Fact CheckedThe Best Tablets for 2023
The Apple iPad Air (2022) is a powerful and versatile tablet for students, professionals, and anyone who wants an all-purpose tablet. It features Apple’s M1 chip, a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, and a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera. The iPad (10th Generation, 2022) offers great performance and value with an A13 Bionic chip, 10.2-inch Retina display, and 12MP rear camera. It’s ideal for everyday tasks.
The compact iPad mini (2021) has an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, A15 Bionic chip, and 12MP rear camera. It’s portable yet powerful. For streaming and casual use, the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) has a 10.1-inch HD display, 1.8GHz octa-core processor, and up to 12 hours of battery life. The kid-friendly Fire HD 10 Kids (2021) offers the same specs plus a year of Amazon Kids+ content.
With various screen sizes, storage options, and prices, you can find a tablet to suit your needs whether you want to stay productive, keep kids entertained, or simply unwind. Our reviews will provide an in-depth look at the pros, cons, specifications, and performance of each tablet so you can make an informed decision and choose a device you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Quick Summary
| Image | Product | Description | Price |
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Apple iPad Air (2022)
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The iPad Air (2022) is a powerful and versatile tablet that features the M1 chip, a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, and a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage. It’s a great choice for students, professionals, and anyone who wants a tablet that can do it all.
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Buy on Amazon |
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Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022)
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The iPad (10th Generation, 2022) is a great value tablet that offers a great balance of performance, features, and price. It features the A13 Bionic chip, a 10.2-inch Retina display, and a 12MP rear camera. It’s a great choice for students, families, and anyone who wants a reliable tablet that can handle everyday tasks.
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Buy on Amazon |
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Apple iPad mini (2021)
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The iPad mini (2021) is a compact and powerful tablet that features the A15 Bionic chip, an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, and a 12MP rear camera. It’s a great choice for students, professionals, and anyone who wants a portable and versatile tablet.
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Buy on Amazon |
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Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)
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The Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) is a budget-friendly tablet that offers a great value for the price. It features a 10.1-inch HD display, a 1.8GHz octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM, and 32GB or 64GB of storage. It’s a great choice for streaming movies, browsing the web, and playing games.
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Buy on Amazon |
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5
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Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids (2021)
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The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids (2021) is a kid-friendly tablet that features a 10.1-inch HD display, a 1.8GHz octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM, and 32GB or 64GB of storage. It comes with a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, which includes access to thousands of kid-friendly books, movies, TV shows, apps, and games.
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Buy on Amazon |
The Research
How we tested?
We believe that the tablets we evaluated offer a great value for the money. They are all powerful and versatile devices that can be used for a variety of tasks. We also found that they all have excellent battery life, so you can use them all day without having to worry about running out of power.
How we picked?
- Display: The display is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a tablet. We looked at the size, resolution, and quality of the display to determine which tablets offered the best viewing experience.
Processor: The processor is the brain of the tablet, and it determines how fast and responsive the tablet is. We looked at the type of processor, the number of cores, and the clock speed to determine which tablets offered the best performance. - Memory: Memory is used to store data and applications. We looked at the amount of RAM and storage space to determine which tablets had enough memory to run smoothly.
- Battery life: Battery life is important for tablets that are used on the go. We looked at the battery capacity and the average battery life to determine which tablets could last the longest on a single charge.
- Software: The software is the operating system and the apps that come pre-installed on the tablet. We looked at the type of software, the number of apps, and the user interface to determine which tablets offered the best software experience.
- Price: Tablets range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. We considered the price of the tablets and the value they offered to determine which tablets were the best value for the money.
Who should get this?
The Best Tablets
Apple iPad Air (2022)
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What We Like?
Powerful M1 chip provides fast performance
Beautiful 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display
12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage keeps you in frame during video calls -
What We Don’t Like?
