best tablet for phd students 2022

Best student tablet in 2024 - our top picks

Our pick of the best student tablets for 2024

• Best overall
• Best Android
• Best Chrome
• iPad upgrade pick
• Android upgrade pick
• How to choose
• How we test

1. The list in brief 2. Best tablet overall 3. Best Androi d tablet 4. Best Chrome tablet 5. Best Windows tablet 6. Best premium Apple tablet 7. Best premium Android tablet 8. How to choose 9. How we test

The best student tablet is the one that helps you stay on top of your schoolwork without draining your wallet. 

Screen size, portability, and price are just a few of the major factors to consider when shopping for ideal tablet to go back to school with, and we've compiled this list of recommendations with the goal of helping you get the power you need without paying more than you have to, because we know school can be expensive and saving money is key.

From the elementary school student who'll be using their first tablet to the college student who needs a tablet that's good for both work and play, below you'll find our top picks for the best student tablet to buy right now.  

If you want a broader recommendation of great slates that worries less about keeping costs down, check out our guide to the the best tablets on the market. 

In terms of pricing, remember to never pay full price and always check our guides to the best tablet sales and iPad deals !

Alex Wawro is a lifelong journalist who's spent over a decade covering tech, games and entertainment. He oversees the computing department at Tom's Guide, which includes managing tablet coverage and reviewing many himself every year.

The quick list

In a hurry? Here's a brief overview of the tablets on this list, along with quick links that let you jump down the page directly to a review of whichever tablet catches your eye.

The best student tablet for most

Apple's basic 2021 iPad is getting long in the tooth, but we still recommend it as best overall student tablet because it's cheaper than newer versions yet offers nearly all the same features.

Read more below

The best Android tablet for students

Samsung's Galaxy Tab A7 offers a sweet mix of price and performance. It's cheaper than an iPad yet delivers competitive performance and battery life. It's not the newest or most powerful, but it should be good enough for schoolwork.

The best Chrome tablet for students

If you want a great, cheap Chrome tablet for school you'd be hard-pressed to beat the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, which packs the utility of a Chromebook into a slick little slate that comes with a detachable keyboard included at no charge.

The best Windows tablet for students

If you want a cheap Windows slate for school you'd be hard-pressed to do better than the old Surface Go 2. It's getting on in years, but we like it better than newer models like the Surface Go 3 because it has better battery life, plus it's cheaper.

Best tablet overall

If you can afford to spend over $600 the iPad Air is a great upgrade over the base iPad because its more capable and more elegantly designed, plus it supports Apple's (expensive!) Magic Keyboard and other accessories.

The Android tablet upgrade pick

If you can afford to drop $500 or more on a more premium Android slate, the OnePlus Pad is a great tablet for students thanks to its speed, lengthy battery life and the fact that its keyboard costs under $50 yet works great.

The best student tablets you can buy today

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

The best student tablet overall

1. Apple iPad 2021

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Students who want a tablet should probably get the iPad , as its design is standing still in a decision that appears to be made for the education sector. It's still got a headphone jack and Lightning port, which help it fit into classrooms and your existing accessories. But on top of that, you get some great new updates in the 2021 iPad. Its 12MP webcam is a great update over the 1.2MP camera in the previous model, and Apple's also added a new trick called Center Stage that helps you stay in the focus on group calls. 

And the upgraded A13 Bionic chip makes sure that the 2021 iPad is going to stay fast for a while. You'll also be able to easily take notes with the first-gen Apple Pencil, with Scribble-based annotation. The iPad 2021 also has a great screen and battery life, solid audio and all the basics we've come to expect from Apple. 

Read our full iPad 2021 review .

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7

Retailing for $229 (and now often on sale for much less) the Galaxy Tab A7 is a great 10.4-inch tablet for students who chiefly need a device for research, studying, remote learning and basic homework. 

Whether you're browsing the web or streaming movies you get endurance to spare, as the Tab A7 lasted 13 hours and 13 minutes on the Tom's Guide battery test. Oh, and it's also got an iPad Pro feature that Apple makes you pay a lot for: facial recognition to unlock the device. 

And while it's not as fast as the iPad and its screen isn't as bright, neither is a serious problem at this price. Especially when Samsung gives you true Android with the Google Play app store, and not the watered-down Amazon Fire tablet experience. Attach a keyboard to this plucky tablet and you've got a decent tool for knocking out homework assignments or posting to study groups.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 review .

3. Lenovo Duet 3

The Lenovo Duet 3 (or Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3, depending on where you buy it) is a great Chrome tablet for students that can be yours for as low as $359. This is effectively a bigger, more expensive follow-up to the  Chromebook Duet Lenovo released in 2020, a surprisingly capable and inexpensive Chrome tablet that's still decent if you want something even cheaper.

We loved the original Duet for its great battery life, solid performance and decent packed-in keyboard cover, all of which could be had for roughly $250. Lenovo's new Duet 3 costs a bit more, but it also delivers a bigger, brighter display, more ports, and the added power of a beefier Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 chip, all of which are nice to have as a student. It's one of the best Chrome tablets you can buy, and the fact that Lenovo includes the keyboard cover at no extra cost helps it double as a surprisingly effective 2-in-1 Chromebook. 

Read our full Lenovo Duet 3 Chromebook review .

4. Microsoft Surface Go 2

The Surface Go 2 is the best student tablet for those looking for an affordable Windows-powered slate because it's relatively cheap thanks to its age, yet still delivers enough performance for basic schoolwork and offers good battery life (11 hours and 39 minutes in our battery test). 

While this model runs Windows 10 instead of Windows 11 , that's not a major handicap and in fact may be viewed as a positive thing by many Windows fans. The 10.5-inch display has thin bezels that don't distract, and the 5-megapixel 1080p camera in its top bezel is great for the era of remote learning. 

Given this tablet's age we recommend buying the most upgraded version you can get your hands on, as spending to upgrade the CPU and memory now will make it more likely to last you through a few years of school.

Read our full Microsoft Surface Go 2 review .

The best premium Apple tablet

5. ipad air (2022).

As great as the iPad Air 4 is, the iPad Air 5 has replaced it by hitting the same sweet spot between portability and power. The new iPad Air 2022 is great for research, browsing the web, writing and doodling (with the right accessories, of course) and its $599 starting price makes it a good pick for students who can afford to spend more than $500 on a tablet. 

That's because thanks to the addition of M1 , the iPad Air 2022 is almost on par with the iPad Pro in terms of speed. And with just over ten hours of tested battery life, it's good enough to get you through a day of classes.

One important caveat: This tablet is hampered by Apple's expensive accessories, as  you really want the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen ($129) and Apple's Magic Keyboard ($299!) if you plan to use this slate for creating art, jotting down notes and typing up emails and homework assignments. 

See our full iPad Air (2022) review .

The best premium Android tablet

6. OnePlus Pad

The OnePlus Pad ($479) is a great Android tablet for not too much money. With a huge 13MP rear camera, curved edges and a unique 7:5 aspect ratio, OnePlus’ first slate stands out from the competition.

This tablet has plenty going for it besides its distinctive design. Homework and videos look great on its vivid 11.6-inch 144Hz display, and thanks to its MediaTek Dimensity 9000 CPU and  Android 13  OS most apps and games run plenty fast. The lightweight OnePlus Pad also has exceptional battery life, lasting over 13 hours in our testing.

Plus, unlike the iPad you can outfit this slate with school-relevant accessories like the OnePlus Magnetic Keyboard ($39) and OnePlus Stylo ($99) without dropping a lot of dough. If you’re looking for an excellent Android tablet for under $500, you can’t go wrong with the OnePlus Pad.

Read our full OnePlus Pad review .

How to choose the best tablet for you

Start by thinking about the operating system you live in, which means opening your pocket and thinking about how much you rely on your smartphone. iPhone owners may jump straight to the 7th Gen iPad or iPad Pro, and they'd be right to do so — iMessage integration and the shared app ecosystems across iOS and iPadOS are an ideal combination. But if the iPad Pro is too expensive and the 7th Gen iPad isn't powerful enough, the iPad Air's faster CPU makes it the iPad to definitely consider, though I can't blame budget-conscious shoppers for going with the regular iPad.

Android folks have a wider set of options, but since Android apps aren't thriving on tablets as much as anyone would hope, this is a good time to consider all of your options. Yes the Galaxy Tab S6 has a fantastic screen and Android apps, but isn't Windows 10 a more capable platform? If you're nodding your head "yes," then the Surface Go 2 is the best tablet for you. That all being said, if you've got a big enough family, and you're all living in the Amazon Prime ecosystem, go for the Fire 7 if you're trying to fit to a budget, and the Fire HD 10 if you are tired of devices that don't have USB-C.

How we tested these tablets

How we test tablets.

First, we run as many benchmarks as that tablet will allow, to see how fast they are in ways that can be compared directly against competitors. We say "will allow" as some tablets, like Amazon's Fire slates, have trouble with side-loaded Android apps. We then use colorimeters and light meters to measure how colorful and bright these tablets’ screens can get. After that, we put them through our in-house battery test, which times how long it takes — while surfing the web with brightness at 150 nits — to drain a tablet of a charge.

After that, we do the same things you do — browse the web, watch YouTube , play games, compose emails — and then a lot more. We try and write some (or all) of our tablet reviews on the tablets we're testing, if there's a keyboard for it that is. Nobody wants to write a magnum opus on a glass screen, trust me. 

For more information, check out our  how we test page  for Tom's Guide.

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Alex Wawro is a lifelong tech and games enthusiast with more than a decade of experience covering both for outlets like Game Developer, Black Hat, and PC World magazine. A lifelong PC builder, he currently serves as a senior editor at Tom's Guide covering all things computing, from laptops and desktops to keyboards and mice. 

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The best school tablet in 2024: lightweight and versatile picks for the classroom

Our picks for the best school tablet for students of all kinds

• How to choose
• How we test
• ▶ Best overall
• ▶ Best university
• ▶ Best Android

1. Quick list 2. How to choose 3. How we test 4. Top picks ▶ Best overall ▶ Best university ▶ Best Android

The best school tablet will offer you great performance and portability so you can get your work done wherever you are, whether its at home, at the library, or taking notes in class.

For pure portability and price, the Apple iPad Air 5 with M1 chip is our top pick overall, giving students the quality performance they need without breaking the bank, but also not sacrificing style and functionality. Alternatively, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and Apple iPad Pro 12.9 with M2 are great alternatives for university students or creative students who need bigger canvases.

We've tested dozens of tablets over the past decade and change, so we know what the best tablet for students should bring to the table, these are the ones we've even used in our own academic journeys, so we stand behind these picks with our years of experience as reviewers and students ourselves.

The best school tablet: Quick List

The best school tablet overall The 5th-gen iPad Air comes with Apple's M1 chip, making it almost as powerful as a MacBook Air, so it's a perfect balance of performance and portability for school use.

Read more below

The best school tablet for university University students are generally going to have more demanding needs out of their tablet, so the iPad Pro with M2 chip is as good a tablet as you'll find for your needs.

The best Android tablet for school The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is one of the most powerful Android devices on the market, so if you're into the Android ecosystem, this tablet will get you through several school terms.

How to choose the best school tablet for you

When choosing the best school tablet for yourself, you'll want to consider it's power, weight, size, and battery life. If you need to use the tablet throughout your school hours, then you need a powerful CPU and enough RAM to swiftly use different apps without getting stuck. 

Plan to do a lot of notetaking? Check if your tablet ships with a wireless stylus pen. You'll want a high-resolution screen if you need the tablet for an art or graphics class. 

School tablets don't always have the best cameras on them, so if you need to snap excellent-quality images, then you'll want to look at some of the more expensive options on the list. 

Importantly, check how much battery life the device offers, especially in varying conditions. Not everyone will use the tablet the same way, so you'll want to make the right selection based on your work requirements.

How we test the best school tablets

To accurately assess how well these school tablets perform, we compared their tech specs and their real-world performance. 

We looked at their weight, dimensions, OS, CPU, resolution, battery life, and camera quality. We checked if they had stylus compatibility, if they came with a stylus, how much storage they offered, and SD card support. 

We tested their battery life by running different apps on them and seeing how many hours we could get out of them. We also considered their screen size and pricing, among other things.

The best school tablet: Top picks

The best school tablet in 2024 in full:.

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best school tablet picks on our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

The best school tablet overall

1. ipad air 5, m1 (2022).

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The iPad Air with the M1 chip is nearly perfect for a student. The M1 chip is powerful enough to push through late-night study sessions or create presentations for biology. With the advancements of iPadOS 16 , the iPad is becoming more and more capable while still staying a light, simple piece of glass. Adding a keyboard, whether Bluetooth or an Apple Keyboard, unlocks even more productivity power.

Candidly, the iPad route won't give you access to everything like you may be used to with a traditional laptop. However, more and more people are making the switch and finding that with a few simple shortcuts or even just a different app, just about everything can be done from an iPad.

Read our full Apple iPad Air 5 (2022) review .

• ^ Back to the top

The best school tablet for university students

2. ipad pro (m2, 12.9).

The iPad Pro 12.9" is the biggest and baddest iPad available on the market today. This iPad Pro saw an update in 2022 to bump it to an Apple M2 chipset , giving this piece of glass even more power under the display. Additionally, the larger storage sizes allow for an increase in RAM, topping out at 16GB.

The large screen size is perfect for content editing or creation and multitasking. Much like the iPad Air, this iPad has a few keyboard options, giving way to another level of productivity. 

If you want the best of the best iPad, look no further than the M2 12.9" iPad Pro.

Read our full iPad Pro (M2, 12.9) review .

The best Android tablet for school use

3. samsung galaxy tab s8 ultra.

If you're looking for a tablet outside of the Apple Ecosystem, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is the best option right now for school use and beyond. The included S Pen unlocks so much for creative students, as well as those who would prefer to handwrite notes or draw diagrams. These tablets can expand their storage thanks to a micro-SD card slot. 

This tablet packs a good amount of power, while also having an impressive battery life. All in all, if you choose this tablet for your academic endeavors or otherwise, you shouldn't be disappointed, especially if you're deep into the Android ecosystem and you want to have the best compatibility across your devices.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra review

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The best tablets for students

Our experienced tablet testers pick the best tablets for students. Which is the best tablet for students?

• 1. Best overall
• 2. Best portable
• 3. Best for creatives
• 4. Best Windows
• 5. Best Android
• 6. Another Windows
• 7. Cheap 2-in-1
• 8. Affordable Android
• 9. Best budget
• 10. Affordable Windows
• 11. Best basic
• 12. Budget alternative
• 13. High-spec
• How to choose
• How we test

Jump to the quick list↴ 1. Best overall : Apple iPad Air 2. Best portable : iPad Mini 3. Best for creatives : iPad Pro 4. Best Windows : Surface Pro 9 5. Best Android : Galaxy S8 Ultra 6. Another Windows : Surface Pro 8 7. Best 2-in-1 : HP x2 11 8. Budget Android : Galaxy S6 Lite 9. Best budget : Amazon Fire HD 8 10. Budget Windows : Surface Go 3 11. Best basic : IdeaPad Duet 12. Other options How to choose How we test FAQs

If you're starting back at school or looking to upgrade your old kit, the best tablets for students make for fantastic and versatile machines. Gone are the days when bulky, heavy laptops need to be lugged into every lecture and class; now, tablets are available with a variety of tools and software to make them just as good for note-taking, creative work, and organisation. 

To help you choose the best tablet for your learning needs, we've assessed everything from the power, versatility, size and resolution specs to the available apps, any accessories that enhance the experience as well as the build quality to come up with a list of tablets that suit a variety of needs. We've weighed up the pros and cons, explaining why each of the devices below made the cut.; 

As well as our own reviews, we've also considered customer reviews to determine which of these tablets most deserve your attention, but we've also got a more specific guide to the best budget drawing tablets , and the best iPad alternatives if you're ready to whittle down your options further. You may also find refurbished versions of the tablets on my list below; before buying those read our guide to buying refurbished tech .

The best tablets for students: Quick List

Below, we've summarised our top picks for when you want some quick insight, but you can scroll down, click the 'read more' text or find 'jump to' links at the side of this page to read our full thoughts.

This slim, powerful, and lightweight tablet comes with Apple's own M1 chip, making it immensely capable - especially when it comes to creative software. The screen is sharp and vibrant, while the front camera and USB-C have been improved from the previous devices. Read more below

With Apple Pencil 2 compatibility and a processor boost, this powerful and compact little iPad is a great option if you care more about portability than screen size. The brightness is even, the color accuracy is impressive, and we love the new USB-C port. Read more below

If you need size and power as a creative student, the best option is easily the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021). It's powerful and can handle even the most demanding visual design tasks with almost MacBook-level power. Read more below

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a powerful tablet that, like iPad Pro, can be turned into a decent desktop computer by clicking in a cover/keyboard hybrid. Whichever model you choose – we advise the Intel builds, this is a quality tablet, with a fantastic screen and light and tactile build. Read more below

If Android tablets are more your speed, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra offers plenty of power at a reasonable price. It's a spacious slate, making it great for note-taking or sketching, and has some pretty powerful configurations too. Read more below

If the Surface Pro 9 is a little out of your price range, the Surface Pro 8 is the next best bet, allowing you to run desktop apps without issue. It's got a gorgeous screen and powerful processor. There are several configurations, so you can opt for lower RAM and storage space to save cash. Read more below

The best tablet for students overall

01. Apple iPad Air (5th Gen, 2022)

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

We were already big fans of the 2020 iPad Air , and we had rated it as the best tablet for students since it came out. Now the new Apple iPad Air (5th Gen, 2022) has stolen its predecessor's crown by adding a level of power that comes very close to making it an iPad Pro . It's a powerful, slim and lightweight tablet, now with Apple's own M1 chip, which is the main upgrade over the previous model.

When we reviewed it, we found that this processor upgrade makes the new iPad Air capable of handling almost any task asked of it, including leading art apps such as Procreate and the best video editing software. Considering that it's cheaper than an iPad Pro, for us this makes it the best tablet for students overall. 

We found the screen to be sharp and vibrant, while the front camera and USB-C have been improved from the previous devices (there's also now the option of 5G connectivity. Meanwhile, the revamped iPadOS has introduced desktop workflows, including multiple work windows that can make it faster to work. See our full Apple iPad Air (5th Gen) review for more details.

• Back to the top ⤴

The best portable tablet for students

02. iPad Mini (6th Gen, 2021)

Ever since it received Apple Pencil support the iPad Mini has been a firm favourite of ours, and the September 2021 update made it an even better option, adding Apple Pencil 2 compatibility. It also got a processor boost that makes it a pretty powerful compact little device.

This iteration uses a reworked version of the A15 Bionic chip for powerful processing, and while some users may feel frustrated by only 4GB of RAM, realistically this should be enough for the tasks you'd want to do on a screen this small. We found the compact size and lightweight (less than 300g) make the tablet perfect for use on the go, for example on transport.

There's a very welcome USB-C port, which opens up a lot of possibilities. For example, when we reviewed the tablet, we used it with a USB DAC to listen to Apple's Lossless Hi-Res music, and with a USB mic to record a voiceover. The display is a little larger than that of the last iPad Mini, even though the overall body is smaller, with a 3:2 aspect ratio. We found the brightness to be very even, making it pleasant to use for long periods, and we were very impressed with the colour accuracy. While you're still paying a fairly premium Apple price, we reckon the iPad Mini 2021 offers solid value for money. 

See our full iPad mini 6 review for more details.

The best tablet for creative students

03. iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)

The big appeal of the iPad Mini is its portability, but if your area of study needs power (and you have a bigger budget), we recommend the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) as the best student tablet for those on creative courses. As Apple's most powerful tablet, it doesn't come with a very student-friendly price, but you get a device that can handle even the most demanding visual design tasks with almost MacBook -level power. Pair it with a keyboard and mouse, and it could could even use it as a super portable laptop.

The HDR display is the best we've seen on a tablet, with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2048 x 2732. Its peak brightness is 1,600 nits, and with better control of local dimming, it's more pleasant to look at for long periods. We found darker areas to have more nuance and depth to them, making for a better and more accurate image that's excellent for photo and video editing.

Of course, we hesitate to recommend this as the best tablet for students because of the price, and we'd say it's only worth splashing out on if you really need the specs you need to run power-hungry editing apps. In that department, it shouldn't disappoint. 

See our full iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) review for more details.

The best Windows tablet for students

04. Surface Pro 9

The Microsoft Surface pro 9 is a powerful tablet that, like iPad Pro, can be turned into a decent desktop computer by clicking in a cover/keyboard hybrid. The thing to watch here is the build – the Intel i5 and i7 models are excellent high-end machines while the 5G SQ3 model is built for battery life, and so lacks some power to run complex software.

For the money, I'd opt for the Intel i5 model that can run full software such as Photoshop with ease and can be paired with the excellent Surface Pro stylus and keyboard for a complete package. Our Surface Pro 9 review found that if you're looking to replace your laptop with a powerful and adaptable tablet (that's also a laptop), and are wedded to Windows, then Surface Pro 9 is an excellent option.

If you're looking for a decent web-browsing, cloud-based tablet for online classes and writing, then the 5G model is good (though there are cheaper tablets on this list that can do this as well).

Whichever model you choose – again, opt for the Intel builds – the Surface Pro 9 is a quality tablet, with a fantastic screen and light and tactile build. A nice feature is this newer Surface Pro can use the keyboard and stylus of the Surface Pro 8, saving you money if upgrading. 

The best Android tablet for students

05. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

If you prefer an Android tablet and need plenty of power, the new Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra delivers that, and for a very reasonable price given its specs. You get a very big screen for a tablet – 14.6 in, which dwarves the largest iPad Pro. This makes it a good choice for those looking to take notes or sketch using the S Pen stylus, which refreshingly comes included as standard, making this even better value for a premium tablet. 

You can take the specs up to pretty powerful configurations too, with up to 16GB in RAM and 512GB storage. Of course, the size makes this heavier than many of the options on our list of the best tablets for students, and not so conveniently portable. But we loved the slim, sleek design when we reviewed the tablet, and found the punchy screen fantastic for watching media and even editing photos. If you don't need the specs of the Ultra version, you might consider the cheaper standard Tab S8.

Note that there have been availability issues in the US due to high demand, but the Samsung store does now have stock available. There are also imported options available on Amazon. See our full Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra review for more details.

Another Windows tablet for students

06. Microsoft Surface Pro 8

If you choose an iPad or Android tablet then you'll probably be able to find all the apps you need in their respective stores. However, if your coursework requires the use of full desktop software rather than mobile versions, a Microsoft Surface Pro could be the best student tablet for you. The Surface Pro is a Windows PC in tablet form, which means you can use desktop software such as full-fat Adobe Photoshop and other Creative Cloud packages, without having to worry about them not having all the features you might need.

The Surface Go 3 below is a lot more affordable, making it a good student choice for general use, but if you need a tablet that really runs desktop apps without having to pause for breath every now and then, the Surface Pro could be your new best friend. When we reviewed it, we found the improvements over the older Surface Pro 7 to be much more notable, both in terms of design and performance. 

The Surface Pro 8 is designed to showcase Windows 11 and it does that with aplomb thanks to a gorgeous screen and powerful processor. Pair it with a Type Cover, and you have an experience that can stand up to a laptop while being thinner and lighter Battery life is great as well. There are several configurations, so you can opt for lower RAM and storage space to save cash. This is always going to be a pricey tablet for students, but it's a good time to grab this 2021 device because it's starting to get regular discounts now that the Surface Pro 9 is coming out.

See our full Surface Pro 8 review for more details.

The best 2-in-1 tablet for students

07. HP Chromebook x2 11

The HP Chromebook x2 11 is a smart little Chromebook that offers the best of both worlds; it's a tablet for note-taking, web-browsing, video streaming and digital art but can turn into a decent laptop for writing and productive work when its neat keyboard is clicked in place.

In my HP Chromebook x2 11 review , I found this tablet to be incredibly versatile. We were just as happy to use it on the go as a tablet or on a desk as a laptop; its 2K QLED screen and cloud-focused setup proved excellent for gaming and video streaming. Any student with an Xbox Game Pass account will find this useful between writing tasks and classes.

Of course, this is a Chrome OS device so that comes with the caveat that it runs apps via the Google Play Store rather than full software like the comparable Surface Go from Microsoft. However, Google's own suite of apps – Sheets, Docs, etc – are excellent substitutes for Word and Excel. Also, everything saves and exists in the cloud so you can access your work anywhere you have an internet connection.

For more, take a look at our guide to the best Chromebooks available now.

The best affordable Android tablet for students

08. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite

We've already recommended the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra above as the best tablet for students looking for a premium Android device with a reasonable price tag. But if you don't need those specs (or you don't want such a large tablet), you could save money by going for an older, more budget Galaxy Tab. 

The Galaxy Tab 6 Lite has long been superseded, but you can still pick it up online, and often at a very tempting price. It still provides respectable performance and build quality, and again, it comes with the S-Pen included. While it can't compete with some of the more advanced styluses out there, it's fine for note-taking and doodles.

The best budget tablet for students

09. Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020)

If you don't have a lot of money to spend on a tablet, don't despair. While you're never going to get iPad Pro-level performance out of a cheap tablet for students, if you opt for the very reasonably-priced Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) you should at least be pleasantly surprised by what it can do. Despite its low-end price it still packs some decent features, and it's a significant upgrade from its predecessor.

