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Tablets aren’t quite a laptop replacement, but they are great devices in their own right. The portability factor makes them a great choice for streaming and reading on the go, while some apps on powerful devices make them perfect companions for students and professionals alike.
Just like smartphones, there are many options available, and it can be difficult to know what is best for you. Luckily, here at Tech Advisor we tested a range of tablets throughout the year and picked the best three models.
If you want to keep your tablet purchase affordable, we’ve also crowned the best budget tablet this year. However, if you only want the best of the best, read on.
Learn about all the winners of this year’s Tech Advisor Best of 2024-25 Awards.
Best Tablet of the Year – Winner: Apple iPad Air 6
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Apple has consistently provided one of the best tablet experiences, and the sixth-generation iPad Air is solid proof of that.
This is the first time that the iPad Air has two sizes. You can choose the standard 11-inch model or the life-size 13-inch version. Regardless of the size you choose, the iPad Air has a beautiful design made of high-quality aluminum and comes in four colors to match your personality.
Apple’s M2 chip outpaces the Android competition in performance, making it one of the best choices if you want to run demanding apps or games, like editing photos or videos while on the go. Moreover, the large 10,340 mAh battery ensures that you can make full use of it.
Regardless of the size you choose, the iPad Air has a stunning premium aluminum design
It currently supports the latest iPadOS 18 software, which brings Apple Intelligence’s AI features to the device. The software is clean and simple and will be familiar to anyone who owns an iPhone. Additionally, many apps are better optimized for iPads than for Android tablets.
The price depends on which option you want. The iPad Air 6 (2024) starts from £599/$599 for the 11-inch Wi-Fi model with 128GB, and you’ll pay an extra £200/$200 for that larger version. If you’re looking for an iPad, this is the best all-round choice, without the eye-watering price tag of the Pro model.
Read our full iPad Air 6 (2024) review
$499
$549
$554
$599
$599
$699
Best tablet of the year – First runner-up: OnePlus Pad 2
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
If you don’t want to buy into Apple’s walled garden, the OnePlus Pad 2 is the best Android tablet you can buy this year.
OnePlus offers one of the cleanest versions of Google’s operating system on its smartphones, a sentiment that extends to its tablets as well. This includes the ‘Open Canvas’ feature, also seen on the OnePlus Open foldable smartphone, which allows users to use up to three apps simultaneously and expand the total usable area beyond the edge of the screen.
All this is wrapped in a stunning glass and aluminum design, paired with a breathtaking 12.1-inch OLED display with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz – a huge win over the iPad Air, which is (still!) stuck at 60Hz . Moreover, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 under the hood makes it perfect for a variety of tasks.
You get all that for £499/$549, a very tempting price that could drop even further during the upcoming Black Friday sale.
Read our full OnePlus Pad 2 review
$549.99
Best Tablet of the Year – Runner-up: Xiaomi Pad 6
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Are the first two choices a bit expensive for your taste? We’ve got you covered with the Xiaomi Pad 6, which has dropped even further from its £369 price tag since its initial launch – although it’s not available in the US.
The front display is remarkably similar to that of an iPad, although in this area it is again better than Apple’s Air model with a 144Hz 11-inch panel. The addition of quad speakers is also a nice touch if you’re looking for a device for music and podcasts.
While performance won’t be as impressive as the other two options on this list, the Snapdragon 870 is perfectly suited for streaming, gaming, productivity, social media and more – and it’s easy to switch between apps without lag or stuttering.
The only real downside to this tablet is the MIUI 14 skin compared to Android, which includes a lot of bloatware and some annoying software issues. However, navigating is much easier on a tablet than on Xiaomi smartphones, with intuitive floating windows and split controls.
If you want a tablet that performs at a high level at a more affordable price, the Xiaomi Pad 6 is the one to consider in 2024.
Read our full Xiaomi Pad 6 review
$357.73
For more great options, see our full guide to the best tablets you can buy. You may also be interested in all the 2023-2024 award winners.