The best small tablets of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed
Looking for a small tablet to take with you on your next trip, one that you can throw in your bag before the workday begins, or a kid-friendly option? Check out our tried and tested favorites.
In 2026, many individuals are opting for smaller tablets as their preferred digital companions. These devices, with display sizes ranging from approximately six to ten inches, offer rapid performance, easy access to favorite apps, and vibrant displays. They are perfect for reading on the beach, watching videos, and keeping children entertained during long car trips. The iPad Mini and Amazon's Fire tablet lineup are among the top choices for first-time tablet buyers, renowned for their lightweight nature and affordability.
To determine the current best small tablet, ZDNET conducted extensive hands-on testing on various tablets spanning different sizes. Notable brands tested include Samsung, Apple, and Amazon. The ZDNET team has compiled a recommended list of tablets based on these tests.
Recent updates in August 2026 included the addition of the Boox Palma Pro 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 as top picks. Moreover, there are reports suggesting that Amazon is planning significant updates to its Fire tablet range, potentially transitioning to an Android operating system.
Tablets can serve as excellent hubs for smart home systems, offering control over various devices. However, it's worth noting that Kindles from 2012 or earlier ceased accessing the Kindle Store and stopped receiving software updates in May.
For those interested in exploring more of the best tablets in 2026, ZDNET offers guides on the best tablets overall, the best Android tablets, and favorite Samsung tablets today.
Written by urgent.news from ZDNet's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