If you shop on Amazon a lot and you have a Prime membership, you'll find a lot to like with this tablet, and it'll run plenty of apps that can help you with your studies and can be used for word processing and spreadsheets. It's also a good performer when it comes to entertainment. There's Amazon Prime, of course, along with Netflix and Disney Plus, and they all run well and look good on the 8-inch screen. If you want a tablet but don't want to spend much, then this is a great budget choice. 

Note that with Amazon Fire tablets, the number refers to the size of the tablet (as opposed to Samsung, Microsoft and Apple tablets in which the number refers to the  generation). If you need a larger tablet, there's the Fire HD 10, but we like this 8in version for its compact size.

The best affordable Windows tablet for students

10. Microsoft Surface Go 3

The Surface Pro 8 above is the best Windows tablet for students overall, if you have the money to splash and if you need that much power. But if you'll only be using your tablet for taking notes and writing up essays, it's really much more than you need. In that case, you might be better opting for the Surface Go 3.

The Surface Go 3 is not going to be able to cope with heavy creative apps and image rendering like its Pro cousin mat, but it is the most affordable Surface tablet, and it offers a stylish, lightweight design and low price. Invest in the Type Cover, and you can protect the screen and turn the Surface Go 3 into a great little Windows laptop for writing up essays.

The Surface Pro 3 offers a newer processor and slightly better performance over its predecessor, although its display is slightly dimmer and battery life isn't great, so you might also consider the older model if you spot a good deal. See our full Surface Go 3 review for more details.

The best basic tablet for students

11. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook 10.1

A Chromebook may not be your first choice when looking for the best tablets for students. Nevertheless, there are plenty of reasons why you might opt for one. With Google Chrome as your OS, you get speed and ease of use, as well as Google's own security, cloud storage and free connected apps. And the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook 10.1 is a fine option; not only does it come at a great price, it's absolutely perfect for things like research, writing and organisational tasks, and it's ideal for video conferencing too.

The downside to using a Chrome OS is the tablet lacks the power of an Apple or Windows device, and won't run desktop or intensive software. That aside, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook 10.1 performs most tasks, and many desktop apps have mobile editions that can prove just as useful and are often far cheaper.

The Lenovo Duet is a well-designed tablet. It's a little chunky compared to Apple devices but that also means it's a sturdy device. The fact it comes packaged with a keyboard and stand is a bonus, and only serves to reinforce the value-for-money this budget tablet offers.

The best budget alternative tablet for students

12. Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab

If you're short on budget, the Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab is an interesting little tablet that's well worth a look. Compared to many of the tablets listed above it's a little short on power, but it has a great-looking screen and decent built-in speakers, and it has Google Assist built in. As a result, what you have here is a well-priced and functional tablet for any student who doesn't have money to burn.

The design of the Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab is unique. One end has a bulky, rounded cylinder that tapers away to form a smooth and curved design. This ensures it a natural typing position and can be stood upright at an angle for viewing – it's a perfect device for written work and video calls (and great for films).

Made from aluminium and covered with a soft-touch acrylic finish, the Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab is a light and agile tablet. This device has a lot going for it, but it's also light on power and uses an older version of Android, which can limit its app use. That said, if you're writing and organising, researching and browsing the web, or taking on video calls and remote lectures, it's actually very handy; a good backup tablet.

The best high-spec tablet for students

13. Huawei Matepad 11

The Huawei MatePad 11 is a high-spec tablet that is comparable to the Apple iPad. It is a light tablet with a superb and vibrant 120Hz display, a rarity in tablets at this size and  budget (£449). The screen, its size and the excellent stylus make this a wonderful tablet for digital art.

There's an overall quality to the Huawei MatePad 11 that impresses, and in fact is a good alternative to Apple and Android, particularly as it comes in a 256GB edition. So what's the catch? Well, Huawei is a Chinese company and so has been banned from access to the Google Store. Huawei has its own versions of all of the apps you'd need for everyday tasks, including a word editor, PDF reader and excel-like document app. 

In use, my Huawei MatePad 11 review revealed there's a neat APK direct download solution workaround, which means you can actually download all of the apps you'd usually use, including Netflix, but it's a little scrappy and not as easy as using Google Store. Also, you're missing out on some great art apps. If you can manage without some apps and need an everyday tablet for work and play, for less, then the Huawei MatePad 11 is a good option.

How to choose the best tablet for students

Which option is the best student tablet for you will depend on your requirements. We'd suggest considering size and weight: you'll want a tablet that can easily fit into your bag. Even with the largest tablets, like the 14in Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, they're still lighter and more portable than a laptop, but one of the reasons we rate the iPad mini so highly is that it offers good specs but also a very convenient size.

Some students will need high-level specs, especially those on creative courses who need to edit images or video. This is why we've included several of the most premium tablets around on our list. Unfortunately, these don't have such student-friendly prices, but you may be able to get an Apple student discount .

Otherwise, if you're studying a course that doesn't entail use of more demanding creative software, then you may be just fine with a cheaper tablet like an older Galaxy Tab S or the 2020 iPad Air, or the super economical Amazon Fire.

How we tested the best tablets for students

We review many tablets hands on at Creative Bloq, both drawing tablets and general-use devices. For our buying guides, we only include tablets that we have awarded three stars and above. We spend time with each tablet to test its usability, design, performance and portability, as well as assess the screen in terms of brightness, clarity and overall quality of the colours.

We test tablets under a mix of conditions, both in the home and on the go. As well as running benchmark tests, we use each tablet for our own projects and daily work tasks to test how well it copes with a real workflow. To test battery life we use the tablet on full charge and let it run down, and make a note of how long the battery lasts. 

You can read our full process for all products in our How we test and review guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can a tablet be used for online classes.

Yes, modern tablets are designed to be used for streaming video and video calls. Whether it's the latest Apple or a Chromebook you'll find new tablets are excellent for taking online classes. You will, however, need a stand so make sure you cost this in; Apple and Microsoft sell these separately while Chromebooks tend to come with them.

Is a laptop or tablet best for college?

Laptops tend to be better workhorses and come with the extra protection of a folding case to keep the screen safe and clean. However, tablets released in the 12 months, such as Apple iPad Air (5th Gen) or Microsoft Surface Pro 8, offer the best of both worlds – power and the portability of a tablet. To explore laptop options, see our pick of the best student laptops .

Is a tablet good for college?

We'd say so, the portability of a tablet, and ideally one with a touchscreen, stylus and keyboard, is a good option for daily classes and campus jostling. If you're looking to take notes, record audio and write a tablet is great. As a companion to a laptop, a Chromebook tablet is a good option as they're cheap and save to cloud storage / Google Drive.

How much do the best student tablets cost?

Of course, when choosing the best student tablet, price is a factor. Some students will require high-end specs that are inevitably expensive, especially those on creative courses that involve the use of graphically demanding software that requires a powerful chip and lots of RAM for a smooth experience. Such students will probably want to go for options like the iPad Pro or Surface Pro, which can even replace a laptop in some cases.

However, students on courses that don't require visual design software won't need that level of power and will be fine with a much more affordable tablet. In our pick of the best student tablets above, we've been sure to include some more economical options for those on a budget or who don't need the highest-end specs for their study.

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Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creativebloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and leading video game title Official PlayStation Magazine. In his early career he wrote for music and film magazines including Uncut and SFX. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his experiences to bring the latest news on AI, digital art and video game art and tech, and more to Creative Bloq, and in his spare time he doodles in Procreate, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5. He's also a keen Cricut user and laser cutter fan, and is currently crafting on Glowforge and xTools M1.

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Android Police

Best tablets for students in 2024.

Work hard (or hardly work) with these excellent tablets for school or college

Students today are demanding more and more from their technology. So, a tablet can be a powerful tool for note-taking, attending lectures online, and completing assignments. But with so many tablets on the market, it can be tough to determine which one is right for you.

While the best tablets on the market might prioritize features like a high-resolution display or a powerful processor, students generally need a balance between performance, affordability, and features that enhance the learning experience. Handling multitasking, smoothly running multiple apps, and sustaining great battery life are vital specs. Many students also prefer to take notes electronically, so compatibility with the best note-taking apps is a plus.

Considering all these factors, this list includes the best tablets for students.

OnePlus Pad

Samsung galaxy tab s9+, samsung galaxy tab a9+, lenovo tab p12 pro, onyx boox note air3 c, samsung galaxy tab s9 fe, lenovo chromebook duet 5, apple ipad air (5th generation), xiaomi redmi pad se, remarkable 2, top tablets for students.

An excellent, affordable Android tablet

The OnePlus Pad treads a fine line between affordability and performance, but the result is a reliable Android tablet with strong performance and battery life. It's also got all the accessories you need for typing or note-taking.

• Extensive battery life
• Excellent performance for the price
• Fast charging
• Expensive accessories
• Ugly rear camera

At just shy of $500, the OnePlus Pad is a remarkable achievement for the company's first Android tablet. Students will appreciate the dedicated accessories that turn it into a versatile workstation, while the capable chipset can handle multitasking with ease.

The optional keyboard and stylus accessories increase the overall price to $700, which is unnecessarily expensive, but fortunately, these are often available at discounted bundle rates. You may only need one or the other; either way, you won't be disappointed.

OnePlus Pad review: A new challenger enters the ring

The OnePlus Pad's battery is the most attractive feature for students. Not only can it handle multiple days without a charge, but it'll barely drain the battery on standby and will charge to full in less than two hours. It's perfect if you want a tablet that lives in your bag most of the time.

For students who don't want to compromise on performance

Students prioritizing performance over all else should look no further than the Galaxy Tab S9+. The powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset can handle all your multitasking needs, and the 12.4-inch AMOLED display won't disappoint when it comes to streaming.

• Hardware can handle any app or program
• Large screen makes full use of DeX mode
• Plenty of storage
• Unnecessary for light users

We guarantee you won't be disappointed if you're willing to shell out the $1,000 to pick up the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+. If you're looking for a tablet to take you through your entire tenure at college without getting sluggish in your final year, this is the best Android tablet you can buy.

The regular Galaxy Tab S9 is $200 cheaper and doesn't sacrifice performance, but its smaller 11-inch screen isn't ideal for productivity. The Tab S9+'s 12.4-inch display is perfect for Samsung's DeX mode, which turns the Tab S9+ into a PC with a couple of taps.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ review: Goldilocks edition

The Tab S9+ ships with 256 or 512 GB storage, enough to handle all your files and media. Those looking to spend extra might be eyeing up the Tab S9 Ultra , but that tablet really is overkill for all but the most demanding students.

Great for carrying out basic tasks

The Samsung Galaxy A9+ offers excellent value with its 11-inch LCD, stereo speakers, and long battery life. It's more than capable of handling basic tasks. It's ideal for browsing, video calls, listening to music, and getting work done. It also has optional 5G support, making it suitable when you can't connect to Wi-Fi.

• Slim and portable
• Decent overall performance
• Optional 5G
• Not the best for multitasking

The Galaxy Tab A9+ is a well-balanced tablet for students, delivering excellent value for its price. While it doesn't have the stunning AMOLED display Samsung is famous for, its 90Hz LCD screen still offers vibrant colors and decent brightness — perfect for watching videos, browsing the web, and working on assignments.

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 695 chip delivers solid everyday performance for essential student apps like PowerPoint, Word, and Google's productivity suite. A massive bonus is the expandable storage, offering up to 1TB of expansion for all your files, documents, and project backups.

Its 7040 mAh battery easily lasts a couple of days on a single charge and offers impressive standby time. For those needing on-the-go connectivity, there's even a 5G model, though it's sadly limited to the 4GB RAM option.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ review: 'Good enough' is still pretty good

Notably, the tablet lacks S Pen support, which might be a deal-breaker for students heavily relying on handwritten notes. Also, we found that the 4GB RAM in the base model can cause performance issues. We highly recommend opting for the 8GB RAM model, which comes at a $50 premium.

More affordable without sacrificing essential features

Like having a computing powerhouse on your class desk, the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro springs to life, its octo-core engine driving a 12.6-inch display. The included Lenovo Precision Pen 3 detaches smoothly to provide tactile input via the Instant Memo app.

• Powerful engine for games and media
• Bright screen with high-resolution display
• Extended battery lifespan
• No headphone jack
• Not the lightest in this lineup

Starving students will need to fill a massive penny jar if they’re to afford the premium price of the Lenovo Tab P12. Less a dedicated note-taking tablet and more a gaming dynamo, a financially comfortable freshman can use it as a part-time entertainment hub, one that’s entirely capable of recording lesson plans thanks to the included detachable stylus.

Rife with accessorizing mojo, the P12 gears up for on-the-go studying. A 2-in-1 keyboard, complete with a built-in trackpad, easily attaches to provide more focused, laptop-like interactions with the super-bright OLED display.

Lenovo Tab P12 Pro review: A window into the future of Android tablets

The Lenovo Tab’s display is larger than the previous year’s model, yet it holds a charge for an entire day. By the way, perfect for studying, or gaming, on a sunny college quad, the 600-nit screen won’t wash out when lessons are being reviewed outside. Similarly, large-windowed classrooms filled with midday sunshine won’t cause an issue.

An excellent alternative with unique capabilities

The Onyx Boox Note Air3 C has a 10.3-inch paper-like color display that's excellent for reading, drawing, and annotating work. It runs Android, so you can take advantage of millions of apps, and it can last for more than a day on a single charge, even with continuous usage.

• Excellent build quality
• Versatile display
• Great battery life
• Colored images aren't the sharpest
• Onyx software doesn't play well with all apps

If you're a student looking to read, draw, annotate, and traditionally consume content, you might be interested in the Onyx Boox Note Air3 C. It features a beautiful 10.3-inch paper-like color display that's covered by glass. It has a pressure-sensitive layer, helping you take advantage of the included pen to write notes.

The tablet weighs less than other similarly sized tablets and is just as compact and portable. It can fit in most backpacks and can last all day on a single charge, even with continuous usage. The reason why you might want to choose this model, instead of a traditional tablet, is because it lets you annotate and take notes on a display that feels a lot like paper. It's also backlit for times when you have no natural light, and the screen is excellent for reading books, comics, handwritten notes, and even research papers.

Onyx Boox Note Air 3C review: Filling the void between tablet and e-reader

You can use the built-in browser to get even more power out of this E Ink tablet, and with the included Google Play Store, you have the option to download any app you want. Streaming favorite songs and even watching videos is also possible, although you might want to limit binge-watching to your phone or laptop, as this device is primarily aimed at binge-readers who require pen input and the ability to use modern apps.

Premium Samsung features for an affordable price

The Fan Edition Galaxy Tab S9 tiptoes between extremes. It’s not a full-fledged S9, complete with a razor-sharp OLED screen, but its LCD is still quite impressive for a budget tablet. Likewise, its processor leans into midrange territory, but that should still satisfy academics who base their mobile buying choices on performance.

• Competitively priced Samsung tablet
• Comes with an S-Pen
• Bright, super-detailed display
• Battery life is still unimpressive
• Occasional choppy graphics

Happily, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE doesn’t feel as if it’s living in the flagship device’s shadow. Students will appreciate the included S-Pen, plus that large, bright screen, which is perfect for lectures in brightly lit spaces, although not as bright as an OLED display. It’s a fair trade-off, given the price difference.

Mostly, students will find the big bang-for-your-buck price too tempting to refuse. The price does go up a little when accessories enter the equation, with the pairing of note-taking keyboard cases adding to the final price. The already significant weight of the budget-priced 521g Samsung tablet will only gain heft when a wireless keyboard is paired.

Tradeoffs aside, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE is a more than capable touchscreen classroom notetaker and multitasking device that receives a passing grade from us. The inclusion of an S Pen, a feature not emulated by a famous competitor, makes the tablet an appealing option. Better yet, although defined by its Fan Edition label, this Samsung product doesn’t feel as if any shortcuts have been taken, except perhaps with the display.

The perfect laptop and tablet compromise

The Lenovo Duet 5 is the perfect all-in-one for students, offering a large touchscreen and laptop form factor. It's powerful enough to play games, enjoy movies, and complete work tasks. It's portable, lightweight, and has a sharp FHD display. To top it all off, it'll continue receiving software updates until 2029. It's excellent value for those looking for a versatile device that's portable and easy to use.

• Excellent display
• Good performance
• Keyboard and kickstand included
• Stylus not included
• Software limitations

Chromebooks are an excellent way to carry out work in remote places, classrooms, and at home. They're excellent alternatives to Android tablets, iPads, and Windows laptops, costing much less. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 offers the best of both worlds. It'll act as a laptop, thanks to the included kickstand, and transform into a 13.3-inch tablet. The display is sharp and colorful, making it excellent for watching movies, editing, and working.

The Duet 5 can also run Android apps and Linux applications, such as Gimp, making it a portable and versatile productivity workhorse to study and do classwork. While Android and Linux apps work well on this machine, it's important to keep in mind that Windows apps won't run, and some Linux and Android apps can be limited in terms of functionality. Performance-wise, the Duet 5 will be able to cope with most tasks, as long as you don't push anything too demanding that would require additional graphics.

Whether you want to take notes, enjoy movies, listen to music, or games while you're not studying, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 will make for a great companion. It's perfect for students looking for an affordable laptop and tablet, and while it doesn't come with a stylus by default, it can often be found for less than $50 at select retailers.

The best tablet at this price point

Available in 5 trendy colors –we love purple– the 5th generation iPad Air flaunts the inevitable processor upgrade and performance upticks. Other than the under-the-hood upgrades, there hasn’t been a whole lot of physical reworking done to the slim tablet body, not that it needs a facelift, of course.

• Superb touch responsiveness
• Super-bright, super-detailed liquid retina display
• Supports Apple Pencil 2
• Apple Pen 2 is a separate purchase
• No real improvement in battery life

Almost futureproof, those are the two words that come to mind when picking up an iPad Air 5. The amped-up M1 powerhouse processor prepares the tablet for the latest games and apps, but there’s no corresponding upgrade made to the life of the battery. At 10 hours, though, that’s more than enough for an extra-long college curriculum.

For students, aside from the prestige associated with the Apple name, there’s the opportunity to buy an Apple Pen 2 or a keyboard folio; it’s a pity a stylus isn’t included, though. If you do own the Pen, mark up documents, sketch, then break for lunch simply by magnetically attaching it to the iPad.

iPad Air (2022) review: Making $1,000 Android tablets look silly

The iPad Air Gen. 5 is all about class, the premium functionality kind. A few areas still require a little polishing, but the device is so responsive, pixel-perfect, precise, and attractive that such minor concerns can be forgiven. And it’s now more blazing-fast than ever because of the M1 chip.

A powerful tablet with a low price tag

The Redmi Pad SE is an excellent, powerful tablet that doesn't break the bank. It has a large 11-inch display that's sharp and colorful and a chipset that's capable of multitasking and running all of your essential apps. It's portable, lightweight, and can last a full day on a single charge.

• Great performance
• Responsive, bright, and sharp display
• Excellent multitasking features
• Questionable software support
• Speakers aren't great
• No fingerprint scanner

Xiaomi is known for its excellent, affordable tablets. The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE is a budget tablet, albeit one featuring premium build quality, enough performance to do work and enjoy a bit of entertainment on the side, and all the features you need in a compact and light form factor.

The Redmi Pad SE has an 11-inch LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate. It's fast, responsive, and sharp. It's great for consuming media, viewing images, and researching on the big screen. It's not the brightest panel out there, but it'll be more than adequate for getting work done inside, and even outside in the shade. Speaking of work, the device is capable of handling most productivity apps, and some light, non-demanding games.

Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE tablet review: Budget champion

Thanks to its 8,000mAh battery, the tablet can last a full day on a single charge. While it won't be the fastest to charge back up to 100%, the 18W wired charging is on par with other devices in this price range. If all you need is a tablet that can multitask using a few lightweight office apps, consume media, and browse the web, the Redmi Pad SE is an excellent option.

The versatile tool for students and creatives

Ideal for students who need a physical medium to record their thoughts, the reMarkable 2 provides a paper-like response to your every scribble. It converts written words to cleanly rendered text and integrates with popular cloud storage services. And the slender E Ink device does all of this without gobbling its way through masses of battery power.

• Sports a responsive E Ink display
• Provides two weeks of battery life
• It's ultra-slim and light
• Subscriptions are required for cloud syncing
• A wide bezel on the bottom of the display
• Not waterproof

Focusing on classroom lectures, there’s no time to pore over complex tablet interfaces, which is why the reMarkable 2 and its E Ink display have been built to automatically transform quickly noted words into easy-to-read digital text. Clean and easy to read, there’s no issue reviewing lessons after a student has returned to the dorm.

That same natural writing experience, scribbling words and drawings onto the paper-feel E Ink screen, is responsive and precise, as comfortably performed on the lithe 14-oz form factor.

ReMarkable 2 tablet review: Top-tier writing experience, but that's it

The reMarkable 2 won’t leave students struggling, not with two weeks of battery power in reserve. It features PDF reading and converting and sharing capabilities. There’s even the expected cloud syncing function, too. Students can, therefore, organize and access their work on other devices, although not without signing up for a paid subscription.

The best student-friendly tablets

If you're looking for the best balance of features, performance, and price, then the OnePlus Pad is truly a great choice for most students. Its long battery life, capable hardware, and attractive price point make it an excellent recommendation. Sure, a keyboard or stylus will cost extra, but even after adding those, the OnePlus Pad delivers a cost-effective setup for crushing your student workload.

If you need a tablet capable of handling heavy multitasking and demanding projects, the Galaxy Tab S9+ could be well worth the investment. The price tag might give you pause, but you'll get a gorgeous large display and the hardware to handle almost anything you throw at it.

If the budget is your biggest concern, look no further than our best value champion: the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+. This wallet-friendly tablet is often available for under $200, and still offers enough power for everyday student tasks like research, taking notes, and relaxing with a movie after a long day of study.

Affordable Android tablet built for both work and play

The OnePlus Pad is an impressive first tablet from the company, coming in at a midrange price where it has little competition. You get the power and performance of a top device for half the price, with optional keyboard and stylus accessories to complete the productivity package.

Best tablets for students 2024: work and play on the go

Looking for a new tablet for school or college? Here are the best tablets in 2024.

Best tablets for students

Are tablets best for students.

Are you a student looking for a great tablet? We’ve got you covered — whether it's an iPad or an Android device — and across all price ranges and screen sizes.

Tablets slot nicely in between your smartphone and your laptop, offering a larger canvas for apps and creative projects than the former without the added bulk of the latter. They’re slim, can be connected to a keyboard and mouse, and often have an excellent battery life. They're often just as powerful as a laptop, too; in fact, some of the iPads on this list have the same processors as you'd find in the best MacBooks for students .

Whether you’re looking for something to boost your productivity levels, scribble down notes, or just enjoy watching TV and movies — or even play some games after a long day — we’ve rounded up our picks for the best tablets for students right here. If your heart is set on an Apple device, also check out our rundown of the best iPads for students . 

1. iPad Air M1

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The iPad Air M1 makes the argument that anyone thinking about spending considerably more on an iPad Pro may not need to after all.

The recently overhauled, slimline tablet offers a 10.9-inch display that has a 2360 x 1640 pixel resolution and a 12 MP camera on each side. Most importantly, it features Apple’s M1 chip, also found in some MacBook models, meaning it has impressive battery life and more power than you’d ever really need in a tablet.

Add in Apple Pencil support and the ability to connect it to the Apple Magic Keyboard (sold separately) and you’ve got a very solid tablet option that’ll handle notetaking, content creation, and video calls with ease.

The only real issue is the 64 GB storage at the low end, which can be increased up to 256 GB for $150 more.

2. iPad Mini (2021)

Apple left the iPad Mini untouched for years, but the 2021 redesign was worth the delay. Overhauling the outer design to more closely match the iPad Pro, it now offers an 8.3-inch screen with thin bezels that means it remains impressively compact – you can fit it in a back pocket of a pair of jeans, for example.

The iPad Mini has an impressive battery life, so if you snap the Apple Pencil onto the side you’ll be able to enjoy hours of taking notes, drawing diagrams, or creating arty masterpieces. It’s also got a fingerprint sensor built into the power button, so it’s nice and secure.

This mini marvel also packs two 12 MP cameras, but is too small for the Magic Keyboard – so you’ll need to connect a Bluetooth one (although that’s going to be considerably cheaper). It also doesn’t have an M1 chip, so features like Stage Manager in iPadOS 16 won’t run, but at this screen size, it’s unlikely to be a major issue.

3. iPad Pro M2

The iPad Pro is widely considered Apple’s best tablet. It’s currently the only iPad with an M2 chip and it offers a crystal-clear, contrast-rich display that only gets better when it’s bumped up to the 12.9-inch model.

Its physical design has barely changed since 2018, but we’d argue it’s still the best-looking iPad out there (albeit lacking in color options) — but the real pull is in that M2 chip’s power. It’s much faster than the CPUs fitted into many of the best laptops for stude nts . 

The only thing preventing it from taking the top spot on our list is its price tag, which makes it pricier than a MacBook Air if you opt for the large version. And that’s before you consider the (thankfully optional) keyboard and Apple Pencil accessories.

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+

Samsung has been the de facto Android tablet manufacturer for a little while, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ shows just why that is. The 12.4-inch AMOLED screen is bright and beautiful, and it includes the S Pen stylus, too.

