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I’m a tablets expert at Which?: Here are 5 reasons why I think a tablet makes the perfect Christmas gift
A tablet might not seem necessary if you have a smartphone or laptop, but it has unique benefits that make it a fun and useful gift.
Better yet, you don't have to spend a fortune to give a decent device, with our recommendations starting at around £70.
Read on to find out about the main perks of tablets, plus my top recommended models for this Christmas at a range of prices.
Check out the best tablet and iPad deals we've found in the sales to buy in time for the big day.
1. The bigger screen is more comfortable than a phone
Whether your recipient wants to watch videos, do some online shopping or catch up on emails, they'll find it more comfortable to do it on a large tablet rather than on a phone.
The bigger screen is also brilliant for video calls, especially if you're trying to fit in the whole family on a call over Christmas.
The smallest tablets we've tested have a 6.9-inch screen, which isn't much bigger than most smartphones. However, lots of popular tablets have screens of 10 inches or more – the sort of size that will really make a difference.
Go to our tablet reviews to see which models we reveal as our Best Buys and Great Value picks.
2. It stops browsing feeling like work
If your recipient works a lot on a desktop PC or laptop, a tablet can give them a break from their working device.
All of the tablets in our reviews weigh under 1kg and most have a thin build, making them comfortable to use while relaxing on the sofa. Brightness controls allow you to dim the screen to match the calm lighting at home for cosy evenings in.
3. You can get the same apps as you have on your phone
Just like a phone, tablets have app stores where there are over 1m apps available to download, including for games, emails and social media. Your giftee can also download messaging apps like WhatsApp to take a break from typing on their phone.
Buying a tablet from the same brand as your recipient's phone will ease compatibility – plus it allows them to replicate notifications. Logging into apps with the same account can transfer data, too, which will give the tablet a feeling of familiarity.
4. It's perfect for travelling
On average, the tablets we've tested weigh just 507g. This makes them ideal for travelling, while still benefiting from the bigger screen. (By comparison, the laptops we tested weigh 1.5kg on average.)
A tablet can be paired with a keyboard, in case your recipient needs to do work on the go. The bigger screen will make watching films and TV shows to pass the time more immersive. And it's perfect to show off Christmas pictures when going round to someone's house.
If your recipient is an avid reader, they can download eBooks on their new tablet. Some models have an eBook mode, which changes the screen to black and white so it's easier on the eyes.
Tablets are versatile devices that connect to a lot of other tech. Find out how to connect your iPad or tablet to a TV and why you should.
5. Built-in parental controls can control screen time
It's no secret that a lot of children would love their own tablet for Christmas, and built-in parental controls can give peace of mind.
In Settings on some tablets, you can control screen time, limit access to certain types of content or specific apps, and stop your kids switching between apps. These settings are easily switched on and off if the tablet is used by the whole family.
If you buy a child an iPad, it's going to be an expensive gift, but you can buy a decent tablet for less than £100 from another brand – for example, we've seen Android tablets we've tested on sale from as little as £40.
Alternatively, choosing a refurbished tablet or iPad can save you a lot on a more premium product. Read on to see some of our favourites.
Definitely want an iPad? Find out which model is the best for your budget, plus which reputable retailers have the cheapest prices – best iPads.
Which tablets make the best gifts?
From premium Apple and Samsung tablets to bargains from Lenovo and Amazon, here are our recommendations this Christmas.
Apple iPad Mini 2024
* Average price in the past six months: £493. Cheapest price in the past six months: £459
- 8.3-inch screen
- 1,488 x 2,266 resolution
- Runs the Apple iOS operating system
We like: Outstanding screen quality
We don't like: Speakers falter slightly in our tests
iPads aren't cheap, but with the smallest screen, the iPad Mini is the least expensive piece of kit in Apple's latest range, and if your recipient has an iPhone, it'll make the experience seamless. The iOS software is very easy to navigate and with long-term software and security updates, it's a device that should last. It would make a very special present.
This 2024 version launched for £499. The 2021 version of the iPad Mini has only been discounted by around £50 at some retailers, making the brand new version more appealing – especially if you can get it with a bit of a discount. Here's our Apple iPad Mini 2024 review, hot off the press.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
* Average price in the past six months: £409. Cheapest price in the past six months: £325
- 10.9-inch screen
- 1,440 x 2,340 resolution
- Runs the Android operating system
We like: Bright screen
We don't like: Will struggle with more demanding apps and software
This is the cheapest tablet in the 2023 Galaxy S9 series, but it is still a premium model. We're now seeing discounts during this Christmas period, as it has been out a year.
High points include the processor, which is not dissimilar to the one you would find in a mid-range laptop; the screen specifications, which should make Christmas films pop with colour and detail; plus it's not too heavy to take travelling. It runs on the Android operating system, with Samsung's fine-tuned overlay on the interface.
Find out more details in our expert Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE review.
Lenovo Tab M11
* Average price in the past six months: £173. Cheapest price in the past six months: £129
- 11-inch screen
- 1,200 x 1,920 resolution
- 128GB of storage
We like: Brilliant battery life
We didn't like: Screen has low contrast
If your recipient is likely to use their tablet for more basic tasks – think January sales online shopping, streaming Netflix and checking emails – a cheaper model will still give them a great experience.
The Lenovo Tab M11 has a Full HD screen and a Helio G88 processor, backed up by 4GB of Ram. Its thin, light build makes it great for travelling, and it comes with a stylus.
Read our Lenovo Tab M11 review to see if it's worth buying.
If you want to spend less
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)
* Average price in the past six months: £106. Cheapest price in the past six months: £70
- 10-inch screen
- 1,200 x 1,920 resolution
- Runs the Android operating system
We like: Colourful screen
We don't like: On the slow side
The Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) tablet has some solid specs, including an eight-core processor supported by 3GB of Ram. This isn't as powerful as higher-end models, but what we'd expect for the price. When it comes to storage, 32GB is on the small side and just a few apps and videos will fill it. But your gift recipient can add a microSD card later for more space if they need it.
One compromise for its low price is that pop-up adverts will sometimes appear. The ads will appear in the home and lock screen, but once it's been bought the owner can pay to remove them if they don't like them.
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