Need a Tablet Right Now? Here Are the 2021 Best Options

In the world of consumer technology, there’s always something new coming out. Subsequently, there are always rumors about the next new thing that’s not quite here yet. It can be hard to know when to upgrade to a new device for fear of missing out on the next great thing, potentially only months away.

That said, at some point, you need to make the decision to buy. Sometimes the time is obvious, like when your old device bites the dust or is so glitchy that it’s barely usable.

Other times it’s a little more nebulous. Maybe you want — but don’t exactly need — a tablet. Or perhaps you’re replacing one that’s getting old and slow but still technically works OK.

Whatever your situation, if you need a new tablet right now, Upsie has you covered. Check out these top picks for new tablets in early to mid 2021.

While you’re at it, make sure to pick up an extended tablet warranty to go with your new tablet purchase. Upsie’s warranties offer outstanding coverage at affordable prices — exactly the combination you’re looking for.

In October 2020, Apple refreshed its iPad Air, adding in tons of power and functionality that used to be reserved for the iPad Pro line. The new iPad Air has a squarer approach similar to the iPhone 12 lineup, and the beautiful 10.9-inch screen has a smaller bezel than ever before.

The A14 processor included here is the latest from Apple, and it’s blazing fast. The iPad Pros, which haven’t been updated as recently, have a souped-up version of the older A12 processor that has more cores but slower performance per core.

The metal and glass design is impressively high-end. Further, the true stereo speakers and Apple Pencil support make the Air great for both consumption and creation.

The cameras here are upgraded—especially the 7-megapixel front-facing cam. You’ll look fantastic on Zoom with this one.

All in all, the new iPad Air is a top contender for best all-around tablet. Many in the tech media, including PCMag, agree.

To be honest, the high-end Android tablet market isn’t very crowded at all right now. Many believe that Apple is winning this space with its iPad lineup, and fewer Android makers are trying to compete on the high end.

That said, Samsung remains in the game, and their latest offerings are impressive. Samsung continues the trend of being the first big player to market with certain innovations, even if there are trade-offs in the process. With the Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+, you get a 120Hz refresh rate, a competitive Snapdragon processor, and an integrated and included S Pen. This gorgeous tablet sits at 11 inches for the standard model and 12.4 inches for the Plus model.

The S7 starts at around $100 higher than the iPad Air, but the S7 includes its pen. If you want an Apple Pencil, you’ll have to shell out an extra $100 — making the devices comparable in price.

Is the Galaxy Tab S7 better than the iPad Air? It’s tough to make the case, but it certainly holds its own. In the end, if you’re looking for a strong Android alternative, this is it.

If your tablet needs are more about consuming media and playing games and less about creativity and productivity, then you probably don’t need a $500+ tablet. The Amazon Fire HD 10 costs just $150, and it’s a great budget tablet by any metric.

The display is good. It isn’t great, like the displays in the premium tablets reviewed above. But it’s far better than you might expect for the price.

Fire tablets run a modified version of Android, meaning the experience is a little different. Your app selection will be limited (no Microsoft Office, for example), but all the main entertainment apps are here.

To be clear, there are better tablets available. But no other budget tablet comes anywhere close to this balance of price and performance.

E-ink tablets aren’t for everyone, as they aren’t good for gaming or movies. But if you’re working with lots of documents, e-ink is far easier on the eyes—and the battery. Unlike typical e-ink devices, the Onyx Boox Note Air is large and powerful, running full Android and displaying letter-sized documents with ease.

If you’re using your tablet for academic purposes more than entertainment, consider the Onyx Boox Note Air.

Upsie offers industry-leading extended warranty protection that won’t break your wallet. When you pick up your new tablet, make sure you purchase an extended warranty to match. With the right warranty, you can get back on track quickly after a device fails or breaks, including through accidental damage.

Ready to get protected? Get your warranty today.