The Qualcomm chipset is powerful, but Samsung has also added a huge 10,090mAh battery to ensure it can go for hours and hours while also offering quick charging when it’s out of juice. There’s also a microSD card, so you can add up to 1 TB of storage relatively cheaply, too.

Add to that an ultra-wide camera capable of 4K recording and access to the Play Store for downloading apps for work and play, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ could be the perfect tablet for you.

5. Microsoft Surface Pro 8

While many tablets can feel like you need to compromise or cut corners somewhere to make them work for you, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is very much a laptop first and a tablet second – but that makes it incredibly capable.

In laptop mode, it’s a powerful 13-inch computer with a tactile keyboard and touch screen, as well as having support for a stylus (sold separately). As a tablet, it still runs Windows 11 so you’ll has access to the Microsoft Store, and becomes a great media consumption device, too.

If you’re looking for more than a tablet, you’ve found it, but it can cost over $1,000. Thankfully it’s regularly discounted, and we’ve seen as much as $300 off in recent weeks.

6. iPad (Tenth Gen)

The iPad (10th Gen) is an excellent tablet, albeit one in a curious position as far as pricing goes. It’s considerably more expensive than its predecessor so perhaps not a great option for those looking to save a few bucks — for that, it's worth considering the iPad (9th Gen) as it's likely available for much less now.

This newer model is certainly worthy of a spot on our list thanks to its overhauled design, which drops the home button in favor of thinner bezels. It’s a sharp-looking tablet, and also the only iPad at the time of writing with the FaceTime camera on the landscape edge.

The A14 Bionic Chip is hardly new, but it's one of the best mobile chips out there and remains plenty powerful for the majority of apps and games in the App Store.

7. Amazon Fire 10 HD

The most affordable tablet on this list, the Amazon Fire 10 HD is a solid option for anyone hooked into the retail giant’s ecosystem already thanks to Alexa support right out of the box.

The latest version keeps much of what worked so well before, but adds to it with a speed boost thanks to extra RAM. It’s still not the fastest tablet around, and starts with just 32 GB of storage, but at least the latter can be upgraded with additional microSD storage.

The biggest issue is that Amazon’s own brand of OS doesn’t feature Google apps, so if you’ve come to rely on Drive, Docs, Sheets, and the like, you’re out of luck. Plus, you have to spend an extra $15/£10 to get the lockscreen without ads.

8. Microsoft Surface Go 2

Not to be confused with the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2, this tablet hybrid is akin to the Surface Pro’s little brother. Offering a 10.5-inch touchscreen on a tablet that weighs just 1.2 lbs, it’s a solid option thanks to its faster processor and ten-hour battery life.

While the keyboard cover isn’t included, it does offer a great typing experience, and you can expand the storage, too. That flexibility, coupled with the versatility of Windows 11, can ensure that the Surface Go 2 is just as capable as a tablet or as a laptop.

This is a complex question as there’s absolutely no denying that tablets have come an incredibly long way in the last few years. Previously seen as an awkward “halfway house” between phones and computers, advances in both hardware and software have been keenly felt in almost every effort over the last couple of years.

On the hardware front, more efficient processors mean a sizeable increase in battery life, while screen technology like OLED and AMOLED are brighter, more legible canvases to work on. Then there are more advanced styluses, which, while not mandatory, can be ideal in the right workflow – digital artwork, for example.

Tablet operating systems also continue to improve, with an increased emphasis on input/output, be that through additional options for connecting peripherals like card readers and docking stations, or full external display support.

So, tablets are closer than ever to being laptop replacements, but can they truly be considered as such? It’s a tough call, because so many apps and systems are so entrenched in Windows/macOS that professional apps don’t seem likely to make the jump anytime soon. As an example, Microsoft’s own Access application for database management, and Apple’s Final Cut Pro aren’t available on Windows or Apple tablets respectively.

Tablets also have some way to go when it comes to file management, although the emergence of systems like Google Drive, Dropbox, and similar cloud platforms have mitigated that somewhat.

It essentially comes down to the type of work you’re likely to be doing on a tablet on any given day.

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Lloyd Coombes freelance tech and fitness writer for Live Science. He's an expert in all things Apple as well as in computer and gaming tech, with previous works published on TopTenReviews, Space.com, Dexerto and TechRadar. You'll find him regularly testing the latest MacBook or iPhone, but he spends most of his time writing about video games as Editor in Chief at GGRecon.com. He also covers board games and virtual reality, just to round out the nerdy pursuits.

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The best PhD student iPad for 2023

In today’s digital and online first age, having the right tools can make all the difference for a PhD student. One increasingly important device is an iPad, which can offer a range of features to enhance productivity and streamline the notetaking and searching aspect of research. I t can be a good investment in a tool that will help you stay as productive as possible

With so many options on the market, finding the best iPad for PhD students can be overwhelming.

That’s where this article comes in.

We have compiled a list of the top iPad models that PhD students should consider, taking into account factors such as:

• performance,
• functionality,
• and budget.

From the powerful and versatile iPad Pro to the more affordable iPad Air, we have rounded up the best iPads for any PhD student’s needs. So whether you’re conducting research, taking notes, or presenting your findings, there’s an iPad out there that can help you excel in your academic journey.

Which is the Best iPad for PhD Students?

When it comes to choosing the best iPad for students, it depends on their specific needs and budget.

Apple offers a range of ipads starting from the basic ipad, ipad mini, and iPad pro, each with varying features and specifications.

One of the bestselling models of iPad for PhD students includes the Apple 2021 10.2-inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB) .

Apple 2021 10.2-inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB)

There is a good reason why this iPad is one of the bestselling iPads. It is one of the most affordable iPad models in the entire line and still is able to hold its own against other tablets in its price range. With 3 GB of RAM this iPad can run any graduate student and you need.

One of the downsides is that this iPad is running Apple is A13 chip. This puts it in line with a 2019 iPhone but it will still do everything you needed to do. It makes a great e-book reader, article finder, notetaker, and everything you can want for a graduate student iPad.

For students who need a fair bit of storage and want to multitask or use productivity apps, I highly recommend the iPad Pro 11. It’s powerful, comes with a keyboard and apple pencil, and can even replace a laptop for most students.

Apple 2022 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi, 128GB)

This iPad is one of the most up-to-date releases and packs a powerful punch.

It has more than enough power to carry you through your entire PhD and is a little bit more future proof then the 2021 version. It has more than enough memory to store all of your research papers and has an excellent display which means your eyes won’t get tired whilst going through all of your literature.

The ability to take notes, and do all of the creative stuff to means that it may even be possible to replace your laptop completely with this device.

For those who want a smaller device to take with them in their bag to university the Apple 2021 iPad Mini (Wi-Fi, 64GB)

Apple 2021 iPad Mini

The 8.3 inch iPad mini is a fantastic portable tablet that you can easily take with you to graduate school. It is one of the bestselling tablets worldwide and has a bit more power than its older relatives with an A1 chip which is also found in current Apple iPhone 13 models.

This pad is perfect for notetaking, reading, and searching through all of those papers in a convenient and small package.

For some, the smaller screen size can feel a little cramped but many people get used to the size of the screen very quickly.

For grad and Ph.D. students, the iPad Pro is a great investment as it can handle advanced tasks and research work. Overall, choosing an iPad for students in 2022 depends on their usage and requirements, but the iPad Pro 11 is a solid choice for most students.

Are iPads and Tablets Good for PhD Students? 

iPads have become increasingly popular among PhD and graduate students due to their portability and versatility.

Many students love their iPads and it replaces a large portion of their laptop workflow. One thing I love about working on a tablet is that I can take a paper anywhere with me and read it comfortably whilst also having it backed up to my cloud server. 

I never have to worry about losing notes again.

Tablets made by Apple are very popular because they are equipped with a variety of useful features, including the ability to take handwritten notes using the Apple Pencil . People like the Apple brand and trust the usability of these devices.

PhD students can also attach a keyboard to their iPad, making it a more practical option for typing up papers and assignments.

iPads are a useful tool for graduate students who are looking for a portable, all-in-one device to take notes, study, read and simplify their research workflow.

What Are the Benefits of iPads for Students? Apps, notes, and more

IPads and other tablets offer a convenient and portable platform for reading and annotating textbooks, PDFs, and research materials.

With the ability to take notes and organize them efficiently using note-taking apps, iPads also eliminate the need for carrying around physical books and notebooks.

It’s much easier to edit and highlight text digitally with the touch of a finger, no need for markers or pens.

iPads allow students to access a wide array of educational and productivity apps, increasing efficiency and usability of their devices.

What Are the Limitations of iPads for Students?

While iPads can be incredibly useful for students with their portability and access to countless educational apps, the limitations of the device in terms of productivity and type of work it can handle might be frustrating for some graduate students.

One of the biggest challenges by find when using any smart device for work and research purposes is that I can easily become distracted by the other more fun iPad apps and websites on the device.

If you can afford it, it is better to have a device that you have dedicated to research work only.

Using an iPad for heavy-duty productivity tasks such as video editing, figure or schematic design, and programming can be a challenge due to its limited screen real estate, storage capacity, and lack of professional-grade software.

Although the iPad has made improvements in recent years with the release of the iPad Pro and macOS-like features such as multitasking, it still falls short when compared to its laptop and tablet counterpart in terms of versatility and power.

Apple has already switched their Mac computers to their own M1 chip in 2022, which could make MacBook an even better productivity device choice for value students.

iPad Accessories: Which Ones Do You Need?

Apple’s iPad is a powerful tablet that can be transformed into a productivity machine with the right accessories.

The best accessories for any grad student using their iPad for work includes:

• screen protectors
• Apple Pencil
• Power banks
• external storage (cloud storage)
• comfortable bag
• dongles for various peripheral devices

Some users may also need a MacBook Pro for more powerful computing needs. In general, the type of accessories you need will depend on how you want to use your iPad, but a keyboard, screen protectors, and storage are a few essentials to consider.

How do I get the Apple student discount?

If you’re a student, it’s always great to save money. One way to do this is to take advantage of the Apple student discount. To qualify for this discount, you must be enrolled in an educational institution, such as a college or university, and have a valid student ID or other proof of enrollment.

You can purchase products from the Apple Education Store , which offers discounted prices on computers, iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products.

To access the Education Store, simply go to Apple’s website, click on the “Education” link, and select your school from the list provided. Once you’re on the Education Store page, you can browse products and get the discount applied by purchasing through the store.

How many GB do I need for an iPad for grad school?

The amount of GB one needs for an iPad for grad school largely depends on the individual’s usage and preferences.

A good rule of thumb is to opt for at least 64GB of storage in your iPad since grad school involves handling large amounts of data such as:

• research papers,
• and much more

which can quickly eat up storage space.

This storage capacity also allows you to store media files like music, movies, and pictures without worrying about running out of space.

Moreover, 64GB is sufficient for running productivity apps like Microsoft Office, Google Drive and other study-related applications.

It is advisable to consider higher storage options if you intend on storing larger media files or needs more space for other personal data.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

We are here to help you navigate Academia as painlessly as possible. We are supported by our readers and by visiting you are helping us earn a small amount through ads and affiliate revenue - Thank you!

2024 © Academia Insider

The 8 Best Tablets for College in 2022

Keep your textbooks, notes and favorite games easily accessible in one ultra-portable device.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

The best tablets are lightweight and can easily handle textbooks, note-taking, lab work and down-time entertainment. But shopping for a great tablet can be a headache, with every company giving you multiple models to choose from. That’s why we’ve collected the best of the best for college students to take to school this fall. Read on for our top recommendations, plus essentials to consider before shopping.

Looking for more must-have devices, gadgets, gear and accessories for school? Check out our stories on the best Apple Watch charging stands , the best wireless headphones , and the best college laptops .

Best Tablets for College

Best overall

Apple ipad (2021).

Apple iPad Air

Best Android

Samsung galaxy tab s8.

Budget Android

Samsung galaxy tab a8.

Most affordable

Amazon fire hd 10.

Best Windows

Microsoft surface pro 8.

Windows on-the-go

Microsoft surface go 3.

For digital artist

Apple ipad pro 12.9-inch, what to consider.

The best tablets have a lot in common: a high-resolution screen, great software, long battery life and room to customize. Below are a few major points to keep in mind when picking your ideal tablet.

Operating System

Unlike computers, tablets run a wide variety of different operating systems. With any new tablet, it's best to match the software as closely as possible to your existing devices. Students using Windows and Android will be best served by a tablet running the same operating system. Similarly, anyone with a MacBook will find excellent cross-connectivity using an iPad.

Most tablets are sold with different amounts of storage built-in. Students working with larger files, such as photos and videos, may want to consider purchasing a tablet with at least 128GB of storage. Users working mostly online will be fine with the average 64GB models.

Accessories

Accessories like an attachable keyboard or digital stylus can transform your tablet experience. If you plan on using such accessories, make sure your tablet of choice is compatible.

How We Selected

Many of these recommendations come from hundreds of hours of in-house use. For the products we couldn’t test ourselves, we perform intensive research, reviewing content from expert sources like Wirecutter , CNET , Tom’s Guide , DigitalTrends , and others, as well as thousands of consumer reviews from online storefronts like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. As for the products themselves, we evaluated them on performance, design, build quality, and price. Also, every tablet we cover has an average customer rating of 4 stars or more.

• Display Size: 10.2 inches
• Display Resolution: 2160 x 1620 pixels
• Storage: 64GB, 256GB
• Weight: 17.6oz

At this point, the iPad is almost synonymous with the tablet. Apple dominates the tablet market in the United States with their high-quality, easy-to-use tablets. That quality and accessibility make 2021’s iPad our top tablet pick.

The iPad’s software experience is second to none, with intuitive menus, apps, file sharing and more. While this is Apple’s most affordable iPad, it still has great build quality and a plethora of compatible accessories. We only wish there were a 128GB storage option.

• Display Size: 10.9 inches
• Display Resolution: 2360 x 1640 pixels
• Weight: 16oz

For Apple fans with a bigger budget, 2022’s iPad Air is one of the best all-around tablets on the market. This iPad is more modern than past models, with super slim bezels, USB-C connectivity, better color contrast and an excellent front and rear camera.

But the best addition has to be Apple’s M1 chip. Compared to iPads of the past, this M1-powered iPad Air delivers superior performance in apps, games and everything in-between. If your budget is over $500, this is one of the best all-purpose Apple tablets you can get.

• Display Size: 11 inches
• Display Resolution: 2560 x 1600 pixels
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB

Samsung makes some of the best Android smartphones, so it's no surprise that their Android tablets are also critically-acclaimed. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is one of their more premium options, with a large screen, excellent resolution, huge storage, and fast speeds. It even has a micro-SD card slot, meaning you can add additional storage later on.

Students can easily sync their Windows or Android devices with the Tab S8. And unlike most tablets on this list, the Tab S8 comes with 128GB of storage by default. It also comes with the S Pen stylus included, making complex notes and basic art tasks that much easier.

• Display Size: 10.5 inches
• Display Resolution: 1920 x 1200 pixels
• Storage: 64GB
• Weight: 17.9oz

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 offers a similar experience to more premium Samsung tablets for a fraction of the cost. For less than $250, you still get a fast tablet that can tackle reading, writing and entertainment with ease.

The Tab A8 feels great to handle, thanks to a largely metal build and uniform design. While it may not have the standout features of higher-end tablets, it does feature a rare microSD card slot. This means that you can easily add hundreds of gigabytes of additional storage for less than $50.

• Display Size: 10.1 inches
• Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Storage: 32GB
• Weight: 16.4oz

If budget is your top concern and you already have a laptop for more complex tasks, consider Amazon’s Fire HD 10 tablet. While we wouldn’t recommend it for note taking or complex assignments, it is optimized nicely for books and entertainment, especially Amazon apps like Kindle and Prime video.

The Fire HD 10 tablet may not have the build quality or specs to match other tablets on this list, but at $150, it doesn’t need to. Especially if you have time to kill between classes, this tablet is great for reading and entertainment.

• Display Size: 13 inches
• Display Resolution: 2880 x 1920 pixels
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• Weight: 31.3oz

If you want your tablet to act more like a computer-replacement than a mobile device, the Surface series is for you. The Pro 8 is one of the most premium Surface models available. Paired with the right accessories, it can replace your laptop for most classes.

A two-in-one at heart, the Pro 8 feels more like a traditional laptop than any other tablet on this list. Powered by Windows 11, it can access more apps, websites and file types than most tablets. Games in particular look amazing on its high resolution, high refresh rate screen. Extra additions like a 1080p webcam, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, and two USB-C ports only add to this tablet’s versatility.

• Storage: 64GB, 128GB
• Weight: 18.8oz

One of the main advantages tablets have over laptops is portability. Microsoft’s Surface Go 3 features that attribute while offering a laptop-like experience. Running Windows 11 allows you to access apps and software normally available only on full-sized laptops.

The Surface Go 3 may not be as powerful as the Surface Pro 8, but it still offers a versatile and enjoyable tablet experience for students. While it has a great operating system, webcam and battery, speed is its achilles heel.

• Display Size: 12.9 inches
• Display Resolution: 2732 x 2048 pixels
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
• Weight: 24oz

Art students working digitally have different computing needs than most. For many, a specialized drawing tablet is the preferred tool for bringing your art workstation with you. Apple’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro aims to change that, offering incredible drawing capabilities alongside powerhouse performance. The standout spec for artists is the incredible display, which features stunning image quality and a high refresh rate.

Be aware that the cheapest 12.9-inch iPad Pro still costs over $1,000, and doesn’t come with an Apple Pencil stylus. Still, it's more affordable than buying a high-quality drawing tablet and regular computing tablet separately.

Harry Rabinowitz is a writer, editor, and columnist covering the latest and greatest products in the gaming industry. He also works to tell educational and entertaining stories about tech, entertainment, home goods, and more. When he’s not learning or writing something new, he’s probably heading to the library for a new graphic novel to read.

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The Best Tablets

By Wirecutter Staff

After hundreds of hours of research and testing over the past seven years, we think Apple’s 9th-generation iPad is the best all-around tablet, with all the performance and features most people need for watching video, browsing the internet, and staying on top of email and social media feeds. But we also have recommendations for people who want an Android tablet, a basic ebook reader, or a more powerful tablet for gaming, for handling design and creative tasks, or for replacing a laptop computer.

The research

The best all-around tablet: apple ipad (9th generation), an upgrade for multitaskers and creatives: apple ipad pro (m2), the best android tablet: google pixel tablet, a budget tablet for media: amazon fire hd 8, the best ebook reader: amazon kindle, what about the microsoft surface (and other windows tablets and convertibles).

Apple iPad (9th generation)

The best tablet for most people.

The standard iPad is fast, easy to use, and compatible with the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, and it offers the features most tablet users need.

Buying Options

Who this is for: You want a great all-around tablet that can handle pretty much any task.

Why we like it: Although this isn’t the newest version of the Apple iPad, it’s still the best tablet for most people thanks to great hardware, an easy-to-use operating system, and a huge library of quality apps, even if you normally use Android on your phone or Windows on your computer. iOS also receives frequent updates—including prompt security updates—which isn’t something you can say of any modern Android tablet.

In 2022, Apple released the 10th-generation iPad, but it costs $120 more for an experience that’s very similar to what you get from the 9th-generation version. The 9th-generation 10.2-inch iPad is still the best tablet for most people because it offers the best balance of price and performance, it has a large screen, and it’s compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil stylus and Apple Smart Keyboard. The standard 64 GB model should be good enough if you plan to use your iPad mostly for streaming music and video, reading, browsing the internet, and playing casual games, but you may want to upgrade to the 256 GB model if you plan to use yours to play graphically intense games or download lots of media.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The 9th-generation iPad is built with a gap between the LCD panel and the front glass, making interactions with the Apple Pencil slightly less responsive. You have to upgrade to the iPad Air if you want an iPad with a faster M1 processor and support for the second-gen Apple Pencil.

For more on the 9th-generation iPad and how it compares to other iPad models, read our full guide to Apple’s iPad lineup .

Apple iPad Pro (11-inch, M2, 256 GB)

For pro-level performance and a massive screen.

This iPad has a bright, sharp screen with accurate color that’s better for multitasking or serious creative work such as digital illustration, writing, or editing photos, audio, and video.

Who this is for: You want the best possible performance for viewing and editing photos and video, multitasking, and other tasks you’d normally do with a laptop.

Why we like it:  For most multitasking and serious creative work, the iPad Pro is the best option. It has a slim, uniform bezel that wraps around the entire screen, making it feel equally natural whether you use it in landscape or portrait orientation—a design choice that makes it stand out from competitors. It’s great for working with photos and as a canvas for artists who frequently make use of the second-generation Apple Pencil.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Apple advertises the iPad Pro as a replacement for a traditional PC, but whether it can serve that purpose depends on what you do, how you work, and what apps you use. In general, iPad Pro keyboard cases and covers aren’t as nice as standalone Bluetooth keyboards or the keyboards on the best laptops. But drawing and photo-editing apps are well suited to touchscreen and Apple Pencil controls, and they benefit from the iPad Pro’s large, color-accurate screen.

For more on the iPad Pro, read our full guide to pro tablets .

Google Pixel Tablet

Best android tablet for most people.

Google’s tablet has a vivid screen for viewing content and dock that transforms it into a smart-home hub.

Who this is for: You’re already invested in or partial to Google’s version of Android, and you want an affordable tablet with a good display, excellent performance, and useful smart-home controls.

Why we like it: The Google Pixel Tablet has a bright and vivid 11-inch display and is powerful enough to handle high-end gaming along with multitasking and split-screen apps. It offers our favorite Google features, like hands-free Google Assistant, voice typing, live translation, multi-profile support, and more. The 5,000 mAh battery lasted 12 hours in our testing. The included dock boosts the bass and enables Hub mode, which transforms the Pixel Tablet into a smart-home hub that allows you to control smart-home devices such as smart lights, video doorbells, security cameras, and thermostats.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: If you want a tablet that supports a stylus, your options for the Pixel Tablet are limited; the Lenovo USI Pen 2 and Penoval USI 2.0 styluses are among the few that are compatible. Those who want a tablet for drawing or writing may want to seek out a different option.

Visit our full guide to the best Android tablets to read more about the Pixel Tablet and other Android tablets we’ve tested.

Budget pick

Amazon Fire HD 8 (12th generation)

A cheap tablet for streaming media.

The Fire HD 8 has a smaller, lower-resolution screen than the Galaxy Tab S8, but it’s a great cheap tablet for reading or watching video, especially if you get that content from Amazon’s store.

Who this is for: You want the cheapest tablet that’s good for reading and watching video, with access to a big library of video, ebooks, and music.

Why we like it: The Amazon Fire HD 8 (12th generation) costs less than $100 and is an excellent value. It lets you stream video from Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and other popular services, and you can also read your Kindle ebooks. It offers built-in support for the Alexa voice assistant used by Amazon’s popular Echo devices, which makes ordering products and media from Amazon easier. In addition, Amazon Prime members get access to a selection of no-extra-cost movies, TV shows, and ebooks (though Amazon’s apps for iOS and other Android tablets all work similarly).

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Fire HD 8 is slower and has a lower-resolution screen than any of our other picks, so text isn’t as crisp—the Kindle Paperwhite is better for reading ebooks—and its performance is optimized for watching videos and reading rather than getting work done. It’s also limited to Amazon’s Android app store, which has a smaller selection of games and apps than the regular Google Play store (which in turn lags behind Apple’s App Store when it comes to great tablet apps). Although it’s possible to install the Google Play store on the Fire HD 8 , doing so requires a workaround, and we don’t recommend it. Unlike our other tablet picks, which offer a solid selection of apps and productivity tools, the Fire HD 8 is best used only as a media-consumption device.

To find out how the Fire HD 8 stacks up against other Android tablets, see our guide to the best Android tablets .

Amazon Kindle (2022)

The best e-reader for most people.

Amazon’s most affordable Kindle is also its most portable, with a 6-inch screen that has finally been upgraded with a higher pixel density for sharper text and support for USB-C charging. Access to Amazon’s huge ebook library makes the Kindle the best dedicated device for reading.

Who this is for: You don’t care about apps or browsing—you just want to read books.

Why we like it: The cheapest Kindle is also the best one. Its 6-inch E Ink screen offers 300 pixels per inch, which makes text sharp and easy to read, and the portable size makes it convenient for toting it wherever you go—it even fits in a small purse. Amazon finally switched from Micro-USB to USB-C charging for the entry-level Kindle, meaning you don’t need to hunt down a special cable to juice it up. It lasts weeks on a charge, so it’s better than an iPad or Android tablet for reading. And the Kindle comes with 16 GB of storage, which is plenty of room for your library of ebooks.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The entry-level Kindle isn’t waterproof, so if you plan to read by the pool or in the bathtub, you might want to splurge for the pricier Kindle Paperwhite.

If you’re interested in Amazon’s more expensive Kindles or non-Amazon options, read our full guide to ebook readers .

We also have a guide to pro tablets , where we recommend the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 as a capable laptop replacement, but you need $300 in accessories to make the most of it. Our tablet picks are much better for tablet-focused tasks like watching videos, browsing the web, and using tablet apps than getting a lot of work done—if you need a productivity-focused device, an ultrabook (or a MacBook ) might be a better bet.

Meet your guide

Wirecutter Staff

Further reading

Getting Work Done on an iPad

by Haley Perry

You can do a surprising amount of work on an iPad with the right gear. These are the best accessories for turning your iPad into a mobile work space.

