Scoring a deal like a current-gen iPad for $100 used to require serious Black Friday commitment. You’d have to wait outside the store in the cold and hope to grab one without getting trampled in the rush. Now, you can get a 10th-gen iPad (the current model) for just $349 from Amazon delivered straight to your door. That’s $100 off the regular price, no matter which color you pick.

Apple iPad (10th Generation) 10.9-inch iPad $349 (was $449)

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This is the most recent version of the vanilla iPad. It’s still compatible with the cheaper first-generation Apple Pencil, but it offers a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, as well as Touch ID for logging into the device and making payments. It sports the newer design with squared edges, which I personally like much better than the older look. This is the cheapest price I have ever seen on a non-refurbished model, so jump quickly before the color you want sells out. Clearly, you should get yellow.

The post Save $100 on the base model iPad before it sells out for Black Friday appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Logitech Combo		SEE IT	Elite performance, ease of use, and protection on the go, all at a price tag that won’t make you break a sweat.
Best Splurge		Apple Magic Keyboard		SEE IT	The very best performance, ease of use, and finish, but with a price tag that might make you back away slowly.
Best budget		Logitech K380		SEE IT	If you want an external keyboard that can be used with your iPad Pro and computer, this is the one to get.

Whether you use your iPad Pro recreationally or as a PC replacement, connecting a keyboard to Apple’s tablet can improve its utility and ease of use. You’ve been able to use a keyboard with the iPad since the original model was released in 2010, but in recent years, they’ve gained the ability to be controlled with a trackpad. Apple brought the gestures it developed for its laptops over to the tablet, which can help you navigate the iPad’s interface more quickly and work in professional apps more efficiently. To help you sort through it all, we’ve done the legwork (well, we’ve let our fingers do the walking) to find the best iPad Pro keyboards for everybody’s needs.

• Best overall: Logitech Combo
• Best splurge: Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad
• Best value: Zagg Pro Keys
• Best design: Brydge 12.9 Pro+ Wireless Keyboard
• Best budget: Logitech K380

How we chose the best iPad Pro keyboards

We’re very familiar with iPad keyboards (really keyboards in general), so we’re very familiar with the main reasons you might pick one up. Writers and creatives will have more aggressive needs than folks who just want an easier way to dash off emails or prefer keyboard typing to tapping on a screen. We also ensured that our case recommendations were available in different sizes for both the 11- and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models. We were also mindful of having recommendations at every price point since some keyboards can get expensive.

The best iPad Pro keyboards: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether you’re ready to jump from using a traditional computer to an iPad Pro or want to breathe some new life into an older one that’s been underused, we’ve rounded up the best keyboards for your needs.

Best overall: Logitech Combo

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Specs

• Keyboard Style: Folio keyboard case
• Connection: Apple Smart Connector
• Trackpad: Multitouch trackpad
• Power: Smart connector draws power from iPad

Pros

• Low profile prevents wrist fatigue
• Solid construction
• Great trackpad performance

Cons

• Price

If you’re looking for performance similar to the Apple Magic Keyboard but at a lower price point, the Logitech Combo is a perfect fit. 

The Logitech Combo connects to your iPad Pro via the Apple Smart Connector, similar to the Magic Keyboard, to give seamless connectivity and power. This makes attaching, packing, and using the Logitech Combo a breeze. We never had to worry about whether our iPad Pro’s Bluetooth settings were enabled; we just attached the keyboard and started typing.

Logitech makes some of our favorite tech accessories, and the quality of its iPad Pro keyboard case is no exception. The keys had a satisfying amount of travel, never failed to register when we pressed down, and were spaced apart perfectly. If you’ve typed on a MacBook Pro, you’ll feel right at home using the Logitech Combo. Similarly impressive was its trackpad, which was immediately responsive each time we swiped, clicked and dragged, or used a multi-finger gesture to move between apps.

The back of the Logitech Combo has a kickstand, which allows you to prop your iPad Pro up and even allows you to change the viewing angle for the greatest comfort. In practice, this made it a lot easier to use the Logitech Combo on our lap, a table, or desk. If you find yourself typing on the seat tray of an airplane seat, you’ll want the ability to switch positions if the person in front of you leans back. Apple Pencil owners will appreciate the cut-out on top of this case, which allows you to attach the stylus to the iPad Pro while it’s attached.

The Logitech Combo offers more protection than the Magic Keyboard, thanks to a case that wraps around the iPad’s edges. And when you are traveling, the keyboard covers the screen. If you want to use your iPad without the keyboard, though, you can detach it from the folio case and get the same edge protection without the keyboard in your way.

Overall, the Logitech Combo has the same performance as Apple’s own iPad Pro keyboard, with additional design elements that help it stay one step ahead.

Best splurge: Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad

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Specs

• Keyboard Style: Folio keyboard case
• Connection: Apple smart connector
• Trackpad: Multitouch trackpad
• Power: Smart connector draws power from iPad

Pros

• Quiet keyboard switches
• Good keyboard feel
• Solid construction

Cons

• Price

The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro is the flagship model of iPad keyboard cases. As such, it has the fit and finish you’d expect from a first-party accessory. The keyboard’s build quality and key comfort are undeniable, but they come at the cost of a high price tag. 

The keyboard connects to your iPad Pro via the Apple Smart Connector, allowing it to draw power from your iPad, so you don’t have to charge the keyboard separately. The downside to this approach is that it will impact your tablet’s battery life. The iPad Pro has more than enough juice to last eight or nine hours of normal use (aka not playing games) even when the keyboard is attached.

This keyboard case covers the back of the iPad but doesn’t cover the sides, so if protection is a big concern, you might want something more robust. The bottom is rubberized, though, so that it will stay in place, and the handsome “floating cantilever” design allows you to adjust your viewing angle and feels great to move. The magnets that attach this keyboard case to the iPad Pro are strong enough to keep them together during everyday use without making detachment too hard when you want to use the tablet solo.

Typing and swiping on the Apple Magic Keyboard was a delight, eerily similar to the experience of using a MacBook Pro. If you’re comfortable typing on an Apple laptop, you’ll find no issues with the Magic Keyboard’s layout. Our only complaints—besides this keyboard’s high price—are its slightly too-small trackpad and the lack of function keys, which are generally used to adjust system settings like volume and screen brightness. We found ourselves reaching for the iPad Pro’s screen, which meant taking our fingers off the keyboard more often than we’d have liked.

The feel of the keyboard and touchpad are satisfying and will make you pleased to use Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad day after day for work or relaxation. 

Best rugged: Zagg Pro Keys

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Specs

• Keyboard Style: Folio keyboard case
• Connection: Bluetooth
• Trackpad: Yes
• Power: USB-C rechargeable battery

Pros

• Solid protection with keyboard flexibility
• Backlit keys
• Easy pairing

Cons

• Bulkier than some options

Zagg’s Pro Keys is a durable iPad Pro keyboard with helpful features more expensive options don’t have.

The first thing we noticed after connecting this keyboard case to our iPad Pro was its size and weight. It’s a bit wider and heavier than other folio keyboard cases we recommend, but it gives our iPad robust full-edge protection. Zagg says you can drop it from a height of 6.6 feet (taller than the height of many tables) without the risk of damage. This extra bulk does make a noticeable difference when carrying an iPad Pro around—especially the larger model—but it’s a tradeoff worth making if you’re clumsy. This is especially true because Apple charges hundreds of dollars to repair a cracked display, depending on the model.

Many iPad Pro keyboards recommend using Apple’s proprietary smart connector, but the Zagg Pro Keys connects to the tablet over Bluetooth. We had no trouble pairing the accessory to our tablet, which we did by holding the function key and hitting the “1” key. The iPad Pro recognized this keyboard immediately and automatically paired to it thereafter. You can pair this keyboard with a second device by holding the function button and hitting the “2” key, which is helpful if you live in a multi-iPad household.

Typing on this keyboard case was pleasant thanks to the quiet-sounding keys, which require a tiny bit more force to depress than other models we tested. Their shape and size are also slightly different, which requires us to acquaint ourselves with its layout over a day or so. Once our hands made the slight adjustments, we had no more issues. For a bit of fun, the keyboard keys are backlit with seven different colors that you can cycle through for whatever color matches your energy. This keyboard case has two viewing angles you can switch between to keep you comfortable, and we appreciate the flexibility.

If an iPad Pro has become your primary computer, the Zagg Pro Keys will extend its usability and keep it safe.

Best design: Brydge 12.9 Pro+ Wireless Keyboard

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Specs

• Keyboard Style: Folio keyboard case
• Connection: Bluetooth
• Trackpad: Yes
• Power: Rechargeable battery

Pros

• Truly laptop-like
• Excellent build quality
• Many viewing angles

Cons

• Heavy

If you’d like to turn your iPad Pro into a MacBook, Brydge’s 12.9 Pro+ Wireless Keyboard is the ideal accessory. The keyboard is made from aluminum, has the same keyboard layout as Apple’s laptops, and feels luxe right out of the box. The Pro+ Wireless Keyboard connects the iPad Pro over Bluetooth, and it paired instantly in our tests.

You attach this case to your iPad by slotting it into two clips on top of the keyboard. Once connected, you can tilt the keyboard forward and backward with pinpoint precision. If you’ve put off getting an iPad keyboard because of the lack of flexibility, this keyboard design solves that issue.

Overall, we found the keys and trackpad on Byrdge’s keyboard to be very responsive. Every key press was registered, and we very rarely had a dropped character. Our experience with this keyboard’s trackpad was similar; we felt the power of having total control over the iPad Pro’s cursor. Movements, swipes, and scrolling all felt smooth. Brydge released software updates through its iPadOS app to continually improve performance as Apple has updated its operating system.

What sets the Brydge 12.9 Pro+ Wireless Keyboard apart is just how MacBook-like the iPad Pro feels when it’s attached. Its aluminum chassis adds extra weight and thickness, which is noticeable when carrying the iPad around both on its own or in a bag. The iPad Pro’s relatively thin and light design is curtailed—but you can detach the iPad at any time. If you’d like your iPad Pro to look and feel like a next-generation MacBook, Byrdge’s 12.9 Pro+ Wireless Keyboard is the best choice.

Best budget: Logitech K380

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Specs

• Keyboard Style: External Keyboard
• Connection: Bluetooth
• Trackpad: No
• Power: 2x AAA batteries

Pros

• Variety of colors
• Small and easy to travel with 
• Affordable

Cons 

• Keys are a bit small
• Have to replace batteries 

Unlike other entries in this article, the Logitech K380 is a proper external wireless keyboard rather than a keyboard case. Because of this, you get a lot of versatility from not having your keyboard attached to your device. 

Chief among this flexibility is the ability to attach this keyboard to three devices and switch through them with the push of a button. It makes it supremely convenient to move between your iPad, MacBook, or even your phone. The keyboard also comes with a full slate of keys that make the keyboard more convenient, including playback control, brightness keys, and volume keys. 

While this keyboard does not attach to your iPad Pro, it is still supremely easy to bring along with you anywhere you go. That’s because the compact keyboard weighs less than a pound and comes in a compact and sturdy build that easily fits on your lap or on a tabletop. 

Some might not like that this keyboard requires two AAA batteries (we recommend rechargeables) rather than uses an internal battery; however, the low power demands mean you shouldn’t need to replace those batteries for more than a year, even with heavy use. 

What to consider when shopping for an iPad Pro keyboard

There are many factors we consider when deciding which iPad keyboards to recommend. Here are the ones we weighted most heavily when making our decisions:

Your iPad Pro usage

Will you be typing, or do you plan on doing some drawing as well? A keyboard attached to your iPad can be cumbersome when you are using your iPad as a tablet and not typing. If so, consider a folio with a keyboard that can detach or a completely external keyboard that allows unhindered use when you’re not typing. 

Typing requirements

Not all keyboards are created equal. If you want to do long word processing on your iPad, ensure you get a more robust keyboard that will let you type comfortably for extended periods. If you are just using your iPad keyboard as an in between, it might be more worthwhile to save money and opt for a cheaper, less ergonomic keyboard. 

The level of iPad protection

Consider if you will be treating your keyboard as an iPad case as well. If so, how much protection do you need? If you are constantly throwing your iPad in and out of your bag, make sure you have back and edge protection. If, however, it is just an in-between workstation at home, you may be able to get away with a keyboard that does not offer any, or just minimal, protection. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best iPad Pro keyboards

• Best overall: Logitech Combo
• Best splurge: Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad
• Best value: Zagg Pro Keys
• Best design: Brydge 12.9 Pro+ Wireless Keyboard
• Best budget: Logitech K380

An iPad Pro keyboard isn’t a necessary accessory, but it does open up use cases for the tablet that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. It will have the biggest impact on your typing speed, and many popular applications have begun building keyboard shortcuts into their software to make it easier (and faster) to access key functions. And iPad Pro keyboards with trackpads turn the iPad into a legitimate laptop competitor in many instances; after all, the latest generation of these machines run on the same processor as the newest MacBooks. If you want to get the most out of Apple’s tablet, we strongly suggest pairing it with a keyboard.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best iPad Pro Keyboards of 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best extra-large		XP-PEN Artist24 Pro		SEE IT	There’s a ton of real estate on the XP-PEN Artist 24 Pro’s 2K Quad HD display, giving you room to dream big and draw bigger.
Best overall		Wacom Cintiq 16 Drawing Tablet		SEE IT	The Wacom Cintiq 16 Drawing Tablet has all of the bells and whistles that most artists look for in a drawing tablet.
Best cheap		Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M		SEE IT	Huion is known for making good drawing tablets, and this inexpensive offering gets the essentials right.

It’s never been easier to express your creativity on your computer thanks to drawing tablets. With a tablet and a digital pen, you can paint or draw your next masterpiece directly into a digitally native platform. There are lots of great drawing tablets out there, from specialty devices for professionals and hobbyists to versatile devices for everyday life whose artistic uses are just part of the picture. Whether you’re just getting started or are a professional artist in need of a new device, these are the best drawing tablets.

• Best overall: Wacom Cintiq 16 Drawing Tablet
• Best extra-large: XP-PEN Artist24 Pro
• Best for professionals: Wacom Intuos Pro Large
• Best e-paper: reMarkable 2
• Best for kids: Boogie Board Play and Trace LCD Writing Tablet
• Best for beginners: iPad Air 5
• Best for sketching and note-taking: Surface Pro 8
• Best budget: Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M

How we chose the best drawing tablets

As a freelance technology critic for over 10 years, I’ve reviewed technology, including tablets, for publications including Popular Mechanics, Tom’s Guide, The Daily Beast, Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, and Bob Vila. I tested several of the items on this list, and the rest of the selections are based on extensive research, conversations with artists, and reviews from other users.

The best drawing tablets: Reviews & Recommendations

Now that you know the basics, it’s time to go out and pick the best drawing tablet for you. Our list of the best tablets takes a wider approach than similar lists from other publications. In addition to drawing slates for pros from brands like Wacom and Huion, we’ve recommended some everyday tablets that support digital pens and offer strong visual art software. Not everyone who wants to draw on a tablet needs a dedicated drawing tablet, so we’ve got options whether you’re using the best logo design software to strengthen brand image or are just doodling to pass the time.

Best overall: Wacom Cintiq 16 Drawing Tablet

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Why it made the cut: The Wacom Cintiq 16 Drawing Tablet has all of the bells and whistles that most artists look for in a drawing tablet. 

Specs

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Active area: 13.6 x 7.6 inches
• Maximum screen resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Stylus: Wacom Pro Pen 2 (8192 pressure levels)
• Connectivity: USB-C/HDMI or USB-A/HDMI 2.0 or later
• Standalone: No
• Price: $649.95

Pros

• High-resolution display
• Wacom Pro Pen 2
• Scratch-resistant
• Foldable legs

Cons

• Expensive

The Wacom Cintiq 16 is the best drawing tablet for most people, from beginners to seasoned pros. The 15.6-inch glass display has a large 13.6- by 8.6-inch active area, making it big enough for expressive, lag-free drawing. It has an anti-glare coating that cuts down on potentially distracting reflections and adds a level of friction to help simulate the feeling of drawing on paper. Its express keys are out of the way on the tablet’s rear edge, so they don’t take up valuable screen space. The relatively compact tablet conveniently connects to your computer using an HDMI cable, which produces better video quality than a USB cable, and has foldable legs that can provide up to a 19-degree incline. 

The Wacom Cintiq 16’s battery-free, cordless pen is lightweight, pressure-sensitive, and has a natural feel, like you’re writing with a regular pen. It can also tilt up to 60 degrees. The tablet also gives you a little software-enabled help, using anti-jitter technology to ensure you get smooth lines. Between the versatile pen and the high-quality surface, the Cintiq 16 is a well-rounded drawing tablet for hobbyists and pros. Lean toward the latter? Upgrade to the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16—”the ultimate synthesis of stylus and computer,” according to one of our associated sites.

Best extra-large: XP-PEN Artist 24 Pro

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Why it made the cut: There’s a ton of real estate on the XP-PEN Artist 24 Pro’s 2K Quad HD display, giving you room to dream big and draw bigger.

Specs

• Screen size: 23.8 inches
• Active area: 20.74 x 11.67 inches
• Maximum screen resolution: 2560 x 1440
• Stylus: PA6 Battery free stylus (8192 pressure levels)
• Connectivity: HDMI, USB-C
• Standalone: No
• Price: $899.99

Pros

• 2K Quad HD display
• Made for righties and lefties
• Sensitive battery-free pen

Cons

• Heavy
• Expensive

If you want a lot of drawing room, the 23.8-inch XP-PEN Artist 24 Pro provides a ton of space to create your work. The 2K QHD display realizes your designs in vivid color, allowing you to notice even the smallest details. It’s built for comfort: The tablet’s stand is adjustable and can tilt up to 60 degrees, making it easy for you to find your sweet spot. It also accommodates both right- and left-handed artists, with dials and shortcut keys on both sides of the tablet for ambidextrous access. Either way, all 20 shortcut keys are customizable to set the tablet to meet your needs. The XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro comes with a battery-free stylus, which features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and 60-degree tilt, giving you the most sensitive digital drawing experience.

It’s worth noting, however, that at 15.43 pounds, this is a strictly in-office/studio device.

Best for professionals: Wacom Intuos Pro Large Digital Graphic Drawing Tablet

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Why it made the cut: The Wacom Intuos Pro Digital Graphic Drawing Tablet provides creative control and all of the necessary tools for experts.

Specs

• Screen size: N/A
• Active area: 12.1 x 8.4 inches
• Maximum screen resolution: N/A
• Stylus/Sensitivity: Wacom Pro Pen 2 (8192 pressure levels)
• Connectivity: USB 
• Standalone: No 
• Price: $499.95

Pros

• Bluetooth connectivity
• Pen supports 8192 pressure levels
• Multitouch technology
• Touchring

Cons

• May be difficult for new users to learn

Wacom is popular among creative professionals—and for good reason. The company has over 35 years of experience in digital pen technology, and its products are used by everyone from fashion designers to animators and filmmakers. The Wacom Intuos Pro is a surprisingly slim and lightweight tablet at 16.8 by 11.2 inches and weighs only 2.86 pounds. However, the black anodized aluminum and fiberglass composite resin make it a sturdy choice. The battery-free Wacom Pro Pen 2 is extremely pressure-sensitive and tilts 60 degrees. There’s also a pen stand included to keep the stylus safe and out of the way when not in use.

The Wacom Intuos Pro is a graphic drawing tablet, which means it doesn’t have a screen. It connects to your Mac or Windows PC via USB, or wirelessly over Bluetooth. Its multi-touch functionality lets you easily scroll, zoom, and navigate your art via the tablet. (You can also turn touch-based gestures off if they mess with your flow.) 

For a true traditionalist, there’s also a more expensive “paper edition” Intuos Pro, which adds the ability to convert paper drawings inked with a special pen into a digital image. Drawing on paper over your tablet may seem like a waste of time on paper, but it may make a world of difference for some artists.

Best e-paper: reMarkable 2

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Why it made the cut: The reMarkable 2 has the most realistic paper feel, and provides a lot of functionality.

Specs

• Screen size: 10.3 inches
• Maximum screen resolution: 1872 x 1404
• Stylus/Sensitivity: Marker with pen tip (4096 levels of pressure sensitivity)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB-C
• Standalone: Yes
• Price: $399.00

Pros

• Can be used as a digital whiteboard
• Undo, erase, and move functions
• Ultra-thin (.19”)
• Marker does not have to charge

Cons

• Expensive
• No backlight if using at night
• Subscription required for Google and Dropbox support.

If you’re specifically looking for a black-and-white, paper-style experience, the reMarkable 2 is the way to go. The ultra-thin tablet features a unique 10.3-inch “Canvas” display that simulates the look and feel of reading and writing on paper. Though it feels like a whole other world, it integrates into your digital life surprisingly well, converting articles from the web to a more focused, book-like form, converting handwritten notes into text, and sharing your tablet screen via a desktop or laptop. For artists, built-in templates and layers make it easy to start drawing, and there are brushes and tools to fit any type of project. ReMarkable’s proprietary stylus, the Marker, features a high-friction pen tip and doesn’t need to be charged.

While it’s impressive in many ways, it’s worth pointing out that using a paper-style tablet is a choice, with limited functionality compared to the iPad or Surface models on this list. If you’re willing to commit, though, it is incredibly good at what it does.

Best for kids: Boogie Board Play and Trace

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Why it made the cut: As an affordable, kid-friendly tablet, the Boogie Board Play and Trace is an irresistible pick for little artists.

Specs

• Screen Size: 8.75
• Active area: 8.75 inches
• Maximum screen resolution: N/A
• Stylus: Boogie Board stylus
• Connectivity: Battery-powered
• Standalone: Yes
• Price: $23.53

Pros

• Inexpensive 
• Durable
• Easy to erase
• Battery operated

Cons

• Stylus isn’t tethered

The Boogie Board Play and Trace LCD Writing Tablet is a great way to introduce your kids to drawing and writing. The battery-powered 13.5×9 tablet features a large, semi-transparent screen that lets your child trace their favorite image or draw freehand.

The Play and Trace also comes with templates to teach the basics of writing and drawing. It comes with a stylus, but kids can use pencils, markers, and even fingernails can be used on the surface without damaging the tablet. And, at 13.6 ounces, it’s light enough that even young kids can carry it around and use it on their own. That’s important because who knows where that stylus will wind up once your kid gets a hold of it.

Best for beginners: Apple iPad Air 5

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Why it made the cut: The iPad Air opens the door for digital drawing, but it’s great for everything else, too.

Specs

• Screen size: 10.9 inches
• Active area: N/A
• Maximum screen resolution: 2360 x 1640
• Stylus: Apple Pencil 2 (Sold separately)
• Connectivity: USB-C
• Standalone: Yes
• Price: $519.99

Pros:

• Camera
• Liquid Retina display
• Touch ID

Cons:

• Expensive
• Doesn’t come with a stylus

When you hear the word “tablet,” chances are that the iPad is the first thing that comes to mind. While it isn’t made specifically for drawing, pairing one with a stylus, especially the Apple Pencil 2, turns it into a fairly sophisticated and versatile tool for making digital art. The 10.9-inch iPad Air 5 is one of our favorite tablets. It has an edge-to-edge liquid retina display that is practically edgeless and makes images look true to life. Its Apple M1 chip is powerful enough to make drawing and other tasks, such as shooting and editing videos, and transferring files, quick and easy. And at 1lb, it is also far easier to carry around than most drawing tablets. 

The biggest disadvantage of the iPad, specifically as a drawing tablet, is that it doesn’t come with a stylus. That keeps the cost of the iPad down and gives you the option to pick one up on the cheap, but budding artists will want to drop the extra $129.99 on the Apple Pencil 2, which creates sharp lines, offers a variety of smart features, and even attaches magnetically to the side. Read our full review here. Need more palette and power? Check out the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Best for sketching and note-taking: Microsoft Surface Pro 8

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Why it made the cut: It’s expensive, but the Surface Pro 8 can effectively replace a laptop while providing excellent drawing capabilities.

Specs

• Screen size: 13 inches
• Maximum screen resolution: 2880 x 1920
• Stylus/Sensitivity: Surface Slim Pen 2 (Sold separately) (4096 pressure levels)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB
• Standalone: Yes
• Price: $1,219.99

Pros:

• Facial recognition 
• Multifunctional tablet
• 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity

Cons:

• Really expensive
• Surface Slim Pen 2 Sold Separately

The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is made for multitasking. The 13-inch touchscreen tablet has a plethora of features, ranging from Dolby Vision to automatic color and brightness sensors to the Iris X graphics, which provide more than enough tools and power to seamlessly switch between sketching and taking notes without skipping a beat. With powerful specs and Windows 11 as its operating system, this is the only device on this list that could truly function as a laptop replacement.

Like the iPad, the Surface technically isn’t a dedicated drawing tablet, so it doesn’t come with a stylus. Microsoft has an incredible new pen to go with it, though, in the Surface Slim Pen 2. The $129.99 Surface pen senses 4096 levels of pressure, and creates tactile feedback, simulating the sensation of applying pencil to paper.

Best budget: Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M

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Why it made the cut: Huion is known for making good tablets, and this one is an inexpensive offering that provides the necessary features.

Specs

• Active area: 10.5 x 6.6 inches
• Maximum screen resolution: N/A
• Stylus/Sensitivity: Battery-free Pen PW500 (8192 pressure levels)
• Connectivity: Wireless
• Standalone: No
• Price: $109.99

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Wireless connectivity
• 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity

Cons

• Doesn’t work with iPhone or iPad 

If you want a drawing tablet that won’t break the bank, the Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M Drawing Tablet provides a lot of functionality for the price. The graphics (display-free) tablet can connect wirelessly to both PC and Android devices, and the wireless receiver can hold a charge for 20 hours, which makes it convenient and trouble-free. The durable and anti-sweat tablet board is scratch- and fingerprint-resistant and has a frosted matte finish to create the feel of drawing on paper. 

The tablet, which weighs 3.13 pounds, uses a dial controller and also has eight programmable hotkeys. The battery-free pen, which comes in a pen holder, has a 60-degree tilt for accurate drawings. A small nitpick: The tablet works with Windows, macOS, and Android, but not iOS.

What to consider when buying the best drawing tablets

For most people, a drawing tablet is a tool, not a toy. Picking the best drawing tablet for you will come down to your needs as an artist. Those needs may not translate one-to-one with tablet specs, so here’s a brief primer on the most important elements of the device. These are the places where the best drawing tablets will excel.

The drawing surface

At home or in a studio, a larger tablet provides more room for those broad strokes and makes it easier to see what you’re doing. For some, however, it may make more sense to go with a smaller, lighter tablet that’s easier to transport. In general, larger tablets tend to be more expensive, so your choices may be limited by your budget.

Pen/Stylus

Most drawing tablets come with a digital pen, also commonly known as a stylus. While all digital pens are styluses, not all styluses are digital pens: In general, a digital pen works in conjunction with a specific device or set of devices, offering variable pressure sensitivity and digital buttons. Since most tablets offer a pen by default, with only a few upgrade options, finding one that feels right is as important as any aspect of the tablet itself.

Ideally, your digital pen feels comfortable to grip and allows for smooth strokes. Its ability to simulate the various types of marks you make with a pen or pencil largely comes down to its sensitivity, measured in levels of pressure. A pen with high pressure sensitivity picks up even light pen strokes, making it easy to create different shades and shapes without digital augmentation. Right now, most professional drawing tablets come with styluses that feature 8192 pressure levels. Some less expensive drawing tablets, including multi-functional devices like the Microsoft Surface line’s Slim Pen 2, offer 4096 levels. In the same vein, many pro-grade tablet pens feature “60-degree tilt,” which allows you to press down on the pen tip from many angles, offering a much wider range of marks and less frustration.

Battery life: Your tablet’s and your pen’s

Depending on your tablet, battery life may be a major concern. While many dedicated drawing tablets plug directly into a PC for power, some are wireless and may need to be charged mid-project, especially if you also use it for taking notes, watching videos, and other things.

Some pens require charging, while others don’t. Digital pens for conventional tablets, like the Apple Pencil 2, draw power when attached to a tablet. Wacom (and, more recently, others) make battery-free digital pens that use a magnetic field emanating from the pen tip to achieve nuanced pressure sensitivity. While the phrase “battery-free” is somewhat disingenuous in some cases—many of them still need power from their tablets to power buttons and other features—they do not need to be charged for long stretches.

When choosing between a drawing tablet that has a pen with a battery or not, keep in mind that batteries provide convenience. With some pens,  a single charge can last for up to two months, but you will need to remember to charge the pen. A battery-free pen (like Wacom’s) does not require batteries or charging is extremely convenient … until it stops working. While changing the batteries solves most of the problems associated with a battery-operated pen, you may have to go through the company’s endless list of troubleshooting steps to figure out what’s wrong with a battery-free pen.  

