The best small tablets of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

Aug 21, 2026 - 16:10

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The best small tablets of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

Many people today opt for smaller tablets, although our flexible and foldable smartphones may eventually earn a larger slice of the market. A small tablet makes a fantastic digital companion. They're great for reading on the beach, watching videos, or entertaining the kids on long car trips. These small devices -- with display sizes ranging from around six to 10 inches -- can be just as powerful as their larger counterparts, offering rapid performance, access to your favorite apps, and vibrant displays.

If you're looking to purchase your first tablet, you should consider one of these small, light, and often budget-friendly options. Some of our favorites include the iPad Mini and Amazon's Fire tablet lineup.

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What is the best small tablet right now?

My pick for the best small tablet is the iPad Mini (7th gen), thanks to its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and weight of just under one pound. In addition, Apple tablets have long been considered some of the best in the market.

ZDNET performs extensive hands-on testing with various tablets of all sizes while we are compiling our recommended tablets list. We have researched and tested compact-sized tablets from Samsung, Apple, Amazon, and other brands for those looking for something more portable.

Also: The best large tablets you can buy

In our August update, we added the Boox Palma Pro 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 as new top picks.

The best small tablets of 2026

Maria Diaz/ZDNET

Apple's iPad Mini is our top pick for the best small tablet as a compact, powerful device that ticks many boxes.

Why we like it: We like the iPad Mini due to its A17 Pro Chip -- the same powerful processor found in the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max -- that is also compatible with Apple Intelligence.

The iPad Mini was updated last year with new features. These include Apple Pencil Pro support and Apple Intelligence capabilities like Writing Tools, the redesigned Siri, Priority Notifications and Messages, Summarization tools, Smart Reply, and the Clean Up tool in Photos.

There's a spot on the right side of the tablet to charge the Apple Pencil, making it a great tablet for those who value the option to draw or write notes. Customers who bought the iPad Mini reported in reviews that they were impressed by its battery life, durability, and display.

They also noted its portability, which allows it to fit in purses and bags, particularly for entertainment purposes.

Review: Apple iPad Mini (seventh-generation)

Who it's for: ZDNET writer Maria Diaz tested the Apple iPad Mini and said, "The iPad Mini 7 is compact and fast, and its Apple silicon processor is built to last for years." She also added, "Buy the iPad Mini 7 for the entertainment tablet it is." So, if you want an all-rounder and a device that is suitable for streaming and other entertainment purposes, consider this option.

Who should look elsewhere: If you aren't a fan of the Apple ecosystem, check out my other top picks.

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Amazon

If you're looking for something even smaller and cheaper than the iPad Mini, the Amazon Fire 8 tablet is a great budget tablet pick.

Why we like it: The Fire tablet's 8-inch screen has a 1280 x 800 HD display, so you can stream movies or play video games without hauling around a bulky product.

It's an upgrade on the legacy Fire 7, which is also a great entry-level tablet. This upgraded model offers 32GB of storage, which can be expanded up to 1TB, alongside improved processing power and up to 13 hours of battery life. There are also two cameras, one front and one rear-facing.

Along with the ability to ask Alexa questions, you can view and manage your Alexa-connected smart home devices. You can control cameras, lights, and outlets using your voice or by tapping the dedicated Devices button in the bottom navigation bar.

Who it's for: Anyone who wants a small, affordable tablet for streaming, reading, and entertainment outside of the Apple iOS ecosystem.

This tablet can be purchased on Amazon for $65, which is more than reasonable for a small tablet. If you're willing to pay a little more, you can remove lockscreen ad support.

Who should look elsewhere: If you want more power, consider an Apple iPad Mini instead.

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Nina Raemont/ZDNET

If you want a tablet mainly for reading on the road or at night, Amazon's Kindle should be on your radar.

Why we like it: The upgraded 12th-generation Kindle offers most of the specs from the previous model, with a few new additions. These include different exterior colors -- Matcha and Black, a brighter front light, a higher contrast ratio, and a faster page-turn rate.

ZDNET editor Nina Raemont also tried the new Kindle hands-on and was particularly impressed with its lightning-fast performance, especially when compared to older models.

Review: Amazon Kindle (12th-generation)

"While I was reading, I noticed that the page-turning and book-loading speeds were significantly quicker than on my Kindle Oasis or Kindle Paperwhite from 2022," Raemont wrote.

