The best tablets

Tablets are ideal for kids, travelers, and professionals — it just depends on which one you buy.The best tablet for most people is Apple's 2019 10.2-inch iPad, but we've also included a number of other excellent tablets that are best for different uses.

When I was a kid, and our family went on a long car ride, my parents would keep us entertained by making us play games like, "I Spy," "Don't Hit Your Brother," and "Who Can Stay Quietest the Longest." These days, though, kids are just as likely to have a tablet screen in the backseat, watching movies or playing games while wearing headphones.

Tablets have contributed to the parental bliss of silence in the car like few other inventions.

Beyond that, tablets are interesting pieces of technology, giving you a nice mix of computer processing capabilities and entertainment on a touchscreen. 

If you already own a laptop and a smartphone — and you don't have the need to entertain kids in the backseat — you may wonder whether you also need a tablet. Depending on how you use your current pieces of tech and based on what else you'd like to do, a tablet can be a great addition.

We've picked the best tablets you can buy in several different categories, including ones that are best for kids, professionals, and travelers. We've tested all but one of these tablets personally, so you can trust our recommendations. If you need more guidance before you choose, read the last slide for everything you should know about buying a tablet.

Updated on 10/23/2019 by Malarie Gokey: Added the new 2019 iPad. Removed old products. Also updated prices, formatting, and links. We are currently testing the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, and it will likely be our pick for the best high-end Android tablet. We will update this guide again soon with our thoughts.

Original author: Kyle Schurman and Malarie Gokey