offer right now are below. All offer ways to get popular apps, but you’ll want to check that your must-have apps are available on the device before buying (don’t look for Fortnite on the iPad through the App Store, for instance). We included budget tablet and premium tablet options, as well as laptop-replacement devices at prices in between, including Android tablet and Apple iPad options. We even threw in tablet PC and Chromebook options. All of these products (or previous versions thereof) have been fully reviewed or anecdotally tested by CNET editors.
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Best tablets of 2023
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