The 6 best tablets for 2024 are powerhouses great for work or play
Tablets give you the best of both worlds: screens larger than a smartphone for getting stuff done, and a size slimmer than a laptop for easy portability. You can blaze through emails, crunch numbers, edit photos, play games, and more just about anywhere -- whether you're on the go or lying comfortably in bed. Throw in a wireless keyboard, stylus and a standing desk and you've got yourself a portable workstation.
But which tablet should you go with? We've got some advice: Go with one that uses the same operating system as your current devices. If you're an Apple fan, grab an iPad. If you're on Team Android for your smartphone, an Android tablet will sync seamlessly. And if you regularly use a Windows laptop, look for a Windows tablet or one that makes transferring content between devices a breeze.
We've selected six of the most reliable, powerful and user-friendly tablets you can buy right now. Meanwhile, if you're not sure which model Apple iPad is right for you, be sure to read our updated 2024 Apple iPad buyer's guide. And if you're a college student, we've got you covered with our roundup of the best Apple iPads for college students. We've also done a detailed comparison between the iPad Pro and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.
Best tablets for 2024
- Best Apple iPad tablet overall: 2024 11" Apple iPad Pro
- Best Android tablet overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
- Best Apple iPad for everyday use: 2024 11" Apple iPad Air
- Best Android tablet for most people: Google Pixel Tablet
- Best Windows tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro 9
- Best premium Apple iPad tablet: 2024 13" Apple iPad Pro
Best Apple iPad tablet overall: 2024 11" Apple iPad Pro
Display size: 11-inch | Display type: Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display | Processor: Apple M4 | Operating system: iPadOS | Internal storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | Casing color options: silver, space black | Port: USB Type-C | Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Apple Pencil support: Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), Apple Pencil Pro | Keyboard support: Apple Magic Keyboard | Security: FaceID | Size: 9.83 x 6.99 x 0.21 inches | Weight: 0.98 pounds | Price range: $999 to $2,299
For an iPad power user, the 2024 edition of the 11-inch iPad Pro is literally a dream come true. For the first time, the iPad now offers an Ultra Retina XDR display (with 2,420 x 1,668 pixel resolution) that uses the latest OLED technology to provide sharper, more detailed content with brighter and more accurate colors. The new display offers a maximum brightness of 1,600 nits, a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio and features optional anti-glare technology that scatters ambient light. This makes the screen easier to see in a wider range of lighting situations.
The 2024 iPad Pro is also faster and more powerful than ever. In fact, it runs using the advanced M4 processor and relies on a redesigned CPU, GPU and NPU that offers performance that's up to four times better than previous iPad Pro models -- while requiring less power. This means the 11-inch iPad Pro can process up to 38 trillion operations per second and still has an up to 10 hour battery life that's consistent with all other current iPad models.
This iPad Pro model comes with your choice of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB of storage. It's available in silver or space black and comes in a Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + Cellular configuration. It's compatible with the new Apple Pencil Pro and a redesigned Apple Magic Keyboard (both sold separately).
At the time of purchase, for the first time ever, you can choose between a display with standard glass or one with a nano-texture glass that offers much lower light reflectivity. This means you'll see sharper content, with more accurate colors and greater detail in a wider range of ambient lighting situations. The more expensive nano-texture glass is only an option on the iPad Pro configurations with 1TB or 2TB of internal storage.
Beyond just the incredible processing power of the M4 silicon and the absolutely gorgeous OLED display, what sets the new generation of iPad Pros apart is a thin, 5.1mm design. It also runs a new generation of what Apple refers to as "Pro Apps." These take full advantage of the processing power, Apple Pencil Pro and new Magic Keyboard to offer capabilities that not even the latest MacBook Pros can provide. Think video editing, graphic design, photo editing, audio production, gaming and more. It's also a powerful drawing and note taking tool. And it can handle all of the other tasks people expect from an iPad -- just way faster and with a higher level of performance, plus vastly improved graphics and sound.
In addition to studio-quality microphones you get a front-facing camera that's now positioned along the landscape edge of the tablet and a four-speaker sound system. The tablet supports spatial audio, data transfer speeds up to 40GB per second, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. This version of the iPad Pro, with its Ultra Retina XDR display (OLED) is ideal for power users, gamers, graphic designers, content creators, musicians, photographers, videographers and anyone else who requires a tremendous amount of computing powered combined with an 11-inch touchscreen display.
