Best Tablets For Students
Looking for the best tablet to excel in your studies? Our guide to the top tablets for students covers everything you need, from long battery life to keep up with your school day, to compatibility with essential apps and accessories. We evaluate performance, storage, display quality, input options, and operating systems to help you find the perfect match for your educational needs. Whether you need a durable device for on-the-go use or a high-resolution display for multimedia learning, we’ve got you covered with the best choices for every student.
Top Tablets For Students Overview
Discover the best tablets for every type of student, whether you’re in school, college, or university. Our curated list highlights top-performing tablets that excel in battery life, compatibility, performance, storage, display quality, and durability. From budget-friendly options to high-end devices, find the perfect tablet to enhance your learning experience and meet all your academic needs.
Best Overall
Apple iPad Pro M4 (11-inch)
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | iPad OS |
| Screen Size | 11-inch (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1668 x 2420 pixels (~264 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Apple M4 |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB |
| Main Camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP, f/2.4 (ultrawide) |
| Battery | Li-Po 8160 mAh, Last up to 10-hours |
| Colors | Silver, Space Black |
| Released | 2024, May |
The Apple iPad Pro 11-inch M4 is a stellar choice for students seeking a tablet that enhances their academic life with top-tier performance and versatility. This tablet is powered by the cutting-edge M4 chip, which features a 9-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, making it perfect for handling demanding multitasking, running intensive educational apps, and managing large files with ease. Its stunning Ultra Retina Tandem OLED display, with a resolution of 1668 x 2420 pixels and support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision, ensures crystal-clear visuals and vibrant colors for reading textbooks, watching educational videos, or working on multimedia projects. The high 120Hz refresh rate adds a smooth, responsive touch experience, ideal for writing notes or drawing with the Apple Pencil 2, which magnetically attaches to the iPad for effortless use. All this makes it one of the best tablets worldwide.
Beyond its powerful internals, the iPad Pro 11-inch M4 offers practical features tailored for students. With 256GB of internal storage and up to 2TB options, there’s ample space for storing lectures, research materials, and personal media. The device supports 5G connectivity, ensuring fast internet access on the go, which is beneficial for accessing online resources and participating in virtual classes. The advanced 12 MP rear camera with a LiDAR scanner and the 12 MP ultrawide front camera facilitate high-quality video calls and document scanning. Its long-lasting 8160 mAh battery ensures that you can go through a full day of classes without needing a recharge.
Best Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android OS |
| Screen Size | 12.4-inch (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1752 x 2800 pixels (~266 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Main Camera | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) |
| Battery | Li-Po 10090 mAh, Last up to 11-hours |
| Colors | Beige, Graphite |
| Released | 2023, July |
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus is a standout choice for students, offering a blend of powerful features and practical design. With its large 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, boasting a high resolution of 1752 x 2800 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, this tablet delivers vibrant colors and crisp text, perfect for long study sessions, reading textbooks, and streaming lectures. The screen also supports HDR10+, enhancing video quality. Paired with the S Pen, which features ultra-low latency of just 2.8ms, students can take handwritten notes, annotate documents, and create detailed sketches with precision, making it ideal for both note-taking and creative projects. The tablet’s compatibility with an external keyboard further expands its functionality, allowing it to easily transition into a laptop-like device for writing essays, coding, or working on group assignments.
Built with a durable aluminum frame and rated IP68 for dust and water resistance, the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus is designed to withstand the rigors of student life, from crowded classrooms to outdoor study sessions. Despite its robust build, it remains remarkably thin at 5.7mm and light at just 586 grams, making it highly portable. Equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and up to 12GB of RAM, this tablet offers smooth performance even when multitasking between several apps or engaging in demanding tasks like video editing or virtual collaboration. With a long-lasting 10,090 mAh battery that provides up to 11 hours of use, it ensures that students can stay productive throughout the day without needing to recharge constantly. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus combines top-tier display quality, versatile stylus support, solid durability, and impressive battery life, making it a comprehensive tool for students looking to excel in both their academic and creative pursuits.
