Top 10 Best Tablets for Students and Educators in 2024

Welcome to the 21st-century classroom. Teachers and students have traded chalk for styluses and forgotten what paper smells like.

Enter the spotlight: the tablet.

Whether you’re cramming for finals or planning tomorrow’s measured fact list on photosynthesis, you’ll want a tablet that can handle the chaos of a school day – on repeat – for the entire term – and year.

Back in 2013, Techgrid posted an article claiming that iPads in the classroom were the future of education. And they weren’t wrong – okay, maybe they could have focused on tablets and iPads, but we get where they were going with it!

Just recently, with the demand for tablets and laptops in the learning environment growing, we set out to find the best tablets for storing textbooks, aced assignments, constructed lesson plans, and noted brilliant ideas—and here’s what we found.

10 Best Tablets for Students and Educators in 2024

Our list of best tablets of 2024 can be considered the holy grail of student multitasking and digital teaching aids. 

Here’s our list of top picks of tablets for students and teachers that will do everything for you (except your laundry, unfortunately). 

1. Apple iPad (Latest Model)

Cost: Starts at $599 for 11-inch and $799 for 13-inch 

If you’re looking for the best iPad for college or school, the 2024 iPad Air (6th generation) is a top choice. It incorporates an Apple M2 chip that makes multitasking, streaming, note-taking, and procrastinating easy.

The Liquid Retina display provides a crisp appearance, while Apple Pencil (2nd generation) compatibility means you can ditch paper entirely.

Pros

• Improved performance with M2 chip

• Supports Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil USB‑C, and Apple Pencil hover

• Upgraded to Wi-Fi 6E

Cons 

• Pricey

Compatibility

• Suitable for gaming, reading, and creating to various degrees

• Features iPadOS with powerful features and built-in apps 

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

Cost: Starts at $599

The Galaxy Tab S8 is a strong contender for those looking for the best Samsung tablet for students. Its 11-inch LCD offers crisp visuals, and you can use the device for just about anything, from taking notes to streaming.

A Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip powers the device, ensuring excellent performance and simplifying multitasking.

Pros

• Long battery life

• Includes S Pen stylus

• Slim design

Cons

• Lower performance than comparable iPads

• No 5G option in the United States

Compatibility

• The S Pen allows you to handwrite notes or draw diagrams

3. Microsoft Surface Go 3

Cost: Starts at $399

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is as flexible as a student’s last-minute study plans. This tablet, which also functions as a laptop, has a complete Windows 11 package and a detachable keyboard. The 10.5-inch display is small enough for easy portability. However, the Intel Pentium processor isn’t the fastest around.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to carry

• No bloatware

• Excellent video calling experience

Cons

• Short battery life

• Underwhelming performance

Compatibility

• It’s excellent for video calls and online classes, thanks to its superb webcam and microphone

4. Lenovo Tab P11 Pro

Cost: Starts at $399 

One of the best Android tablets 2024 options that comes in at an affordable price is the Lenovo P11 Pro. It has an 11.5-inch OLED display and Dolby Atmos speakers, perfect for binge-watching series, lengthy study sessions, and grueling lesson planning.

Powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 1300T, it handles multitasking easily and balances cost and performance quite nicely.  

Pros

• Good battery life

• Large, sharp OLED screen 

• Solid performance

Cons

• Not as powerful as an iPad

Compatibility

• Supports a stylus pen to take notes quickly and increase your productivity

5. Amazon Fire HD 10

Cost: Starts at $149

The Fire HD 10 is a decent choice for younger users and students limited to a budget. Although it won’t win any races, it's good for watching educational videos and taking class notes.

Its 10.1-inch Full HD display is decent, and Amazon’s kid-friendly features make it a good choice for younger students—not a great pick for educators. 

Pros

• Affordable

• Good battery life

• Lightweight and slender for easy reading on the go

Cons

• Focused on the Amazon ecosystem

• Limited app selection

Compatibility

• Text on books appears clear and sharp, even when set to smaller font sizes

• Can turn into an all-round entertainment beast after class

6. Google Pixel Slate

Cost: Starts at $599

The Pixel Slate is a good option for students who like using Google apps. The 12.3-inch Molecular Display is sharp, and an Intel Core m3 processor powers the device. It’s perfect for juggling Google Docs, Slides, and the occasional Netflix series or movie marathon. 

Pros

• Excellent screen quality with a 12.3in LTPS LCD

• Battery life of up to 12 hours

• Sleek design

Cons

• Keyboard and pen sold separately

• Pricey for what it offers

Compatibility

• Text is sharper, and colors are more vivid on the Pixel Slate, making it an excellent reading companion

7. iPad Mini

Cost: Starts at $499

The iPad Mini is small but also rather powerful. An A15 Bionic chip powers the Mini, and it has an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display. It’s excellent for multitasking, note-taking, reading, and even gaming between classes. The iPad Mini will not disappoint students and educators who want a device that’s powerful but also portable.

Pros

• Fits in a bag or pocket

• Great screen quality

• Apple Pencil functionality makes it an ideal digital notepad

Cons

• You must buy the Apple Pencil separately

• No traditional keyboard accessory 

Compatibility

• The Mini’s camera can track movements, making it excellent for a video call on a practical subject that requires moving around

8. Huawei MatePad Pro

Cost: Starts at $500

The MatePad Pro is a sleek powerhouse that offers premium features without the hefty associated costs. Its 10.8-inch 2K display makes reading, designing, and multitasking simple.

A Kirin 990 chipset powers the MatePad, which ensures excellent performance. With 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, it is ideal for busy students and educators. 