At the same time Apple released the 2024 11-inch iPad Pro, it also released the 2024 13 inch iPad Pro which gives you an even larger Ultra Retina XDR display combined with the power of the M4 processor. The larger screen gives you more space for multitasking or being able to see more content on the screen when running a single app.
Best Android tablet overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Display size: 14.6-inch touchscreen | Display resolution: 2,960 x 1,848 pixels | Display type: Dynamic AMOLED 2x | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Storage: 256GB, 512GB or 1TB | Average battery life: Up to 16 hours | Operating system: Android 13 | Dimensions: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.21 inches | Weight: 1.61 ounces | Port: USB Type-C | Stylus included: Yes, Samsung S Pen | Keyboard/cover included: Optional | Price range: $1,049 to $1,400
Need an fast, feature-packed Android tablet? Snag the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Between its stunning 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display, hefty processor, up to 1TB of internal storage and long battery life, this tablet can handle advanced tasks that require a lot of processing power.
The bright, colorful and detailed display, combined with the tablet's quad speaker system (that supports Dolby Atmos) makes video, graphics or audio look and sound incredible. You also get a Samsung S Pen stylus, so you can handwrite or draw directly on the screen, as well as annotate files.
The Tab S9 Ultra is nicely equipped with two, 12MP front-facing cameras (with a wide and ultra-wide FOV). On the back, you get a 13MP wide camera that's accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide camera. Another great feature is that the tablet supports Wi-Fi 6E, so you'll get the fastest wireless connection speeds possible. Basically, the Tab S9 Ultra is among the most powerful tablets currently... period. It's also lightweight and extremely thin. And of course, it works seamlessly with other Samsung Galaxy mobile devices.
Best Apple iPad for everyday use: 2024 11" Apple iPad Air
Display size: 11-inch | Display type: Liquid Retina Display | Processor: Apple M2 | Operating system: iPadOS | Internal storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Casing color Options: Blue, purple, starlight, space gray | Port: USB Type-C | Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Apple Pencil support: Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), Apple Pencil Pro | Keyboard support: Apple Magic Keybord | Security: TouchID | Size: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches | Weight: 1.02 pounds | Price range: $599 to $1,249
Featuring an 11-inch Liquid Retina touchscreen display with a 2,360 x 1,640 pixel resolution and a maximum brightness of 500 nits, this new version of the ultra-thin iPad Air runs using Apple's M2 processor. The front-facing camera is now located on the landscape edge of the tablet, which makes using video calling apps (like FaceTime with its Center Stage feature) more practical. The tablet features landscape stereo speakers and all of the other features and functions that make using the iPad an intuitive and enjoyable experience.
The iPad Air runs the same version of the iPadOS operating system and comes with the same collection of apps as the iPad Pro, but this model's display and processor aren't as powerful as the new iPad Pros. The iPad Air is now Apple's mid-priced tablet option. It's perfect for everyday users and high school or college students. The iPad Air's 11-inch display makes it easy to carry and lightweight enough to hold in your hands for extended periods.
Choose between 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of internal storage. At the time of purchase, pick either the lower priced Wi-Fi only model, or the Wi-Fi + Cellular configuration. Battery life is up to 10 hours. The 2024 edition of the iPad Air provides three times faster performance than the previous model. And if an 11-inch display isn't large enough, there's also a 13-inch version of the new iPad Air. It uses the same technologies and offers the same configuration options, but has a larger display. Both size iPad Air tablets work with the new Apple Pencil Pro stylus and have a redesigned Apple Magic Keyboard available as an option. Keep in mind, while the new iPad Pros run using Apple's most powerful M4 processor, the new iPad Air tablets run using the M2 processor which is not as powerful or fast, but it offers more than enough stamina the average user.
Best Android tablet for most people: Google Pixel Tablet
Display size: 10.95-inch touchscreen | Display resolution: 2,560 x 1,600 pixels | Display type: LCD | Processor: Google Tensor G2 with Titan M2 security coprocessor | Storage: 128GB or 256GB | Average battery life: Up to 12 hours | Operating system: Android | Dimensions: 10.2 x 6.7 x 0.3 inches | Weight: 17.39 ounces | Port: USB Type-C | Stylus included: No, but works with any USI 2.0 compatible stylus (optional) | Keyboard/cover included: Optional | Price range: $399 to $570
The Google Pixel Tablet is a top Android tablet pick. It's designed by Google and it makes full use of the Android OS (which the company also created). This makes the tablet very customizable, and it gives you access to all of the apps on the Google Play Store. It also works seamlessly with all of Google's own apps and cloud-based services. Right now of the box, you get access to Google Chrome, Gmail, the Google Workplace apps, YouTube and other apps.
