You're here to find the best Android tablet, and that means you haven't been tempted to grab an iPad. So, if you're wondering if these slates can compete, I've got some good news.
As we've seen over the years of testing the latest slates, Android tablets can power through apps and games without breaking a sweat and make for excellent devices for everyday browsing and streaming. Plus, you'll find that many can be more affordable than the lineup of iPads, ever since Apple's price hike.
Right now, nothing says all that better than the Google Pixel Tablet, the definitive Android tablet for all that even doubles as a handy smart home hub. But there's more to fit everyone's needs. So, to save you all the time and effort that goes into researching dozens of devices, my team of tablet experts and I have curated a list of our favorite Android tablets available now.
A decade ago, I wouldn't have given Android tablets a second glance. Now? They're a force to be reckoned with, thanks to powerful specs, amazing displays and plenty of variation. Whether it's a bargain-worthy tablet that's perfect for watching shows or a mighty slate that you can work and game on, my team of tablet experts and I have tested them all. And with our hands-on testing, this guide will help you decide which Android tablet is right for you.
The end of OnePlus is official. After years of delivering tablets, the "flagship killer" brand will no longer bring new OnePlus tablets to the U.S. or Europe. Fortunately, current products, like the latest OnePlus Pad 3 and OnePlus Pad Go 2, will commit to receiving software support, but expect OnePlus products to continue through Oppo. Since OnePlus tablets will now be discontinued, we've taken these tablets out of this guide. However, prepare for more (possible) recommendations from Oppo after our testing!
The best Android tablets you can buy today
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The best Android tablet overall
The Google Pixel Tablet is easily the Android tablet for most, delivering the "cleanest" version of the OS (it's Google's, after all). But it isn't just about the software, as it comes with the right specs, display and battery life that everyone in the family, and certainly smart households, will appreciate.
The Pixel Tablet’s 11-inch 2560 x 1600 LCD panel is sharp and immersive for streaming or reading, and Google’s Tensor G2 processor, even if it isn't the most powerful, delivers enough muscle to keep the device feeling snappy for just about any daily task.
In our testing, app performance was smooth whether our reviewer, Mike, was browsing, tackling light work or diving into games like EA Real Racing and World of Tanks — never once did the tablet stutter or pause. Battery life was another highlight: in our lab test, it cruised for nearly 12 hours, so you won’t be scrambling for a charger all the time. Plus, the speaker dock and charging station give it a permanent home wherever you want it.
The display isn’t just sharp; it’s color-accurate too, with a near-perfect Delta-E score of 0.05. Even better, the Pixel Tablet comes packed with surprisingly powerful speakers, which make movie nights and music a treat.
Sure, the charging dock’s speaker can sound muddy, and it isn't a powerhouse, but for anyone wanting a single, well-rounded Android slate with few compromises, this is the tablet for most people.
- Read our full Google Pixel Tablet review
The best budget Android tablet
While it may not evoke the same level of excitement in me as, say, an iPad, the Amazon Fire HD 10 (especially the latest 2023 model) represents outstanding value for any tablet. For a fraction of the cost of many rivals, it delivers a crisp display, durable construction, remarkable battery longevity and just enough performance — and that will do the job as a value buy for most families.
Sure, it has its drawbacks. The Amazon Appstore is less comprehensive than those offered by Apple and Google, and its "just fine" power makes demanding games a no-go — assuming they are even available.
Nevertheless, for those after a portable device for streaming video, light web surfing and staying connected, this latest iteration of the Amazon Fire HD remains a compelling bargain. It stands out as an excellent choice for shoppers on a tight budget.
- Read our full Amazon Fire HD 10 review
Best for streaming
The Motorola MotoPad (2026) gives you a very affordable way to stream and browse all day on a vibrant display, with tested battery life going well past 10 hours and a display that covers a vibrant 112% of the sRGB color space. For anyone just looking for a simple tablet for entertainment, the MotoPad delivers plenty of value for just under $250.
