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Best tablets for 2026
Stream, scroll and stay productive wherever you are with our top tablets packed with sleek designs, sharp displays and all the power you need for work and play on the go.
Want to stay entertained on the go? Nowadays there are more tablets on the market than you can shake a stylus at. For work, play, or a little bit of both. We've put together the best tablets your money can buy.
Best all-rounders
If you're after a tablet that's a real jack-of-all-trades, this Apple iPad is what you're after. It's powered by the super-quick A16 chip, making sure everything you need runs super smoothly — whether it's for streaming, browsing, or working. Plus, the Liquid Retina display keeps details sharp and colours vibrant in both spreadsheets and TV series. It's got an all-day battery life too, meaning it'll keep up with whatever you feel like doing.
Expert's top pick – the Apple 10.9" iPad (10th Gen) WiFi Tablet
Best affordable tablet for university
If you want a trusty tablet that's sure to keep up with your seminars, this Lenovo Tab P11 is a great choice. The large, clear display makes it perfect for catching up with your required reading, note-taking, and online classes. It's lightweight too, so it’s easy to pick up and carry around the library. And the reliable performance can handle the apps you need without any issues.
Expert's top pick – the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus 11.5"" Tablet
Best affordable tablet for school
Do your kids need a tablet that they can do their homework on? This TCL TAB 10L Gen 4 tablet will lend a hand. It's simple to use, with a clear display that's perfect for work and reading. And if they need to ask you for a little help, the lightweight design makes it easy to pick up and take wherever you are.
Expert's top pick – the TCL TAB 10L Gen 4 10"" Tablet
Best iPads
From working to watching, presenting to playing, this Apple iPad does it all. The superfast A16 chip handles multitasking across lots of apps without any hiccups, while the stunning Liquid Retina display makes streaming your favourite shows look better than ever. Add all-day battery life to that and you've got a tablet that'll keep going long after your to-do list is done.
Expert's top pick – the Apple 11"" iPad WiFi Tablet
Best affordable tablet for work
This Samsung Galaxy Tab is ideal when you need to take your workday on the go. It's lightweight and slim, so it's easy to quickly pop in your bag if that document needs a couple of extra edits on the train. Plus, since performance is super smooth, you can jump between 2 or 3 apps at once, while the crisp display makes video calls way clearer too. It's the perfect note-taking companion if you feel like leaving the pad and paper behind.
Expert's top pick – the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite 10.9"" WiFi Tablet
Best affordable tablet for streaming
Can't wait to press play on that next episode? This Lenovo Idea Tab's got a bright, clear display that'll make your favourite shows really pop — whether it's a knee-slapping comedy or a tense thriller. The long battery life will keep the content coming even if you're the type who can get through a whole season in a day.
Expert’s top pick – the Lenovo Idea Tab 11"" 128GB tablet
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Tablets Buying Guide
Struggling to find the right tablet because you don't get all the tech? Our handy buying guide is full of tips to help you choose the one for you.
For more computing inspiration and advice, explore our Computing Hub.
- How long should an affordable tablet last?
Even a more affordable tablet should last you around 3 to 5 years, as long as you look after it well. If you're only using it for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and checking emails, most budget models will keep performing smoothly for a fair few years. The older your tablet is, you might notice apps take a little longer to load or new updates need more power, but it'll still handle the basics just fine.
- How much storage do I need on a tablet?
If you'll only use yours for browsing and streaming, 32GB to 64GB should be enough. But for downloading apps, games, or lots of photos and videos, you'll want to go for 128GB or more.
- How long should a tablet battery last?
Most tablets on the market give you around 8 - 12 hours of battery life, depending on how you plan to use them. Streaming and gaming will use battery quicker, whereas it'll usually last longer if you're browsing and reading.
- What size tablet is best?
8 - 9 inches is best if you mostly plan to take it on the go. If you're using it for streaming, school, or just day-to-day use at home, you'll be better off with 10 - 11 inches. While 12 inches+ is better for professional work and multitasking.
- Are tablets good for students?
Yes, tablets are great options for students, whether they're at university or school. They're lightweight, making it easy to carry them around and pull out whenever they need to take some quick notes. For younger students who'll only use them at home, they're perfect for doing homework, revising, and playing games together. You'll want to go for a model with a large screen and good battery life so their study session isn't cut for.
