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The 13 Best Tablets for Students Going Into the 2023 School Year

There's tons of tablets on the market. What are the best for students?

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Best Buy, Huion, Amazon

It used to be tablets were considered a device for play. Fast forward to the year 2023, and tablets have progressed so much from a technological standpoint that many are now considered an essential component for students to be successful in their courses (especially college students). If you haven't already started the 2023 school year, you will be within these next couple of weeks, and if a new tablet is something on your list, we're here to assist you with a guide that details the best tablets for students that you can purchase right here and right now that can go nicely with your brand new backpacks and wallets. If a tablet isn't currently on your back to school list, you may be wondering why you should consider buying one. What exactly makes a tablet worth purchasing for school? It's actually quite simple. Tablets are an impressive piece of technology that can best be described as a blend between a phone and a computer. You can use them as a way of being able to take notes in your classes, keep track of your schedule, and even knock out some of your school work (though we still recommend laptops/computers for those extensive research papers). From the Apple iPad Mini ($399.99) to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 ($799.99), we've got the best of them.

RELATED: The Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100

The Best Tablets for Students, at a Glance:

1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

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Samsung

Best Overall

  • Weight: 498-500g
  • Dimensions: 254.3 x 165.8 x 5.9 mm (10.01 x 6.53 x 0.23 in)
  • Storage: 8GB (RAM) + 128GB
  • Screen size: 11 inch
  • Pros: Adequate display size, great graphics and storage space, runs fast
  • Cons: Pricey

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is a tablet that can truly do it all as it gives you lots of storage space (254.3 x 165.8 x 5.9 mm to be exact), lots of power and precision in terms of how it runs and operates, and an beautiful display that clocks in at 11 inches. The tablet is water and dust-resistant (the latter of which is something that's very important to us), and super responsive and nifty pen that accompanies it's AMOLED 2X display nicely. The Tab S9 also features the highly-praised DeX mode, which essentially transforms the tablet into a mini-computer that can be controlled with a mouse and a keyboard. Perfect for those specifically searching for a tablet to replace a traditional laptop/computer.

SHOP NOW AT SAMSUNG, $799.99

2. Apple iPad Mini

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Best Buy

Best Mini Tablet

  • Weight: 10.34oz
  • Dimensions: 195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3 mm (7.69 x 5.31 x 0.25 in)
  • Storage: 64GB/256GB
  • Screen size: 8.3 inch
  • Pros: Two storage spaces to choose from, lightweight and portable, Sharp display
  • Cons: Limited screen, No Face ID

If you want a small tablet that is going to accomplish the basics of your day-to-day schooling, then the latest iPad Mini model is one that will get that job done for you. Apple gives you the option of choosing from two different storage spaces (a 64GB or a 256GB), and a small size that allows for portability. The iPad Mini's performance isn't that much different from the iPad Air, the camera is up to par when it comes to expectations of Apple products, the battery doesn't drain super quickly (it can last all day), and you can easily take notes and work on assignments. Our only beef is the relatively small screen size, but guess that's to be expected with a product that's labeled "mini."

SHOP NOW AT BEST BUY, $399.99

3. Android 10 Inch Tablet

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Amazon

Best Lightweight Tablet

  • Weight: 0.07oz
  • Dimensions: 10 x 6 x 0.35 in
  • Storage: 64GB
  • Screen size: 10in
  • Pros: Easy to use, has student sharing, affordable price, good screen resolution
  • Cons: Short battery life, moves slower than other tablets

While not the most powerful tablet on the market, the Android Tablet 10 Inch Tablet accomplishes what it needs to as far as offering resources to students. There's 64GB of storage, which is the same thing you are getting with pricier models, and the tablet also boosts the ability for the student sharing. The performance on the Android 10 Inch is decent for the price ratio (you're getting what you pay for), with the device running the Android 11, which is still highly-regarded despite not being the latest iteration. The short battery life is the only major con in our opinion, but if you plan accordingly you can work around the inconvenience.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $59.99

4. Apple iPad Pro 10.2 Inch

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Apple

Best Apple Tablet

  • Weight: 1.07lb
  • Dimensions: 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm (9.87 x 6.85 x 0.30 in)
  • Storage: 64GB, 256GB
  • Screen size: 10.2in
  • Pros: High screen resolution, two options for storage capacity, powerful performance
  • Cons: Bad camera quality, No Face ID on this model

The Apple iPad 10.2in is a tablet that is meant specifically for things like school work. You aren't going to get a great camera because that's now what the iPad is meant for (you've got the iPhone for that), and features such as the Face ID aren't present because again that's a feature that's meant for the iPhone. What the iPad 10.2 is good for, however, is it's high screen resolution and great Apple Pencil, it's powerful performance (no lagging thanks to A13 Bionic), and lot's of storage space (you can go with either the 64GB or 256GB). This model also features True Tone added to the display, so the screen crisp and crystal clear.

