The humble tablet has undergone quite a revolution during its decade and a half of popularity.
What began as a simple entertainment device has become a mobile computing powerhouse, allowing many people to give up their laptops and PCs entirely.
However, for all that change, the fundamentals of a great tablet remain the same: a great display, reliable performance, solid battery life and intuitive software.
Plenty of impressive tablets have launched in 2025, including high-profile devices such as the iPad Pro M5 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. But our three favourites have an extra ingredient – affordability – that makes them even easier to recommend.
Best New Tablet of the Year – Winner: Apple iPad Air (M3)
Foundry
Apple still maintains a slight advantage in the tablet market, with the iPad Air standing out as a flagship device.
Offering exceptional performance from the M3 chipset and a high-quality 11- or 13-inch display, the iPad Air delivers a premium experience without the need for OLED or a high refresh rate.
With a sleek design, slim profile of 6.1mm, and starting weight of 460g, the iPad Air is portable and convenient for on-the-go use.
Apple still has the slight upper hand when it comes to tablets, and the iPad Air is the jewel in its crown
The iPad Air also excels in battery life, offering close to Apple’s claimed 10 hours of usage, making it ideal for a full day of work on a single charge.
iPadOS 26 enhances the user experience with improved multitasking features and a vast selection of dedicated apps.
While not without its flaws – such as the absence of Face ID and the need to purchase accessories separately – the iPad Air provides everything most users seek in a tablet at a fraction of the cost of premium models.
Read our comprehensive Apple iPad Air M3 review.
$449
$449.99
$542.17
$559
$599
$599
Best New Tablet of the Year – First Runner-Up: Xiaomi Pad 7
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
The Xiaomi Pad 7 offers exceptional value for money, starting at just £369 and often available at a discounted price. Despite its affordability, it provides a complete Android tablet experience that meets the needs of most users.
Featuring an impressive 11-inch, 144Hz display and quad speakers, the Xiaomi Pad 7 delivers a premium setup for watching movies and playing games on the go. The Snapdragon 870 chipset offers sufficient power for both work and play.
With a premium design, user-friendly software, and a wide range of high-quality optional accessories, the Xiaomi Pad 7 stands out as the best-value tablet of 2025. The absence of a fingerprint scanner is a minor compromise considering the tablet’s affordable price point.
Read our detailed Xiaomi Pad 7 review.
$339.50
$384.99
Best New Tablet of the Year – Second Runner-Up: OnePlus Pad 3
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Joining the lineup of mid-range tablets is the OnePlus Pad 3, redefining what an affordable tablet can offer.
Many of its features rival those of flagship models, including a vibrant 13.2-inch display, impressive Snapdragon 8 Elite performance, and exceptional battery life from the massive 12,140mAh battery.
With a premium build, dedicated multitasking features, and a total of eight speakers, the Pad 3 delivers a flagship tablet experience at a fraction of the cost.
Although improvements are needed in the accessories department and software support, the OnePlus Pad 3 provides exceptional value for those seeking a top-tier tablet experience without the premium price tag.
Read our in-depth OnePlus Pad 3 review.
$599.99
For more top tablet recommendations, explore our comprehensive guide to the best tablets available. Stay tuned for additional announcements of the best devices in 2025, spanning phones, tablets, wearables, and more.
