Tablet that can turn into a laptop

Todays tablets are far from just larger smartphones and dumber laptops. With the best devices, you can get the productivity of a two-in-one laptop with a portable design, stunning screen, and all-day battery life. Especially now that many of us are working from home or going back to school virtually, tablets make for an excellent addition to your office setup or to just use for streaming and browsing the internet. Whether youre looking for a productivity or entertainment device, you should consider one of these six capable tabletssome may even be able to replace your old laptop.

Check out the quick reviews below of our top five tablets, then scroll deeper for buying info and full reviews of those models plus other high-ranking options.

Tablet Features to Consider Before You Buy

Generally, Android users may want an Android tablet and iPhone users may prefer an iPad, but this is no longer a rule. Apple iPads may reign at the top of the list, but Android users, and even some Apple users, can now enjoy powerful iPad alternatives.

No matter which operating system you go for, considering how you plan to use your tablet before you buy is most important. Those who plan to work on-the-go or replace a laptop will require a large screen, fast processor, more storage, and long battery life, which can all be found on the premium [and expensive] iPad Pro. However, if you only plan to use a tablet when the work day is over or on occasional travels to stream media, then a [much] cheaper and smaller option like the Amazon Fire may work for you.

There are plenty of devices in between these options in terms of price, size, and power. Storage options generally range from 16 to 256 GB; battery power extends up to and sometimes over 10 hours; screen sizes range from the mini 7.9-inch to a full 13-inch display, and weight can land anywhere between a half to two pounds. We narrowed down the best devices you can buy this year, so you can find the perfect fit for your intended use and budget from the list below.

How We Selected and Rated Them

We researched 12 expert sources and 18,000 consumer reviews to select the best six tablets. To determine the Total Expert Score, we calculate the ratings from trusted publications such as Tech Radar, CNET, and Digital Trends, and convert them to a 100-point scale to make it easier for you to weigh the best options. Our Consumer Score represents the percentage of customers who rated the product at least four out of five stars on retail and review sites like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.

GREAT VALUE

Apple iPad 10.2-Inch

Total Expert Score: 85/100 | Consumer Score: 96% give it 4 stars or more
One of the most versatile tablets you can get for under $500.

Chip: A13 Bionic | Storage options: 256GB | Screen: 10.2-in. retina display | Weight: 1 lb. | Battery: 10 hours

While Apple certainly isnt known for its low prices, the latest 2021 10.2-inch iPad is a great value for under $500. Its got all the power and features youd expect in an Apple device, such as an A13 Bionic chip, retina display, 10-hour battery life, and compatibility with an Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. With 256GB of storage, its powerful enough to use for work when paired with the keyboard cover to turn into a laptop. The 10-inch size is just the right amount of screen real-estate for many users too, whether you just use a tablet to read e-books, watch videos in bed, or take notes with the pen during online lectures.

FOR CREATIVES

Apple iPad Pro 12.9-Inch

Total Expert Score: 85/100 | Consumer Score: 96% give it 4 stars or more
The iPad Pro has unrivaled performance for anyone needing more processing power.

Chip: M1 | Storage options: 128, 256, 512GB, 1 TB | Screen: 12.9-in. liquid retina display | Weight: 1.4 lb. | Battery: 10 hours

For those looking for a more legitimate laptop replacement, the iPad Pro is it. The 12.9-inch edge-to-edge screen is huge, but the design is still slim at six-millimeters thick and weighing just over a pound. Living up to its Pro title, its powerful enough to handle tasks like video editing, digital art, and other business thanks to Apples new M1 chip and compatibility with the redesigned Apple Pencil and smart keyboards. Like other iPads with the iPadOS operating system, its Split View and Slide Over features are also excellent for productivity. Though its price tag rivals many true laptops, its advantage is its versatility to use as a large-screen tablet when working on-the-go, instead of having to switch back and forth between two separate devices.

FOR ANDROID USERS

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite

Total Expert Score: 76/100 | Consumer Score: 91% give it 4 stars or more
This small Samsung tablet offers Android users a portable, 2-in-1 experience.

Processor: 8-core [4x2.3GHz + 4x1.7GHz] | Storage options: 64 or 128GB | Screen: 10.4-in. LCD | Weight: 1 lb. | Battery: 13 hours

If youre looking for a standard tablet thats not an iPad, consider the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. Its lightweight and reasonably priced for its size, with a fair amount of productivity features, though it doesnt include Samsungs DeX that can turn it into a true laptop. But Androids users will love that the Tab S6 Lite has a few perks over the standard iPad, just as an included S-Pen and longer 13-hour battery life. Theres also an optional keyboard cover, but if youre looking for an Android laptop thats a more suitable two-in-one, you may want to check out the full Tab S6.

2-IN-1

Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Total Expert Score: 79/100 | Consumer Score: 82% give it 4 stars or more
Our Editors Choice winner for laptop-tablet hybrids.

Processor: Intel-Core i3, i5, or i7 | Storage options: 128, 256, 512GB, or 1TB | Screen: 12.3-in. touchscreen | Weight: 1.7 lb. | Battery: 10.5 hours

The Surface Pro 7 earned our Editors Choice award for a plethora of reasons, but mainly because its a two-in-one device that doesnt sacrifice functionality in either modes. It actually adds back a USB-C port in addition to USB-A ports, and it improved on the i5 chip with a fan-less design. The pen may not be quite as good as the Apple Pencil for creatives who mostly use a tablet to draw, but its still functional. The Surface Pen and Signature Type Cover arent included, but a built-in kickstand is, unlike many other tablets.

FOR STREAMING

Amazon Fire HD 8

Total Expert Score: 78/100 | Consumer Score: 85% give it 4 stars or more
A great, affordable tablet for you or your kids daily entertainment needs.

Processor: 1.3 GHz quad-core | Storage options: 32 or 64GB | Screen: 8-in. HD | Weight: 12 oz. | Battery: 12 hours

Amazons Fire tablets have been changing the market with their combo of inexpensive price and quality. At well under $100, the Fire HD 8 is an excellent option to keep kids occupied or for when you want to stream media in bed or when traveling. Especially for Amazon Prime subscribers, this tablet makes streaming Prime movies, TV, and music easier, since members can download content and stream without having to be connected to Wi-Fi. Despite being designed to prioritize Amazons content, the tablet works with plenty of your other favorite streaming apps, including Spotify, Netflix, Disney+, and Zoombut Google Play isnt supported. If youre looking for a tablet thats specifically designed for kids, Amazon also offers the Fire HD 8 in a kid-proof case with a two-year worry-free guarantee, so you can be sure itll last through all of their virtual schooling needs this year.

COMPACT

iPad Mini 7.9-Inch

Total Expert Score: 80/100 | Consumer Score: 96% give it 4 stars or more
Dont be fooledthe iPad Mini is still a powerful device.

Chip: A12 Bionic with Neural Engine | Storage: 64 or 256 GB | Screen: 7.9-in. Retina | Weight: 10.6 oz. | Battery: 10 hours

Price: $384.99

While the standard 10-inch iPad offers the best balance between price and performance, some tablet users want a smaller, more portable option for casual everyday usewhich is where the iPad Mini comes in. Its not much cheaper than larger versions, but thats because its just as powerful, with its A12 Bionic processor and 10 hours of battery life. On Amazon, one reviewer claimed, The new A12 chip makes this iPad so fast and fluid, its honestly more power than I will ever need in my day-to-day use. While were not fans of the large bezels, the 2019 Mini remains one of the best tablets in the compact size category. PC Mag even went as far to claim that its the only small, premium tablet you should consider buying.