SHOP NOW AT APPLE, $329

5. Lenovo Tab M10

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Lenovo

Best Android Tablet

  • Weight: 14.82oz
  • Dimensions: 247 mm x 171 mm x 9.6 mm
  • Storage: 64GB
  • Screen size: 10.6in
  • Pros: High battery life, good for activities such as gaming, solid speakers
  • Cons: Experiences bugs, doesn't have an audio jack

The Lenovo Tab M10 is another affordable option to consider adding to your tablet list as there are plenty of positives. The tablet has solid specifications such as the 64GB of storage space, and the 247 mm x 171 mm x 9.6 mm dimensions. The stylus is known for its precision, and the camera operates with 8 MP Fixed-focus in the front, and 8 MP Auto-focus in the back. Additionally, there's 4GB of memory, and the tablet operates on Android 12, which helps contribute to it's powerful speed. While the M10 does lack an audio jack we have to admit the speakers are still good, and streaming apps such as Netflix is available if needed.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $164.99

6. Amazon Fire HD 10

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Amazon

Best Amazon Tablet

  • Weight: 1.03lb
  • Dimensions: 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) 
  • Storage: 32GB
  • Screen size: 10.1in
  • Pros: Excellent display, affordable pricing, speedy processor
  • Cons: Less storage space than other models

What's not to love about the Amazon Fire Tablet? For starters, the tablet is under $150, has a fast processor that gives it a lot of power, a gorgeous display that is almost 20% brighter than the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, easy features, and plenty more. Despite being a two-years-old, we'd still say the investment is a good one as the tablet runs on the Amazon Fire OS system, which in turn gives you some access to exclusive Amazon apps. The battery is long lasting as you can get about 12 hours with it, which should last you the entire day if you are out. Our only qualm is the limited storage space compared to others, but again that's something that can be worked around.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $119.99

7. Microsoft Surface G0 3

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Best Buy

Most Tech Savvy Tablet

  • Weight: 1.15lb
  • Dimensions: 245 mm x 175 mm x 8.3 mm 
  • Storage: 64GB, 128GB
  • Screen size: 10.5in
  • Pros: Portable, fast multi-tasking, lightweight design
  • Cons: Performance isn't as fast as other models

Want a tablet that is basically a laptop? Look no further than the Microsoft Surface Go, which is renowned for it's technology and operating system. The 2-in-1 design makes the perfect choice for students as you can carry it around with you easily from class to class, but then transform it into a laptop to work on your assignments once you are home. The tablet operates on Windows 11, which gives you access to multiple Microsoft apps and is equipped with faster Intel Pentium and security. The touchscreen is built with 1920 x 1280 resolution, and there's also dual HD cameras built in. You get the bang for your buck with this one for sure.

SHOP NOW AT BEST BUY, $499.99

8. Huion Kamvas 13 Digital Drawing

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Huion

Best Tablet for Drawing

  • Weight: 980g
  • Dimensions: 11.57 x 6.51 in 
  • Storage: N/A
  • Screen size: 13.3in
  • Pros: Designed for professional artists, has a wide color gamut, durable ag screen
  • Cons: Has too many wires, gets hot easily

If you are an art student/major or just a fan of the arts in general, the next step might be to make the investment in a tablet designated solely for drawing, which is exactly what the Huion Kamvas 13 is. Designed specifically for professional artist's, the Kamvas 13 possesses a wide color gamut, has PenTech 3.0 Technology, is pre-installed with an anti-glare protective film that helps prevent glares, and gives you a vivid screen. There's also a Left-Handed mode for those of you that are left handers, which was a thoughtful feature to add. A great tablet for sure.

SHOP NOW AT HUION, $209

9. Wacom Intuos Pro Pen Drawing Tablet

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Best Buy

Best Tablet for Note Taking

  • Weight: 700g
  • Dimensions: 13.2 L × 8.5 W × 0.3 H in
  • Storage: Up to 200 pages
  • Screen size: 12in
  • Pros: Built with premium materials, has great pen technology, easy controls
  • Cons: Pen stand is hard to grip, has a smaller draw area

Similarly if you are looking for another drawing tablet to consider, or just something to take basic notes in your classes, the Wacom Intuos Pro Pen Drawing Tablet is good suggestion. The tablet features control for both right and left handers, has ExpressKeys and touch ring functions, is easily adaptable, and small/lightweight enough to carry around with you all day long. The battery life seems to be decent, and the tablet gives you the ability to store up to 200 pages.

