Updated: Top 21 best iPad alternatives
Updated: Top 21 best iPad alternatives
Best iPad alternatives
Apple is still seen by many as the king of the tablet market, however don't let the Cupertino-based firm's offerings blinker your view of a bustling sector.
There's plenty of choice out there, from those who can't afford the iPad's high asking price, to those who want the power but loath the Apple way of life â€" you've come to the right place.
The new iPad is the best tablet out there at the moment (if you're prepared to part with a significant amount of cash), but that doesn't mean the competition is sub-standard, far from it in fact.
The likes of Asus, Samsung, Google and Microsoft are all churning out decent tablets, with more on the horizon for later this year and beyond.
So let's take a look at the best of the bunch as they currently stand. These are the top 21 best iPad alternatives â€" there's one for you in there somewhere!
And don't forget to check out our best Android tablets roundup and our guide to Windows 8 tablets - and of course our in-depth look at the best tablets in the world today.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime
UK release date: January 2012
Review rating: 4.5/5
Price: from £499
Specs: Android 3.1 (upgradeable to Android 4.0), Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core CPU, 10.1-inch capacitive display at 1280x800, keyboard dock with internal battery, micoSD, HDMI-out, 8MP rear-facing camera, 1.2MP front-facing camera, 586g
What we think: The Prime was the first Tegra 3 tablet and the top tablet aside from the iPad. It comes bundled with a keyboard dock that can be fixed to make the tablet a full-on fold-up Android netbook. The dock has its own battery too, and passes its charge over to the tablet whenever it's connected. All in all, there's 17 hours of battery life to be had which is amazing.
Read more: Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime review
Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9
UK release date: October 2011
Review rating: 4.5/5
Price: from £280
Specs: Android 3.1 (upgradeable to Android 4.0), 1GHz dual core Nvidia Tegra 2 CPU, 1GB RAM, 16GB storage, 8.9-inch capacitive screen at 1280x800 (WXGA), Wi-Fi only, 447g
What we think: The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 is almost indistinguishable from its 10.1-inch big brother. To that end, it's a fantastic tablet which is both significantly lighter and thinner than the iPad 2. It's ideal for anyone who thinks 10.1 inches is just slightly too big for a tablet, but also finds 7-inch options a tad too small. A great screen, and premium features across the board make it a superb option.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 review
Google Nexus 7
UK release date: June 2012
Review rating: unrated
Price: from £169
Specs: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core CPU, 12 core GPU, 8GB and 16GB internal storage, 7-inch 1280x800 screen, front facing camera, 340g
What we think: A quad-core processor, beefy GPU and the first device to run Android Jelly Bean, the Nexus 7 certainly packs a punch. We haven't had a chance to put the Nexus 7 through our in-depth review process yet, but early signs suggest that Google has offered up a high powered device at a very reasonable price â€" watch this space.
Read more: hands on Google Nexus 7 review
Microsoft Surface
UK release date: October (provisional)
Review rating: unrated
Price: unknown
Specs: Windows 8/Windows RT, 10.6-inch display, ARM and Intel processor options, front facing camera
What we think: It's a surprise that Microsoft has created its own tablet, but it's done a more than decent job of it; far more creative and polished than many Android tablets. Microsoft has to get the price right though â€" the current thinking is comparable with iPad and 10-inch Android tablets.
Read more: hands on Microsoft Surface review
Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101
UK release date: April 2011
Review rating: 4.5/5
Price: from £300 / £359 with dock
Specs: Android 3.2 (upgradeable to Android 4.0), Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core CPU, 10.1-inch capacitive display at 1280x800, full-size keyboard dock, card reader, HDMI-out, rear-facing camera, front-facing camera
What we think: The Eee Pad Transformer comes with a keyboard dock and the whole package costs just £359 - a veritable bargain. Asus is certainly flying under the radar when it comes to marketing its new tablets, but you should associate the name with words like 'quality' and 'user experience'. This is a fantastic product.
Read more: Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101 review
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
UK release date: July 2011
Review rating: 4.5/5
Price: from £380
Specs: Android 3.1 (upgradeable to Android 4.0), 1GHz dual core CPU, 1GB RAM, 16GB/32GB storage, 10.1-inch capacitive screen at 1280x800 (WXGA), 3MP rear-facing camera, 2MP front-facing camera, 3G, 599g
What we think: As an out-and-out tablet, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is brilliant. It matches the performance of other Tegra 2-based tablets while beating the pants off them in the portability stakes. This tablet is lighter and thinner than the iPad 2. So unless that keyboard dock of Asus' Transformers is a serious draw for you, this is one to consider.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 review
Motorola Xoom 2
UK release date: November 2011
Review rating: 3.5/5
Price: from £299
Specs: Android 3.2 (upgradeable to Android 4.0), OMAP 4 1.2GHz CPU, 1GB RAM, 32GB Flash storage, 10.1-inch capacitive LCD at 1280x800, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, barometer, gyroscope, 5MP rear-facing camera, 1.3MP front-facing camera, 599g
What we think: The Motorola Xoom 2's most noticeable upgrade might be in the chassis, but it's also had an upgrade to a 1.2GHz CPU, along with Android 3.2. This has produced a tablet that's quite snappy overall, though it does still suffer from the odd moment where swipes take a moment to register.
