2021 Gift Guide: Best Tablets and Chromebooks
When it comes to the tablet market, it’s pretty much just Apple at the top and everyone else battling it out for second place. We’re still waiting for that “one” tablet to come in to really take on the iPad, and that may be on the horizon with the release of Android 12L. But until then, the iPad will continue to be our pick for the best tablets.
Best Tablets
Apple 10.2-inch iPad
Apple’s latest entry-level tablet is the best option for pretty much everyone who just wants a good tablet. The design is definitely outdated, but it is compatible with the Apple Pencil and offers Touch ID instead of Face ID.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
The latest tablet from Samsung isn’t quite a flagship, but it does retain the flagship design introduced by the standard Galaxy Tab S7. Samsung is still including an S Pen, and you’ll be able to choose between either 64GB or 256GB storage and select from four different colors.
Amazon Fire 7
When it comes to cheap tablets, it doesn’t get much better than the Amazon Fire 7. This tablet provides the bare-minimum experience that you should expect, while still being durable enough to take it anywhere.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus
Amazon’s Fire HD 8 Plus is a big step up from the standard Fire HD 8 with its 12-hours of battery life, wireless charging compatibility, and either 32GB or 64GB of storage. Thanks to the faster 2.0GHz processor, it’s also now 30% faster, which goes a long way.
Amazon Fire HD 10
The Fire HD 10 was finally updated in 2021, as Amazon added more RAM, updated the 10.1-inch 1080p display, and extended battery life up to 12-hours. This is the best big-screen tablet that you can get on a budget, and it even comes in four different colors to choose from.
Amazon Fire 7 Kids Pro
Keeping the little ones occupied on the trip to Grandma’s house is going to be something that you’ll definitely want to consider with the Fire 7 Kids Pro. In the box, Amazon includes a protective cast that doubles as a stand, along with an Amazon Kids+ subscription providing access to more than 20,000 apps, games, and other forms of kid-friendly content.
Apple 11-inch iPad Pro (2021)
The normal 10.2-inch iPad is great for just about everyone, but if you want a boost in performance along with enjoying truly the best iPad that Apple has to offer, the iPad Pro is the way to go.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
If you want the best “flagship” Android tablet experience, then your best bet is to grab the Galaxy Tab S7. Samsung includes an S Pen in the box, and offers DeX Mode to transform the tablet into a laptop experience.
Best Chromebooks
On the Chromebook front, there are some pretty impressive new options that have hit the market in recent months.
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 features a hybrid design meaning that it can transform into a tablet or you can use it like a regular laptop if you wish. It sports a 13.3-inch Full HD display and is powered by an Intel Core i3-10110U processor, accompanied by 4GB of DDR4 RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage.
ASUS Chromebook Detachable CM3
With the ASUS Chromebook Detachable, we have another viable convertible Chromebook, following in the footsteps of the Chromebook Duet. The CM3 includes a “garaged USI stylus along with a detachable keyboard stand cover.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet
Although we’re a bit surprised that Lenovo has yet to release a true successor to the Duet, you shouldn’t be put off by this portable Chromebook tablet. This comes close to what we envisioned after Google tried Chrome OS on a tablet with the Pixel Slate, but you don’t have to deal with an outrageous price tag.
HP Chromebook x360
Those who want to get a Chromebook, but don’t want to get stuck with a traditional laptop form-factor will enjoy the HP Chromebook x360. This offers a rotating touch-screen display, more than 12 hours of battery life, and a lightweight and portable design.
Google Pixelbook Go
Despite rumors suggesting a new Google-powered Chromebook is in the works, it’s not expected to arrive until 2023 or later. Until then, the Pixelbook Go remains Google’s flagship Chromebook, and it still holds up despite its age.
Acer Chromebook Spin 13
It’s tough to ignore the Acer Chromebook Spin with its 2K resolution display, EMR stylus support, 10-hours of battery life, and reversible design. This is simply one of the best Chromebooks that money can buy today.