The 12th-generation Amazon Kindle is available for a budget-friendly price of $90 at Amazon.

Who it's for: Anyone who wants a tablet mainly for reading more comfortably than what you expect from traditional tablet screens.

The anti-glare 300ppi display makes it easy to read in any light, and dark mode is a warm welcome when you're trying to read at night without letting blue light interrupt your sleep cycle. Plus, it weighs just .35 pounds, meaning it'll fit most bags and backpacks.

Who should look elsewhere: If you want a tablet more geared toward productivity or entertainment apps, consider one of my other recommendations.

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Samsung/ZDNET

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 is a small Android tablet that combines affordability and usefulness.

Why we like it: Samsung's tablet lineup spans price, capability, and screen size, and the A11 has an 8.7-inch screen with a 1340x800 display, making it worthy of streaming and basic tasks.

The Tab A11 is portable and especially pragmatic if you're using it to entertain kids with educational apps. Plus, the metal frame adds some ruggedness. The tablet has 64GB of storage and allows up to 2TB of expandable storage.

Who it's for: This affordable Samsung tablet has a small enough form factor to slip easily into a handbag, and is able to handle day-to-day tasks such as checking email and using mobile apps with ease. Plus, it's priced at $138 and often goes on sale for even less.

Who should look elsewhere: If you want a tablet for reading or heavy resource use, this might not be the right option for you. Check out another of my favorites.

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Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

If you really want something small, the Boox Palma Pro 2 is by far the smallest on our list, more closely resembling a smartphone than an actual tablet.

Why we like it: But for those who prioritize portability, this 6.13-inch device packs a lot of punch into a small package. The backlit Kaleido 3 color display resembles a newspaper or magazine, with a highly customizable range of preset refresh modes and color options.

Like Onyx's other Boox tablets, the Palma 2 Pro runs Android 15 and, with access to the Google Play Store, allows users to access any downloadable apps like Pinterest, Kindle, and more.

Review: Boox Palma Pro 2

Who it's for: Its compact size is ideal for anyone who wants a one-handed device that serves as a notepad for quick thoughts. , as it handles more like a smartphone and less like a Kindle or tablet. The pen-on-paper experience of note-taking is lovely, with minimal lag and a responsive feel thanks to the Boox Ink Sense Plus stylus.

Who should look elsewhere: This device's small size is part of its drawbacks, unfortunately. Palm interference is inevitable, and the text can appear small and faint if your settings aren't optimized.

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The best small tablet is the iPad Mini because of its sharp display and impressive cameras. Plus, the A17 Pro chip is packed with power in a small package. But if you're unsure, the factors below may sway your decision.

Tablet	Price	Screen size	Display
Apple iPad Mini	$489	8.3 inches	Liquid Retina
Amazon Fire 8	$65	8 inches	1280 x 800 pixels
Amazon Kindle	$90	6 inches	300ppi glare-free
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11	$138	8.7 inches	1340 x 800 pixels
Boox Palma Pro 2	$400	6.13 inches	824 x 1648 pixels

Choose this small tablet...	If you want...
Apple iPad Mini	The best overall small tablet with a USB-C port for quicker charging and data transfers. It also comes equipped with Apple Intelligence.
Amazon Fire 8	A budget-friendly and well-rounded tablet with reasonable battery life and smart assistant functionality. Its 8-inch screen has a 1280x800 display.
Amazon Kindle	A small and portable tablet designed for reading with dark mode and six weeks of battery life. Its 300ppi is the same display as the Kindle Paperwhite and the Kindle Oasis.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11	A small Samsung tablet with expandable storage and an exceptional battery life. The tablet allows for up to 2TB of expandable storage.
Boox Palma Pro 2	A note-taking tablet that fits into the palm of your hand, allowing you to take notes on the go and.

