The best tablets you can buy in 2023

While the hype around tablets as the next big thing in personal computing has largely settled down, the category remains in a pretty vibrant place. For many consumers, tablets haven't quite replaced the traditional laptop. However, they remain an indispensible device for things that are a little too big for modern smartphones to handle.

If you're in the market for a new tablet in 2023, we've put together a shortlist of the best options.

It might be an overstatement to suggest that Apple invented the tablet, but it's fair to say that they made it mainstream in a way that earlier efforts can't come close to matching. The latest iPad Pro pushes the potential of Apples's take on the tablet to the max, thanks to the same M1 processor seen in recent refreshes of the MacBook and MacBook Air.

For what it's worth, we'd favor the 11-inch model unless you're seriously looking at using it as a full-time laptop replacement. The smaller model still has all the same features, from 5G connectivity to Face ID, and it's a little more versatile when it comes to working as both a content creation and consumption device.

While the performance and lower price seen in the standard Apple iPad are likely to tempt budget buyers, those who can afford to spend the extra $100 and pick up the iPad Mini instead are likely to find its well worth the upgrade.

Updated in 2021, the new iPad Mini features a gorgeous 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and comes powered by the same A15 Bionic processor found in the iPhone 13. It's also got a significantly more modern design, incorporating a USB Type-C port rather than Apple's own Lightning cable, support for the second generation Apple Pencil and 5G connectivity.

Even if it's not the absolute cheapest tablet, the new iPad Mini sets a new high bar for cheap tablets to aspire towards.

The flagship Microsoft Surface Pro 9 isn’t the most powerful 2-in-1 PC that Microsoft makes, nor is it the most portable. However, for overall value, it’s hard to beat. The design work here is stellar, with the Surface aesthetic standing out amongst the crowd and the iconic kickstand keeping things practical in almost any kind of work environment.

Specs aside, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 differs from the previous models by ditching the Mini DisplayPort in favour of a USB C port. Otherwise, the two detachable have mostly identical form factors and actually identical screens.

Even if that screen is a little smaller than the average 2-in-1 laptop, the portability and price leave the Surface Pro 9 looking good. Thanks to a robust kickstand and a nifty spec bump, the latest addition to the Surface Pro line continues to set the bar for detachable 2-in-1 PC experiences.

The price-tag is hard to miss, but if you're after the best and brightest that the Android tablet scene has to offer, then the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra takes away the top prize. The hardware here is solid, and the software does a good job of covering for the usual shoftcomings and downsides that come into play with Google's answer to iPadOS.

Those who want an Android tablet solely for content consumption can probably save a few hundred bucks by opting for the standard Galaxy Tab S8, but those who want an Android tablet capable of competing with the iPad Pro or a traditional laptop will likely find a lot of value in the big screen experience available here.

ASUS' ROG Flow Z13 refines their earlier forays into gaming tablets and delivers on the promise of something that's as powerful as it is portable. Even if it's saddled with a price that leaves it out of the reach of all but early investors, there's a lot to like about the results that the hardware inside this tablet achieves.

The most important question to start with when it comes to buying a tablet is deciding on which operating system you want your device to run on. Depending on what you want to use your new tablet for, the answer to this question is going to change. Windows, MacOS and Android can all pretty much do the same things, but there are clear advantages to going with one platform over another depending on the circumstances.

If you're in the lucky position where your workflow can fit inside the software limitations that come with either an Android-based tablet like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra or the iPad Pro, then the benefits to battery life and versatility are well worth considering. On the other hand, if you do still need to have access to apps that are only available on Windows, then something like the Microsoft Surface range is going to be the place to start.

Beyond software, the next big thing that tablet buyers should consider is screen size. If you're looking at any sort of multitasking, you'll want the biggest tablet you can find. However, if you're just looking to play some games, browse the web or read some eBooks then a lighter form-factor is the way to go.

After software and screen, storage is the next thing to consider. One of the disadvantages that tablets have versus traditional laptops is that they can't be upgraded later down the line. Unless the tablet in question has a MicroSD slot or you're relying on cloud storage, what you start with is all you'll get. So choose carefully.

Last but not least, tablet buyers should definitely do their research when it comes to accessories. The cost of kitting out your new tablet with a keyboard or stylus can vary wildly depending on the brand, not only when it comes to cost but also quality and overall functionality.