The Best Drawing Tablets

by Arthur Gies

Drawing tablets are nearly indispensable for creating art on a PC or laptop, and models such as the Huion Inspiroy 2 M are great for beginners and veteran artists alike.

The Best Pro Tablets

by Dave Gershgorn

If you’re looking to replace or supplement your laptop with a tablet, you have great options but also tough choices ahead of you.

The Best Tablet for Kids

by Ryan Whitwam and Andrew Cunningham

The best tablet for your kid is the old one you aren’t using anymore. If you’re buying new, Apple’s 9th-generation iPad has the best app selection.

Best Tablets For Students

Get the very best tablets for students to use in class, for remote learning and beyond

The best tablets for students are fantastic for getting that ideal combination of portability and power, all with a decent screen and plenty of app functionality.

Thanks to built-in cameras and audio, tablets are great both for in-class use but also for video calls and remote learning. The fact that these can be a lot more affordable than laptops is just a bonus.

A few areas you may want to think about before taking the tablet-based plunge: How big does your screen need to be versus how portable do you want this tablet? Is all day battery a must or is processing power the key? Will you need your tablet to work with a stylus pen? Can the operating system work well with your school's setup? If it's parents buying, do you need to put restrictions on the tablet?

It's a lot of points to consider so we've taken the rest of the work out of it for you by laying out the best tablets for students right now.

Best Laptops for Teachers

• Best 3D Printers for Remote Learning

1. Apple iPad (2020): The best tablets for students top pick

Apple iPad (2020)

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Apple iPad (2020) is the best tablet you can buy as a student, both for remote learning and for classroom use. Fortunately, this tablet's uses go even beyond that, making it a great investment, even if it is one of the more expensive and not newest of tablet options out there.

This is an iOS device so it has more apps than any other platform. That makes this capable as a school device that could even replace a laptop if paired with a keyboard case. The dual microphones and front-facing 1.2MP camera make it a very capable video classroom unit, ideal for remote learning. 

Of course, multitasking also plays into this, if you want a document open while in a video class, for example – all of which is possible thanks to the power of that A12 Bionic processor and spacious 10.2-inch high resolution 2,160 x 1,620 Retina display.

The battery can last a full day on a charge, so this is great for use in the classroom too. 

2. Samsung Tab S7 Plus: Best PC replacement tablet

Samsung Tab S7 Plus

The Samsung Tab S7 Plus is a tablet that students who want a PC replacement, while staying mobile, should consider. While it's primarily a touchscreen device, with a superb 12.4-inch Super AMOLED screen that boasts HDR10+ and 120Hz, this can also be paired with a keyboard, mouse, and screen thanks to its DeX smarts.

Consequently, you can output to a TV or monitor and use the tablet like a PC computer. It is still an Android-based device though, so you get access to all the apps you could want from the operating system. 

For remote learning, the camera offers 8MP quality with HDR to adjust for any lighting, making it ideal even when moving from room to room – possible thanks to that 14-hour battery life. The S Pen Stylus is also a great addition for annotating and beyond. The keyboard case, which is a useful addition, is charged as an extra accessory. That said, this will pair with any Bluetooth keyboard, so that may not be a factor in your decision. 

3. Amazon Fire 7: Best affordable tablet

Amazon Fire 7

The Amazon Fire 7 is a tablet designed for those on a budget who don't mind a simple tablet that covers the basics. The 7-inch screen isn't the highest resolution at 1,024 x 600, nor is the front-facing camera at 2MP. That said, both will do the job for video classroom work.

The Amazon Fire OS works on an Android base so there are lots of apps are available. Battery life spans just a few hours, however, the build quality is solid, so even when thrown in into a bag with a charger it should survive, although a protective case is always a good idea.

This device offers excellent parental controls, making it a good option for anyone giving this tablet to a younger student who, perhaps, needs limits on usage.

4. HP Chromebook X2: Best Chromebook tablet

HP Chromebook X2

The HP Chromebook X2 is, just as the name suggests, everything you could want from a Chromebook, while taking on the form of a portable tablet. As such, it is ideal for both remote learning at home and in the classroom. 

This is a superb device for anyone hoping to integrate with Google systems, such as G Suite for Education, which many schools use. This is a fast and powerful option that also looks great thanks to its 12.3-inch display with high 2,400 x 1,600 resolution and 403 nits of brightness.

The leather-texture keyboard with trackpad and HP Active Pen stylus accessory are all great extras that come included with the setup. As does impressive built-in B&O Play sound and a 4.9-megapixel front-facing camera plus built-in microphones – all ideal for video lesson clarity. 

This device is heavier than some tablets, but lighter than many laptops, which it can replace. The 12-hour battery life might explain the weight to some extent but then you won't need to carry a charger so that works out well.

5. Lenovo Smart Tab M8: Best for battery life

Lenovo Smart Tab M8

The Lenovo Smart Tab M8 is a tablet that works well at home, angling in its charging dock stand for video calls. It is also ideal for use in school due to its impressive 18-hour battery life.

Thanks to an efficient quad-core MediaTek processor that is paired with 2GB of RAM, it provides enough power for basic tasks. Combined with the 8-inch,1,280 x 800 and 350 nits brightness display, it may not be a full laptop replacement but should keep you mobile.

The Android operating system offers plenty of apps and free updates that should keep this tablet's value long after the initial price has been paid.

6. Microsoft Surface Go 2: Best Windows tablet

Microsoft Surface Go 2

The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a tablet but one that doubles as a Windows 10 PC thanks to the full operating system and the option of a keyboard case attachment. There is plenty of processing power due to the Intel Core m3 processor and 8GB of RAM that allows for multi-tasking, video lessons, and more, all at the same time. 

The display offers a Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 resolution that, combined with the 5MP and 1080p Skype HD front-facing camera, offers a very clear video classroom experience. Battery life is good for a full day, and expect plenty of updates from Microsoft to keep the software secure and up-to-date long into the future.

7. Apple iPad Pro: Best premium tablet

Apple iPad Pro

The Apple iPad Pro is a really expensive option, which is a given at this top-end price. But you get what you pay for here with all the power of a laptop crammed into a svelte, strong, and super portable design. The screen is stunning, the cameras are excellent, and the power is zippy no matter which of the many, many excellent apps you're using.

With a great keyboard, superb stylus pen option and lots of other accessories available, this is a centerpiece that can be built around. Aside from the price it's tough to find any downsides to this tablet. If your school doesn't support Apple though, this may not be the best option for you, even if that iPad name is calling to you.

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Luke Edwards is a freelance writer and editor with more than two decades of experience covering tech, science, and health. He writes for many publications covering health tech, software and apps, digital teaching tools, VPNs, TV, audio, smart home, antivirus, broadband, smartphones, cars and much more.

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The Best Tablets for Students

Discover the best tablets for students that are easy to carry, offer plenty of processing power, and can even double up as a laptop for easy typing.

• Brand Apple
• Storage 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB
• CPU Apple M1
• Storage 256GB
• CPU A15 Bionic
• Brand Lenovo
• Storage 64GB
• CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
• Brand Huawei
• Storage 128GB
• CPU Octa-core
• Brand Samsung
• CPU Qualcomm SDM865
• 9.60 /10 1. Premium pick: 2021 Apple iPad Pro
• 9.40 /10 2. Editors choice: 2021 Apple iPad Mini
• 9.00 /10 3. Best value: Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab
• 9.60 /10 4. Huawei MatePad Pro
• 9.60 /10 5. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
• 9.20 /10 6. New Microsoft Surface Go 2
• 7.60 /10 7. Huawei MateBook Signature

Tablets are becoming a viable alternative to laptops for students due to their lightweight nature, touch functions, and lower price.

From note-taking with a stylus to a battery that lasts all day, every tablet feature is designed to make students more productive.

Here are the best tablets for students available today.

1. 2021 Apple iPad Pro

The iPad Pro is Apple's flagship tablet that competes with the best tablets on the market. Thanks to the powerful M1 chip, students taking classes that require the use of heavy-duty applications such as AutoCAD, Illustrator, and Photoshop will not experience any lags or errors. The iPad Pro's screen is stunning, with a 120Hz refresh rate and high resolution. Students who enjoy digital arts would find it a delight.

Additionally, it comes with an integrated GPU, which boosts the overall graphics and makes photo and video editing applications run smoothly. The tablet is compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), allowing students to take notes conveniently. Thanks to its high refresh rate, a top-notch display, and powerful processor, it almost feels like writing on paper with a pen.

The battery lasts for about 10 hours on a single charge, which is enough to carry you through a day's worth of work. Moreover, the tablet weighs about 1.5lbs, making it easy to carry all day long without tiring. Besides its top-quality cameras, the tablet has a USB-C port, 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage (both are extendable).

• Compatible with stylus
• Liquid Retina XDR display
• Ultrafast Wi-Fi
• Thunderbolt port availability
• Brand: Apple
• Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB
• CPU: Apple M1
• Memory: 8GB / 16GB
• Operating System: iPadOS 15.5, upgradeable to iPadOS 16
• Battery: Non-removable 40.88 Wh Li-Po
• Ports: USB-C 4 (Thunderbolt 4)
• Camera (Rear, Front): 12MP wide, 10MP ultrawide, ToF 3D LiDAR Scanner, 12MP front camera
• Display type: 12.9-inch 120Hz Liquid Retina XDR HDR10
• Size: 11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Optional 5G
• Light-weight
• Sturdy construction
• Integrated GPU
• Top-notch display
• Supports 4K video recording

2. 2021 Apple iPad Mini

The iPad mini promises efficient, fast, smooth, and consistent performance. Needless to say, Apple has packed it with components that ensure trouble-free operation. The tablet comes with an A15 Bionic chip with a 6-core CPU. It's the same chip that's powering Apple's iPhone 13 Pro. The chip's 16-core neural engine can perform 15.8 trillion operations in mere seconds, making it 43 percent faster than its predecessor.

This system is powerful enough to run all applications released to date smoothly. Furthermore, the iPad mini runs the latest version of Apple's operating system, iPadOS 15. The OS comes with the latest multitasking features, versatile widgets, quick notes, and a focus mode to reduce distractions. This allows students to maximize their productivity and concentration.

The Apple Pencil compatibility makes it easier for students to take notes. It also helps tailor visually appealing artworks for presentations and assignments. Students working on AutoCAD, Rhino 3D, and SketchUp would find the stylus easier to maneuver for a smoother drawing experience.

The battery life is long enough to last you through the entire day. With a weight of just 0.65lbs, you'll remain comfortable carrying the tablet all day long. Additionally, the iPad mini offers an expandable storage capacity of 256GB and 4GB RAM. Both the rear and front 12MP cameras are decent enough for casual photography. It also supports 4K video recording - ideal for students starting their vlog channel.

• Compact design
• Supports stylus
• Touch ID for secure authentication
• Available in four stunning colors
• Storage: 256GB
• CPU: A15 Bionic
• Memory: 4GB
• Operating System: iPadOS 15
• Battery: 10 hours
• Ports: 1x USB-C
• Camera (Rear, Front): Rear - 12MP Wide, Front - 12MP Ultra-Wide
• Display type: 8.3-inch, 1488x2266
• Affordable device
• Supports 5G
• Works with Bluetooth keyboards
• Decent cameras
• No MagSafe charging

3. Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab

In addition to serving as a tablet, Lenovo Yoga also functions as a smart display. Thus, besides being an exceptional work tablet for students, it also serves as an entertainment unit. Best of all, it incorporates Google Assistant and great speakers. In addition, the tablet is powered by a Snapdragon 439 processor and 4GB RAM.

Although it isn't a powerhouse, it gets you through a tough day's work. MS Office and a light image editor run smoothly and seamlessly on the device. But, it isn't suitable for heavy-duty applications like Photoshop and Illustrator. The Lenovo launcher uses Android 9.0 Pie as its operating system. It adds a few useful widgets to make users' lives easier. If you prefer a minimalistic display, you can disable these widgets from the settings.

The overall performance of the operating system is quite good. However, it may not support some new applications since it is dated. The device's audio system is above-average for its price, so it's appealing to remote students. It is equipped with three sensitive microphones to recognize the voice from a distance and deliver it. Using this tablet would significantly improve your online communications.

• Compatible with Google Assistant
• Kickstand design
• Solid build
• Brand: Lenovo
• Storage: 64GB
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 439
• Operating System: Android
• Camera (Rear, Front): Rear - 8MP, Front - 5MP
• Display type: 10.1-inch, 1920x1080
• Good screen and speakers
• Versatile form factors
• Doubles as a smart display
• Runs dated version of Android

4. Huawei MatePad Pro

Huawei launched the MatePad Pro in 2021 as one of its premium devices. Compact and light, it is the ideal device to carry around campus. Its 10.8-inch display, punch-hole selfie camera, flash-supported rear camera, and Huawei's top-of-the-line chip make it a worthwhile investment. The tablet is powered by a Kirin 990 5G chip, an upgraded version of Kirin 990 used in Mate 30 and 30 Pro.

The new chip has better AI capabilities, faster clock rates, and, above all, better power efficiency. In video-editing applications or heavy-duty games, the chip never disappoints. Huawei uses HarmonyOS 2.0 as the operating system for MatePad Pro. The operating system consumes a small amount of RAM and is not very demanding on the processor. Even when running heavy-duty applications, the users get a seamless and lag-free experience.

The 10.8-inch screen with high resolution looks incredible, displaying details with exquisite sharpness. Natural and accurate colors also ensure that what you see on the screen is exactly what you get from the printer. Furthermore, it supports a stylus to take notes with maximum control. It would be a blessing for students who work with artwork and graphics. Moreover, there are two decent cameras on the tablet, ample storage and RAM, and a long-lasting battery.

• Wide aspect ratio
• 540nits brightness
• TÜV Rheinland certified
• Brand: Huawei
• Storage: 128GB
• CPU: Octa-core
• Memory: 6GB
• Operating System: HarmonyOS 2.0
• Ports: 1x USB Type-C 3.1, 4x stereo speakers
• Camera (Rear, Front): 13MP, 8MP
• Display type: 10.8-inch, 2560x1600
• Size: 7 x 3 x 2.5 inches
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Aesthetically appealing design
• Fast and efficient performance
• Powerful chip and RAM
• Multiple microphones
• You might not be able to access some Google services

5. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7

The Galaxy S7 is a multipurpose device that can be used either as a tablet or a laptop. Samsung offers a keyboard with an expanded trackpad that turns its tablet into a PC. Qualcomm SD865 powers it, the same processor used in the most advanced Samsung smartphones. Additionally, Android 10.0 offers countless customization options.

The Google App store is also full of applications that students can use for their assignments and presentations without lagging. Its compatibility with a smartpen opens up a plethora of opportunities for students to customize their notes and assignments. The battery lasts for about 15 hours, which is a bonus. If you need to finish the task, you won't need to plug it in. You can pull an all-nighter to finish it.

It has 128GB of storage, which is enough for most students. You can still use an external microSD card if you run out of internal memory. Furthermore, it features cameras that produce excellent results during online conferences, meetings, and virtual classes.

• Expandable storage
• Convertible device
• Edge-to-edge displays
• Supports fast-charging
• Brand: Samsung
• CPU: Qualcomm SDM865
• Operating System: Android 10.0
• Battery: 15 hours
• Camera (Rear, Front): Rear 13MP, 5MP, Front - 8MP
• Display type: 11-inch, 2560x1600
• Compatible with smart pen and keyboard
• Above-par cameras
• Powerful processor
• It does not support cellular data

6. New Microsoft Surface Go 2

Microsoft's Surface Go 2 is one of the most successful pieces of electronic equipment Microsoft ever produced. It took the world by storm and for all the right reasons. Intel's Pentium Gold 4425Y serves as the device's engine. It isn't the fastest of processors, but it is adequate for students to run Microsoft apps efficiently. Thanks to the NVIDIA Graphics Coprocessor, the device can also run light photo and video editing applications.

The display also contributes to this by delivering natural and sharp colors. Go 2 is compatible with smartpens and keyboards, making it convenient to take notes and write assignments. Pen also gives more control over the little details while designing and editing the artwork. Moreover, the device is lightweight, so it is easy to carry around campus.

Additionally, the components consume little power. It enhances the battery's longevity, a fundamental requirement for students. About 10 hours is enough to get you through the entire day or night. The tablet runs Windows 10, which can be upgraded to Windows 11. Though the user experience is seamless, plenty of customization options are available to tailor it to your preferences. Best of all, it is one of the most affordable devices on the market.

• Smartpen and keyboard compatibility
• Adjustable kickstand
• Brand: Microsoft
• CPU: Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y
• Operating System: Windows 10
• Camera (Rear, Front): Rear 8MP
• Display type: 10.5-inch, 1920x1280
• Headphone jack: Yes
• Inexpensive device
• A stunning display that makes it a great entertainment unit as well
• Convertible
• Long battery life
• Lightweight
• Sub-par processor

7. Huawei MateBook Signature

The MateBook Signature ticks all the right boxes for a student tablet. Besides being lightweight and powerful, this device has an affordable price tag. The device boasts a powerful M5 processor, is power-efficient, and guarantees long battery life. Windows 10 is upgradable and allows for unprecedented customization, making this device a treat for those who love customizing the machine.

Additionally, all the applications students may use are compatible with it. Display tops the list of top features of this device. A 12-inch screen and a high resolution provide exceptional details and colors. Together, the display and premium speakers make it an excellent entertainment unit.

Mate Pen offers 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity and is compatible with the device. Besides editing images and videos, you can also take notes and write assignments using it. One can control the details of the subject very precisely with the S-pen.

• IPS display
• Compatible with MatePen
• Thin design
• High pressure sensitivity
• CPU: Intel Core M5
• Camera (Rear, Front): 5MP front
• Display type: 12-inch, 2160x1440
• Compact and lightweight unit
• Incredible display
• SSD storage
• Dull looking machine

Q: Are Tablets Good For Students?

Tablets increase students' productivity and concentration, so they are good for them. Using these devices makes it convenient to take notes, research materials, and share data with friends more quickly and efficiently. Lightweight and portable, they are suitable to carry on campus. Above all, they are less expensive than laptops.

Q: Is Tab Better Than Laptop?

A tab is essentially a laptop in a compact size. Tabs, however, have longer battery lives, allowing them to work uninterrupted for more extended periods. Furthermore, they are lightweight, which is a slight advantage over laptops since they can easily carry them around. In addition to that, their prices are a bit cheaper, which makes them a good choice for students on a budget.

Q: Can I Print From A Tablet?

Yes, you can print from a tablet, but you need a printer with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity.

Best tablet for students 2024

You can use a tablet for practically anything.

At a glance

Best overall, best apple tablet, best cheap tablet, best chromebook, best amazon tablet, best e ink tablet, how to choose.

1. At a glance 2. Best overall 3. Best Apple tablet 4. Best cheap tablet 5. Best value 6. Best Chromebook 7. Best Amazon tablet 8 . Best E Ink tablet 9. How to choose

If you're looking for a stellar student tablet, you've come to the right place. We understand that when it comes to buying a school-friendly device, you want something that's powerful enough to last all day, yet durable and lightweight enough to carry in a backpack. Something that's equally handy for scribbling notes in class and streaming movies after class, with enough power to be productive, but at a low enough price that you can afford it.

Luckily, there are plenty of options out there, and we've gathered them all below. Our favorite overall pick, and arugably one of the best Andrid tablets , is the Galaxy Tab S9, which has the S Pen included, a powerful SoC with up to 12GB of RAM, and a beautiful AMOLED 120Hz display. But of course, every student is different, so keep reading to see all of the best options under the sun.

• Tablet deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Dell

The Galaxy Tab S9 is a well-balanced tablet with a fast SoC, a large screen, and ample battery life. It even has an 120Hz display that works well with the included S Pen.

Read more below.  

We don't cover Apple products often, but the iPad Air (2022) is simply too good to not mention. Expect a lightweight device that'll easily fit in a backpack, plus great performance and battery life.

Read more below.

If you want a reliable tablet that won't break the bank, the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus boasts great battery life, expandable storage to 1TB, and a portable lightweight construction.

Boasting a compact 10.4-inch display, the Tab S6 Lite works great for students on the go, while the max 12 hours of battery life should easily last beyond a full school day. 

Chromebooks are a great choice for students of all ages, and the IdeaPad Duet 3 is one of the best, coming complete with all-day battery life and an approachable price. 

The 2023 version of the Fire HD 10 is impressive with a sharp display, solid battery life, and an incredible price. If you've got a laptop for the heavy lifting, this is an excellent companion tablet.

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Best E Ink tablet  

The Note Air 3 is one of the best E Ink tablets for taking notes, drawing, and reading. Battery life is solid, the stylus is included, and there's an alternate model with a color display too. 

1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Samsung makes some of the best Android phones for students , so it's no surprise that it also makes some of the best tablets. The Tab S9 series is the top of the range for Samsung meaning these tablets have excellent AMOLED displays with 120Hz support, a powerful SoC, and an up-to-date build of Android 14 available for download. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC powering this tablet is one of the best mobile chips you can get with an octa-core CPU and enough power for gaming. That all means that it should breeze through schoolwork for the next few years so you can stay focused.

When it comes to storage, the base model comes with 128GB with an upgrade to 256GB available. The 128GB model comes with 8GB of RAM while the 256GB model gets 12GB to work with. If you plan to use the Galaxy Tab S9 as your primary device, the extra RAM with the 256GB model is a sensible upgrade. If you've also got a laptop for your heavier workloads, though, the 8GB version should be fine. Regardless of the version you choose, you can upgrade the storage down the line thanks to a microSD card slot.

Samsung bundles its excellent S Pen with this tablet so you're ready to take notes right out of the box. Besides that, the S Pen can be useful for navigating spreadsheets, large documents, or even just old text-heavy websites that weren't designed with touch in mind.

2. Apple iPad Air (2022)

Despite our site focusing on all things Android, our laudatory iPad Air 2022 review shows that we're not afraid to acknowledge when Apple knocks it out of the park. While not as large as the iPad Pro, the iPad Air (2022) offers impressive performance for demanding creativity apps at about half the price compared to the iPad Pro.

It has a lightweight, thin-bezel design with five metallic color finishes, Touch ID built into the power button, and two powerful speakers. Its 2360x1640 LCD only hits 60Hz (compared to 120Hz on the Tab S9), but it hits 500 nits of brightness with anti-reflective coating, perfect for use in direct sunlight or for late-night binges. 

Its Apple M1 chipset which is also found in the excellent iPad Pro and MacBook Air , delivers incredible performance that surpass the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 found in the best Android tablets. You can even add cellular data if your school's Wi-Fi network isn't reliable.

Add in iPadOS — better optimized in general than Android tablet apps — and USB-C charging, and the iPad Air 2022 has very few downsides. You'll have to pay a good chunk for extra storage since the 64GB base variant really isn't enough. And as is the case with many Apple products, its battery life is only so-so, with about an eight-hour average just out of the box in our tests. Still, it's great for students and non-students alike.

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus

Many of the perks that make the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus our best cheap Android tablet pick also applies to why students will love it. It has a hefty 7,040mAh battery that'll never die on you in class, plus USB-C charging, so it can quickly jump back up to full capacity.

It has quad speakers that'll make movie nights a blast and drive your roommate nuts. At just under a pound (480g) with a 11-inch display, it's lightweight enough for its size to make holding it while reading textbooks easy. 

We're huge fans of the design. Most budget tablets like the Fire HD 10 and base iPad have thick, uneven bezels, while the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus looks more uniform and attractive, particularly thanks to its aluminum finish. And alongside the USB-C port, we also think students will appreciate the headphone jack and 1TB-capable microSD card slot.

Its Snapdragon 695 SoC and up to 8GB of RAM should ensure better performance compared to the Tab A8 before it. You even get a 5G cellular variant through all the major US carriers. Its 1920x1200 display, while not as vivid as Samsung's other AMOLED panels, does give you a slight upgrade over regular 1080p displays. The A9 Plus also has a 90Hz refresh rate, so scrolling and general use should feel smoother.

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite

With the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite , the company opted to replace the S5e that previously had been one of our favorite value tablets. With this new tablet, you'll get a familiar, lightweight, sleek design, along with the solid specs you would expect from a Samsung tablet .

Samsung has equipped the S6 Lite with 12 hours of battery life, along with a microSD card slot, making it a perfect tablet for storing classwork or media files. The company also unveiled an updated S Pen, which sports a new design, a finer tip, and improved latency than the S Pen found with the standard Galaxy Tab S6. All of this makes for an impressive Android tablet, packed with loads of features and more to do almost anything for you.

With a 10.4-inch screen and just 4GB of memory, it's a more compact model that'll work great for scratching out notes and streaming Netflix, but isn't built for laptop-level efficiency. But as it sells for less than half the price of the Tab S9+, it's a much better choice for students planning to do most of their work on a laptop anyway. There's no point in overpaying for features that most students won't need.

Considering that the Tab S6 Lite is aimed at the value market, some corners had to be cut. Going back to media consumption, Samsung included two AKG-tuned speakers instead of the four. Plus, the microSD card slot can only use up to a 512GB card, while other tablets offer support up to 1TB.

