Lance Whitney/ZDNET
Tablets may be one of my favorite tech devices, thanks to their versatility: You can use one as an e-reader, for note-taking, as a smart home display, or even as a laptop replacement if it’s powerful enough. Features like portability, battery life, display, and accessory compatibility make a tablet a device that can be used for whatever you need it to.
Also: The best Black Friday tablet deals live now
At ZDNET, we test dozens of tablets every year and have our top picks, but our readers also have their own favorites. We gathered data on the top-selling tablets via links in ZDNET reviews, buying guides, and deals to come up with this list (your privacy is protected — we only have access to aggregate data from our user base, and there is no way for us to identify individual people’s purchases). These were our readers’ favorite tablets of 2025 so far (and almost all of them are on sale right now).
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The 10 tablets ZDNET readers bought most in 2025
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There isn’t always a significant difference between iPad generations, and the fact that our readers prefer the 5th-gen iPad Air over the current 7th-gen iPad Air is a testament to this. This iPad model includes the M1 chip, which was revolutionary for performance and power efficiency when it debuted in 2022.
Review: Apple iPad Air (5th-generation)
You’ll still benefit from current-model features such as the Center Stage camera angle for video calls, a Liquid Retina display for sharp graphics, and a full day of battery life. People often opt for the iPad Air for its portability, as it’s the lightest iPad model, weighing only 1 pound, which is actually lighter than the current iPad Air.
Deal: The iPad Air (5th gen) is currently 10% off at Amazon.
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The main reason many people buy a tablet is for its note-taking abilities, and the Boox Note Air 4 C is one of our top picks for the best note-taking tablet. It includes dozens of templates, audio recording, color-coding, and the ability to insert links and attachments into notes. Additionally, built-in artificial intelligence enables text recognition, shape correction, and a strike-through erase feature.
Review: Boox Note Air 4 C
Plus, this tablet has several features that make it a productivity machine. For example, it has a split-screen function that allows you to switch between two different apps.
Deal: The Boox Note Air 4 C is currently 6% off at Amazon.
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The base-model iPad is by far the best iPad you can get for the value. This iPad has always been a tablet for casual users, students, and kids, which makes it the best tablet for most buyers.
Review: iPad 2025 (11th-Gen)
When it comes to features, you essentially get the same suite as the more expensive iPad Pro and iPad Air models, but in a lighter form factor and with an 11-inch Liquid Retina True Tone display. It’s often on sale for less than $300, which likely a big reason why our readers opt to buy it.
Deal: The iPad (11th gen) is currently 7% off at Amazon.
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This massive display on this KTC tablet goes beyond what others on this list look like. It features a 25-inch touchscreen display that lets you use it in many different ways. For example, you could use it in the office to show presentations, in a kid’s room for games, or in the kitchen to view recipes, calender information, or shopping lists.
Review: KTC 25-inch Android Display
It also includes a built-in stand that can be used in either vertical or horizontal mode, allowing for different configurations.
Deal: The KTC tablet is currently 30% off at Amazon.
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Like the 11th gen, this base-model iPad is another worthy tablet at a reasonable price. While it doesn’t have as much base storage or the upgraded A16 processor as the latest model, it still has the same design aspects as the newer model and is compatible with the Apple Pencil.
Review: Apple iPad (10th-gen)
Deal: The iPad (10th gen) is currently 11% off at Amazon.
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This well-rounded Android tablet can switch from full color to an E Ink-like display with the press of a button, making it a perfect tablet for reading. Its display helps reduce eye strain while reducing blue light, omitting a conventional backlight, and eliminating flickering, making it easier on the eyes than traditional screens while displaying the different types of content you’d expect from a tablet or smartphone.
Review: TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus
It comes built-in with Android 15, so you can browse the web, download reading apps, watch videos, and more. And with a price of under $250, it’s no wonder our readers are loving it.
Deal: The TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus is currently 10% off at Walmart.
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Amazon isn’t necessarily known for top-performing tablets, but out of its Fire Tablet lineup, the Fire Max 11 is our favorite. This budget tablet is best suited for those seeking a basic entertainment device for streaming and browsing.
Review: Amazon Fire Max 11
We recommend opting for the , which also includes a keyboard case and a stylus pen, so you can use the Fire Max 11 for work or play.
Deal: The Amazon Fire Max 11 Tablet is currently 32% off at Amazon.
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This $110 tablet provides a big bang for your buck — so much so that ZDNET contributor Adrian Kingsley-Hughes replaced his iPad with the Tabwee T20 to handle basic tasks.
Review: Tabwee T20
The 10.1-inch screen with a 1280 x 800 pixel display is big and bright enough for streaming or web browsing. While its hardware has limitations, it would be the perfect tablet for a child or someone looking for something simple.
Deal: The Tabwee T20 is currently 5% off at Amazon.
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The M4 processor in this iPad model enables text-heavy and photo editing work to be effortless, making it a compelling case for serving as a laptop replacement for power users or professionals. The newer M5 iPad Pro just came out with a faster processor, but this previous generation model is still a top pick for us.
Review: Apple iPad Pro (7th-generation)
The Pro also supports the newer Apple Pencil Pro, which has a range of useful features — a squeeze gesture for quick changes, a gyroscope for precise control of pen and brush tools, and custom haptic feedback.
Deal: The iPad Pro (7th gen) is currently 10% off at Best Buy.
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For those looking for a smaller, more portable tablet, the Amazon Fire 7 Tablet features a 7-inch screen that is perfect for reading or carrying in any bag. It only weighs 0.62 pounds but still boasts a battery life of up to 10 hours.
Review: Amazon Fire 7 Tablet
Since it works with Amazon Alexa, you could turn it into a small smart display or smart controller for your home. (At $60, it’s $30 cheaper than the Echo Show 5.)
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Tablets Reviewed & Compared
