10 Best Tablets For Students 2025 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Plus is a solid choice for students looking for a versatile Android tablet. Its 11-inch screen is bright and offers a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, which is great for watching videos, reading, and casual gaming. The quad speakers with Dolby Atmos add a nice touch for clear, immersive sound when attending online classes or enjoying multimedia.

With 8GB of RAM and a Qualcomm chipset, it handles multitasking well, so switching between apps like note-taking, browsing, and video calls should be smooth. The 128GB of built-in storage is generous for apps, schoolwork, and media, and you can expand this with a microSD card if needed. Running Android 13, it gives access to a wide range of educational and entertainment apps. The tablet is slim and light, making it easy to carry around campus or between classes, and its durable build means it can handle everyday use. Connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) ensure fast internet access, and features like Quick Share make sharing files hassle-free.

The device does not support a stylus, which might limit note-taking or drawing capabilities that some students prefer. Battery life details are not clearly specified, so the endurance under heavy daily use is uncertain. The kid-friendly features add value for younger users but may be less relevant for older students. This tablet delivers a good balance of performance, screen quality, and storage with a user-friendly Android experience, making it a practical choice for many students, particularly those prioritizing media consumption and multitasking over stylus support.

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.