In all honesty, we're rather disappointed with the Xoom 2. It's not the all-conquering tablet we were hoping it was going to be.
Read more: Motorola Xoom 2 review
Sony Tablet S
UK release date: September 2011
Review rating: 4/5
Price: from £299
Specs: Android 3.2 (upgradeable to Android 4.0), 1GHz dual core CPU, 1GB RAM, 16GB/32GB storage, 10.1-inch capacitive screen at 1280x800 (WXGA), 3MP rear-facing camera, 2MP front-facing camera, 598g
What we think: We love the Sony Tablet S and its wedge-shaped design. It really makes it stand out from the crowd. The responsive touchscreen and unique shape combine to make this tablet extremely usable, and a joy to type on. If you're choosing an Android tablet you won't be disappointed.
Read more: Sony Tablet S review
Toshiba AT200
UK release date: January 2012
Review rating: 4/5
Price: from £329
Specs: Android 3.2 Honeycomb (upgradeable to Android 4.0), 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, 16GB and 32GB internal storage, 10.1-inch 1280 x 800 TFT display, 5MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, micro SD, USB and HDMI, 535g
What we think: The Toshiba AT200 is a good, solid and portable device, delivering everything you'd expect from an unfussy Android slate. If you're looking for a standard tablet experience, the AT200 is certainly worth a look - oh, and it's the world's slimmest tablet.
Read more: Toshiba AT200 review
Asus Transformer Pad 300
UK release date: May 2012
Review rating: 4/5
Price: from £339
Specs: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core CPU, 1GB RAM, 16GB and 32GB internal storage, 10.1-inch IPS LCD 1280 x 800 display, 8MP rear camera, 1.2MP front camera, 635g
What we think: Individual needs and budget will determine if the Asus Transformer Pad TF300 is right for you, but we applaud Asus for marrying value and performance, and the TF300 comes highly recommended.
Read more: Asus Transformer Pad 300 review
More iPad alternatives
Amazon Kindle Fire
UK release date: US only
Review rating: 4/5
Price: $199 (around £130)
Specs: Heavily modified Android 2.3, 512MB RAM, 1GHz Texus Instruments OMAP 4 4430 CPU, 7-inch capacitive screen 1024x600, microUSB port, Amazon Sevices bundled, 8GB storage
What we think: The Amazon Kindle Fire represents astonishingly good value for money; perhaps the best gadget bargain of this era. It isn't an all-singing, all-dancing device that ticks all the boxes, neither does it attempt to be. It's is an enjoyable device to use and defies its price point in almost all areas.
Read more: Amazon Kindle Fire review
Acer Iconia Tab A510
UK release date: April 2012
Review rating: 4/5
Price: from £349
Specs: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core CPU, 1GB RAM, 32GB internal storage, 10.1-inch capacitive 1280 x 800 display, 5MP rear facing camera, 1MP front facing camera, 680g
What we think: For your financial outlay, the Acer Iconia Tab A510 represents a shrewd investment, especially for people willing to accept a few minor flaws. There are cheaper tablets out there running Ice Cream Sandwich, but these budget offerings do not offer the sheer power of the Tegra 3 platform, and the lightning-fast Android 4.0 experience.
Read more: Acer Iconia Tab A510 review
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0
UK release date: May 2012
Review rating: 3.5/5
Price: from £199
Specs: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, 1GHz OMAP 4430 dual-core CPU, 1GB RAM, 8GB, 16GB and 32GB internal storage options, 7-inch 1024 x 600 TFT display, 3MP rear camera, VGA front camera, 344g
What we think: If the idea of a capable, portable, fun and comparatively low cost tablet appeals enough to you to make you part with £200, then this is your tablet. However, those who strive for the best experience, the sharpest screen and the most slender, curvaceous build will see that Samsung has cut corners with the Tab 2 7.0.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 review
BlackBerry Playbook
UK release date: April 2011
Review rating: 3/5
Price: from £190
Specs: BlackBerry Tablet OS (QNX), 1GHz Cortex A9 dual core CPU, 1GB RAM, 7-inch capacitive LCD at 1024x600, 3MP front-facing camera, 5MP rear-facing camera, 400g
What we think: The BlackBerry PlayBook is designed to be mobile and business-friendly. That means, at 130x194mm, the device is small enough to hold with one hand, slip in a laptop bag side pouch, and even carry around all day to meetings. The problem's start, though, with the lack of an email app, the dependence on owning a BlackBerry smartphone and a terminal lack of apps.
