Best iPad alternatives in 2024: Android, Windows and Fire OS tablets

How the DS team tests tablets

Our list derives from practical testing alongside thorough investigation. We evaluate tablets by employing them for both work and leisure purposes: we assess display and speaker quality by playing movies, judge battery life and performance smoothness during use, and test the connection strength when paired with headphones. Additionally, if available, we examine the stylus’s functionality to gauge its suitability for drawing, annotating, and sketching tasks.

What devices are similar to iPads?

Many companies produce tablets that are much like iPads. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 series is equally fashionable, featuring spectacular displays and high-performance capabilities. If you’re seeking a good deal, check out the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE. For those who prefer something more advanced similar to the iPad Air, take a gander at the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+. Google also has its own Android tablet, the Pixel Tablet, which sports an attractive design and, when docked, can function as a smart home hub too.

If you’re mindful about your spending, the Amazon Fire HD 10 could be a suitable choice as it offers comparable size but comes at a lower price point. It’s an excellent fit for individuals who currently use an Alexa smart speaker in their home or those seeking a straightforward and efficient device for video streaming and gaming.

For those seeking an iPad substitute suitable for work purposes, you might want to explore large-screen Android tablets such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, or perhaps opt for a two-in-one device like the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 that runs on Windows 11 and functions both as a tablet and a laptop.

What to consider when buying a tablet

Don’t buy without considering these points:

Display size

When you’re out shopping for a tablet, an essential aspect to ponder is the screen size that suits you best. If you’re planning to use it mainly for video streaming, opt for models offering at least Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) and a screen size of approximately 10 inches. However, slightly lower resolutions work just fine for e-books and general web browsing. Compact tablets (7-8 inches in size) are perfect for carrying around during travel as they fit easily into your backpack or pocket and are usually lighter.

Operating system

Apart from Apple’s iPadOS, tablets tend to run either Android, Windows, or Amazon’s own software known as FireOS. The user experience for each is quite distinct. Android resembles iPadOS the most, offering similar modes and functions (albeit in its unique version), and it has apps available through the Google Play Store. Windows functions similarly to a mini PC, allowing access only to apps from the Microsoft Store. FireOS has the least software support compared to the other three, and base models often display ads on the lock screen unless you pay an additional £10 for an ad-free experience.

Storage

If you don’t use cloud storage, streaming services or apps that rely on the cloud, pay attention to the amount of storage your tablet comes with. This will indicate how many apps, files, photos and videos your device holds. Many slates start with 32GB, but don’t forget the OS steals a few gigabytes before you even begin loading apps, so we advise getting as much as possible or a tablet that lets you expand the amount via a microSD card. The 32GB models are enough for basic use (we checked, Call of Duty: Mobile takes up more than 2GB alone) but for editing and storing photos, get more. Sizes increase like smartphones, with common options being 64GB, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.

Battery life

To avoid your tablet running out of charge during your current episode of “The Mandalorian,” it’s crucial to keep an eye on the battery life. Although all the tablets on our list offer a full day’s use, be mindful that heavy usage of gaming apps or streaming platforms can swiftly consume the battery power.

Stylus support

The iPad is recognized for its compatibility with the Apple Pencil, and it’s great that you won’t have to give up using a stylus when opting for another tablet. Samsung’s Tab S8 series offers an “S-Pen” which provides comparable drawing and annotation capabilities as any Apple device, and it even comes included in the package. Microsoft’s stylus is the Surface Pen, but you should be aware that it carries an extra £100 RRP. Other tablets like those from Amazon and Nokia do not support a stylus, so if you plan to use your tablet for artistic endeavors, make sure it supports a stylus before making your purchase.