Best overall
Apple iPad (A16)
~$299–$349 at time of writing
What we like
- CNET's top tablet value
- 128GB base storage
Keep in mind
- Accessories cost extra
Best for power users
Apple iPad Air (M4)
~$599+ at time of writing
What we like
- PCMag Editors' Choice
- M4 speed
Keep in mind
- Pencil Pro is $129 extra
Best premium
Apple iPad Pro (M5)
~$999+ at time of writing
What we like
- OLED display, laptop-level speed
Keep in mind
- Very expensive
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Best small tablet
Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)
~$499 at time of writing
What we like
- One-hand size, Pencil Pro support
Keep in mind
- Small for multitasking
Best Android
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11
~$800+ at time of writing
What we like
- CNET Editors' Choice: 120Hz OLED
- S Pen included
Keep in mind
- Pricey
Best value Android
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE
~$450–$500 at time of writing
What we like
- Wirecutter's top Android pick
- S Pen included, IP68
Keep in mind
- Mid-range chip
Best big-screen Android
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+
~$600–$650 at time of writing
What we like
- PCMag Editors' Choice, 13.1" screen, S Pen
Keep in mind
- Big to hold
Best budget
Amazon Fire HD 10
~$140 at time of writing
What we like
- PCMag Editors' Choice for streaming and reading
Keep in mind
- Amazon app store only
Best for kids
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids
~$190 at time of writing
What we like
- Kid-proof case and 2-year worry-free guarantee
Keep in mind
- Limited apps
Best smart-home tablet
Google Pixel Tablet
~$399 at time of writing
What we like
- Works as a smart display on its dock
Keep in mind
- No pen in the box
Compare all 10
| # | Product | Best for | Price* | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple iPad (A16) | Best overall | ~$299–$349 | — |
| 2 | Apple iPad Air (M4) | Best for power users | ~$599+ | — |
| 3 | Apple iPad Pro (M5) | Best premium | ~$999+ | — |
| 4 | Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) | Best small tablet | ~$499 | — |
| 5 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 | Best Android | ~$800+ | — |
| 6 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE | Best value Android | ~$450–$500 | — |
| 7 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ | Best big-screen Android | ~$600–$650 | — |
| 8 | Amazon Fire HD 10 | Best budget | ~$140 | — |
| 9 | Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids | Best for kids | ~$190 | — |
| 10 | Google Pixel Tablet | Best smart-home tablet | ~$399 | — |
*Approximate, at time of writing. Rating shown only where a sourced rating was found.
Sources consulted: CNET best tablets (2026), PCMag best tablets and iPad Air M4 review (2026), Wirecutter best Android tablets (2026), plus manufacturer specs. Prices are approximate and change often; see today's price on Amazon. Prices change often; check the retailer. Product photos are official brand press images (credited) where we have permission; otherwise we show a photo of the product type, clearly labeled Illustrative.
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Tablets: frequently asked questions
What is the best tablet in 2026?
Our #1 pick is the Apple iPad (A16) (best overall), at ~$299–$349 at time of writing. CNET's top tablet value.
What is the best budget tablet?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE is our best budget pick at ~$450–$500 at time of writing. It ranks #6 of 10.
What is the best premium tablet?
The Apple iPad Pro (M5) is our premium pick at ~$999+ at time of writing. It ranks #3 of 10.
How did Rank the Rest rank these tablets?
We compared published expert testing, public review data and manufacturer specs. We did not hands-on test these products, we never invent ratings, and affiliate commissions never change the order.
Are the prices current?
Prices are approximate as of October 14, 2026 and change often, especially during sales. Use the price buttons to see today's price at the retailer.
