Tablets

Looking for a new tablet? Here are a few picks. Note: we sometimes pin affiliate links directly to the best deals, so we may earn a commission if you buy something. You can find our ethics policy here: https://www.theverge.com/ethics-statement

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Apple iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017): Overkill

If you absolutely want the best of the best, Apple's 10.5-inch iPad Pro will not disappoint. It's every inch as powerful as many laptops out there today. It has the best screen ever placed on a gadget, with accurate color and even dynamically changing refresh rates for smoother scrolling and video. The screen is slightly larger than what you get on the 9.7-inch iPad, but the overall footprint of the device is not much bigger, thanks to smaller bezels.

Apple iPad (2018): Pencil it in

Apple's sixth-generation iPad has two new features compared to last year’s model: support for the $99 Apple Pencil and a faster processor, the A10 “Fusion.” Everything else — and I mean everything — is exactly the same as last year. The bad stuff: there's no smart connector, the speakers are only on the bottom, and it's still not quite ready to replace your laptop.

Microsoft Surface Go: A little goes a long way

Microsoft's Surface Go isn't what you'd expect. It's ultra portable, has a great keyboard, and good battery life. But big bezels mean the screen is cramped, the upgraded model is pricey, and dongles—get used to the dongles.

Apple iPad Mini 4: The small iPad is really good again

Apple's iPad Mini 4 has a smaller footprint, is lightweight, and features Touch ID. The bad stuff: fewer accessories support it, there are fewer multitasking options, and overall it seems to get less support than full-sized iPads.

Microsoft Surface Pro

Microsoft Surface Pro 6: A familiar bet

Microsoft's Surface Pro 6 is a relatively minor refresh of the Surface Pro. There's quad-core performance inside this lightweight tablet, it's mostly a silent operation, and the finish is matte black. The bad stuff: there are still no USB-C ports, the design is dated, and lapability is still not ideal.

an apple ipad pro sitting on top of a wooden table next to a white pen

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2017)

Apple's 12.9-inch iPad Pro has an improved display, a powerful processor, a better camera, and a large screen—ideal for pros and creative types. The bad stuff: it's expensive, the accessories are not included, even though it has PC power, there are key limitations because of the mobile OS.