Connectivity

No matter what tablet you have, you’ll need to connect it to a PC when you’re done to edit and/or share your work. A USB-C to USB-C wired connection will allow you to connect your tablet to a computer without an adapter, providing a faster, more secure connection. Some high-end tablets use HDMI, rather than USB, to provide a superior video image. Some people prefer the cordless convenience of WiFi, but it introduces extra limitations, including the need for a strong network connection.

Adjustable stand

Just as you put a drawing pad on an easel, it’s important to put your tablet in the right position before starting an art project. Having some kind of adjustable base or stand, whether built-in or detachable, allows you to tilt the screen so it sits at the best angle for you to draw comfortably. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best drawing tablets

• Best overall: Wacom Cintiq 16 Drawing Tablet
• Best extra-large: XP-PEN Artist24 Pro
• Best for professionals: Wacom Intuos Pro Large
• Best e-paper: reMarkable 2
• Best for kids: Boogie Board Play and Trace LCD Writing Tablet
• Best for beginners: iPad Air 5
• Best for sketching and note-taking: Surface Pro 8
• Best budget: Huion Inspiroy Dial Q620M

Whether you’re a professional artist or just dipping your toe into the world of digital art, there’s a drawing tablet to meet your needs. The Wacom 16 Cintiq Drawing tablet is hard to beat since it offers most of the available features emerging and seasoned artists desire. That said, each tablet on this list was picked to help a different subset of artists, from those who want the cheapest possible tablet that actually works to high-end tablets for pros to multifunctional tablets for newcomers who just want to doodle and take notes by hand. Drawing tablets can feel unapproachable because it’s a niche piece of gear, but everyone’s needs are valid.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best drawing tablets in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Apple Smart Folio		SEE IT	This case features Apple’s eye for finishing touches, with just enough slim protection.
Best budget		JETech iPad Case		SEE IT	Performance close to Apple’s case, at a fraction of the cost.
Best value		Casemade Leather		SEE IT	A refined and durable look with dependable protection.

Nothing ruins the relaxation or productivity of an iPad quite like a bashed corner, smashed screen, or scratch right above your camera lens. While we appreciate the sleek design, sometimes our iPads need a little help when it comes to durability. Thankfully, for a reasonable amount of money, the right iPad case can ensure your iPad stays just like the day you brought it even after hundreds of times sliding it in and out of your bag or taking a small drop. What you need will depend on how you, or anyone you’re handing your iPad to, uses it. Ensure you get the features, and durability, that you’ll need, and you’ll only increase the usefulness of your iPad while reducing your own stress. To help you figure out what you need, we created a list of the best iPad cases below.

• Best overall: Apple Smart Folio
• Best budget: JETech iPad Case
• Best value: Casemade Leather
• Best for kids: Otterbox Kids Easy Grab
• Best with keyboard: Logitech Combo Touch

How we chose the best iPad cases

We’re fans of our iPads here at PopSci, so we want to keep them in as close to perfect condition as we can. To find the best iPad cases, we scoured the internet over dozens of professional reviews and scores of consumer reviews, looking for essential criteria to meet our readers’ needs. We aggregated these reviews and looked for those specific features and build-quality markers that could help us differentiate the quality, durability, and usefulness of dozens of cases until we found our favorites.

The best iPad cases: Reviews & Recommendations

You’ve shelled out for your new iPad. Going a step further to protect your device from scratches, falls, and the elements is wise insurance for your investment. For this guide, we’ve primarily spotlighted the version of each case made for the 10.9-inch iPad (10th Generation) unless noted otherwise, but most manufacturers also made a variant for the 11- and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, as well as the current iPad Air and iPad mini (plus older models). Here are our recommendations for the best iPad cases:

Best overall: Apple Smart Folio

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Lightweight and sleek build with Apple-quality finish.

Specs

• Material: Plastic
• Protection: Front and rear cover, uncovered edges
• Functions: Magnetic closure, folds into a stand

Pros

• Streamlined design
• Supremely lightweight

Cons

• A little pricey 
• No edge protection for drops
• Limited colors

If you are willing to pay a premium price, this Apple Smart Folio is the premium product you seek. However, those who love a variety of colors to choose from may be disappointed.

The Apple Smart Folio gives bulk-free protection that is supremely lightweight and portable for pain-free transport and easy sliding in and out of backpacks and messenger bags. For those looking for extreme protection, though, the exposed sides might be a disqualifier; if you are likely to drop your iPad on hard surfaces, you might want something a bit more robust.

The case has a foldable stand that gives a good angle for watching or viewing, but some might not like the lack of adjustability. The case attaches magnetically for ease, wakes the iPad when you open it, and puts it to sleep when you close it. If you are a heavy user, though, the cover can show wear. Overall, the finish and perfect fit make it our favorite.

Best budget: JETech iPad Case

SEE IT

Why It made the cut: Functions similar to Apple Folio at a fraction of the cost, with far more colors.

Specs

• Material: Plastic
• Protection: Front and back protection with limited edge coverage
• Functions: Folds into non-adjustable stand, magnetic closure

Pros

• Great value for the cost
• Streamlined look
• Variety of colors to choose from

Cons

• Not the best drop protection
• Stand function is not adjustable

If you want an aesthetic and functionality close to the Apple Folio at a fraction of the cost, this folio is for you, and it comes in a large variety of colors!

While the look is the same, you may notice that the finish is not the same as the Apple product. It does, however, have a similar slim construction and screen cover that folds into a stand. This helps keep the portability up to par, and you may appreciate the slightly more protection thanks to the plastic case covering that comes up over the edges. 

The case also attaches magnetically to give you similar functions, including waking the iPad when you open it and putting the iPad to sleep when you close it. Overall, it does a very similar job, at a fraction of the cost of the Apple Smart Folio.

Best value: Casemade Leather

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Leather construction gives protection and a more refined look to your iPad.

Specs

• Material: Genuine leather, poly-carbonate
• Protection: Front and back protection, exposed edges
• Functions: Dual-position stand

Pros

• Real leather
• Fits iPad well
• Great value

Cons

• Leather is a bit thin
• Lacks full edge protection

For those looking to add a classier look to their iPad, Casemade has this fantastic option. While it is not the cheapest on our list, its build and protection quality make it the best value out there.

This case exterior is made from high-quality cowhide that feels great in the hands and has a distinct stitching pattern to keep it together. Beneath the leather, the iPad sits nestled in an impact-absorbing poly-carbonate mold that secures the iPad in place and adds some protection to the edges. 

The case itself covers the front and back of the iPad and folds into a stand, giving you two viewing angles. This also includes a favorite feature in other cases: When you open the case, the iPad turns on, and when you close it it goes to sleep.

Best for kids: Otterbox Kids Easy Grab

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Durable protection to be safe from kids, while still easy for them to use.

Specs

• Material: Plastic, rubber
• Protection: Full edge protection, screen protection
• Functions: Stand that works as handle and car headrest hanger

Pros

• Sturdy construction 
• Built-in screen protector
• Anti-microbial

Cons

• Isn’t waterproof
• Relatively pricey for a kids’ case

This case is only for older 7th, 8th, and 9th gen. 10.2-inch iPads, but if you have kids, you know why you wouldn’t want to give them the latest and greatest. After all, you’re shopping for a case that can withstand the hits, bangs, and drops that come with being in the hands of a child. Thankfully, this Otterbox case is up for the job. 

The case includes full protection, all around the iPad, thanks to a hard plastic shell that covers the back and all the edges. The built-in screen protector extends coverage over the entirety of the product. The hard plastic is also treated with an anti-microbial finish that keeps the case clean and from passing on germs. 

One of our favorite features is the included carry handle that also works as a stand, and then cleverly can be extended to hang from the back of a car headrest to allow kids to watch the iPad hands-free while in the car. 

Even with all these protective features, the buttons are still fully functional and easy to use for children’s fingers. The camera lens is left uncovered, so they will be able to take photos and Facetime as well. Be careful around cups, though, as this case is not waterproof. Other customers may be scared away by the relatively high price for a children’s case.

Best with keyboard: Logitech Combo Touch

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: All-around protection with functionality that makes it similar to laptops.

Specs

• Material: Plastic, cloth-like finish
• Protection: Front and back cover, plastic around edges
• Functions: Detachable keyboard and trackpad, adjustable stand, Apple Pencil storage

Pros

• Keyboard and trackpad
• Adjustable angle stand

Cons

• Very high price

While this is far and away the most expensive option on the list, the added functionality of a detachable keyboard and trackpad means rather than just being a case, it effectively upgrades your iPad to near-laptop performance. 

This case is built durably for years of use and has a grippy exterior finish to keep it from sliding when you use the keyboard. The included adjustable stand has four different settings for viewing angles but is able to maintain a slimmer design, even while the front and back are covered, and the sides have hard plastic protection. 

The trackpad is supremely useful and keeps you from having to touch the iPad itself, and it, along with the keyboard, detaches if you want to use your iPad like a tablet. The keyboard itself is backlit, a great feature, and includes a row of OS shortcut keys, including volume and brightness controls that are supremely handy. While an iPad can’t quite replace every function of the best MacBook, this top pick for a keyboard case can turn your tablet into a device with pro-level productivity.

Things to consider about the best iPad cases

With plenty of options to choose from, it’s important to consider factors such as how you use your iPad, what type of handling it receives, and whether you plan to travel with your device before making your selection.

How will I use my case?

How you use your iPad will dictate the best case for you. Consider whether you use your iPad for productivity and will need features like a keyboard or trackpad, or if you will use your case for more relaxing activities. If you want to set your case down, also consider whether you want a case with a built-in stand and, if so, how much adjustability you’ll need.

How hard am I on my iPad?

Is your iPad staying at home, is it going out and about with you in and out of bags, or is it even being roughly handled by children? Are you a supremely careful person, or are you more likely to drop and toss your iPad? Get a level of protection, especially around the edges.

How important is portability?

Consider how often you’ll carry your iPad and how slim you want it to be. While bulkier cases often offer more protection, and sometimes additional features, they may make you less likely to bring your iPad, and thus actually decrease the function of your iPad.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best iPad cases

• Best overall: Apple Smart Folio
• Best budget: JETech iPad Case
• Best value: Casemade Leather
• Best for kids: Otterbox Kids Easy Grab
• Best with keyboard: Logitech Combo Touch

You’ve got your new (or refurbished) iPad and are ready to start reading, creating, or working. It’s worth taking the time to protect your device to help it last as long as possible. The best iPad cases provide that insurance and look great while doing so.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best iPad cases for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best for artists		OtterBox Defender Series		SEE IT	This rugged choice is perfect for content creators whose bodies venture almost as far as their imaginations.
Best for note-taking		Logitech Slim Folio Pro		SEE IT	Get a laptop-quality keyboard with an executive look for less than half the price of the Apple Magic Keyboard.
Best with keyboard		Apple Magic Keyboard		SEE IT	Apple’s own case with keys offers a near-laptop experience without springing for an actual MacBook.

An iPad Pro case can add functionality to your device while protecting it from full-on catastrophe. A full-sized Apple tablet can be more expensive than some laptop computers currently on the market and you’re going to want to make sure you have it working in top shape for a long time to come. That doesn’t mean to have to hide that alluring industrial design in a drab slab of plastic. All of our picks for the best iPad Pro cases will help you to protect your property in style. You’ll also find specific recommendations that we are making based on how you plan to use your 12.9-inch iPad Pro in all its vivid glory.

• Best with keyboard: Apple Magic Keyboard
• Best for note-taking: Logitech Slim Folio Pro
• Best with pencil holder: Zugu iPad Pro Case
• Best for artists: OtterBox Defender Series
• Best for drawing: tomtoc Portfolio Case 
• Best case accessory for drawing: Elevation Lab DraftTable V2 Kit

How we selected the best iPad Pro cases 

When deciding which iPad Pro 12.9 case would best suit different users, we considered popular functions of these Apple tablets. While some people employ the iPad Pro for leisure activities such as watching a movie or playing a game, many consumers who opt for an iPad Pro use it for drawing and other artistic pursuits. In order to address these differences, our subcategories of best iPad Pro cases include specific recommendations for illustrators and writers and DJs, for example. Once we thought about how people use their iPad Pro, we looked at how people like their iPad Pro cases, combining critical and public opinion with our own staff experiences to select the top options.

The best iPad Pro cases: Reviews & Recommendations

Best with keyboard: Apple Magic Keyboard

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Apple’s own keyboard and case combination bypasses the strain of other tablet typing solutions.

Specs:

• Item dimensions: 11.5 x 9.41 x 0.87 inches
• Color: Black
• Weight: 2 pounds

Pros: 

• Ergonomic
• Can charge iPad through keyboard
• Sturdy

Cons: 

• More costly 
• White model shows dirt more quickly

Having Apple Magic, the best iPad Pro case with a keyboard attached to your iPad Pro is about as close as it gets to being able to have a laptop experience without springing for an actual laptop. The layout is ergonomic for your hands and has a satisfying heft. While there are a number of third-party keyboards you can buy that will work, the most optimized iPad Pro case with a keyboard is going to be Apple’s own creation. Except in rare instances of less than optimal performance, you probably won’t have to worry about the Magic Keyboard draining your iPad battery too quickly or feel like there’s a lag happening that can interrupt your creative flow. At 2 pounds, it’s a noticeable addition to your iPad Pro when you are trying to travel light and it doesn’t feature any edge protection. On the other hand, the Apple Magic Keyboard offers some heavy functionality that truly justifies the extra weight.

Best for note-taking: Logitech Slim Folio Pro

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Why it made the cut: Users can alternate their note-taking with the included keyboard or via an Apple Pencil.

Specs

• Product dimensions: 11.3 x 9.06 x 0.88 inches
• Color: Graphite
• Weight: 1.56 pounds

Pros: 

• Backlit
• Foldable
• Premium keyboard

Cons: 

• Requires additional battery

Whether you are taking notes in a virtual classroom or board room, the Logitech Slim Folio Pro stands out amongst third-party iPad Pro cases as a practical choice for the best iPad Pro case for note-taking. And if you’re looking for a case with a keyboard that isn’t quite as expensive as an official Apple product, this sells for less than half the price of an Apple Magic Keyboard. Logitech aims to provide a laptop-like experience with the keyboard, ergonomically speaking, so you won’t be creating knots in your fingers that shouldn’t be there when you type. It’s compatible with the Apple Pencil 2, should you prefer to take notes by actually writing them down, but doesn’t have the sturdiest stand if you want to use it for propped-up drawing. Though it requires a lithium-polymer battery, you shouldn’t have to recharge it more than once every three months if you use it for around two hours a day.

Best with pencil holder: Zugu iPad Pro Case

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: A lightweight case that is still a breeze with an Apple Pencil tucked into it.

Specs:

• Product dimensions: 11.02 x 7.48 x 0.79 inches
• Color: Stealth Black
• Weight: 7.8 ounces

Pros: 

• Magnetic stand
• Sleep and wake function
• 10 stand angles

Cons: 

• Stand is short

If your trusty Apple Pencil is your primary means of input, you may want to consider buying an iPad Pro case that has the perfect place for your key accessory so you don’t risk misplacing it when you need it. This Zugu Case is the best iPad Pro case with a holder because of its snug Apple Pencil caddy that will hug the writing accessory tight and keep it clean of dust and debris that can easily sneak into bigger pockets. And, with a stand featuring 10 magnetically secure viewing angles, you can use that pencil in a way that feels comfortable to you. You also get the sleek look of leather in a more affordable blend of material that also includes microfiber and polycarbonate. At under half a pound, the Zugu case is light as a feather, easy to clean, and should protect your iPad Pro even if it manages to drop up to 5 feet to the ground. (Still, we wouldn’t suggest that you try that at home.)

Best for artists: OtterBox Defender Series

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Tough construction that you can take on tour—even if that’s just a tour of the house.

Specs:

• Product dimensions: 13.5 x 10 x 1.5 inches
• Color: Black
• Weight: 1.68 pounds

Pros: 

• Includes stand
• Made of strong polycarbonate
• Has inner shell and outer slipcover

Cons: 

• Stand only has two angles
• Doesn’t function with original Apple Pencil

Creatives who are constantly on the go (or who don’t want to work in one dedicated space) can report for duty and trust the drop protection of this OtterBox iPad case, which, with its integrated screen protector, passes military standards. There’s plenty of protection for corners because OtterBox didn’t cut any. At 1.68 pounds, this best iPad pro case for artists is still fairly light and won’t be a pain to pack for a road gig if you’re a visual or performing artist already lugging gear, yet it is rugged enough to keep at bay all the potential nicks and scratches of use sketching in the field or for a DJ or a musician on a stage, etc. One small drawback is that the case only works with the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil, so if you’re a visual artist with the OG version, the Apple Pencil it will have to stay at home. There aren’t as many possible stand angles as some of the other cases listed here, but those that are available in this model are sturdy for drawing or viewing. An inner shell and outer slipcover keep all the muck away from your iPad Pro. 

Best for drawing: tomtoc Portfolio Case

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This sporty case not only holds all your artistic accessories, it also stashes away your cables and memory sticks.

Specs:

• Product dimensions: 12.99 x 10.63 x 1.97 inches
• Color: Gray
• Weight: 1.38 pounds

 Pros: 

• Conceals your cables
• Water repellent
• Easy to grip

Cons: 

• Elastic bands can get stretched out

It’s easy to make a total mess out of your iPad and all its accessories if you don’t have a case with as much space as the tomtoc Portfolio does. As the best iPad Pro case for drawing its zippered, hard-shelled, and water-repellent case has a large pocket for an Apple Pencil (naturally), your new AirPods 3 (for some auditory inspiration), external drives (always back-up those projects), cables, and more. It’s easy to grip thanks to a grooved design, which will come in handy if you’re stuffing it in a larger bag on the go. There’s space for a screen-cleaning cloth (we like the Calyptus Screen Cleaner) to keep your canvas looking crystal clear. You can also throw in some real-world drawing supplies—like mechanical pencils, pens, and brushes—to channel your inner Bob Ross, if you like to have a hybrid of digital and old-fashioned analog tools in your artistic arsenal. Bonus: It’ll fit an iPad with an Apple Magic Keyboard for those who want fortress-level protection and even more increased productivity.

Best accessory for drawing: Elevation Lab DraftTable V2 Kit

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Four different stand positions promise not to buckle under the weight of your imagination.

Specs:

• Product dimensions: 10.83 x 8.27 x 0.79 inches
• Color: Black
• Weight: 4.44 pounds

 Pros: 

• Sturdy
• Four stand positions
• Includes arm rests

CONS: 

• Heavier design
• Not protective of screen

If you are a visual artist or a novice drawer who wants to use your iPad Pro as a stationary sketch pad for ideas big and small, you’ll want the Ipad Pro case accessory for drawing that doesn’t buckle under the sustained pressure of your hands. And while many cases have a built-in plastic pedestal, there’s a benefit to picking a dedicated iPad stand (though you’ll probably also want a true case for protection beyond surface scratches). Sturdy steel makes the Elevation Lab DraftTable V2 kit, which comes with an Apple Pencil holder, and separate armrest for that crucial ergonomic support making this pick a preferred professional standard amongst artists. However, there is at least one potential downside to choosing an iPad holder over a traditional case—it helps keep things stationary but the surface is less stable than laying it on a flat side, and it doesn’t have any benefit if you’re in transit. While you may not be as likely to knock this stand over, there’s no screen or edge protection so, if you drop it, you’re playing damage roulette. This means that it may be best used in one space where your iPad Pro doesn’t travel much, or it accompanies a traditional case of some sort.

What to consider when shopping for the best iPad Pro cases

When trying to determine which of the many options on the market will serve as the best iPad Pro case for your needs, you’ll want to consider whether your Apple tablet is going to be a constant road dog, something that stays at your bedside, or perhaps somewhere in between. No matter what you’re going to do with your iPad Pro, you’ll want to make sure that it’s protected from accidental drops, which are easy to make even if you’ve got a case on the tablet. You’ll want to consider whether you’ll need a keyboard or if you are interested in features such as in-case Apple Pencil charging or antibacterial protection. 

What can happen if I don’t put a case on my iPad Pro?

Even if you’re incredibly careful, a caseless iPad Pro is an expressway to scratches, nicks, and, at the extreme end, a severely cracked screen. Apple’s tablets can feel downright slippery at times and having a case can offer additional friction to keep the iPad in your hands. 

Are there any downsides to using a case?

There can be downsides to using a case. If you buy an iPad Pro case that isn’t made well and is ill-fitting, there can be lots of crevices and gaps that can trap crumbs, dirt, and other debris in between the case and the tablet and damage your expensive device. Fortunately, there are many well-made cases on the market, and some even have antimicrobial properties. In addition, a case will add some weight and width (though this isn’t always a detriment).

Is the Apple Smart Folio effective as an Apple iPad case?

Both the Apple Smart Folio and iPad cases are designed to protect aspects of the tablet, but the Apple Folio is a thin sheath made of polyurethane that primarily serves to signal your iPad to wake up or go to sleep when opened or closed (some cases also perform this function, but it’s not a given). While this iPad smart cover can lessen the likelihood of scratching on the screen or back panel, the iPad Pro cover doesn’t provide the impact protection of a true case.

FAQs

The final word on selecting the best iPad Pro cases

• Best with keyboard: Apple Magic Keyboard
• Best for note-taking: Logitech Slim Folio Pro
• Best with pencil holder: Zugu iPad Pro Case
• Best for artists: OtterBox Defender Series
• Best for drawing: tomtoc Portfolio Case 
• Best case accessory for drawing: Elevation Lab DraftTable V2 Kit

When shopping for the best iPad Pro case to fit your lifestyle, it’s good to know that you don’t have to shell out a lot of money to get decent protection for your Apple tablet. However, if you do want some bells and whistles, like leather or a stand that actually works, there’s a wide market to serve you. After you’ve made sure to look at models that are actually protective and that have the features you want, it then comes down to your personal taste and whether you want a case to be an extension of your personal style. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best iPad Pro cases for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Logitech Combo		SEE IT	Elite performance, ease of use, and protection on the go, all at a price tag that won’t make you break a sweat.
Best Splurge		Apple Magic Keyboard		SEE IT	The very best performance, ease of use, and finish, but with a price tag that might make you back away slowly.
Best budget		Logitech K380		SEE IT	If you want an external keyboard that can be used with your iPad Pro and computer, this is the one to get.

An iPad can be a laptop replacement, depending on your workload, but you’ll need an iPad keyboard to maximize its potential. A keyboard is one of the most useful iPad accessories because it significantly changes the tablet’s capabilities. Typing becomes easier, and shortcuts like copy (CMD + C), paste (CMD + V), and cut (CMD + X) can be used to manipulate text without touching the screen. Many productivity apps on the iPad support their own keyboard shortcuts to easily access settings without touching the tablet’s display. The best iPad keyboards will help extend its usefulness and help you take full advantage of this incredibly powerful gadget.

• Best overall: Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad
• Best pro: Logitech Combo Touch
• Best Bluetooth: ZAGG Pro Keys
• Best budget: Brydge 12.9 Pro+ Wireless Keyboard
• Best traditional keyboard: Logitech K380

How we chose the best iPad keyboards

We take product testing very seriously at PopSci and have had the opportunity to get hands-on time with many of the iPad keyboards we’re recommending. We surveyed the dozens of iPad keyboard options and narrowed our selections to fit every use case and budget. We put each keyboard through its paces by typing, swiping their trackpads, and carrying them around to gauge their weight.

To find the best iPad keyboards, we addressed the main reasons you might pick one up. Writers and creatives will have more aggressive needs than folks who want an easier way to dash off emails or prefer keyboard typing to tapping on a screen. We also ensured that our case recommendations were available in different sizes to accommodate different iPad models. And iPad keyboards vary pretty significantly in cost, so we were also mindful to have recommendations at every price point.

The best iPad keyboards: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether you got your iPad for fun, more affordable processing, or productivity on the go, adding an iPad keyboard can up the usefulness and ease of use for both productive work and your more relaxing time on an iPad, like surfing the internet or texting friends. When you’re choosing the right keyboard, there are a number of things to consider. Options include a trackpad, for true use without touching your iPad screen, a variety of charging options, folio cases, external keyboards, and more. To help you sort through it all, we’ve done the legwork to find the best iPad keyboards for everybody’s needs.

Here’s the one thing the technological fat cats don’t want you to know: You can pair any Bluetooth keyboard to the iPad. Similarly, you can connect any wired keyboard to its USB-C or Lightning port, and it’ll work automatically. We’ve elected to go hands-on with purpose-built keyboards for the iPad but also included standard Bluetooth keyboards. Whether you want to jump from primarily using a computer to a tablet or want to breathe some new life into an iPad that’s been underused, we’ve rounded up the best iPad keyboards for your needs.

Best overall: Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad

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Specs

• Compatible models: iPad Pro 12.9 (Gen 3. Gen 4. Gen 5. Gen 6.), iPad Pro 11 (Gen 1. Gen 2. Gen 3. Gen 4), iPad Air (Gen 4), iPad (Gen 10)
• Trackpad: Yes
• Weight: 2.42 pounds
• Connectivity: Magnetic Apple Smart Connector
• Function keys: No
• Backlit keys: Yes
• Keyboard Style: Folio keyboard case
• Trackpad: Multitouch trackpad
• Power: Smart connector draws power from iPad

Pros

• Quiet keyboard switches
• Good keyboard feel
• Solid construction

Cons

• Only works with iPads
• Doesn’t give protective coverage

The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad is the flagship model of iPad keyboard cases and comes in a variety of sizes for different models. As such, it has the fit and finish you’d expect. The quality and ease of use are the same as the iPad itself, but it comes with a high price tag to match. 

Rather than plugging in this keyboard case, the keyboard connects to your iPad with the Apple Smart Connector, which also allows it to draw power from your iPad, so you don’t have to charge the keyboard separately. This does, of course, limit your keyboard use to iPads, though, so you won’t be able to link this to other devices, and your keyboard will draw down the battery of your iPad. 

The keyboard case covers the back of the iPad but won’t cover the sides, so if protection is a big concern, you might want something more robust. The bottom is rubberized though, so that it will stay in place, and the handsome “floating cantilever” design allows you to adjust your viewing angle, and just looks awesome. 

The feel of the keyboard and touchpad are satisfying and will make you pleased to use Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad day after day for work or relaxation. 

Best pro: Logitech Combo Touch

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Specs

• Compatible models: iPad Pro 12.9 (Gen 3. Gen 4. Gen 5. Gen 6.), iPad Pro 11 (Gen 1. Gen 2. Gen 3. Gen 4.)
• Trackpad: Yes
• Weight: 1.72 pounds
• Connectivity: Magnetic Apple Smart Connector
• Function keys: Yes
• Backlit keys: Yes
• Keyboard Style: Folio keyboard case
• Trackpad: Multitouch trackpad
• Power: Smart connector draws power from iPad

Pros

• Comfortable keys
• Responsive trackpad
• Immediate connectivity

Cons

• Expensive

If you’re looking for performance similar to the Apple Magic Keyboard, but at a lower price point, this keyboard folio from longtime Apple partner Logitech (makers of mice and other accessories we love) is a perfect fit. 

The Logitech Combo connects to your iPad via the Apple Smart Connector, similar to the Magic Keyboard, to give seamless connectivity and power. This makes packing and using the combo a breeze. The combo also offers a kickstand on the back to allow you to prop your iPad up and even allows you to change the viewing angle for the greatest comfort. If you are building out your iPad ecosystem, you’ll also enjoy that the combo comes with space to store your Apple Pencil, which is great for those who use their iPads for drawing or other creative work.

Your creativity will only be aided by the flexibility of the Combo. It offers more protection than the Magic Keyboard, thanks to a case that wraps all around the edges of the iPad, and when you are traveling the keyboard covers the screen. If you want to use your iPad without the keyboard though, you can detach it from the folio case and get the same edge protection without the keyboard in your way.

The trackpad is easy to use, though some might find that the small keyboard keys laid out close together can lead to some accidental button presses and typos. 

Best Bluetooth: ZAGG Pro Keys

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Specs

• Compatible models: All iPad models
• Trackpad: Yes
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Function keys: Yes
• Backlit keys: Yes
• Keyboard Style: Folio keyboard case
• Trackpad: Multitouch trackpad
• Power: USB-C rechargeable internal battery

Pros

• Affordable and easy to use
• Solid protection with keyboard flexibility
• Long battery life

Cons

• Have to use the iPad touchscreen
• Bulkier than some options

If you don’t need a trackpad but still want keyboard performance, this Zaggs option gives you all the keys you need, including arrows and iPadOS-specific function keys, for an affordable price. 

While this case is a bit wider and heavier than other folio keyboard case options on this list, it does give robust full-edge protection for our iPad. If you are looking for a bit more streamlined use, though, the keyboard detaches from the case, so you can more easily use the iPad while relaxing or drawing. And, if drawing is your thing, this case also has a slot for an Apple Pencil built in.

