The best Android tablets of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

Android tablets have come a long way. They boast powerful performance, vibrant displays, and a user-friendly interface. It's a great time of year to pick up a tablet that can handle entertainment, reading, note-taking, and creative work. We tested the best models of 2025, from premium options like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, to budget-friendly picks like the Fire Max 11. 

If you want to stay in the Android ecosystem for a tablet (or you're just curious to see what's out there), you have plenty of options. Whether you need a portable device to replace your laptop for work tasks, something to act as a smart home hub, or just a device for watching videos, there's an Android tablet that will meet your needs. 

What is the best Android tablet right now?

I chose ZDNET staff-tested tablets that offer a reliable experience and a variety of features at a reasonable price point. Not all Android tablets are created equal, so I employed research and my experience with the products to suggest the best Android tablets below. I found that the best Android tablet overall was the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultrafor its giant display, stellar battery life, and accompanying S Pen. 

Also: The best Samsung tablets

The best Android tablets of 2025

The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is the biggest and best tablet in Samsung's lineup. It features a 14.6-inch AMOLED 2x screen, runs Android 15, and comes with Samsung's S Pen stylus included. The base model comes with 12GB of memory, 256GB of storage, and a microSD card for adding up to an extra 1TB of storage to the tablet. You can also fully kit out the Tab S10 Ultra with 1TB of storage and 16GB of memory. 

ZDNET writer Maria Diaz went hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and said that it is one of the best productivity tablets she has ever tested. 

"The S10 Ultra is a futureproof tablet with a powerful chipset, Wi-Fi 7 support, and long-term OS updates, [making it] perfect for power users," she wrote. But the tablet won't come cheap; the S10 Ultra starts at $1,200.

Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra

You'll also want to pick up the $349 book cover keyboard. Once connected, you can use Samsung DeX on the S10 Ultra, turning the tablet into a full-on desktop computer where you can get almost anything done. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra specs: Display size:14.6-inch | Display type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Resolution: 2960 x 1848 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | RAM:  12GB, 16GB | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, microSD up to 1TB  

• Improved Dynamic AMOLED display
• IP68 water and dust resistant
• Ultra responsive S Pen
• DeX mode is invaluable

• Not the most portable tablet
• Size is not ideal for mobile gaming

The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is the biggest and best tablet in Samsung's lineup. It features a 14.6-inch AMOLED 2x screen, runs Android 15, and comes with Samsung's S Pen stylus included. The base model comes with 12GB of memory, 256GB of storage, and a microSD card for adding up to an extra 1TB of storage to the tablet. You can also fully kit out the Tab S10 Ultra with 1TB of storage and 16GB of memory. 

ZDNET writer Maria Diaz went hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and said that it is one of the best productivity tablets she has ever tested. 

"The S10 Ultra is a futureproof tablet with a powerful chipset, Wi-Fi 7 support, and long-term OS updates, [making it] perfect for power users," she wrote. But the tablet won't come cheap; the S10 Ultra starts at $1,200.

Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra

You'll also want to pick up the $349 book cover keyboard. Once connected, you can use Samsung DeX on the S10 Ultra, turning the tablet into a full-on desktop computer where you can get almost anything done. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra specs: Display size:14.6-inch | Display type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Resolution: 2960 x 1848 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | RAM:  12GB, 16GB | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, microSD up to 1TB  

The Galaxy Tab S10 Plus was intended to be a second-level tablet in the Galaxy S10 line of tablets. The specs are similar to that of the S10 Ultra, but the Tab S10 Plus costs $200 less. This tablet features a screen 2.2 inches smaller than the S10 Ultra, but both models have the same Dynamic AMOLED display and refresh rate. 

Included with the purchase of this tablet is Samsung's S Pen, which provides a realistic paper-on-pen experience. In addition, you can add the $229 keyboard accessory to the tablet, turning it into a DeX-powered 2-in-1 that you can use to hammer out emails, crush work reports, write your next novel, or watch your favorite YouTube channel. 

