The best tablets you can buy right now (2022)

While tablets don’t always get the same level of attention as smartphones or laptops, they’ve become an increasingly important category of devices for many families – particularly with the recent shift to working and learning from home. Their straightforward designs make them easy to use, while improvements to Windows 11 and iPadOS allow many tablets to pull double-duty as part-time productivity devices.

However, there are a lot of options out there, so it can be difficult to pick the right one. So allow us to go over the most important factors you should consider, followed by our top picks across a range of categories and prices.

Before you even start looking at specific devices, consider how your new tablet will fit in with the gadgets you already own, and how you plan to use it. For example, if everyone in your house uses Macs and iPhones, it probably doesn’t make a lot of sense to buy an Android tablet, even if you’ve been tempted by the massive 14.6-inch screen on the new Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. This goes double for anyone with an extensive library of purchased videos and music that might be harder to access after switching platforms.

Another consideration is the kind of work you’ll be doing. That’s because while all modern tablets are adept at browsing websites or playing games, some operating systems like iPadOS and Windows 11 are better designed to support multitasking and productivity than Android or even Chrome OS. It’s a similar situation for software, because while most popular apps and games are available on both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store, more specialized enterprise software may only have proper support on desktop platforms like Windows or macOS.

Trying to decide the size of your tablet is also related to the kind of work (or play) you intend to do. Larger displays make it much easier to view two apps side by side, with big screens also delivering a more immersive movie viewing experience. But at the same time, the larger the tablet, the less likely you’re going to want to move it around. That means you’re not only going to want to take stock of your workspace (i.e., if you have a desk or instead plan to work from a couch or even your bed), you’re also going to want to think about how the device will fit into your everyday routine or commute (if you have one).

Finally, you’ll want to consider any add-ons or accessories you’re planning to use, which can range from detachable keyboards to things like external mics or a stylus. The good news is that many tablets nowadays offer some kind of keyboard accessory, which allows the device to function more like a 2-in-1 instead of simply being a content consumption device. Some tablets also feature things like microSD card slots that support expandable storage, or optional 4G or 5G connectivity, which can be a real boon to frequent travelers. And if you’re planning to use the tablet mainly for work, you might want to grab a USB hub for connecting all your favorite peripherals.

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[backsider]

I like how he dinged Samsung for not having a headphone jack but did not with the

[EdgarVillegasG]

When reviewing Tablets, I think that a few use cases should always be covered like:

1.- Note taking
2.- Drawing
3.- Book Reading
4.- Video Viewing and video streaming to TVs
5).- Audio listening quality
6).- Productivity Apps: spread sheets, document creation, presentation tools
7).- Video Conferencing
8).- Photography and image editing
9).- Video Editing
10).- Programming - Software Development: IDE + Programming Languages
11).- Connectivity with screen displays and other accessories.

The above list will help to convince many end users to switch to Tablets ecosystem

[AXTerminator]

The Tab S8+ is the best tablet for doing tablet things. Watching movies on the go, reading comics, sketching, and playing video games.

[ranumbakoh]

1:25 "iPadOS better multitask and productivity than chromeOS???"

[_khornelius]

Guys please, always put time stamps 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[billy_b]

Lol, the usb c port on the magic keyboard of ipad doesn’t transfer data. Why are you plugging the usb c hub and sd card into it. This is so misleading.

[xorrior]

Own a S7 Tab. It's perfect for when I want to do something like fill out a form or watch a movie and I dont feel like opening up the laptop.

[ItsMeStefC]

Tech reviewers are too convinced by popular opinion that ChromeOS tablets aren't good enough. For productivity I'd much much rather use web applications with responsive UIs in a desktop environment than iPadOS.

[bradavon]

Why AGAIN no mention of ChromeOS tablets. The Lenovo Duet 5 is well reviewed. ChromeOS has a desktop browser, windowed support and proper file management. None of which Android or IPadOS has fully. With Dex you're still forcing Android apps into windows, on ChromeOS android apps are secondary. Biased, biased, biased.

[CrucialConflict.]

I just need a cheap tablet to watch youtube videos and to watch porn because nothing else matters in this world.

[darwincruz]

Seriously?? No ChromeOS tablets? I think it does a better job if working with a full desktop browser. I use a Chromebook as my primary device

[rustytanks]

Love my Samsung A8 10.5, plays PS2 and PSP games beautifully, and at less than $250, it's a steal, came with a Samsung Scoop Bluetooth speaker and poach

[prcvl]

How is iPadOS better at multitasking than Android/OneUI

[mi-c]

Lenovo Chromebook Duet after 2 years is still the best option for those who want to spend less for a quality tablet.
- updates until 2028.
- keyboard / cover included in the box

- supports USI stylus if you need it
- the best display in this price category
- 10 hours of battery life
- Price can go sub 200 when it's on sale.

[bradavon]

If you just want a basic tablet with a keyboard you'd be a lot better off with the Lenovo Duet 5, NOT the basic iPad. That's a ridiculous 500 bucks when you factor in the keyboard.

[markb]

6:57 You have 61, 561 unread emails? WTF!

[MrRonk]

I like how you said the Samsung S8 is not as accommodating for productivity like windows and iPad. Like what?! On iPad you can only split the screen with two apps, compared to unlimited screens on the Tab. The pen is free. Dex is free. MS Office Mobile is free on Android only. You can plug a flash USB C drive on the Tab and work like it's a laptop. Also you missed the S6 Lite 2022 Samsung tablet; at 300 bucks with included pen, Dex and pretty much the same features as the Tab S8 at 1/3 the price of the small iPad Pro; you can't go wrong. Your 🍎 🍏 favoritism is showing...

[blackdification]

You should have mentioned that the tab s8 does not have an oled display...

[scharelbrown]

Hopefully they will have 5g for the ultra tablet soon in the states

[landoblu]

I do a lot of activities in microsoft word and excel plus i game as well which tablet would you recommemd.