With so many students using tablets for at-home learning or as part of in-class connections, teachers and parents want to get the best tablet for students...the one that can handle Zoom meetings, class assignments, and a bit of YouTube for brain breaks.
But with so many available options, it's easy to get overwhelmed! What is the best choice for YOU? We have compared several popular options to help you narrow down the right fit for your family.
My personal favorite is the 2020 Apple iPad Air - it's simple enough for younger students to use independently but can handle the more rigorous multitasking a high schooler would put it through. Whether you're looking for something that works well for design, a cost-effective tablet for just the basics, or the best on-the-go option, this list can help you decide.
1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, 10.4"
This powerful tablet comes in a sleek design, available in multiple colors. It has a 128 GB hard drive, so plenty of storage, a Fujitsu processor, and a USB 2.0 port in case you need to transfer any files.
Reviewers love the included pen for easy navigation and writing. Though a little heavier than other lite tablets, the screen is great for viewing educational content and joining Zoom meetings. The headphone jack will enable your student to work anywhere, and the long battery life ensures they won't miss a moment of learning.
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, 11"
Slightly larger than the S6 Lite with an 11-inch screen, this tablet also features an S pen and more laptop-like capabilities. It gets positive reviews for its superior screen and excellent sound. The Galaxy Tab S7 is built with an Octa-Core processor and a minimum of 128 GB internal storage. This tablet does not come with a headphone jack, but adapters are simple to find.
File sharing between Samsung devices is a breeze, and the long battery life will keep your students connected for as long as they need. Overall, this would be an excellent buy for older students due to its versatility and extra capabilities.
3. 2021 Apple iPad Pro, 11"
An exceptionally long-lasting battery, excellent screen quality, and an Apple pencil make this an extremely user-friendly tool to have. Apple's new M1 chip makes multitasking easy and is even faster than the 2020 version. Top-of-the-line cameras in both directions make video meetings or presentations easier than ever.
Apple products do typically run more expensive than Android devices, but the ease of transferring files between Apple devices and the customer support makes it worth it for many consumers. Even the youngest students will find this simple to use and effective for keeping up with classwork.
4. 2020 Apple iPad Air, 10.9"
This 4th Gen iPad Air gets rave reviews for ease of use, versatility, and portability. It has the A14 Bionic chip processor, which is different than the 2021 iPad Pro, but to the average user, this doesn't make any difference- it's still fast enough for streaming lessons and video meetings. The Apple pencil can even recognize students' handwriting - a useful feature for students of any age.
It's sturdy enough for young children but looks sleek and elegant. The sound is excellent, and with up to ten hours of battery life, your student will be all set!
5. Microsoft Surface Pro 7, 12.3"
The Surface Pro can function like a laptop but is more lightweight and mobile. It's sturdy and can be turned at multiple angles, which makes it great for Zoom meetings and for younger students who work anywhere and everywhere. The 10th generation Intel core processor makes accomplishing multiple school tasks at once a breeze.
Sound input and output get great reviews, and it comes already equipped with a headphone jack, so no need for extra adapters. It doesn't have the longest battery life of the tablets on this list but would work well for the length of a school day.
6. Microsoft Surface Go 2, 10.5"
The Surface Go 2 is portable, has a great camera, and is compatible with a variety of accessories. It features a lightweight design and comes equipped with the Windows 10 operating system, making it easier to install a variety of apps without worrying about iOs or Android restrictions.
This device is less expensive than many of the others on the list, so it may run a little slower, but it's an excellent starter tablet for students needing to do at-home learning. The touchscreen is very responsive, and with added accessories like a pen or keyboard, productivity increases.
7. Huawei MatePad T 8, 8"
The MatePad is an excellent value for the cost- its Octa-Core processor can handle class video meetings, watching educational videos, and all other school functions. One downside is the inability to download Google services, but those are accessible through the browser.
It's smaller than the other tablets on this list, which makes it a perfect fit for little hands - just be sure to get a case! It has a micro USB 2.0 port, a headphone jack, and a 5 MP camera- everything your student needs to complete their online assignments.
Conclusion
As more and more learning transfers to an online format, manufacturers are coming up with excellent ideas to make their technology easy to navigate and useful for a variety of learning experiences. Any of these tablets would be a beneficial tool in pushing your child's learning to new heights!
