Best tablets 2022: How does the new iPad Air compare?

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A good tablet is something that should have a long battery life, a respectable selection of apps and services, and be more than just a screen to watch YouTube videos. Apple has dominated the tablet conversation for years with its iPad line, but it’s not the only company with a tablet that’s worthy of making our top tablets of 2022 list.

Below is a list of tablets, in random order, that are designed to fit specific needs and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a low-cost device for your kids or something that can effectively replace a computer, there’s a tablet for everyone. We limited what we included in this list to tablets that offer a reliable experience, along with a mix of affordability and features. Not all tablets are created equal, so we used our years of research, personal experience, and knowledge about the products included here to make suggestions.

iPad (ninth generation)

Best Tablet

iPad (ninth generation)

Image: Apple

Apple’s tried-and-true tablet, the base model iPad, is arguably the best value out of the group. You get all of the same features as the more expensive Pro and Air models in a lightweight form factor with a 10.2-inch display.

Apple updated the iPad in the fall of 2021 with the A13 Bionic processor and new storage options doubling the previous offering to 64GB and 256GB, respectively. The entry-level iPad is perfect for students or someone who needs a tablet for watching their favorite Netflix shows and ordering groceries but doesn’t truly want it to replace their laptop.

Apple hasn’t expanded its facial recognition hardware beyond the iPad Pro lineup quite yet, and with the iPad Air and iPad Mini now without a home button, the ninth generation iPad is the only tablet left in the lineup with a home button with Touch ID. There is, however, a Smart Connector to add Apple’s Smart Keyboard, turning the iPad into more of a laptop than a tablet. And, of course, it supports the Apple Pencil.

Better yet? The iPad starts at $329, but you can often find iPad deals that bring the price down to $299 or cheaper. It’s incredibly powerful and even more affordable.

Amazon Fire HD 10

Best Amazon Tablet

Image: Amazon

Amazon’s Fire tablets run the company’s forked version of Android, complete with Amazon’s services baked right in. You won’t find any of Google’s own apps, or even the Google Play Store, on any Fire tablet. However, Amazon’s own App Store has many of the same apps that regular Android devices have access to, as well. Apps like Netflix, Facebook, or Spotify are available.

The Fire HD 10 is affordable, faster than ever, and doubles as an Echo smart speaker, with Alexa awaiting your commands. After testing one for a few weeks, I was impressed with its versatility and performance. You can get it with 32GB or 64GB of storage, but don’t fret if that’s not enough. It has microSD card support for up to another 512GB of storage.

The screen is 10.1 inches and is full 1080p high definition. Battery life should be good enough to get you around 12 hours of use, or enough to get through a full day of use.

It’s not the fastest tablet available, but the Fire HD 10 is perfect for someone who wants to browse the internet, watch videos, or check email without spending a ton of money.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

Best Samsung Tablet

Image: Samsung

The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra has the promise of being the best tablet in Samsung’s lineup, and for many, that will equate to being the best Android tablet available. Samsung announced the new tablet in Feb. 2022, with an official launch near the end of the month.

The Tab S8 Ultra features a 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display, runs Android 12, and Samsung’s S Pen stylus is included in the box. When ordering your Tab S8 Ultra, you can equip it with 512GB of storage and 16GB of memory for $1,399, however, it’s likely overkill.

The base model comes with 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage, and a microSD card for adding up to an extra 1TB of storage to the tablet, the combination of which should be enough for most.

With a tablet of this size, you’re most likely looking at it as a laptop replacement. That means you’ll want to pick up the $349 Book Cover Keyboard. Once connected, you’ll be able to use Samsung DeX on the S8 Ultra, effectively turning the tablet into an Android-powered 2-in-1 device with plenty of space for multitasking and using more than one app at a time.

Pros

Giant display
It comes with an S Pen
Battery life
5G option

Cons

A keyboard accessory to take full advantage of isn’t included
Pricey

Microsoft Surface Go 3

Smallest Windows Tablet

Image: Microsoft

Microsoft just announced the Surface Go 3, which will launch alongside Windows 11 on Oct. 5. It’s a welcome update to Microsoft’s smallest and most portable 2-in-1 for Windows fans. The design hasn’t changed for the Go 3, meaning it should work with all of the original accessories, including the Type Cover keyboard.

The Go 3 has faster internals that provides a better overall experience and performance, and this time around, all three configurations of the Go 3 use an SSD instead. Previously, the combination of slower storage via an eMMC drive and the Intel Pentium processor wasn’t an enjoyable experience. We’ll have to wait until we can test the Go 3 to see if the Pentium and SSD combo is worth spending money on, or if you should opt for the i3 build.

It’s a small tablet, with a display of just 10.5-inches, but it runs full Windows that you can customize and tweak to your liking.

