By clicking a retailer link you consent to third-party cookies that track your onward journey. This enables W? to receive an affiliate commission if you make a purchase, which supports our mission to be the UK's consumer champion.
The best Android tablets for 2026
A certified smartphones, tablets and wearables whizz, Adam's been hands-on with tech for more than six years, sharing expert knowledge and buying advice.
Looking for a great Android tablet? We've got you covered, thanks to the results of our independent lab tests.
The real difference when you're looking for the best Android tablet comes in the hardware. You'll want to know how good the speakers are, whether the screen looks good inside and out, if it's fast enough for your daily tasks, and if it has a battery that lasts.
You'll find a range of brands on this list because, unlike Apple, Google is happy for other brands to use its Android tablet operating system. These brands include Lenovo, Samsung and Xiaomi. Amazon does things a bit differently, using its own spin on Android with a separate app store. To be fair, while all these different brands put their own 'look' on their tablets, Google's operating system is still the engine under the bonnet for most of them.
So, how do we actually separate the gems from the junk? Well, we’ve put a massive range of these slates through our proper, real-world tests to see which ones hold up. If you're currently torn between sticking with Android or jumping ship to an Apple iPad, have a look at our full breakdown of the best tablets on the market right now.
Wondering if you should go with Android or an Apple iPad? See our overall round-up of the best tablets.
What I look for as a tablet expert in 2026
Adam Speight, Which? tablets expert, says:
'When we test the latest 2026 models, we're looking for the tiny details that separate a high-performance machine from a frustratingly slow one.
'The latest benchmarking software pushes the processors to their limits, we exhaust and charge the battery under several conditions to get accurate lifespans, and test everything else a tablet can do. All so you can make an informed choice armed with expert information.
'The best thing about Google spreading its operating system far and wide is the amount of choice you get. Whether you want a smaller model for true portability, or something closer to a laptop size for watching or working at home, there's an Android tablet for you.'
What is the best Android tablet to buy?
Which? members can log in to see the best Android tablets. Not yet a member? Join Which? to unlock all of our best Android tablet recommendations here, plus our tablet reviews and all of our online reviews, from dishwashers to TVs.
Android tablet reviews by type
- Amazon Fire tablet reviews
- Lenovo tablet reviews
- Microsoft Surface tablet reviews
- Samsung Galaxy tablet reviews
- Xiaomi tablet reviews
Android tablets by price
- Android tablets under £100
- Android tablets under £150
- Android tablets under £200
- Android tablets under £300
- Android tablets under £400
- Android tablets under £600
- Android tablets under £1,000
- Android tablets above £1,000
Android tablet buying guide: Brands, prices and FAQs
How much should you spend on an Android tablet?
Honestly, it all comes down to what you’re planning to do with it. If you’re just after a dependable all-rounder – something with a bit of zip for your usual apps, a screen that won't strain your eyes, and a battery that doesn't die by lunchtime – you really don't need to spend more than £400. You can get a lot of kit for that price without having to chase the ultra-expensive pro models.
If you want a tablet with a sizeable screen, something over 12 inches to act as a laptop perhaps, or you want something that's better for watching videos on, then you're going to be spending upwards of £600.
More powerful tablets, with the best processors and bags of Ram, are designed to make mincemeat of even the most demanding apps. Ones that can handle tasks like 3D modelling or editing photos and videos can easily cost £1,000. This is particularly true if you want a bigger screen.
If you're happy with something around 10 inches, then you can find high-end tablets for £700 to £800.
Tablets with smaller screens don't tend to get the most cutting-edge components, which is another reason they tend to be cheaper.
Our quick guide to tablet prices
Your budget really needs to mirror what you're actually going to do with the thing. Here is the lay of the land for 2026:
- Under £200 – Best for basic needs: If you just want something for a bit of Netflix in bed, firing off emails, or keeping the kids quiet, this is your bracket. You’ll get a decent Full HD screen and enough grunt to run one app at a time without a fuss. Expect about 4GB of Ram and 64GB of storage – nothing fancy, but it does the job.
- £250 – £450 – Best for all-rounders: This is where the real value lives. It’s the ideal spot for students or anyone doing a bit of multitasking. At this price, you should be picky; demand a smooth 120Hz refresh rate so scrolling feels fluid rather than jittery. You’ll want at least 8GB of Ram to keep things snappy, and you’ll often find a stylus (like the S Pen) tucked in the box as a treat.
- £500 – £750 – Best for high-performance needs: Now we’re talking. This is for the mobile gamers, the photo editors, or the frequent flyers who live on their tablets. You’re paying for those vibrant OLED or AMOLED screens that make colours look incredible and blacks look properly deep. These slates pack much faster processors, so they won't break a sweat even if you’ve got dozens of tabs open at once.
- Above £800 – Best for replacing your laptop: Professional creators, 3D modelling, and replacing your PC. Massive displays (13 inches or larger), desktop-grade processing power, and enough storage for large video files. These are built for productivity and often feature advanced AI tools for work.
Does Samsung make the best Android tablets?
Samsung is comfortably the biggest name in the game, and it's really the only brand that's giving the Apple iPad a proper run for its money.
It churns out more tablets than anyone else, especially at the fancy end of the market. The top-tier S-range packs enough punch to rival a laptop, though the prices certainly reflect that. Mind you, Samsung does the basic stuff too, so it's usually got something for everyone – regardless of your budget.
If you want the full lowdown, you can check out our guide to the best Samsung Galaxy tablets or dive into our individual Samsung tablet reviews.
Having that recognisable logo makes Samsung the default choice for many. But while plenty of its slates fly through our tests, it would be a mistake to ignore the competition. It’s fair to say Samsung doesn’t have many rivals for its ultra-premium 'S' models, but things get a lot more interesting in the middle of the pack. Chinese brands like Honor and Xiaomi are putting out cheaper, no-frills tablets that give Samsung’s A-range a serious headache. Then you’ve got Lenovo, who have been turning out some surprisingly strong high-end kit lately, too.
Wondering about Apple tablets? Find out how you can save money, plus which iPads we recommend – see the best iPads.
Is an Android tablet better than an iPad?
That’s a bit of a tricky one to answer because the world of Android is just so vast, with prices and features all over the shop.
- Buy an iPad if: You use an iPhone/Mac and want the best app library.
- Buy an Android if: You want better value for money, expandable storage, or a specific screen size.
Our lab tests show that plenty of Android slates are top-tier, so don’t feel like you’re forced into the Apple camp. While the iPad range is admittedly brilliant, Samsung and its rivals are nipping at their heels – often offering a similar experience for a fair bit less cash.
Android tablets also offer a much friendlier entry point. The cheapest iPad will still set you back more than £300, whereas you can find a perfectly solid Android tablet for less than £150 if you aren't doing anything too heavy-duty.
If your pockets are already full of Apple kit – like AirPods, an iPhone or a MacBook – then an iPad is a bit of a no-brainer for the convenience. Everything just talks to each other.
But if you’re using an Android phone or a different brand of headphones, you’ll find they’ll play just as nicely (if not better) with an Android tablet. This is especially true if you’ve already invested in an ecosystem like Samsung or Google.
From the standard iPad and Air models right up to the beastly iPad Pro, Apple’s kit is worth a look. Check our Apple iPad tablet reviews to see which ones will best suit you.