I went hands-on with the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and found that movies and shows were a joy to watch with bright colors, flawless performance, and outstanding audio playback. Even my wife was shocked that the output came from the tablet, not an actual speaker. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus tech specs: Display size:12.4-inch | Display type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Resolution: 2,800 x 1,752 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, microSD up to 1TB 

• Great stereo speakers
• Updated and bright display
• 5G option

• Wifi 6E instead of Wifi 7

The Galaxy Tab S10 Plus was intended to be a second-level tablet in the Galaxy S10 line of tablets. The specs are similar to that of the S10 Ultra, but the Tab S10 Plus costs $200 less. This tablet features a screen 2.2 inches smaller than the S10 Ultra, but both models have the same Dynamic AMOLED display and refresh rate. 

Included with the purchase of this tablet is Samsung's S Pen, which provides a realistic paper-on-pen experience. In addition, you can add the $229 keyboard accessory to the tablet, turning it into a DeX-powered 2-in-1 that you can use to hammer out emails, crush work reports, write your next novel, or watch your favorite YouTube channel. 

I went hands-on with the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and found that movies and shows were a joy to watch with bright colors, flawless performance, and outstanding audio playback. Even my wife was shocked that the output came from the tablet, not an actual speaker. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus tech specs: Display size:12.4-inch | Display type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Resolution: 2,800 x 1,752 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, microSD up to 1TB 

Samsung didn't release an entry-model Galaxy S10 this year, but last year's Galaxy S9 tablet is still one of the best. It comes with 8GB or 12GB of memory and starts at 128GB of storage, which can be expanded by up to 1TB thanks to microSD card support. Inside the Tab S9 is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. 

The 11-inch LCD screen is compact enough to make the tablet portable. The tablet's high resolution also ensures display clarity, so you'll be happy watching your favorite shows or gaming on it. The S9 also comes with an S Pen that you can use to write or draw in your favorite apps, just like the Samsung Galaxy Note lineup.

Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

I tested this base Tab S9 model, and overall, it was an enjoyable experience. If you primarily use a tablet without a keyboard, with one app on the display most of the time, then the Tab S9 is your best option. Reddit users agree that this tablet is best for media consumption. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 tech specs: Display: Display size: 11-inch | Display type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Resolution: 2560 x 1600 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | RAM: 8GB, 12GB | Storage: 128GB, 256GB (expandable with microSD)

• Stunning display
• S Pen in box
• Many of the same features as S9 Ultra and S9+

• Missing apps

Samsung didn't release an entry-model Galaxy S10 this year, but last year's Galaxy S9 tablet is still one of the best. It comes with 8GB or 12GB of memory and starts at 128GB of storage, which can be expanded by up to 1TB thanks to microSD card support. Inside the Tab S9 is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. 

The 11-inch LCD screen is compact enough to make the tablet portable. The tablet's high resolution also ensures display clarity, so you'll be happy watching your favorite shows or gaming on it. The S9 also comes with an S Pen that you can use to write or draw in your favorite apps, just like the Samsung Galaxy Note lineup.

Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

I tested this base Tab S9 model, and overall, it was an enjoyable experience. If you primarily use a tablet without a keyboard, with one app on the display most of the time, then the Tab S9 is your best option. Reddit users agree that this tablet is best for media consumption. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 tech specs: Display: Display size: 11-inch | Display type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Resolution: 2560 x 1600 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | RAM: 8GB, 12GB | Storage: 128GB, 256GB (expandable with microSD)

The new OnePlus Pad 3 is a ZDNET Editor's Choice pick, and for good reason. The new model--which debuted in June 2025--provides a smooth user experience thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which can handle more demanding AI tasks. This experience is further improved by its large 13.2-inch display, which ramps up to 144Hz. 

Overall, this $699 tablet competes well with Android tablets on this list that cost hundreds more. Plus, you don't have to pay extra for accessories: when you buy the OnePlus Pad 3, you get to choose two of three available accessories for free between the smart keyboard, the folio case, and the Stylo 2. 

