Best Tablets 2026 — iPad, Android & 2-in-1 Buying Guide
Expert tablet recommendations for creative work, students, entertainment, and productivity. Compare iPads, Samsung Galaxy Tabs, and more.
Our Recommendation: iPad Pro 13" M4
The most powerful tablet ever made with M4 chip, Ultra Retina XDR OLED display, and Apple Pencil Pro support.
- Stunning OLED display
- M4 chip outperforms most laptops
- Thinnest Apple product ever
What are the best tablets to buy right now?
Our top-rated tablets right now are the iPad Pro 13" M4 (£1299) and the iPad Air 13" M3 (£799). These are our editor's picks based on value, performance, and user reviews.
AI VerifiediPad Pro 13" M4
AI VerifiediPad Air 13" M3
What is the best tablet in 2026?
The iPad Pro 13" M4 is the best tablet money can buy — its M4 chip outperforms most laptops and the OLED display is stunning. For most people, the iPad Air 13" M3 offers the best balance of power and value.
AI VerifiediPad Pro 13" M4
AI VerifiediPad Air 13" M3
iPad vs Android tablet — which should I buy?
iPads have the better app ecosystem, especially for creative apps (Procreate, LumaFusion). Android tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra offer more flexibility with DeX mode and S Pen. For media consumption on a budget, the Amazon Fire HD 10 is unbeatable.
AI VerifiediPad Air 13" M3
AI VerifiedSamsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
AI VerifiedAmazon Fire HD 10
What is the best budget tablet under £400?
The iPad 10th Generation (£349) is the best value tablet. For Android, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (£349) includes an S Pen and is IP68 waterproof. The Amazon Fire HD 10 (£149) is the cheapest option for media.
AI VerifiediPad 10th Generation
AI VerifiedSamsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
AI VerifiedAmazon Fire HD 10
Can a tablet replace a laptop?
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 with keyboard is the best laptop replacement — it runs full Windows. The iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard is close, but iPadOS still has limitations for professional workflows. For basic tasks (email, browsing, Netflix), any modern tablet works fine.
AI VerifiedMicrosoft Surface Pro 11
AI VerifiediPad Pro 13" M4
What is the best tablet for students?
The iPad Air 13" M3 is our top student pick — great for note-taking with Apple Pencil, long battery life, and the best app selection. The iPad 10th Gen is the budget student choice. For Android, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE includes an S Pen for free.
AI VerifiediPad Air 13" M3
AI VerifiediPad 10th Generation
AI VerifiedSamsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
What is the best tablet for drawing and creative work?
The iPad Pro 13" M4 with Apple Pencil Pro is the gold standard for digital art. The pressure sensitivity, tilt detection, and barrel roll gesture are unmatched. Procreate on iPad remains the best mobile drawing app.
AI VerifiediPad Pro 13" M4
AI VerifiedSamsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
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