We spend more time than we really should testing the latest tablets - so when we tell you that the new iPad Pro 9.7 is the best tablet around, we're basing that on authoritative and extensive research.
You might prefer the amazing screen size of the iPad Pro 12.9, complete with superlative sonic performance, but you're adding a lot to the cost as well with that one.
If you're looking something a bit more Android-y, then it's easily the Google Pixel C you want to check out - made by Google, it's always going to be one of the better tablets out there given it's pretty much a Nexus device. You can also look at the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 if you want a slightly more dynamic screen, but that was launched a little longer ago.
The best Microsoft tablet around is the Surface Pro 4 - pricey, yes, but the only one worth considering. Yes, the Surface Pro 3 doesn't lose too much and it's a bit cheaper, but the upgrades to Microsoft's tablet are considerable enough for us to recommend the newer model.
We've made it easy for you and pulled together the best tablets of the moment available in the UK.
It's a difficult process divining which place each of these excellent tablets should occupy in our list, so we take into account multiple elements including performance, battery life, screen quality and more.
Price plays a part, as does age: a tablet that's been replaced by a sequel will tumble down the rankings as you can get all the great features on a better slate.
If none of the best tablets here take your fancy then head on over to our tablet reviews pages, where you'll find in-depth reviews for many more models.
Let us know your thoughts on the top 10 (and whether you think we've got the order wrong) in the comment box below.
Tablet apps
As with today's best smartphones, applications play a big role on tablets – once you've decided which of these tablets is right for you, check out our top app lists so you can get your fill of Temple Run, update your friends on Facebook and read the latest news, all on a bigger screen.
The best tablet you can buy right now is the iPad Pro 9.7 - the smaller screen with powerful innards is the best combination on the market.
While there are plenty of brilliant Android tablets around at the moment, the new iPad offers a lot of the power of the larger iPad Pro, along with the Smart Keyboard and Pencil support, but brings it in a much more bag-and-palm friendly size. Oh, and those four speakers are just brilliant too!
Google's done it – the new Pixel C is the best Android tablet. The Pixel C has it all: a fantastic display, heaps of power and a premium design. Plus, for those willing to splash the cash, the keyboard is a great accessory. It's not quite a laptop replacement, but for those in the market for a premium Android tablet - look no further.
There are plenty of reasons to invest in the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 - especially if you're after a top Android tablet. This is the best tablet that Samsung has ever produced - it's both reading and web surfing-friendly and you can pick it up in 8-inch and 9.7-inch variants. Almost impossibly thin, pumped full of power and with a slicker interface it gives the iPad Air 2 a real run for its money, although it's getting a little older now.
The best 7-inch tablet at the moment is definitely the iPad mini 4. If you like the look of Apple's iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro, but find them a) too big, b) too expensive or c) both? Well you're in luck as the diminutive iPad mini 4 gives you the best of Apple's tablet world in a form factor which is not only beautiful, but highly portable.
The Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet is the best option for PS4 owners as it allows you to stream games from your console direct to the tablet when you're in another room of your house. Link up your PS4 controller to the Z4 Tablet and you'll be gaming in bed, in the kitchen and on the toilet. The included keyboard dock in the box also makes for a great stand, although it's a little on the wobbly side.
The iPad Pro won't be for everyone, but for those it does appeal to you're unlikely to find a better tablet for your needs. Whether its graphics, multi-tasking or providing a pseudo-Mac experience when you're away from the office the iPad Pro is capable of so much. Even the Pencil - hilarious name aside - is an impressive tool for a particular niche. For professionals, this is the best tablet out there and for some it's more than capable of replacing a laptop - it's only so low down the list due to the higher price.
Originally a rather expensive Google-branded tablet, the Nexus 9 has now dropped so much in price it's the best value tablet out there. There's a whole load of power, stock Android and a high res screen making it a great all-round tablet at a very affordable price, although it's not being stocked as widely as before as we expect a successor to appear soon.
Tablets don't have to be big and cumbersome, and the rather clumsily named Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is testament to just that. It's not Sony's best tablet - that goes to the Z4 further up the page, but it's super-slim profile, waterproof chassis, bright display and solid line up of specs means it'll comfortably slip in your bag and won't baulk at the first sign of rain.
Can a tablet really replace your laptop or home PC? That's still up for debate, but the best tablet trying to make that happen is the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 - and it does a fine job with the full blown version of Windows 10, an integrated kickstand and optional keyboard attachment. Great for for creative professionals, students and everyday folks alike - it's only the laptop-esque prices that push it down the list, but if you're willing to pay for it, you're getting a lot of power. A LOT.
Until the iPad Pro 9.7, this was the best tablet in the world. Even though it has been replaced by Apple, it's still a brilliant tablet that has further raised the bar for the rest of the competition in terms of build quality, features and performance. The best part is this is now cheaper thanks to the release of the iPad Pro 9.7. Apple's range of tablet-optimised apps and a slick user interface makes the iPad Air 2 extremely versatile while also being incredibly easy, and enjoyable, to use.
If you're not quite ready to part with your cash, then there's a wealth of other tablets that sit just below this ranking that are worth checking out. We've put them through our review process and while they're not currently in the top 10, further price drops might bring them into contention... so they're worth checking out.
Weight: 693g | Dimensions: 290.3 x 198.8 x 6.3mm | OS: Windows 10 | Screen size: 12-inch | Resolution: 2160 x 1440 | CPU: Intel Core M | RAM: 4GB |Storage: 128GB/256GB | Battery: up to 10.5 hours | Rear camera: 5MP | Front camera: 5MP
Sleek design
Good use of Windows 10
Poor keyboard
Plastic design
The Samsung Galaxy TabPro S was unveiled at the very start of 2016 and boasts a great screen, solid build and Windows 10 - it's a great 12-inch device indeed. As a tablet it's one that works better than we expected it to, although the keyboard dock isn't great, with a cramped mouse and keys not being the easiest to type on - but overall, Samsung's made a solid Windows slate.
Weight: 640g | Dimensions: 278.8 x 194.1 x 6.9mm | OS: Windows 10 | Screen size: 12-inch | Resolution: 2160 x 1440 | CPU: 6th Gen Intel Core m | RAM:4/8GB | Storage: 128/256/512GB | microSD slot: No | Battery: 4430mAh | Rear camera: No | Front camera: 5MP
Solid design
Keyboard accessory
No MicroSDS card slot
Only one USB port
Huawei's first Windows 10 device is a well-designed 2-in-1 that rivals the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and iPad Pro in places. It's a promising, yet pricey, first 2-in-1 from the Chinese company, managing to feel fresh despite arriving late to the party.
Is it enough from a relatively unknown brand? We'll be finding out very soon as we're hoping to nab this review any day now.
Things have gone a bit pear-shaped in Sony's camp in 2016. After we expect it to launch either the flagship Xperia Z6 or Xperia Z6 Tablet (or both) at MWC 2016, Sony did neither - instead launching the confusing new X series instead. That's left the talk of the Xperia Z6 Tablet a little up in the air. Will we ever see this tablet? We're not sure, but eyes are now on IFA 2016 in Berlin this September.
The popular iPad mini range has won fans around the world, probably due to the fact it's the cheapest iPad offering in Apple's range. While the arrival of the iPad mini 5 in 2016 is likely, there's a small question mark around whether Apple will bother after criticism for its less than impressive iPad mini 3 update. If it does arrive expect more power with a new processor, iOS 10 on screen and the same premium metal body.
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