Best Tab
for Students
Evaluated by experts.
We engaged with the top tablet for students, suitable for notetaking, storing textbooks, finishing assignments, and more, from brands such as Apple, Samsung, and Wacom.
Best Tablet for Students Overview
Nowadays, students require more than just notebooks, folders, and binders for their education. The best tablets for students are becoming more prevalent in classrooms, providing students with a portable means to connect to the internet, manage textbooks and documents, take notes in class, and much more. Additionally, they tend to be more affordable than high-quality laptops, and some models offer the option to attach keyboards or utilize stylus pens for more accurate typing and writing. Regardless of your field of study this fall, we have compiled a list of the best tablets for students based on our own practical testing.
Wacom One 13 Touch
The Wacom One 13 Touch is widely recognized as an excellent option for students pursuing digital art or graphic design. As one of the best tablets for students with pen, it features a 920 x 1080 Full HD touchscreen display that supports 10-finger multi-touch gestures. This allows art students to engage in a more interactive and intuitive creative process. The touchscreen enables scrolling, panning, and zooming, which can be customized or disabled based on personal preference.
Users have reported that the drawing experience closely resembles that of the Wacom Intuos Pro, offering a smooth and natural pen feel. The included pen features advanced palm rejection technology, ensuring precise strokes. Additionally, Wacom states that the pen does not require charging, making it convenient for long study sessions.
For students looking for a tab for study, the Wacom One 13 Touch provides a high-quality digital experience for note-taking, sketching, and project work. Those who need a tab for students with pen to work with professional software like Adobe Photoshop or Corel Painter may find this tablet a more effective alternative to standard tablets like the iPad.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
Samsung provides a variety of FE tablets that are more budget-friendly than their premium models while still offering impressive features. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is regarded as one of the best Samsung tablets for students, delivering strong performance in a sleek design. Running on Android 13, this powerful device includes the S Pen, making it a great tablet with pen for students who need a precise tool for note-taking, sketching, and digital learning. Additionally, its IP68 rating ensures dust and water resistance, making it a durable choice for students on the go.
The tablet is equipped with an 8,000mAh battery, providing long-lasting performance for extended study sessions. It offers configurations with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, along with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, expandable via a 1TB microSD card. This ample storage ensures that students have enough space for coursework, textbooks, and digital notes.
For students attending online classes or participating in virtual study groups, the Samsung tablet with pen for students also includes a 12MP ultra-wide front camera for high-quality video calls. Additionally, the 8MP rear camera makes it easy to scan documents and capture study materials. As one of the best tabs for students with pen, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ combines affordability, functionality, and durability, making it a top choice for academic use.
Apple iPad Mini (6th generation)
Apple’s iPad Mini (6th Gen) is one of the most powerful tablets for students in a compact size. Updated in the fall of 2021, it features support for the 2nd gen Apple Pencil, a slightly larger screen, and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, making it a versatile option for academic tasks.
The iPad Mini is an excellent tablet for study due to its portability and functionality. Weighing just a little over half a pound, it’s easy to carry around a school campus, making it perfect for on-the-go note-taking and research. The right side of the tablet provides a dedicated spot for charging the Apple Pencil, making it ideal for students who need the best tablet for study that also supports digital drawing or writing class notes.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Microsoft’s collection of Surface Pro devices ranks among the top 2-in-1 tablets for students. The Surface Pro 9 stands out as a robust study tablet that can effortlessly double as a laptop substitute. For students who need a powerful device for both studying and productivity, this model delivers flexibility and efficiency in one sleek package.
The Surface Pro 9 runs Windows 11, providing a seamless tablet experience with desktop-grade software, such as Microsoft Word and Outlook. This eliminates the hassle of searching for apps or workarounds typically required by mobile OS devices like Android or iPadOS. For students who rely on programs such as Excel or PowerPoint, this tablet offers an unparalleled experience for academic work.
To fully utilize the Surface Pro 9, students need to purchase the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard and Slim Pen 2 separately, adding an additional $280 to the total cost. However, users highly appreciate the ergonomic design and responsiveness of this keyboard combination, making it a best tablet for study option for those who want both portability and performance. Whether for note-taking, writing assignments, or digital artwork, the Surface Pro 9 is an excellent choice for students.