Best For Most Students
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2)
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | iPad OS |
| Screen Size | 11-inch (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Apple M2 |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Main Camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) |
| Battery | Li-Po 7606 mAh, Last up to 10-hours |
| Colors | Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, Blue |
| Released | 2024, May |
The Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2) is an excellent choice for students seeking a blend of power and portability to enhance their academic experience. With its vibrant 11-inch Liquid Retina display and the advanced M2 chip, this tablet offers a sharp and immersive viewing experience, ideal for reading textbooks, viewing presentations, and engaging in multimedia learning. The 500-nit brightness and high resolution ensure clear, detailed visuals even in various lighting conditions, making it perfect for studying indoors or taking notes during lectures.
The iPad Air 11-inch (M2) supports the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), which is invaluable for students who prefer handwritten notes, sketching, or annotating documents. The powerful M2 chip ensures smooth performance for multitasking, whether you’re running research apps, editing documents, or video conferencing. With up to 1TB of storage, you have ample space for all your academic materials, from lecture recordings to large research files. Its lightweight design (462 grams) and durable build make it easy to carry between classes, while the fast 5G connectivity (on supported models) ensures you stay connected and productive wherever you are.
Best Battery Life
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android OS |
| Screen Size | 12.4-inch (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels (~243 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB |
| RAM | 6GB, 8GB, 12GB |
| Main Camera | 8 MP, (wide + ultrawide) |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Battery | Li-Po 10090 mAh, Last up to 18 hours |
| Colors | Mint, Silver, Gray, Lavender |
| Released | 2023, October |
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus, launched in October 2023, is a standout choice for students seeking a high-performance tablet. With its expansive 12.4-inch IPS LCD screen, featuring a resolution of 1600 x 2560 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate, you’ll enjoy clear, vibrant visuals whether you’re reading, taking notes, or streaming lectures. The tablet’s robust Exynos 1380 chipset and up to 12GB of RAM ensure smooth multitasking, while the 10090 mAh battery promises long-lasting power for all-day use.
For added convenience, it includes a stylus and is IP68 dust and water-resistant, making it durable enough to handle your busy student life. The dual 8 MP rear cameras and a 12 MP front camera cater to both academic and personal photo needs. With up to 256GB of internal storage and expandable memory via microSDXC, you’ll have ample space for all your files. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus also supports 5G connectivity for fast internet access wherever you are. Ideal for college, university, or school, this tablet combines performance and versatility to meet your educational needs.
Best Value
iPad (10th gen)
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | iPad OS |
| Screen Size | 10.9-inch (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Main Camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) |
| Battery | Li-Po 7606 mAh, Last up to 10 hours |
| Colors | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow |
| Released | 2022, October |
The Apple iPad 10th Gen, released in October 2022, offers a well-balanced mix of performance, portability, and functionality, making it a solid choice for students. With a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, this tablet provides crisp visuals, perfect for reading textbooks, taking notes, or watching educational videos. Powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chip, it ensures smooth multitasking for apps like word processors, presentation software, and even creative tools for design or drawing, especially with support for the 1st generation Apple Pencil.
The iPad’s lightweight build, all-day battery life, and optional cellular connectivity make it highly portable, fitting seamlessly into a student’s busy lifestyle. It runs on iPadOS, which offers a variety of educational apps and multitasking features like Split View and Slide Over, enhancing productivity. However, with limited internal storage options and no expandable memory, students may need to manage their files carefully or rely on cloud storage. Overall, the iPad 10th Gen is a versatile and capable tool for a range of academic tasks, from note-taking to project work.