One thing that sets the Google Pixel Tablet apart is that it can come with a unique charging speaker dock. When the tablet is connected, the battery charges -- and the dock transforms into a fully functional home hub, complete with Google Assistant. This means you get access to all of the functions of a Google Nest Hub Max.
Google has packed a lot of functionality into this full-featured, Android tablet that costs about half of what comparable tablets cost, which makes it a really good value. The Google Pixel Tablet on its own has a starting price of just $399, while the same tablet bundled with the Charging Speaker Dock costs about $80 more. Out of all the Android tablets available, this one offers one of the best values, based the technology and functionality that's packed into it. Choose between a configuration with 128GB or 256GB of storage. Casing color options include porcelain, hazel and rose.
Best Windows tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Display size: 13-inch touchscreen | Display resolution: 2,880 x 1,920 pixels | Display type: PixelSense Flow | Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U (CPU), but other options are available; Intel Iris Xe (GPU) | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB | Average battery life: Up to 15.5 hours | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.2 0.037 inches | Weight: 1.94 pounds | Port: 2x USB Type-C, Surface Connect port, Surface Type Cover port | Stylus included: Optional | Keyboard/cover included: Optional | Price range: $750 to $1,499
The most compelling reason to invest in the feature-packed Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is that it runs Windows 11. For people who already use Windows, having a compatible tablet is a big selling point.
The Surface Pro 9 is on the lower end of Microsoft's Surface lineup, which includes tablets, laptop computers and two-in-one devices. When you combine this tablet with an optional keyboard and stylus, it will perform almost the same collection of tasks as a Windows computer.
For wireless connectivity, the Surface Pro 9 supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 tech. You also get a 5G cellular connectivity option. Among the selection of preinstalled apps, you get Microsoft Edge, plus 30-day trials for Microsoft 365 Family and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
As you'd expect, this tablet also has stereo speakers that support Dolby Atmos. The touchscreen has a refresh rate up to 120Hz and for security, the Surface Pro 9 supports Microsoft's Windows Hello sign-in feature. The front-facing camera offers 1080p resolution, which is great for video calling, while the rear camera gives you 10MP resolution. Overall, this is a nicely equipped tablet that provides really good value, as well as plenty of expandability and customization options. And if you're already a Windows user, the learning curve for this tablet is short.
Best premium Apple iPad tablet: 2024 13" Apple iPad Pro
Display size: 13-inch | Display type: Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display | Processor: Apple M4 | Operating system: iPadOS | Internal storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | Casing color options: Silver, space gray | Port: USB Type-C | Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Apple Pencil support: Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), Apple Pencil Pro | Keyboard support: Apple Magic Keyboard | Security: FaceID | Size: 11.09 x 8.48 x 0.20 inches | Weight: 1.28 pounds | Price range: $1,299 to $2,599
Hands down, this is the most powerful and versatile Apple iPad ever released. Not only is the processor cutting-edge, but so is the amazingly detailed and vibrant 13-inch OLED display. Yet, the tablet is incredibly thin (0.20 inches) and weighs a mere 1.28 pounds. Despite all of the new technology that's packed into this powerhouse of a tablet, battery life is up to 10 hours (which is consistent with all other current iPad models).
The 13-inch iPad Pro gives you the option for up to 2TB of internal storage. And for the first time, the Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display is available with either a standard glass or optional nano-texture display glass that does a better job reducing glare from ambient light sources. This 13-inch model offers the same advanced features and power as the new 11-inch model, so it offers Apple's redesigned CPU, GPU and NPU, an advanced front- and rear-facing camera setup, a four speaker sound system (with spatial audio support), an array of four studio quality microphones and so much more.
This is the tablet you want in your hands when using the new Final Cut 2 app for video editing or the Logic Pro 2 app for music production. And beyond the apps that come preinstalled, there are more than two million additional apps available from the App Store, with many now being upgraded to support the Apple Pencil Pro and redesigned Magic Keyboard. Power tablet users can leave their laptop behind and have more processing power and performance than ever before possible -- using just an iPad.