We found the 11-inch screen comfortable for movies and reading, and the built-in microSD card reader means you can bump storage up to 2TB. That's perfect if you want to load the tablet up with offline content.
The MotoPad clearly focuses on essentials: you get a sharp display and long battery life, but you'll give up some performance, multitasking features and premium hardware touches. For most everyday needs, though, the savings are real.
Powered by a basic MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip, the MotoPad isn’t built for gaming or heavy multitasking — our reviewer, Madeline, struggled to get playable frame rates in anything more demanding than casual games like Candy Crush. But if you want a no-nonsense tablet for streaming, reading and keeping the family connected, it's hard to find a better buy at this price.
- Read our full Motorola MotoPad review
Battery life compared
Battery life is a key factor when choosing a tablet, as no one wants a slab that turns into a brick after just a few hours of watching shows or scrolling the web. The good news is that Android tablets have come a long way, and the very best of them have outstanding battery life.
We put every tablet we test and review through a series of battery tests, then average the results and compare them against the competition. Here's a look at the battery life of each of our top picks.
To put this in perspective, the iPad Air M4 lasts 9 hours and 44 minutes, which says a lot about how long these Android tablets last.
Best Android Tablets Battery Life Results
In our battery test, we set the tablet's display to 150 nits of brightness and have it endlessly browse the web via Wi-Fi until it runs out of juice.
Battery life (hh:mm:ss)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| Google Pixel Tablet | 11.933333333333334 |
| Amazon Fire HD 10 | 12.65 |
| Motorola MotoPad | 10.516666666666667 |
Also tested
While the Android tablets on our list made it on top as they fit into most of what people are looking for, that is by no means the extent of what Android tablets have to offer.
I mean, this list wouldn't be complete without tablets from Samsung, as its selection of value-driven slates to massive, near-laptop replacements is not to be sneezed at. We test dozens of tablets each year, so if you're after more options, we've got them right here.
How we test the best Android tablets
The first thing we do to separate the great tablets from the not-so-great is to test all their different facets.
Our web-surfing-based battery test times how long a tablet can browse the internet for, with its display set to 150 nits of brightness. But to figure out what percentage of brightness equals 150 nits, we perform a series of display tests to measure how colorful the panel can get (measured with its sRGB output number), as well as how bright it can get. Then, we run benchmark tests on said tablet, including the latest version of the Geekbench general performance benchmark.
Another thing we do to evaluate Android tablets is check out the app store to see if you're getting a true Android experience or some company's vision thereof. The latter is a major disappointment — though we don't expect anything different from Amazon at this stage. On tablets with parental control settings, we try to find the loopholes in said limitations to find red flags before your kids can.
Then, we just use the tablets like we would if we owned them. Opening tab after tab and app after app to see if we can multitask without hiccups. We also watch YouTube videos because the color output (sRGB) and brightness (nits) measurements don't tell the whole story. Only through all of these tests can we be sure that we're giving you a complete assessment of a tablet's value.
How to choose the best Android tablet for you
When it comes to picking the best Android tablet for you, start by thinking about the apps you want.
Those who want every single application on their Android tablet should probably look away from the Amazon Fire tablets, as those require jumping through hoops (and disabling security protection features) to get Gmail or any of the Google apps as apps. If you don't need those apps on your tablet, or could stand to use older, less-than-stellar versions of those applications in a web browser, then you can consider the Fire tablets.
If you want all of the apps, you have three questions, each with its own answer. Are you mainly going to be consuming content? Get the Motorola MotoPad. Looking for a machine the whole family can use and acts as a smart hub? The Google Pixel Tablet is right for you. Fine with the limitations of Amazon tablets and just need something simple for the family? Grab the Fire HD 10 if you're shopping for folks with slightly higher standards (for a more affordable price).
Of course, there are even more options to check out, but get a closer look at other slates in our detailed buying guides for the best Samsung tablets, the best Amazon Fire tablets and the best cheap tablets.