Best Lenovo
Lenovo Tab P12
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android OS |
| Screen Size | 12.7-inch (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1840 x 2944 pixels (~273 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB |
| RAM | 4GB, 8GB |
| Main Camera | 8 MP, (wide), AF |
| Selfie Camera | 13 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Battery | Li-Po 10200 mAh, Last up to 8 hours |
| Colors | Storm Grey, Oat |
| Released | 2023, July |
The Lenovo Tab P12, launched in July 2023, offers a blend of affordability, performance, and functionality tailored for students. With a large 12.7-inch IPS LCD display boasting a resolution of 1840 x 2944 pixels, this tablet is ideal for reading e-books, browsing the web, and watching lectures in high quality. The device runs on Android 13 and is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 7050 chipset, which handles multitasking efficiently, making it great for using multiple apps simultaneously, from note-taking to research.
Its substantial 10,200 mAh battery provides extended usage, ensuring it lasts through long study sessions or a full day of classes. The tablet supports a stylus, perfect for students who prefer handwritten notes or drawing diagrams. The quad JBL stereo speakers enhance the audio experience for media and video calls, crucial for online learning. However, the absence of cellular connectivity and a 3.5mm headphone jack may limit its versatility. Still, the Lenovo Tab P12 is an excellent choice for students who need a reliable, large-screen tablet for their academic needs.
Newest Option
OnePlus Pad 2
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android OS |
| Screen Size | 12.1-inch (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 2120 x 3000 pixels (~304 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB |
| RAM | 8GB, 12GB |
| Main Camera | 13 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide) |
| Selfie Camera | 8 MP, f/2.3, (wide) |
| Battery | Li-Po 9510 mAh, Last up to ~11-12 hours |
| Colors | Nimbus Gray |
| Released | 2024, August |
The OnePlus Pad 2, released in August 2024, is a compelling choice for students looking for a blend of performance, display quality, and battery life. Its 12.1-inch IPS LCD display, featuring Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and a 144Hz refresh rate, provides a vibrant and smooth visual experience, making it one of the best tablets for watching movies as well as for reading, writing, and multimedia consumption. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and up to 12GB of RAM, the tablet delivers robust performance for multitasking, note-taking, and running demanding apps.
With a substantial 9510 mAh battery and 67W fast charging, the OnePlus Pad 2 ensures long-lasting use and quick recharges between classes. Stylus support adds flexibility for handwritten notes and creative tasks, while the six stereo speakers provide an immersive audio experience for virtual classes and entertainment. However, the absence of cellular connectivity and a 3.5mm headphone jack may limit its flexibility. Overall, the OnePlus Pad 2 is a versatile and powerful tool for students who need a reliable, high-performing tablet for their academic endeavors.
Best Chrome OS
Lenovo – Chromebook Duet 5
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Chrome OS |
| Screen Size | 13.3-inch (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 (8 nm) |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB eMMC |
| RAM | 4GB, 8GB LPDDR4x |
| Main Camera | 8 MP |
| Selfie Camera | 5 MP |
| Battery | Li-Po 42Wh, lasts up to 15 hours |
| Colors | Storm Grey, Abyss Blue |
| Released | 2021, September |
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5, released in September 2021, is a flexible and affordable option for students who need a device that adapts to both study and leisure. With its 13.3-inch Full HD OLED display, the Chromebook offers vibrant colors and crisp visuals, making it ideal for reading, writing, or streaming videos. The detachable keyboard design allows for easy switching between laptop and tablet modes, providing versatility for different study environments. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor and up to 8GB of RAM, it handles everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and online classes with ease.
Running on Chrome OS, the Duet 5 provides a smooth, user-friendly experience with access to a wide range of apps via the Google Play Store. Its 42Wh battery offers up to 15 hours of usage, ensuring it lasts through a full day of classes and study sessions. However, while it excels in portability and battery life, the Duet 5’s performance may not match that of more powerful laptops, and the lack of expandable storage could limit its use for students with heavy storage needs. Nonetheless, it remains an excellent choice for students looking for a lightweight, budget-friendly 2-in-1 device.