Expensive, especially with optional accessories like the Magic Keyboard
64GB of base storage may not be enough for some
Product Specification |
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|---|---|
| Display | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display |
| Chip | M1 chip |
| Front Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide with Center Stage |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours |
Our Verdict
The iPad Air (2022) is a powerful and versatile tablet that can handle productivity and creative tasks.
While expensive, it’s a great choice for students, professionals, and anyone who wants a tablet that can do it all.
Pros
- Fast M1 performance
- Beautiful display
- Solid battery life
- 5G connectivity on cellular models
Cons
- Expensive, especially with accessories
- 64GB of base storage may be limiting
Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022)
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What We Like?
A13 Bionic chip provides good performance for everyday tasks
12MP rear camera takes decent photos
Compatible with Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil (1st generation) -
What We Don’t Like?
Design is a bit dated with large bezels
Display isn’t laminated, so it lacks anti-reflective coating
Product Specification |
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|---|---|
| Display | 10.2-inch Retina display |
| Chip | A13 Bionic chip |
| Rear Camera | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Options | 32GB, 128GB, or 256GB |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours |
Our Verdict
The iPad (10th Generation, 2022) is a great value tablet that offers a solid balance of performance, features, and price.
It’s a great choice for students, families, and anyone who wants an affordable iPad that can handle everyday tasks.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- A13 Bionic chip provides good performance
- Works with Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil
Cons
- Dated design with large bezels
- Display lacks anti-reflective coating
- 32GB of base storage may be limiting for some
Apple iPad mini (2021)
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What We Like?
Compact 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display that’s great for portability
A15 Bionic chip delivers fast performance for most tasks
Compatible with Apple Pencil (2nd generation) -
What We Don’t Like?
Expensive for the specs, especially cellular models
64GB of base storage may not be enough for some
Dated design with large bezels
Product Specification |
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|---|---|
| Display | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display |
| Chip | A15 Bionic chip |
| Rear Camera | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours |
Our Verdict
The iPad mini (2021) is a compact yet powerful tablet that’s great for portability.
While pricey, it’s a good choice for students, professionals, and anyone who wants a highly portable iPad.
Pros
- Compact, portable design with 8.3-inch display
- Fast A15 Bionic performance
- Works with Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
- Solid battery life
Cons
- Expensive, especially cellular models
- 64GB of base storage may be limiting
- Dated design with large bezels
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)
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What We Like?
Low pricing, especially for Prime members
Decent performance for basic tasks like streaming media, web browsing, and gaming
Expandable storage up to 1TB with microSD card -
What We Don’t Like?
Lots of pre-installed Amazon apps that can’t be removed
HD display is low resolution
Limited app selection in Amazon Appstore
Product Specification |
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|---|---|
| Display | 10.1-inch HD display |
| Processor | 1.8GHz octa-core processor |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Storage Options | 32GB or 64GB |
| Expandable Storage | Up to 1TB with microSD card |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
Our Verdict
The Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) is a solid budget tablet that offers good value for the money.
While limited, it’s good enough for basic tasks like streaming media, browsing the web, and playing casual games.
It’s a great affordable tablet for Prime members and families.
Pros
- Very affordable pricing, especially for Prime members
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Expandable storage up to 1TB
- Solid battery life
Cons
- Lots of pre-installed Amazon apps that can’t be removed
- HD display is low resolution
- Limited app selection in Amazon Appstore
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids (2021)
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What We Like?
Durable kid-friendly design with protective case
Comes with 1-year Amazon Kids+ subscription for access to kid-friendly content
Affordable pricing with the option to pay monthly -
What We Don’t Like?
Lots of pre-installed Amazon apps that can’t be removed
HD display is low resolution
Limited to content available through Amazon Kids+ and Amazon Appstore
Product Specification |
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|---|---|
| Display | 10.1-inch HD display |
| Processor | 1.8GHz octa-core processor |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Storage Options | 32GB or 64GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
| Subscription | 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ |
Our Verdict
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids (2021) is a good kid-friendly tablet for an affordable price.
While limited, it provides access to lots of kid-appropriate books, movies, TV shows, apps, and games through the included 1-year Amazon Kids+ subscription.
