When it comes to choosing an Android tablet, the sheer number of brands, prices, and features might seem intimidating...

Fear not! We're about to show you the best Android tablets on the market.

Whether you're looking for something affordable to binge-watch your favorite shows and browse the web or a real powerhouse to use for work as well as play, these five picks are sure to please.

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated for 2022


Our Picks

1. Amazon HD 8 (2020)

Best Budget-Friendly Android Tablet



Amazon's Fire HD 8 (2020) is the middle option in Amazon's budget-conscious Fire tablet lineup. In many ways, it's also the sweet spot.

Its 8-inch 1280-by-800-pixel display is bright, colorful, and detailed. Whether you're checking email, browsing the web, playing games, or watching your favorite TV shows and movies, it gets the job done.

The stereo speakers aren't the loudest, but they are crisp and clear -- even at full volume. If you need a little more immersion, there's a 3.5mm headphone jack so you can use your favorite headphones.

Reviewers noted that the tablet is a little sluggish to load apps. It's not going to play the latest games at full settings either. But the Fire HD 8 (2020) offers a solid experience with easy access to the huge library of media and apps available through Amazon.

The biggest issue for most is the lack of Google Play support. While the tablet runs a modified version of Android, Amazon has restricted access to the official Google Apps. This means checking your Gmail account or browsing YouTube requires third-party apps or using the browser.


Bottom Line…
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) won't top the benchmark charts anytime soon. However, its combination of easy access to Amazon services, a decent display, and a great price make it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a basic tablet.

Read More: Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) Review
Get it from: Amazon

NOTE: If you have a little more room in your budget, the Amazon Fire HD 10 offers the same dependable performance and quality as the 8-inch model. But that two extra inches of display can really help movies and games come to life. It's also great for reading complex PDFs or magazines. You can read more about it in our Amazon Fire HD 10 review or check it out on Amazon.


2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) & 10.1 (2019)

Best Full Featured Android Tablets



Samsung's Tab A (2019) tablets offer terrific value for anyone looking for an affordable, basic Android tablet experience without all the changes Amazon makes on their Fire tablets. Available in 8-inch and 10.1-inch sizes, the only major difference between both in real-world use is screen size.

The screens on these tablets are TFT panels -- so don't expect the same screen quality you'd find on Samsung's popular Galaxy S phones. Otherwise, the specs are respectable for a budget-friendly tablet.

A quad-core processor offers enough power for everyday tasks and light gaming while the 8.0MP rear camera is there for quick snapshots if needed. The tablet even includes an aluminum chassis -- something you don't typically find at this price point.

Top things off with 32GB of storage for your apps and media, microSD card support, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, and you have a flexible option that won't blow your budget. There are even GSM models for use away from Wi-Fi. 


Bottom Line…
Blending a premium look with modest specs, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A (2019) tablets offer access to a full-featured Android experience at a price that rivals some of the most affordable options on the market. 

Read More: Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) Review | Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019)
Get it from: Amazon, Best Buy, Samsung


3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e

Best Media Consumption Tablet



As the mid-tier option in Samsung's current tablet lineup, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e offers everything you need to enjoy your favorite movies, tv shows, music, and mobile games.

The 10.5-inch AMOLED display offers one of the best viewing experiences on an Android tablet with inky blacks and punchy colors. There is an octa-core processor to keep things humming along without issues. A quad-speaker setup even lets you crank the volume if you want without having to plug in headphones.

If you're looking to get a little work in as well as play, Samsung also offers a line of accessories -- including a keyboard case and DeX desktop adapter -- to help you do just that.

According to reviews, the biggest weak points are a lack of active stylus (a feature reserved for the pricier Samsung Galaxy Tab S6) and so-so performance for high-end games. 


Bottom Line…
Offering a light-weight metal chassis, a punchy 10.5-inch AMOLED display, and enough storage space to keep all your favorite media a few taps away, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e is an excellent Android tablet for mobile entertainment.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e Review
Get it from: Amazon, Best Buy, Samsung


4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6

Best Premium Android Tablet, Best Android Tablet for Productivity and Creative Work



You've probably heard of Samsung for their popular Galaxy S phones. The Tab S6 is the tablet equivalent, sitting at the top of Samsung's price and feature tiers.

It the only tablet in this lineup to include HDR. This means you'll get inky blacks, punchy colors, and visuals that pop in ways that other display types can't touch. The 2560-by-1600 resolution also packs enough pixels to keep text sharp and make details shine in photos and videos.

There is also the S Pen stylus. Unlike many active stylus options, the S-Pen integrates with the software to make clipping portions of the screen, magnifying images, and performing other basic tasks more intuitive and enjoyable.

