10 Best Tablets For Students 2025 in the United States

The Apple iPad 11-inch is a strong choice for students needing a versatile and powerful tablet. Its 11-inch Liquid Retina display offers clear, bright visuals that make reading, watching videos, or drawing enjoyable. The A16 chip ensures smooth performance whether multitasking, running educational apps, or even light photo and video editing. With 128GB of storage as a base, it provides ample space for documents, apps, and media, although students with heavier storage needs might consider larger options. The iPad runs on iPadOS, which supports multiple apps open at once and offers a wide range of educational apps, making it very student-friendly. Battery life is described as all-day, meaning it can easily last through a school day without frequent charging.

Connectivity is strong with fast Wi-Fi 6 support, which helps with quick downloads and smooth online learning, plus USB-C for flexible charging and accessories. The tablet supports Apple Pencil (both 1st gen and USB-C versions), which is great for note-taking, drawing, and marking up documents—features very useful for students. The inclusion of Touch ID adds convenience and security for unlocking the device and making payments. Cameras are high quality, with a 12MP front camera optimized for video calls and a 12MP rear camera for scanning or capturing images.

One downside is that the 128GB storage might be limiting for students handling large files or multiple media projects without cloud storage. Additionally, the iPad’s price tends to be higher than many other student tablets, which could be a consideration. This iPad balances strong performance, a vibrant screen, and useful student-oriented features, making it a solid option for learners who want a device that supports both work and creativity.

The Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is designed with a student-friendly approach, featuring a vibrant 10.1” Full HD display that is great for reading, streaming, and gaming. Its octa-core processor and 3 GB of RAM offer a 25% performance boost over previous models, ensuring smooth multitasking. With up to 13 hours of battery life, students can use it for extended periods without frequent recharging, making it ideal for long study sessions or entertainment breaks.

Storage options are flexible, starting at 32 GB and expandable up to 1 TB with a micro-SD card, providing ample space for apps, documents, and media. The tablet operates on Fire OS, which is user-friendly but lacks some of the app diversity found in iOS or Android environments. Connectivity is robust with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3, but it doesn't support the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard. Stylus support is available, enhancing the device's utility for note-taking and creative tasks, though the stylus is sold separately.

The tablet is also durable, lightweight, and features enhanced parental controls, making it a great choice for younger students. However, the 5 MP camera quality is basic and may not meet the needs for high-quality video calls or content creation. Alexa integration and sustainability efforts are commendable, though some students might miss the functionality and app variety of other operating systems. The included USB-C charger allows for fairly quick recharging times, but faster charging capabilities require additional purchases. This tablet is well-suited for students who need a reliable, durable, and versatile device for both academic and entertainment purposes, but those requiring advanced apps and features might find it limiting.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 2-in-1 is a versatile device designed to work both as a tablet and a laptop, making it a strong option for students who need flexibility for note-taking, studying, and light creative work. Its 12-inch touchscreen offers a sharp, vibrant display with good resolution, which is great for reading textbooks or watching lectures. With 16GB of RAM and a Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor, the device runs smoothly for multitasking, browsing, and common student apps without lag. Storage at 256GB is ample for documents, projects, and media, although students handling very large files might find it somewhat limiting.

One of its biggest strengths is the long battery life—up to 16 hours—which means fewer worries about finding a charger during a busy school day. The Surface runs Windows 11 Home, familiar and compatible with most academic software, plus built-in AI features can help with writing and organizing tasks. Connectivity includes standard Wi-Fi (802.11ac), which is sufficient for school networks. Stylus support is available but requires purchasing the pen separately, which can enhance note-taking or drawing but adds to the overall cost. The device weighs about 2.5 pounds, making it fairly portable, though slightly heavier than some pure tablets.

The keyboard is also sold separately, so the full laptop experience requires additional investment. This Surface Pro model is well suited for students looking for a powerful, flexible device that combines tablet convenience with laptop performance, especially benefiting those who value battery life and Windows compatibility. However, the need to buy accessories separately and moderate storage might be drawbacks depending on your budget and usage needs.