When you are using the iPad for work, though, the case has two viewing angles to keep you comfortable. The keyboard keys themselves are very quiet, though they are a bit small and can lead to some typos. For a bit of fun, the keyboard keys are backlit with seven different colors that you can cycle through for whatever color matches your energy. 

And if you want to use your keyboard for devices that aren’t your iPad, the Zaggs keyboard attaches via Bluetooth to multiple devices simultaneously, allowing you to cycle through your iPad, computer, and even your phone.

Best budget: Brydge 12.9 Pro+ Wireless Keyboard

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Specs

• Compatible models: iPad Pro (12.9-Inch Gen 3. Gen 4.)
• Trackpad: Yes
• Weight: 1.1 Pounds
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Function keys: Yes
• Backlit keys: Yes
• Keyboard Style: Folio keyboard case
• Trackpad: Multitouch trackpad
• Power: Rechargable battery

Pros

• Most laptop-like
• Excellent build quality
• Many viewing angles

Cons

• Heavy

If you’d like a keyboard specifically for turning your iPad Pro into a MacBook essentially, Brydge’s 12.9 Pro+ Wireless Keyboard is the ideal accessory. The keyboard is made from aluminum and has the same keyboard layout as Apple’s laptops. It connects to your iPad wirelessly over Bluetooth, held securely to the tablet by slotting it into two clips on top of the keyboard. Once installed, you can tilt the keyboard forward and backward with pinpoint precision. If you’ve put off getting an iPad keyboard because of the lack of flexibility, this keyboard design solves that issue.

We found both the keys and trackpad on Byrdge’s keyboard to be very responsive. Every key press was registered, and we very rarely had a dropped character. Our experience with this keyboard’s trackpad was similar; we felt we had total control over the iPad’s cursor. Movements, swipes, and clicks were all registered, and scrolling, in particular, felt smooth. Brydge released software updates through its iPadOS app to continually improve performance as Apple updated its operating system.

The best thing about Brydge’s keyboard is that it makes the iPad feel just like a MacBook technically. The worst thing about Brydge’s keyboard is that it makes the iPad feel just like a MacBook physically. The extra weight and thickness from an added Brydge Pro+ is noticeable when carrying the iPad around both on its own or in a bag. The iPad Pro’s relatively thin and light design is compromised—though you can easily detach the iPad at any time. If you’d like your iPad Pro to look and feel like a next-generation MacBook at a lower cost than many alternatives, however, Byrdge’s 12.9 Pro+ Wireless Keyboard is the best choice.

Best traditional keyboard: Logitech K380

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Specs

• Compatible models: All iPads
• Trackpad: N/A
• Weight: .9 pounds
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Function keys: Yes
• Backlit keys: Yes
• Keyboard Style: Compact external Keyboard
• Trackpad: No
• Power: 2x AAA batteries

Pros

• Variety of colors
• Small and easy to travel with 
• Affordable

Cons 

• Keys are a bit small
• Have to replace batteries 

Unlike other entries in this article, the Logitech K380 is a proper external wireless keyboard rather than a keyboard case. Because of this, you get a lot of versatility that comes with not having your keyboard attached to your device. 

Chief among this flexibility is the ability to attach this keyboard to three devices and switch through them with the push of a button. It makes it supremely convenient to move between your iPad, MacBook, or even your phone. The keyboard also comes with a full slate of keys that make the keyboard more convenient, including playback control, brightness keys, and volume keys. 

While this keyboard does not attach to your iPad, it is still supremely easy to bring along with you anywhere you go. That’s because the compact keyboard weighs less than a pound and comes in a compact and sturdy build that easily fits on your lap or a tabletop. 

Some might not like that this keyboard requires two AAA batteries (we recommend rechargeables) rather than uses an internal battery; however, the low power demands mean you shouldn’t need to replace those batteries for more than a year, even with heavy use. 

Do you prefer to keep things in the Apple ecosystem for maximum compatibility and/or aesthetic reasons? The Apple Magic Keyboard, pictured here, is another fabulous option.

What to consider when shopping for the best iPad keyboards

There’s an overabundance of iPad keyboards available in 2023, which are designed to suit every type of person or potential use case. Below, you’ll find what we weighted most heavily when deciding which iPad keyboards to test. We also considered cost and value and made sure to have options that would suit a wide range of budgets. Note: Most of our testing was conducted on a 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Compatible models

Apple has four lines of iPad: iPad, iPad mini, iPad Pro, and iPad Air, which have differently sized displays. You’ll need to make sure that you’re getting an iPad keyboard that’s compatible with the model you have. This is clearly labeled on each iPad keyboard’s product page. If you’re unsure of which iPad model you have, you can find that information by opening the settings app on your tablet, tapping on “General,” then tapping on “About. The iPad’s model name will be the third piece of information listed.

Trackpad

Many iPad keyboards released after 2020 have a built-in trackpad to mimic the experience of using a laptop more thoroughly. A cursor will appear when you touch an iPad keyboard’s trackpad, and you can use it just like the one on a laptop or desktop computer. You can scroll through web pages or apps, switch between apps, select text, and thousands of other commands or gestures. If you intend to turn your iPad into a laptop replacement, getting a keyboard with a trackpad will make the transition a lot smoother.

Weight

One of the iPad’s greatest strengths—especially compared to a laptop—is its lightness. You’re going to add bulk and weight by attaching a keyboard, which will be noticeable when you carry it around in a bag or backpack. We’ve noted the weight of each iPad keyboard we’re recommending for this reason. One metric to keep in mind as a point of comparison: Apple’s 13-inch M2 MacBook Air weighs 2.7 pounds.

Connectivity

An iPad keyboard can be connected to the tablet in the following ways: by plugging in a cable, pairing over Bluetooth, or using the iPad’s magnetic pins. Each connectivity option has pros and cons, but there’s no significantly better or worse connectivity method.

Typing requirements

Not all keyboards are created equal. If you are looking to do long word processing on your iPad, make sure you get a more robust keyboard that will let you type comfortably for extended periods of time. If you are just using your iPad keyboard as an inbetween, it might be more worthwhile to save money and opt for a cheaper, less ergonomic keyboard. 

Function keys

All of the iPad keyboards we’re recommending have a row of function keys on top. These keys allow you to adjust the iPad’s brightness and volume or access other useful system settings at the push of a button.

Backlit keys

If you plan on using your iPad for productivity tasks at all hours of the day and night, it may be helpful to get one with backlit keys. This will allow you to type more easily when working in spaces without a lot of light.

iPad usage

Will you be typing, or do you plan on doing some drawing as well? A keyboard attached to your iPad can be cumbersome when you are using your iPad as a tablet and not typing. If so, consider a folio with a keyboard that can detach or a completely external keyboard that allows unhindered use when you’re not typing. 

iPad protection

Consider if you will be treating your keyboard as an iPad case as well. If so, how much protection do you need? If you are constantly throwing your iPad in and out of your bag, make sure you have back and edge protection. If, however, it is just an in-between workstation at home, you may be able to get away with a keyboard that does not offer any, or just minimal, protection. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best iPad keyboards

• Best overall: Apple Magic iPad Keyboard
• Best pro: Logitech Combo Touch
• Best Bluetooth: ZAGG Pro Keys
• Best budget: Brydge 12.9 Pro+ Wireless Keyboard
• Best traditional keyboard: Logitech K380

Apple continues to improve both iPad hardware and iPadOS in ways that make the tablet a viable laptop replacement for more and more people. The introduction of trackpad support in 2020 was its last major push in this area, and it allowed the company (and third parties) to design iPad keyboards that were much more Mac-like than before. Whether you’ve got an older iPad you’d like to try and use in new ways or have gone all-in on the iPad productivity lifestyle, a keyboard isn’t a necessary accessory, but it does open up use cases for the tablet that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. It will have the biggest impact on your typing speed, and many popular applications have begun building keyboard shortcuts into their software to make it easier (and faster) to access key functions. And iPad keyboards with trackpads turn the iPad into a legitimate laptop competitor in many instances; after all, the latest iPad Pros run on the same processor as the newest MacBooks. If you want to get the most out of Apple’s tablet, we strongly suggest pairing it with a keyboard.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best iPad keyboards of 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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Amazon has made the best inexpensive tablets for quite some time, and the company has recently expanded the higher end of its line with the Fire Max 11. The 11-inch tablet has better specs and works with a keyboard and stylus to offer a more iPad-like experience when tackling productivity tasks. And, right now, you can get the Fire Max 11 for $190, which is $40 less than usual, bringing the tablet back down to its cheapest price.

Amazon Fire Max 11, $189.99 (Was $229.99)

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The Fire Max 11 is an impressive piece of kit on paper. It has an 11-inch display with a resolution of 2000 x 1200 (over 1080P), eight-core processor, 4GB of RAM (memory), and 64GB of storage. You can expand its storage by up to 1TB by popping in a MicroSD Card. The tablet has an 8-megapixel front and rear-facing camera, which can both record 1080P video. Finally, Amazon says the Fire Max 11 can run for up to 14 hours per charge.

It’s hard to argue with the supreme value of the Fire Max 11 as a media consumption device. Videos and books will look sharp on its screen, as will the handful of games that run on FireOS. Web browsing will also be easier thanks to the tablet’s large display. If you need a large-screen tablet for those common tasks, the Fire Max 11 shouldn’t be missed.

If you’d like a lightweight productivity tablet, this may be a good fit, depending on your needs. The Fire Max 11 can run the Microsoft Office suite—Word, Excel, PowerPoint—and even comes with a free, three-month trial to those services. The number of apps available on FireOS is more limited than iOS or the Google Play stores, so do a little research to see if the software you rely on—or an equivalent—is available.

Some other great deals that might light your fire:

• Amazon Fire HD 10, $119.99 (Was $149.99)
• Amazon Fire TV Stick, $24.99 (Was $39.99)
• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, $26.99 (Was $54.99)
• Sony WH-XB910N, $148 (Was $249.99)
• Sony WH-1000XM5, $348 (Was $399.99)
• Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, $353 (Was $469.99)
• Dyson Outsize Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, $499 (Was $599.99)
• iRobot Roomba 692 Robot Vacuum, $170 (Was $299.99)
• iRobot Roomba s9+, $599.99 (Was $999.99)
• SAMSUNG T35F Series 27-Inch FHD 1080p Computer Monitor, $128.69 (Was $219.99)
• SAMSUNG S80A Computer Monitor, $234.49 (Was $270.48)
• SAMSUNG Odyssey Neo G8, $999.99 (Was $1,499.99)

The post Get Amazon’s biggest, fastest tablet for its lowest price ever appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro		SEE IT	Netgear has created a mobile hotspot that outperforms most home WiFi routers.
Best AT&T hotspot		Netgear Nighthawk M5 (MR5200)		SEE IT	Netgear’s Nighthawk M5 offers top performance at a premium price.
Best budget		KuWFi 4G LTE		SEE IT	KuWFi’s 4G LTE is an inexpensive way to create your own WiFi network anywhere.

Smartphones allow us to keep the internet in our pockets wherever we go but a mobile hotspot will allow you to get better speeds for your laptop, gaming console, smart TV, etc., while offering additional security options. Lots of phones can serve as a mobile hotspot in a pinch, delivering WiFi to other nearby devices; however, your phone’s antenna and battery are finite. A dedicated mobile hotspot can serve mobile internet to a whole collection of connected devices via WiFi, keeping you truly connected wherever you get service. With more people working from home, untethered to a desk, a mobile hotspot really extends what “remote” can mean. Smartphone service providers are constantly expanding their 5G networks, meaning you’ll barely even be compromising the home wireless internet speeds you’re used to. We’re here to help you find the best mobile hotspot, no matter your network or needs.

• Best overall: NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 Pro
• Best T-Mobile hotspot: Inseego 5G MiFi M2000
• Best AT&T hotspot: Netgear Nighthawk M5 (MR5200)
• Best Verizon hotspot: Jetpack MiFi 8800L
• Best Verizon 5G hotspot: Inseego MiFi M2100
• Best hotspot for international travel: Skyroam Solis Lite
• Best budget unlocked hotspot: KuWFi 4G LTE

How we chose the best mobile hotspots

More than most hardware categories, mobile hotspots neatly sort themselves into categories because they are tied to particular service providers and their networks. That contractual link to Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others narrows our choices for most of us.

Among those options, we simply selected the current top-tier hotspots available, with all the cutting-edge features to ensure you get the best possible experience. And we ensured our selections were well-reviewed by customers and professionals alike from manufacturers with proven track records.

The best mobile hotspots: Reviews & Recommendations

If you want to put the internet in your pocket with the best mobile hotspot, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve simplified your choice, picking the best hotspots for each of the major carriers, plus a few extra options that may serve you better internationally.

Best overall: NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 Pro

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Specs

• Mobile: 5G, 4G LTE
• WiFi: WiFi 6E – 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz
• Connections: 32 devices
• Ports: USB-C
• Battery: 5040mAh

Pros

• WiFi 6E Support
• Speeds up to 8GBps
• Ethernet port

Cons

• Price

If you need a secure wireless network both domestically and abroad, Netgear’s Nighthawk M6 Pro is the ultimate solution. It supports WiFi 6E, can create a network on three frequency bands, can be connected to up to 32 devices simultaneously, and can reach speeds of up to 8GBps. If you encounter slow speeds, the bottleneck won’t be the M6 Pro; it’ll be the 5G network it’s connecting to and your current signal strength.

This hockey puck-shaped portable router is more technically capable than most at-home WiFi routers, which was Netgear’s intent. This hotspot is a fully-fledged router to-go, not a watered-down piece of networking gear you’ll settle for out of the house. That’s made clear not only by its wireless connectivity options but also by the presence of a 2.5GBps Ethernet port, which allows you to use the hotspot the same way you would a cable modem. This makes the M6 Pro an excellent conduit for getting fast home Internet speeds in rural areas.

For this use, you’d disable the hotspot’s WiFi broadcast and connect a router to the M6 Pro’s Ethernet port. The router would then create the wireless network. The benefit of this approach would be the ability to set up a whole-home multi-router mesh WiFi system using a cellular data connection rather than copper or fiber optic line running into your home.

On its own, the Nighthawk M6 Pro can create a WiFi network with a range of up to 1,000 square feet on battery power or 2,000 square feet when plugged in. You can manage its settings through Netgear’s Nighthawk app or its built-in touchscreen, making it possible to set up and use the hotspot independently. The screen is also helpful during use, as you can monitor your current Internet connection, troubleshoot issues, and keep an eye on both the M6’s battery level and signal strength.

A big reason to get the M6 Pro over many of our other mobile hotspot recommendations is that it comes unlocked and is compatible with data plans offered in 125 countries. Domestically, you can pop in a SIM card from T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon, with support for both pre and post-paid data plans. Whether you’re an international business person whose job depends on a stable Internet connection anywhere you go or somebody whose only chance at getting better-than-dial-up speeds is using a hotspot, Netgear’s Nighthawk M6 Pro 5G cannot be beaten.

Best T-Mobile hotspot: Inseego MiFi M2000

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: Inseego’s MiFi M2000 hotspot offers the best value of any 5G hotspot from T-Mobile right now.

Specs

• Mobile: 5G, 4G LTE
• WiFi: WiFi 6 – 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Connections: 30 devices
• Ports: USB-C
• Battery: 5050mAh, up to 24 hours claimed

Pros

• 5G, WiFi 6
• Most extensive 5G network
• Least expensive 5G hotspot

Cons

• No mmWave antenna

As of May 2022, T-Mobile has the most extensive 5G rollout of any major US carrier. As it is the first and only officially supported 5G hotspot, the Inseego MiFi M2000 is automatically the most widely effective 5G mobile hotspot right now. It has support for the newest networking standards—namely 5G and WiFi 6—and solid performance across the board. Functionally, it’s very similar to Inseego’s Verizon hotspot, though it lacks support for millimeter-wave signals. That said, T-Mobile has a more limited mmWave rollout than other networks anyway, so it isn’t a huge loss, and dropping the feature keeps its cost down.

Best AT&T hotspot: Netgear Nighthawk M5 (MR5200)

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Netgear Nighthawk M5 is the most flexible 5G hotspot on the market.

Specs

• Mobile: 5G, 4G LTE
• WiFi: WiFi 6 – 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Connections: 32 devices
• Ports: USB-C, ethernet
• Battery: 5040mAh, up to 13 hours claimed

Pros

• 5G, WiFi 6
• Works unlocked
• First C-band hotspot

Cons

• Expensive
• No mmWave antenna

The Netgear Nighthawk M5 is the most expensive option on our list but also packs the most features and flexibility. It supports the current standard, 5G and WiFi 6, but also has other bells and whistles. It is, for example, the only 5G option on our list with an Ethernet port for more flexible tethering and network extension options. Although it lacks mmWave support, it is the first mobile hotspot to support C-Band. 

As an added bonus, the Nighthawk works unlocked with any of the three major U.S. networks, though it pairs best with T-Mobile and AT&T, which could be great if you’re planning to change networks in the near future.

Best Verizon hotspot: Inseego Jetpack MiFi 8800L

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: If you don’t need 5G where you’re going, then the Jetpack is the last generation’s standout.

Specs

• Mobile: 4G LTE
• WiFi: WiFi 5 – 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Connections: 15 devices
• Ports: USB-C
• Battery: 4400mAh, up to 24 hours claimed

Pros

• Most extensive LTE network
• Compact
• Long battery life

Cons

• No 5G

5G may get all the marketing hype, but it still provides limited coverage. Even when you can find it, not all 5G works equally well. The standout hotspot of the previous generation is the Inseego Jetpack MiFi 8800L, paired with Verizon, which is still consistently rated to have the most extensive and consistent network coverage in the US, particularly outside of metro areas. As an added bonus, the Jetpack is more compact and gets battery life than many newer models because it doesn’t have the additional antennas needed for 5G and WiFi 6 support.

Best Verizon 5G hotspot: Inseego MiFi M2100

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: Just like our T-Mobile Pick, the Inseego MiFi M2100 is a solid 5G, WiFi 6 hotspot.

Specs

• Mobile: 5G, 4G LTE
• WiFi: WiFi 6 – 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Connections: 30 devices
• Ports: USB-C
• Battery: 3500mAh, up to 24 hours claimed

Pros

• 5G, WiFi 6
• mmWave support

Cons

• Underwhelming battery life

Inseego’s Verizon-exclusive M2100 is very similar to its T-Mobile counterpart, the M2000. Most of what we said about our top pick for T-Mobile users applies here as well. It’s a solid performer that supports the latest standards. One key difference, though: Verizon’s version supports mmWave signals, whereas T-Mobile’s doesn’t. In exchange, though, it features a smaller battery (though it can be easily swapped out). Otherwise, it’s the current best option for accessing Verizon’s 5G network.

Best hotspot for international travel: Skyroam Solis Lite

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Skyroam Solis Lite is a simple, powerful, and flexible mobile router built specifically for international travel.

Specs

• Mobile: 4G LTE
• WiFi: WiFi 4 – 2.4GHz
• Connections: 10 devices
• Ports: USB-C
• Battery: 4700mAh, up to 16 hours

Pros

• Long battery life
• Compact
• Flexible plans

Cons

• App required for operation
• Only WiFi 4

Most of our picks are tied directly to U.S. cellular carriers, but Skyroam’s Solis Lite is designed to provide internet to the whole world–or at least over 130 countries. It uses a virtual SIM card rather than a physical one, so it can slip chameleon-like between available networks wherever you go. It only supports WiFi 4 with 2.4GHz, which means slower speeds, but also very long battery life. In fact, the Solis Lite doubles as an effective portable charger, which is perfect for travel. Skyroam offers a flexible range of data plans from daily up to monthly subscriptions, so you only need to pay for the time that you’re actually using it.

Best budget unlocked hotspot: KuWFi 4G LTE Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot Unlocked

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: KuWFi offers excellent unlocked 4G speeds for a rock-bottom price.

Specs

• Mobile: 4G LTE
• WiFi: WiFi 5 – 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Connections: 10 devices
• Ports: Ethernet, USB 3.0
• Battery: 2400mAh, up to 8 hours claimed

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Small
• Unlocked

Cons

• Inconsistent performance outside North America

At just $50, you’d be hard-pressed to find a cheaper mobile hotspot than this KuWFi model that delivers fast 4G LTE performance. At a slim 6 ounces, it will easily fit in your pocket and deliver solid WiFi 5 performance on most networks. Some customer reviews complain about it not working with some SIM cards outside the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, where it is specified to mostly work, but customer service seems reasonably responsive. Even with limited international utility and older network standards, it’s a rock-bottom price for a mobile hotspot.

What to consider before buying the best mobile hotspots

Mobile hotspots are pretty straightforward devices. They’re small bricks of plastic with an antenna that connects to a mobile broadband network and a router that passes that signal along to other devices in its network. You should be familiar with the details if you’ve purchased a WiFi router and a smartphone. Consider your intended usage: When do you see yourself using a hotspot? How many devices do you intend to connect? How long do you hope to use it without being able to plug it into an outlet and charge it? Where do you intend to go?

Another thing to keep in mind: It is not enough to purchase a mobile hotspot—you also need to activate and connect it to a compatible mobile network. Assuming you already have a cell service contract at a major carrier, we recommend sticking with whatever network you are already on. You can buy an affiliated device and add it to your account through your provider. This will almost certainly be less expensive than opening up a new account with a different service.

5G or LTE—that is the question

5G is the latest and fastest cellular network standard but still isn’t as widespread as older 4G LTE networks. Since the newest devices all support previous standards, we recommend getting a 5G-capable hotspot, regardless of its current availability near you. Ultimately, these are just the newest and best-performing hotspots, even on the older 4G LTE networks.

If you won’t be anywhere near cities, however, and speed doesn’t matter to you as much as saving money, going back for an LTE-only capable hotspot can be a good way to save upfront on the hotspot and still get the most range possible. To get a precise understanding of local coverage options, check out the FCC’s LTE coverage map. You can also see the current state of each provider’s 5G network directly from the AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon websites.

One notable difference we found among 5G hotspots was whether or not they support millimeter-wave signals, a portion of the 5G frequency spectrum that supports higher data throughput, which should translate to faster loading. There’s a catch, though—mmWave only works over short distances and is very easily blocked by physical objects, like walls. That means it will make the most noticeable difference outdoors and within close range (on the order of hundreds of feet) of a tower. Only Verizon and Inseego’s 5G router currently support it right now, which makes sense since Verizon has also invested the most in building out its mmWave network by quite a wide margin.

C-Band, another potential component of 5G, adds substantial data bandwidth to the signal. The US has lagged behind the rest of the world in integrating C-Band into its 5G networks, but carriers have promised to expand C-Band support in cities in the near future. Only one hotspot currently available from Netgear supports C-Band as of spring, 2022.

Hi-fi Wi-Fi

Mobile hotspots have two key components: the cellular antenna, which receives the wireless signal from a carrier network, and the wireless antenna broadcasting that signal to nearby devices. Fortunately, WiFi has now caught up with mobile and simplified their formerly too-technical standard names (e.g., 802.11ac) into much more consumer-friendly generation numbers. WiFi 6, the latest standard, offers a jump in overall upload and download bandwidth. It specifically improves a router’s ability to serve multiple devices at once, which is very helpful when you tether a computer, phone, and tablet to one network all at once. New WiFi 6-enabled hotspots have more than double the connection limits of previous iterations.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best mobile hotspots

• Best overall: NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 Pro
• Best T-Mobile hotspot: Inseego 5G MiFi M2000
• Best AT&T hotspot: Netgear Nighthawk M5 (MR5200)
• Best Verizon hotspot: Jetpack MiFi 8800L
• Best Verizon 5G hotspot: Inseego MiFi M2100
• Best hotspot for international travel: Skyroam Solis Lite
• Best budget unlocked hotspot: KuWFi 4G LTE

Mobile internet providers all over the world are in the process of spreading 5G services all over the world, which makes this the best time ever to consider the benefits of a mobile hotspot. In the US, your options are likely limited by the carrier, which isn’t ideal, but it may make choosing your device a bit easier. Free yourself from wired internet and embrace the nomadic life with a wireless mobile hotspot.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best mobile hotspots of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

We know you’re not reading any of the books in your TBR (to be read) pile any time soon. Please don’t feel bad; neither are we … because thanks to Barnes & Noble’s Book Haul sale, we’ve added stacks of deeply discounted new releases, audiobooks, ebooks, and even a Nook eReader.

Nook GlowLight 4e $89.99 (Was $119.99)

SEE IT

Great for subway commutes and reading on the couch, the Nook GlowLight 4e is an excellent small tablet for first-time eReader buyers and those who have been around the eBook block. 8 GB of storage gives plenty of room for your digital library. The paper-like display is glare-free and has an adjustable front light, making reading easy on a bright beach or in a dark airplane. You can use physical buttons or a finger swipe to turn the page, and the Nook reading app makes it easy to put down your Nook and pick up where you left off on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device. The battery life is the best part: You get weeks of reading time on a single charge.

This deal ends Sept. 4, giving you around two weeks to decide if you want to read the TBR pile or add more titles to it. As someone who has read a Twilight book in a day, I believe in you.

Here are some reads we recommend picking up during the Book Haul:

Hardcover

• Taste: My Life Through Food, Stanley Tucci $14.50 (Was $29)
• The Climate Book: The Facts and the Solutions, Greta Thunberg $15 (Was $30)
• Pageboy: A Memoir, Elliot Page $14.99 (Was $29.99)
• Stella Maris, Cormac McCarthy $13 (Was $26)
• My Last Innocent Year: A Novel, Daisy Alpert Florin $13.99 (Was $27.99)
• I’m No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts: Mini-Meditations for Saints, Sinners, and the Rest of Us, Kristin Chenoweth $11.49 (Was $22.99)
• The Things We Make: The Unknown History of Invention from Cathedrals to Soda Cans, Bill Hammack $13.49 (Was $26.99)
• Alexandra Petri’s US History: Important American Documents (I Made Up), Alexandra Petri $13.97 (Was $27.95)
• Good Eats: The Final Years (B&N Exclusive Edition), Alton Brown $20 (Was $40)
• The Big Reveal: An Illustrated Manifesto of Drag, Sasha Velour $22.50 (Was $45)
• Seinfeld: The Official Cookbook, Julie Tremaine, Brendan Kirby $17.49 (Was $34.99)
• Martha Stewart’s Very Good Things: Clever Tips & Genius Ideas for an Easier, More Enjoyable Life, Martha Stewart $15 (Was $30)
• Birdgirl: Looking to the Skies in Search of a Better Future, Mya-Rose Craig $14 (Was $28)
• If It Sounds Like a Quack…: A Journey to the Fringes of American Medicine, Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling $14.50 (Was $29)
• Nowhere Left to Go: How Climate Change Is Driving Species to the Ends of the Earth, Benjamin von Brackel, Ayca Turkoglu (Translator) $13.47 (Was $26.95)
• Rap Capital: An Atlanta Story, Joe Coscarelli $14.99 (Was $29.99),

eBook

• The Queen’s Gambit, Walter Tevis $9.99 (Was $19.99)
• The Lost Daughter, Elena Ferrante $8.99 (Was $17.99)

Audiobook

• The Mother of All Degrassi: A Memoir, by Linda Schuyler, narrated by Robin Siegerman $9.99 (Was $19.99)

The post Get 50% off some darn great reads with Barnes & Noble’s Book Haul sale appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Apple’s iPads are the best tablets around, and they’re heavily discounted during Amazon’s Prime Day. The two-day sale knocks the price of certain models down by over $100—which is especially good because Apple doesn’t discount its own hardware. Whether you’re looking for a new everyday tablet, or want a smaller one to use an e-reader, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.

All of these Prime Day deals require an active Amazon Prime Membership. You can sign up here for a free 30-day trial.

The best iPad Prime Day Deals

• iPad Mini (WiFi, 64GB), $379 (Was $499)
• iPad Mini (WiFi, 256GB), $529 (Was $599)
• iPad 10th Generation (WiFi, 256GB), $529.99 (Was $599)

Prefer an Amazon Kindle as your tablet of choice? We’ve got you covered; click here!

The post The best last-minute iPad Prime Day Deals appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

If you’ve been on the fence about buying a Kindle e-reader, now is the time to take that leap. Every time Prime Day rolls around, Amazon craters the prices on its own devices, including its very popular Kindle e-reader gadgets. Every flavor of Kindle is on sale right now, and it’s unlikely that they will get any cheaper until at least Black Friday. So, pick your model and get to reading. Your friends aren’t going to bother themselves about Infinite Jest, now are they?

All of these Prime Day deals require an active Amazon Prime Membership. You can sign up here for a free 30-day trial.

Kindle Paperwhite (8 GB) – Now with a 6.8″ display and adjustable warm light $89 (Was $139)

SEE IT

This is the best Kindle for most people. It has an excellent mix of features for its price tag. I bought one on Prime Day last year for $109, and I’ve used it (and reviewed it) a ton since then. It has an adjustable light for reading in the dark, and 8GB space is plenty of room for a ton of books. It has its quirks, but this is overall a great e-reader that will treat you well for years. If you need more space, you can upgrade to the Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) for $94 (was $149).