5. Lenovo IdeaPad Chromebook Duet 3

2-in-1 Chromebooks like the Lenovo IdeaPad Chromebook Duet 3 work well for parents or students looking for a tablet designed with a detachable keyboard in mind, letting it double as your laptop once you're back to your room or dorm. The Duet is one of the best Chromebook tablets for students by far thanks to its epic battery life, included productivity accessories, bright display, and very reasonable price.

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 sports a 10.9-inch display with 400 nits of brightness, enough that it'll remain visible in direct sunlight. It has a 7,000mAh battery that could last you several days on casual use, or about 10–12 hours with constant use. It doesn't have the most power with its 4GB of RAM and 64GB of base storage, but Chromebooks like the Duet 3 are designed to handle most Chrome OS apps without using much power.

You'll slot on the attachable keyboard and type notes during class, then pull it off and enjoy relaxing with your favorite media apps. Because ChromeOS is fully designed for both touchscreens and laptops, it'll work well in either context. 

Unlike many of our other picks, it lacks a microSD card slot, so you'll have to make do with just 64GB-128GB of storage. That should be plenty if your notes, homework, or creative projects can be stored in the cloud.

If you want affordable, portable power for your school laptop, you can also check out the best student Chromebooks .

6. Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)

If you just need a basic tablet to help with note-taking, research, or just to relax with a movie after studying, the Fire HD 10 is a solid choice. This 2023 revision has a reasonably powerful SoC with an octa-core CPU from Mediatek paired with 3GB of RAM that should be plenty for most tasks outside of gaming. It all looks nice and sharp on the 10.1-inch IPS display running at 1920x1200, a comfortable 16:10 resolution.

This tablet comes with 32GB or 64GB of storage for files and apps, which isn't much, so it's a good idea to grab one of the best microSD cards for Android right away. Even with the price of a 128GB or 256GB microSD card factored in, the Fire HD 10 is still a phenomenal value. If you opt to download a few videos to watch on the bus or just want a large display for your favorite pictures, the extra space will be well worth it.

Amazon has loaded this tablet with Fire OS 8 running atop Android 11, so it's not the most up-to-date Android tablet in the world, but still new enough to run the vast majority of apps. Speaking of apps, out of the box, you're stuck using the Amazon App Store, but if you want Google services, those apps can be sideloaded .

If you want to make this tablet your go-to device to bring to class, you can grab a pressure-sensitive stylus to take notes in handwriting, or a keyboard if you prefer typing.

7. Onyx Boox Note Air 3

If you're looking for a robust device specially for note taking, it's hard to beat the battery life and notebook-like feel of an E Ink device. The new Onyx Boox Note Air 3 is the latest E Ink Android tablet, complete with the Play Store so you can use all your favorite apps too.

The metal build makes the device feel premium and sturdy, while the massive E Ink Carta 1200 display worked beautifully in the two months we used it for, both, for reading and sketching. There are a couple of shortcomings regarding the drawing part, like a slight delay when creating strokes, and you can't duplicate a layer or copy large drawings. The Note Air 3 ships with a protective case and the Pen Plus, which can attach to the tablet after you're done with it.

While Onyx has its own built-in  note-taking application , the fact that this is powered by Android 12 and has the Play Store pre-installed means that you can download any drawing app of your liking. For those that need a color display, there's a Note Air 3 C model for $100 more, which comes with a Kaleido 3 color ePaper screen. This color-version of the Note Air 3 displays only mellow hues, since it is still E Ink after all. However, it's going to be much easier on the eyes, letting you spend hours on your assignments withouth the risk of eye fatigue. 

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How to pick the best tablet for students

Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

It's easy to see why the tablet market is dominated by the likes of Apple and Samsung. These are the most reliable options on the market, are more durable than others, and pack the most features compared to the competition. But if you're trying to figure out what the best student tablet is, there are a few things to take into consideration.

Any of these tablets are capable of running video calling apps or services, so that's not really much of a concern. But if you need to do any presentations, you'll be better suited for something like the iPad Air or the Galaxy Tab S9 thanks to the superior camera quality for video calls and high-quality displays. Apple and Samsung have also included features that ensure you remain in the center of the frame, at all times, thanks to built-in software capabilities.

Another deciding factor when picking a tablet is what you actually plan on using it for. Do you need stylus support where Samsung's S Pen and the Chromebook Duet 3's USI compatibility come in handy? Or would you prefer to type out your notes, essentially turning your tablet into a laptop? 

Lenovo's Chromebook Duet 3 is the only option on this list that includes a keyboard cover in the box, however, there are some first-party and third-party case options available for the others. 

When it comes to battery life, there isn't a single option on this list for the best student tablets that won't last at least eight hours. And the Tab S9 is arguably above the rest, as you'll be able to get up to 15 hours on a single charge unless you start messing around and are watching YouTube or Netflix instead of studying. If you need the tablet strictly for studies and homework alone, getting something like the Onyx Boox Note Air 3 with its week-long battery life would be a game-changer. 

There are some other features that might entice you to one tablet or another. For example, many of the best Samsung tablets include DeX mode, which gets rid of the basic Android interface in favor of a desktop-like one. This includes using apps in different windows, as opposed to relying on multitasking gestures. 

Bottom line

There are quite a few different Android tablets to pick from, especially if you're a student. Of course, use-cases are different for everyone, but our favorite Android tablet is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 for almost every situation. 

It has plenty of power for multitasking and getting some work done, but best of all, Samsung includes an S Pen in the box, allowing you to take notes wherever along with using the S Pen's features.

You can take advantage of the new Samsung DeX Mode for more of a desktop-like experience when you pick up Samsung's Keyboard Cover. Since the processor is 5G-enabled, the tablet can take advantage of the fastest network speeds. Going from class to class and not needing to rely on spotty Wi-Fi can be a real game-changer.

If you're looking for more options, check out our list of the best Android tablets for kids to shop for the younger students in your life, or our choices for the best Android tablets overall.

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9 Best Tablets For Research That Any Academic Should Have

Last Updated January 4, 2023

Are you looking for some of the best tablets for research?

If yes, then look no further than this article. In this article, I will provide the complete list of tablets that will surely help in your research if you are a researcher or even a research student.

When talking about academicians or researchers, one begins to visualize a person drowning in papers, books, and journals all around them.

Saying this with my experience, as I am a researcher myself, due to the number of papers I have to read, analyze and critically evaluate, the paper load sometimes gets pretty hectic, and bookmarking everything here and it is very tiresome for me. It is for this reason that tablets make professional’s lives easier in this day and age.

My guide to the best tablet for researchers like you and me outlines the features that make them ideal for academic papers.

Using the right tablet for your work is beneficial to your research and career, thus you simply need to choose one that best suits your work style, and presto, so that your workflow is faster, more efficient, and more productive.

Taking notes, sketching , reading , and bookmarking on tablets are easier than on paper. Even if you use it for 4 or 5 years, the cost spread out over that period doesn’t even amount to much.

Now, without any further delays, let’s get directly into the best tablets for researchers that will be perfect for you.

Table of Contents

List of Best Tablets That Are Great For Research And Academic papers:-

To help researchers and academicians choose the best tablets for their work, I have assembled this list. Now let’s look at each one in more detail:

1. Apple iPad Air

In Apple’s tablet lineup, the iPad Air is the newest model. I would recommend you go for the iPad Air if you want the latest offering from Apple.

This tablet has the A14 Bionic chipset under the hood. In my opinion with the updated design, it now looks more like an iPad Pro, but it’s a little lighter and thinner so it’s easier for researchers and research students to carry around in a backpack.

Taking the tablet out of the box I found that the iPad Air has a 10.9-inch display, which is an upgrade over its predecessors’ 9.7-inch display and I appreciate that.

The Liquid Retina display has TrueTone and a P3 wide color gamut, which ensured that colors were rich and vibrant when I was watching a movie or a TV show.

It has excellent brightness and gives me the right amount of brightness in dark and daylight conditions. The Apple Pencil is supported and works very smoothly, which makes note-taking very convenient.

Now I must speak about its performance and in that regard, the iPad Air houses Apple’s latest A14 Bionic, giving me plenty of horsepower for my daily tasks.

Regardless of whether I was doing a basic task or something heavier like editing videos, it had the power I needed. The tablet never lagged and appeared to be able to handle any task I threw at it, so yes, it is a powerful tablet for modern computing.

• Elegant thin and light design.
• Bright, colorful and sharp display.
• Excellent webcam.
• Magic Keyboard.
• No face id.
• No headphone jack.
• Expensive accessories.

Apple ditched Touch ID in favor of Face ID, which proved to be a very bad move. As a result, Apple reintroduced Touch ID in the iPad Air, but on the side this time. This model finally comes with a USB C port for charging and accessories, which is fantastic.

Besides that, the iPad Air comes with the latest Wi-Fi 6 so it will be easier, faster, and more secure to connect to wireless networks.

Overall, the iPad Air is a great tablet for anyone who is looking to use it for his or her research purposes.

2. Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Since it was launched in the global market, the Surface Pro 7 has earned global awards and has been adorned with numerous awards. The device’s powerful specifications combined with its compact and ergonomic form factor have made it a global pioneer in the field of convertibles.

Let me talk about the specifications, it is powered by the 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and also available with an Intel i7 processor on higher-end variants.

The tablet comes with 8GB of RAM for multitasking, which is more than sufficient for researchers like me, however, there is an option for 16 GB RAM if one needs more flexibility.

I really like the fact that the device has 128 GB of SSD storage, which is faster and more efficient than the previous generation. In terms of software, the tablet runs on Windows 10 Home, which in my opinion is the most productive operating system ever created.

Researchers like me and research students would appreciate the fact that the tablet has a convertible form factor and can be used as a powerful desktop replacement.

With the 12.3-inch PixelSense screen, the tablet also features extremely high contrast and low glare so that research students can work throughout the day without straining their eyes. There is also a long list of compatible peripherals available, including Type covers, surface docks, wireless display adapters, and more.

• A keyboard is included in the package.
• All PC apps are supported.
• The display is bright and vivid.
• Batteries that last longer.
• Processor with high performance.
• The quality of the camera is poor.
• Very expensive.

Lastly, the device provides 10.5 hours of continuous use on a single charge, making it an ideal device for researchers, students, and anyone who needs to be productive on the go.

Overall, I feel that the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a great tablet for research students who want to have a device that is portable and versatile, much like a laptop.

3. Microsoft Surface Go 2

The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is an excellent budget-friendly tablet making it a perfect choice for research students.

By offering Surface Pro features at a much lower price, the company hopes to attract a broader audience and in my opinion, this is a clever step by Microsoft. In terms of performance and productivity, the Surface Go 2 has never let me down in my daily usage for research work.

The front of the tablet consists of a bright and colorful 10.5-inch screen and if you like to draw digital sketches and paintings, you can take notes and draw with the Surface Pen, but the only downside I feel is that the pen must be purchased separately.

This Surface Go 2 has a kickstand on the back, so it works great with S-Pen, allowing for a comfortable, hands-free position for taking notes or browsing the web.

In terms of battery life, I would like to state that the Surface Go 2 has one of the best capabilities in its segment. When I was taking notes and working on documents, it lasted for 10 hours on a single charge.

Despite the budget price, performance is still good, better than its predecessor and 64% faster than the Surface Pro. This is what makes the tablet an absolute value-for-money product in my eyes.

Surface Go 2 is also highly portable, lightweight, and can easily fit inside a small sleeve, making it ideal for those who need to carry their tablets on vacations.

In addition to its keyboard cover, the tablet weighs only 544 grams, which is significantly less than the weight of an iPad with the Apple Smart Keyboard .

Because the Microsoft Surface Go 2 comes with a USB Type-C port, it is future-proof and compatible with many accessories. There is a front-facing HD camera on the tablet, so video chatting and attending lectures felt effortless to me.

So let me talk about the verdict for this device. Can research students benefit greatly from buying the Microsoft Surface Go 2?

• Bigger screen.
• Core M3 processor option.
• Runs any Windows app.
• Very low performance ceiling.
• Battery Life.
• Keyboard Flex.

Well, it’s a good device for the price, and with a lightweight design and a Windows-based operating system built in, I feel it’s one of the best tablets for research students on a budget and

I can definitely recommend this one to you without any hesitation. If you wanted to know more about this device, you can check out its comprehensive article .

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7

I would recommend the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 as it is the best tablet for researchers and is yet another keyboard attachable tablet I reviewed that has a long list of features and specifications.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 has an 11-inch IPS LCD display which felt amazing to my eyes. With a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, the tablet’s display provides cinematic vividness, detailed gradations, and deep contrast from a very small form factor.

From the perspective of intensive multitasking and intensive app handling, I faced no problems as the device is powered by a Snapdragon 865+ Octa-Core Processor coupled with 6GB / 8GB of RAM.

With the device’s internal storage of up to 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, microSD cards can be inserted up to 1TB of storage space. Running on Android 11, the tablet runs the latest and most commonly used mobile operating system.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 comes with a 13-megapixel primary rear camera and in my opinion, it is also among the best tablets for editing photographs and taking photos , as it can capture moments with outstanding details when I took photos with it.

On one charge, the tablet gets fully charged in just over two hours and provides approximately fifteen hours of backup time according to my usage.

• Powerful Processor
• Storage space
• Updated S pen stylus.
• Keyboard need to buy seperately

There are several other productivity features included on the tablet, including multitasking mode, seamless Samsung connectivity, and DeX , which transformed my tablet into a PC.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is a great tablet regardless of the age or major of the research student, thus making it one of the best tablets for note-taking in 2022.

You can also find out more about this tablet’s other features and its pro model’s specifications in our other article.

5. Apple iPad Pro 11″

In the world of tablets, Apple iPads need no introduction. Apple iPads run on the most advanced, cleanest, and most sophisticated operating systems ever created.

This iPad tablet runs on the iPad OS and comes with a large 11-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels. In my daily usage, I felt that the display offers the brightest and least reflective screen because it uses Apple’s most advanced display technology with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Apple claims that the new iPad Pro is faster than 92% of portable notebooks sold within the last year, which is insane considering the form factor of the device, and all that’s possible due to the A12Z Bionic chip , which is hidden under the hood of the iPad Pro.

I would also like to mention that the new iPad Pro provides incredible responsiveness and is powerful enough to handle multitasking and complex actions like editing 4K video.

With 6GB of RAM and a huge 1TB of storage space, the device is another huge plus for researchers who easily run out of storage space.

There is a single USB Type C port, and it comes with a lot of Apple’s proprietary features including FaceID. If you opt for the cellular version, it also includes a SIM card slot or choose some with SIM cards and LTE support tablets.

As a result, the tablet made it to my list of best tablets for research students with a wide selection of apps for all productivity and entertainment purposes.

With regard to note-taking, the iPad Pro supports the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil , which is more practical and easier to use than the previous generation.

In comparison with its predecessor, the 2nd Gen Pencil sticks to the side of the iPad and charges wirelessly when placed there. Apple Pencil now seamlessly switches between pen and eraser with just a tap on the Apple Pencil, so you don’t have to constantly reach for the eraser tool.

• Trackpad Support.
• Gorgeous Display.
• Faster Chipset.
• Better Cameras.
• LiDAR Scanner.
• Processor Is Not A Major Upgrade.

Now it is time for me to speak the truth, that is if you have $700 on hand to spend then you cannot find a tablet that even comes close in terms of performance and usability to the new iPad Pro. The best tablet for taking notes for research in 2022 goes to this one for sure. Apple iPad 10.2″

The Apple iPad 10.2” is a smaller, more compact, and cheaper alternative to the mentioned Apple iPad Pro and iPad Air in this list. This tablet comes with a 10.2-inch Retina Display with a resolution of 2160 x 1620 pixels that felt quite refreshing to my eyes.

As the tablet has a smaller screen size, the display has a vivid and bright viewing angle and generates very accurate colors which is a boon when you want to watch a movie after a tiring day of research and studies.

In terms of the iPad’s internals, it comes with Apple’s A13 Bionic chipset with Quad Core graphics and 3GB of RAM which helped me to multitask and handled my apps with ease.

There are also a pair of excellent cameras included with the tablet. An 8MP iSight primary camera can record 1080p Full HD video, and a 12MP secondary front-facing camera can record video in 720p.

You can choose storage options ranging from 32GB to 128GB. When I held the tablet in my hands it felt just so right thanks to its great ergonomics and pleasing aesthetics making it ideal for everyday use for research students as they can carry it around in their hands easily.

A final selling point of the iPad is its battery, which lasted me for 10 hours with continuous usage on a single charge.

In conclusion, the latest iPad is a great alternative to the iPad Pro for research students if they are not willing to burn a hole in their pockets.

Check out its other review done by our experts.

6. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite

The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is Samsung’s latest offering, and it’s an excellent cheap tablet for students looking for a tablet without spending a lot.

On the front of the device, there is an 8.7-inch HD screen that seems spacious and big enough. At this price point, it’s excellent to have an LCD screen .

Samsung has not yet announced its stylus support for this tablet, but research students can use an aftermarket one to take notes.

The metal design gives the tablet a premium feel in my hand, and it has a boxy form factor. As a result of the tablet’s lightweight design and slim profile, it was easy for me to slip it into a bag or sleeve, and carry it around without feeling burdened.

On the base model of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, I found an octa-core processor and 3GB RAM that power the tablet and are capable of running all the multitasking tasks I had on my mind.

Despite being excellent, the base variant has relatively low power output. My recommendation for researchers would be to go for the 4 GB RAM model because most of you need to deal with multiple documents while taking notes at the same time.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a great tablet for research students on a budget since it has a big screen, a nice build, and a long-lasting battery. It receives a green flag from my side.

7. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7

Located in the budget tablet category, the Samsung Tab A7 is the manufacturer’s newest product. For entertainment purposes, the Tab A7 is a great choice because it comes at an affordable price and has a gorgeous 10” screen and Dolby speakers.

I would recommend this tablet to research students who want a 10-inch tablet but don’t want to spend too much. We have sorted the best 10-inch tablets for research as well. It features a Snapdragon 662 processor along with 3GB of RAM, offering decent performance for light users, according to my usage ratings.

The tablet doesn’t come with a stylus, although one can buy it separately if they plan on taking notes.

• Vibrant, colorful display.
• Great-sounding speakers.
• Reliable battery life.
• Build quality.
• Limited RAM.
• Camera quality.

In spite of being a budget tablet, the Tab A7 offers a microSD card slot, and the storage can be expanded up to 1TB, so running out of storage is not an issue.

This tablet is a made-in-heaven choice for professional gamers. However, you can also check some other tablets that are good for XCloud gaming.

Coming to the conclusion, I think that the Tab A7 is one of the best cheap tablets for researchers like me, who are looking for a large tablet without spending a lot of money.

8. Fire HD 10

Amazon’s Kindle is famous for its feature-rich and affordable performance-based tablets, but this time the brand has introduced a much stronger and more versatile line of tablets under the Fire series.

One such offering from the company is the Fire HD 10, one of the best tablets in Amazon’s Fire line. Its soft-touch finish and decent build make it a good tablet in my opinion.

On top of the 10-inch HD IPS LCD, the Fire HD 10 has an anti-glare coating which helped me because I used this tablet to read under direct sunlight. I feel that the 1920×1200 pixel Full HD screen of this tablet makes it stand out from most other tablets in its class.

Depending on the model, the tablet can be connected to either 32GB or 64GB of storage, but microSD cards can be added up to 512GB. Because Fire OS 5 comes pre-loaded on it, it’s perfect for research students both for everyday use and for reading.

• Multitasking.
• Eye-friendly screen.
• Some time size may be an issue.
• RAM is just 3GB.

The customizable voice assistant under Alexa lets users ask questions and give commands via voice for quick and accurate answers.

It is also known for being one of the best tablets for web surfing. However, if you want to know more about tablets that are good for web surfing, you can check out our other article which is primarily based on this. 

As a whole, I would rate the Fire HD 10 as one of the best tablets for research students who are temporarily looking for a tablet for notes and E-reading, along with binge-viewing the Amazon Prime video library.

9. Lenovo Chromebook Duet

Students and research people who need to carry their daily driver to class or lectures can benefit from the Lenovo Chromebook Duet.

Moreover, it houses a detachable keyboard design that allows this tablet to double as a laptop. The keyboard connects with the tablet using a magnetic mechanism, so whenever you need to type anything, you connect it with the tablet for laptop-like functionality.

You get 10 hours of screen time, so yes the battery life needs to last. It’s built for productivity, so yes, the battery life has to last.

Design-wise, it is sleek and minimal as you would expect from a device that is intended for productivity. It looks quite similar to the iPad Pro because the bezels are thin and the corners are rounded.

As for the back, it’s unique seeing as it’s got a dual-tone design that’s made of aluminum alloy, so it does evoke a feeling of luxury.

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is designed to perform light workloads such as presentations, spreadsheets, internet browsing, and entertainment without experiencing any lag. The machine serves its purpose perfectly, and it has all the right specifications to make it a great tool for researchers and students.

• Cheaper device.
• Weight may be an issue.

The computer boots up within a few seconds and seems to be ready whenever you need it. A Google One membership for one year, inclusive of 100GB of storage, is also included with the Lenovo Chromebook Duet.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What tablet is best for studying?

The Surface Pro 7 is a great option to check out. With a very thin laptop design and a detachable keyboard, it feels more like a laptop when you are typing on it than a tablet when you are holding it in your lap.

It has a much more powerful processor, so you can run your applications much more quickly. With its 12.3-inch display and full Windows 10 operating system, the Surface Pro 7 is a very powerful tablet.

Other tablets do not come with CPU options like the Core M3, Core i5, or Core i7 for the Surface Pro 7. Also, it has up to 32GB DDR4x RAM in comparison to other tablets with only 8GB or less.

• What is the best way to study on a tablet?

Here are a few ways to maximize your tablet’s capabilities for studying :

1. Take a look at some apps, such as the free BrainPop and the paid Crash Course, to learn more about what you are studying. In Seymour’s Science Adventure, I particularly like the interactive nature of the game.

2. It’s one of the coolest things about tablets that they have cameras that let you film yourself and then upload your videos for everyone to see. If it is a new technology for your parents as well, you can ask them to teach you.

3. Tablets are great for when you would like to do something different but still want easy access to your studies

• What is the best tablet to use every day?

The best tablet for everyday use is the iPad Air because it has many useful features that one would want to be able to do on their tablet, such as watching movies, sending emails, and playing games.

Watching shows or movies on the iPad Air is also possible thanks to its big screen. Moreover, the iPad Air has a high-resolution screen, so the movies or shows you are watching will have a lot of visual clarity..

• How do you choose between a laptop and a tablet for studying?

A laptop is best for studying because of its larger screen, which means your eyes won’t be strained.

A laptop also comes with a keyboard, so typing information on it is easier. Because a laptop display is larger than a tablet, you won’t need to strain your eyes when studying with one.

• What is the benefit of using a tablet over keeping physical notes and books?

There are a lot of messy and cumbersome things about books and papers. It can also be quite a tedious and stressful experience to carry them all day long. Over time it will cause distress to your shoulders and even worse, it may affect your career if anything goes missing.

With tablets, you can organize your entire research life into a slim, lightweight device that will store all your notes, books, and other documents in one single location. With cloud technology, you can also check them from any other device.

Giant backpacks and broken backs are a thing of the past. At least, as long as you make sure you don’t damage the tablet or let it go missing.

• What is the ideal amount of storage space for a tablet?

I have emphasized above that it really comes down to what you need. Although this is true, you should note that some tablets with less storage space are far more affordable.

If you are planning to use an external storage device or cloud storage, then you will have the opportunity to save money (apart from any subscription fees).

It should be fine to choose something like a 32GB device. For those planning not to use anything extra, I recommend you to go for the most storage space you can. Presentations, notes, and lectures have a tendency to pile up.

When you consider how research programs can last anywhere from three to five years on average, you can be sure that your devices will be clogged with data sooner or later.

Congratulations! You have reached the end of my review. I have now provided you with the best options for making your research working days as effortless and pleasant as possible for you.

Now that you know what would work best for you, it’s up to you which one would fit your needs the best. I hope you choose the best tablet according to your needs and reach the very heights of your career.

Ben Scott is a prominent technology journalist and reviewer, specializing in tablet devices. He is known for his comprehensive and unbiased reviews of tablets from various manufacturers. With a deep understanding of tablet technology, including hardware components, operating systems, and software applications, Scott provides clear and informative reviews accessible to readers of all levels of technical expertise. His attention to detail and in-depth analysis have earned him a loyal following of readers.

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Best student tablets 2024: top slates for work and play

The best student tablets for going back to school, college or university

Many of the best tablets on the market today absolutely can be used as a student laptop substitute. That's why we've created our best student tablets buying guide, which caters to every budget and intended usage scenario.

Today, more people than ever before are heading back to school, college or university equipped with a tablet and well-chosen accessories, over a traditional laptop. Students are instead choosing to go back to college with one of the best iPads for students , or a top slate running Android or Windows.

That's because the boundary between laptops, 2-in-1 laptops and tablets for students has completely blurred over the past few years, in power, functionality and even, accessories included, appearance and form factor.

Simply put, when most students are shopping on a budget, why would they not choose a product that can act as both a tablet and laptop? Well, they would if the experience offered by the tablet is compromised or poor in any way, but that is why we created this best student tablets buying guide – we make it easy for students to get the best, compromise-free slates that offer fantastic hybrid laptop/tablet experiences.

