10 Best Tablets For Students 2026 in the United States

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 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 Microsoft Surface Pro 2-in-1 is a versatile device that combines the power of a laptop with the convenience of a tablet, making it a strong choice for students who want flexibility. Its 12-inch PixelSense touchscreen offers sharp visuals and vibrant colors, ideal for reading, note-taking, and multimedia use without being too bulky to carry around. With 16GB of RAM and a Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor running at 3.4 GHz, it delivers smooth, fast performance suitable for multitasking and demanding applications.

The generous 512GB of storage provides ample space for documents, projects, and media files, which is great for students who need room for their coursework. The battery life is impressive, offering up to 16 hours on a single charge, allowing students to work through a full day without worrying about plugging in. It runs Windows 11 Home with smart AI features built-in, such as Copilot, which can assist with writing and organizing tasks, a helpful addition for productivity. Connectivity comes via integrated Wi-Fi. The device supports stylus input (Surface Slim Pen), but this accessory is sold separately, so students interested in digital drawing or handwritten notes will need to budget for it.

While the Surface Pro keyboard is also not included, adding it can transform the tablet into a full laptop experience. Weighing about 2.56 pounds, it strikes a reasonable balance between portability and screen size. This Surface Pro is well-suited for students seeking a high-performance, flexible device with excellent battery life and a sharp display. However, to unlock its full potential for note-taking or typing, additional accessories are needed, and some users might find the price point on the higher side.