Review: OnePlus Pad 3

ZDNET managing editor Kerry Wan said that in his testing, the performance was reliably fast. He added, "The tablet never showed frustrations with loading graphics, responding to inputs, and keeping services running in the background. I gracefully danced between on-screen gestures, keyboard shortcuts, and trackpad swipes, much like how I remembered doing with the $1,099 iPad Pro last year."

Overall, there are no real drawbacks to this tablet, except perhaps its large size. If you want something smaller, you can opt for the OnePlus Pad 2, which has a 12.1-inch screen, or the Google Pixel Tablet, and its 11-inch screen.

OnePlus Pad 3 specs: Display: 13.2-inch LCD display | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Storage: 256GB | Memory: 12GB | Colors: Storm Blue | Cameras: 13MP rear, 8MP front camera | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Dimensions: ‎11.40 x 8.25 x 0.24 inches | Connections: USB-C | Battery: 12,140mAh

• Battery and display upgrades
• Updated Qualcomm chipset can handle demanding tasks
• Exceptional tablet for its price range

• OLED panel has a noticeable lack of contrast

The new OnePlus Pad 3 is a ZDNET Editor's Choice pick, and for good reason. The new model--which debuted in June 2025--provides a smooth user experience thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which can handle more demanding AI tasks. This experience is further improved by its large 13.2-inch display, which ramps up to 144Hz. 

Overall, this $699 tablet competes well with Android tablets on this list that cost hundreds more. Plus, you don't have to pay extra for accessories: when you buy the OnePlus Pad 3, you get to choose two of three available accessories for free between the smart keyboard, the folio case, and the Stylo 2. 

Review: OnePlus Pad 3

ZDNET managing editor Kerry Wan said that in his testing, the performance was reliably fast. He added, "The tablet never showed frustrations with loading graphics, responding to inputs, and keeping services running in the background. I gracefully danced between on-screen gestures, keyboard shortcuts, and trackpad swipes, much like how I remembered doing with the $1,099 iPad Pro last year."

Overall, there are no real drawbacks to this tablet, except perhaps its large size. If you want something smaller, you can opt for the OnePlus Pad 2, which has a 12.1-inch screen, or the Google Pixel Tablet, and its 11-inch screen.

OnePlus Pad 3 specs: Display: 13.2-inch LCD display | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Storage: 256GB | Memory: 12GB | Colors: Storm Blue | Cameras: 13MP rear, 8MP front camera | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Dimensions: ‎11.40 x 8.25 x 0.24 inches | Connections: USB-C | Battery: 12,140mAh

Gone are the boxy and square tablets of Amazon's past; the company completely redesigned the Fire HD 8 lineup with a more rounded look and feel. Amazon released two new tablets; the Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 8 Plus. I am including only the HD 8 Plus in this list because it's worth the extra $20 for added memory and support for wireless charging. 

The Fire HD 8 runs Amazon's Fire OS. It runs Android apps, but you're limited to apps available in Amazon's App Store. Like with most tablets in this price range, performance can be sluggish sometimes, but you'll have no issues shopping, browsing Facebook, or checking your email on the Fire HD 8 Plus. 

Review: Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus

ZDNET Reviews Editor Kerry Wan called buying the Amazon Fire HD Plus a "no-brainer" if you're in the market for a cheap Android tablet. "If you're eyeing a tablet that can play your child's favorite YouTube videos or control your home's Alexa-supported devices or even serve as a digital cookbook, then Amazon's Fire HD 8 Plus is a no-brainer at a fraction of the cost of the ," he wrote. 

Amazon customers praise this affordable tablet for its image quality, mentioning that the display is crisp and that the charger is snappy and quick.

Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tech specs: Display size:8-inch | Display type: IPS LCD | Resolution: 1,280 x 800  | Refresh rate: 60Hz | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB or 64GB 

• Very affordable
• MicroSD card expandable storage
• Battery life

• Not the fastest tablet
• No access to Google apps or services

Gone are the boxy and square tablets of Amazon's past; the company completely redesigned the Fire HD 8 lineup with a more rounded look and feel. Amazon released two new tablets; the Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 8 Plus. I am including only the HD 8 Plus in this list because it's worth the extra $20 for added memory and support for wireless charging. 