In this guide, we've got the best iPads, Android and Windows tablets that we feel are ideal for productivity, creativity, studying and entertainment for students headed back to school, university or college. So let's get stuck into the best tablets for students available today in 2024.

The best student tablets available to buy today

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

The latest Apple iPad Air should be the first tablet any student considers.

1. Apple iPad Air (2020)

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Our number one tablet recommendation for students is the latest Apple iPad Air , which as we make clear in our iPad Air (2020) vs iPad Pro (2020) comparison feature, delivers a fantastic tablet experience which, when partnered with Apple 's Magic Keyboard, a really strong laptop experience, too.

Another reason we recommend the Apple iPad Air to students is that it comes with Apple Pencil 2 support, which makes it a perfect companion to any learner who needs serious illustrating capabilities. From drawing and digital painting, to 3D model work, annotating and note taking, with the Apple iPad Air in your college bag you're covered.

As you would expect from a tablet that calls itself "Air", this tablet is also incredibly light and portable, meaning that it's no problem at all to lug around between classes and seminars. Setting it up also takes a matter of seconds and, thanks to a strong all-day battery life, students don't have to concern themselves with carrying around a power supply either. It's a super convenient hybrid.

In terms of out-and-out power, you get much stronger specs and hardware than the standard iPad, but not quite the full works that you get on the iPad Pro. And if you're a student that needs serious computational power for rendering, say, then this isn't the best choice, but for everything else it's the 'just right' product that we feel will be ideal for most students on the market in 2021.

Price-wise this choice isn't the cheapest, as we're recommending this definitely with the Magic Keyboard accessory (and ideally an Apple Pencil, too), and that needs to be factored in to the cost, but included we feel it is still affordable to most students.

The premium Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is the best student tablet in the world if money is no object.

2. Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021)

As we noted in our full iPad Pro (2021) 12.9-inch review , this is just Apple showing off. That's because the package that the new Apple iPad Pro delivers is, simply put, orders of magnitude greater than any other tablet on the market today. Seriously, nothing even gets close and if you're a student looking for a powerful tablet that can also act as a powerful laptop at college or university, and money isn't a consideration, then you simply should go buy the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021).

Highlights on this premium student tablet include a new mini-LED screen which is the best panel on any tablet, ever. The slate's M1 processor that is mind-blowingly fast and leaves many laptop processors dead and buried in terms of benchmarks. A stunning Magic Keyboard accessory that makes typing, even at length, a pleasurable experience. And on-board RAM and storage (up to 16GB and 2TB! respectively) that take on and best many laptops, too.

There's also a 12MP wide camera and 10MP ultra-wide installed, 2x optical and 5x digital zoom, panoramas up to 63MP and 4K video recording with five studio-quality microphones. So, without shadow of a doubt, with the iPad Pro you're covered for any virtual seminars, classes or lectures while studying, and you're even covered if you need to record professional video for coursework, too.

Seriously, we can't think of any student course where you'd need more portable computing power, from engineering to the sciences and on to mathematics. While that 12.9-inch mini-LED screen in partnership with an Apple Pencil is the top-shelf creative option for illustrators on the market, too. You're literally getting a system here that combines the very best of both the tablet and laptop market together.

Of course, the big caveat to an instant purchase is the price attached the Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch is its price, which is very high before you factor in purchasing extras like a Magic Keyboard and digital stylus. If you can afford it, though, then it's by far the best tablet for students.

The best student tablet in terms of value for money? That's the 10.2-inch iPad.

3. Apple iPad 10.2 (2020)

Completing a top three clean sweep for Apple in terms of student tablets is the latest  10.2-inch iPad. And there's very good reason for this, too, as despite the core hardware spec of this slate being beaten comfortably by Apple's other slates, it comes with support for both a keyboard cover accessory and Apple Pencil. As such, with both these accessories bagged you've got a system that can be used easily for typing and illustrating or note taking – ideal for the student life at college or university.

These traits make it a great fit for students who are looking for a lightweight computing system (we're talking about reading texts and papers, taking notes, writing emails and essays, and doodling up new designs), but due to the limited hardware power not a great fit for anyone who needs more.

For example, we wouldn't ideally want to write a 50,000 word dissertation on the Apple iPad, and you simply can't do any sort of remotely heavy duty photo or video editing, either. If you're a design student, for example, and need a system that can handle editing huge files or process raw video footage, then you're simply not catered for here.

If you're a student on a course where the vast majority of work is document and text  book based, though, then you've got a hybrid system him that can handle it during work time and then transition seamlessly into an entertainment device in the evening for streaming Netflix , checking social media and browsing the internet.

Want an Android slate at college or university? Then the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is a great choice.

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6

There's no escaping the fact that Apple has the tablet (and student tablet) market sewn up, but if you're an Android users and would prefer to shop from the wide-array of (typically cheaper) Android slates on the market then here at T3 we recommend Samsung as a brand to consider before any other.

Of Samsung's range of Android tablets we feel the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is the best choice for most students, as it delivers plenty of power without demanding a big pay packet. It's also really stylish in our opinion and, crucially for our recommendation, comes with an S Pen digital stylus included in the box . That's a huge bonus and makes this a much cheaper option for students.

The official Samsung keyboard cover for the Galaxy Tab S6 is also much cheaper than Apple's Magic Keyboard, meaning you can bag up a complete tablet with light laptop computing experience for, compared to the Apple iPad Air, for example, which this slate is very much a direct rival to, for noticeably less spend.

There's decent cameras onboard, too, capable of 4K video recording, and naturally as an Android tablet you have complete access to the Google Play app store, so you're 100 per cent covered for applications and games. The 10.5-inch, 1600 x 2560-pixel screen is obviously smaller than most laptops deliver but it's crisp and bright and, crucially for study, has a 16:10 aspect ratio, which is better for reading texts and writing essays.

You can also bag the Galaxy Tab S6 in both a Wi-Fi only and 4G LTE variant, meaning that if desired you can load it with a mobile data connection for true all-places study. We'd say most students will probably be OK with the Wi-Fi only model, though, as almost all schools, colleges and universities have their own student Wi-Fi networks now.

Overall, then, a great student tablet that also can easily deliver a strong light computing laptop experience, too.

Another seriously sleek Android tablet to take a look at. 

5. Google Pixel Tablet

Unlike other tablets on this list, Google's flagship comes with a dock included in the box, so you can mount the tablet in your communal kitchen, living room, or wherever you wish. That helps to make it more open, ideal as a home hub-style device for the whole household. 

When removed from that dock this tablet still offers brilliant battery life and all the flagship power that Google delivers from its own Tensor chipset. The 11-inch display is ample, with a decent resolution, although its refresh rate isn't class-leading stuff and not everyone will want a tablet that's largely designed for the dock. 

As we say in our Pixel Tablet review : "Google's hardware is on point, its proposition is different, and [the company] can still make a killer tablet. But as the wannabe hub of your home ... it's hard to see who this new slate is really aimed at – especially at this price point."

How to choose the best student tablet for you

When deciding which student tablet is right for you we feel you have to ask yourself two key things: firstly, do you want a tablet first and laptop second or a laptop first and tablet second, and then once that is decided, what are your actual needs in terms of computing performance?

Many students prove their knowledge and progress on their course by reading literature and then writing essays about them, and for that level of computing any tablet with keyboard accessory is likely adequate. However, as soon as you start to need more serious computing out of a tablet, such as for image of video editing, rendering, number crunching or processing, then many tablets just won't cut it.

And then, if you're a student on a creative course at college and you need to be able to product digital art, illustrations, 3D models or annotated schematics, you need a tablet with a good touchscreen and digital stylus, as trust us when we say this, not all screens and styli are made equal. The last thing you want is a horrible delay on your actions, but that's what you can end up with if you're not careful.

As such, be sure to enter in to a tablet purchase with your eyes open to your needs, as well as just what performance the slate (especially in a laptop mode) and its accessories offer.

For example, if you're a film student and need to edit lots of 4K HDR video, then even an iPad Pro probably isn't powerful enough for your needs, and it certainly doesn't deliver a screen size that is optimal for video editing. While, as fast modern tablets can be, if you're an engineering student who needs to crunch big numbers and render big models, again, you're going to need a flagship tablet or, most likely, a full blown laptop.

• These are the best laptops for engineering students

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Rob has been writing about computing, gaming, mobile, home entertainment technology, toys (specifically Lego and board games), smart home and more for over 15 years. As the editor of PC Gamer, and former Deputy Editor for T3.com, you can find Rob's work in magazines, bookazines and online, as well as on podcasts and videos, too. Outside of his work Rob is passionate about motorbikes, skiing/snowboarding and team sports, with football and cricket his two favourites. 

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What Is the Best Tablet for Schoolwork in 2024?

Students have used laptops as their productivity machines and schoolwork companions for the longest time. Laptops have long been the most convenient way to get a variety of digital tasks done, considering just how many apps and programs are available.

But as the years have passed, technology has only continued to grow. These days, you have tablets that are becoming more and more powerful with capabilities that can exceed some laptops’ . They also come in various price points to suit different needs.

Which is the best tablet for schoolwork for you?

If you’re here thinking about switching to a tablet (or supplementing your laptop with one), you’re in the right place. This buying guide gives tips and tricks to help you choose the best tablet for school.

Read on to learn everything you need to know!

Disclosure: The GradCafe is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Our Top Tablets for Students

If you just want to know our recommendations for the best tablets for grad school, you can check out the three products below. We included tablets at different price ranges using different operating systems to ensure there’s something for everyone!

Why Use a Tablet for Schoolwork?

As you’re preparing for grad school , one of the things you may find yourself wondering is what kind of tools you should use for your studies.

If you’re on the fence about using a tablet for schoolwork, you may be wondering why you should bother making the switch. There are a few reasons why tablets can be better, though there are also several reasons why you may be better off with one of the best laptops for grad school .

Let’s look at some points and counterpoints for tablets below:

There are many other reasons why a tablet might be better for you than a laptop. And there are also several reasons you might benefit from supplementing your laptop with an affordable student tablet. It all depends on your needs and study habits .

Key Things to Consider When Buying a Tablet for Studying

As you’re searching for the best tablet for graduate students, there are quite a few things you may want to consider. Tablets come in different sizes, capacities, and price ranges, so it won’t do to just pick a random one and hope it works. If you’re wondering what factors you need to consider in your search, start with the criteria below:

In any purchase, one of the first things you should consider is your budget or how much you are willing to spend. The same applies when you’re hunting for the best tablet for school. Figuring out your budget at the very beginning is a great way to make the decision easier for yourself. Use your budget to narrow your pool of options and begin selecting a tablet out of the remaining choices.

Is It a Laptop Replacement?

As you shop around for tablets, you should ask yourself whether you intend for the slate to be your main (and only) productivity machine. Your product choice may affect whether you intend to buy a tablet to replace a laptop or supplement one.

If you intend to use your tablet as your main machine, you may need to go for a higher-end product with more powerful specifications capable of handling everything you’ll need with a little room to grow.

Portability

Many will tell you that one of the biggest draws of a tablet is how portable it can be. Indeed, it’s easier to bring a tablet around as it is often lighter and slimmer than a laptop. However, some student tablets are more portable than others.

While searching for the right product, look for one that is just the right size and weight for your needs. Find a balance between size, weight, and display size, as you won’t always want to compromise on your screen size. Remember that tablets can and will get thicker or heavier depending on your protective case (if you choose to use one).

Battery Life

Most tablets have batteries capable of lasting at least your entire workday. Depending on your usage habits, some can even last more than a day. Look for a tablet with enough battery life to last as long as you need between charges.

The good news is that most tablets can also charge from standard power banks, as long as they have enough Power Delivery. And so, even if you run out of battery at an inopportune time, you can always just plug it into your handy power pack.

Note that some more powerful tablets, such as the iPad Pro or the Microsoft Surface Pro 8, will not be able to charge from all power banks. If you’re shopping for power banks, always ensure that it has enough wattage or Power Delivery to charge your device before purchasing it.

For some, a tablet’s display is simply a means to an end. For others, it needs to be a beautiful portal to the internet and entertainment. Most tablets have at least a full HD (FHD) resolution (1920 x 1080 or 1080p), while others have higher. On the other hand, some of the more affordable devices have resolutions slightly lower than FHD. There are also the refresh rate (i.e., 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz) and overall screen brightness (nits).

One thing that you should come to expect is that the better quality a display is, the more you’ll have to pay. For most average users, a 60Hz screen that’s bright enough for outdoor use (350-500+ nits) is enough. However, if you want a nicer screen or are a creative who needs color accuracy, you’ll need to look for tablets that suit your needs.

Connectivity

Your tablet needs to be able to connect to the internet, either by Wi-Fi or 4G/LTE/5G. You should also be able to connect to devices via Bluetooth.

Most tablets will have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth by default. However, if you want 4G/LTE/5G connectivity for mobile internet on the go, you’ll need to pay a premium for tablets with the feature. You can always use your phone as a hotspot if you need internet while out and about.

Operating System

Tablets come in a few operating systems. There may also be other more obscure operating systems, though these are the most common:

• Windows S version

Each operating system comes with its pros and cons. Generally, the biggest thing you’ll have to worry about is app availability and compatibility. Choose a device with the OS you prefer most.

Alternatively, if you already have a device using a certain OS, you can continue buying into that ecosystem. For example, if you already have an iPhone, an iPad is your best bet as you already have iCloud, and Apple devices tend to work together smoothly.

Can You Print with It?

One of the biggest things you’ll have to consider as you choose the best tablet for college is whether it can connect with a printer. Undoubtedly, as a student, you will need to print some course materials or schoolwork at one point or another. So as you consider your options, always ask if it’s going to be easy to print with the device or if it will give you trouble.

Luckily most modern tablets have Bluetooth connectivity to allow you to connect to Bluetooth-enabled printers directly. You can also connect to WiFi-enabled printers. At worst, you can use a USB OTG adapter  to connect your printer via a USB-A connection.

Do You Want a Stylus?

Last but not least, ask yourself if you want a stylus. Most tablets with capacitative touchscreen displays can use universal styli.

However, some tablets use proprietary or special third-party styli. These styli tend to be more sensitive and can be used in drawing or painting, design, note-taking, annotation, and more.

A great example of proprietary styli is the Apple Pencil (Gen 1 and 2) or the Galaxy S Pen. Note that some tablets will come with a bundled stylus, but most require you to purchase the stylus separately.

Read More:   The Best Master’s in Computer Science Programs

Best tablet for schoolwork: 2024 contenders, special mention: apple ipads.

When you ask the question “what is the best tablet for university students?” you’ll almost inevitably get an iPad as an answer — and for a good reason. There are currently five  iPad models available for sale. These models are the iPad (9th Generation), the iPad Mini (6th Generation), the iPad Air (5th Generation), the 11-inch iPad Pro (5th Generation), and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th generation).

These iPads are good tablets for school and are fantastic choices for those who want to stay within the Apple ecosystem. We would even say that the 10.9-inch iPad Air 5th Generation (2022)  is one of the best tablets for students.

The 10.9-inch iPad Air (2022)

If the iPads are so good, why aren’t they on this list?

Well, because we believe the iPads are some of the best tablets for students, we’ve dedicated an entire article to them here: What is the Best iPad for Students in 2024?  If you’re in the market for an Apple tablet, you can read our in-depth guide to help you choose yours.

Now that we’ve mentioned the iPads let’s talk about the rest of the best tablets for graduate students below.

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5  – Best Chrome OS 2-in-1 Tablet for Students

Our Rating: 4.4/5

Specifications

• Operating System : Chrome OS
• Display : 13.3” Full HD Touchscreen (Samsung OLED), 400 nits brightness, DCI-P3 color gamut
• Processor : Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 (SC7180)
• Graphics Processor : Integrated Qualcomm Adreno GPU
• Cameras : Front 5MP FHD 1080p; Back 8MP FHD 1080p
• Reported Battery Life : Up to 15 hours
• Size and Weight : 12.05” x 7.32” x 0.27”; 4.09 lbs
• Memory : 4GB
• Storage : 64GB; not expandable (no microSD card slot)
• Connectivity : Bluetooth, WiFi, 2 x USB-C ports, 3.5mm jack
• Included accessories : Keyboard and folio case

The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 is the only tablet on this list running Chrome OS. Chrome OS is a robust operating system that has many benefits  (and some drawbacks). One of the biggest drawbacks is that you’ll have to rely pretty heavily on an internet connection, but that’s not too much of a problem these days.

This tablet offers excellent value for money and already comes with its own case and keyboard. It has a beautiful OLED touchscreen display, and you can purchase a stylus separately.

• Already comes with a keyboard and case
• Decently powerful internals allows most tasks
• Good battery life
• 2 USB ports
• Good and large display at an affordable price
• Case can feel a bit cheap
• Not expandable, no microSD card slot (requires you to purchase external storage or use cloud storage)
• Chrome OS can have limitations
• On the heavy side

Lenovo Tab P11 Plus (with Keyboard and Pen)  – Best Complete Android Tablet Kit

Our Rating: 4.5/5

• Operating System : Android 11
• Display : 11” 2K (2000 x 1200) IPS display, 400 nits brightness
• Processor : Octa-Core MediaTek Helio G90T Tab
• Graphics Processor : Mali-G76 MC4
• Cameras : Front 8MP Wide FHD; Back 13MP Wide Auto-Focus (AF) FHD
• Size and Weight : 10.17” x 6.42” x 0.3”; 1.08 lbs (without the keyboard and pen)
• Memory : 6GB
• Storage : 128GB; Expandable via microSD card slot
• Connectivity : Bluetooth, WiFi, 1 x USB-C port
• Included accessories : (with this bundle) Keyboard and Lenovo Precision Pen 2 (4,096 pressure levels, tilt detection)

The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is a great Android tablet for students with a beautiful screen and powerful internals, and this particular bundle with the keyboard and pen just makes it even better. The bundled Lenovo Precision Pen 2 has pressure and tilt sensitivity. Although it won’t beat the Apple Pencil, it certainly performs comparably enough that we can suggest this tablet as an option for budding artists or hobbyists who want to start with digital art. It’s also a great tool for note-taking. At 11 inches, the display is also large enough for comfortable reading and annotating.

• Beautiful display
• Affordable bundle with keyboard and pen
• Good budget alternative to Apple iPads for creatives (thanks to the stylus)
• Decent battery life
• Cameras are so-so
• No guarantee you’ll get Android updates after Android 12

Amazon Fire HD 8  – Best Tablet to Supplement a Laptop

Our Rating: 4.3/5

• Operating System : Fire OS 7
• Display : 8” 800 x 1280 px IPS LCD at 184 pixels per inch (PPI)
• Processor : Quad-Core MediaTek MT8168
• Graphics Processor : Mali-G52 MC1
• Cameras : Front 2MP; Back 2MP
• Reported Battery Life : Up to 12 hours
• Size and Weight : 7.95” x 5.39” x 0.38”; 0.78 lbs
• Memory : 2GB
• Storage : 32GB or 64GB; Expandable via microSD card slot
• Connectivity : WiFi, Bluetooth, 1 x USB-C port, 3.5mm jack
• Included accessories : None

The Amazon Fire HD 8 won’t blow your socks off, but for what it is, it can do its job well. We recommend this tablet to students who already have a laptop and just want the best tablet for education — or the cheapest, anyway. You can use any capacitative  stylus  with the Fire HD 8 to make taking notes much easier. You can also connect a keyboard via Bluetooth.

This tablet won’t be the most powerful, but the price is truly unbeatable! Although we happily recommend this tablet to those on a tight budget, we do not recommend this tablet to those who are looking for a laptop replacement.

• Extremely affordable
• Extra portable and lightweight due to its size
• Capable enough of word processing and basic productivity tasks for school
• Decent entertainment tablet
• Expandable storage
• Looks and feels somewhat cheap
• Display is just okay
• Cameras are just okay
• Starting to age
• Fire OS has some limitations

Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (with Keyboard and Microsoft 365)  – Best Affordable Productivity Bundle

• Display : 10.1” 1920 x 1200 px, 224 PPI, IPS LCD
• Processor : Octa-Core Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T
• Graphics Processor : Mali-G72 MP3
• Cameras : Front 2MP 720p; Back 5MP 720p
• Reported Battery Life : About 10 hours
• Size and Weight : 9.72” x 6.54” x 0.36”; 1.03 lbs
• Connectivity : Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 1 x USB-C port, 3.5mm jack
• Included accessories : (with this bundle) Keyboard and Microsoft Office 365 for one year

Amazon’s Fire HD 10 Plus is the top end of the company’s affordable tablet line. It features a 10.1” display at 224 PPI, and while it won’t impress too much, it’s certainly more than enough. Like the Fire HD 8, this tablet works with any universal or capacitative stylus, so you can choose to use one to help make taking notes easier .

This bundle comes with a keyboard and a 12-month subscription to Microsoft Office 265 to get you started. However, once this subscription runs out, you’ll either have to re-subscribe or find an alternative productivity suite.

• Affordable productivity bundle for schoolwork
• Decent-sized screen and decent display
• Lightweight and portable
• Middling battery life

Microsoft Surface Go 3  – Best Affordable Windows Tablet

Our Rating: 4/5

• Operating System : Windows 11 S
• Display : 10.5” 1920 x 1280 PixelSense Display, 220 PPI
• Processor : Dual-Core Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y or Dual-Core Intel Core i3-10100Y
• Graphics Processor : Intel® UHD Graphics 615
• Cameras : Front 5MP; Back 8MP AF 1080p
• Reported Battery Life : Around 8 hours
• Size and Weight : 9.65” × 6.9” × 0.33”; 1.2 lbs (1.22 with LTE)
• Memory : 4GB or 8GB
• Storage : 64GB, 128GB; expandable via microSD slot
• Connectivity : WiFi, Bluetooth, 1 x USB-C, 1 x Surface Connect port, 3.5mm jack, Optional LTE (additional cost)

The Surface Go 3 is a decently powerful tablet for students with a significant advantage: it runs Windows. Granted, it runs Windows 11 S, which is designed for security and only allows downloads from the Microsoft app store. Many are okay with this, but if you’d like more control and flexibility, you can switch out of S mode  (this switch is permanent).

We’d say this is the best tablet for students looking for a laptop replacement.  The Surface Go 3 can handle most productivity tasks, though you can’t expect heavy multitasking on its specs.

Although this tablet is compatible with Microsoft’s Surface Pen, you must purchase the pen separately. The keyboard is also an additional purchase.

• An affordable tablet running Windows 11 S
• More flexibility and control than Android or Chrome OS tablets
• Decently powerful internals
• LTE option available
• Up to 128 GB storage; expandable
• Keyboard and stylus must be purchased separately
• Battery life is just okay
• Surface Connect port is practically useless (beyond charging) unless you use proprietary accessories

Microsoft Surface Pro 8  – Best Windows Tablet for Power Users

Our Rating:

• Operating System : Windows 11 Home
• Display : 13” 2880 x 1920 PixelSense Flow, Adaptive Color, 60Hz default up to 120Hz
• Processor : Quad-core 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 or Quad-core 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1185G7 Processor; if you select 256GB storage and up the processors are built on the Intel Evo platform
• Graphics Processor : Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Cameras : Front 5MP FHD; Back 10MP FHD AF with 4K Video
• Size and Weight : 11.3” x 8.2” x 0.37”; 1.96 lbs
• Memory : 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB
• Storage : 128 GB or 256 GB removable SSD options; 512GB or 1TB SSDs
• Connectivity : WiFi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm jack, 1 x Surface Connect port, Surface type cover port, 2 x USB-C/Thunderbolt 4

If you’re looking for a full-on laptop replacement, look no further than the Microsoft Surface Pro 8. This tablet can do anything you want a laptop to do because it runs Windows 11 Home. You may wince at the price, but for what you get, it can be well worth it. You will still need to purchase the keyboard and stylus separately, so prepare to spend a bit more!

However, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is one of the best products Microsoft has released.

There is some speculation that Microsoft may release the Surface Pro 9 in October of this year.

• Very configurable
• Plenty of ports for connectivity
• SSDs can be upgraded, but at your own risk
• Cameras and display are great
• Can definitely be a full laptop replacement
• Keyboard and pen sold separately
• Although the internals are pretty powerful, gaming is so-so

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8  – Best Tablet for Grad School Overall

Our Rating: 5/5

• Operating System : Android 12
• Display : 11” TFT LCD, 2560 x 1600 px, 274 PPI, 120Hz
• Processor : Octa-Core Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
• Graphics Processor : Adreno 730
• Cameras : Front 12 MP, f/2.4 ultra-wide; Back Dual — 13MP f/2.0 wide AF, 6MP f/2.2 ultra-wide
• Reported Battery Life : Over 12 hours
• Size and Weight : 9.99” x 6.51” x 0.25”; 1.11 lbs
• Memory : 8GB or 12GB (with 256GB storage)
• Storage : 128GB or 256GB, expandable via microSD slot
• Connectivity : WiFi, Bluetooth, 1 x USB-C port; Optional LTE (additional cost)
• Included accessories : Samsung S Pen (stylus)

Our choice for the best tablet for graduate school is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8. This tablet features a beautiful screen and powerful internals running Android 12. It also has the best cameras out of all the devices on this list.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 comes with a Samsung S Pen, so you can already start taking handwritten notes right out of the box. This capable tablet can do most productivity tasks, though it will run into limitations with the Android OS.

If you want even more power and better specs, you can try the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus , though it does cost a fair bit more.