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32 GB) $124 (Was $189)

If you want to step up from the Paperwhite, you can get the Signature edition, which adds wireless charging, an automatically adjusting light source, and 32GB total storage.

More Amazon Kindle deals

• Kindle $64 (was $99)
• Kindle Oasis $184 (was $279)
• Kindle Scribe (64 GB) $319 (was $419)

The post Amazon Prime Day brings predictably massive deals on Kindle e-readers appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best for kids age 7 to 10		Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet		SEE IT	Great for kids who want more than a toy.
Best for kids older than 10		Apple iPad, 10.2-inch		SEE IT	A powerful tablet for older kids.
Best for kids age 3 to 7		Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet		SEE IT	Perfect tablet for kids of all ages.

Give your youngster a magical mirror—a tablet for kids—that teleports them into the world of shapes, colors, math, science, and never-ending reruns of “Paw Patrol.” You don’t have to be afraid of screens. Today’s tablets for kids are designed to be user-friendly, parent-friendly, durable, and safe. An affordable children’s tablet is not a distraction from the real world but a friendly learning center that helps kids adapt to and navigate thru the modern world. The best kids’ tablets are much more than busy boxes to entertain kids on road trips. And the best tablets for seven to 10-year-olds are more than rubber bricks that play Disney songs. The best tablets for kids are sophisticated, yet simple, tools for learning, playing, and … yes … keeping kids occupied at TGI Fridays.

• Best for toddlers: Animal Island AILA Sit & Play Preschool Learning System
• Best for kids age 3 to 7: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet
• Best for kids age 7 to 10: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet
• Best for kids over 10: Apple iPad
• Best budget: Pritom 7-Inch Kids Tablet

The best tablet for kids: Reviews & Recommendations

The market is flooded with bright, colorful tablets aimed at kids. But some of these tablets are nothing more than an overpriced calculator. Look for trusted brands with a proven track record of creating useful technology. Your children’s tablet should be fun, strong, and functional.  

Best for toddlers: Animal Island AILA Sit & Play Preschool Learning System

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 9.25 x 6.5 x 8 inches
• Weight: 1.54 lbs.
• Parental controls: Yes
• Subscription required?: No

Pros

• Parental controls are smartphone accessible
• Sturdy pedestal
• Curated apps and content

Cons

• No robust functionality
• For toddlers

The AILA Sit and Play is not a traditional tablet. The company curates all the apps and content to create a learning experience. (No web surfing, no app store, no subscriptions.) Parents can set up and monitor the tablet on their smartphone. Daily lessons are aimed at children between 12 and 36 months old. It’s a lot of fun for toddlers, but it’s not good for older kids who will get bored by the kiddie content. With its sturdy pedestal, this is the best tablet for toddlers not yet ready to hold a screen. This is more of an early learning tool than a full-blown tablet, so don’t expect robust functionality. 

 Best for kids age 3 to 7: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 8.7 x 7.1 x 1.1 inches
• Weight: 1lb.
• Parental controls: Yes
• Subscription required?: Yes

Pros

• Longlasting battery
• Lots of storage
• Durable and sturdy with great warranty

Cons

• Subscription required for ad-free content after free Amazon Kids+ one-year trial

Amazon has become the king of tablets for kids, and with good reason. The colorful and sturdy Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is the latest kid-friendly touch screen and checks all the boxes of a quality tablet. Its 32GB of storage and 2GB of RAM is enough power to run apps and stream videos comfortably. The battery lasts 12 hours, and the eight-inch tablet has decent front and rear cameras (both 2MP). It comes with one year of Amazon Kids+, the subscription service that provides age-appropriate movies, shows, music, and games. (It’s $3 a month after the free trial.) And the parental dashboard is simple and secure for adults to manage. As an added bonus, the device comes with a two-year worry-free guarantee—Amazon will replace the tablet if it breaks or cracks. The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is the best tablet for kids too old for baby games and too young for more delicate electronics. 

Best for kids age 7 to 10: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 7.4 x 10.1 x 0.7 inches
• Weight: 1.6 lbs.
• Parental controls: Yes
• Subscription required?: Yes

Pros

• Great upgrade from Amazon HD 8
• Less lag
• Has a more mature look and feel

Cons

• Subscription required for ad-free content after free Amazon Kids+ one-year trial

The kids’ edition of the Amazon Fire HD 10 Pro has a big, bright HD screen perfect for watching movies and playing games. That’s one of the reasons why this device is a fantastic upgrade from the Amazon HD 8. The bigger model is designed for older kids, with more RAM, better web-surfing capability, and less lag. The protective bumper case is slimmer than the HD 8 and gives the tablet a more mature look and feel. It comes with the same 12 months of Amazon Kids+ and the two-year worry-free guarantee of the Amazon HD 8 tablet for kids. For parents looking to buy a bigger, better tablet for the whole family, the HD 10 Pro is a powerful tool that can take a beating. 

Best for kids over 10: Apple iPad, 10.2-inch

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x .29 inches
• Weight: 1.07 lbs.
• Parental controls: Yes
• Subscription required?: No

Pros

• Like a portable computer
• Versatile
• Uses beefy A13 bionic chip

Cons

• Expensive
• Delicate

The Apple iPad is the iconic leader of the tablet market. The latest 10.2-inch iPad is a beautiful and elegant device that makes work easier and more fun. The iPad is the perfect portable computer for kids mature enough to handle a delicate tablet. The long list of apps and functions makes it the most versatile tablet on the list. No matter if your kid needs help accomplishing complex school work, or wants their own screen to watch shows and play games, the iPad 10.2 easily handles all digital tasks. Add the intuitive Apple Pencil to get even more out of the tablet. The biggest downside: This device isn’t so good for clumsy kids covered in candy. The iPad is for young adults who know how to use expensive gadgets. And even if the kid is responsible, a sturdy rubber case is recommended to keep the device protected.  

Best budget: Pritom 7-Inch Kids Tablet

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 9.1 x 8 x 1.3 inches
• Weight: 1.7 lbs.
• Parental controls: Yes
• Subscription required?: No

Pros

• Cheap
• Great for basics
• Pre-installed apps

Cons

• Might be better off spending more for a device that will last longer

What can you expect from a tablet that costs less than $70? More than you may think. While the Pritom 7-inch tablet is a far cry from the dignified and industrious iPad, this budget-priced Android tablet for kids can accomplish the basics, such as watching YouTube and playing games. It comes with pre-installed apps for children between the ages of two and 12 and has parental controls to manage screen time. But never forget: This is a discount item, which means it’s not as dependable as an Amazon or Apple tablet. You may be better off spending an extra $100 to buy a tablet that will last longer. However, if your young one has the tendency to drop, lose, or toss things into a volcano, an Android tablet like this one is a gadget you won’t worry too much about replacing. 

What to consider when shopping for the best tablets for kids

There’s a big difference between standard tablets and tablets made for kids under the age of 10. Simply put: Don’t hand your clumsy kid an iPad Pro and expect to get it back unscathed. The best tablet for kids should be durable, affordable, and highly controllable. It should also be fun and functional. 

The tablet must be as kid-proof as possible

Imagine throwing a pane of glass into a tornado, and you’ll have a good idea about what a tablet for kids will be up against. The best tablet for eight-year-olds and younger must have tough, rubberized protection around the edge. And the best tablet for a two-year-old should be more rubber than screen if you plan to use it longer than a day. 

Thankfully, some of the biggest brands make strong tablets designed for the wobbly and dirty hands of kids. The rubber shell of these tablets will be thick and round—something a tiny hand can comfortably grasp. But you could cage the screen in Wolverine’s adamantium bones, and kids will still find a way to break, scrap, and scratch the tablet. No tablet is 100 percent kid-proof, so don’t be too angry if a toddler drops the gadget in the toilet. All kids’ tablets are temporary. And a good protection program and warranty are a must. 

For children older than eight, you won’t need as much protection. Plus, some older kids will balk at the idea of using a baby tablet that looks more like a toy than a computer. Older kids should be able to handle a regular tablet, as long as you use a robust case. And always explain to your kids the importance of gadget care. 

Don’t spend too much

If you’re spending more than $300 on a tablet for a kid between the ages of two and eight, you’re probably spending too much. Tablets designed for children are typically more affordable, costing less than $200. 

These tablets will lack the hefty processing power of an iPad Pro or Microsoft Surface Pro. But kids don’t need all that functionality. Unless your five-year-old is a graphic designer using the tablet to create a multimedia campaign for an international sneaker company, they won’t miss the ability to use the full Adobe suite. 

Yes, these lower-priced tablets can be sluggish. But if you streamline the apps, using only what’s important, today’s kid-friendly tablets get the job done at a fraction of the price of professional touch screens. The best tablet for kids is like dinner at a restaurant—don’t order the filet mignon if all they’ll eat is the bread. Stick with the kiddie menu.

Size of the tablet screen and internal storage 

There are smaller and much larger screens, but generally speaking, an eight-inch screen with a 1,280 x 800-pixel resolution is perfect for kids of all ages. This size is big enough to play games and watch videos without being too big and cumbersome for tiny hands. 

Check the specs and look for at least 8GB of storage. The more storage, the better, since you and your family will quickly fill up a tablet with apps, music, photos, and videos. Storage management is a pain for adults and tantrum-inducing for young kids. A microSD card slot can give you extra space, but always be careful with tiny parts around small children. Those cards do look delicious. 

While no one is expecting a kids’ tablet to run at breakneck speeds, find a tablet with at least 2GB of RAM to get apps up and running quickly and smoothly. The more RAM means the easier it will be to run multiple apps at once. 

You have the power: The joys of parental control

The ability to limit screen time and restrict online access is a must. Make sure the tablet is equipped with parental controls. Tablets like the Amazon Fire come equipped with controls that allow parents to set educational goals, reinforcing the idea that this isn’t a toy but a learning device.

The best tablet for kids should also block social media apps. Most social media platforms already have age restrictions, but ingenious kids can find loopholes to gain access. (Lying about your age? What kind of hacker madness is this?) A secure children’s tablet will effectively block the insanity and cruelty of Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and any other social media timesuck. 

Parents must, of course, know how parental controls operate. Before handing over a tablet to your child, play around with it and get a feel for the interface and management system. You don’t want to ask your kid for help on this one. 

Is the tablet for school?

Distance learning and virtual classrooms have become a norm during the pandemic, and even in-person education relies on technology to teach. If your child’s school asks students to use a tablet, make sure the tablet you choose can run the necessary apps. For instance, Amazon tablets are great for kids, but they only run proprietary apps. If your school or daycare wants to use third-party programs, the tablet may not be up to the challenge. 

Check with your school. The IT department will have the specs and recommendations for a tablet that can run the right apps. And don’t assume every tablet is the same. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best tablet for kids

• Best for toddlers: Animal Island AILA Sit & Play Preschool Learning System
• Best for kids age 3 to 7: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet
• Best for kids age 7 to 10: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet
• Best for kids over 10: Apple iPad
• Best budget: Pritom 7-Inch Kids Tablet

Screens aren’t going anywhere, and if you want to introduce your kids to a tablet, make sure it’s safe, secure, and parent-friendly. Amazon offers several high-quality tablets for kids of all ages. Younger kids will need a tablet with a big case that’s easy to hold. Older kids will get the most out of an Apple iPad and appreciate all it can accomplish. Look for a good warranty because any tablet for kids is susceptible to falls and scratches. And when in doubt, look for a brand you know and trust, like Amazon or Apple. Or, pick up a budget-priced tablet if you just need something your kids can play with in the car.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission 

to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best tablets for kids in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best multipurpose		Anker PowerCore Fusion 10,000		SEE IT	The Anker PowerCore Fusion 10,000 combines the convenience of portable battery and outlet-based charger in a single package.
Best for travel		Belkin Gaming Power Bank with Stand		SEE IT	Belkin’s gaming charger with a stand lets you power up your phone while watching media or playing games.
Best for laptops		UGREEN 145W Power Bank		SEE IT	UGREEN’s 145W Power Bank power bank pulls out all the stops with its massive charging capacity.

Keeping a portable charger in your car, bag, or pocket prepares you if an emergency arises as you’re running out of power. Say you’re stuck in a raging blizzard, your car in a snowbank on the highway, and you need a tow if you don’t want to stay where you are overnight. No problem, you can just call for roadside assistance, right? That isn’t the case if your phone runs out of power and you cannot charge it back up again. It’s not the case unless you carry a portable power bank, that is. A battery pack to charge your phone, laptop, and other devices can make all the difference when your battery’s nearly dead and draining fast. The right power bank will let you top off all your essential gear to get your devices through the day (or longer). Fortunately, we’ve collected some of the best portable chargers available and sorted them into categories that should fit most people’s needs.

• Best overall: OtterBox Performance Fast Charge Power Bank
• Best multipurpose: Anker PowerCore Fusion 10,000
• Best for travel: Belkin Gaming Power Bank with Stand
• Best with flashlight: superallure Solar Charging Power Bank
• Best with wireless charging: Mophie Charge Stream
• Best large: Goal Zero Sherpa Wireless Portable AC Power Bank
• Best for laptops: UGREEN 145W Power Bank
• Best budget: INIU Portable Charger

How we chose the best portable chargers

When choosing the best portable chargers, I relied on my years of experience covering the tech industry. I’ve used portable power banks to keep my phone and other devices charged while covering events, conducting interviews, and recording presentations. In addition to my personal and professional testing, we’ve parsed reviews from consumers and other publications to find chargers that have made a strong impression on their owners. 

The best portable chargers: Reviews & Recommendations

Our choices for the best portable chargers run the gamut from small pocket-sized batteries for extending your phone’s battery life to big, beefy chargers that can power a mobile office. Depending on what devices you carry around daily or while traveling, there are different power banks for everyone.

Best overall: OtterBox Performance Fast Charge Power Bank

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This speedy power bank allows for 3.6x faster charging compared to other portable chargers and can power two devices at once.

Specs

• Dimensions: 6.26x 3.08 x .92 inches
• Weight: 15.3 ounces
• Battery capacity: 20,000 mAh
• Ports: 2 (one USB-C, one USB-A)
• Charging speed: 18W

Pros

• Fast charging
• Can charge two devices at once
• Drop protection

Cons

• Heavy compared to other portable chargers

Otterbox makes some of our favorite MagSafe accessories, so it’s no surprise we love its powerful wired charger as well. The OtterBox Performance Fast Charge Power Bank gives you 20,000 mAh of juice to recharge your tablets and phones. And, with a USB-A port and a fast-charging USB-C port, you can charge two devices at once, no matter what brand. It comes with a USB-A to USB-C cable, so you won’t have to get one on the go, but it works fabulously with others you may have around the house, as we did in the above photo. An LED power indicator shows you how much power you have left, and the power bank is designed for durability thanks to trusted drop protection. Although it’s a little chonky, we’d rather carry around a powerhouse than be left uncharged in the dark.

Best multipurpose: Anker PowerCore Fusion 10,000

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Anker PowerCore Fusion 10,000 combines the convenience of a portable battery and outlet-based charger in a single package.

Specs

• Dimensions: 4.72 x 3.23 x 1.39 inches
• Weight: 10.1 ounces
• Battery capacity: 10,000mAh
• Ports: One USB-A, one USB-C
• Charging speed: 20W

Pros

• Convenient size
• Doubles as a wall outlet and battery pack
• Charges multiple devices

Cons

• Can be awkward to plug into some sockets

As the best multipurpose portable charger, the Anker PowerCore Fusion 10,000 is especially convenient, even among power banks. It’s a fairly small portable charger with two ports and a 10,000mAh battery, but you can also plug it into an outlet and draw power from there. This is extremely convenient for travelers and rolls two devices into one well-crafted package. Its only downside is that it’s a little larger and heavier than a standard wall-based charger. The shape can also make it awkward to fit into some places, and the weight might cause it to fall out of a loose socket.

Best for travel: Belkin Gaming Power Bank with Stand

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Belkin’s gaming charger with a stand lets you power up your phone while watching media or playing games.

Specs

• Dimensions: 6.21 x 1.56 x 4.02 inches
• Weight: 11.8 ounces
• Battery capacity: 10,000mAh
• Ports: One USB-A, one USB-C
• Charging speed: 12W

Pros

• Stand makes continuing to use the phone while charging more convenient
• Stand is retractable

Cons

• Fast charging is hit or miss

It seems like combining a portable charger and a stand would be a no-brainer, but surprisingly few companies have actually made them. Belkin’s Gaming Power Bank with Stand is the best portable charger for travel. It offers a retractable shelf with a lip that makes it easy to continue enjoying media or games on your phone as it charges. Unfortunately, its fast-charging seems to be hit-or-miss: Some users report speedy refueling, while others aren’t as impressed with how quickly their devices get juiced up. It’s a great charger when you have a few hours to kill and need to top off your phone’s power, but not the most efficient option.

Best with flashlight: superallure Solar Charging Power Bank

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This power bank is powered by the sun and can give you some extra light in the great outdoors if your flashlight decides to take a day off.

Specs

• Dimensions: 7.48 x 4.92 x 1.42 inches
• Weight: 1.15 pounds
• Battery capacity: 43,800 mAh
• Ports: USB-C, USB-A
• Charging speed: 15W

Pros

• Built-in chargers
• Solar-powered
• Built-in flashlight is bright

Cons

• Heavy

Sometimes you don’t need solar generator-level power, but you still need a bit of juice while adventuring the in the great outdoors. This one is solar-powered, Qi wireless charging compatible, and has USB-A and USB-C cords built-in—that’s one less thing in your pack. You can maybe even leave the flashlight at home—this charger also has a built-in flashlight. An IP65 rating makes it dust-resistant, with a bit of waterproofing on top. Plus, it can power 3-5 complete phone charges. Reviews note that customer service is great, and the power bank gives peace of mind while traveling in remote settings.

Best with wireless charging: Mophie Charge Stream

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Ditch the cables entirely with this Qi-enabled wireless portable charger that works across Android and iPhone.

Specs

• Dimensions: 2.72 x 0.63 x 5.19 inches
• Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Battery capacity: 6,040 mAh
• Ports: USB-A, USB-C
• Charging speed: 10W

Pros

• Pass-through charging enabled
• Can charge wirelessly or with a cable
• Can charge two devices at once

Cons

• Shows dirt easily

No cables? No problem, thanks to this wireless power bank from Mophie. You’ll be able to charge using the power of magnets as long as your device is Qi-enabled. Simply place your phone on the portable charger and push the button to begin wireless charging. You can get 48 extra hours of battery depending on what you’re charging, and a USB port allows you to charge another device while using wireless charging. Our only complaint? It tends to show dirt easily. Its powerful charging and wireless transcendence across brands make up for this.

Best large: Goal Zero Sherpa Wireless Portable AC Power Bank

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This large portable charger is like a mini generator in your pack.

Specs

• Dimensions: 7.69 x 5.49 x 1.02 inches
• Weight: 3.19 pounds
• Battery capacity: 25,600 mAh
• Ports: 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C, 1 AC port
• Charging speed: 100W

Pros

• Heavy-duty
• Can charge laptops two times over
• Solar generator power without the size

Cons

• Expensive

We’ve reviewed Goal Zero’s Yeti 1000 Core generator in the past and gave it kudos for its durability and battery capacity. Goal Zero took both of those aspects and packed them into an ever smaller package with its Sherpa Wireless Portable power bank. It’s great if you need major power on the go without needing an entire solar generator. And you’ll get plenty of use out of it: this power bank can charge a smartphone eight times; a tablet three times; a laptop two times; and a GoPro 18 times. It also supports wireless charging. Talk about a multi-hyphenate. Its aluminum unibody is durable, and it easily integrates with other Goal Zero products, like solar panels. It’s pricey, but we think it’s worth it if you’re looking for a tough portable charger that’s made to last.

Best for laptops: UGREEN 145W Power Bank

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This sleek laptop power bank can keep you powered in the coffee shop or library.

Specs

• Dimensions: 7.2 x 3.23 x .95 inches
• Weight: 26.4 ounces
• Battery capacity: 26,600 mAh
• Ports: Two USB-C, one USB-A
• Charging speed: 145W (Total)

Pros

• Ultra high capacity
• Up to 100W charging from one port
• Can charge more than one device at the same time

Cons

• No AC outlet

Those leaving their house to work in a coffee shop know the struggle of finding a precious outlet. Worry no longer, thanks to this portable laptop power bank from UGREEN, which can give your laptop enough juice while you wait for an outlet to open up. The battery pack has a solid frame, and an LED screen on the side that indicates its battery percentage. Having the battery’s exact capacity will let you know whether you need to charge it before you head out, or judge how quickly you’re running it down.

UGREEN equipped its portable charger with a pair of USB-C ports and one USB-A port, which can output a total of 145W if all are used simultaneously. One of the power bank’s USB-C ports can charge a device at up to 100W, which is enough juice to fast charge even the most energy-hungry laptops at their fastest speeds. The only people who will be out of luck are those who need an AC outlet to use their laptop charger.

After testing it regularly for months, UGREEN’s 145W Power Bank never let us down. It was able to extend the life of a 16-inch MacBook Pro by a few hours, and had no problem fully topping up an iPhone 14 Pro Max and Nintendo Switch. The battery pack would run hot when a laptop was plugged in for an extended period of time, but not to the point where it felt dangerous.

If you have larger gadgets that need to be charged on the go, UGREEN’s 145W Power Bank is a solid solution.

Best budget: INIU Portable Charger

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The INIU portable charger is cheap and does a fine job powering your phone … plus it has a pawprint-shaped indicator light!

Specs

• Dimensions: 5.2 x 2.7 x 0.5 inches
• Weight: 7 ounces
• Battery capacity: 10,000mAh
• Ports: 2 USB-A, One USB-C
• Charging speed: 15W

Pros

• Has a built-in paw print indicator light
• Extremely affordable
• Cute LED logo

Cons

• Reports of quality assurance issues

Sometimes you just need a product that does exactly what it’s supposed to for as little money as possible. The INIU Portable Charger is affordable and provides a 10,000mAh battery in a very slim form factor. Conveniently, it also has a built-in indicator light which can be a big help in a pinch, and its paw print makes looking at your power bank fun. Unfortunately, there are some reports of dead units, which means customers need to watch out for poor QA. Reports suggest that INIU customer service has done right by users who reported getting a nonfunctional unit, though, shipping out replacements quickly.

What to consider when buying the best portable chargers

Portable chargers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For many, they’re just random bricks that you plug stuff into, with little to differentiate between them. While they may look the same, aspects of a charger’s design vary, which you should keep in mind when picking one out. 

How much power can it hold? Will it fit in my pocket or my backpack? Does it have the ports to charge all my devices or just my phones? If you know these things, you can buy the right portable charger for your needs:

How big is the battery?

Portable chargers are really just fancy plastic and a circuit board wrapped around a battery. The most important thing you need to know about any portable charger is how big that battery is. Portable chargers measure their power storage in Milliamp Hours (mAh), a unit of measurement that shows how much power a battery can hold. The number of charges it can provide will depend on the specific device, but it’s a good way to get a general sense. 

If you plan to keep a laptop going through your workday or charge many devices simultaneously, you will likely want the largest battery possible, which tends to range between 2,000mAh and 10,000mAh for most users, depending on the devices they cart around.  If you’re just looking to top off your phone to get through a busy day, you can probably get something smaller. More storage translates to a larger, more expensive charger, so that’s definitely good reason to go small if that’s all you need.

How much space does it take up?

As we said, more power means a bigger battery pack. It doesn’t matter how impressive a portable charger’s specs are if it’s a pain to carry around. Power banks range in size from slim and pocket-sized to whopping boxes as big as a book. They can get heavy, too. While it can be tempting to get the biggest, most powerful charger, you will make a better choice if you’re realistic about your needs.

What are you charging?

When you choose a portable charger, you’ll want to remember what you will be using it for. Most people tend to buy chargers to top off their choice of best tablet, new iPhone, Bluetooth headphones, or noise-cancelling earbuds: As a result, most portable battery packs are made for that purpose. If you’re looking to charge something bigger, like a laptop, you should get a charger with the right ports for the job. For larger devices, you will also need to make sure the charging rate is actually high enough to replenish your laptop’s battery.

How quickly can it charge your devices?

The second major consideration when buying a portable charger is how fast it charges. Different batteries can charge devices at different rates, depending on the device and the cable used to charge. In general, portable chargers tend to be slower than plugging a device into a wall, but some are faster than others. Check the maximum charging rate, measured in watts (W), to determine how quickly most devices will charge.  For a portable charger, 18 watts is considered a good charging speed. 27 watts is excellent.

Sometimes companies will show a battery’s voltage and amperage rather than a rate in Watts: In that case, multiply the two numbers to get the rate in watts. For example: If a charger serves 5 volts at 2 amps (5V/2A), its charging rate is 10W. (5 x 2 = 10).

How fast does the battery pack charge itself?

It’s also important to look at how long you need to juice each charger back up to full capacity. When you’re in a pinch and pressed for time, knowing you can fall back on a fast-charging portable device offers peace of mind. A good charging rate, for example, is anywhere from 3 hours (111.11 mAh/min) to 4 hours (111.48 mAh/minute), though there have been packs that have charged back up to 100% in just 20 minutes or so. The larger the battery bank, the longer it will need to charge, especially when you factor in larger capacities. This rate may differ from pack to pack if the charger can power other devices. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best portable chargers

• Best overall: OtterBox Performance Fast Charge Power Bank
• Best multipurpose: Anker PowerCore Fusion 10,000
• Best for travel: Belkin Gaming Power Bank with Stand
• Best with flashlight: superallure Solar Charging Power Bank
• Best with wireless charging: Mophie Charge Stream
• Best large: Goal Zero Sherpa Wireless Portable AC Power Bank
• Best for laptops: UGREEN 145W Power Bank
• Best budget: INIU Portable Charger

Possessing the best portable charger can be a real lifesaver under the right circumstances. There isn’t much to the tech, but there’s still a surprising amount of variation from device to device. It pays to learn their ins and outs to tell the difference, whether you need a slim power bank to get a quick jolt or something massive that can keep a laptop going for days. No matter what, we can all agree on one thing: Nobody likes having a battery die on them.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best portable chargers for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		iPad Mini		SEE IT	The iPad Mini is the pinnacle of the 8-inch tablet in terms of performance, hardware quality, and software quality.
Biggest screen		Samsung Galaxy Tab 7A		SEE IT	If you want an 8-inch tablet specifically for streaming video on the go, you can’t go wrong here.
Best budget		TCL Tab 8		SEE IT	Often offered at $99, TCL’s Tab 8 is one of the best values in tech when you can grab it on sale; it even comes with a case.

Phone screens have continuously gotten bigger, but there’s still room for the venerable 8-inch tablet. These standalone devices offer more digital real estate for work and play without feeling cumbersome. For years, companies treated their smaller tablets poorly—omitting features present in “full-sized” models—but that’s changed. Today’s “8-inch “mini” tablets have feature parity with their bigger siblings while besting them in portability. The best 8-inch tablets fill a noticeable gap between smartphones and tablets, offering some of the best of both worlds.

• Best overall: iPad Mini
• Biggest storage: Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus
• Biggest screen: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
• Best for kids: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition
• Best budget: TCL Tab 8

How we chose the best 8-inch tablets

Our research and testing revealed that the term 8-inch tablet is a little ambiguous because many tech companies have decided to play fast and loose with screen sizes. The iPad Mini, for example, has an 8.3-inch screen, while Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A7 Lite’s display comes in at 8.7 inches. This difference may seem subtle, but every tenth of an inch counts when dealing with tablets this small. We factored in these variations—plus which tablets have the best overall hardware, expandable storage, and battery life—to find five that suit different people’s needs equally.

The best 8-inch tablets: Reviews & Recommendations

There’s a lot more competition in this part of the tech world than you might think, with many tablets having overlapping features and subtle differences. You’ll find the right 8-inch tablet below regardless of your screen size preferences, operating system preferences, or budget.

Best overall: iPad Mini

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen size: 8.3 inches
• Battery life: Up to 10 hours
• Storage: Up to 256GB
• Weight: 239 grams
• Cameras: 12 megapixel (front) 12 megapixel (rear)

Pros

• Useful for media consumption and work
• Excellent camera hardware for its size
• App store full of helpful software

Cons

• Price

This entire story could honestly be a meditation on how the iPad mini absolutely smokes any other tablet in this screen size bracket when it comes to performance, hardware quality, and software quality. However, as is typically the case, its cost—roughly three times higher than our other recommendations—will temper anyone’s enthusiasm.

In our tests, there wasn’t a single task the iPad Mini couldn’t do well. Its Liquid Retina screen (2266-by-1488 resolution at 326 pixels per inch) made reading text, viewing images, and watching videos a joy. The LED IPS display’s wide color display (P3) reproduction was especially impressive—it can’t match the performance of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro’s miniLED screen, but it holds its own. The pint-sized tablet is powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, which is speedy enough to stream 4K video, load high-resolution images, and play Apple Arcade games with no signs of slowing down.