SHOP NOW AT BEST BUY, $379.99

10. Amazon Fire 7 Tablet

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Amazon

Best Budget Tablet

  • Weight: 9.9oz
  • Dimensions: 7.11 x 4.63 x 0.38
  • Storage: 16GB, 32GB
  • Screen size: 7in
  • Pros: Affordable, battery life is extended
  • Cons: Screen isn't a high-res as other models

When it comes to affordability and what you are getting for the asking price, it's hard not to rave about the Amazon Fire 7, which offers you fast performance, an extended battery life of up to ten hours, multiple apps available for your entertainment such as Netflix, Facebook, Hulu, Instagram, TikTok, and more, all of which can be found on the Amazon app store. The screen resolution could be better, and browsing can be slow when using the tablet, but remember, we're talking about tablets that are great for students. When it comes to your studies, this works just fine.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $79.99

11. Xiaomi Pad 5

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Amazon

Best Tablet Under $500

  • Weight: 511g
  • Dimensions: 254.7 x 166.3 x 6.9 mm (10.03 x 6.55 x 0.27 in)
  • Storage: 256GB
  • Screen size: 11in
  • Pros: Has fast Snapdragon 860, 2K display, strong processor
  • Cons: Doesn't have a fingerprint reader, speakers are hard to maneuver

Our under $500 top pick is the Xiaomi Pad 5 which costs $429, gives you an 11 inch screen, four Bluetooth 5.0 speakers, and a Dolby Atmos 13 Mp Camera. The processing is super fast thanks to the Snapdragon 860 that's built into the tablet, and there's something to really be said about the quality of that Dolby Atmos 13 Mp Camera we just mentioned. If for some reason you ever need to take pictures for one of your courses, rest assured that camera quality-wise, the Xiaomi Pad 5 is one of the best on the market.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $429

12. TCL 10.36 Inch Tablet

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Amazon

Best Tablet Under $300

  • Weight: 1.89lbs
  • Dimensions: ‎9.76 x 6.21 x 0.3 inches
  • Storage: 512GB
  • Screen size: 10.36in
  • Pros: Enhanced screen resolution, long-lasting battery, good storage capacity
  • Cons: LTE isn't the best

Our under $300 pick goes to the TCL 10.36 Tablet. The LTE isn't the greatest, but that shouldn't be a problem as long as you're in an area where you can connect to wifi. The pros far outweigh the cons as the TCL features a high quality display powered by NXTIVISION, and comes with with plenty of storage space (512GB). Additionally, this tablet lags very little, which probably has something to do with the Snapdragon 665 Octa-Core processor. The battery is also super powerful at 8000mAh. That means it you'll be able to take it with you all day without worrying about it giving out on you.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $199.99

13. BYYBUO SmartPad A10_L Tablet

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Amazon

Best Tablet Under $100

  • Weight: 2.01lbs
  • Dimensions: ‎9.52 x 0.33 x 6.32 inches
  • Storage: 32GB
  • Screen size: 10.1in
  • Pros: Large HD display, cool touchscreen, strong processor
  • Cons: Doesn't use Android OS

Our under $100 honors go to the BYYBUO SmartPad because for under $60 you get 32GB of space, a strong Quad-Core Processor, an equally strong 5000mAh battery, a 1280x800 IPS HD Touchscreen, and a 5MP+8MP Camera. Everything necessary for completing your studies successfully. The system operates on Android Go, so that's an adjustment you'll have to make if you are used to Android OS (which comes with more features). Otherwise, you should be all good to go should you choose to purchase.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $59.95

What you should consider when picking the best tablet:

A good tablet is one that ideally has a strong processor, as a strong processor means faster speed and strength. We also consider good tablets to have great pixel display (HD resolution before) as blurry screens are a no-go, and good speakers should be as well in the instance you need to listen to something for your school work.

Our editors' pick for the overall best tablet:

Screen Shot 2023 08 23 at 6.14.35 PM
Samsung

Once again, our number one pick goes to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 because of the fact that it has everything we mentioned above—HD resolution with its screen, easy controls, great speakers, fast processor, lots of apps, and more. It requires shelling out more money than your average tablet, but it's worth those few extra hundred bucks based on the reviews.

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