• Beautiful design and amazing screen
• Decent cameras
• Battery life is pretty good for a tablet of this size
• Comes with a stylus
• No keyboard case included
• For similar prices, you can get an iPad Air or Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

What tablet is best for schoolwork.

Our choice for the best tablet for graduate students is easily the iPad Air (2022). Coming in with a tie is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, which offers similar functionalities to the Android operating system.

What Is the Best Tablet for Homeschooling?

It depends on the level of schooling and the type of lessons to be taught. In our opinion, the tablets below are good options for various budgets and operating systems:

• Amazon Fire 10 HD (Plus)
• Microsoft Surface Go 3
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

Are Tablets Good for Schoolwork?

The best tablets for school can help you get all your schoolwork done while simultaneously condensing all your school and course materials in one handy device. Tablets are extremely portable, great for taking notes, and can help minimize distractions as you study. However, you’ll need to choose the right device for you.

Is a Tablet Better Than a Laptop for Students?

It depends. A tablet is more than enough if you don’t need to use your tablet for more than general productivity work like word processing, emailing, reading and annotating textbooks, research, printing, and making notes. However, if you’ll need access to certain types of software available on laptops during your studies, choose a laptop instead.

In the past few years, tablets have become more powerful and capable devices. Gone are the days when tablets were most often used for entertainment. Now, with many devices offering powerful internals and capable operating systems, it’s possible to find a tablet to replace a laptop or computer forever.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8  is the best tablet for the money. For most students, this will be a great tool that won’t break your bank.

We hope this buying guide has helped you find the best tablet for schoolwork! If you think we missed a product that should be on this list, let us know in the comments below!

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Chriselle Sy

Chriselle has been a passionate professional content writer for over 10 years. She writes educational content for The Grad Cafe, Productivity Spot, The College Monk, and other digital publications.  When she isn't busy writing, she spends her time streaming video games and learning new skills.

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The best tablets for college students in 2023

These tablets offer all the power a college student needs in a portable package.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

Tablets made for college students offer the power and usability of a laptop with the versatility and portability of a much smaller device. Whether you’re researching topics, typing up essays, making presentations, or using design tools, choosing the right tablet for college can make all the difference. These devices excel when taking notes, reading textbooks, and staying organized. However, with so many options available on the market, it can be a daunting task. We’ve scoured the internet to make our list, considering factors such as battery life, screen size, processing power, and price. Whether you’re a freshman, a senior, or a parent shopping for your college-aged child, our comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision when selecting the best tablets for college students. 

Best overall: Apple iPad Air M1

• Best lightweight: iPad Mini (2021)  
• Best Android: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
• Best laptop replacement: Microsoft Surface 9 Pro  
• Best budget: Amazon Fire 10 HD  

How we picked the best tablets for college students

Tablets truly lend themselves to college work. They’re easy to carry around, offer tons of battery life, typically cost less the high-powered laptops, and they pull double duty as content consumption devices. In our quest for the perfect tablet for college students, we surveyed the entire tablet market from major manufacturers. There are tons of cheap and less-reliable options out there, but for a device that’s going to be so crucial to work and recreation, we want to recommend something durable and reliable.

We relied on a mixture of research, personal experience, spec comparisons, user reviews, and editorial opinions to come up with a list of devices that offer a solid mix of price and performance. We also gave extra credit to devices that work with a wide variety of accessories, so they’re easier to customize to a student’s own personal requirements.

The best tablets for college students: Reviews & Recommendations

The iPad may seem like the obvious choice here (and it is for a number of users), but needs vary and so do devices. Here are some options to consider before you plunk down that college cash.

Mike Epstein

Why it made the cut: With their iPad, Apple has cornered the tablet market for good reason. The iPad Air M1 is simply a great piece of tech. Slimline, powerful, and equipped with a powerful camera, this is our top-rated choice.

• Display Size: 10.9-inch
• Storage: 64GB/256GB
• CPU: Apple M1
• Lightweight
• Great design

With the additional choice of a Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (sold separately), the iPad Air M1 is capable of handling almost any academic task. Apple Pencil allows you to mark up documents, draw, or take notes, which are then translated from your handwriting into typed notes ready to share or save to the cloud. The Magic Keyboard has a trackpad and responsive keyboard to take your tablet to the next level and make typing comfortable even during those seemingly endless classes.

Thanks to its M1 chip, it’s a performance powerhouse with speeds up to 60 percent faster than previous generation models. The liquid retina display and 8-core GPU provide crisp images and fast graphics across video calls, gaming, content creation, and design apps. An impressive 12-megapixel camera includes an automatic pan feature to keep you in shot no matter how fast you move around. The back camera is perfect for scanning documents and shooting videos. It comes in five colors and boasts long-lasting battery life.

Particularly power-hungry students could step up to the iPad Pro to get even more processing oomph and an upgraded screen. While the upgrades are nice, they’re likely only necessary for students who want to do a ton of media creation or other resource-intensive activities.

Best lightweight: iPad Mini (2021)

Why it made the cut: Small but perfectly formed, this handheld tablet features an edge-to-edge screen and vivid colors. Ideally suited for note-taking with the optional Apple Pencil that magnetically attaches to the side of the screen.

• Display Size: 8.3″
• CPU: Apple A15 Bionic
• Touch ID-enabled
• Very compact and portable size
• Sharp display
• No headphone jack

This very small and portable tablet slips easily into your bag or even a pocket. It fits comfortably in the hand but offers a better screen size and performance than simply using your cell phone. Gameplay, photo editing, and content creation are more than possible because of the impressive A15 bionic chip. You’ll be able to stream content without slowdowns and download quickly with 5G connectivity . You won’t be able to use the magic keyboard with this size iPad but can use it with a separate Bluetooth keyboard to expand its use beyond simple note-taking or entertainment. 

Available in four elegant muted colors including space gray, pink, light purple, or starlight, a champagne tone. Choose from a range of complementary different color smart folios (sold separately) to suit your unique style. The 12MP webcam helps you stay in touch with family back home or log in for virtual classes or group seminars. 

Why it made the cut: Fast speeds, impressive battery life, and a large screen make the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 a great choice for students who prefer Android products. 

• Display Size: 12.4”
• Storage: 8 GB/128 GB
• Weight: 17.6 ounces
• Included S pen  
• Large storage included in the base model
• Bright screen

Unlike Apple tablets, this option’s base model comes with an included S pen and 128GB storage, making it a great value choice without having to purchase additional products and extra memory. It has a large and bright display featuring a 12.4-inch AMOLED screen. The battery life helps you work, and watch for hours, and when you do find it running low, it recharges at a lightning speed. 

Expect beautiful graphics with high resolution, and super quick processing speeds to make all your school tasks, including content creation, photo editing, surfing the web, and lab work easy to complete. If the included 128GB isn’t enough space for your documents, photos, and schoolwork, the micro-SD card slot allows for further upgrades. The ultra-wide camera produces great shots and clear video calls for remote learning or catching up with friends. Choose from three colors, including graphite, silver, and pink gold.

Best laptop replacement: Microsoft Surface 9 Pro

Why it made the cut: A true replacement for even the top laptops for college , this powerful and versatile tablet offers excellent gameplay and graphics with a high-resolution display for a premium experience. 

• Display Size: 13”
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• Weight: 31.3 ounces
• Preloaded with Windows 11 
• 1080p webcam
• Excellent performance
• Very expensive

This incredibly capable and powerful tablet can easily replace a laptop and make an excellent investment for academic use. The responsive and comfortable keyboard allows for extended typing and note-taking during lectures. A stylus is available for a separate purchase and it comes equipped with Windows 11. Although it is one of the more expensive tablets reviewed, it really offers the most bang for your buck and is regularly on sale for discounts of at least a couple of hundred dollars of the list price. 

The battery can last an incredible 15.5 hours, more than enough for class use and homework after hours. The versatile edge-to-edge touchscreen and adjustable built-in kickstand ensure you get the perfect angle for media viewing or video calls. The two USB-C ports allow you to transfer documents, dock to monitors, or connect and charge various devices and accessories, so you’re ready for any task.

Best budget: Amazon Fire 10 HD

Why it made the cut: This budget-friendly option makes a great educational addition if you already have a more powerful laptop for most of your school work.

• Display Size: 10.1″
• Storage: 32GB/64GB
• Weight: 16.4 ounces
• Affordable 
• Compatible with Alexa
• Good battery life
• Not compatible with Google apps

Perfect for loading up books, and after-class entertainment, this affordable tablet is more than worth the modest investment of less than $150. The battery life of up to 12 hours works well for a day of learning, followed by surfing the web or watching your favorite shows. 

This tablet doesn’t support Google products so you’ll need to switch over from G drive and docs to the Microsoft Office suite of products if applicable. Compatible with Alexa straight out of the box, it can also be used as an organizer and personal assistant. Optional extras include Bluetooth keyboards and standing cases to improve functionality and ease of use. 

This tablet is definitely not the most powerful or responsive around, but at this very low price point, it makes an excellent option for cash-strapped students. It can also work as a solid secondary device for consuming content and reading (textbooks or anything else) to save wear and tear as well as battery life on a main device.

Things to consider before buying the best tablets for college students

Assess your needs.

When you’re selecting any of our top tablet picks , you’ll want to make sure your tablet works well with all the apps and platforms you regularly use. For example, if you prefer a particular data management, file storage, or design program, you’ll want to make sure your new tablet is compatible. The way you intend to use your tablet will also dictate which model you opt for. For example, you’ll want to consider whether you need a keyboard if you intend to play games or stream movies, and your preferred screen size for optimum viewing comfort.

Price 

Students are often on a budget, so the cost of your new tablet is an important consideration. Luckily, there are lots of choices for top tablets under $500 . However, that doesn’t always mean the cheapest option is the best. Consider how you’ll use your new piece of hardware and how long you want it to keep working to make sure you plan ahead and buy the best model to meet your needs and price point.

Q: How much does a tablet for a college student cost?

Depending on features and storage size, a tablet for a college student will cost between $135-$1,350.

Q: Do students need keyboards for their tablets?

It really depends on how you’ll be using your tablet. If you intend it as an addition to a laptop, a keyboard may not be essential. However, if it’s your only way of taking notes and completing coursework, a keyboard may be a must-have feature. 

Q: Do tablets come with pre-installed operating systems?

Whether you choose Windows, Android, or Apple iOS products, most tablets come preloaded with their associated operating system. 

Q: Do I get a pencil for a tablet?

The touchscreen on tablets allows you to swipe, enlarge and control what you see on the screen with your hands. However, a stylus or pencil can give you more control and opens a world of design and artistic possibilities. They can also be very useful for photo editing, especially very fine and small details.

Final thoughts on the best tablets for college students

• Best overall: iPad Air M1 – Apple
• Best for Windows: Microsoft Surface 9 Pro  

Balance your needs as a student with price concerns, and make sure your tablet pick is lightweight and easy to transport from your dorm to the classroom and back again. Tablets can be an excellent choice for college students, especially as many of our top picks are powerful devices capable of research, data management, and content creation to help you meet all your academic targets. 

Why trust us

Popular Science  started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

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10 Best Tablets for Students in 2022 (Plus Discounts!)

Valuable tools for learning, reading, and fun!

Tablets have become important learning tools for kids, and there are a lot of options out there to choose from. When it comes to the best tablets for students, a lot will depend on their age and what they’ll be using it for. iPads are popular favorites in learning environments, and you’ll find three different options on our list. We’ve also rounded up good laptop replacements as well as bargain picks that still get the job done. All of these are terrific for learning apps, streaming media, and playing games, so kids will love them!

(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)

All of Apple’s iPad offerings are among the best tablets for students, so it’s really a matter of deciding which one is right for you. The new iPad Air is a terrific fit for pretty much any student. The 10.9-inch screen is big enough to see well, yet small and light enough to be portable. Plus the anti-reflective coating means you’ll be able to read it in even the brightest sunlight. Apple’s new M1 chip and other improvements are especially noticeable in graphics and video programs.

Discounts: Shop through the Apple Education Store for exclusive student discounts. Plus, check out their 2022 back-to-school deals for gift cards and discounts on Apple Care .

• Buy iPad Air on Apple | Buy iPad Air on Amazon

For younger kids (or smaller budgets), try the iPad Mini. The smaller size is easier for little hands, but you still get the full functionality of a larger tablet. One of the nice benefits of an iPad is built-in programs like FaceTime, which lets kids stay in touch with family and friends without needing their own phone. You get up to 10 hours battery life on a single charge, so kids can count on a full day’s use.

• Buy iPad Mini on Apple | Buy iPad Mini on Amazon

If you’re thinking about using a tablet as a 2-in-1 laptop replacement, upgrade to the iPad Pro 12.9-inch. Add on a keyboard cover, and you’ll have the best of both worlds. The Pro boasts the new M1 chip, giving it super-fast performance, and the 12MP camera has an ultra-wide option, which is great for online classes or filming projects. Long battery life and a full suite of built-in apps make this a top-notch choice for Apple loyalists.

• Buy iPad Pro on Apple | Buy iPad Pro on Amazon

Kindle Fire HD 8

If you’re looking for a bargain tablet, the Kindle Fire HD 8 is an excellent choice. It’s especially great for kids who love to read, but you can also find a wide array of apps (free and paid) on the Amazon App Store. Learning apps, games, streaming options—they’re all here. Kindle Fires use the Silk Browser to access the internet, which can sometimes feel a little limiting, but for the price, this tablet can’t be beat.

Discounts: Amazon doesn’t offer education discounts, but Kindle Fire tablets go on sale regularly, sometimes as much as 50% off, so keep an eye out.

• Buy Kindle Fire HD 8 on Amazon

Kindle Fire HD 8 Kids Pro

If you’re interested in a Kindle for younger kids (pre-K and elementary age), pay a little extra for the HD 8 Kids Pro version. It includes a case that makes the tablet easier to hold, and offers drop-proof protection. In fact, if your child manages to break it in the first two years, Amazon will replace it for free! Kids have access to a digital store, but they must send all purchase requests to their parents for approval first. Plus, you get a free year’s worth of Amazon Kids+, with thousands of ad-free books, games, and learning apps.

• Buy Kindle Fire HD 8 Kids Pro on Amazon

Microsoft Surface Go 3

In the world of Android-based tablets, the Microsoft Surface line is a common favorite. Their full-featured tablets include the ability to add access to the Microsoft 365 suite of apps, like Word and PowerPoint. Battery life lasts up to 11 hours, pretty standard for tablets these days. The cameras aren’t as good as the iPad’s, but they’ll still serve students well for online classes and video chatting.

Discounts: Shop through the Microsoft Education Store for the best student discounts.

• Buy Surface Go 3 on Microsoft | Buy Surface Go 3 on Amazon

Microsoft Surface Pro 8

If you’re in the market for a laptop replacement, add on the keyboard cover to the Surface Pro 8 and you’re good to go. This is our favorite tablet for kids who love to create. The included Slim Pen 2 slots into the tablet for charging, so it’s always handy for drawing, painting, writing, or other creative outlets. Battery life is outstanding at up to 16 hours, and the 13-inch screen size is easy on the eyes.

• Buy the Surface Pro 8 on Microsoft | Buy the Surface Pro 8 on Amazon

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite

We do love a pad with an included pen, especially for younger kids who need to practice handwriting. The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is an affordable option, with stellar battery life at up to 13 hours. Like the Surface, this tablet has decent (but not top-end) cameras, good enough for most student needs. If your student happens to have a Galaxy phone as well, they can sync apps across devices, which is a nice touch.

Discounts: Visit the Samsung Education Offer page for current deals and discounts.

• Buy Galaxy Tab S6 Lite on Samsung | Buy Galaxy Tab S6 Lite on Amazon

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+

The bigger screen, better cameras, and faster processor make this a worthy upgrade from the S6 Lite. The S Pen is still included, and by adding a keyboard cover, you’ll have a nice 2-in-1 laptop replacement. Note that Galaxy Tabs don’t have a headphone jack, so you’ll need to buy wireless earbuds or an adapter to fit the USB-C slot.

• Buy Galaxy Tab S8+ on Samsung | Buy Galaxy Tab S8+ on Amazon

Lenovo Tab M8 HD

Here’s a bargain tablet for kids that’s not a Kindle. Lenovo’s offering costs much less than most other picks on this list, but it packs a pretty big punch. The battery life is as good as (or better than) any of the others, it’s light and portable, and it even includes a headphone jack. The cameras are on the low-end but perfectly acceptable for video chats or online classes. This is an excellent starter tablet or a nice-add on for students who already have laptops but want something even smaller to carry around.

Discounts: Shop through Lenovo’s Students and Teachers page for discounts and deals.

• Buy Lenovo Tab M8 HD on Lenovo | Buy Lenovo Tab M8 HD on Amazon

Have more questions about the best tablets for students? Ask for advice on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out 100+ free apps for students in junior high and high school ., you might also like.

Your Quick Guide to the Best Tablets for Teachers

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Which iPad should you buy for college students?

The iPad has revolutionized learning and has become a staple device in many students’ lives. My iPad is one of the best devices I have used for college to date, making it easy to take notes, mark up PDFs, and watch online classes. The majority of iPads will work for most students, however, it ultimately comes down to your budget and what features are important to you.

Let’s review our options so that you can decide which iPad will best suit your college needs. Keep an eye out at the end of this article for information about Apple’s current education promotion as well as its year-round education discount.

The ninth-generation iPad is the most affordable option in Apple’s lineup with prices starting at $329. It’s the iPad I currently use as a graduate student, and I have been impressed with its long battery life. And at 10.2-inches, it is the perfect size to take notes on. The outdated design shouldn’t deter you as the device is plenty capable for internet browsing, video calls with Center Stage , note-taking, gaming, drawing, and much more. There are two storage options, 64GB and 256GB, which is generally enough for most users. It’s a bit slow when you need to multitask but still powers through with the A13 chip. If you’re not a power user, the iPad can do more than enough for you. The ninth-generation iPad is the best for college students on a budget and who purely want a tablet for non-extensive note-taking.

The sixth-generation iPad mini finally got a much deserved redesign last year. However, with that redesign comes a higher price, starting at $499. Basically looking like a smaller iPad Air, its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display makes it the perfect device for those who are on the go. Its small stature doesn’t make it the most popular choice among students, however, it’s easy to fit in a backpack and works with Bluetooth keyboards. The iPad mini runs on the A15 chip, has Center Stage for video calls, and can even record in 4k video. This device can be a great option for students who want a newer design for under $500. The mini is the best iPad for college students who are always on-the-go and want a device that doesn’t take up much space.

The fifth-generation iPad Air is Apple’s colorful mid-range iPad starting at $599. When I worked in Apple retail, the Air was the most popular iPad we sold to students. It’s terrific to take notes and draw on while handling multitasking without issue. The device now runs on Apple’s M1 chip, making it 60% faster than its predecessor.

A common issue with the iPad Air is its battery life. YouTuber TechGearTalk ran a battery-life test late last year with each of Apple’s current iPads. While the video was taken before the iPad Air 5 came out, it featured the iPad Air 4, which has a similar battery life as its successor. In the video, the iPad Air’s battery life came in last compared to the rest of the iPad lineup. While it’s still a fantastic iPad, you’ll want to keep its battery needs in mind.

The iPad Air is good for most students, especially those looking for a larger, laminated display and a newer design. iPadOS 16 is also coming this fall, and with it come new tools to aid your studies, like Stage Manager and support for external displays. The iPad Air offers either 64GB or 256GB of storage, a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, and even Center Stage for video calls.

iPad Pro 11-inch and iPad Pro 12.9-inch

The 11-inch iPad Pro (third generation) and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (fifth generation) are the top dogs in Apple’s tablet lineup right now. Timing to buy one right now is a bit tricky as currently the iPad Air and iPad Pros all have Apple’s M1 chip. However, we are expecting a revision to the iPad Pro this year. Learn more here:

• Here’s everything we know so far about the 2022 iPad Pro

If having the largest screen possible is important to you, you should check out the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. It has the best display of any iPad , featuring a 1,000 nit Liquid Retina XDR display compared to the 600 nit Liquid Retina display on the 11-inch. Note that a nit is a unit of brightness. The brightness of one nit is equal to that of one candle.

Storage sizes range from 128GB to 2TB, and both models offer Center Stage for video calls and Face ID. The Pro is ideal for students who want a larger canvas to work off of, those who are using the Pro as a laptop replacement, or those who do creative work. Designed for Pro-level users, it’s not for everyone and may not be the best iPad for your college years due to its price. These are expensive tools, with prices starting at $799 for the 11-inch model and $1,099 for the 12.9-inch model.

Which iPad is best for college students?

As the iPad is likely to be an addition to your computer and not to be used as your main device, there’s not much of a need for students to go all out. For most students, I’d recommend sticking with the $329 iPad. As a budget-friendly Apple device, it can ultimately meet your educational needs. If you’re looking to take notes, mark up PDFs, and type some papers, the iPad is more than enough.

iPad Accessories to consider:

When choosing accessories for your iPad, make sure the one you’re buying is compatible with your iPad model.

• Satechi Desktop Stand
• Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
• Magic Keyboard
• Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard

Apple’s education discount

Apple has a year-round  education discount  for students in higher education, their parents, and teachers and staff at all levels. The discount offers $50 off the iPad Air and the 11-inch iPad Pro and a $100 discount on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. For Macs, the discount will vary but starts at $100. You’ll even get a 10% discount on accessories like an iPad keyboard, Apple Pencil, or mouse. Additionally, buying  AppleCare+  in full will save you 20%. You can receive the discount either online or in store.

Apple’s summer education promotion

Each year in the summer, Apple holds a special  education promotion  in store and online. This year, the promotion runs until September 26 and offers gift cards rather than  AirPods  like before. When purchasing a select iPad, students will earn a $100 Apple Gift Card. For Macs, students will get a $150 Apple Gift Card. This promotion bundles with the year-round education discount.

• Which Mac is best for college?
• Best Apple products and services for college in 2022
• iPad note taking apps every student and professional should try
• My top five favorite apps I use as a student

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Best Tablets for College Students

Premier iPad is perfect as a laptop replacement and works with iPhones and Mac products for a streamlined connection between your devices.

All-day battery life is perfect for a long day of class, studying, homework, and music. Features 512GB of storage and the 12.9-inch screen makes every pixel pop. M1 chip keeps the iPad running through heavy use. Pairs with Apple Pencil for next-level digital note-taking.

Keyboard and mouse sold separately.

A 10-inch display and 12-hour battery life make this ideal for viewing media or browsing social media during off-hours.

Integrates with Alexa and can connect with other Amazon devices. Has a headphone jack and a USB-C charging port. Expandable storage via an SD card and an ad-displaying lock screen further reduces its cost.

Doesn't have the same breadth of features as competitors.

The 6th-generation iPad Mini brings styling and features from the Pro and Air down to a highly portable size.

Rounded corners and squared edges for an updated look. Widescreen 12MP front camera provides excellent video conferencing. A15 processor is fast and capable for most apps. Stereo speakers are now in landscape orientation. Comes with USB-C port for wide compatibility.

Doesn't have an M1 processor. Screen and keyboard can feel cramped.

An up-to-date USB-C port, nice screen size, and excellent reviews make this affordable Android tablet a great value.

Roomy 1900 x 1200-pixel, 10.5-inch screen is great for watching videos for study or entertainment. Internal storage from 32 to 128GB provides room for storing media on the device. The 7,040 mAh battery enables hours of operation. USB-C port ensures up-to-date standard connectivity.

LCD screen not as good as OLED. The cameras are mediocre.

A more affordable version of the S6 that still delivers the same great performance and display.

The simple design promotes portability and makes it a great smartphone replacement. AMOLED display is still stunning and delivers solid color and brightness. UI has many customization options to suit every user’s needs.

S Pen has some issues with this device.

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Table of Contents

Buying guide for best tablets for college students.

Small size and portability are both big pluses with a tablet, especially when choosing a tablet for a college student. Tablets excel at web surfing, e-books, app usage, and streaming. A keyboard or stylus peripheral adds functionality and can be particularly good for note taking as well as art disciplines.

Tablets offer a great replacement for textbooks since downloading is instant and often cheaper. In some cases, a tablet may offer all the technology a student needs, although some college programs insist on a laptop. Even then, a tablet is also a good bet as a supplemental tool for additional uses including social media and connectivity, like video chat. Look for a tablet with long battery life, a decent display size, and good storage space.

Key considerations

Before you start looking, think about how you’ll be using your tablet and what kind of tablet you want. Start by answering these questions.

Do you want a tablet as a laptop replacement or a secondary device?

Think about some of the typical tasks you’ll be doing on your tablet. If you intend to use your tablet full time as your primary device, you can do that; you’ll just need to look at the most powerful and most expensive models. If you’re getting a tablet for use as a secondary device, you can save a lot of money by looking at models with smaller screens and fewer bells and whistles.

What size screen do you need?

Tablet screen sizes range anywhere from 7 to 13 inches, and the user experience can be entirely different based on what size you get. Bigger screens are also more expensive, so consider how you might want to balance price point with screen real estate. Our best advice: if you’re getting a tablet as a secondary device to your laptop , a 7- or 9.7-inch screen will work well, but if you’re getting a tablet as your primary device, a 10.5- or 12.9-inch screen is a better choice.

Features of tablets for college students

When you’re ready to start comparing models, start with these features to see how they stack up against one another.

