TL;DR
WIRED tested a broad slate of tablets across iPadOS, Android and Windows and picked the Apple iPad (2025, A16) as the best overall. The roundup also highlights renewed competition from Android makers, affordable Fire tablets, and niche E Ink devices for note-taking.
What happened
WIRED conducted hands-on testing of many current tablets and published a ranked guide covering 13 models as of January 2026. The publication named the 2025 iPad with the A16 chip its top pick for most users, noting the device’s 11-inch LCD, updated storage, USB-C and Touch ID placement. WIRED also added the OnePlus Pad Go 2 to the list in its January update, describing it as a more price-conscious 12.1-inch Android option with a 120 Hz panel and extended software-support promises from OnePlus. The story includes practical shopping advice—display sizes, kid-focused options, cellular connectivity, accessory ecosystems and software-update horizons—and compares iPadOS and Android tablet experiences, including iPadOS 26’s windowing features and improvements in Android multitasking. The guide points readers to related category roundups for deeper coverage.
Why it matters
- Tablet features and OS choices shape how well a device fits tasks like media consumption, light productivity or creative work.
- Longer software-update commitments extend device longevity and security, affecting total cost of ownership.
- Accessory ecosystems and app optimization influence whether a tablet can effectively replace a laptop for some users.
Key facts
- Top overall pick: Apple iPad (2025) with A16 Bionic — positioned as the best fit for most users.
- 2025 iPad specs highlighted: 11-inch LCD at 60 Hz, A16 processor, 6 GB RAM, and storage tiers of 128/256/512 GB.
- 2025 iPad features: USB-C port, Touch ID in the power button, 12-MP center selfie camera with 1080p video.
- Price example for the iPad: listed at $349 and commonly discounted to around $300 in testing notes.
- OnePlus Pad Go 2 added in January 2026: 12.1-inch LCD with 120 Hz refresh, $400 price point, and extended software/security support promises.
- OnePlus Pad Go 2 limitations mentioned: third app in multitasking opens only as a floating window, unlike the flagship model.
- WIRED notes Android tablets have improved multitasking; some manufacturers provide desktop-like modes such as Samsung DeX.
- Amazon Fire tablets are presented as low-cost options suitable for media and web use but with platform limitations.
- E Ink tablets are noted as specialized choices for note-taking and sketching.
- WIRED recommends paying attention to display size, accessory availability, cellular capability and software-update policy when shopping.
What to watch next
- How Android tablet multitasking and manufacturer update commitments evolve over the next product cycles.
- Whether more tablets gain Apple Intelligence support or similar AI features — not confirmed in the source.
- The future of Google-branded tablet hardware and whether Google returns to making its own tablets — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- LCD: A common display technology that uses liquid crystals and a backlight to produce images; often bright and cost-effective.
- Refresh rate: The number of times per second a screen updates its image, measured in hertz (Hz); higher rates can make motion appear smoother.
- E Ink: A low-power display technology that mimics paper, commonly used in e-readers and digital notebooks for long battery life and reduced eye strain.
- USB-C: A reversible connector standard used for charging, data transfer and video output on many modern devices.
- Touch ID: Apple’s fingerprint-based biometric authentication system embedded in a device’s button or sensor.
Reader FAQ
Do you actually need a tablet?
It depends on your needs; tablets can duplicate phone and laptop functions but are useful for media, light work and portable drawing—some people will find them redundant.
Which tablet did WIRED recommend as the best overall?
The 2025 Apple iPad with the A16 Bionic was chosen as the best tablet for most people.
Are Android tablets worth considering?
Yes; the report says Android tablets have improved recently and some offer strong multitasking and desktop-like modes.
Should I get cellular on a tablet?
If you need constant internet away from Wi‑Fi for work, consider a cellular model; otherwise using a phone hotspot is a cheaper alternative.
JULIAN CHOKKATTU GEAR JAN 6, 2026 6:00 AM The Best Tablets for Work and Play We’ve tested all the top slates, from Apple’s iPads to Android and Windows devices, and…
Sources
- 13 Best Tablets (2026), Tested and Reviewed
- The Best Tablets We've Tested for 2026
- Best tablets of 2026, tested and reviewed – CNN
- Best Tablets of 2026, Tested by Our Experts
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