The Fire HD 8 runs Amazon's Fire OS. It runs Android apps, but you're limited to apps available in Amazon's App Store. Like with most tablets in this price range, performance can be sluggish sometimes, but you'll have no issues shopping, browsing Facebook, or checking your email on the Fire HD 8 Plus. 

Review: Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus

ZDNET Reviews Editor Kerry Wan called buying the Amazon Fire HD Plus a "no-brainer" if you're in the market for a cheap Android tablet. "If you're eyeing a tablet that can play your child's favorite YouTube videos or control your home's Alexa-supported devices or even serve as a digital cookbook, then Amazon's Fire HD 8 Plus is a no-brainer at a fraction of the cost of the ," he wrote. 

Amazon customers praise this affordable tablet for its image quality, mentioning that the display is crisp and that the charger is snappy and quick.

Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tech specs: Display size:8-inch | Display type: IPS LCD | Resolution: 1,280 x 800  | Refresh rate: 60Hz | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB or 64GB 

Google hadn't had an Android tablet since the death of the Google Pixel Slate in 2018, but the company announced a new iteration in May 2023. Built specifically for entertainment and casual at-home use, the Pixel Tablet has a 10.95-inch LCD display with a 2,560 x 1,600 pixel resolution. It's powered by the Google Tensor G2 chip that's found in the Pixel 7 line and the Pixel Fold. 

What's interesting about this tablet is that the included charging dock also converts it to a Nest Hub, meaning that when you're not using the tablet to watch YouTube, it has a second purpose as a smart home display. The battery life can last up to 12 hours of video streaming and supports third-party stylus pens. 

We note in our review of the Google Pixel Tablet that it won't replace a laptop for school or work but could be handy if your home is a Google smart home. If you're looking for a tablet that can double as a smart display (if you don't already have a smart display in your smart home), this could be a good option for you. Customers who have bought the tablet have voiced on Reddit that they mainly use it for media consumption. 

Pixel tablet tech specs: Display size:10.95-inch | Display type: LCD | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,600 | Refresh rate: 60Hz | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB or 256GB 

• Speaker and charging dock included
• Good battery life
• Multiple user support

• No compatibility to add a keyboard/trackpad

Google hadn't had an Android tablet since the death of the Google Pixel Slate in 2018, but the company announced a new iteration in May 2023. Built specifically for entertainment and casual at-home use, the Pixel Tablet has a 10.95-inch LCD display with a 2,560 x 1,600 pixel resolution. It's powered by the Google Tensor G2 chip that's found in the Pixel 7 line and the Pixel Fold. 

What's interesting about this tablet is that the included charging dock also converts it to a Nest Hub, meaning that when you're not using the tablet to watch YouTube, it has a second purpose as a smart home display. The battery life can last up to 12 hours of video streaming and supports third-party stylus pens. 

We note in our review of the Google Pixel Tablet that it won't replace a laptop for school or work but could be handy if your home is a Google smart home. If you're looking for a tablet that can double as a smart display (if you don't already have a smart display in your smart home), this could be a good option for you. Customers who have bought the tablet have voiced on Reddit that they mainly use it for media consumption. 

Pixel tablet tech specs: Display size:10.95-inch | Display type: LCD | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,600 | Refresh rate: 60Hz | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB or 256GB 

Samsung recently launched two new FE tablets with the same internal components and two display/battery capacity options. The smaller Tab S9 FE is available for $450 and offers a lot in a sleek package. The high-powered tablet comes with an S Pen and even an IP68 dust/water resistant rating, making it a good choice for first-time tablet owners.

It has an 8,000mAh battery, 6 or 8 GB of RAM, 128 or 256 GB of included storage, and support for a microSD card up to 1TB. Color options include gray, silver, mint, and lavender.

It remains a media powerhouse with AKG-tuned dual speakers. Video calling is well supported with a front 12MP ultra-wide camera and a rear 8MP camera to help capture documents. 