For those looking to use their Tab S6 for work, Samsung's official keyboard offers a trackpad and comfortable typing experience for an affordable price.

You'll even find far-field mics so you can use your tablet as a smart speaker to interact with your favorite voice assistant -- such as Samsung's Bixby or Google Voice Assistant. 

All of this is powered by a massive 7040mAh battery to let you work or play for hours on end. When it comes time to top off, Quick Charge support will get you back up and running in a few hours.

The only issue you might run into is a lack of headphone jack. While Samsung includes a 3.5mm to USB Type-C adapter, you can't use it to charge the tablet while listening to your headphones.


Bottom Line...

As close as Android gets to a true 'iPad Killer' so far, the Galaxy Tab S6 has a beautiful display, powerful performance, and -- thanks to its clever accessories -- tons of flexibility. Of course, all of this comes at a price so it might not be the ideal choice for everyone.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Get it from: Amazon, Best Buy, Samsung


5. Amazon Fire HD 10

Best Android Tablet for Seniors



Screen visibility and ease-of-use are likely the most important things to consider when choosing a tablet for seniors. Of course, if you're a grandpa who loves to game or a grandma who loves to draw, that may change slightly.

But for most seniors, we think the Amazon Fire HD 10 is an excellent choice. Its larger size makes it both easier to see and easier to grip while Amazon's FireOS skin for Android simplifies getting around the tablet. Not to mention, Amazon's built-in chat support means help is always a few taps away.


Bottom Line...

With a large grippy frame, bright sizeable frame, and simplified software, the Amazon Fire HD 10 offers an excellent option for older people looking to enjoy the convenience of mobile technology.

Read More: Amazon Fire HD 10 Review
Get it from: Amazon, Best Buy


6. Fire HD 8 for Kids

Best Android Tablet for Kids



The Fire 8 HD Kids Edition takes the reliable performance and access to Amazon's massive ecosystem of movies, TV shows, apps, books, and more and wraps it in a kid-friendly protective bumper perfect for keeping the tablet safe from accidents.

Better still, it includes a 2-year worry-free warranty. If your kid breaks their tablet, Amazon will replace it with no questions asked. Tack on excellent parental controls and you have a package that is leaps and bounds above most kid offerings out there. 


Bottom Line...

Free replacement, a protective bumper, and solid performance make the Fire 8 HD Kids Edition an excellent option for introducing the kids to mobile technology while maintaining control of costs and access.

Read More: Amazon Fire HD 8
Get it from: Amazon, Best Buy

Related Guide: Best Tablets for Kids


How We Chose

We selected these models based on analysis of expert reviews from around the web, user feedback on sites like Amazon and carrier stores, forum comments on our site, social media discussions, and more.

When answering the question, “What do people expect from a good Android tablet?”, we considered the following primary criteria:

  
 

Dependable Performance
A tablet doesn't do much good if you can't count on it to last a while.

We researched the models in this roundup to ensure they offer will offer dependable performance for years to come.

 

Up to Date Software
The number of Android devices out there is crazy. What's crazier still is that some new releases come with older versions of the Android software.

All the models in this pick use the latest or recent versions of Android to ensure you can enjoy the latest features and you're protected by the latest security updates.

 

Pricing
While budgets vary from person to person, we wanted to be sure that all our picks offer excellent value compared to competing models. While these might not be the most budget-friendly tablets available, they are well-priced.

 

Great Feedback
The best place to find out about how a tablet works is from the people using them every day. If there's a problem, reviewers will usually let you know in a hurry. All our picks feature a range of reviews across multiple sites to ensure that information is as accurate as possible.

We compared the things most people consider when choosing a tablet for the Android operating system.

In short, we did the research—so you don’t have to.


Common Questions

Which is Better: Android or iPad?

If you look at raw performance, iPads run circles around anything Android has to offer. But they also cost more than most of the tablets featured in this roundup.

So, when your budget isn't an issue or you're looking for the best performance available, an iPad is the better pick. But Android excels in affordable tablets for basic use.

You might also consider Android if you also have an Android phone. This means you wouldn't have to repurchase apps to enjoy them on your tablet. 

There isn't one that is automatically better than the other, but the topic is a bit more complex than we can cover here. Check out our iPad vs Android Tablet guide for more information.

Can I Use Mobile Data on an Android Tablet?

If you're looking to download apps, stream video, check email, or surf the web while away from Wi-Fi, having a data connection is essential. 

Unfortunately, many lower-priced Android tablets are Wi-Fi only. So, if you'd like to use a SIM from your carrier to take advantage of 3G or 4G access, be sure to check specifications before buying. Even higher-end tablets that support mobile data might have variants that do not.