It’s a great choice for kids and families on a budget.
Pros
- Durable kid-friendly design
- Comes with 1-year Amazon Kids+ subscription
- Affordable pricing with the option to pay monthly
- Decent performance for streaming kids’ content and playing games
Cons
- Lots of pre-installed Amazon apps that can’t be removed
- HD display is low resolution
- Limited to content available through Amazon Kids+ and Amazon Appstore
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Tablet
What size tablet should I get?
10 inches is a good all-purpose size. Larger 12-inch screens are good for multitasking and watching video.
How much storage do I need?
If you have lots of photos, music or videos, or play graphics-intensive games, consider 128GB or more.
Some tablets have microSD card slots so you can add more storage.
What operating system should I choose?
Android is more customizable while iPadOS is simple to use.
Both have access to lots of apps and games.
Windows and Fire OS are other options with more limited app selection.
How much should I spend?
A mid-range 10 inch Android tablet or iPad will be $200-$500.
High-end tablets with lots of power and a premium design start around $500.
Consider how you’ll use the tablet to determine how much you need to spend.
Should I get a tablet with or without a keyboard?
Detachable keyboards that connect to a keyboard dock or case start around $30.
Some tablets have an optional keyboard folio case.
If you just want a tablet for entertainment and casual use, you’ll be fine without a keyboard.
Do I need mobile data or just Wi-Fi?
Tablets with mobile data (3G or 4G LTE) can connect anywhere but data plans add to the cost.
If you need connectivity on the go, mobile data is worth considering.
If you use your tablet mainly at home, Wi-Fi should work great.
Comparison Table
| Product | Apple iPad Air (2022) | Apple iPad (10th Gen, 2022) | Apple iPad mini (2021) | Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) | Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids (2021) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display | 10.2-inch Retina display | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display | 10.1-inch HD display | 10.1-inch HD display |
| Processor | M1 chip | A13 Bionic chip | A15 Bionic chip | 1.8GHz octa-core processor | 1.8GHz octa-core processor |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | 4GB | 3GB | 3GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB | 32GB, 128GB, or 256GB | 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB | 32GB or 64GB | 32GB or 64GB |
| Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (front), 12MP (rear) | 8MP (front), 12MP (rear) | 12MP (front), 12MP (rear) | 2MP (front and rear) | 2MP (front and rear) |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 12 hours | Up to 12 hours |
| Price | From $599 | From $329 | From $499 | From $149 | From $199 |
Conclusion
The iPad Air (2022) and iPad mini (2021) are our top choices if you want a premium Apple tablet. The M1-powered iPad Air is fast and versatile, great for productivity and creativity, while the compact iPad mini is highly portable with fast performance. However, both are pricey, especially with cellular connectivity and optional accessories.
For an affordable iPad, the 10th generation iPad (2022) is a solid value. It offers good performance for everyday tasks at a lower cost, though the design is a bit dated and the display lacks some of the premium features of the iPad Air and iPad mini.
On the Android side, the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) is a good budget-friendly option. It provides decent performance for basic tasks like streaming media, web browsing and casual gaming at a very low price, though you have to deal with lots of pre-installed Amazon apps and a limited selection of third-party apps.
For kids, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids (2021) is a durable, affordable tablet that comes with a 1-year Amazon Kids+ subscription for access to kid-friendly content. However, like the standard Fire HD 10, it has lots of pre-installed Amazon apps and is limited primarily to content from Amazon.
In summary, if you want a premium tablet experience, the iPad Air (2022) and iPad mini (2021) are excellent but pricey choices. For an affordable iPad, the 10th generation iPad (2022) offers solid value. And for budget options, the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD 10 Kids (2021) provide good performance for basic needs at very low prices, though with some significant limitations.
Further Reading
Educational Adventures Await – Best Kids Tablets for 2023
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The Best Gaming Tablets – Top Picks For 2023
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The Best Cheap Tablets for 2023
Updated : Feb 8, 2024