If you’ve used an iPhone or previous-generation iPad, you’ll be familiar with many aspects of iPadOS. Apple’s tablet operating system isn’t as versatile as macOS, but Apple has continuously added features to bridge the gap. The iPad Mini’s greatest software advantage over Android tablets is the App Store, which is loaded with hundreds of thousands of productivity and leisure applications. If you want to work on an iPad Mini, you’ll find the software you need on the App Store, and the tablet is powerful enough to run it.

Apple says the iPad Mini’s battery lasts up to 10 hours per charge, and that’s true, depending on how you use it. You’ll probably get there if you browse the web, listen to music, or stream video with the 500 nits of brightness at 50 percent. Resource-intensive tasks like gaming or streaming video with the brightness cranked all the way up will run down the battery much more quickly.

Taking photos and videos with a tablet is more cumbersome than using a phone, but the iPad Mini’s 12-megapixel camera system is unmatched compared to its competition. Whether you’re video chatting with friends and colleagues or snapping a quick pic of something that catches your eye, you should be very happy with the results. The fact that you can import your photo and edit it in professional software like Adobe Lightroom or Photomator—using the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), if desired—speaks volumes about the iPad Mini’s value.

The iPad Mini is offered in 64GB and 256GB storage sizes—more than the average for an 8-inch tablet—but you can’t expand it with a memory card later on. The base storage tier is fine for casual use, but if you plan on using the iPad Mini for productivity tasks, it might be necessary to bump up to the high storage tier. At that point, you’re looking at a tablet that costs over $600—more than Apple charges for the entry-level model of its higher-end tablets. Adding cellular connectivity increases its price even more.

If you don’t mind spending the extra money, the iPad Mini is in a league of its own. You won’t find a better-looking, better-performing 8-inch tablet—or one that even comes close.

Biggest storage: Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen size: 8-inches
• Battery life: Up to 13 hours
• Storage: 32GB (Expandable up to 1TB)
• Weight: 337 grams
• Cameras: 2 megapixel (front), 5 megapixel (rear)

Pros

• Tight integration with Amazon’s digital content ecosystem
• Massively expandable storage
• Price

Cons

• Weak productivity app selection
• No native YouTube support

Amazon has steadily improved the quality of its Fire Tablets by adding more memory (3GB), 30-percent faster processors, increasing the battery life, and continuing to allow users to add to the base 32GB or 64GB storage via a MicroSD Card. That final feature is true of most Android tablets, but the Fire HD 8 Plus takes it to the next level by supporting storage expansion up to 1TB. That’s more than enough space to hold a lifetime’s worth of media—which this tablet is best used for.

The greatest strength of the Fire HD 8 Plus is its tight integration with Amazon’s services ecosystem. Your Kindle books, Prime Music library, Prime Video library, and Audible audiobooks will immediately be available when you turn on the device. All of the appropriate Amazon apps come pre-downloaded, so all you need to do is choose which media you’d like to sync with it. If you use Amazon’s digital services and enjoy Alexa, using the Fire HD 8 Plus will be an excellent experience.

The same is true if you want to stream video from services like Netflix, listen to music on Spotify, or download media from either service. YouTube is the only streaming app you won’t find on this tablet; you’ll have to access this service via the web browser. The Fire HD 8 Plus has enough memory and processing power for audio and video consumption, browsing the web, or taking a video conference call. If you want to get work done, though, it’s a different story. The app library available on the Fire HD 8 Plus isn’t as big as Apple’s App Store, and its relatively low-resolution screen (1280 x 800 at 189 ppi) will make using the limited productivity software even more difficult.

That said, you can get the Fire HD 8 Plus and a 1TB MicroSD card for a third of the cost of the iPad Mini. Economically, it’s a better bet if you only need your tablet for reading, watching movies in bed, online shopping, and catching up with friends on social media. If you need to download a cache of shows and films to watch on a long trip, the expanded storage and Amazon’s battery claims—this tablet can last up to 13 hours in their estimation—make it a great travel companion.

Biggest screen: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen size: 8.7-inches
• Battery life: N/A
• Storage: 32GB (expandable up to 1TB)
• Weight: 371 grams
• Cameras: 2 megapixels (front) 8 megapixels (rear)

Pros

• Large display
• Expandable storage
• Price

Cons

• Weak front-facing camera
• Samsung not forthright about battery specs

If you’d like to push the boundaries of what it means to be an 8-inch tablet, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is the right choice. Its 8.7-inch 1340 x 800 px (WXGA+) display is the largest screen of any tablet we’re recommending, which will come in handy whether you’re trying to get work done or enjoy a streaming video. The tablet’s other tech specs—an eight-core processor, 3GB of memory, and expandable storage up to 1TB via MicroSD—are impressive given the tablet’s low price.

The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite runs on Android, and the selection of apps on the Google Play store is robust enough that you should be able to find productivity apps in addition to the usual assortment of streaming services. The tablet’s large screen and highly expandable storage make it a wonderful content consumption device. However, no experience will match the one on Amazon’s tablets regarding overall user experience. At least you can download the YouTube app on this tablet.

Our only complaint about the Galaxy Tab A7 is that Samsung is not forthright about its tech specs. It touts this tablet’s battery life but refrains from giving a battery estimate on its site. The battery’s capacity is high enough to last several hours between charges, but, unfortunately, Samsung doesn’t give a figure to help set your expectations. If that ambiguity doesn’t bother you, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better Android tablet at this price.

Best for kids: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen size: 8-inches
• Battery life: Up to 13 hours
• Storage: 32GB (Expandable up to 1TB)
• Weight: 337 grams
• Cameras: 2 megapixel (front), 5 megapixel (rear)

Pros

• Includes a case
• Two-year warranty
• Bundled with Amazon Kids+ subscription

Cons

• Price is steep for a kid’s gadget

The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro has the same exact specs as the version of this tablet aimed at adults, but its kid-friendly features help it stand out in the 8-inch tablet space in critical ways.

Amazon bundles each of these tablets with a hardshell case available in a handful of colors and patterns, a two-year warranty against any damage, and a year’s subscription to Kids+. The first two benefits are straightforward, but access to Amazon Kids+ is a bigger deal than you might imagine. Amazon’s child-friendly service gives kids instant, unlimited access to age-appropriate games, movies, TV shows, movies, music stations, and apps. Think of it as baked-in parental controls that allow a child to experience autonomously with their tablet without worries about the trouble they could get themselves into.

We’re happy that Amazon opted to build its kids-edition Fire Tablet with the same hardware as its standard 8-inch tablet because it ensures that your kid can use this gadget for several years without it feeling run down and slow. That’s important given this tablet’s price, which is far lower than the iPad Mini’s, but still pricey for tech aimed at kids. Still, the overall value is there, and if you’d like your kid to stop reaching for your phone constantly, it’s a wise investment.

Best budget: TCL Tab 8

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen size: 8 inches
• Battery life: Up to 8 hours
• Storage: 32 (expandable up to 512GB)
• Weight: 310 grams
• Cameras: 2 megapixel (front), 5 megapixel (rear)

Pros

• Price
• Blue light reduction modes
• Expandable storage

Cons

• So-so resolution

TCL’s Tab 8, which routinely goes on sale for $99, offers plenty of value at its discounted price for anyone who needs an 8-inch tablet for lightweight tasks like web browsing, online shopping, and video streaming. The Android 11 device comes with 32GB of storage with the option to add 512GB with a MicroSD card. TCL says this tablet lasts up to eight hours per charge—again, this will depend on how you use it and your screen brightness level.

Despite running Android 11, which is impressive for a budget-priced tablet, we’d still categorize the Tab 8 as being more for media consumption than productivity. Its display is relatively low resolution (‎800 x 1280 pixels), making it difficult to edit photos or video, though text should look OK. Think of this as a big display you can throw in your bag for video streaming on the go—especially if you download media to watch offline. TCL even bundles the Tab 8 with a foldable case, which protects your device and allows you to angle it upward for more comfortable viewing.

One of the Tab 8’s coolest features is its assortment of eye protection modes, which are optimized for tasks like e-book reading. Staring at a screen can start to hurt your eyes after a while, so it’s great to see these features baked into the device instead of forcing you to download third-party apps for the same functionality. All of these little extras are unexpected for such a budget-conscious tablet. If you’re mostly content with your phone, but would like a bigger screen when online shopping or watching random cat videos, give TCL’s Tab 8 serious consideration.

What to consider when shopping for the best 8-inch tablets

Screen size

The definition of what 8-inch tablet is varies from company to company—some hit that mark exactly, while others push the limits to a screen closer to nine inches. A larger screen makes the tablet better for media consumption and productivity, but the additional size will make it more cumbersome to carry.

Battery life

A tablet’s size doesn’t really matter if it’s run out of power, so we only recommend tablets that get at least eight hours of battery per charge. Some 8-inch tablets can last even longer, though the amount of uptime you get will be based on the apps you’re running and your screen brightness settings.

Storage

If you plan on storing a lot of media and apps on your tablet, it’s going to have enough storage to hold it all. Most of the 8-inch tablets we’re recommending allow you to add more storage to your device by popping in a memory card, which can come in handy if your needs change.

Weight

If you’re worried about how much bulk an 8-inch tablet will add to your everyday carry, don’t be. All of our recommendations weigh in at around 325 grams, which is under one pound. Tablets in this size class can typically fit in the small pocket of a backpack.

Cameras

Tablet photography remains popular, and all of our recommendations have both a front and rear-facing camera. The former is useful for selfies or video calls, while the latter will let you take quick pictures of anything around you. Tablet camera systems aren’t as sophisticated as the ones in your phone, but can work in a pinch.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best 8-inch tablets

• Best overall: iPad Mini
• Biggest storage: Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus
• Biggest screen: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
• Best for kids: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition
• Best budget: TCL Tab 8

There’s a lot of competition in the 8-inch tablet world, which is great to see after years of companies focused on larger-screen devices. Current models from the top tech companies are all suited for media consumption, and some are beginning to be useful for productivity. Shockingly, companies have managed to keep the prices of these devices down while regularly updating them with faster components—Apple is the notable exception, but the iPad Mini is virtually untouchable in its performance. If you’ve been curious about tablets, but haven’t taken the plunge because they were too large and unwieldy or expensive, give an 8-inch tablet a try.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best 8-inch tablets in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

If you’re in the market for an iPad, then the iPad Air (2022) is probably your best option if you can afford the upgrade from the base model. Right now, Amazon has the 64GB 2022 iPad Air for $499, which is $100 cheaper than its usual $599 price. The upgraded 256GB version is down to $649 from $749. Think of it like you’re basically getting a free Apple Pencil (which is also on sale right now for $112, down from $129). Several other iPad models are also on sale right now, so keep scrolling if you’re looking for a new device for watching TikToks slightly bigger than they would be on your phone.

iPad Air (2022), $499 (Was $599)

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When it comes to iPads, the Air represents a very solid middle ground that should appeal to most users. It sports the M1 chip inside, making it more powerful than the standard $329 iPad. That’s crucial if you plan to do any creative work like photo or video editing. It’s also convenient if you plan to play games. The cheaper iPad also doesn’t work with the latest Apple Pencil, so charging it (and storing it since it doesn’t magnetically attach to the device) is a pain. The iPad Air also offers Touch ID on the power button, a nice upgrade from the original.

The same-size iPad Pro does offer a few advantages, like Thunderbolt compatibility in the USB-C port for connecting external drives and a more advanced camera array. But, unless you’re doing heavy-duty creative work or trying to replace a laptop fully, you may not need those features anyway.

The iPad Air isn’t the cheapest model or the most powerful, but that’s what makes it such a great option for the vast majority of people who want to watch content, browse the web, and occasionally rest a sandwich on it as you walk from the kitchen back to your desk during lunch.

More iPad and Apple device deals

• Apple 2023 Mac Mini Desktop Computer M2 chip with 8‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU $499 (Was $599)
• Apple 2021 10.2-inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB) – Silver (9th Generation) $269 (Was $329)
• 2021 Apple iPad 9th Gen (10.2 inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 64GB) Space Gray (Renewed) $293 (Was $399)
• 2021 Apple 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi‑Fi, 128GB) – Silver (Renewed) $639 (Was $1,199)
• Apple 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Wi‑Fi, 128GB) $899 (Was $1,099)
• Apple 2021 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi, 256GB) $779 (Was $899)
• Apple 2022 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip $1,049 (Was $1,199)
• 2022 Apple MacBook Pro Laptop with M2 chip (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) Space Gray (Renewed) $999 (Was $1,199)
• Late 2021 Apple MacBookPro with Apple M1 Pro chip (16 inch, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) Silver (Renewed) $1,689 (Was $2,399)
• Apple 2021 MacBook Pro (14-inch, M1 Pro chip with 10‑core CPU and 16‑core GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,999 (Was $2,499). [According to Amazon, this is a “new price,” so we would expect to see this price stick around for a while.]

The post The best iPad for most people is back down to its lowest price ever at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Overall		Kindle Paperwhite		SEE IT	The mid-tier Kindle still strikes the perfect balance between performance and price.
Best for note-taking		Kindle Scribe		SEE IT	Amazon’s largest Kindle ever was designed for both reading, note-taking, and annotating.
Best budget		Kindle		SEE IT	The entry-level Kindle has never been better, and it’s the best eReader in its class.

Using a Kindle may seem weird in a world where reading books, articles, and any other text on a phone or tablet is easy. Carrying around a dedicated mono-tasking device will add weight to your load, and it’s another gadget to keep track of and charge. Yet Kindles remain popular because they only have one job and do it very well: let you carry and consume the stories that captivate you. A Kindle’s e-ink screen won’t reflect the sun when reading outdoors, unlike the reflective LCD displays used on phones and tablets. They get much better battery life and have gained the ability to play audiobooks, too. If you’ve never owned a dedicated eReader, the best Kindles are the best place to start.

• Best overall: Kindle Paperwhite
• Best for note-taking: Kindle Scribe
• Best for kids: Kindle Paperwhite Kids
• Best with physical buttons: Kindle Oasis
• Best budget: Kindle

How we chose the best Kindles for any budget

Our Kindle recommendations are based on a mix of research and hands-on testing, factoring in battery life, screen size, durability, storage capacity, and extra features. Amazon has recently expanded the number of Kindles it offers and updated the line, so there’s no bad choice. Instead, it’s made the entry-level good enough to be a solid starting point for people new to eReaders and used its upper-tier models to add nice-to-have features—like wireless charging and physical page-turn buttons—which aren’t necessary but improve the reading experience. Our tests with these Kindles prove the current slate of Amazon hardware is in fine form, but we also suggest checking out our story on the best eReaders to see what the competition is cooking up.

The best Kindles: Reviews & Recommendations

If you’re looking for the best way to take advantage of the seemingly endless Kindle Books store, you should recognize what is most important to you—size, interactive features, price, etc.—and go from there. Our recommendations run the gamut from a large-screen model designed for annotation to a small model that can fit in the pocket of cargo shorts or a purse. All of our recommendations are a solid choice for reading digital text, regardless of your needs and budget.

Best overall: Kindle Paperwhite

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Specs

• Screen size: 6 inches
• Storage: 8GB, 16GB
• Battery life: 21 hours
• IP rating: IP8

Pros

• Excellent size
• 300ppi screen makes for very clear text
• Built-in light offers adjustable power and color
• Flush-front screen doesn’t get junk stuck in it
• Snappier overall response

• Cons

• No hardware buttons for page turns
• Expect to pay $20 more if you don’t want ads

The $139 Kindle Paperwhite (which goes on sale semi-regularly for $99, so keep an eye out) represents an excellent middle ground in Amazon’s eReader lineup. This 6.8-inch device offers a totally flat front, so there’s no edge between the screen and the bezel in which crud can get stuck. The 300ppi display shows absurdly sharp and easy-to-read text, as you’d expect from a current-gen Kindle.

You won’t find dedicated page-turn buttons as you will on the much more expensive Kindle Oasis, but you do get several other high-end features. The current-gen Paperwhite sports an IPX8 ruggedness rating, which means you can run it under the faucet and even knock it off your desk without worrying too much about breakage.

The e-ink display turns pages quickly and smoothly. You’ll have to handle all the other navigation via touchscreen as well. It takes a little getting used to—I flubbed touching the correct area to bring down the menu a few times. But, after a few reading sessions, it feels very natural. The 14 built-in LEDs provide nice, even light across the entirety of the screen. You can adjust the light’s intensity (which goes 10% brighter than the previous model) and the color temperature to match your surroundings.

At just under half a pound (or roughly 11 ounces with the fabric cover attached), it won’t tax your wrists during long reads (as I found out while procrastinating, I mean prepping before my recent full review). And the size generally feels excellent in hand. We wish it weren’t so locked into Amazon’s Kindle ecosystem so it could have better library and other doc compatibility. But, if you’re already buying your books from Amazon or subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, this is the pick that makes sense for most people.

Best for note-taking: Kindle Scribe

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Specs

• Screen size: 10.2 hours
• Storage: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB
• Battery life: 21 hours
• IP rating: None

Pros

• Large screen
• Comes with stylus
• Available in a higher storage tier

Cons

• Not waterproof
• Some features require a premium pen

The Kindle Scribe is Amazon’s first big-screen eReader in nearly a decade, and it’s designed to take on tablets like the iPad when it comes to annotation. First things first, this is still a big-screen Kindle, which in and of itself may make it worthwhile for voracious readers. I personally found the larger screen a lot easier to read on because I could get engrossed in a book without the distraction of turning pages. Amazon’s recent updates to the Kindle interface, which introduced additional swiping gestures to access settings more easily, work wonderfully here.

As a note-taking device, the Scribe is definitely a first-generation device, but Amazon can improve the experience over time with software updates. You can easily annotate books and your own PDFs by tapping the screen once, which brings up a separate notepad on top of the section you’re in. Once you’ve made a note, it collapses into a little rectangle, which you can re-open with a tap.

The note page opens a little too slowly, and while the pen’s performance is good, the overall interface feels a little clunky in my experience. Additionally, some features, like a dedicated shortcut button, or the ability to use the backside of a pen as an eraser, are only available on Amazon’s Premium Pen, which adds $30 to the Scribe’s price. You can make the Kindle Scribe even more luxe by bumping up the storage to 64GB (the most of any model) for an extra $50.

The Scribe is nearly 50% bigger than the second-largest Kindle, but it never felt unwieldy. Yes, you’ll need to dedicate more space in your bag to accommodate the device, but that was never an issue based on how much value it provided as an eReader. I hope the second generation of this device includes physical page-turn buttons because it’d make flipping through pages that much easier and that Amazon finds a way to make it waterproof.

However, this is your only choice if you want a big-screen Kindle that can double as a digital notebook for your books and documents.

Best for kids: Kindle Paperwhite Kids

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Specs

• Screen size: 6.8 inches
• Storage: 8GB, 16GB
• Battery life: 21 hours
• IP rating: IPX8

Pros

• Identical specs to the standard Kindle Paperwhite
• Two-year warranty
• One year of Amazon Kids+
• No ads

Cons

• Pricey for a kid’s gadget
• No color display

The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is one of the few digital learning tools children might actually pick up and use. Its hardware is the same as our best overall pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, but it has kid-friendly features that help it stand out. The first is a two-year no-questions-asked warranty, which covers you in case the Kindle accidentally hits the floor or is similarly damaged. The fact that this eReader is waterproof is a bigger deal for a children’s device than one aimed at adults.

This is the only Kindle—save for the entry-level Kindle Kids—without ads. This is a big deal because the last thing children need to see when they pick up an eReader is unnecessary promotions. Our one concern about this device is its $159.99 price tag, but Amazon mitigates that by including one year of Amazon Kids+ for free. The service typically costs $4.99 per month and gives kids access to a library of thousands of books and audiobooks. Kids+ access is a nice perk, especially because it gives children the autonomy to build their own digital book library, but that doesn’t lessen the up-front investment required for this device.

If you’re trying to get your kids to read, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids is the right device for the job. There’re no ads, no apps, and no notifications to distract them. The lack of a color screen hurts because it makes picture-heavy books lose their flare, but e-ink technology isn’t quite there yet. The Kindle Paperwhite Kids’ pros far outweigh the cons, and if you know a child who’s shown an interest in reading or wants to build the habit of chipping away at a book every day, this is the right choice.

Best with physical buttons: Kindle Oasis

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Specs

• Screen size: 7 inches
• Storage: 8GB, 32GB
• Battery life: 21 hours
• IP rating: IPX8

Pros

• Physical page-turn buttons
• Tapered design
• Larger screen

Cons

• Price

If you want a Kindle that’s easy to hold and use with one hand, the Kindle Oasis is the best option. It’s the only model with a tapered design, which makes the Oasis easier to grip. Your pointer, middle, ring, and pinky fingers will fall naturally onto the area on the back of the device where it goes from thick to thin, while your thumb is free to hit the eReader page turn buttons. Having used previous generations of the Kindle Oasis, I found it more comfortable than any of Amazon’s other eReader.

The Oasis’ screen is seven inches, slightly larger than the Paperwhite’s display, but every tenth of an inch counts. It is wider than Amazon’s other Kindles—except for the Scribe, which is something to consider when carrying it around. Whether the ergonomic attributes of the Oasis justify its price tag, which is close to double that of the Paperwhite, are worthwhile will come down to personal preference. It was much easier to recommend the Kindle Oasis when its screen was a full inch bigger than the Paperwhite.

It all comes down to where you tend to read and whether swiping or tapping a screen to turn the page annoys you. The Oasis is the clear winner on public transpiration, where one of your hands will typically grip a pole or handle. If you’re reading in bed, it ends up being a toss-up. If you’ve bounced off of using previous generations of the Kindle because they’ve been uncomfortable to use, the Oasis may be the eReader you’ve been looking for.

Best budget: Kindle

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Specs

• Screen size: 6 inches
• Storage: 16GB
• Battery life: 21 hours
• IP rating: N/A

Pros

• Base model has twice the storage of a Paperwhite
• Same battery life as premium models
• Backlit display
• Price

Cons

• Smaller display

Amazon has improved all its eReader over the years, but we’re surprised at how much it’s boosted the entry-level Kindle. The device has been updated to have more storage, a backlit display, and battery parity with its older siblings while staying just under $100. In terms of value, you won’t find a better option in the eReader world. That said, the device isn’t perfect.

Its display is nearly one inch smaller than the one on the Paperwhite, which makes a big difference once you bump your text size up a couple of notches. Amazon also neglected to make the entry-level Kindle waterproof, a glaring technical deficit. If you read on the beach or near a pool when the weather gets nice, you’ll miss this feature quite a bit.

Amazon has taken the sting out of the Kindle’s durability hit by equipping it with 16GB of storage, twice as much space as you’d get on the entry-level Paperwhite. A Kindle Paperwhite with 16GB of storage will set you back $150, which is a big difference. If you already have a large digital library and tend to read indoors, that’s a big difference.

If you’ve never tried an eReader before or want a cost-conscious way to upgrade from an older model, the entry-level Kindle will suit your needs perfectly.

What to consider when shopping for the best Kindles

Screen size

A Kindle’s screen size is essential for a couple of reasons. First, this spec will determine the device’s overall size and weight, which matters if you plan on carrying it around often. Second, Kindles with larger screens will allow you to increase the size of a book’s text without requiring you to turn digital pages constantly. If you struggle to read small text on your other devices, getting a Kindle with a larger display may make the most sense. Luckily, Amazon increased the size of most Kindle models over the last couple of years.

Battery life

Amazon is unnecessarily coy when it comes to the battery life of its Kindles. The company says each model lasts a “weeks” between charges, but digging deeper reveals that figure assumes you have its brightness level set to 13, have its wireless functionality turned off, and read half an hour per day. Listening to audiobooks, downloading books to your Kindle, or cranking up its screen brightness will run the device’s battery down far more quickly. For the sake of simplicity, we’ve listed the number of hours each Kindle should last using Amazon’s recommended settings.

Storage capacity

Most Kindles are available in two storage sizes: 8GB and 32GB. Amazon says both models can hold “thousands” of books; in this case, they’re not using a rosy figure to hide the truth. The Lord of The Rings: One Volume is a 1,874-page book with an 11-megabyte file size. This means you could hold over 7,000 copies of the tome on the lower-capacity Kindle with room to spare.

This calculus changes if you’re reading books with a lot of images. For instance, Samin Nosrat’s Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking is 686 pages but has a file size of 132 megabytes, which means you could only fit 64 copies on a lower-capacity Kindle. Audible audiobooks will take up even more room, with Bob Dylan’s The Philosophy of Modern Song taking up 382.9 megabytes of storage with a running time of six hours and 38 minutes.

We recommend writing down a list of five books you plan on reading, checking out their file size—Amazon lists it prominently on each title’s product page—and going from there.

Page-turn buttons

This feature is only available on select Kindles, but it may make using them more accessible and comfortable, depending on your preferences. All Kindles have a touch screen, which allows you to “turn” pages with a tap or swipe. Kindles equipped with page-turn buttons allow you to access the same actions by pushing dedicated physical buttons. Page-turn buttons aren’t necessary, but they make the Kindle easier to operate with just one hand.

Durability

Technology and water are natural enemies, but Amazon has improved the durability of its Kindles significantly in the past couple of years. Many of its eReaders have an IP (Ingress Protection) rating of 8X. Kindles with this rating can be fully submerged underwater for up to 30 minutes without damage. If you’re afraid of accidentally dropping your Kindle in a pool, get a Kindle with this feature.

FAQs

Final thoughts on choosing the best Kindle for you

• Best overall: Kindle Paperwhite
• Best for note-taking: Kindle Scribe
• Best for kids: Kindle Paperwhite Kids
• Best with physical buttons: Kindle Oasis
• Best budget: Kindle

The Kindle’s dominance in the eReader space isn’t surprising, given Amazon’s continued investment over the past 15 years. The company has focused on incremental hardware and software improvements that actually make a difference when using the device rather than being superfluous. Amazon’s vast Kindle library has made building a digital book library trivial, and the ability to carry around thousands of titles on a small device is a big advantage. In a world of convergence devices packed with settings panels and intrusive alerts, it’s nice to see one purpose-built to do one thing very well. Distraction-free reading is difficult on most digital devices, but the Kindle is a big exception to that rule.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best Kindles in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Kindle Oasis		SEE IT	If you’re looking for a feature-rich eReader, read no further.
Best for PDF		Kindle Paperwhite		SEE IT	This eReader offers one of the easiest-to-read screens you’ll find.
Best budget		Kobo Nia		SEE IT	Get all the basics—and more—for under $110.

An eReader is more than a convenient way to carry an entire collection of James Paterson novels onto an airplane. Today’s eReaders are sophisticated tablets capable of displaying text and images in a wide variety of eye-friendly ways. The screens are stunning, with sharp text that looks just like real ink and paper. These displays separate eReaders from tablets, making them the best way to read digital books.

Today’s eReaders are friendly and inviting. They encourage reading and provide services and apps you won’t find on traditional smartphones and tablets. With the best eReaders, you’ll access books, audiobooks, magazines, and more in a format dedicated to useability and your eyes.

• Best overall: Kindle Oasis
• Best for kids: Kindle Kids
• Best for seniors: Amazon Kindle
• Best for PDFs: Kindle Paperwhite
• Best for manga: Kobo Sage
• Best for library books: Kobo Clara 2E
• Best for students: Kindle Scribe
• Best color eReader: BOOX Note Air 3 C
• Best Kobo eReader: Kobo Libra 2
• Best budget: Kobo Nia

How we chose the best eReaders

The writers and editors working on this article have spent thousands of hours reading on paper books and electronic devices. We’ve felt the sting of tired eyes and are glad to leave the world of papercuts behind. 

Taking a critical look at eReaders starts with display clarity. These devices are designed for easy reading, and the best of the bunch must have an impressive, crisp look as close to analog ink and paper text as possible. 

Most eReaders on the market offer similar stats for battery life and storage space, so we focused on the factors that separate the readers—namely screen lights, screen size, and file options. An eReader must be as easy to see as it is to navigate, and generic budget-priced eReaders are notoriously clunky with interfaces that look more like a calculator screen than a soothing, inviting digital library. We ran through the eReader menus, checking for speed and intuitiveness. If we hit a roadblock and had to click the “help” function to figure out what to do, it was a big red flag for casual readers. 

Lastly, we considered price. Devices over $250 must have something special to offer (like a color display), or why spend the money? And devices less than $70 seem sketchy from the start and will likely crash regularly. 

The best eReaders: Reviews & Recommendations

But with so many eReaders on the market, it can be difficult to find the device that suits your needs and your reading habits. Do you want an eReader with a clean, simple interface? Do you want an eReader with a lot of file options? Do you want an eReader for teens or younger children? One of the below eReaders should check all your boxes so you can spend more time reading and less time searching the internet for the best eReaders.

