Our picks at a glance
Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.
Comparison table
| Feature | Best overallApple iPad (A16) | CreativesApple iPad Air 11-inch (M3) | AndroidSamsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE | BudgetAmazon Fire HD 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy | Buy | Consider |
| Typical price | £330–£380 | £580–£660 | £400–£500 | £100–£150 |
| Best for | Best value | Creatives | Android | Budget |
| Key feature | Fast, long-supported iPad | M3 chip and Pencil Pro | S Pen included | Cheap tablet for streaming |
| Screen | 11" | 11" | 10.9" | 10.1" |
| Chip | A16 | M3 | — | — |
| Pen | — | — | Included | — |
| Storage | — | — | — | 32 GB+ |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
Apple · Tablets
Apple iPad (A16)
Fast, long-supported iPad.
- Buy it if
- you want a reliable all-round tablet
- Skip it if
- you need Pencil Pro support
Pros
- Fast
- Long updates
- Great apps
Cons
- Pricey accessories
Key specifications
- Screen
- 11"
- Chip
- A16
Apple · Tablets
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3)
M3 chip and Pencil Pro.
- Buy it if
- you draw or edit
- Skip it if
- you only stream
Pros
- Very fast
- Pencil Pro
- Great screen
Cons
- Expensive with keyboard
Key specifications
- Chip
- M3
- Screen
- 11"
Samsung · Tablets
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE
S Pen included.
- Buy it if
- you use Android and want a pen
- Skip it if
- you want the fastest tablet
Pros
- S Pen included
- IP68
- Good screen
Cons
- Mid-range chip
Key specifications
- Screen
- 10.9"
- Pen
- Included
Amazon · Tablets
Amazon Fire HD 10
Cheap tablet for streaming.
- Buy it if
- you want a cheap streaming tablet
- Skip it if
- you want Google apps
Pros
- Cheap
- Good screen for the price
Cons
- Ads
- No Google Play
Key specifications
- Screen
- 10.1"
- Storage
- 32 GB+
Compare more Tablets on Amazon Paid link
Who this list is for
iPads and Android tablets for streaming, study and work, compared on screen, speed and value. We show what each model does best, what it typically costs in the UK and who should skip it.
How we chose
We compared manufacturer specifications, UK warranty terms, running costs and typical UK prices, then gave every product a clear verdict: Buy, Consider or Skip. Our verdicts are based on this research, not on lab tests we have not done.
What to look for
- iPads get software updates for many years.
- Keyboard covers turn tablets into laptops.
- Fire tablets are cheap but limited.
Buying in the UK
Kids’ tablets from Amazon include a two-year worry-free guarantee in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
iPad or Android tablet?
iPad for apps and longevity; Samsung for Android users and value.
Can a tablet replace a laptop?
For browsing, email and documents with a keyboard, often yes.