Best Tablets of 2025, Tested By Our Experts

If you want a device that can handle all your basic tablet-y tasks—like watching an occasional movie, browsing the internet, and playing games—it’s hard to beat Apple’s basic iPad (11th gen).

The iPad’s 10.9-inch display is vivid and touch-responsive. It also gets bright enough to be legible in direct sunlight. That’s handy for outdoor reading, at the beach or in the backyard.

In CR’s tests, the battery lasts a respectable 9.1 hours while browsing the web and 14 hours during local video playback.

If you’re an Apple lover and already own an iPhone or MacBook, you’ll find that an iPad offers seamless connectivity with your other Apple devices. You can also access the same iOS apps from the Apple app store. 

The iPad can work with Apple’s Smart Keyboard cover, which clips onto the tablet magnetically. Unlike a Bluetooth keyboard, this one doesn’t require charging or pairing—a nice convenience if you frequently use your iPad for emailing and word-processing tasks. The iPad is also compatible with Apple Pencil for handwritten notes and drawing. 

This is the newest 11th-generation device, but the 10th-generation iPad is also a solid performer, with the same bright 10.9-inch screen and a quality camera. It actually outshines the newest 2025 model by a hair in our ratings because of a higher-performing camera, but the latest generation offers longer battery life and more storage space. You can snag it at a lower cost than the newest model, particularly if buying refurbished.

If you know you want extra processing power, battery life, or a bigger display, you can also check out our recommendation for the best iPad for professionals, below.