Best overall: Kindle Oasis

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Why it made the cut: Amazon’s newest Kindle Oasis eReader is the best eReader overall because it adds even more lighting options for a variety of color temperatures and displays crisp text on a big screen ideal for tired and weary eyes. 

Specs

• Screen size: 7-inch screen 
• Waterproof: Yes
• Resolution: 300 ppi
• Front light: 25 LED lights
• Storage: 8 or 32 GB

Pros

• Big, beautiful screen
• More LED lights than any other eReader
• Controls feel great

Cons

• No speaker or headphone jack (Bluetooth headphones only)
• Price is steep
• Not a huge upgrade from the previous Oasis eReader

The latest Kindle Oasis might be the best eReader overall. The screen is bigger than the standard 6-inch display of most Readers, with a resolution of 300 ppi (pixels per inch)—the sweet spot for crisp text. And the new LED lights can be automatically adjusted to suit your eyes and environment. The result is a stunning display that looks just as good in a dark room as on a sunny beach. 

The Oasis is not cheap, costing twice as much as a Kindle Paperwhite. The bigger, brighter screen is worth the money if you spend a lot of looking at screens, and the physical controls make it the best Kindle if you prefer a more tactile experience. Page-turning is instant; even switching from book to menu screen is done with surprising speed and smoothness. Highlighting passages is also fast and simple. 

Audiobook fans will need to provide their own Bluetooth speakers or headphones, as there is no speaker or headphone jack on the device. But if you want a device to listen to audiobooks, your smartphone is probably better equipped for the job. At just under $250 for the 8 GB version, this luxury Kindle is for serious readers who want a professional, high-quality text-based experience. 

Best for kids: Kindle Kids

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Why it made the cut: The Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet has a colorful rubber case and reinforced body that makes this an easy pick as the best eReader for kids. 

Specs

• Screen size: 6-inch screen 
• Waterproof: No
• Resolution: 300 ppi
• Front light: Yes; 4 LED
• Storage: 16GB

Pros

• Long-lasting battery
• Amazon Kids+ subscription
• Two year warranty

Cons

• Expensive for a kid-themed gadget

Finding an eReader that’s kid-proof can be tough, but Amazon has made it easier by introducing the Kindle Kids, a more child-friendly version of its entry level eReader. On a technical level the Kindle and Kindle Kids are identical. Both have a six-inch 300ppi e-ink display, four LED backlights, and a battery that can last for weeks at a time without needing to be plugged in.

The difference is that Amazon offers the Kindle Kids with a case, two-year warranty, and one year of access to its Kids+ subscription service. Kids+ functions similarly to Amazon Kindle Unlimited: Children get unlimited access to a library of age-appropriate titles, which they can download and read at their leisure. Major titles that are available via Kids+ are the entire Chronicles of Narnia, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Harry Potter series. This service costs $4.99 per month, so getting a free year cuts the Kindle Kids’ up-front cost in half.

The Kindle Kids also has friendly features like Word Wise, which shows synonyms and definitions above difficult words and vocabulary builder, which allows kids to highlight words they don’t know and create flashcards from them. These features allow children to build their reading skills independently rather than asking an adult. The Kindle Kids is pretty price as far as kids tech goes, but it’s less expensive (not to mention distracting) than most tablets.

Best for seniors: Amazon Kindle

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Why it made the cut: The iconic Amazon Kindle is still one of the best eReaders for any age, but seniors will especially love the reading light, the user-friendly text options, and the low price. 

Specs

• Screen size: 6-inch screen
• Waterproof: No
• Resolution: 300 ppi
• Front light: 4 LEDs
• Storage: 16 GB

Pros

• 4-week battery life when used for 30 minutes a day
• Affordable
• Simple design with no screen clutter
• Robust text size, spacing, and style options

Cons

• Front lights not as bright or bigger than others on this list
• No video features

The Amazon Kindle has come a long way since the first generation of eReaders. The most recent model added front lights for easy reading in the dark. The e-ink screen looks great even in sunlight, and the fonts can be adjusted to suit the reader’s needs, making it the best eReader for seniors. 

Seniors will love the simplicity of the basic Kindle. The menu screens are barebones, and browsing the library is straightforward. Buying books is also a breeze, but make sure the readers understand how it works before they unknowingly rack up thousands of dollars in John Grisham debt.  

The Amazon Kindle can also be used as an audiobook player, and a subscription to Audible makes listening to books cost-effective. But there is no internal speaker, so you need some noise-cancelling Bluetooth earbuds (or a wireless speaker if you’re in a quiet place). We wish the screen were a bit bigger, as some seniors will still have trouble seeing the 6-inch display even when the size of the text is blown up. The next biggest Kindle size would be the Oasis, an upscale device that costs more than double the price of the standard Kindle. Save your money and stick with the affordable option. 

Best for PDFs: Kindle Paperwhite

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Why it made the cut: The Amazon Paperwhite is not only thin, it has enough storage to load up thousands of PDFs, and the little eReader has no problem displaying PDFs on its gorgeous e-ink screen. 

Specs

• Screen size: 6.8-inch screen
• Waterproof: Yes
• Resolution: 300 ppi
• Front light: 17 LEDs
• Storage: 8 or 16 GB

Pros

• Easy to add and read PDFs without lag
• Lightweight and thin enough for pockets
• Screen looks good even in sunlight

Cons

• Can’t read every file format, such as EPUB
• Easy to lose
• Must connect to a computer for file transfer

The Kindle Paperwhite represents a sweet spot for readers with a bit more cash to spend on an Amazon eReader for a few noticeable creature comforts. The 6.8-inch, 300 ppi screen may not seem like a huge improvement over the base model’s 6-inch display, but that extra fraction of an inch actually translates into more words on screen and fewer page turns during each reading session. That translates into thousands or even millions fewer turns over the device’s lifespan. The screen is still exceptionally sharp and clear—there’s just more of it (as I go into in detail in my full review).

The Paperwhite relies on 17 LEDs for its illumination, compared to just four in the standard Kindle. You can also adjust the color temperature of the Paperwhites LEDs to give either warm or cool tones.

For readers who want to consume their literature (or pulp) in the bath or at the beach, the Paperwhite’s IPX8 rating allows it to survive full submersion in freshwater (up to an hour) or seawater (up to three minutes). The standard Kindle doesn’t offer any real weatherproofing.

The Paperwhite generally offers a fairly great reading experience. The pages turn quickly, the navigation has been streamlined from previous versions, and it finally offers USB-C charging. Hence, you’re one step closer to finally recycling all those old MicroUSB cables.

I personally opted for the ad-supported version, which shows advertisements on the lock screen in exchange for a $20 discount on the device itself. That may not be worth it for you if your brain hasn’t become as hopelessly desensitized to ads as mine has.

Best for manga: Kobo Sage

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Why it made the cut: The Kobo Sage can handle just about every file format you want, a huge plus for Manga readers whose taste goes beyond Amazon’s limited offerings. And the big display makes art and text look great.

Specs

• Screen size: 8-inch screen
• Waterproof: Yes
• Resolution: 300 ppi
• Front light: Yes; LEDs unknown
• Storage: 32 GB

Pros

• Big 8-inch screen
• Looks good in wide landscape mode
• Supports multiple file formats
• Nice, tactile buttons for easy page turning

Cons

• Buttons can feel a little slow
• Black and white only
• Expensive

Japanese graphic novels (manga) come in every genre imaginable from a wide variety of sources, so you’ll want an eReader that can handle every type of file format to read it all. The Kobo Sage’s large e-ink screen makes black-and-white manga look great, almost as good as physical paper. And holding the Kobo Sage sideways in landscape mode adds to the feeling of reading a real graphic novel. 

The Kobo Sage is the best eReader for manga because it can read comic book files CBZ and CBR, plus ebook files EPUB, EPUB3, MOBI, FilePub, and PDFs. Navigating through a comic is easy, thanks to the side buttons. And the front lights allow for nighttime reading. It’s also waterproof for those who love to read at the beach or pool.

The biggest drawbacks are the price and the lack of color. For reading colorful American comics, you’ll be better off with a standard tablet like an iPad. However, this eReader does look better in sunlight than the glossy screen of an iPad. And manga fans will love the Koba Sage, even with the limitations. 

Best for library books: Kobo Clara 2E

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Why it made the cut: For accessing and reading library books, the Kobo Clara 2E has a seamless interface with the library app Overdrive. If you love the library, this ebook reader gives you access to near-limitless free books. 

Specs

• Screen size: 6-inch screen
• Waterproof: Yes
• Resolution: 300 ppi
• Front light: Yes; LEDs unknown
• Storage: 16 GB

Pros

• Comes ready for Overdrive library app
• Great screen looks like a real book
• A lot of text and display options

Cons

• Title offerings may be limited based on what your local library has available
• No cloud storage or syncing to other devices

OverDrive and its Libby app make it easier than ever to borrow books from your local library, and the Kobo Clara 2E eReader is the best eReader for library books. Sure, the Kindle can also link up to OverDrive and Libby, but if the library has a book incompatible with the Kindle, you’re out of luck. Kobo eReaders are better suited for displaying a variety of file formats. 

Simply search for your library in the app or the OverDrive website, plug in your library card info, and you’ll be set. The Kobo Clara 2E is ready to borrow books from your library of choice … assuming your library participates in the OverDrive program. (Most libraries do, and more are added every month.) 

Besides the library functionality, the Kobo Clara 2E is a big improvement over older Kobo products. The display is crisper, and the touchscreen is responsive. Kobo may lack the streamlined UX design of the sleek and simple Kindle, but you’re getting more options and greater freedom to buy, borrow and read the books of your choice. 

Best for students: Kindle Scribe

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Why it made the cut: An easy-to-use interface and note-taking abilities mean you can use this eReader in and out of class.

Specs

• Screen size: 10.2-inch screen
• Waterproof: No
• Resolution: 300 ppi
• Front light: 35 LEDs
• Storage: 16, 32, or 64 GB

• 10.2-inch screen
• 35 LEDs
• 300 ppi resolution

Pros

• Big, beautiful display
• High refresh rate
• Easy-to-use interface

Cons

• Expensive
• Only available with a stylus

The Scribe is Amazon’s first big-screen Kindle in over a decade, and this return to form should be welcomed by digital readers everywhere. The Scribe’s 10.2-inch display has the same 300 ppi screen density as its smaller siblings, making text look as crisp as ever. The screen also refreshes at the same rate, which means you can turn pages quickly without seeing long-lasting artifacts from the previous one on your screen. 

Similarly, the Scribe has the same intuitive, gesture-based user interface as other Kindles, so you’ll be right at home if you’re familiar with any of Amazon’s eReaders. If you already have a collection of Kindle books, they’ll be available on the Scribe from the moment you first activate it, which is very helpful. 

If all you want is a big-screen Kindle, you’re in luck: the Scribe gets full marks in this regard. Unfortunately, Amazon designed this eReader with a secondary purpose: note-taking. The Kindle Scribe is bundled with a basic or premium stylus, depending on how much you pay. Tapping the screen with your stylus allows you to create digital, handwritten notes, which you can refer back to later. You can annotate e-books and PDFs synced to your Kindle Scribe or create original notes on a blank canvas that can be accessed through the cloud. 

Annotation on the Kindle Scribe works well enough, but it feels like this feature should be optional rather than mandatory. A Kindle Scribe with 16GB of storage and the Basic Pen runs costs $340. That’s tough to swallow if you don’t see yourself using the Scribe to write very often, if at all. A $300 basic Scribe with no pen would be easier to recommend. Still, if you have a library of Kindle books and want a large-screen eReader, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Best color eReader: BOOX Note Air 3 C

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Why it made the cut: While color e-ink technology is still in its infancy, the Boox Note Air 3 C eReader is leading the pack with a good color display and responsive touchscreen, making it the best of this limited marketplace. 

Specs

• Screen size: 10.3-inch screen
• Waterproof: No
• Resolution: 150 ppi
• Front light: Yes; LEDs unknown
• Storage: 64 GB

Pros

• Paper-like texture
• Handles all standard file types
• Stylus is good for taking notes

Cons

• Costs as much as an iPad but does less

Color e-ink displays are still a niche technology, but the Boox Note Air 3 C is the best option yet thanks to Boox’s continued investment in improving its displays. The big differentiator with this e-reader—besides its display—is the fact that it runs Android, a much more capable operating system then the one found on Kindles and Kobos. You can download apps to read books from different digital libraries, and even browse the web. The tradeoff is that e-ink displays don’t refresh information nearly as quickly as an LCD screen on your phone or tablet, so the experience will be a lot more limited.

The Kaleido 3 color screen of the Boox Note Air 3 C uses light filtering to create colors, not actual color microcapsules. You’re looking at monochrome microcapsules through a layer of filters to create color. This latest generation of the technology has 30% better color saturation and 50% more pixels per inch than the one used on previous Boox tablets. The Boox Note Air 3 C is capable of displaying up to 4096 different colors, which will cover many of the hues and shades of primary colors. If you’re expecting the vividness of an Android or Apple tablet, you will be disappointed, but it’s still really impressive for an e-reader. 

As a regular, black-and-white eReader, the Boox Note Air 3 C does a good enough job, but you’re paying extra for the color functionality. If you’re not interested in the color, there’s not much else this eReader offers that you can’t find in cheaper devices like the Kindle or the Kobo products. The only other benefit of this device is the stylus; it’s responsive and a good eReader for annotations and jotting notes. The color ink Kaledio 3 technology was introduced recently, and it’s the cream of the crop in terms of color variety and speed. We don’t know when or if color e-ink will ever be perfected, so this is the best color eReader of the bunch as of now. 

Best Kobo eReader: Kobo Libra 2

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Why it made the cut: The Kobo Libra 2 is the best Kobo eReader and the biggest Kindle competitor on the market, with a stunning display and responsive controls worthy of any digital bookworm.

Specs

• Screen size: 7-inch screen
• Waterproof: Yes
• Resolution: 300 ppi
• Front light: Yes; LEDs unknown
• Storage: 32 GB

Pros

• Physical page-turning buttons
• Bright screen in the dark
• Text looks fantastic

Cons

• Not as user-friendly as Kindle
• Feels a bit slow

The Kobo Libra 2 is the company’s flagship device, the best Kobo eReader for casual reading or intense studying. It feels good in your hand, not like a cheap, knock-off product you buy at a drugstore. Page-turning feels great, and while the touch screen is nice, the buttons are nicer. We wish more eReaders offered the tactile feel of real, physical controls.

The 32 GB internal storage is massive and has enough room for about 24,000 books. The adjustable screen light is a great addition to the Kobo eReaders, and can be used to pick the perfect amount of illumination for night readers. 

Browsing the Kobo library is simple, though not as intuitive as the Kindle store. But the Kobo does support more file types than the Kindle, which is a plus for those who love EPUB books. And the Kobo Libra 2 easily connects to your local library through OverDrive. 

Best budget: Kobo Nia

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Why it made the cut: Access to ad-free reading and flexible file access is only a little over $100.

Specs

• Screen size: 6-inch screen
• Waterproof: No
• Resolution: 212 ppi
• Front light: Yes; LEDs unknown
• Storage: 8 GB

Pros

• Thin and lightweight
• Glare-free screen
• Connects to OverDrive

Cons

• Syncing issues
• Not waterproof

Technically, this eReader costs around $10 more than the base model of the Amazon Kindle. However, on-screen ads are a different price to pay if you want that sweet $99.99 Kindle. You’ll have to fork over $119.99 to enjoy your books sans lock screen advertising. Enter the Kobo Nia, a little less expensive than the adless Kindle with more flexibility. You can download EPUB and PDF files or connect this eReader to OverDrive to easily access books from your local library. And, with the Kobo Desktop App, syncing your library has never been easier. You may not be able to read it in the bathtub or at the beach (it’s not waterproof), but you can enjoy it in your own backyard thanks to the glare-free screen.

Another downer? Unlike the Sage, Libra 2, and Clara 2E—which come with ComfortLight PRO to adjust brightness and color temperature—the Nia has plain ol’ ComfortLight, which allows you only to change the brightness.

My Kobo Nia can be stubborn: it occasionally forgets my WiFi network, and I’ve had problems syncing my device with the Kobo Desktop App. Both problems have easy fixes: I re-enter my WiFi password or turn the device on and off; I use Adobe Digital Editions to get the EPUB files and put them on the eReader locally. As someone who refuses to see ads on a device I already paid money for, it’s a minor problem I’m willing to deal with.

What to consider when buying the best eReaders

With advances in e-ink tech and touch screens, the problems of first-generation eReaders are all but gone. There are no more weird visual artifacts and lag when turning a page. You won’t need to struggle with dark screens that are impossible to see at night. And unlike the early 2000s, you have more than one or two eReaders to choose from.  Here’s what to know when starting a new chapter with your eReader adventure:

The benefits of reading on an eReader over a tablets

Tablets have become affordable options for casual computing. So why would you need a separate eReader when your tablet (or phone) can access all the popular ebook apps? In a word: Readability. As colorful and bright as LCD tablet screens have become, grayscale e-ink displays are gentler on the eyes. The gray contrast lets the eye relax and focus on the text. And because eReaders are made for books, the page-turning controls are more responsive and text options are more varied than tablets and smartphone apps. Plus, eReaders are generally smaller and more travel-friendly than tablets.  

Grayscale vs. color displays

Most eReaders only display text and images in simple monochromatic grays. While there are a few color eReaders available, the technology of color e-ink has yet to be perfected. In the past few years, Kaledio has led the way for color eReaders like the BOOX Note Air 3 C, and the results are pretty good—but not great. The color of these eReaders is dull, like a photo viewed through sunglasses. And when you look at the screen from certain angles, the color all but vanishes. This is fine for reading some books and PDFs, but those looking for slap-you-in-the-eye colors are better off with a full-color iPad or Microsoft Surface tablet.

Supported file types

Amazon’s line of Kindles loves the proprietary AZW file type, but they can also handle PDFs, MOBI, standard doc files, and more. However, Kobo eReaders are versatile and can digest more types of saved files. If you want to access a wide variety of books and comics, Kobo has more options. The downside: Not all file types will work as smoothly as the standard PDF and EPUB files. When moving files over to the eReader, some formatting may shift. This isn’t a deal-breaker but can impact the reading experience. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best eReaders

• Best overall: Kindle Oasis
• Best for kids: Kindle Kids
• Best for seniors: Amazon Kindle
• Best for PDFs: Kindle Paperwhite
• Best for manga: Kobo Sage
• Best for library books: Kobo Clara 2E
• Best for students: Kindle Scribe
• Best color eReader: BOOX Note Air 3 C
• Best Kobo eReader: Kobo Libra 2
• Best budget: Kobo Nia

Digital books are more than a fad. And an eReader with a gorgeous e-ink display helps you get the most out of your reading experience. They have come a long way since the days of built-in keyboards and glitchy page-turning lag. These are sleek, simple readers that are gentle on the eyes and fast on the fingers. With the best eReaders, staying up to date on reading is as easy as tapping a screen. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best eReaders in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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I had been trying to finish The Way of Kings, Brandon Sanderson’s 1,250+ page fantasy epic, for roughly two years before I started my review for Amazon’s latest Kindle Paperwhite. However, just a week and a half into my review period, I polished off that first book in the “Stormlight Archive” series, at least partly because of how much I like the Paperwhite as a device. It’s surely better than the chunky paperback I had been toting around but also better than the vast majority of other e-readers I’ve used. It’s not perfect—I do miss the dedicated page-turning buttons of older and more expensive models—but the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite provides a near-perfect blend of performance, size, and price. Plus, it finally ditches MicroUSB for USB-C. Praise be. 

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The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite at a glance

The $139 Paperwhite represents the middle ground in Amazon’s Kindle lineup, between the $99 base model and the $279 Oasis. The Paperwhite offers the following:

• 6.8-inch e-ink display
• 300 dpi screen
• IPX8 ruggedness rating
• USB-C charging
• Built-in light with adjustable power and color temperature
• WiFi connectivity (no cellular option)
• 8GB and 16GB storage options
• Green, Black, and Denim color options
• $20 price reduction for allowing ads on the lock screen
• 7.23-ounce weight

The Kindle Paperwhite design

If you’re used to previous, entry-level Kindle models, you might expect the screen to sit recessed from the front of the device—a small edge trapping everything from Cheez-It crumbs to dog hair. The 11th-generation Paperwhite avoids that with a screen that’s flush across the front of the device. I didn’t expect that to make a huge difference in usability, but the flat front does feel like a drastic design improvement once you’re in the real world. 

The Paperwhite lacks physical page-turning buttons—you’ll have to do all your navigation using the touchscreen. If you’re dead set on a Kindle with physical page-turning buttons, you’ll have to upgrade all the way to the $279 Oasis. 

In terms of size, the Paperwhite is nearly perfect. Despite only having grown a fraction of an inch larger than its predecessor, the new Paperwhite screen can accommodate several more lines of text on each page (depending on how large you keep the font). Anything that results in fewer page turns is a plus in my (electronic) book. 

The Paperwhite weighs less than half a pound, so it doesn’t tax your hand or wrist but doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap. I opted for the fabric cover, and the whole package weighs in at 11.15 ounces, more than eight full ounces lighter than my chubby little trade paperback copy of The Way of Kings.

The Kindle Paperwhite reading experience

Once the Kindle is charged up, connected to WiFi to download your books, and ready to read, the new Paperwhite feels snappier than previous versions. Amazon claims page turns happen roughly 20% faster than before. It’s a noticeable improvement, though it’s important to remember that e-ink is inherently slower than the super-quick speeds we’re used to on smartphone or tablet touchscreens. To go forward, simply tap the page on the right side of the screen. To go back a page, touch the left side. It’s simple and intuitive and surprisingly resistant to accidental page turns. 

Navigating your library and other settings takes a little getting used to, but it’s simple once you’ve done it. Touch near the top of the screen to bring up the menu and navigation. Tap the bottom left corner to cycle between page numbers, time left in the chapter, and other metrics. 

Tapping on the text allows you to share passages or leave notes on them, just as you could with previous models. Again, it took me a few tries to get a feel for the timing and placement required to highlight specific passages, but it quickly becomes second nature. 

The built-in light

The Paperwhite offers a total of 13 LEDs to provide its illumination. That’s considerably more than the four found in the base model Kindle, which results in a more even light across the entire page. The new Paperwhite light shines 10% brighter than the previous model, though I typically didn’t need to go past 75% in most situations. 

I do really appreciate the Paperwhite’s ability to change color temperatures. It allows for hues between cool blue and warm orange, depending on your setting or preference. I typically leave it somewhere in the middle but skew more toward the warm end of the spectrum. 

If you step up to the more expensive Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition or higher, the backlight automatically adjusts to match your surroundings. 

Kindle Paperwhite buying options

Right out of the box, I’m thrilled that the latest Paperwhite charges via USB-C instead of the woefully outdated MicroUSB. The device comes with a cable but doesn’t include a charging brick. You can, however, upgrade to the $189 Essentials Bundle, which comes with the fabric cover and charging brick. 

I bought this Kindle Paperwhite rather than requesting a review unit, so I opted for the model with ads on the lock screen. I find them extremely unintrusive because I never even notice the lock screen, so I was happy to save the $20 and have it to spend on books. If you really hate ads, however, you can pay not to see them. I personally don’t think it affects the experience at all, but you may feel differently. 

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kindle

If you plan to take your e-reader out into the world on a frequent basis, then I absolutely recommend upgrading to the Paperwhite. The base Kindle lacks the Paperwhite’s IPX8 ruggedness rating, which makes a standard Kindle more susceptible to damage, especially if you read in the tub or at the beach. The base Kindle also lacks the flush-front design, so you can expect all kinds of crud to get jammed between the bezel and the screen. 

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

The Signature Edition upgrade adds an automatically adjusting backlight and wireless charging. And that’s about it. At $189, the Signature edition is already considerably more expensive, and you’ll have to shell out even more for a Qi wireless charger if you don’t already have one. The Signature Edition does, however, offer 32GB storage, so if you’re planning on carrying an absolute ton of books around at all times, the extra space may be worth the splurge.

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kindle Oasis

The Oasis represents the top-of-the-line model when it comes to standard Kindle e-readers. (You can step up to the Scribe, but we consider that its own device category.) The Oasis boasts a 7-inch screen, physical page-turning buttons, and cellular connectivity so you can download books even when there’s no WiFi available. If you’re a true book nerd who reads for hours every day in various locations, then this might be worth the cost. The same goes for those who want the best of the best without regard for the cost. But the Oasis is overkill for me, and the same is likely true for most average readers out there. 

The Kindle Paperwhite verdict

The latest Kindle Paperwhite represents the sweet spot in Amazon’s e-reader lineup. It’s a fantastic size, doesn’t tax your wrist during long reading sessions, offers thoughtfully upgraded illumination, and doesn’t allow gunk to get jammed between the bezel and the screen. While some other e-reader brands offer their own distinct advantages, the latest Paperwhite is the easy recommendation for those bought into the Amazon e-book ecosystem. I might not get through the fourth Stormlight book this month—maybe not even the second—but with the Paperwhite, I’ll enjoy working my way there.

The post Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) review: Can’t put it down appeared first on Popular Science.

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When it comes to e-readers, the Kindle Paperwhite strikes an ideal balance of features and price. Today, Amazon has dropped the price from $139 all the way down to $99, which is almost 30% off and what it sold for last year on Black Friday. I actually bought one last Black Friday, and I’ve been extremely happy with it. If you’re looking for something else in the Kindle lineup, Amazon offers very solid discounts on several other models, so keep scrolling to see the rest of the deals.

Kindle Paperwhite 8GB $99 (Was $139)

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With its 6.8-inch screen, 10 weeks of battery life, and relatively speedy page turns, this is the Kindle I recommend to most people. It feels like a skinny paperback in both dimensions and weight. The latest version is waterproof, so it’s great for bringing to the beach. And the built-in light offers adjustable intensities and color temperatures to match the situation you’re reading.

Most importantly, the 300ppi screen fights glare and presents super-crisp text that’s very easy on the eyes. The front of the device is also now flat with no edge along the screen’s bezel for hair and other gunk to get stuck.

More Amazon tablet deals

While the Paperwhite is my favorite Kindle model and a steal at this price (plus you can save even more with trade-in), others are on sale today, including some of Amazon’s full-color Fire tablets. Here are some other deals to consider:

• Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Essentials Bundle including Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $170 (Was $249)
• All-new Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet $59 (Was $99)
• Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet $99 (Was $189)
• Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) $129 (Was $169)
• Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32 GB) $139 (Was $189)
• Kindle (2022 release) $79 (Was $99)
• Kindle Paperwhite Kids (8 GB) $109 (Was $159)
• Kindle Kids (2022 release) $84 (Was $119)

The post Our favorite Kindle e-reader is down to its cheapest price today at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best Overall		Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M		SEE IT	Richly detailed sound and a plethora of inputs/outputs combine in the perfect preamp for a high-resolution listening station.
Best DAC/amp Combo		iFi xDSD Gryphon		SEE IT	Naturally outstanding sound, well-implemented analog enhancement modes, and plentiful wired and wireless connectivity make this a compact powerhouse.
Most Portable		THX Onyx		SEE IT	Excellent durability and portability let you get the most out of mobile streaming.

Few things in life can sweep you away and transport you to another time as music can, and few things can bring digital music to you with the transportive power of a good DAC, aka a digital-to-analog converter. The joy and nostalgia that music can bring are hard to overstate, but the feeling will be dulled if you’re relying on stock circuitry built into a basic laptop, tablet, or smartphone, etc. Taking full advantage of music’s expressive power means investing in the components that make it happen. If you’ve already got a good pair of headphones, you need an equally good signal chain, and a DAC is an integral part of that. A DAC’s sole responsibility is to convert the 1s and 0s output by your transport (typically a smartphone streaming music these days) into a signal that your headphones can play. Even though that sounds like a cut-and-dry task, how DACs accomplish this varies, as do the prices, form factors, and features they offer. The best DACs can enhance your listening experience, and we’ve collected the top choices right here to upgrade your listening fast.

• Best overall: Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M
• Best USB: Questyle M15
• Best DAC/amp combo: iFi xDSD Gryphon
• Most portable: THX Onyx
• Best for gaming: Creative Sound Blaster X4
• Best on a budget: JDS Labs Atom DAC+

How we chose the best DACs

Over my years of reviewing tech, I’ve extensively tested a wide array of audio equipment. I cut my teeth reviewing gaming headsets at MMORPG.com and quickly discovered a love for audio that progressed into a full-fledged love of hi-fi. In the seven years since that first review, I’ve graduated from gaming headsets with built-in components to desktop DACs and amps, portable hybrids that combine them both into one, and smartphone dongles that range from $10 to $200. I love diving deep into the world of headphones, and that begins with the gear driving that listening experience. 