Pros

• Dependable battery life

• Super slim

• Excellent screen

Cons

• No Google Services support

Compatibility

• High refresh rate screen for easy viewing and editing of documents and presentations

9. Acer Chromebook Tab 10

Cost: Starts at $300

The Chromebook Tab 10 is perfect for schools that utilize Google Classroom. It’s a good device for collaboration, note-taking, lesson planning, and more. With an 11-inch HD display, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage, it’s built for everyday tasks and is capable of classroom work and multitasking.

Pros

• It comes with an integrated stylus

• Long-lasting battery

• Crisp, bright display

Cons

• Limited performance for advanced applications

Compatibility

• It offers speed, flexibility, and a long battery life that can last the entire school day

10. ASUS Chromebook Detachable CM3

Cost: Starts at $350

The ASUS Chromebook Detachable CM3 is somewhat of a shapeshifter. Need a tablet for making quick notes? Done.

Need a laptop for essays? Attach the keyboard, and you’re good to go. Because it uses Chrome OS, things are kept fast, efficient, and Google-centric. It offers a 10.5-inch display, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage—not overly exceptional but reliable for student life. 

Pros

• Affordable

• Compact and portable

• Over 12 hours of battery life

• Stylus and keyboard included

Cons

• The weak processor makes it unsuitable for heavy multitasking

Compatibility

• It’s ideal for assignments, taking notes, collaborating, and watching the occasional cat video. 

Why Tablets Are Essential for Modern Education

Benefits that make tablets essential for both educators and students in the classroom include:

Improved Accessibility and Learning

Good tablets for college are just like mini portable libraries that fit in your bag. They offer access to endless educational apps, eBooks, and videos. Moreover, a good tablet can cater to all learning styles, whether that means note-takers, visual learners, or procrastinators. 

Portability and Convenience

The best student tablet allows you to cart your entire education around all day in a backpack. It offers decent storage space and is far lighter than textbooks. Tablets allow flexible learning, giving students and teachers the freedom to work anywhere and everywhere. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Tablet for Students

Key considerations when selecting the best tablet for students include: 

Personal Needs

Choosing a tablet to check your email and watch Netflix differs from selecting the best tablet for college or school.

The best tablet for schooling focuses on simple operating systems that are easy to use and durable. It should be able to handle more demanding tasks like taking notes with a pen, running complex apps, and carrying out various multitasking requirements. 

Budget

When shopping around for the right tablet, money matters. You’ll need to determine what your budget will allow you to afford and then search for the best tablet for your available cash. You must select the best tablet with the best essential features in your available price range. 

Operating System Compatibility

When shopping for the best iPad for college or school, consider what sort of power and functionality you want from the device. 

iOS is smooth and intuitive. Apps run flawlessly, and the ecosystem is a dream. However, some users find it frustrating when they can’t get their iOS to collaborate with other devices using different operating systems. 

Android operating systems are more customizable, cheaper, and open-source but can be occasionally buggy. 

Windows tablets have full PC power with the occasional clunkiness. They are ideal for multitasking and offer decent power. 

Screen Size and Resolution

You could take a laptop to school, but tablets are lighter and smaller. Choose a tablet that’s small and light enough to carry around all day but offers a good resolution so that watching educational content, completing assignments, and collaborating becomes more engaging.

Battery Life

Battery life is vital when considering good tablets for college. The last thing you want is to be mid-lecture when your tablet runs out of power, leaving you searching for pen and paper to jot down important notes or continue studying. 

Additional Features

It’s a good idea to consider your personal needs when selecting between tablet options. Some tablets offer an additional feature of pen support, ideal for students who want to take handwritten notes or need to draw or annotate documents while at school or college. 

How to Maximize Your Tablet for Education

Students and educators can maximize the use of their tablets through various ways:

Leverage Cloud Storage

Cloud storage services like Google Drive or OneDrive are essential for saving space on your tablet by backing up important files. Cloud storage allows easy access to your documents, notes, and assignments across multiple devices, whether at home, in class, or on the go.

Choose the Right Apps

The effectiveness of a tablet in education largely depends on the apps you choose. Apps like Microsoft OneNote are excellent for organizing notes. Apps like Khan Academy can support learning with practice exercises and study aids. Select apps that align with your needs and study habits to maximize efficiency.

Protect Your Device

Keep your tablet’s software up to date to ensure optimal performance. Regular updates include vulnerability detection to help protect against security threats like malware or viruses. A protective case and screen protector can safeguard the hardware from accidental damage.

Organize Your Digital Workspace

A clutter-free and organized digital workspace can boost focus and productivity. Set up folders to categorize your files and apps based on subjects or tasks. Regularly declutter by deleting unnecessary files and organizing the ones you need into labeled folders. 

Conclusion

The best tablets for students and educators feature an excellent mix of portability, performance, functionality, price, and battery life. They offer improved accessibility to educational materials and flexibility to learn and teach from anywhere.

Choosing the right tablet and maximizing its use by leveraging cloud storage, selecting the right apps, and organizing your digital workspace can enhance the educational experience. 

FAQ

Which Tablet is Best for Students?

The best tablet for students should be affordable, powerful, and versatile. The Apple iPad is an excellent choice for note-taking, drawing, and using educational apps.

What is the Best Tablet for Educational Purposes?

A tablet-laptop hybrid may be a good option if you’re looking for the best tablet for educational purposes. The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a good option. This device is good for multitasking, taking notes, running software, and doing general day-to-day tasks.

Is A Tablet or iPad Better for Students?

An iPad would be a good choice if you want to access a wide range of apps. Tablets are also recommended for those who want a device that's budget-friendly and offers flexibility within the Android ecosystem.

Which Tablet is Best for School Kids?

It’s difficult to say which is best for school children, but the Amazon Fire HD 10 stands out as a possible option. This device is cost-effective and offers parental controls as well as educational content and a durable case.