tablets with stylus for note taking

The 14 Best Tablets for Note-Taking (Updated 2021)

Tablets can be an effective way to take notes these days. So if you're seeking efficient tech for note-taking, here are the best tablets available.

Styluses are more considered as an accessory by people rather than an actual necessity. While it may be true for a large group of tablet users, there is an entire crowd that needs superfluid, note-taking tablets for their daily use.

For instance, business people (or writers) who are always on their feet with a pen in hand cannot afford the hassle of bringing notepads and paper everywhere. After all, iit's 2020 and the digital age is upon us. This aspect of using tablets as notepads is excellent since everything can be backed on the cloud, which of course the old stone and chisel cannot.

In the end, the essence of tablets that are built for note-taking is not about having high-end accessories but also having great pen support for the tablet and its responsiveness to scribbling and drawing. This list showcases tablets from all backgrounds and doesn't necessarily include accessories like the best iPad cases. However, no matter your interests regarding note-taking, these are the best tablets for that purpose .

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is inarguably one of the best stylus-supporting tablets for note-taking and drawing, and definitely the best Android tablet out there. A lot of factors contribute to this title and they are not just pen-related, but the one that takes the cake is that the S Pen does not cost you a fortune and is shipped with the tablet. It doesn't rely on battery and supports up to 4,096 points of pressure sensitivity.

The Tab S6 gets a lot right in an Android tablet. It has a speedy Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Processor and flexible storage with 128GB or 256GB, which can both be expanded up to 1TB with a microSD card. Samsung's recent updates to its DeX mode even make the Tab S6 a more viable laptop substitute than earlier models.

The Tab S6 itself sports a super neat Super AMOLED screen. Though it's just 10.5 inches, the tablet's premium features make up for the average screen size. For instance, its 112% DCI-P3 coverage is remarkable, the adaptive display with 80% RGB looks flawless, and the almost-perfect color accuracy combines the tablet to show its true colors. The Galaxy Tab S6 comes with Android 9.0 Pie as the operating system and built-in facial recognition.

But of course, all good things do not come cheap! If you want the best Android tablet on the market, make sure you invest properly to get the Galaxy Tab S6 and its top-of-the-line features.

Key Features

2-in-1 tablet PC machine
Rapidly switch between apps and tasks or immerse yourself in graphic-intensive games
All-new S Pen included
Lightweight, powerful device
Up to 15 hours on a full charge to work, play & create

Specifications

Display Size: 10.5"
Battery Life: 15 Hours
Memory: 6GB
Brand: Samsung

Pros

Out-performing its predecessors
Beautiful minimalistic design
Updated S Pen stylus

Cons

Keyboard is not included & takes time to adjust to its small keys

The first impression that the Surface Pro 7 usually leaves is of a futuristic machine that comes with a relatively affordable price. The black paint job on the chassis is proof of its rich build-quality that can make it pass as a premium tablet any day of the week. But the absolute next best thing about the Surface Pro 7 is its outstanding Type Cover. The detachable Surface Pro 6 supports magnetic attachment of both the Surface Stylus and the Type Cover. The Surface Pen is no less of a phenomenon itself. It can easily fall amongst the best styluses on the market, with a great grip, smooth strokes, standard battery, and 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity.

To sweeten the deal more, the Surface Pro 7 comes with Windows Hello which by far is the most effortless way to log into your tablet. This machine is so powerful that it comes with full-fledged desktop software, unlike other Android tablets. Moreover, its laptop-like Intel Quad-Core chip certainly gives you a very PC-like experience.

The Surface Pro 7 easily classifies amongst the best Windows 10-powered slates with stylus support and great processing power with only one flaw: the inadequate set of ports. The missing USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports only limit the selection of devices you can connect with this tablet. Despite looking like a tablet of the future, its port selection holds it back.

Key Features

Next-gen, best-in-class tablet with the versatility of a studio & tablet
Faster than any predecessors with a 10th-gen Intel Core processor
Standout design that won't weight you down; weighs 1.7lbs
All day battery life of up to 10.5 hours

Specifications

Display Size: 12.3"
Battery Life: 10.5 Hours
Memory: 8GB
Brand: Microsoft

Pros

Vastly improved performance
Now with WiFi 6
Windows Hello is flawless

Cons

No Thunderbolt 3 ports

Here is an affordable device for you if you're looking for an Android tablet with a stylus but on a tight budget. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A might not offer premium features but does offer good value. It is perfect for jotting down your notes on the go, given its extended support for software like Evernote and Onenote which widely support pen inputs.

This is a mid-range tablet that provides an all-day battery life and stylus support. Now, it might not provide the best performance in terms of speed and responsiveness, but it does make do for basic users. There is so much you can expect from an Octa-Core 1.8GHz processor and 2GB of RAM. Then again, there are not many options out there for slates that come with stylus support and don't break the bank.