You can find a full list of specs for the latest releases in our tablet reviews. Our comparison tool also makes it easy to filter tablet options based on 3G and 4G connectivity to suit the networks in your area.

What Tablet Has the Best Camera?

Tablets often don't include the powerful cameras you'll find on newer smartphones. If you look at reviews, most attribute this to the fact that most people don't want to hold up a 7-to-12-inch device in front of their face to take photos.

So even the best tablets just can't keep up...

That said, if you don't mind the added size, there are tablets out there with decent cameras. But they also tend to be the higher-priced options. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S6 offers respectable cameras that will take nice photos in good lighting.

So, What's the Best Tablet for the Money?

This question is hard to answer...

If you don't need much from a tablet, Amazon's Fire tablets offer excellent value. But they're never going to top the benchmark charts or win design awards. You certainly wouldn't want to use them productivity or design work.

On the other hand, while Samsung's Tab S6 is sleek and very capable, you'll never use it to its full potential if you only want a tablet to check your email and stream the occasional episode of your favorite TV show.

If you're not sure what you need in a tablet, our Tablet Buyer's Guide breaks down all the key features and specs to help you find the perfect choice for you.

Are There Any 4K Android Tablets?

While you might find the occasional option on Amazon from a brand you've never heard of, major manufacturers haven't dove into 4K displays for tablets just yet. Even Apple's iPad Pro series tops out at 2K.

4K displays require a lot more processing power and battery than a standard 1080p or even 2K display. And with the size of tablets ranging between 7 to 12 inches, it's debatable if 4K would make a significant impact on image quality anyhow.

If you really want to boost the visuals on your tablet, you'd be better off with an HDR screen -- such as the Tab S6 featured in this roundup -- over a 4K screen.

Why Are Tablets with a Stylus So Expensive?

The stylus included with high-end tablets -- such as the Galaxy Tab S6 -- aren't like the stylus you'd pick up on Amazon for a few bucks.

They're pressure-sensitive and -- in most cases -- have a much finer point. This makes them excellent for drawing, sketching, or doing other things on the tablet that require more precision than tapping or swiping with your finger can provide.

But it's not just about the stylus. In most cases, the tablets supporting them also include advanced screen features to help track the stylus, eliminate false touches from your hand, or provide a smoother experience.

If you're not the creative sort or don't plan to use your tablet for productivity, choosing a model with a stylus isn't essential. But if you're looking for a new way to sketch, draft, draw, or get things done, they can be handy.

What Should I Do with My Old Tablet Once I Upgrade?

When it comes to finding new value in your old tablet, you have a few options.

If you don't want to sell it, give it a new life doing a range of interesting things.

You can use it as a free VoIP line, automate your home, use it to control your PC or laptop, or even turn it into a baby monitor.

However, for many people, turning their old technology into new money is a more tempting option.

If you're looking to get the best price for your gently used tablet, our guide to selling your used phone offers a range of tips that work for tablets as well.

Just be sure to wipe the personal data off your tablet before you hand it over.

What Size Tablet Should I Buy?

The best screen size for you will depend on both what you plan to do with your tablet and where you plan to use it.

While larger screens are great for graphic design or immersing yourself in your favorite media and games, they're not exactly portable. You wouldn't want to read a book on a 12-inch tablet during the morning bus ride.

On the other side, a 6-to-8-inch tablet is awesome for reading on the go or playing a quick round of your favorite casual game. But if you want to read magazines or dive into the world of digital art, it won't work so well.

Also, keep in mind that larger screens cost more and require more battery to run. So, if long-lasting battery life or lower prices are a priority, smaller is better.


Recap: Best Android Tablets


Still Not Sure?

As this roundup shows, the Android market offers tablets with a massive range of sizes, features, and prices.

But there is still not a single pick that will be perfect for everyone. 

The models above offer a variety of options across a range of price points to help you find the perfect match for both your needs and budget.

If you’d like to see additional Android tablet options, our tablet comparison tool makes exploring the models available simple. You can even compare up to five tablets side-by-side to make it easier to see which one is right for you.

 
REFERENCES:
[1] PC Magazine: The Best Android Tablets for 2020
[2] CNetBest Android tablet for 2020
[3] Android Central: Best Android Tablets in 2020
[4] IGN: The Best Android Tablets for 2019
[5] Digital Trends: The Best Android tablets for 2020
[6] Trusted Reviews: Which is the best Android tablet of 2020?
[7] The Wirecutter: The Best Android Tablets
[8] Consumer Reports: Tablet Ratings
[9] Reddit: Tablets Subreddit


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