Tablets: Tablet buyers' guide

How to choose the best tablet for you

If you're thinking about buying a tablet but don't know where to start, this guide is here to help. 

With all the hype surrounding Apple products, you might be wondering whether iPads are the only tablets worth buying. 

We're here to explain the options available and what you should look out for to get the best tablet to suit your needs. 

Before buying a tablet you need to ask yourself a few questions. These include:

• Do I want an iPad, or an alternative like an Android tablet?
• Is a 7-inch or 10-inch model right for me?
• Can I buy a cheap tablet and still get a quality device?
• How much memory do I need and do I need 3G or 4G? 

If you'd like to see what it's like to use an iPad or rival tablet, try our interactive tablet chooser tool.

Read our expert reviews with a trial to Which? for just £1 

Should I buy an Apple iPad or an Android tablet?

Apple was the first company to have major success with a tablet computer device, and the iPad leads the way in terms of number of tablets sold. 

However, there are a number of other brands out there producing great tablets, often for a cheaper price. 

There are models from brands like Google, Tesco, Samsung and Amazon, all competing with Apple's dominant iPad.

Read our guide to Apple vs Android to find out the key differences between the two main operating systems.

How do I buy the best cheap tablet?

There are lots of cheap tablets on the market including some sub-£100 models. 

We take a look at which features are important, and what you can do without in a cheap tablet, plus suggest some worthy contenders in the cheap tablet arena.

Read our guide to buying a cheap tablet to ensure you get a great tablet for a good price.

Should I buy a 7-inch or a 10-inch tablet?

Tablets come in a range of sizes, and while smaller tablets tend to be more convenient for carrying around, larger screens can be useful for typing or watching videos. 

Most tablets tend to be in either the 7-inch or 10-inch camp. 

Our guide explains the pros and cons of 7-inch and 10-inch tablets.

Do I need 3G and 4G as well as wi-fi?

The final key thing to consider is the type of internet connection that you need. 

All tablets come with wi-fi internet access so you can use the internet at home and at public wi-fi hotspots. But manufacturers also offer 3G or 4G versions which allow you to use internet on the go. 

Find out more in our guide to wi-fi tablets vs 3G and 4G tablets.