Top Tablets for Streaming, Gaming, Work: 2023 Guide

Choosing the right tablet can be a daunting task, given the vast array of options available, especially between Apple and Android devices. Apple offers a range of iPads with varying features, from the entry-level iPad to the high-end iPad Pro, featuring everything from the older A16 chip to the cutting-edge M4 chip. Each model boasts different display technologies, like Liquid Retina and Ultra Retina Tandem OLED with Pro Motion, which can be confusing without a deep dive into the tech specs.

On the other hand, the Android tablet market is even more diverse, presenting a wide spectrum of devices from outdated models to the latest high-performance tablets. The hardware varies significantly, and unlike Apple, Android tablets often suffer from inconsistent software support, making it challenging to ensure your device will receive future updates.

After thorough market analysis and testing, we've identified a few standout tablets that balance performance, features, and value:

Additional contributions by Mark Knapp

TL;DR: The Best Tablets Right Now

Our Top Pick### Apple iPad (11th Generation)

4See it at AmazonSee it at Walmart### OnePlus Pad 2

1See it at AmazonSee it at OnePlus### Apple iPad Pro (M4, 2024)

2See it at AmazonSee it at Apple### Apple iPad Air (2024)

1See it at Amazon### Apple iPad (9th Generation)

3See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyA combination of power, versatility, and portability has helped cement the tablet's place in the portables market. So no matter your need, whether you just want a device to entertain you at the end of a busy work day or require something more robust for, say, video editing, there’s a tablet out there for you.

1. iPad (11th Generation)

Best Tablet

Our Top Pick### Apple iPad (11th Generation)

4Little has changed in outward appearance here, but a slightly bigger screen, faster chip, and extra storage are nice upgrades. The 11th generation iPad retains its sleek design while offering subtle yet meaningful enhancements. The display size has increased to 11 inches from 10.9 inches, though the resolution remains the same. The screen is a 60Hz Liquid Retina display with a 500-nit peak brightness, still supporting the first-generation Apple Pencil.

Internally, the iPad has been upgraded to the A16 Bionic chip, a step up from the A14, and the base storage has been doubled to 128GB. This provides ample space for apps, games, media, and digital creations. Despite these upgrades, the price remains at $349, with occasional sales dropping it to $299.

See our guide to the best iPad models for more options.

2. OnePlus Pad 2

Best Android Tablet

### OnePlus Pad 2

1Packing higher-end hardware than you'd expect for the price, the OnePlus Pad 2 is an exceptional option for those on the hunt for a worthy Android tablet. The OnePlus Pad 2 offers impressive value, avoiding the pitfalls of both budget and exorbitantly priced Android tablets. It's equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking on its 12.1-inch IPS display with a 2120 x 3000 resolution.

The screen boasts a 900-nit peak brightness and a 144Hz refresh rate, enhancing visibility and smoothness. The OnePlus Pad 2 also supports a stylus that charges while magnetically attached to the tablet. OnePlus promises three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, which is a significant advantage in the Android market.

The OnePlus Pad 2 launched at $550 but often sells for $450, sometimes with a free accessory like a keyboard case.

iPad Pro 2024 – Photos

View 7 Images3. iPad Pro (M4, 2024)

Best Tablet for Creative Work

### Apple iPad Pro (M4, 2024)

2This stunning tablet has a OLED display and runs on Apple's powerful M4 processor, making it perfect for creatives. The iPad Pro with the M4 chip is the pinnacle of tablet performance, featuring an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering. The Tandem OLED display offers unparalleled visuals, although the price is steep.

The amount of RAM varies with storage configurations, with 16GB available on the 1TB model and 8GB on the 256GB and 512GB models. For creatives, pairing the iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil Pro enhances its utility as a powerful tool for drawing and note-taking.

4. iPad Air (2024)

Best Thin and Light Tablet

### Apple iPad Air (2024)

1Upgraded to an M2 chip and slightly larger display, the 2024 iPad Air is a great portable option and an exceptionally thin one. The 2024 iPad Air is available in 11-inch and 13-inch variants, both powered by the M2 chip with 8GB of RAM. Its sleek design, at just 6.1mm thick and weighing slightly over 1lb, makes it highly portable.

The iPad Air's Liquid Retina display offers a wide color gamut, suitable for streaming and gaming. However, it can get warm under heavy load. The tablet supports the Apple Pencil Pro and features a USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port for faster data transfers and DisplayPort output. New models with an M3 chip are set to release on March 12th.

5. iPad (9th Generation)

Best Budget iPadOS Tablet

### Apple iPad (9th Generation)

3Spend less with this budget tablet that still delivers a solid performance and a crisp 10.2-inch Retina display. The 9th Gen iPad, while not the latest, remains a viable option for those on a budget. It features an A13 Bionic chip and 64GB of storage, suitable for basic tasks like web browsing and video watching.

However, with the 11th Gen iPad offering significant upgrades for just $349, the 9th Gen iPad is only a good deal if you can find it for around $250.

How to Choose the Right Tablet for You

The first step in selecting a tablet is setting a budget. If you're primarily interested in entertainment, a more affordable model may suffice. For productivity akin to a laptop, consider investing in a higher-end device, some of which can even function as detachable laptops with added keyboards.

Consider the design as well; a lightweight and durable tablet is ideal for portability, while a large, high-quality display enhances the user experience. OLED panels offer superior color and contrast compared to LCDs.

Performance is crucial, so look for a robust processor and at least 4GB of RAM. For gaming or creative tasks, higher specs are beneficial. Ensure the software is current, with Android OS at version 15 and iPadOS at version 18.

Additional features like long battery life, quality speakers, good cameras, and stylus support can enhance your tablet experience. Consider a 5G tablet for cellular connectivity when Wi-Fi isn't available.

Tablets FAQ

Are iPads better than Android tablets?

No. Both types of tablets have plenty of solid models to choose from; it’s more a matter of personal preference. If you already have an iPhone and/or MacBook, it makes sense to grab an iPad for seamless integration into your Apple ecosystem, including the ability to double as a second screen for a MacBook. iPads are known for their smooth user experience along with their wealth of apps and games, but the pricing is more restrictive.

Tablets running on Android OS come from various manufacturers using a wide variety of components and different versions of the Android operating system, meaning performance and the experience is all over the place. But there’s a wider selection of slates, from ultra-cheap to high-end. It’s just important to do your research, as there are some duds. The selection of apps optimized for an Android tablet is also more limited. Still, almost all Android apps should function fine, just not as well as on your phone.

Should you buy a tablet with cellular network support?

Most will find that a tablet with cellular network support is unnecessary unless you’re constantly on the go with no way to connect via Wi-Fi. Adding that extra line to your cellular plan can be expensive, and your smartphone can usually work as a Wi-Fi hotspot for your tablet when you’re in a pinch. However, should you decide you’d like cellular network support, many of our picks come in 5G versions; just know you have to make that decision up front.