10 Best Tablets For Students 2025 in the United States

The Apple iPad 11-inch with the A16 chip is a strong choice for students who want a tablet that blends performance and versatility. Its 11-inch Liquid Retina display offers sharp, vibrant visuals that make reading, watching videos, and drawing enjoyable. The battery life is described as all-day, which should comfortably last through a typical school day without frequent recharging. With 256GB of storage, there's plenty of room for apps, documents, photos, and videos, making it suitable for students who keep many files and multimedia projects.

Performance is boosted by the latest A16 chip and ample RAM, so multitasking and running demanding apps like note-taking or photo editing work smoothly. The use of iPadOS, Apple’s tablet operating system, means easy access to a wide range of student-friendly apps, plus useful features like running multiple apps at once and seamless Apple Pencil integration. Speaking of which, this iPad supports both the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the 1st generation Pencil, which is great for handwritten notes and creative work. Connectivity is solid thanks to Wi-Fi 6, ensuring fast internet access for online classes, downloads, and streaming. The USB-C port expands options for charging and connecting accessories.

On the downside, while the iPad is powerful and portable, it can be pricier than other tablets geared toward students. The Magic Keyboard Folio is an extra purchase if you want a laptop-like typing experience, adding to the cost. Also, although the cameras are advanced and useful for video calls or scanning documents, they might be more sophisticated than what most students strictly need. This iPad is well suited for students seeking a reliable, fast, and versatile tablet for schoolwork, creativity, and entertainment, especially if they value high-quality display and stylus support.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 2-in-1 is a versatile device well-suited for students who want both a tablet and a laptop in one. It features a large 13-inch touchscreen with a sharp 2560x1600 resolution, making reading, note-taking, and media viewing comfortable. Running Windows 11 Home, it supports a full PC experience with familiar apps and multitasking. The Snapdragon X Plus 10-core processor paired with 16GB RAM ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks, including web browsing, document editing, and streaming, with claims of being faster than some popular competitors like the MacBook Air M3. Storage is generous at 512GB, providing plenty of space for school files, projects, and apps.

Battery life stands out with up to 14 hours, which should cover a full day of classes and study sessions, plus fast charging is handy for quick top-ups. Connectivity options include common Wi-Fi standards and multiple USB ports, supporting accessories and easy internet access. Stylus support is implied since the Surface Pro line usually works with the Surface Pen (sold separately), great for drawing or handwritten notes. On the downside, the device weighs 3.69 pounds, which is slightly heavier than some tablets, so it might feel less portable for very long carrying. The premium keyboard and stylus are extra costs, increasing the overall price for full functionality.

This Surface Pro is an excellent choice for students wanting a powerful, flexible tablet-laptop hybrid with an excellent display and battery life, but potential buyers should be aware of additional accessory purchases and the device's somewhat heavier weight compared to simpler tablets.

The Apple iPad Air 11-inch with the M3 chip is a strong choice for students looking for a powerful and versatile tablet. Its 11-inch Liquid Retina display offers bright, sharp visuals with true-to-life colors and anti-reflective coating, ideal for reading, note-taking, and watching educational videos. The 512GB storage provides plenty of space for apps, documents, and media, so students won’t need to worry about running out of room quickly. Performance is excellent thanks to the new M3 chip paired with 8GB RAM, allowing smooth multitasking and handling demanding apps like graphic editors or video conferencing without lag.

It runs on iPadOS, which supports multitasking and a huge library of educational apps, boosting productivity. The battery life can comfortably cover a full day of classes and studying. Connectivity features include fast Wi-Fi 6E and optional cellular support for reliable internet access anywhere, plus a USB-C port for charging and connecting peripherals. Stylus support with Apple Pencil (USB-C) makes it great for handwritten notes and creative work.

While powerful, this iPad Air may be pricier than simpler student tablets, and the 11-inch screen might feel small to those who prefer larger displays for multitasking or detailed work. Additionally, accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard are sold separately, adding to the total cost. This iPad Air suits students who want a high-performance, portable tablet with excellent app support and advanced features, though those with tighter budgets or simpler needs might find it more than necessary.