To create this list, I drew upon multiple sources: user impressions, deep lists of specifications, and, of course, my own experience with several of the products collected. I also researched the pedigree of the different brands producing DACs today and the real-world experiences being shared in forums and Reddit threads. Together, these sources painted a clear picture of the best choices for different types of listeners chosen for this list.

The best DACs of 2023: Reviews & Recommendations

Now that you know what to look for when shopping for a new DAC, it’s time to choose the best fit for you. Sorting through the masses of different options, some from big brands and some from those that won’t be here in a year, can be confusing. We’ve collected the best choices in five key areas to help cut through the noise.

Best overall: Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M

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Why it made the cut: The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M is an outstanding, fully featured desktop DAC that’s feature-rich and premium without being exorbitant.

Specs

• DAC: Dual ESS ES9028Q2M DACs
• Included amplifier: Up to 300mW for headphones, 4.2 VRMS for speakers
• Bit-depth/sample rate: 32-bit/768kHz
• Format support: PCM, DSD, DoP, MQA
• Bluetooth: Yes, 4.2

Pros

• Dual DACs for balanced sound
• Wired and wireless high-resolution listening
• Wide format support
• Plentiful connectivity options

Cons

• Costs a premium 
• No LDAC

Since its release in 2021, the DacMagic 200M from Cambridge Audio has been a frequent flier on “Best Of” lists due to its outstanding balance of sound, features, and connection options. It’s easy to see why it’s so beloved: With its combination of dual ESS ES9028Q2M DACs, built-in 300mW headphone amp, wired and wireless connectivity, and premium build quality, it’s the kind of device even a veteran audiophile could stay delighted with for years.

While the other DACs on this list content themselves with a single chip, the DacMagic 200M implements a pair of high-quality ESS chips to reduce crosstalk and improve separation between the two channels. The audio sent from the device is impeccably high-resolution with a maximum bitrate of 32-bit/768kHz and support for the PCM, DSD, and MQA formats. It even supports DoP, which stands for “DSD over PCM,” so it can accept DSD files over USB even if your USB port doesn’t know how to handle the data natively. Pair that with dual digital inputs (your choice of optical or coaxial for each), and USB audio-in, and you have a device that can accept audio from just about anywhere for under $500. 

When it comes to sending audio out, the DacMagic 200M has a whole different set of tricks up its sleeves, acting as a preamp perfect if you’re building a components system with a dedicated headphone amp or AV receiver. Turn it to the back and you’ll find RCA jacks and a pair of XLR ports to drive balanced and unbalanced speakers, making this stylish Lunar Grey aluminum enclosure a best desktop DAC aesthetically and functionally. A ground lift switch sits on the other side to eliminate any hum that might be coming from your home electrical system. You can even apply digital filters that fine-tune the already expansive 10Hz to 50kHz frequency response. But that’s not all: under the hood is a built-in headphone amplifier that can enhance the resolution of easily driven bass cannons (like the HiFiMAN HE-R9 pictured) or even fill in at the fringes for demanding, high-impedance headphones (like the richly textured Sennheiser HD 660S2) so you can get listening right away or integrate it into a larger setup. 

Wireless audio does feel like a bit of an afterthought, though. The DacMagic’s Bluetooth receiver only supports version 4.2, and we’re now seeing products sporting a whole version higher (up to Bluetooth 5.3) that offer better reliability and power efficiency. And though it’s great to see the DacMagic have a more-resolving signal than vanilla Bluetooth thanks to its aptX codec, it still falls short of the quality delivered by LDAC or aptX HD/Adaptive found on competing Bluetooth DACs. 

Best DAC/amp combo: iFi xDSD Gryphon

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Why it made the cut: The iFi xDSD Gryphon is a hybrid that does it all, offering excellent wired and wireless connectivity, a built-in battery, and tons of rich, powerful sound.

Specs

• DAC: Burr-Brown
• Included amplifier: Up to 1000mW 
• Bit-depth/sample rate: 32-bit/768kHz
• Format support: PCM, DSD, DXD, MQA, DoP over S/PDIF
• Bluetooth: Yes, 5.1

Pros

• Outstanding sound quality, whether wired or wireless
• Powerful built-in DAC with 3 selectable digital filters
• Customizable sound with built-in XBass II and XSpace switches
• Informative OLED screen

Cons

• No track controls
• Expensive
• Larger for a portable

At first blush, the iFi xDSD Gryphon might seem expensive at around $600, but it’s hard to find another portable combo DAC/amp that’s quite as full-featured as this one without paying more. With a corrugated metal casing with an OLED display strip on top, outputs, and a control panel at one end and plastic-capped inputs at the other, the flask-sized Gryphon is distinctive aesthetically but truly extraordinary internally.

It features a high-quality 32-bit Burr-Brown chipset (the same one used in a multi-thousand-dollar flagship DAC/amp) with support for all manner of high-end audio, whether standard MP3s presented in HD or proprietary file types like DSD, DXD, or MQA for streaming hi-fi over TIDAL. The Gryphon outputs support balanced (4.4mm) and single-ended (3.5mm) headphones and earphones—no matter how you want to listen, this hybrid DAC is ready to offer a great experience. A Gryphon even holds the distinction of being one of our associate managing editor’s go-to components (pictured above with the equally compact, amply immersive Sennheiser IE 600 and an ASUS ROG Phone—a sweet streaming suite for a personal audio enthusiast).

The magic of the Gryphon lies in its versatility. When fully charged, you can cut the cord and use it for up to 8 hours on the go with Bluetooth streaming over SBC, AAC for iOS, and up to 96kHz using LDAC, LHDC/HWA, or aptX HD/Adaptive on Android devices. Or you plug it in via USB, Coax, or Optical and ensure that no audio bit gets adulterated by wireless compression. Once you’re listening, you can enhance bass and/or upper midrange presence, as well as soundstage, with iFi’s innovative XBass II and XSpace analog enhancements. Connected to your PC over USB-C, it will act as an external soundcard, eliminating the need for a dedicated desk setup—perfect with headphones and, when the Gryphon is accepting a digital source, ports on the back can even be used to feed an external amp or powered monitors. 

The tremendous 1000mW @ 32 ohms of power on offer over its balanced DAC connection also means the Gryphon can drive even very demanding headphones. The single-ended connection is much more limited at 320mW but is still enough to drive the vast majority of cans available today. If you’re a fan of sensitive in-ear monitors (IEMs), don’t worry, because the Gryphon also offers an iEMatch mode (assignable to either output) to prevent hiss from invading your favorite tracks, while maintaining dynamics. As for the tonality, the Gryphon emphasizes not emphasizing any one thing. It respects the symmetry between impact and imaging, staying as articulate as it is energetic. Its sound-shaping features can fatten up the speedy, textured bass, but not to the detriment of organic midrange expression and shimmering treble details. 

Despite checking nearly every box an audiophile could request, there are still a few missing features here. Track controls are completely absent, so you’ll still reach for your smartphone to play or pause. I would have also liked to have seen some belt clip or travel case included because the device is about the same size as a modern smartphone and roughly twice as thick. If you’re carrying anything else in your pocket, the Gryphon isn’t likely to fit. All that said, this DAC-amp combo has set a high standard for transportable hi-fi.

Regarding DACs, iFi offers something for every scenario and budget. Got a smartdevice or laptop with USB-C ports and want a plug-in-play improvement of your audio output? The iFi GO link is a $59 dongle housing an ES9219 USB DAC and S-BAL 3.5mm headphone jack that supports 32-bit/384kHz/DSD256/MQA (and it comes with a Lightning adapter for iPhones). It’s not high-powered, but it is hi-res.

Best USB: Questyle M15

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Why it made the cut: The Questyle M15 looks as good as it sounds and has power to spare.

Specs

• DAC: ES9281AC
• Included amplifier: 1.895 Vrms (single-ended), 2.624 Vrms (balanced)
• Bit-depth/sample rate: 32-bit/384kHz
• Format support: PCM, DSD, MQA
• Bluetooth: No

Pros

• Rich, warm sound
• Very quiet, low background noise and distortion
• Unique, eye-catching look
• Very pocketable and easy to carry

Cons

• Costly
• Glass panel seems prone to scratching
• No volume rocker or track controls
• Wired only

The Questyle M15 is far from the only USB DAC on our list—everything offers USB connectivity on our list—but it is the most unique pocket DAC on our list thanks to its see-through glass side panel. However, this is not a case of putting form over function—though it is a captivating machined aluminum case. Two colorful LEDs on the circuit board indicate gain level and active bitrate. And what the M15 offers up in aesthetics, it matches in sound quality. The M15 doesn’t come cheap at $249, and usually doesn’t go on sale for much less, but it offers power, portability, and outstanding quality that make it an audiophile favorite and an all-around compelling buy. Whether you’re looking to power sensitive IEMs or even moderately demanding headphones, the M15 is versatile enough to see you through.

The Questyle M15 is small but mighty. It uses the boutique amp designer’s signature CMA (Current Mode Amplifier) SiP modules to offer up 1.895 volts through its single-ended output and 2.624 volts through its 4.4mm balanced connection. While you’ll probably want to use it with IEMs on the go for their easy portability, a physical gain switch on the side offers up the extra juice you’ll need for more demanding over-ear headphones (though we recommend sticking with the high-powered balanced output for less sensitive gear). It supports high-res audio with its ESS ES9281AC DAC, a Sabre chip that supports 32-Bit/384kHz PCM, DSD256 decoding and TIDAL’s highest-quality MQA tracks. And, with short cords terminated in both USB-C and Lightning connectors, it plays nicely with Android or iOS—and it doesn’t draw power until it’s fed signal. This small touch makes a big difference when preserving precious smartphone battery life.

What really sets the M15 apart is how silent it is. There’s no hiss, no white noise hiding behind tracks, so when your music gets quiet, it’s truly noiseless. This black background allows the M15 to step out of the way and remove the barrier between you and your music. Exceptional dynamic range and a pleasant full-bodied warmth highlight the experience, carrying you from quiet refrains to bold crescendos with impressive ease.

Like most things in life, the M15 isn’t perfect. There’s no way around how expensive it is, and at this price, it would be nice to see value-adding features like Bluetooth support, app-based sound customization, or on-board track and volume controls. The glass side-panel, while gorgeous, also seems like a prime target for scratches if you keep anything else in your pocket. Still, if you’re looking for rich sound in a striking package, it’s a great fit.

Most portable: THX Onyx

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Why it made the cut: Tiny but powerful, the THX Onyx is an extra portable DAC with a great built-in amplifier.

Specs

• DAC: ESS9281 PRO
• Included amplifier: 180mW (THX AAA-78)
• Bit-depth/sample rate: 32-bit/384kHz
• Format support: PCM, DSD, MQA
• Bluetooth: No

Pros

• Excellent audio quality
• Silent background noise
• MQA Support
• Extra durable for extended life

Cons

• Expensive
• Cable is less flexible than many competing dongles
• No track controls

If the name sounds familiar, it should: This is the same THX that’s been blowing away movie theaters with bombastic cinema sound since George Lucas co-founded it in the ’80s. The THX Onyx is a portable DAC with a built-in 180mW amplifier and is the best choice for listening on the go. Not only does it provide crystal clear and highly detailed sound thanks to its ESS9281 PRO DAC module, but it also has a THX AAA amplifier that all but eradicates background noise and distortion. It’s exceptionally good, but at $199, it’s not cheap and offers no track controls, which is a bummer.

But what makes it the best choice for portability compared to the equally packable, recommendable Questyle M15 above? Outstanding durability and the ability to fold over on itself with an invisible magnet clasp. While many other dongle DACs use plastic and weak shielding on their wires, the Onyx’s DAC and USB jack are protected by sturdy aluminum housings. The cable is guarded by silky soft yet durable rubber to ward off fraying and broken wires (though this does make it a touch less flexible). This DAC is made to last the rigors of everyday life.

While it’s not the smallest portable DAC on the market, its ability to fold over on itself adds to its portability. A small magnet near the USB port connects to the DAC, allowing it to lay flat behind your phone. In a second, the Onyx’s 8-inch length turns into a 1.5-inch curl wire, making it exceptionally pocketable.

Best for gaming: Creative Sound Blaster X4

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Why it made the cut: Made for gaming, the Creative Sound Blaster X4 is packed with features that make for a stellar entertainment experience.

Specs

• DAC: Undisclosed
• Included amplifier: 1.3 – 2.9 VRMs
• Bit-depth/sample rate: 24-bit/192kHz
• Format support: PCM, Surround 7.1, Dolby Digital Live 
• Bluetooth: No

Pros

• Multi-platform support: PS5, PS4, Mobile, Windows, Mac
• Virtual surround sound and other gaming-specific features
• Mic support with built-in communication features
• Plentiful software controls and onboard memory

Cons

• Plastic construction
• Lower resolution
• Limited file format support 

The Creative Sound Blaster X4 is tailor-made for gaming. While other DACs might work, the X4’s plentiful connectivity, built-in presets, rich software suite, and onboard memory make it the go-to choice for gamers who want to level-up their listening experience for under $150. Best of all, it offers native support for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Windows, and even macOS. 

Once taken out of its box, you’ll first notice its bold and easy-to-grab volume knob. The next thing you’ll notice is its sheer amount of inputs and outputs. As a gaming device, there are ports for both a headset and a microphone on the front edge. Around the back is a full set of surround sound speaker ports and line-in, optical line-out, and USB jacks. The X4 comes with several clickable presets to quickly tailor the sound for gaming, music, or movies without ever opening a piece of software.

But it would be best if you planned on using the software suite because that’s where you’ll be able to tap into the full suite of options. A 10-band EQ allows you to tailor the sound and save those to the device. You can also enable gaming-specific features like virtual surround sound, SXFI Battle Mode, and Scout Mode to enhance situational awareness, and even enhance the quality of your microphone with noise removal and a vocal equalizer.

The biggest downside to the Creative Sound Blaster X4 is that, since it leans so heavily into its gaming features, it falls short when it comes to resolution and file support. There is no MQA decoding for high-quality streaming over TIDAL, and quality is limited to 24-bit/192kHz. That’s enough for a great listening experience but definitely falls short of other options on this list. 

Best on a budget: JDS Labs Atom DAC+

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Why it made the cut: This affordable DAC is a no-muss, no-fuss gateway to great audio on a budget.

Specs

• DAC: ES9018K2M
• Included amplifier: No 
• Bit-depth/sample rate: 32-bit/384kHz
• Format support: PCM, DSD
• Bluetooth: No

Pros

• Simple setup
• Improves upon the popular Atom DAC
• Very affordable

Cons

• Lacks added features
• Plastic construction
• Requires a separate amp

The JDS Labs Atom DAC+ is the successor to one of the company’s most popular products: the original Atom DAC. This time around, the company has changed DAC chips from AKM to ESS, but what really matters is that they’ve managed to fine-tune it to deliver less distortion, more clarity, and improved dynamic range. While the DAC+ doesn’t push any limits with its sample rate, it can deliver a clear, detailed sound on the cheap. 

Coming in at only $119, you have to expect some concessions. There’s no built-in amp, so this device is for conversion only. Buying a matched set with the Atom Amp+ adds another $99 but allows you to stack the devices into a veritable tower of power. Outputs are also limited to only a single pair of RCA jacks. The DAC+ does support TOSLINK-in for optical sound, standard USB Type-B for connecting to a computer, however, and includes an external power brick for clean, consistent power to keep it running smoothly.

Looking for something you can snag with Prime Shipping? Schiit Audio’s Modi 3+ is another great option that supports up to 24/192 resolutions through an ​​AK4490 delta-sigma DAC housed in a sturdy aluminum case with a toggle switch to select between Micro USB, Coax, and Optical inputs. Like the Atom DAC+, there’s no built-in amplifier. Still, Schiit also sells the Magni 3+ to accept the Modi’s output via RCA, and it’s identically sized for easy stacking and powerful enough to drive most headphones.

Things to consider before buying one of the best DACs

Choosing the best DAC can be confusing. Even as someone who has been in the hobby for several years, I still find myself researching the differences between different DACs and their features, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry. There are a few key things to remember that can help any DAC shopper. Here are the most important points to consider before pulling the trigger.

Portable or desktop

Do you aim to listen at home or on the go? That should be the first question you ask before seriously shopping for a new DAC. Desktop DACs are often larger and require external power, either over USB or from a standard wall outlet. Portable DACs are much smaller and are made for travel. They sometimes include batteries to preserve the life of your smartphone and may even include a Bluetooth receiver for wireless listening. 

Though you’ll often pay more for the freedom they offer, portable DACs can usually connect to your PC as well, thanks to their USB connectivity. That doesn’t mean they’re exactly the same or the best fit for home listening, however. Since they’re made to be self-enclosed units, DACs like the Chord Mojo 2 and FiiO Q1 won’t integrate with larger audio systems as easily (or at all) and lack connections for dedicated speakers. If all you’re using are headphones and in-ear monitors, a good portable DAC can be a perfect choice, but if you have other audio equipment already, standalone options like the iFi Audio Zen DAC or AudioEngine D1 are a better fit.

What DAC chip does it use?

The job of any DAC is the same: to convert the digital output of a computer or smartdevice into an analog impulse that headphones and speakers can play. This processing is done through a small computer chip, and if you’ve ever plugged in a pair of monitors into a headphone jack, you’ve heard the results. But even though the end goal is the same, not all DACs are created equal or go about their conversion similarly. The first thing to know before hitting that “Buy Now” button is exactly what DAC chipset your device is actually using.

There are several major brands in the DAC world, but very few actually produce their own conversion chips. Instead, they utilize chipsets from other brands, like ESS, AKM, Cirrus-Logic, and Burr-Brown. Like any good tech brand, these companies scale their products to offer different features and match the calibers of DAC they may be implemented in. 

Some of them have better features, like support for boutique file formats or higher-resolution playback. Others offer less measurable noise and distortion (though whether you’ll actually hear the improvement isn’t a given). Many users report certain sound characteristics aligning with different DAC chipsets. ESS DACs, for example, are frequently described as being more resolving, which can mean sharper, more “exciting” treble. Conversely, AKM DACs are “warmer,” which typically means weightier bass with slightly less treble. Some people may love the operating system of their DAP (digital audio player) but aren’t as sold on the output of its headphone jack(s), so they might tether it to a DAC/AMP to enjoy a specific sound signature. It’s important to note that a DAC isn’t intended to color the sound to the noticeable degree of a tube amp, for example, but rather to remove anything taking away from the signal. So don’t expect huge flavor fluctuations between brands on identical settings.

While most DACs clearly label which chip they’re built around, deciphering the differences between chips isn’t always straightforward. It usually means taking a close look at feature and specification lists to determine whether they will make a real-world impact on your listening experience. On the technical side, you’ll need to look at specifications like bit-depth and sample rate. Others, like frequency response and signal-to-noise ratio, are also important to determine the sound’s scope and clarity. Before buying any DAC, it’s a good idea to type that particular chipset into Google and read some expert impressions about its performance and what real listeners like yourself are saying.

But specs aren’t all …

Connectivity and playback options

Two other important considerations when choosing a DAC are its connectivity and playback options. Connectivity refers to its inputs, outputs, and wireless connection options. Can it receive audio the way you’d like to send it: USB, optical, or coaxial? Once it receives that audio, how can it send it back out again? 

The output options are especially key. Depending on the model you’re interested in, you may find that its outputs are either too limited or too plentiful, which means you’re probably paying for features you don’t need. Suppose your amplifier or headphones use a balanced connection (circuitry common for high-end headphones, earphones, and amps pairing conductors that can deliver higher power and lower interference). In that case, it’s also important to double-check that your DAC supports that configuration so everything connects properly and takes full advantage of your equipment. (It is possible to damage incompatible equipment, so match accordingly.) 

Along with that, and directly related to the first consideration we discussed, you need to ensure that the DAC can support the file types and streaming services you would most like to use. Premium streaming service TIDAL’s Master Quality tracks may sound the best to your ears. Still, you’ll need a DAC that can properly decode those files because they use a format known as MQA, or Master Quality Authenticated—a form of compression that “folds” and “unfolds” audio at varying resolution levels to stream higher bitrates efficiently, and not all DACs can take full advantage of it. It can also be wise to think ahead about what you might like to listen to in the future. You might not listen to high-resolution DSD (Direct Stream Digital) files right now, but if you fall deeper into the hobby, you may want the option down the line. Planning ahead may cost a little more upfront but can save you a bundle from buying a whole new DAC in the future.  

Does it include a headphone amplifier?

Even the best DAC is useless without a dedicated amplifier or integrated AV receiver or other means to power the headphones or speakers connected to it. Some DACs, often called hybrids or combos, solve this problem by having an amp built-in. The Chord Hugo 2 is an ultra-high-end version of exactly such a device, but you don’t have to break the bank to find a quality all-in-one solution. Fiio’s E10K Olympus 2 is only $100 and can fulfill your DAC and amp needs in one tiny, affordable box. 

If you do choose a hybrid DAC, be sure to check its output power. Most modern headphones don’t require a lot of juice to drive, but some audiophile favorites and mixing headphones still do, like the Sennheiser HD650, HIFIMAN Sundara, or beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro. Because every headphone is different, it’s difficult to say exactly how much power you’ll need. We recommend putting your headphones through a power calculator to determine how many milliwatts and volts you’ll need for your preferred headphones. 

Price

Finally, we come to the price. The cost of audio gear can range widely, whereas one DAC might be $200, another might be $2,000, even when running similar chipsets. Does that second DAC really sound 10 times better than the first? Probably not (though it’s almost certainly an improvement). So much of the hi-fi hobby is about incremental gains and those margins only become thinner as the price scales up. Diminishing returns are a very real consideration for anyone in the audio hobby.

If you’re new to the world of DACs and amps, it’s wise to set yourself a reasonable budget and stick to it. Just because something is more expensive doesn’t mean it will sound better. This is especially true when you’re early in the hobby and may be unable to hear the difference between two DACs—even when others claim to. Research the options that meet your needs and budget and choose the best option among the bunch. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best DACs

• Best overall: Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M
• Best USB: Questyle M15
• Best DAC/amp combo: iFi xDSD Gryphon
• Most portable: THX Onyx
• Best for gaming: Creative Sound Blaster X4
• Best on a budget: JDS Labs Atom DAC+

Choosing a DAC can be a daunting task. There’s a lot to consider and many specs to sort through. At the end of the day, it’s one of the most fundamental upgrades you can make, right alongside buying new headphones and a new amplifier. Since DACs don’t always make as profound an impact on sound quality as other components, you don’t have to feel pressured to spend exorbitant amounts of cash—though they can reveal more layers as you move up the price tiers. Hi-fi is a hobby that can grow with you, and, like the very best of them, there’s always more to experience.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best DACs for 2023, as chosen by experts appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

The iPad is far and away the best tablet for note-taking, sketching, gaming, videoconferencing, and much more—but it’s also one of the most expensive. Apple doesn’t discount hardware on its site—unless you take advantage of its education discount—but Amazon plays by its own rules. You can currently get the 10th-generation iPad for $50 off. This may not seem like a big discount, but $399 is the lowest price this tablet has ever been.

iPad (10th Generation) $399 (Was $449)

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The 10th-gen. iPad ushered in an entire design overhaul for Apple’s entry-level tablet. It has a 10.9-inch edge-to-edge display, A14 bionic processor, a 12-megapixel back-facing camera, a 12-megapixel front-facing camera, a USB-C port, and a Touch ID fingerprint reader built into its power button. The bigger screen and much faster processor. The increase in screen size over the previous generation is enough to warrant an upgrade and puts this tablet more in line with its more powerful siblings, the iPad Air and 11-inch iPad Pro. Admittedly, the screen technology and processing power in Apple’s higher-end models is undoubtedly more sophisticated … but also substantially more expensive.

You’ll also appreciate the 10th-gen. iPad’s speed gains courtesy of Apple’s faster processor, which makes a $400 tablet capable of 4K video editing, multichannel audio editing, and gaming without stuttering. Finally, this is the first iPad with its front-facing camera on its longer horizontal side, so you can hold the tablet more naturally during video calls. The 10th-generation iPad is a very good value at its normal price—no Android alternative comes close to its performance and usability—but this deal makes it even better.

Looking to build a sweet suite of tech tools? These deals offer a less expensive taste of the future:

• iPad Air $559 (Was $599)
• iPad Pro $1,199 (Was $1,399)
• Apple 2022 MacBook Pro, $1,149.99 (Was $1,299)
• Apple 2022 MacBook Air, $1,349.99 (Was $1,499)
• eero 6+ mesh Wi-Fi system $239.99 (Was $299.99)
• NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router (RAX120) $289.83 (Was $449.99)
• Samsung UJ59, $269.99 (Was $339.99)
• LG 27UK500-B, $307.86 (Was $349.99)
• Amazon Fire TV 55, $339.99 (Was $519.99)
• Hisense ULED Premium U7H 65, $698 (Was $879.99)
• Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar, $98 (Was $129.99)
• Bose Smart Soundbar 600, $449 (Was $499)
• Sonos Roam, $169 (Was $179)
• Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin, $599 (Was $799)
• BenQ GV30, $449 (Was $599)
• Optoma HD28HDR, $649 (Was $729)
• Jabra Elite 7, $114.99 (Was $179.99)
• Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EQ, $180 (Was $199.99)
• Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2, $349 (Was $399)
• Shure AONIC 40 $249 (Was $319)
• Blue Yeti USB Microphone, $89.99 (Was $129.99)
• HyperX QuadCast S, $139.99 (Was $159.99)

The post The latest iPad is at its lowest price ever on Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		iPad Air M1		SEE IT	This tablet strikes the right balance of power and price.
Best laptop replacement		Microsoft Surface 9 Pro		SEE IT	This Windows tablet can do everything a typical PC can and more.
Best Android		Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+		SEE IT	This powerful tablet offer everything you’d expect in a high-end Android device.

Tablets made for college students offer the power and usability of a laptop with the versatility and portability of a much smaller device. Whether you’re researching topics, typing up essays, making presentations, or using design tools, choosing the right tablet for college can make all the difference. These devices excel when taking notes, reading textbooks, and staying organized. However, with so many options available on the market, it can be a daunting task. We’ve scoured the internet to make our list, considering factors such as battery life, screen size, processing power, and price. Whether you’re a freshman, a senior, or a parent shopping for your college-aged child, our comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision when selecting the best tablets for college students. 

• Best overall: Apple iPad Air M1
• Best lightweight: iPad Mini (2021) 
• Best Android: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
• Best laptop replacement: Microsoft Surface 9 Pro 
• Best budget: Amazon Fire 10 HD 

How we picked the best tablets for college students

Tablets truly lend themselves to college work. They’re easy to carry around, offer tons of battery life, typically cost less the high-powered laptops, and they pull double duty as content consumption devices. In our quest for the perfect tablet for college students, we surveyed the entire tablet market from major manufacturers. There are tons of cheap and less-reliable options out there, but for a device that’s going to be so crucial to work and recreation, we want to recommend something durable and reliable.

We relied on a mixture of research, personal experience, spec comparisons, user reviews, and editorial opinions to come up with a list of devices that offer a solid mix of price and performance. We also gave extra credit to devices that work with a wide variety of accessories, so they’re easier to customize to a student’s own personal requirements.

The best tablets for college students: Reviews & Recommendations

The iPad may seem like the obvious choice here (and it is for a number of users), but needs vary and so do devices. Here are some options to consider before you plunk down that college cash.

Best overall: Apple iPad Air M1

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Why it made the cut: With their iPad, Apple has cornered the tablet market for good reason. The iPad Air M1 is simply a great piece of tech. Slimline, powerful, and equipped with a powerful camera, this is our top-rated choice.

Specs

• Display Size: 10.9-inch
• Storage: 64GB/256GB
• CPU: Apple M1

Pros 

• Powerful
• Lightweight
• Great design

Cons 

• Expensive

With the additional choice of a Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (sold separately), the iPad Air M1 is capable of handling almost any academic task. Apple Pencil allows you to mark up documents, draw, or take notes, which are then translated from your handwriting into typed notes ready to share or save to the cloud. The Magic Keyboard has a trackpad and responsive keyboard to take your tablet to the next level and make typing comfortable even during those seemingly endless classes.

Thanks to its M1 chip, it’s a performance powerhouse with speeds up to 60 percent faster than previous generation models. The liquid retina display and 8-core GPU provide crisp images and fast graphics across video calls, gaming, content creation, and design apps. An impressive 12-megapixel camera includes an automatic pan feature to keep you in shot no matter how fast you move around. The back camera is perfect for scanning documents and shooting videos. It comes in five colors and boasts long-lasting battery life.

Particularly power-hungry students could step up to the iPad Pro to get even more processing oomph and an upgraded screen. While the upgrades are nice, they’re likely only necessary for students who want to do a ton of media creation or other resource-intensive activities.

Best lightweight: iPad Mini (2021)

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Why it made the cut: Small but perfectly formed, this handheld tablet features an edge-to-edge screen and vivid colors. Ideally suited for note-taking with the optional Apple Pencil that magnetically attaches to the side of the screen.

