Android tablets have fewer brands, models and even manufacturers nowadays, which unfortunately makes it easier to skip the category and go straight to Apple in search of the best tablet out there. Apple iPad models, including new iPad Air and on the latest entry-level iPad It often seems like an obvious choice, but not everyone is a fan of iPadOS and some of the best Android tablets are definitely worth considering, especially for Samsung Galaxy device owners and Windows 11 users.
The best models of Android tablets can meet any casual or professional need, whether you are looking for a gaming tablet, drawing tablet or something for word processing. Some even work with a touchpad or mouse. And if you have already invested in Android operating system and an ecosystem of Android apps, you won’t have to buy them again for iOS.
So, if you are looking for a cheap tablet for media consumption or a first class tablet to serve as laptop replacement, there is absolutely an option for Android that is worth considering. Our choices for the best Android tablets on the tablet market are currently below. We periodically update this list of the best Android tablets, so keep checking out again.
David Carnay / CNET
Amazon has come a long way since the first Kindle Fire tablet. Amazon Fire HD 10 is Amazon’s largest tablet with a 10-inch screen size and powerful speakers. Just like its younger 8-inch brother, the Fire HD 8, the tablet is full of benefits for Prime subscribers, making it easier for members to stream and download movies, TV shows and games. Amazon’s Fire tablets don’t use a pure version of Android, but instead Amazon’s Android-based Fire operating system, which downloads apps from the Amazon App Store. You can still get apps from Google Play, but you’ll have to install the store yourself – which means game enthusiasts have access to all their favorite mobile games for a great gaming tablet experience. Besides, this is probably the closest thing we have to a budget tablet in this list of the best Android tablets.
Read our review of Amazon Fire HD 10.
Josh Goldman / CNET
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus tablet may be in the middle of the Tab S8 range, but it is our best choice. The 12.4-inch AMOLED display is bright with excellent color. This is a great size for fun and games, while large enough for light performance tasks and yet small enough for travel. Samsung’s DeX software updates even make the Tab S8 a possible replacement for a laptop, allowing you to connect to a mouse and even an external display. A keyboard cover is not included, but one of Samsung’s fantastic S Pens is, so you can use the large screen to take notes and create content right out of the box.
Read our review of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus.
Joseph Kaminski
Despite its more affordable price of $ 530 (or less) compared to the Tab S7 Plus of $ 850, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE retains a superb feel. The S7 FE is the same size as the Plus, with a 1.3-pound aluminum body and slim bezels around a 12.4-inch display with a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels. Samsung has carefully trimmed Plus features such as switching from four stereo speakers to two and switching from an AMOLED display to an LCD screen. The result is an Android tablet with a large screen that still works well and has a first-class look and feel for significantly less money.
Tyler Lissenby / CNET
The Lenovo Smart Tab P10 combines a tablet and a smart display into one 10-inch device. This Lenovo tablet comes with Android Oreo, front and rear cameras, a fingerprint scanner and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor. When placed on the dock, the Lenovo Tab becomes a smart display, very similar to the Amazon Echo Show.
Read more about the Lenovo Smart Tab P10.