We know there are a lot of tablets and tablet sizes to choose from, but ultimately, these factors should be considered before making a purchase:

Size: These tablets range between six and eight inches, which defines a tablet as small. Consider whether you want one of the smallest options or you want a model at the higher end of the range.
Display: Small tablets shouldn't have to compromise on an already smaller display, and many tablets now pack a punch in relation to resolution and display technologies.
Use cases: One of the most important deciding factors in selecting a new tablet is what you plan to use it for. If you intend to use resource-heavy applications, for example, opt for a model with a powerful processor. You may prioritize storage space if you want a tablet for storing TV shows, books, and films.
Battery life: A device's battery life is important no matter its size, so we considered devices that can last you all day -- but expected battery life can vary.
Operating system: What's your favorite mobile operating system? Your choice of small tablet may hinge on whether you like iOS, Android, or another OS.
Accessories: While a small factor in your decision, you might want a specific color, case, or stylus. Research what's available before you buy.
Price: Tablets vary in price range from affordable to expensive depending on brand and purpose, so we made sure to choose tablets at various price points to accommodate different budgets.

The ZDNET team chose all of the tablets included in this list based on their performance when tested in the real world. When we test tablets, we typically follow the same routine for each one to see which performs best.

Display: We measure the brightness level in different lighting conditions and assess color accuracy.
We also compare the display's performance with what the manufacturer promised, test the screen's responsiveness to touch, and assess the performance of any extra features, like a manufacturer's stylus.
Performance: For real-world performance metrics, our reviewers measure how quickly the tablet reacts to input, assess game performance and frame rates, test how the tablet handles having multiple apps running simultaneously, measure the time it takes to launch apps, and even assess the tablet's temperature during intensive tasks.
Battery life: We test different scenarios for battery life, including measuring how long the battery lasts while streaming, web browsing, using productivity apps, and playing games.

Camera and audio: For cameras, we evaluate features like resolution, aperture, low-light performance, autofocus accuracy, dynamic range, color accuracy, image quality, sharpness, and video quality. For audio, we look at the sound quality and overall listening experience, including audio clarity at different volumes, stereo separation of left and right audio channels, maximum volume level in various environments, and if there is perceived distortion.

For a deeper look into our testing process, check out our comprehensive tablet testing methodology.

Latest news

Amazon is reportedly working on significant changes to its Fire tablet range. The operating system hasn't always been popular with every user, so a new Fire tablet running on Android might be on the horizon.
If you're interested in creating a smart home system, a tablet can become an excellent hub for your controls.
Kindles from 2012 or earlier stopped accessing the Kindle Store and ended software updates in May.

The smallest tablet screen size on the market is six to seven inches. Anything smaller would be more similar to a smartphone.

It's why you want to consider your primary uses when considering which small tablet is right for you. To demonstrate, if you travel often, one with a smaller screen will be perfect for carrying/using on an airplane. If your aim is to read more e-books or draw, you'll want one with a larger screen.

Tablets made by Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft are the best-made tablets in terms of quality. Amazon has well-rounded tablets in its Fire lineup but with fewer performance-focused features. Boox is also proving to be an industry underdog, with impressive tablets that function as e-readers and illustrators.

Keep in mind in certain cases, you can pair your other devices with the tablet. In the case of Apple tablets, you can log in using your Apple ID to access the same apps, pictures, and more from your phone on your iPad.

Meanwhile, with Samsung devices, you can implement Samsung Flow. Download the app on your phone and tablet. You can connect your tablet to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Yes, they can be. Small Android tablets allow you to do everything you would normally do, like reading e-books and video calling, without the higher price tags.

Their lightweight body and compact design make them perfect traveling companions. So, if you're searching for the best Android tablet with great battery life and lightweight design, the minis are an enticing choice.

The smallest iPad is the iPad Mini which has a screen size of 8.3 inches. It's also lightweight at just under one pound.

Latest updates

August 2026: We added the Boox Palma Pro 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 as top picks and updated copy and pricing throughout.

Other tablets we've tested

Amazon/ZDNet

This tiny tablet is big on fun, with one year of Amazon Kids+ included in the price. The 7-inch tablet also features easy-to-set-up parental controls and a sturdy case. Best of all, it's currently on sale for only $70.

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Amazon

The $110 Lenovo Tab One is an excellent alternative if you're looking for an entertainment-first tablet. This model offers an 8.7-inch HD display, 64GB of storage, and up to 12 hours of streaming on a single charge.

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If you'd like to explore more of the best tablets in 2026, check out our guides on the best tablets in the market overall, the best Android tablets around, and our favorite Samsung tablets today.

Tablets Reviewed & Compared

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