Read more: BlackBerry Playbook review
Motorola Xoom
UK release date: March 2011
Review rating: 4/5
Price: from £310
Specs: Android 3.0, Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core CPU, 1GB RAM, 32GB Flash storage, 10.1-inch capacitive LCD at 1280x800, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, barometer, gyroscope, 5MP rear-facing camera, 2MP front-facing camera, 3G, 730g
What we think: The Motorola Xoom is one of the second-generation Android tablets that the tech world got very excited about when it came out. Packing Nvidia's super-powerful Tegra 2 chip and running the tablet-friendly Android 3.0 OS, the Xoom was the first genuine iPad challenger. Ultimately though, it failed to attract buyers, however the Xoom is still a decent, premium and well-built tablet, but there are better options available.
Read more: Motrola Xoom review
Asus Eee Pad Slider SL101
UK release date: October 2011
Review rating: 4.5/5
Price: from £399
Specs: Android 3.2 (upgradeable to Android 4.0), Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core CPU, 10.1-inch capacitive display at 1280x800, slide-out keyboard, micoSD, HDMI-out, rear-facing camera, front-facing camera
What we think: While the form factor might not suit those going for an iPad-a-like Android option, the Slider is still a gorgeous tablet. It isn't going after the same market as the iPad 2 or Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, but as an alternative to a small laptop it's compact, light and fast, putting many Windows 7 devices to shame.
Read more: Asus Eee Pad Slider review
Huawei MediaPad 7
UK release date: 2012
Review rating: 4/5
Price: from £296
Specs: Android 3.2 Honeycomb (upgradeable to Android 4.0), 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB RAM, 7-inch LCD WXGA 1280x800 IPS display, 5MP rear camera, 1.3MP front camera, 390g
What we think: Huawei made much of this being the first Android 3.2 Honeycomb tablet, but that's not much of a big deal now that Android 4.0, aka Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) has landed. In fact there's nothing about the MediaPad 7 that's a big deal. And that, for us, is the big deal.
Read more: Huawei MediaPad 7 review
Acer Iconia Tab A200
UK release date: April 2012
Review rating: 3.5/5
Price: from £269
Specs: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core processor, 8GB internal storage, 10.1-inch 1280 x 800 screen, 2MP front camera, 715g
What we think: Although the market for budget tablets is getting increasingly crowded, the Acer Iconia Tab A200 offers a lot for its relatively low price. It's replicating some of the policies that have made its laptops increasingly popular. That is, an unremarkable chassis with a brief smattering of necessary ports and a concentration on offering decent power at a very attractive price.
Read more: Acer Iconia Tab A200 review
Orange Tahiti
UK release date: February 2012
Review rating: 3.5/5
Price: £299
Specs: Android 3.2 Honeycomb, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 7-inch TFT screen, 5MP rear camera, VGA front camera, 400g
What we think: The Orange Tahiti is a great own-branded tablet form a retailer that is looking to push the device much in the same way as it would a handset, with a small one-off payment plus monthly contractual fees. But there are certainly better devices on the market that, in the long run, would prove better value for money.
Read more: Orange Tahiti review
Sony Tablet P
UK release date: September 2011
Review rating: 3.5/5
Price: from £330
Specs: Android 3.2 Honeycomb (upgradeable to Android 4.0), 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, 4GB internal storage, dual 5.5-inch displays, 5MP camera, 372g
What we think: We admire Sony for taking a more novel approach with both of its tablets, and the price drop from the initial £449 asking price makes the unique, dual-screen, clamshell tablet more attractive. Its unique folding design makes it easy to carry and protects the dual screens, and the compact build makes it great for carrying around, getting online and social networking.
Read more: Sony Tablet P review
Archos 101 G9
UK release date: October 2011
Review rating: 3.5/5
Price: from £225
Specs: Android 3.2 Honeycomb, Dual-core CPU, 10.1-inch capacitive display at 1280x800, HDMI-out, rear-facing camera, front-facing camera, multiple storage options including 250GB HDD
What we think: If you're in the market for a capable tablet, but have a limited budget, then this is one of the best options outside of price cuts that you can get. The potential problem is we're bombarded by cut-price tablets, and much better units can be had for this kind of cash.
Read more: Archos 101 G9 review
And now why not check out our best Android tablets roundup and our guide to Windows 8 tablets?
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