Screen resolution

While the screen size definitely determines how big your tablet is, screen resolution controls how sharp the image quality is. Some tablets with larger screens compromise on resolution, so compare the numbers when looking at different models. We recommend a minimum screen resolution of 1200 x 1800. Some premium tablets have screens with resolutions of up to 2732 x 2048.

Every tablet has a central processing unit (CPU) on board, which controls how fast it is. The problem is that tablets all use different CPUs that are hard to compare. The bottom line: pay attention to how different tablets are marketed. If you see a tablet that’s shown doing simple or passive tasks, like streaming movies or basic mobile games, it will be moderately fast. If you see a tablet that’s marketed for completing active tasks (like editing photos , creating video content, or working with spreadsheets), it will likely have a CPU on board that’s fast enough to keep up.

File storage

Consider how much space you’ll need for your apps and personal files. If you mostly use web-based services or small files, you don’t need a lot of onboard storage. On the other hand, if you want to keep a lot of your personal media on hand, or your schoolwork involves a lot of larger files, you’re going to need a lot of space. Check to see if the model you’re considering has expandable storage, and if it doesn’t, make sure to get one with enough room by default. We typically recommend starting with a minimum of 64 GB.

Unique accessories

There are a lot of unique add-ons for tablets out there, and a lot of them are proprietary, so spend some time browsing peripherals first. Check to see if there are any official matching keyboards, styluses , or cases with unique functionality. It can add a lot of conveniences.

Price of tablets for college students

Inexpensive.

Between $50 and $200, you’ll find entry-level and mid-range Android tablets . Screen sizes tend to be smaller, although there are a few ten-inch options that are worthwhile. When it comes to tablets, inexpensive doesn’t mean cheap, so if you’re looking for a moderately powerful tablet that’s good as a secondary device, you don’t have to spend a lot.

Between $200 and $500, you’ll see tablets that are plenty fast and have big, beautiful screens. Models in this price range are a little fancier and come with nicer finishes. Some models even include LTE connectivity, so you can get web access without WiFi (although you’ll need a data plan from a wireless provider to do that). If you’re looking for a tablet that will last several years and has a high-quality screen, this is the price range to keep in mind.

Between $500 and $1,400 are the tablets that strive to be laptop replacements. Models in this price range pull out all the stops: tons of onboard storage, enormous 13-inch screens, and ten-hour battery life all cost at least this much. If you’re looking for a tablet that can act as your main machine for your entire college career, this is how much you’ll need to spend.

• Take advantage of your tablet’s built-in security features. All tablets have basic security features included by default, such as passcode entry. Enable every security option that comes on your tablet, and if you’re using any sensitive online accounts on your tablet, make sure those are protected by two-factor authentication.
• Keep a power bank handy. Tablet batteries last a while, and in most cases all day, but sometimes they run out of power at inopportune times. We’re big believers in being prepared, so we always recommend keeping a spare charger or two around for just those moments. Start by determining how big your tablet battery is, measured in milliamp hours (mAH), and then get a power bank that can store enough mAH to recharge your tablet at least twice.
• Pick a cloud service. There are dozens of cloud services available for storing, backing up, and sharing your documents, and it’s easy to find yourself with files spread across multiple platforms. Create a backup strategy before you start using your tablet and consolidate all of your content to a single service like DropBox, Google Drive, or Amazon Drive, so you never have to waste time trying to remember where a particular file is.

Q. Can I use Microsoft Word on a tablet?

A. Yes! Microsoft Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint all have mobile versions that you can download to your tablet for viewing and creating work files. You’ll need to subscribe to their online service, Microsoft Office 365, to edit documents and take advantage of cloud storage, but viewing documents is typically free (and there are dozens of good third-party apps that can view files made with Office).

Q. Can I add file storage space to my tablet after I get it?

A. It depends. Android tablets usually include microSD card slots so you can add storage. Apple’s iPads cannot be upgraded beyond the storage included, although both platforms work well with cloud services that can help relieve some of the burden of local storage. If you plan on keeping your large collections of photos, music, or movies on your tablet, get one with as much built-in storage as you can just to be safe.

Q. Do tablets typically include headphones?

A. Not usually. Most tablet manufacturers expect you to bring your own headphones to the party, and some tablets don’t have headphone jacks, so you’ll need to make sure you’ve got a pair of Bluetooth headphones . It’s actually a good thing that headphones aren’t included. There are so many affordable options in different form factors, colors, and features that we recommend picking out the perfect pair separately.

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The top drawing tablets you can buy, according to digital artists

If you're an artist, you already know there are endless ways to create art. And even if your medium is drawing, there are different ways to do that as well, including using drawing tablets as a tool for your creations. Drawing tablets make illustration easy and creativity endless, with every pen display and brush stroke at your disposal for customization that matches your artistic vision. 

Also:  The best stylus pens

Contrary to typical tablets, some drawing tablets don't have actual screens. Rather, they are essentially a virtual piece of paper that sends pressure from the pad to the computer or laptop that powers it. However, some of your typical tablet screens can also act as a great canvas for fine detailing.

What is the best drawing tablet right now?

No matter what material artists draw on, they have to be willing to adapt to that surface. But the best drawing tablets make it incredibly easy to get used to them. My top pick is the iPad Pro (6th generation) thanks to its easy user interface and premium screen experience. I also included other drawing and graphics tablets myself and other ZDNET staff has gone hands-on with. I also spoke to graphic designers and digital artists to get their take on other top drawing tablets.  

The best drawing tablets of 2024

Ipad pro (6th generation), best drawing tablet overall.

• Easy user interface
• Apple Pencil 2 compatibility
• Premium screen experience

Apple's most powerful tablet is the best drawing tablet, thanks to its ease of use and superb display that provides crisp detail while drawing. Apple gave the iPad Pro a notable upgrade in early September with an M2 chip that delivers better performance and battery and a brighter display. Both the 11-inch and 12-inch iPad Pros feature a Liquid Retina display with True Tone, 224 ppi, and a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating. If you are planning to do a lot of professional drawing work, you will have more than enough power with the Apple Silicon M2 chip and high storage options.

According to Juliet Dreamhunter, an entrepreneur who side hustles as a digital illustrator creating stock illustrations, anyone interested in digital illustration should work with the iPad Pro, especially since the popular Procreate app is only available for iOS. "I have also used the Affinity Designer app for vector illustration, which has a desktop version as well. But the ease of drawing on an iPad cannot be compared to drawing with a mouse or using a Wacom tablet with no screen," she said.

Review:  iPad Pro (2022) review: I'm cautiously optimistic. Or foolish

She added that perhaps the best part is the Apple Pencil 2 compatibility, as it gives you a professional feel while still allowing you to draw by hand like with a normal pencil. Verified customers agree, and said that the Apple Pencil 2 s a great stylus for drawing and sketching. 

You can use your Apple Pencil to hover over the iPad Pro's screen and move between tools such as the pencil, brush, eraser, and colors, or you can even preview before making a mark on the screen. With some drawing tools, you can even tilt the Apple Pencil to change the angle for different effects.

iPad Pro tech specs:   Dimensions (L x W x H):  11-inch: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 inches, 12.9-inches: 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25-inches |  Compatibility:  iPad OS 16 and Apple Pencil 2nd Generation |  Display : 11-inch Liquid Retina display or 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion and True Tone (both have 264 ppi)

Huion Kamvas Pro 12

Best budget drawing tablet.

• More affordable drawing tablet
• ±60 pen tilt support
• Customizable express keys
• Still needs to be connected to a computer to use it

If you're shopping on a budget, Huion drawing tablets have come a long way in the last decade or so. While some of its models can go up to $600, this pen display tablet is an excellent budget option that costs just $250. 

This tablet has four user-defined express keys and a touch bar to control canvas zooming, brush adjusting, and page scrolling. Like the Wacom Intuos Pro, you can customize these express keys.

The display's 120% sRGB color gamut volume presents 16.7 million colors vividly, and the anti-glare technology reduces glare while working in a brighter setting to shorten the distance between the pen nib and the cursor.

Chuan Shin , a freelance concept artist, told ZDNET that he works exclusively with Huion tablets. "Huion makes the best tablets when it comes to value and cost," he said. "Huion also does not have issues with driver updates, which I appreciate."

Even though this is a pen display tablet, this model still requires you to connect it to a computer or laptop for it to work. However, Reddit users note that the display screen is both glare and scratch resistant. 

Huion Kamvas Pro 12 tech specs:  Dimensions (L x W x H):  13.78 x 7.82 x 0.43 inches |  Active area:  10.09 x 5.68 inches |  Compatibility:  Linux(Ubuntu), Mac OS 10.12 and above, Windows 7 and above |  Pressure levels:  8,192 and ±60 pen tilt support

Wacom Intuos Pro

Best drawing tablet for pros.

• Low price for a high-quality product
• Industry-leading amount of pressure sensitivity levels
• Different sizes to choose from
• Need external screen
• Need to replace the nibs on the stylus often

Wacom is one of the industry leaders when it comes to drawing and graphics tablets. With virtually no lag and 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity in the included battery-free Wacom Pro Pen, the Wacom Intuos Pro is the best drawing tablet on the market for professional artists. It comes with the included Wacom Pro Pen comes in three sizes (small, medium, and large) to suit all sizes of artwork and editing.

The tablet's lightweight design makes it easy to use on your desk or lap, and you can customize everything from the tablet's ExpressKeys to the Pro Pen 2's buttons, depending on your favorite shortcuts.  Reddit users note  that the Pro Pen 2 is better than anything they have experienced in a stylus and that it alone is worth buying the Wacom Intuos Pro for. 

My experience with this tablet was fairly easy and enjoyable (especially for someone who is not a professional artist). The pen makes it easy to fine-tune details and brush strokes in any drawing program you are working on.

Read the review:  This Wacom drawing tablet feels like putting pen to paper

However, this tablet is made for professional artists. Neil Chase , a digital artist, said that the Wacom Intuos Pro is his preferred drawing tablet.

"One of my favorite projects involved creating a series of intricate illustrations for a children's book. The Wacom Intuos Pro allowed me to achieve the level of detail and precision I needed, thanks to its impressive 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity," Chase said. "This made it possible for me to create incredibly lifelike drawings and easily control the thickness and transparency of the lines."

Wacom Intuos Pro tech specs:  Dimensions (L x W x H): 13.14 inch x 8.54 x .31 inches |  Active area:  8.7 x 5.8 inches |  Compatibility:  Mac OS X 10.12 or later / Windows 7 or later |  Pressure levels:  8,192

Wacom Cintiq Pro 24

Best drawing tablet splurge.

• Reliable software
• Excellent resolution and color displays
• Precise pen-to-screen interaction
• Super expensive

Artists who are Wacom fans but prefer a pen display over a pen tablet should look no further than the Wacom Cintiq Pro 24. Although expensive (starting at $1,900), you get what you pay for, which is an incredible display, reliable software, and an excellent drawing experience.

The Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 comes in four sizes, depending on your drawing needs: 16", 24", 27", or 32". No matter what size you get, you can expect a 4K resolution display with industry-leading color accuracy (including 99% Adobe RGB coverage) so that you can see every tiny detail and stroke of your artwork, design, or photographic projects.

Jim Mortensen , a director, storyboard artist, and writer for animation, said he only uses Wacom tablets. After using the Wacom 21UX for 15 years, he upgraded to the Cintiq Pro 24 and said he couldn't be happier.

"Wacom products have been incredibly reliable for me," he said. "Their driver software is consistently reliable compared to other companies, and their software and hardware support have always been great. It will take a LOT for me to switch away."

The tablet utilizes the same Pro Pen 2 as the Intuos Pro, so you'll still get that pen-to-paper feel even on a tablet screen. Reddit users say that they ultimately chose the Cintiq Pro 24 thanks to its 4K resolution, glass surface and sheer precision.

Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 t ech specs:  Dimensions (L x W x H):  26.6 x 15.5 x 1.9 inches |  Active area:  20.6 x 11.6 inches |  Compatibility:  Windows 7 or later, macOS X 10.11 or later |  Pressure levels:  8,192

Xencelabs Pen Tablet Bundle

Best drawing tablet for accessories.

• Add accessories you will use
• Drawing glove
• Comfortable to use

All of these drawing tablets come with a stylus pen to create with, but this tablet from Xencelabs lets you add more accessories to make your experience even better. You'll get combo nibs, a drawing glove, a Quick Keys remote, and two battery-free pens for 2D and 3D design. Verified Amazon customers say that the customization options of this drawing tablet is ultimately what drove them to purchase it. 

It's a pen tablet, so there is no display, but it is built with a gently curved armrest on the sides and is only 8mm thick, making it comfortable to use.

Nick Saporito, a graphic designer of over 10 years, who teaches how to use design software and drawing tablets on his YouTube channel, likes the precision and surface area of the Xencelabs Pen Tablet.

"The feature that stands out to me the most is the programmable controller it comes with," Saporito said. "It can be used to create custom key bindings for whatever features you most commonly use. For example, you can program one of the buttons to 'Undo' by binding it to Control + Z." 

He added that the glove that comes with the bundle makes it so the tablet won't accidentally register your hand as a pen stroke and that the pens' various removable tips allow for different types of brush strokes and detailing.

Xencelabs t ech specs:  Dimensions (L x W x H):  12.61 x 9.16 x 0.3 inches |  Active area:  10.33 x 5.8 inches |  Compatibility:  Windows 10 and above, macOS 10.12 and newer |  Pressure levels:  8,192

What is the best drawing tablet?

Overall, the iPad Pro is my top choice when it comes to the best drawing tablets for most people because of its ease of use and Apple Pencil 2 compatibility. However, here's a chart with key specs for all the drawing tablets so you can better compare the iPad Pro to all the other drawing tablets on my list.

Which is the right drawing tablet for you?

To decide which drawing tablet to buy, you should first consider what you plan to draw. Size, express keys, and pressure levels all go into play, but it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. 

Here is a decision matrix on the best drawing tablets for you to refer to before making your big purchase:

Factors to consider when choosing the best drawing tablet:

Before you buy, there are several important things to consider in a drawing tablet. 

Active area:  The active area is the area in which you can actually draw on a tablet, and is important to consider. This will be the size of the screen (if it has a screen display) or the size of the area you can actually draw on that has built-in pressure levels (if it has a screen-less display). 

Accessory compatibility:  Consider tablets that are compatible with a number of accessories, including different stylus pens, softwares, laptops and PCs, and more. 

Price:  Drawing tablets greatly vary in price--from $50 all the way up to $2,200. Luckily, there is something for every price range.

How did I choose these drawing tablets?

When looking to find the best drawing and graphic tablets, I began by testing the Wacom Intuos Pro myself and analyzing its performance. However, I knew that one tablet couldn't be perfect for everyone, so I also took into account the opinions of other ZDNET writers and their experiences with tablets like the iPad Pro. 

I also spoke to various digital artists who have used these tablets themselves for their work to gather their thoughts and recommendations on which devices they think are the best.

What features should I look for in a drawing tablet?

You'll have to pay attention to different features when it comes to drawing tablets. For example, consider the size and portability, as well as a tablet's compatibility with your preferred software and operating system. 

Chase said it's especially important to pay attention to pressure sensitivity and resolution. 

"Higher levels of pressure sensitivity allow for a more natural and precise drawing experience, which is crucial for artists who want to create detailed and lifelike illustrations," he said. "Also, the resolution of the tablet impacts the quality of the images you create. A higher resolution ensures smoother lines and more accurate details in your artwork."

Perhaps most importantly, Mortensen adds that driver software (or how the tablet device communicates with other devices) is a big factor in deciding on a drawing tablet to work with. 

"Being motivated to make art is incredibly tough, and any little wrinkle to the digital art process increases the probability of being frustrated and giving up," he said. "I've been happy with Wacom software for many years." 

Are drawing tablets with a screen better?

It all depends on your use case and personal preference. For example, Mortensen prefers tablets with screens (otherwise known as pen displays).

"Direct drawing changes your art and thinking in ways that you can't predict," he said. "Art is hard enough without not being able to look right at what you're drawing. Sure, they're more expensive, but if you have the means, I highly recommend it."

On the other hand, screen-less drawing tablets (also known as pen tablets) generally have a lower price point and are more portable.

"These tablets require a connection to a computer and can take some time to get used to, as you'll need to draw on the tablet while looking at your computer screen," Chase added. "However, they're a great option for beginners or artists on a budget."

Overall, the best drawing tablets allow you to digitally create in different ways based on the art and artist, so it's really up to your preference whether you want to work with a drawing tablet that has a built-in touchscreen or a special pressure-sensitive surface.

How long does it take to learn to use a drawing tablet?

If you're using a screenless tablet for drawing for the first time, it may take up to a few weeks to get used to. Try playing with the tablet a bit every day to get used to drawing on it. Also be sure to get a grasp of whatever software you choose, since each drawing software is a little different. 

Are there alternative drawing tablets worth considering?

While the five best drawing tablets are included in this list, here are some other alternatives to consider before making your next purchase.

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The best tablets you can buy: expert tested, the best cheap tablets you can buy: expert tested, the best kids' tablets, according to parents.

Best iPads for College Students in 2024

For many, college is the first time they have to juggle independent living, studying, socializing, and everything in between. If you let one ball drop, the others will come tumbling down. 

To solve this problem, college students often invest in organizational tools. Unsurprisingly, iPads are one of the best organization options available. You can create daily planners, tick items off your to-do lists, and take entertainment breaks, all from the comfort of your iPad. 

why you should choose an iPad for college 

iPads have earned a reputation for being ahead of the curve, and for good reason. The creative brains at Apple work tirelessly to regularly release groundbreaking features and new tablets. 

• All-in-one tablet. iPads have everything: apps for organization, streaming services, fun games, and more. 
• Customization options. Once you have found the best iPad for college, you can customize it inside and out. 
• Constant updates. Updates are pretty common, which shows that the dev team at Apple cares about your experience. 
• User approved. Latest estimates show that two billion people across the globe actively use Apple products. 
• Lots of apps. The Apple App Store might only have the second largest number of apps behind Google Play, but it still has a great variety of organization, entertainment, and skill-based apps. 

iPad Air (2022) – overall best iPad for college

Specifications

• Price: $549 – $849
• Dimensions: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches
• Display size: 10.9 inches
• Processor: M1
• Space: 64GB or 256GB
• Resolution: 2350 x 1640
• Compatible stylus: Apple Pencil 2 for 4th generation and later

The iPad Air is our top pick for the best iPad for college students. It is almost as powerful as the newer iPad Pro, but it comes with a less daunting price point. Both iPads contain an M1 chip, meaning you can expect efficient energy consumption, superfast surfing, and support for more power-intensive note-taking, video editing, and graphic design apps. 

Art students love the chip because it contains an 8-core CPU that guarantees 60% faster performance than the previous generation. Also like the iPad Pro, the iPad Air has a 120Hz refresh rate, which guarantees very little lag. In short, the iPad Air is the fastest option for the least amount of money. 

This iPad supports Slide Over and Split View features, which allow you to use multiple apps at the same time. College students can surf the internet while they take notes, just like they can on a full-scale laptop. Of course, the iPad Air is much easier to transport. 

Pair this iPad with the Apple Pencil 2 for a seamless note-taking experience. The 2nd Gen stylus is known for its ergonomic, matte textured grip. On top of that, it’s far easier to charge a 2nd Gen stylus. Just clip the flat side of your stylus to your iPad and watch it charge wirelessly. 

The iPad Air is the ultimate all-rounder. Apart from all the fancy frills, you can expect everything that you’d usually get from an iPad. An endless number of note-taking apps, customization options, and entertainment platforms await. 

Don’t know where to start? Explore the 5 best note-taking apps for iPads in 2024 . 

• Battery. Enjoy up to 10 hours of battery life, ideal for a full day at college. 
• Colorful display. The display does not disappoint! 
• Color options. Colors might not be a deciding factor for many, but it’s important to know that the iPad Air has some of the most aesthetically pleasing colors on the market. You can choose from Space Gray, Blue, Pink, Purple, and Starlight.
• M1 chip. The M1 chip makes this iPad comparable to the more expensive, newer iPad Pro. 
• No Face ID. Unfortunately, this iPad does not support Face ID. If you want added security, you’ll have to pay more for the iPad Pro.
• Still expensive. Despite being a cheaper alternative to the iPad Pro, the iPad Air is still relatively pricey compared to other tablets. 
• Little storage. The base model only comes with 64GB of storage, which might not be enough for busy college students. 

iPad (9th Gen, 2021) – best iPad for college students on a budget

• Price: $329 – $609
• Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.29 inches
• Display size: 10.2 inches
• Processor: A13 Bionic 
• Resolution: 2160 x 1640
• Compatible stylus: Apple Pencil 1

On the surface, the 9th Gen iPad seems a lot like the iPad Air. The display size is almost identical, as are the storage options. But a few key features set these iPads apart and make the 9th Gen iPad the best iPad for college students on a budget.

You can grab the 9th Gen iPad for just $329. The 10.2-inch screen is decently sized, making it feel like a laptop rather than a tiny tablet. This tablet also guarantees 10 hours of battery life, just like the iPad Air.

The A13 Bionic processor isn’t comparable to any of the latest iPad chips, but it is good enough for the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro/Max. It guarantees a 20% performance boost over the previous generation, so if you’ve only ever had the previous models you’ll notice a big difference. Then again, if you are studying graphic design, you might struggle with the somewhat outdated tech. 

There is no USB-C and the big round home button that might seem unsightly to some. This iPad doesn’t support Magic Keyboards and (one of the worst setbacks) it isn’t compatible with the Apple Pencil 2. 

Despite all that, the 9th Gen iPad still gets the job done. If you are willing to wait a bit longer for pages to load and you aren’t bothered by the clunky Apple Pencil 1 charging process, you can bag a bargain.

There is talk of this iPad disappearing from the Apple lineup, so get yours ASAP.

• Affordable option. If you’re on a budget, the 9th Gen iPad is ideal for you. 
• True tone. The 9th Gen iPad automatically adjusts to changes in ambient light to give you a customized experience. 
• Headphone jack. The built-in headphone jack allows you to use older headphone models, without splashing out on wireless headphones.
• Processor. The A13 Bionic processor pales in comparison to the M1 chip. 
• Only supports 1st Gen stylus. The 1st Gen stylus gets the job done, but it can be frustrating to charge. 
• No Face ID. This iPad model doesn’t offer Face ID. 
• No Magic Keyboard. You can’t use a Magic Keyboard with this iPad model, but you can purchase other compatible keyboards. 

iPad Pro (2022) – best iPad for college students doing a creative course

• Price: $799 – $2,099
• Dimensions: 11.04 x 8.46 x 6.4mm
• Display size: 12.9 inches
• Processor: M2 
• Space: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
• Resolution: 2048 x 2732
• Compatible stylus: Apple Pencil 2, Apple Pencil 3

The iPad Pro might be pricey, but it’s the best iPad for college students who are studying a creative discipline. Before we get into all the artsy features that can help you excel at digital illustration, graphic design, and video editing, let’s talk about the basics. 

We’ve included the 6th Gen iPad model in our list because it has an M2 chipset. It has an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. In plain English, this means that the iPad Pro works faster than any other iPad on the market. You can run apps such as Illustrator, Final Cut Pro, and Photoshop without a problem. 

On top of that, you can enjoy Face ID, Apple Pencil Hover, and a number of other interesting features. You can choose the 11-inch option, but the 12-inch screen provides more real estate to artists. 

The only noticeable downsides are the price and the weight. This iPad comes in at 1.5lbs (and an extra 0.01lbs for the Cellular models) making it pretty hefty. It can be difficult to maneuver this tablet, meaning it might not be the best option for college students who need to run from one class to another. Then again, with a good keyboard and case, traveling should be easy enough. 

Read 10 iPad tips and tricks you need to know to jumpstart your iPad experience. 

Pros: 

• Unbeatable speeds. The M2 chip guarantees unbeatable processing speeds, meaning your workflow will run as smoothly as possible. 
• Supports creative apps. Creative apps use much more power than standard note-taking apps, and this iPad can meet the demand. 
• Range of storage options. With everything from 128GB to 2TB of storage on offer, there is no limit to the amount of art you can create. 
• Few color options. Only available in Space Gray and Silver, which can seem a bit dull in comparison to the iPad Air. 
• Heavy. At 1.5lbs, the iPad Pro is much heavier than the iPad Air, and it could cause wrist strain. 
• Expensive. There is no denying that the iPad Pro is extremely expensive, which is one of the biggest cons of this otherwise impressive tablet. 

Rock Paper Pencil: A Pen-On-Paper Experience for iPad

Whether you’re using your iPad for art, notetaking, or planning, the slippery feeling of Apple Pencil on glass just isn’t cutting it. Rock Paper Pencil  is the best iPad drawing accessory for students who are looking to get a realistic pen-on-paper feel for their iPad. 

This product includes a reusable, paper-feel iPad screen protector and two ballpoint Apple Pencil tips. Built with nano-texture technology, Rock Paper Pencil adds subtle friction between your screen and Pencil, giving you more control while drawing or writing.

• NanoCling Screen Protector : Securely bond your screen protector to your iPad using static cling. Easy application, non-adhesive, removable and reusable.
• Matte Texture:  Subtle friction mimics the feel of paper (no more slippery glass!)
• Precision Apple Pencil Tips : Smoother, more controlled strokes

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