Sure, this version of the iPad Pro, with it's 13-inch touchscreen display is ideal for graphic designers, videographers, content creators, photographers, musicians and audio producers, but it's just as useful to college students, and everyday users who need extra processing power and a larger display (that's ideal for multitasking). It's also a stelar mobile gaming device and productivity tool.
Priced at $1,200, the base-level 13-inch iPad Pro is Wi-Fi only and comes with 256GB of internal storage and a standard glass Ultra Retina XDR display. The version of this iPad Pro that's more powerful than most laptops and is the most capable of all iPads is the one with Wi-Fi + Cellular capabilities, 2TB of internal storage and an Ultra Retina XDR display with the nano-texture glass upgrade. This configuration will set you back $2,599. Keep in mind, the Apple Pencil Pro and redesigned Magic Keyboard are sold separately.
Whether you're streaming music or video, using the rear-facing camera to scan paper documents, shooting 4K video, or using the Apple Pencil Pro to handwrite, draw or annotate on the display, the 13-inch iPad Pro offers advanced processing power, a high storage capacity and an extra-large touchscreen that makes it easy to handle even the most advanced tasks just about anywhere. And of course, multitasking is a breeze.
What's the best tablet in 2024?
The whole point of a tablet is convenience, so you don't want a learning curve to slow you down. Choosing a tablet with a matching operating system as your go-to phone or computer means you can hit the ground running. Then it's easy to stay productive and entertained wherever you roam. The latest tablets released so far in 2024 are more powerful than ever. In fact, some are even more capable and versatile than a traditional laptop when it comes to tasks like video editing, audio production and content creation.
- Operating system (OS): Make sure your new tablet is compatible with the most recent version of your preferred OS and that the manufacturer is committed to supporting your model for at least the next few years.
- Display size and type: The type of display and its resolution has an impact on the level of detail, color vibrancy and color accuracy you'll see.
- Display resolution: This is measured in pixels. The higher the resolution, the more detail you'll see. The Google Tablet, for example, offers 2,560 x 1,600 pixels, which means that you get 2,560 pixels horizontally and 1,600 pixels vertically, which translates to a total of 4,096,000 individual pixels. The 2024 13-inch Apple iPad Pro has a resolution of 2,752 x 2,064 pixels.
- Display glass type: Available only on the 2024 iPad Pros with 1TB or 2TB of internal storage, at the time of purchase you can upgrade the display to one with nano-texture glass. This upgrade greatly reduces glare caused by ambient light and makes what's displayed on the screen look sharper and more vibrant.
- Display refresh rate: This measures how many times per second that the display draws a new image. It's measured in Hertz (Hz). The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the video or animated graphics. Ideally, you want a display with a 120Hz refresh rate or higher.
- Processor: A tablet's processor is its brains. The faster and more powerful the processor, the better performance you'll get.
- Internal storage: At the time of purchase, most tablet manufacturers let you choose internal storage size, such as 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB. The more storage a tablet has, the more data, documents, applications, photos and files it can store.
- MicroSD memory card expandability: Most (but not all) Android tablets have a microSD slot built in. That lets you insert an optional microSD memory card (usually with up to a 1TB capacity) to expand the tablet's internal storage. Optional microSD memory cards are sold separately. Depending on the memory card's brand and read/write speed, one with a 128GB capacity will cost around $20, while one with a 1TB capacity will cost around $100. You'll want an extra-large amount of storage if you plan to store a bunch of movie files or high-resolution video files. Keep in mind, none of the Apple iPads have a microSD memory card slot. The internal storage within Apple tablets are not upgradable after purchase.
- Size: Ideally, you want a tablet with a large and bright display. Pay attention to the overall dimensions of the tablet, including its thickness.
- Weight: The best tablets are both thin and lightweight, which makes them easy and comfortable to hold. If you don't plan on holding the tablet while it's in use, you'll likely need to invest in a stand.
- What's included: Some tablets come with just a charging cable, while others include a cover or a stylus. Most offer a variety of accessories that are sold separately, including a keyboard, stylus, stand and cover. Another common accessory: wireless headphones or earbuds. We recommend a pair that offers both noise cancellation and support for spatial audio.
