10 Best Tablets 2026 in the United States

The Microsoft Surface Pro 2-in-1 (2024) is a versatile device that blends the functionality of a laptop and tablet, featuring a 13-inch touchscreen with a sharp resolution of up to 2880 x 1920. It runs on Windows 11 Home, enhanced by the new Copilot+ AI system, which adds helpful features like improved video calls, real-time translation, and quick document retrieval. Powered by a Snapdragon X Plus 10-core processor and 16GB of RAM, it offers smooth performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. Storage is generous at 512GB SSD, providing fast access to your files and applications. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 14 hours on a single charge, which supports all-day use without frequent recharging.

The device's flexibility is boosted by its detachable keyboard (sold separately) and adjustable kickstand, making it easy to switch between tablet, laptop, or sketchbook modes. Connectivity options cover all the basics with Wi-Fi standards up to 802.11ac and USB-C fast charging. Cameras and graphics are solid enough for video calls and casual creative work but may not satisfy professional photographers or gamers. Weighing about 3.67 pounds, it is moderately portable though a bit heavier than some tablets alone.

This Surface Pro suits users looking for a productive, portable device that balances work and creativity, especially those interested in AI-enhanced features. The requirement to purchase the keyboard separately and the ARM processor architecture might limit compatibility with some traditional Windows applications.

The Apple iPad Air 11-inch with M3 chip is a strong choice for anyone wanting a powerful and versatile tablet. Its 11-inch Liquid Retina display offers sharp and vibrant visuals with a resolution of 2360x1640 pixels, making it great for watching videos, browsing, or working on creative projects. Powered by the advanced M3 chip and 8GB of RAM, this iPad handles demanding apps, multitasking, and high-quality gaming smoothly. With 128GB of storage, it provides decent space for apps, photos, and files, though users with larger storage needs can opt for higher capacities. Battery life is designed to last all day, supporting extended use without frequent charging.

Running on iPadOS, it offers a user-friendly interface and supports multiple apps running at once, plus compatibility with Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard for drawing or typing. Connectivity is up-to-date with Wi-Fi 6E and USB-C, ensuring fast internet and flexible connections to other devices. The cameras are solid for a tablet, featuring a 12MP front camera with Center Stage for video calls and a 12MP rear camera capable of 4K video recording, good for casual photography and scanning documents. Touch ID integrated into the top button adds convenience and security for unlocking and payments.

A potential downside is that while the 128GB storage is enough for many users, those who store lots of media might find it limiting. Also, this model doesn’t include cellular options by default, so if you need mobile internet without Wi-Fi, you’ll want to check that variant. The iPad Air 11-inch with M3 chip suits students, professionals, and creatives who want a lightweight, fast, and high-quality tablet experience with excellent display and camera features.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is a solid choice for those wanting a family-friendly tablet with a large 11-inch screen that offers bright visuals and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, making it enjoyable for watching videos or playing games. Its resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels provides clear and sharp images, suitable for everyday use. The tablet runs on an upgraded Qualcomm chipset with 8 cores and 4GB of RAM, which handles multitasking fairly well, including running multiple apps side by side, though it may not be the fastest for very demanding tasks.

Storage comes in at 64GB, which can feel limited if you store lots of apps or media, but you can expand it with a microSD card for more space. The quad speakers, enhanced by Dolby Atmos, deliver rich and immersive sound, a real plus for entertainment. It features a lightweight and slim build, making it easy to carry around, and the Android operating system ensures a wide range of apps and flexibility.

The camera quality is aimed more at video calls or casual snaps rather than high-end photography. Families will appreciate the kid-friendly design and dedicated Samsung Kids app, which offers safe content and parental controls. Connectivity includes options like Quick Share for fast file transfers and the ability to make calls or send texts from the tablet when paired with a phone. This tablet fits well for general family use, media consumption, and light multitasking, but if you need heavy performance or large internal storage, you might want to consider other options.