The best iPad alternatives

Three of the best iPad alternatives on a purple background
(Image credit: Future / Microsoft / Samsung / XPPen)

Not everyone is hooked into Apple's ecosystem, which is why the best iPad alternatives are a fantastic way to get similar performance while using Google or Windows accounts. These tablets offer similar functionality, comparable specs and good apps, and often cost less.

We've tested and reviewed every iPad, and we've reviewed a lot of their alternatives too, so we're in a good position to compare the options and pick out the best iPad alternatives for different needs. Below, I pick our favourites, including high-end options, tablets with that run desktop software, budget alternatives and even a specialist iPad alternative for drawing, including models from Samsung, Microsoft and more.

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Test results

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Price

Expensive

★★★

Design

Stylish and professional

★★★★★

Performance

Fast and smooth

★★★★★

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Test results

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Price

Premium pricing

★★★

Design

Thin and light

★★★★★

Performance

Lots of raw power

★★★★★

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Test results

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Price

Nicely affordable

★★★★★

Design

Relatively lightweight

★★★★

Performance

Good for low-intensity tasks

★★★

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Test results

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Price

Cheaper than an iPad

★★★★

Design

Portable and solid

★★★★

Performance

Excellent for drawing

★★★★

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Test results

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Price

Excellent value

★★★★

Design

Refined and robust

★★★★

Performance

Great battery life

★★★★

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Test results

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Price

Value for money

★★★★★

Design

Distinctive flair

★★★★

Performance

Strong performer

★★★★

Editor, Digital Arts & 3D

Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creative Bloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and video game titles Play and Official PlayStation Magazine. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his experiences to bring the latest news on digital art, VFX and video games and tech, and in his spare time he doodles in Procreate, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5.

With contributions from