Best Android Tablets
Check out the best Android tablets, as rated by Digital Trends' expert reviewers.
If you want to buy a tablet but don't want an iPad, chances are, you might be shopping for an Android tablet. Android is a free, open source operating system that any device manufacturer can build into its phones, tablets, or anything, really. Since it's open source, anyone can modify how it looks and play around with its functionality as well, making it important for you to do your homework before slapping down a few hundred bucks to buy one. Below are our favorite tablets that run Android. Click on them to read our full reviews.
Our best Android tablets list is continually updated as we review new products that enter the market.
Google Nexus 7
It's half the size of the iPad, but the Nexus 7 may be its best challenger yet.
- Pros: Fantastic $200 price, Powerful processor, High…
- Cons: App selection not as good as iPad, No microSD…
Kobo Arc
It runs well, the interface is well done, and there aren't any limits on the apps and media you can load on it. The Kobo Arc is a good value for the price and worthy competition for the Nook HD, Kindle HD, and even the Google Nexus 7.
- Pros: Tapestries provide a novel way to interact with a…
- Cons: No Bluetooth or HD output, Display attracts…
- Buy online:
- Buy Now: Amazon...
Google Nexus 10
Though battery life and processing power take a slight hit due to the insane pixel count of its screen, the Google Nexus 10 is the best 10.1-inch Android tablet we’ve ever used. If you can live with the lack of tablet-optimized apps on Android, this $400 tablet is the second-best deal on the market, topped only by Google’s Nexus 7.
- Pros: Highest resolution of any tablet, Android 4.2 UI…
- Cons: No microSD or expanded storage, Battery life lower…
- Buy online:
- Buy Now: Amazon...
Not sure you want to commit to Android just yet? Check out our list of the Best Tablets to find great slates with different operating systems.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 LTE
It is super thin, super lightweight, has an amazing AMOLED screen, industry-leading battery life, and a resolution that's high enough to make a small 7.7-inch screen into a fully operational Honeycomb tablet
- Pros: Fantastic battery life, Gorgeous AMOLED screen…
- Cons: Crappy rear camera, Android 4.0 upgrade pending…
- Buy online:
- From LetsTalk
Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0
The Galaxy Note 8.0 is Samsung’s strongest tablet entry yet, and a good alternative to the iPad Mini.
- Pros: Perfect size for portability and usability…
- Cons: Samsung’s apps can be annoying, Rear camera is…
- Buy online:
- Buy Now: Amazon...
Barnes & Noble Nook HD+
The Nook HD+ is an excellent choice for people who want a simple, easy tablet experience focused on consuming books, video, and other media.
- Pros: Comfortable, lightweight design, Excellent…
- Cons: Limited when compared to most Android tablets…
Barnes & Noble Nook HD
The Nook HD is still a worthy tablet contender, even though there are now many more Android tablets that match its low price. Cost isn't everything, and the Nook's features are compelling.
- Pros: Beautiful, high-resolution screen, Excellent…
- Cons: Proprietary connection port, App and multimedia…
Toshiba Excite 7.7
If you can afford the Excite 7.7, it's a great tablet and has some advantages over the Nexus 7, but Toshiba may find that it's difficult to sell a tablet for $300 more than its direct competitors.
- Pros: Gorgeous AMOLED screen, 7.7 inches is a good…
- Cons: Expensive (starts at $500), Android tablet apps…
- Buy online:
- Buy Now: Amazon...
Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet
If you're looking for a tablet hand-built around reading, but want access to some extra features like email, kids books, magazines, comic books, a Web browser, apps, Hulu, Netflix, Pandora, and some games, then this is for you.
- Pros: Better performance than Kindle Fire, Bright, vivid…
- Cons: Battery life can't match E-Ink e-readers, App…
- Buy online:
- Buy Now: Amazon...
Motorola Xyboard 8.2
If you want a solid Android tablet that's smaller than those huge 10.1-inch devices and has a good portable, lightweight feel, and 4G LTE connectivity, this is probably your best bet.
- Pros: Compact 8.2-inch screen, High resolution for…
- Cons: $400 is a lot for an Android tablet, Specs are…
- Buy online:
- Buy Now: Amazon...
