Compare 10-inch tablets

Tablets of around 10 inches usually weigh about half a kilo, sit comfortably in the hand and fit in any bag. The screen is big enough for series, magazine apps, video calls and learning platforms. Many standard iPads (10.2 and 10.9 inches) and numerous 10.1-inch Android models belong to this class.

For comparison: 8-inch tablets are much easier to hold, but tight for films and two-column work. 11 to 13 inches gives you more space, but gets heavier and more expensive.

At 10 inches, the resolution should be at least 1,920 × 1,200 pixels for sharp text. Cheap tablets with 1,280 × 800 pixels are still acceptable for videos, but visibly pixelated when reading. A 16:10 aspect ratio is ideal for films, while 4:3 (as on older iPads) is more pleasant for reading and documents.

For family tablets, 64 GB of storage is the minimum and 128 GB is more relaxed. Many Android tablets have a microSD slot that lets you offload films and photos – iPads don't. For streaming, a basic chip is enough; if games or split screen come into play, a mid-range model is worth it. A refurbished 10.2-inch iPad is a popular alternative to a new entry-level Android tablet if you're already in the Apple ecosystem.

In the budget range you'll find many 10-inch tablets from unknown makers with very generous spec sheets. Look at the real RAM rather than the total including virtual RAM, check for Widevine L1 for HD streaming and for Google certification. If updates and service matter to you, an entry-level device from a well-known brand is usually the safer choice.

Refurbished 10.2-inch iPads are also listed here if the dealer offers them as like new. They're a good choice if you want a reliable device with long app support at a low price.