Comparison Chart
| Tablet Model | Operating System | Resolution | Max Battery Life | Stylus Support | Keyboard Support | Max Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPad Pro 11-inch | iPad OS | 1668 x 2420 | 10 hours | Yes | Yes | 2TB |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus | Android OS | 1752 x 2800 | 11 hours | Yes | Yes | 512GB |
| Apple iPad Air 11-inch | iPad OS | 1640 x 2360 | 10 hours | Yes | Yes | 1TB |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Android OS | 1600 x 2560 | 18 hours | Yes | Yes | 256GB |
| iPad 10th Gen | iPad OS | 1640 x 2360 | 10 hours | Yes | Yes | 256GB |
| Lenovo Tab P12 | Android OS | 1840 x 2944 | 8 hours | Yes | Yes | 256GB |
| OnePlus Pad 2 | Android OS | 2120 x 3000 | 12 hours | Yes | Yes | 256GB |
| Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 | Chrome OS | 1920 x 1080 | 15 hours | Yes | Yes | 128GB |
iOS (Apple iPad): Offers a robust app ecosystem with many educational apps, great performance, and long-term software support. It’s ideal for students who want a reliable, easy-to-use device with a wide range of high-quality apps.
Android: Provides flexibility, customization, and a variety of options at different price points. It’s a good choice if you prefer open-source applications or want a more budget-friendly tablet.
Windows: Perfect for those who need a tablet that can also function as a laptop, offering full desktop software capabilities, like Microsoft Office, and seamless integration with other Windows devices.
Storage: Consider how much storage you’ll need for apps, files, and media. A minimum of 64GB is recommended, but more storage (128GB or higher) may be needed if you plan to store a lot of videos, e-books, or large apps. Some tablets also offer expandable storage via microSD cards.
Tablets We Tested, But Don’t Recommend
Not every tablet on the market is a great fit for students. While some devices may seem appealing due to their price or unique features, they often fall short in areas that are crucial for academic use, such as compatibility with stylus pens, multitasking capabilities, or display size. Below, we’ve highlighted a few tablets that we tested but don’t recommend for students, along with the reasons why they might not be the best choice.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 – The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is an affordable option, but it falls short in several key areas for students. One major drawback is its lack of compatibility with stylus pens, which limits its functionality for note-taking, sketching, or annotating documents—activities that are crucial for many students. Additionally, the Tab A9 features a relatively low-resolution display and modest processing power, making it less suitable for multitasking or running demanding educational apps. The absence of these features means that students might find it challenging to use the tablet for extensive study sessions or creative work.
- Remarkable 2 – While the Remarkable 2 is designed with note-taking in mind, it has several limitations that make it less suitable for students. It lacks a color display and access to popular app stores, restricting its use to mainly text-based activities. The Remarkable 2 also doesn’t support multitasking, web browsing, or running third-party educational apps, which are essential tools for students managing multiple courses or subjects. Furthermore, the device’s high price point is hard to justify when it only offers basic e-ink functionalities that can be found in more versatile tablets.
- Apple iPad Mini 6th gen – The Apple iPad Mini 6, while a powerful device, is not the best choice for students due to its relatively small screen size. The 8.3-inch display can make reading textbooks, viewing presentations, or multitasking with split-screen apps difficult and straining on the eyes during prolonged use. Additionally, despite its compact design, the iPad Mini 6 is priced similarly to larger iPads that offer more screen real estate and better multitasking capabilities, making it less cost-effective for students who need a primary device for both studying and entertainment.
What Are The Best Tablets For College Students? – Summary
- Apple iPad Pro 11-inch M4 – Best Overall
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus – Best Android
- Apple iPad Air 11-inch M2 – Best For Most
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus – Best Battery life
- Apple iPad 10th Gen – Best Value
- Lenovo P12 – Best Lenovo
- OnePlus Pad 2 – Best Display
- Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 – Best Chromebook
Choosing the right tablet can make a significant difference in a student’s academic journey. Each of these tablets offers unique features tailored to different needs and budgets, ensuring you find the perfect match for your studies. Consider your priorities—whether it’s performance, affordability, or versatility—and select the best tablet to support your success in college.
