Best Tablets for 2025: Work, Play, and Everything In Between

Tablets have come a long way from being just oversized smartphones. In 2025, they’ve become essential tools for work, school, entertainment, creativity—and even a little bit of everything all at once. Whether you’re searching for the best tablet for students, an ideal drawing tablet, or a reliable companion for binge-watching and note-taking, there’s a perfect match out there for you.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best tablets of 2025 across different categories, compare top tablet brands, and help you find the right one for your lifestyle and budget.

Why Tablets Still Matter in 2025

As hybrid work, digital learning, and mobile entertainment continue to dominate our daily lives, tablets strike a perfect balance between portability and performance. They’re lighter than laptops, more powerful than ever, and ideal for people who need a flexible device that can transition from productivity to play in seconds.

Whether you’re sketching on your commute, taking notes in a lecture, or editing a document from your couch, a tablet helps you do it all—without sacrificing performance.

What to Look For in the Best Tablet

Not all tablets are created equal. Here’s what you should consider when looking for the best tablet in 2025:

Operating System:

iPadOS, Android, and Windows all offer different strengths. iPads excel in ecosystem and app availability, while Android tablets are more customizable and often more budget-friendly.

Performance:

Look for the latest processors, RAM (4GB+ for basic use, 8GB+ for power users), and storage space.

Display:

If you’re using it for drawing, gaming, or media, a vibrant, high-resolution screen matters.

Battery Life:

Aim for 10+ hours to get through a full day on one charge.

Stylus Support:

For students, creatives, and note-takers, pen support can be a game-changer.

Best Tablets by Use Case

Let’s dive into the top choices across different lifestyles and needs.

Best Tablet for Students

Students need a reliable device that can handle lectures, research, multitasking, and entertainment during downtime. The best tablet for students is lightweight, fast, and supports a stylus or keyboard.

Top features to look for:

Long battery life
Split-screen multitasking
Note-taking app compatibility
Budget-friendly pricing

Best Tablet for Work

The best tablet for work offers the speed and multitasking capabilities of a laptop but with the mobility of a tablet. Look for devices with keyboard attachments, powerful processors, and software that supports productivity (like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace).

Ideal for:

Business travelers
Remote workers
Presentations and on-the-go editing

Best Drawing Tablet

Digital artists, designers, and even hobbyists need a drawing tablet with high stylus sensitivity, color-accurate displays, and support for apps like Procreate or Adobe Fresco.

Key features:

Stylus with pressure sensitivity
High refresh rate display
Palm rejection and tilt support

Best Tablet for Gaming

The best tablet for gaming should offer a fast processor, a vivid display, and great audio. With cloud gaming platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming and high-performance mobile titles, tablets can now double as mini gaming consoles.

Best Tablet for Kids

Looking for the best tablet for kids? You’ll want something durable, affordable, and with strong parental controls. Educational apps, YouTube Kids, and eBooks are just a few ways kids can engage and learn on a tablet.

iPad vs Samsung Tablet: Which One Wins?

iPad

Excellent app ecosystem
Consistent performance and long-term updates
Top-tier accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard

Samsung Tablet (Galaxy Tab Series)

Runs Android with more customization options
Typically more affordable across tiers
Offers Samsung DeX, which turns your tablet into a mini desktop
Compatible with S Pen (often included)

In short, if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, the iPad is a seamless fit. But if you’re looking for flexibility, value, and Android integration, Samsung tablets are an excellent choice.

Anson's Top Picks for 2025

Here are our favorite picks—available now at Anson’s.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 5G (Graphite, 8GB/256GB)

Why we love it:
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is one of the most powerful Android tablets on the market, with a sleek design and PC-like performance. Its 5G connectivity ensures you stay productive on the go, and the 11″ display with ultra-smooth 120Hz refresh rate is perfect for streaming, drawing, or editing.

Supports Samsung DeX for desktop-style multitasking
Includes S Pen for drawing and note-taking
Great for professionals, students, and creatives alike
One of the best Samsung tablets overall

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 LTE (Graphite, 4GB/64GB)

Why we love it:
An affordable all-rounder that doesn’t skimp on performance, the Tab A9 LTE is a fantastic choice for casual users or students. It’s compact, stylish, and has LTE connectivity so you’re never out of touch.

Great option for students and light work
LTE lets you access the internet without Wi-Fi
Durable and budget-friendly

Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 4G (8.7″, 4GB/64GB)

Why we love it:
Looking for the best budget tablet? The Redmi Pad SE combines style, portability, and functionality in one affordable package. It’s ideal for watching shows, social media, and reading on the go.

Solid performance for the price
Compact size makes it travel-friendly
Ideal for kids, casual users, or as a backup tablet

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Wi-Fi (Gray, 128GB)

Why we love it:
The Tab S9 FE brings premium features into a more affordable package. With an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, this tablet is made for users on the move. It supports S Pen input, making it one of the best note taking tablets on the market.

Excellent balance of price and performance
Water-resistant—great for commuting or fieldwork
Perfect for creatives, students, and remote workers

Choosing the Best Tablet in the Philippines: What to Know Before Buying

Buying a tablet in the Philippines? Consider:

Connectivity: Do you need LTE/5G for on-the-go use, or is Wi-Fi enough?
After-sales support: Stick with reputable brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, or Apple for peace of mind.
Local pricing: Tablets can vary significantly in price depending on features—Anson’s offers a range of options, both online and in-store.

Final Thoughts

From drawing and note-taking to gaming and productivity, tablets in 2025 are more powerful and versatile than ever. Whether you’re looking for the best Android tablet, a tablet for work, or a kid-friendly option, there’s something on the market for every need and budget.

Ready to upgrade? Explore Anson’s full range of tablets online or visit a store near you. We’ll help you find a tablet that works as hard—or plays as hard—as you do.