Why Should Students Use Laptops?
Improved Productivity with a Powerful Device
A best tab for students provides the power and performance needed for multitasking and running demanding software. Whether writing papers, attending virtual classes, or managing research, having a high-quality laptop allows students to complete tasks more efficiently and with fewer slowdowns, leading to better academic performance.
Seamless Access to Educational Resources
The best tablet for students helps students access educational content such as eBooks, online courses, and video tutorials with ease. Laptops that integrate with tablets enhance the ability to move from one task to another, ensuring that students can effortlessly engage with their studies and maximize their time.
Portability for Learning on the Go
A tablet for students offers a portable solution for students who need to study away from their desks. A good laptop paired with a tablet ensures students can take their work with them, attend remote lectures, and stay connected with classmates while on the move, enhancing their flexibility in completing assignments.
Versatility for Different Study Needs
With a tab for students, they can switch seamlessly between studying, note-taking, and entertainment. Laptops that work well with tablets provide both the versatility and power needed for diverse student activities, from intensive academic work to enjoying entertainment, all in one device. This combination supports both school and personal use effectively.
Student Reviews on Laptops
“I recently purchased a tablet for students to complement my laptop for digital notes and drawings. The portability and touch screen features are perfect for quick sketches and class notes. Having both devices allows me to stay organized and productive, especially when I need to switch between tasks quickly.”
Alex, a College Student
“Using a tablet for students along with my laptop has been a game changer. I can easily multitask—attend virtual lectures, take notes, and check emails without switching devices. The tablet’s pen feature makes it perfect for handwriting notes or drawing, and it’s lightweight enough to carry everywhere.”
Mr. Johnson, a High School Teacher
“I’ve been using a smart laptop for my courses, and it’s made a significant difference in my productivity. I can seamlessly work on assignments, research, and even attend lectures on the go. The performance is top-notch, and it’s easy to carry around campus, which makes my academic life a lot easier.”
Liam, a Research Scholar
“As a graduate student, I need a laptop that can handle heavy research tasks and multitasking. My laptop has been excellent for managing academic projects, reading research papers, and keeping my study materials organized. It’s fast, efficient, and the battery lasts all day, making it the perfect companion for long study sessions.”
Sophie, a Computer Science Major
FAQ's
Which Tab is Best for Students?
When deciding which tablet is best for students, consider options with strong performance, long battery life, and portability. The iPad Air and Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 are great choices, offering ample storage, the ability to multitask, and stylus compatibility for note-taking. These devices provide a balance of study and entertainment capabilities, ensuring students can handle academic tasks and enjoy their free time.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Tablet for Study?
Tablets offer convenience and portability, allowing students to take notes, read textbooks, and attend online lectures on the go. The touch-screen functionality and stylus support enhance note-taking and digital drawing. Tablets are lightweight, making them ideal for students who need to carry them around campus without the bulk of a laptop.
Can a Tablet Replace a Laptop for College Students?
A tablet can replace a laptop for college students who need it for basic tasks like note-taking, reading, and light research. However, for more intensive tasks such as programming, video editing, or running complex software, a laptop remains the better choice. Tablets are perfect for those who prioritize portability and ease of use over heavy-duty tasks.
Which Is Best for Study Laptop or Tablet?
The choice between a laptop or tablet depends on the student’s needs. Laptops are typically better for multitasking, working with complex applications, and running productivity software. Tablets, on the other hand, offer greater portability and can be excellent for note-taking, reading, and light tasks. Students focusing on basic study tasks may benefit from a tablet, while those with more demanding academic needs should opt for a laptop.
How Does a Tablet Help with Online Classes?
A tablet can be a great tool for online classes, offering flexibility and portability. Students can attend classes, take notes, and access study materials from anywhere. The touch-screen interface allows for easy interaction, while the ability to use a stylus makes note-taking and annotating PDFs a breeze, all while maintaining a lightweight and portable device.
What Is the Best Tablet for Digital Notes?
The iPad Pro with Apple Pencil is often considered one of the best tablets for digital note-taking. Its precision, responsive touch screen, and app compatibility make it ideal for students who prefer handwriting their notes digitally. It supports various apps for organizing notes, annotating documents, and managing assignments in a seamless and efficient manner.