Overall, 98% of Best Buy customers would recommend this tablet, giving it an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE tech specs: Display size: 10.9-inch | Display type: TFT LCD | Resolution: 1200 x 800  | Refresh rate: 90Hz | RAM: 6 or 8 GB | Storage: 128GB or 256GB  

• Affordable
• Expandable storage
• Excellent battery life
• IP68 dust/water resistant

• LCD not quite a stunning as AMOLED

Samsung recently launched two new FE tablets with the same internal components and two display/battery capacity options. The smaller Tab S9 FE is available for $450 and offers a lot in a sleek package. The high-powered tablet comes with an S Pen and even an IP68 dust/water resistant rating, making it a good choice for first-time tablet owners.

It has an 8,000mAh battery, 6 or 8 GB of RAM, 128 or 256 GB of included storage, and support for a microSD card up to 1TB. Color options include gray, silver, mint, and lavender.

It remains a media powerhouse with AKG-tuned dual speakers. Video calling is well supported with a front 12MP ultra-wide camera and a rear 8MP camera to help capture documents. 

Overall, 98% of Best Buy customers would recommend this tablet, giving it an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE tech specs: Display size: 10.9-inch | Display type: TFT LCD | Resolution: 1200 x 800  | Refresh rate: 90Hz | RAM: 6 or 8 GB | Storage: 128GB or 256GB  

If you're looking for an Android tablet for kids, Amazon's Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet is perfect for children ages six through 12. This new generation boasts 25% faster speeds, higher quality 5-megapixel cameras, and 13 hours of battery life instead of 12 hours. 

Thanks to the 10.1-inch display, you'll get a larger screen without adding much to the overall cost. The resolution is better than that of previous generations, with a 1080p Full HD brighter display. 

Review: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro

ZDNET writer, Maria Diaz, gave her kids this tablet and was pleasantly surprised by its performance. "One thing I appreciate about Amazon's Kids Tablets is the strong parental controls," she wrote in her review. "I can easily control what my kids watch, approve their app and purchase requests, and set up time limits from the app on my phone."

Parents on Reddit agreed and added that the screen icons are huge and easy for kids to identify.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet tech specs: Display size: 10.1-inch| Resolution: 1,920 x 1,200 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB (expandable up to 1TB)

• Comes with Amazon Kids+ subscription
• Durable kids case

• Not the best performance

If you're looking for an Android tablet for kids, Amazon's Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet is perfect for children ages six through 12. This new generation boasts 25% faster speeds, higher quality 5-megapixel cameras, and 13 hours of battery life instead of 12 hours. 

Thanks to the 10.1-inch display, you'll get a larger screen without adding much to the overall cost. The resolution is better than that of previous generations, with a 1080p Full HD brighter display. 

Review: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro

ZDNET writer, Maria Diaz, gave her kids this tablet and was pleasantly surprised by its performance. "One thing I appreciate about Amazon's Kids Tablets is the strong parental controls," she wrote in her review. "I can easily control what my kids watch, approve their app and purchase requests, and set up time limits from the app on my phone."

Parents on Reddit agreed and added that the screen icons are huge and easy for kids to identify.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet tech specs: Display size: 10.1-inch| Resolution: 1,920 x 1,200 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB (expandable up to 1TB)

What is the best Android tablet?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is the best Android tablet on the market, in my opinion, and according to expert reviews. However, if you're looking for a less expensive Android tablet for your kids or a more compact size for life on the go, you may want to consider another option.

Below, I've broken down the best Android tablets based on price, display size, and storage capacity.

Which Android tablet is right for you?

The first question you should ask yourself is how you want to use the tablet. If the answer is lightweight web browsing, email checking, watching videos, and the occasional game, then a low-end tablet like the Fire HD 10 or Google's Pixel Tablet is more than capable for you. 

However, if you want a premium Android tablet to use as a laptop replacement with a dedicated keyboard and high-quality display, then Samsung's Galaxy Tab S10 lineup is where you'll want to focus. 

As long as you know what you want out of an Android tablet, it's easy to figure o