Specs

• Display Size: 8.3″
• Storage: 64GB/256GB
• CPU: Apple A15 Bionic

Pros 

• Touch ID-enabled
• Very compact and portable size
• Sharp display

Cons

• Expensive
• No headphone jack

This very small and portable tablet slips easily into your bag or even a pocket. It fits comfortably in the hand but offers a better screen size and performance than simply using your cell phone. Gameplay, photo editing, and content creation are more than possible because of the impressive A15 bionic chip. You’ll be able to stream content without slowdowns and download quickly with 5G connectivity. You won’t be able to use the magic keyboard with this size iPad but can use it with a separate Bluetooth keyboard to expand its use beyond simple note-taking or entertainment. 

Available in four elegant muted colors including space gray, pink, light purple, or starlight, a champagne tone. Choose from a range of complementary different color smart folios (sold separately) to suit your unique style. The 12MP webcam helps you stay in touch with family back home or log in for virtual classes or group seminars. 

Best Android: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+

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Why it made the cut: Fast speeds, impressive battery life, and a large screen make the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 a great choice for students who prefer Android products. 

Specs

• Display Size: 12.4”
• Storage: 8 GB/128 GB
• Weight: 17.6 ounces

Pros 

• Included S pen  
• Large storage included in the base model
• Bright screen

Cons 

• Expensive

Unlike Apple tablets, this option’s base model comes with an included S pen and 128GB storage, making it a great value choice without having to purchase additional products and extra memory. It has a large and bright display featuring a 12.4-inch AMOLED screen. The battery life helps you work, and watch for hours, and when you do find it running low, it recharges at a lightning speed. 

Expect beautiful graphics with high resolution, and super quick processing speeds to make all your school tasks, including content creation, photo editing, surfing the web, and lab work easy to complete. If the included 128GB isn’t enough space for your documents, photos, and schoolwork, the micro-SD card slot allows for further upgrades. The ultra-wide camera produces great shots and clear video calls for remote learning or catching up with friends. Choose from three colors, including graphite, silver, and pink gold.

Best laptop replacement: Microsoft Surface 9 Pro

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Why it made the cut: A true replacement for even the top laptops for college, this powerful and versatile tablet offers excellent gameplay and graphics with a high-resolution display for a premium experience. 

Specs

• Display Size: 13”
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• Weight: 31.3 ounces

Pros 

• Preloaded with Windows 11 
• 1080p webcam
• Excellent performance

Cons 

• Very expensive

This incredibly capable and powerful tablet can easily replace a laptop and make an excellent investment for academic use. The responsive and comfortable keyboard allows for extended typing and note-taking during lectures. A stylus is available for a separate purchase and it comes equipped with Windows 11. Although it is one of the more expensive tablets reviewed, it really offers the most bang for your buck and is regularly on sale for discounts of at least a couple of hundred dollars of the list price. 

The battery can last an incredible 15.5 hours, more than enough for class use and homework after hours. The versatile edge-to-edge touchscreen and adjustable built-in kickstand ensure you get the perfect angle for media viewing or video calls. The two USB-C ports allow you to transfer documents, dock to monitors, or connect and charge various devices and accessories, so you’re ready for any task.

Best budget: Amazon Fire 10 HD

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Why it made the cut: This budget-friendly option makes a great educational addition if you already have a more powerful laptop for most of your school work.

Specs

• Display Size: 10.1″
• Storage: 32GB/64GB
• Weight: 16.4 ounces

Pros 

• Affordable 
• Compatible with Alexa
• Good battery life

Cons 

• Not compatible with Google apps

Perfect for loading up books, and after-class entertainment, this affordable tablet is more than worth the modest investment of less than $150. The battery life of up to 12 hours works well for a day of learning, followed by surfing the web or watching your favorite shows. 

This tablet doesn’t support Google products so you’ll need to switch over from G drive and docs to the Microsoft Office suite of products if applicable. Compatible with Alexa straight out of the box, it can also be used as an organizer and personal assistant. Optional extras include Bluetooth keyboards and standing cases to improve functionality and ease of use. 

This tablet is definitely not the most powerful or responsive around, but at this very low price point, it makes an excellent option for cash-strapped students. It can also work as a solid secondary device for consuming content and reading (textbooks or anything else) to save wear and tear as well as battery life on a main device.

Things to consider before buying the best tablets for college students

Assess your needs

When you’re selecting any of our top tablet picks, you’ll want to make sure your tablet works well with all the apps and platforms you regularly use. For example, if you prefer a particular data management, file storage, or design program, you’ll want to make sure your new tablet is compatible. The way you intend to use your tablet will also dictate which model you opt for. For example, you’ll want to consider whether you need a keyboard if you intend to play games or stream movies, and your preferred screen size for optimum viewing comfort.

Price 

Students are often on a budget, so the cost of your new tablet is an important consideration. Luckily, there are lots of choices for top tablets under $500. However, that doesn’t always mean the cheapest option is the best. Consider how you’ll use your new piece of hardware and how long you want it to keep working to make sure you plan ahead and buy the best model to meet your needs and price point.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best tablets for college students

• Best overall: iPad Air M1 – Apple
• Best lightweight: iPad Mini (2021) 
• Best Android: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
• Best for Windows: Microsoft Surface 9 Pro 
• Best budget: Amazon Fire 10 HD 

Balance your needs as a student with price concerns, and make sure your tablet pick is lightweight and easy to transport from your dorm to the classroom and back again. Tablets can be an excellent choice for college students, especially as many of our top picks are powerful devices capable of research, data management, and content creation to help you meet all your academic targets. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best tablets for college students in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Portable chargers are never out of season. Whether your phone is always running low on charge or it’s a particularly busy day and you need more juice for your last meeting, a portable charger makes a great safety blanket. They’re especially useful in the winter months, when batteries seem to drain even faster than usual. Anker’s portable batteries charge consistently, hold up to the worst of daily life, and fit easily into a purse, backpack, or even a pocket. 

Anker is currently offering sales on a large portion of their inventory. It has a wide range of chargers, from older models at cheaper prices with fewer functions, but also have many fancy new models with interesting innovations, like the MagGo battery that allows for wireless charging. 

Our top pick, however, has to be their upcoming release: the Anker 733 Power Bank, which features not just Anker’s signature sleek look and fast charging capabilities, but doubles as a regular wall outlet. If you’re at home, use it exactly like a normal wall charger, but grab it when you’re heading out to take advantage of the 10,000 mAh battery wherever and whenever you want. The 733 will retail for $100 at release, but a preorder will set you back just $70. 

• Anker 733 Power Bank (featured) $70 (was $100)
• Anker 747 Power Bank $153 (was $180)
• Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K for Laptop) $136 (was $160)
• Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K) $110 (was $150)
• Anker 521 Magnetic Battery $30 (was $40)
• Anker 525 Power Bank $51 (was $60)
• Anker 537 Power Bank $98 (was $140)
• Anker 633 Magnetic Battery $64 (was $80)
• Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo) $45 (was $60)
• Anker 337 Power Bank $60 (was $70)

More charging deals

There are, of course, more options available. Amazon has a good collection of portable chargers, and many of them are also on sale at the moment.

• Mregb Solar Power Bank, Solar Charger, 42800mAh Power Bank $30 (was $80) 
• Solar-Charger-Power-Bank – Portable Charger, 43800mAh Qc3.0 Fast Charging $45 (was $100)
• Solar Power Bank 36000mAh, Solar Charger Qi Wireless Built in $34 (was $70)
• Solar Charger 25000mAh, Hiluckey Outdoor USB C Portable Power Bank $38 (was $57)
• Solar Power Bank, Solar Charger 38800mAh, Qi Wireless Charger $20 (was $80)
• Power-Bank-Solar-Portable-Charger – 40000mAh Power Bank Large Capacity $30 (was $198)
• Feeke Solar-Charger-Power-Bank – 36800mAh Portable Charger $20 (was $60)
• Portable Charger with Built-In Cables and AC Wall Plug, VRURC 10000mAh $30 (was $37)
• LOVELEDI Portable-Charger-Power-Bank – 15000mAh Dual USB Power Bank $16 (was $70)
• LOVELEDI Portable-Charger-Power-Bank – 2 Pack 15000mAh Dual USB Power Bank $20 (was $99)
• ROMOSS 30000mAh Power Bank Sense 8+, 18W PD USB C Portable Charger $32 (was $40)
• TG90 Mini Power Bank 4500mah Portable Charger with Built in Cable $23 (was $40)
• Charmast USB C Portable Charger Power Bank, Battery Pack 5000mAh $18 (was $30)
• INIU Portable Charger, 22.5W 20000mAh USB C $28 (was $65)
• Baseus Power Bank, 65W 20000mAh Laptop Portable Charger $51 (was $80)

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We’ve made it to 2023, which means the PopSci commerce and gear team has decided what our resolutions will be and what we’ll need to achieve them. It’s okay to be a New Year’s resolution skeptic—there are plenty of potential pitfalls in trying to make literal life-changing decisions overnight—but we’re taking a different approach. Our goals can be accomplished little by little over the course of the year, the gear we’re using won’t take up too much space, and we’re not afraid of facing some setbacks every little while. After all, it’s only self-care if it doesn’t cost you mental health. If you’re scrambling to figure out how to make your New Year’s resolutions happen, we hope our gear suggestions can provide a little clarity (and encouragement).

Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50

SEE IT

An estimated 30 to 40 percent of the food supply in the United States is wasted, according to the USDA. If you’re looking to cut down on the amount of food waste you send to the landfill in 2023, Vitamix’s FoodCycler FC-50 can help. Just toss your vegetable peelings, egg shells, coffee grounds, and even chicken bones into the 2-liter container and press the on button. About four hours later, your scraps are turned into nutrient-rich soil you can use for your houseplants or in your garden. — Jen McCaffery, Director of Commerce

Kindle Paperwhite

SEE IT

Too many times in 2022, I found myself laying in bed at 2 a.m., basking in the hypnotizing glow of TikTok. The lure of people arguing with belligerent neighbors or endless strings of air fryer chicken thigh recipes is just too strong. This year, I’m determined to replace those hours spent mindlessly swiping with reading, and I’m counting on Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite to help me pull it off. The 6.8-inch touchscreen offers soft, warm light that won’t mess with my sleep after a marathon session spent reading Brandon Sanderson. Plus, the latest version charges via USB-C, so it’ll help my other resolution of getting rid of all the MicroUSB cables hanging around my house. — Stanley Horaczek, Executive Editor

Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee machine

SEE IT

The iced coffee I like at a well-known chain has recently risen to nearly $6. Not even a raging caffeine addiction can justify that cost. This super-simple machine doesn’t rely on wasteful coffee pods and comes with an insulated cup, even though it works with pretty much any other cold up. It simply brews hot coffee over iced cubes, which is sure to make your coffee snob pals bristle, but it’s still better (and even cheaper) than the gas station swill I’ve been known to drink in the past. Plus, all that saved money leaves room in the coffee budget for fancy syrups to spruce up the wallet-friendly brew. — Stanley Horaczek, Executive Editor

Kindle Scribe

SEE IT

I’m trying to (finally) complete The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron’s crash course in kickstarting your creativity after about two years of stopping halfway. Part of the journey includes journaling three pages every morning—simply called “morning pages.” If you do the math, that’s a lot of pages and trees. I’m hoping the Kindle Scribe—with its paperwhite display and pen that won’t leave ink marks on my hands first thing in the morning—will help protect the environment and be the fancy, shiny, neat thing that gives me enough dopamine to organize my morning pages and complete the separate chapter prompts in one convenient, digital place. Spiritual and creative clarity, here I come. — Amanda Reed, Commerce Updates Writer

Garmin Forerunner 955

SEE IT

Setting a fitness goal is one thing, but having a way to track your progress and keep you motivated is another beast entirely. Garmin’s Forerunner 955 is sleek and attractive, so you won’t mind wearing it all day, but it has a nearly endless list of features and tricks. Though it’s geared toward runners, it can track a long list of activities. It also connects to your phone for full smartwatch capabilities and provides workout suggestions when you are stumped on how to move on a given day. Plus, it makes it easy to see how your training is going and how you are progressing toward your goals, giving you specific insight on how you can improve when needed. — Abigail Ferguson, Associate Editor PopPhoto

Nest Hub Max Smart Display

SEE IT

Eating out (and ordering in) has always been pricier than cooking at home, but that is more true than ever right now. It’s hard fighting the temptation just to tap a few buttons and have food magically show up ready to eat at your door but, for me, having an easy way to follow recipes helps. I’m a recent Nest Hub enthusiast but have loved the larger screen that always stays on as I work through the steps of a recipe. And it makes it easy to store recipes I like in one place. But the biggest bonus is the ability to play music on something other than my phone, so I can jam out while I cook. It does wonders for making me not mind being in the kitchen even after a long day of work. — Abigail Ferguson, Associate Editor PopPhoto

Ring Fit Adventure

SEE IT

I will be making a concerted effort to be more active after years of COVID-inflicted lethargy, but my tool of choice may seem a little strange: a video game. Ring Fit Adventure is a game for the Nintendo Switch that comes with a Pilates ring and leg strap with slots for the system’s Joy-Con controllers. Accelerometers and gyroscopes in the Joy-Con can track your movement, which correlates to actions happening in the game. Instead of passively choosing an attack, you defeat enemies by doing squats, curls, and other exercises. As an avid gamer, I hope Ring Fit Adventure can slot into my lifestyle more easily than a set of barbells. — Brandt Ranj, Commerce Reporter

iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit

SEE IT

Repairing technology can feel daunting, especially when many companies make documentation and spare parts difficult (if not impossible) to get, but that will not deter me next year. I have a great deal of respect for iFixit, a site that offers step-by-step instructions on how to disassemble and reassemble gadgets along with links to parts when possible. The site offers a tool kit with bits, spudgers, tweezers, and everything else you’ll need to get into your gear safely and easily. This kit is notable for featuring pentalobe screws, which are proprietary and designed by Apple. If you plan on joining the DIY movement next year, this kit deserves a spot in your workspace. — Brandt Ranj, Commerce Reporter

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2

SEE IT

I’m ashamed to say I have a huge music backlog, but I plan to listen to one new (to me) album from front to back every day in 2023. I reserve the right to listen to one disc of a two-CD (or LP) record because I make the rules. While I love speakers, my tool of choice this time will be Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2s, which are infinitely more portable. These Bluetooth headphones are the closest I’ve come to taking my at-home audio system—which consists of wired headphones, a tube amp, and a DAC—with me everywhere I go. Music sounds superb, the headphones are very comfortable, and their active noise cancellation is always top-notch. This is the resolution I’m most excited about, if for no other reason than spending dozens of hours with the Px7 S2s on my head. Maybe, if I’m feeling extra committed, I’ll even upgrade to the B&W Px8, the brand’s flagship wireless headphones that further refine the physical build and sonic profile. — Brandt Ranj, Commerce Reporter

Brava Oven Starter Set

SEE IT

Cooking at home more often is my final resolution of 2023, and the Brava Oven is the key to making it happen. The 10-in-1 oven supports multi-zone heating and makes a whole dinner faster than a conventional oven or stovetop. The oven can be operated using an app or its built-in touch screen, and Brava is continually updating its recipe library with new dishes to fit any dietary restrictions. Yes, it’s luxe, but cutting out one takeout order per week using the Brava will allow the machine to pay for itself. — Brandt Ranj, Commerce Reporter

OTOTO Gracula Garlic Crusher

SEE IT

I love garlic and plan on cooking more. This Gracula garlic crusher takes knife work out of the equation when presentation isn’t important and helps you get close to a minced consistency in a fraction of the time. On top of saving prep time, a way to work more fresh garlic into meals has the benefits of being a natural antibacterial/detoxifier, aiding blood circulation/lowered blood pressure, while also repelling vampires. Plus, it just tastes good. — Billy Cadden, Director of Commerce

AQUAFIT One Gallon Water Bottle

SEE IT

I wish this fit into my Aarke seltzer maker, but I guess good old-fashioned flat water will do. While attempting to cook more garlic-rich meals and use my Tempo daily, I decided to snag a gallon water bottle to keep me hydrated. Or at least try to convince me to stay hydrated. I bet you $10 it sits on my bedside table with the same water for weeks. — Billy Cadden, Director of Commerce

Arc’teryx Kyanite AR Hoodie and Pearl iZUMi Prospect Barrier Jacket

SEE IT

In 2023, I want to get outdoors more. Hiking. Biking. Though I love reporting on tech, I need to get away from it more, even if for only a few hours. Just because I’m coming out of my virtual (and real) shell doesn’t mean I won’t need a protective layer or two, however. The Arc’teryx Kyanite AR Hoodie is a multisport midlayer that’s far from middle of the road. A worthwhile investment, it’s light, soft, stretchy, and, most importantly, surprisingly warm when traveling on the trail. Did I say I’m coming out of my shell? That doesn’t mean I won’t need some wind and water resistance if I’m in the saddle in the city, so I’m also hanging the Pearl iZUMi Prospect Barrier Jacket in my closet when I need something to cut a brisk breeze and absorb a bit of light rain and road spray. — Tony Ware, Associate Managing Editor, Commerce

Vasque Men’s Breeze Waterproof Hiking Boots

SEE IT

If I’m going to maintain my getting-outdoors-more resolution throughout 2023, I need accessories that can also go the distance. And one of the most important is trusty mid-range footwear. Lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to … boot … the Vasque Breeze immediately impressed me by requiring zero break-in, then continued to impress me with its stability and traction. While I haven’t submerged my feet to test the proprietary VasqueDry waterproofing fully, I’ve had no complaints following some light but sustained drizzles. And, with each component of the boot’s construction being made from 25%, 60%, and sometimes 100% recycled materials, I can feel better for the Earth as I explore it. — Tony Ware, Associate Managing Editor, Commerce

The post Gear to help us (and you) keep those New Year’s resolutions appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best TV		Samsung QN65QN800A 65 Inch Neo QLED 8K Smart TV (2021)		SEE IT	Save while getting ahead of the crowd with the latest in audio and video TV technology.
Best drone		DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo Quadcopter		SEE IT	This popular drone is suited for beginners and established photographers alike.
Best earbuds		AirPods Pro		SEE IT	Get the AirPods Pro at a reduced price before they sell out … again!

The holidays can inevitably raise a conflict: We may want to find gifts that delight our family and friends but are aware of the environmental impact new products can have. A good compromise? Refurbished goods that have already been purchased, returned, and restored. They can help you cut down on the number of new products you’re buying and save you money. Since these are pre-owned items, you should look closely at the item’s condition and what’s part of the package and check the return policy before making any purchases. That said, you can save hundreds on tech that may not be the latest model but is still one of the best refurbished gifts that will last.

• Best TV: Samsung QN65QN800A 65 Inch Neo QLED 8K Smart TV (2021)
• Best Windows laptop: 2022 Acer 15-inch HD IPS Chromebook 
• Best MacBook: 2020 Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip
• Best VR headset: Meta Oculus Quest 2 Headset 
• Best smartwatch: Apple Watch Series 6
• Best iPad: Apple iPad (10.2-inch, 8th Gen)
• Best earbuds: Apple AirPods Pro
• Best speaker: Bose soundlink Mini II Limited Edition Bluetooth Speaker
• Best drone: DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo Quadcopter
• Best mini projector: Anker Nebula Capsule
• Best robot vacuum: iRobot Roomba i4
• Best handheld vacuum: Shark ION W1 Handheld Vacuum
• Best blender: Vitamix Explorian Blender, Professional Grade
• Best air fryer: NINJA Foodi LG450 5-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Grill

Best TV: Samsung QN65QN800A 65 Inch Neo QLED 8K Smart TV (2021)

SEE IT

There’s no getting around it: TVs, especially those equipped with the latest technology, are expensive. That’s why it’s a great time to take advantage of this refurbished smart TV from Samsung. Its 8K video and QLED display with its mini-LED backlights provide a stunning picture, and your recipient won’t need to upgrade for years to come.

Best Windows laptop: 2022 Acer HD IPS Chromebook

SEE IT

For the student in your life, this versatile 15-inch model from Acer comes equipped with an LED display, and an Intel dual-core Celeron processor that can work at impressive speeds of up to 2.55GHz. This Chromebook also features MicroSD card reader, 4GB of RAM, plus an HDMI port plus two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports for maximum connectivity. And they can return it for a replacement or refund within 90 days if they are unhappy with the purchase.

Best MacBook: 2020 Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip

SEE IT

If you’re not looking to shell out the money for the latest MacBook, the 2020 version will still serve most users well. This 13-inch model is designed with Apple’s M1 chip for faster performance and processing power. It’s designed with Apple’s signature Retina display, and it comes with 8GB of RAM and up to 20 hours of battery life.

Best VR headset: Meta Oculus Quest 2 Headset

SEE IT

Give the gift of an alternate reality—without paying as much very real money. Meta’s latest iteration of the Oculus Quest comes with hi-res display and fast processing that allows users to g deep into the metaverse. Users can also game with new titles and older ones, plus get access to screenings, concerts, and more.

Best smartwatch: Apple Watch Series 6

SEE IT

This smartwatch may not have the crash detection of the new Apple Watch Series 8, but it still provides plenty of great features for a reduced price. Its always-on Retina display allows users to answer texts and keep tabs on their heart health with the ECG feature. Plus, it’s dialed into various workouts, and lets users listen to their favorite tunes from Apple Music. 

Best iPad: Apple iPad (10.2-inch, 8th Gen)

SEE IT

Looking for a gift for an artist? This 10.2-inch Apple iPad comes with a Retina display and is equipped with an 8-megapixel front and back camera. It also comes with stereo speakers and works with smart keyboards and the Apple Pencil (1st Gen). Plus, the battery lasts for up to 10 hours.

Best earbuds: Apple AirPods Pro

SEE IT

AirPods are ubiquitous, but if you haven’t yet bitten the bullet because of the price, here’s your opportunity to save on the original standard-bearer. They are both water- and sweat-resistant, with silicone eartips that come in three sizes to make sure they give all type of ears the best experience. Plus, they provide active noise cancellation so users can tune out the outside world in favor of your music of choice.

Best speaker: Bose soundlink Mini II Limited Edition Bluetooth Speaker

SEE IT

This mini speaker will let the music lover in your life bring the party wherever they go. Designed with Bose’s signature sound quality, this battery-powered speaker works with a Bluetooth range of up to 30 feet. And weighing in at a pound, the Mini II is easy to tuck into a backpack.

Best drone: DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo Quadcopter

SEE IT

Photographers, new and established, can appreciate this drone, made by one of the top names in the category. This quadcopter can capture 4K video in addition to 12-megapixel stills. This battery-powered drone is easy to transport at less than one pound, and this set comes with remote control, carrying case, and accessories. It can also be returned within one year if you’re not satisfied.

Best mini projector: Nebula Capsule by Anker

SEE IT

The cinephile in your life will thrill to this handy mini projector by Anker. Easily connected by USB, Micro USB, and HDMI, this projector provides vivid images of up to 100 inches and a 360-degree speaker for a cinematic experience. And it should last for up to 4 hours of viewing time.

Best robot vacuum: iRobot Roomba i4

SEE IT

Make life a little easier for pet owners with the gift of a robot vacuum that won’t complain about chores. iRobot’s Roomba i4 is designed with sensors to best map homes and can be customized with the accompanying app. This powerful cleaner is designed for carpets and works especially well on cat and dog hair.

Best handheld vacuum: Shark ION W1 Handheld Vacuum

SEE IT

Help a small space dweller out with this handheld vacuum by Shark. The battery-powered device provides 22.2 volts of energy for a deep clean. It’s recommended for use on upholstery and comes with a nozzle and crevice tool to get down into the sofa. It can also be used in the car.

Best blender: Vitamix Explorian Blender

SEE IT

For a family member with many mouths to feed, this Vitamix Explorian Blender should be a welcome gift. A professional-grade blender is an all-purpose tool that can make quick work of soups, salsa, margaritas, and more. This 64-ounce device has 10 settings that allow it to double as a food processor. And it’s dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is also a cinch. 

Best air fryer: NINJA Foodi LG450 5-in-Air Fryer and Electric Grill

SEE IT

The home chef that hasn’t yet invested in an air fryer should appreciate this versatile model. Made by trusted brand Ninja, this 5-in-1 programmable device justifies the counter space by serving as an air fryer, baker, and indoor grill and in one, making getting meals on the table a lot easier. And if there’s one thing a great refurbished gift should do, it is save time, trouble, and money.

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The Walmart Renaissance is very real. A once openly-mocked big box store is now a TikTok darling and has a fanbase as dedicated as Target’s. Walmart continues to give the goods this Cyber Monday with enlightening tablet deals that give you up to $200 in savings.

SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S7 Plus, 12.4″, 128GB Mystic Black (Wi-Fi), S Pen Included $499 (Was $699)

The biggest deal we saw in Walmart’s tablet section was this Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus, which is $200 off its $699 retail price. This tablet is like a mullet: both business and party combined. Use it for sending emails on-the-go, or demolish a few games of Contexto to get the leftover tryptophan fog out of your brain. Its 12.4-inch AMOLED screen allows you to see every detail in The Rings of Power, and an edge-to-edge screen lets you see more of the Shire and less bezel. Fast WiFi, a day-long battery, and a lightweight lag-phobic S pen lets you get work done with as little roadblocks as possible.

These Cyber Monday deals end at midnight tonight, so click “add to cart” before Smeagol tries to take the deal to rule them all from you in a fit of lustful insanity.

Here are more precious tablet deals from Walmart and Amazon:

• onn. 10″ Kids Tablet, 32GB (2022 Model) – Jade Ming $69 (Was $129)
• 2021 Apple 10.2-inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB) – Silver $269.99 (Was $329)
• 2022 Apple iPad Air (10.9-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 64GB) – Pink (5th Generation) $669 (Was $749)
• 2022 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi, 128GB) – Space Gray (6th Generation) $999 (Was $1,099)
• 2022 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi, 256GB) – Silver (6th Generation) $1,099 (Was $1,199)
• 2022 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 1TB) – Space Gray (6th Generation) $1,899 (Was $1,999)
• 2022 Apple 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi, 128GB) – Space Gray (4th Generation) $749 (Was $799)
• 2022 Apple 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi, 128GB) – Silver (4th Generation) $749 (Was $799)
• 2022 Apple 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi, 256GB) – Space Gray (4th Generation) $829 (Was $899)
• 2022 Apple 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 512GB) – Space Gray (4th Generation) $1,229 (Was $1,299)
• 2022 Apple 10.9-inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB) – Blue (10th Generation) $419 (Was $449)
• Restored Apple 10.2″ iPad (8th Gen) Wi-Fi 32GB – Gold (Refurbished) $229 (Was $268.99)
• Open Box Apple iPad Mini 4, 7.9-inch, Wi-Fi Only, 128GB, Bundle: Tempered Glass, Case, Rapid Charger & Stylus Pen comes in Original Packaging $219 (Was $249)
• Kindle Paperwhite (8 GB) $94.99 (Was $139.99)
• Kindle Oasis – With 7” display and page turn buttons – Wi-Fi + Free Cellular Connectivity, 32 GB, Graphite $254.99 (Was $349.99)
• Kindle (2022 release) $84.99 (Was $99.99)
• Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet $54.99 (Was $109.99)
• Fire HD 8 tablet, 8” HD Display, 32 GB (2022 release) $54.99 (Was $99.99)
• Fire HD 8 tablet, 8″ HD display, 64 GB, (2020 release) $74.99 (Was $119.99)
• Voger 10.1 Inch WiFi Tablet with 2GB RAM 32GB Storage, Android 10.0, Dual Camera 5000mAh Battery Black $102.99 (Was $149.99)
• Contixo 10 Inch Kids Tablet with $150 Value Educator Approved Apps, Eye Protection, Faster System and Large Storage, Protective Case with Kickstand and Stylus, K102 Blue $79.99 (Was $129.99)
• Samsung 8-inch Galaxy Tab A, Wi-Fi Only, 32GB, Bundle: Bluetooth Headset, Stylus Pen – Black (Refurbished) $89.99 (Was $149.99)
• Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) 10″ Tablet, 64GB Storage, 4GB Memory, Android 12, FHD Display $129 (Was $199)

More of the best Cyber Monday Black Friday deals:

• Deal: Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker
• Jackery solar generator deals
• TV deals
• Computer deals
• 3D printer deals
• Headphone deals
• Speaker deals
• Apple deals
• Telescope deals
• Walmart deals
• Appliance deals
• Fitness deals
• Generator deals
• Coffee deals
• Deal: LG OLED TV
• Deal: Shark vacuum
• Deal: Anker Power Station
• Deal: Vitamix blender
• Deal: ooni Pizza oven
• Deal: Kindle Paperwhite
• Deal: Eero WiFi routers

The post Cyber Monday tablet deals: iPads, Kindles, and more appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.