The tablet runs Windows 10 in S Mode and limits you to installing apps from only the Microsoft Store, along with a few other security features. But you can opt for the full Windows 10 experience by leaving S Mode and never looking back.

iPad Pro (2021)

Best Laptop Replacement Tablet

Image: Apple

Display: 11-inch Retina or 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display | Processor: Apple Silicon M1 | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB | Biometrics: Face ID | Colors: Silver, space gray | Cameras: 12MP rear, 10MP ultra wide, 4K video. 12MP FaceTime ultra wide camera | Weight: 11-inch: 1.03 pounds 12.9-inch: 1.5 pounds | Dimensions: 11-inch: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 inches, 12.9-inches: 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25-inches| Connections: Thunderbolt/USB 4 port | Battery life: 10 hours

Apple’s 2021 iPad Pro lineup, unveiled in March, is by far the most capable and impressive iPad lineup we’ve seen. But a side effect of its capabilities is that it’s also the most expensive tablet, by a long shot. The iPad Pro’s design follows the flat-edge design that Apple’s adopting across its product lineup. And on the inside, you’ll find Apple’s M1 processor. Yes, that’s the same exact processor that Apple is currently using in many of its Mac computers.

I’ve been using the 12.9-inch iPad Pro since it launched and found it to be faster and more capable than any other iPad model we’ve tested to date. Another highlight of the larger iPad Pro is its Mini LED display that Apple calls Liquid Retina XDR, which is brighter and offers more color contrast.

The Thunderbolt 4 port enables faster syncing between the iPad and external storage devices, as well as more reliable connections to external monitors (hopefully in the future that means true external monitor support).

The Pro also supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, with a magnetic spot on the side to charge it. The Smart Connector is on the back of the iPad Pro, giving you the option to use it with the Magic Keyboard that includes backlit keys and trackpad, or Apple’s Smart Keyboard.

The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799 for the Wi-Fi model and $999 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model, and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,099 for the Wi-Fi model and $1,299 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.

Microsoft Surface Pro X

A Surface with a twist

The Surface Pro X is like the aforementioned Surface Go 3, only bigger and more powerful. It runs full Windows 10 out of the box (and can be upgraded to Windows 11 once it’s released) but because it uses an ARM-based processor, it’s mostly limited to 32-bit apps. That means unless you may run into issues with app compatibility.

The Pro X comes in either Wi-Fi only or with integrated LTE connectivity, a 13-inch display, and is just 7.3mm thin. There’s even a special compartment in the optional keyboard to hide the Surface Pen — it’s pretty cool.

I’ve been using the Pro X as my main windows device for the past year and even with some random issues with apps, it’s my go-to Windows device.

iPad Air (fifth generation)

Best Middle of the Road Tablet

(Image: Apple)

Apple’s latest update to the iPad Air is more of a catch-up announcement than anything. The fifth-generation iPad Air keeps the same design we saw Apple bring to the Air in late 2020, but it now boasts an M1 processor and 5G connectivity.

The Air still sits confidently between the base iPad and the iPad Pro when you look at price, but it’s effectively caught up to the iPad Pro in terms of performance. But with a 10.9-inch display, a Touch ID sensor that doubles as a power button on the side of its housing, it’s more affordable and slightly different than the iPad Pro. The new iPad Air still works with the Magic Keyboard and second-generation Apple Pencil.

Where the iPad Pro is the model for those who want nothing but the best, the iPad Air is the model for those who want to use the tablet for work and play, without big sacrifices in performance or features.

Starting at $599, the iPad Air comes with 64GB or $749 for 256GB of storage. You can add cellular to it for an extra $130. For (almost) everyone, this is the iPad to get if you have the cash to spend.

How did we choose these tablets?

We take our time when looking through the wide range of tablets available. From Apple and Amazon to Samsung and Microsoft, there are tablets that run different operating systems and support their respective ecosystems. We looked at the feature set, price point, and integration with other products.

I’ve been using tablets and smartphones for over a decade now, and I’ve tested numerous tablets from the likes of BlackBerry (remember the PlayBook?) to Apple. One thing that’s become apparent is that there’s not a one-size-fits-all option — although, there’s a strong argument that Apple’s base iPad is the model for nearly everyone.

Which is the right tablet for you?

The biggest question you’ll need to answer about any tablet purchase is what you plan on using it for: Do you just want something to read a comic book and binge on some Netflix shows while you walk on the treadmill? If so, then a Fire tablet or the base model iPad is going to be more than enough for you.

However, if you want to use a tablet more like a laptop, then you’ll want to consider the iPad Pro, or one of the Surface devices.

What does it mean if a tablet is Wi-Fi only?

When a tablet says that it is “Wi-Fi Only,” that means that it requires a wireless internet connection to access things like email, websites, and apps. There are models available that give you the option to use LTE cellular data to connect to the internet, but if you aren’t planning on traveling with your tablet, you can stick to a Wi-Fi only model.

Does a tablet need a phone number?

Any tablet that is capable of connecting to an LTE cellular network for internet requires an associated phone number. If you’ve bought a tablet through a phone carrier like Verizon, chances are it’s LTE-capable and has an associated number. If you’ve bought your tablet via Amazon or a big-box store like Best Buy, it most likely is Wi-Fi only, and it does not need to be attached to a phone number for you to access the internet.

Is a tablet better than a laptop?

That depends on what you want to use your tablet or laptop for. Digital artists tend to prefer tablets since they’re easier to draw on with a stylus. Tablets are also great for photo editing and streaming movies if you get one with a large enough screen. But if you want to do things like create spreadsheets, type in a word processing program, or do intensive 3D animation or modeling, you’re better off with a laptop.

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