Choosing the best tablet can be deceptively difficult. Though all tablets look more or less alike on the outside, under the hood there are a handful of operating systems and system configurations to choose from.

The best tablets can delight children and adults alike. Here are our picks for every need.

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For operating systems options, there’s Apple’s iPadOS, Google’s Android, Amazon’s Fire OS (a version of Android), and Microsoft Windows. Some tablets work with a stylus for writing and drawing directly on the screen, while others are better for entertainment, as opposed to productivity and multitasking. The bottom line is that the best tablet for you depends on how you plan to use it.

If you are already invested in the Apple, Google or Windows ecosystems, you might consider sticking with that operating system for your tablet. An iPad can complement an iPhone, MacBook, iMac or Apple Watch quite nicely, for example, thanks to features like Continuity that lets you smoothly transition and automatically sync your work between your Apple devices. Sticking with Android, on the other hand, lets you run the same apps on both your phone and tablet. And Android tablets are generally more affordable than Apple iPads.

Likewise, don’t discount Amazon. The low-cost Fire tablets are excellent for entertainment and run a modified version of Android. Microsoft’s tablet line runs the same Windows you already know, and they boast capabilities that make it essentially as powerful as an ordinary Windows laptop.

As you’re about to discover, there are a lot of great tablet options, so we rounded up the best of the best for specific kinds of roles. Need a tablet for schoolwork, gaming, entertainment or productivity? Or are you looking for the best overall Android- or iPadOS-based tablet? Find what you need with the list of recommendations we’ve compiled for you right here.

Best Overall iPad

Apple iPad Pro 12.9” Wi-Fi + Cellular (5th Generation)

B&H

Apple – 12.9-Inch iPad Pro (Latest Model) with Wi-Fi + Cellular – 256GB (AT&T) – Space Gray