Mashable has ranked the seven best tablets of 2026, and the verdict is a bit of a surprise. The list is led by the Apple iPad Air 2026 (M4), which the outlet calls the best tablet overall. But the ranking also gives serious space to Lenovo and Samsung, with a dedicated “Best Android Tablet” spot going to the Lenovo Yoga Tab.
The comparison leans on testing across multiple brands, not just subjective taste. Mashable asks readers early on whether they are “an Apple person,” and the review for the iPad Air is built around that assumption. The outlet tested the entire iPad lineup and says iPads are its preferred tablets for 2026. It also tested Lenovo, Samsung, and Microsoft devices, and the picks reflect a mix of brand loyalty and value hunting.
The iPad Air Carries the List
The iPad Air 2026 (M4) is the headline act. Mashable calls it the best tablet overall, and the reasoning rests on a few key claims:
- A thin, lightweight body
- Gorgeous Liquid Retina displays
- Fast performance powered by the M4 chip
- Available in 11- and 13-inch models
- RAM upgrade capability for handling AI tasks
The review notes that the upgrade wasn’t strictly necessary, since the iPad with the M3 chip was already powerful. But the M4 boost pushes the Geekbench 6 score to 13,176, up from the previous 11,464. The tablet also gained 12GB of RAM, which makes it better suited for gaming and creative work.
The price has moved. When Mashable first published the guide, the iPad Air cost $599. Now, in the face of the global memory crisis known as RAMaggedon, it has risen to $749. Mashable acknowledges that this impacts the value proposition, but notes that most other tech prices are on the rise as well.
The Lenovo Yoga Tab as Android Champion
The Lenovo Yoga Tab takes the “Best Android Tablet” crown. It comes with a case, keyboard, and stylus, which is a notable inclusion. The display is bright and high-resolution, and the performance is described as laptop-quality speed.
The downside is that the cover is a little wonky, and the tablet is expensive when it is not on sale. The review notes that the tablet is an exceptional value, performing on par with Apple’s iPads. The Geekbench 6 multi-core score was 5,799, on par with the iPad’s 6,233 and nearly double the OnePlus Pad Go 2’s 3,030.
The writing experience stands out. The pen has a rough tip that simulates haptic feedback, making it feel like an actual pen on paper. The reviewer describes it as the best writing experience on any tablet tested. Lenovo’s built-in note-taking app also gets credit for a better user interface than Apple or Samsung.
Accessory Math Matters
The accessory story is where the Lenovo pick gets interesting. Each Yoga Tab includes a keyboard case and pen, which means buyers get more than just a tablet. On Lenovo’s site, the estimated value is $619.99, but the reviewer says the tablet has never been priced higher than $419.99. That is an amazing deal, according to the review.
For comparison, an iPad with equivalent accessories runs $677. The reviewer frames this as a compelling reason to look at Android options, noting that if you think you need an iPad for writing and drawing, the Lenovo Yoga Tab is the better choice.
Amazon Fires the Low End
The Amazon Fire HD 8 rounds out the list as the “Best Amazon Fire tablet.” The review points to its great, compact screen size and clear resolution. The bad side is that it is extremely affordable, which implies a trade-off in features.
The ranking also mentions the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, which is described as a powerhouse tablet.
A Question of Brand Loyalty
The review opens with a simple question: Are you an Apple person? That framing sets the tone for the entire list. If you are, the iPad Air is the clear recommendation. If you are not, the Lenovo Yoga Tab offers a strong alternative.
The comparison is not a blind test. Mashable prefers iPads, and that preference shapes the language throughout. The reviewer describes the iPad Air as bridging the gap between tablet and laptop while remaining affordable and user-friendly. The reviewer also prefers the iPad Pro for creatives, but notes that the iPad Air is a more budget-friendly option that still handles tough design jobs.
RAMaggedon Hits Everyone
The pricing context matters. RAMaggedon has pushed nearly all tech brands to raise prices on their products, and tablets have not been immune. Many of the models on this list were impacted, and Mashable notes that no one likes rising prices.
The iPad Air’s $749 price tag is a direct result of the memory crisis. The review still stands by the pick, but acknowledges the value hit. Other tech prices are on the rise as well, so the iPad Air remains well-positioned in the market.
The Bottom Line on the Picks
The ranking is a mix of brand loyalty and practical value. The iPad Air leads because it is the best tablet overall, according to Mashable. The Lenovo Yoga Tab leads the Android category because it delivers a writing experience that beats everything else tested.
The Amazon Fire HD 8 fills the low-end slot, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is the powerhouse pick for Samsung fans. The ranking reflects a market where brand preference and accessory bundles matter more than raw specs.
The review is honest about the limitations. It is a subjective ranking based on personal taste, and the picks reflect that. The Lenovo section leans heavily on deals and accessories, but the comparison also includes testing of the iPad lineup and benchmarking against Geekbench 6 scores.
Key Facts Box
– Best tablet overall: Apple iPad Air 2026 (M4)
– Best Android Tablet: Lenovo Yoga Tab
– Best Amazon Fire tablet: Amazon Fire HD 8
– Best Samsung tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
– iPad Air Geekbench 6 score: 13,176 (up from 11,464)
– Lenovo Yoga Tab Geekbench 6 multi-core: 5,799
– OnePlus Pad Go 2 Geekbench 6: 3,030
– iPad Air original price: $599
– iPad Air current price: $749
– Lenovo Yoga Tab estimated value: $619.99
– Lenovo Yoga Tab lowest seen price: $419.99
– iPad with equivalent accessories: $677
The ranking is a snapshot of where the market sits in 2026. The iPad Air is the clear leader, but the Lenovo Yoga Tab shows that Android has a serious contender. The comparison is a reminder that the tablet wars are far from over, and the best option depends on what you are willing to pay and what you are willing to carry.
Source material: “The 7 best tablets of 2026: Comparing iPad, Samsung, and Lenovo,” Mashable.
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