The Galaxy Tab A has a 10.1-inch, 1920 by 1200 display providing a decent density of 224 pixels per inch. Considering the much more expensive Apple iPad Pro that provides just a little above that benchmark at 264 pixels per inch, the display of Tab A can be classified amongst the best ones.

You will notice that the 2019 Tab A doesn't come with a stylus within the box as Samsung discontinued the stylus. Predecessors had an option for the stylus, but now, buyers will have to purchase it separately. We recommend purchasing any third-party stylus that supports tablets to get the job done.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A offers excellent value for the price it comes with and is a good starter slate for rookies and students.

Key Features

Built with a 10.1" Display with 1920 x 1200 resolution featuring minimal bezel
2GB RAM, 32GB internal storage & MicroSD card slot to allow you to expand the memory
Samsung Exynos 7904A Eight-Core Processor
Ultra-fast 802.11AC WiFi 5.0, Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5mm Audio
Android 9.0 Pie operating system

Specifications

Display Size: 10.1"
Battery Life: 6 Hours
Memory: 2GB
Brand: Samsung

Pros

Beautiful display quality
Rich quad-speaker audio
Elegant design & comfortable handling

If you're looking for a bit more precision in your tablet, then look no further than the iPad Pro. The Pro does offer better haptic accuracy than most other stylus-compatible tablets, and the large 11-inch screen provides you with a bigger canvas for either drawing or making spreadsheets.

Based on who the Pro is for, the tablet is intended to be ideal for business use. All gestures and strokes almost come naturally while working with the Pro thanks to its full pressure sensitivity and palm rejection of the Apple Pencil. The Pro also comes equipped with Face ID, which is incredibly responsive.

Apple claims that the tablet holds an all-day battery. Fortunately, it's more than that. The Pro is capable of going beyond 24 hours after constant use throughout the day, and Apple's claim of 10 hours of life seems modest; you'll definitely get to the end of the day. That is, unless you're absolutely hammering the notes for hours on end, which you (likely) wouldn't expect to be doing with a tablet in the first place. There's no wireless charging of offer here, which some will despise, but getting a powerful tablet like the Pro to be wirelessly charged is still a bit away from being a possibility.

There's so much power in the Pro, and if you're capable of using it in the spirit in which it was created, and harnessing that power, then you'll likely get a lot of joy out of the tablet. However, you are spending a lot of cash to get that power, so unless that is your endgame, your ideal tablet may be one with less emphasis on performance..

Key Features

11" edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display with ProMotion, True Tone & P3 wide color
A12Z Bionic chip with Neural Engine
12MP wide camera, 10MP ultra wide camera & LiDAR Scanner
7MP TrueDepth front camera
4 speaker audio & 5 studio-quality microphones

Specifications

Display Size: 11"
Battery Life: 10 Hours
Memory: 6GB
Brand: Apple

Pros

Pencil clips on
Insane amount of power for a tablet
Superb speakers

Cons

Pencil & Keyboard are expensive extras

If you're looking for a mid-range Android tablet that looks posh and premium, go for the Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite. The sleek and weightless aluminum body will certainly turn heads anywhere. Moreover, it's so lightweight and portable that it can fit inside a small purse or large pocket easily. Though the frame might be portable, it does not offer the best battery life or the most powerful performance for that matter, which kind of takes the joy out of portability.

Aside from the downside of its battery or performance, what you certainly will enjoy is the IPS LCD display that has 1920 by 1200 resolution. The Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite might not have an AMOLED screen, but the crystal-sharp output of its display makes up for all its shortcomings.

The aspect ratio is another great facet of this tablet, as it's been lauded for having one of the most impressive screens among tablets. It clocks in at a 16:9 aspect ratio. Plus, Harmon Kardon-tuned speakers on this thing complete the exquisite cinematic experience.

There are many ways in which the Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite gives you more for less; more screen, more storage, more connectivity, and more features, all for less money than an iPad Pro or a Samsung Galaxy Tab S6.

In addition to the hardware feeling and looking very refined, some of the tablet's software features could be better–most notably EMUI Desktop. Summing up, the M5 Lite might not have the most seamless software or the most robust interior, but its glitz and glam provide such an impeccable user experience that you certainly get your money's worth.

Key Features

Features a curved-edge 2.5D 10.1" display
Quad-speaker system delivers fine-tuned & precisely optimizes concert hall audio
Gentle, minimalist curves provide a luxurious look
Takes only 3 hours to get the M5 Lite fully charged

Specifications

Display Size: 10.1"
Battery Life: 12 Hours
Memory: 3GB
Brand: Huawei

Pros

Premium design
Excellent speakers
Good value

Cons

Half-baked software in places

The Lenovo Yoga Book is the most innovative and creative entry on this list yet. The cross between tablets and laptops is a common conception, but Lenovo has taken it to a level where expectations barely reach.

This hybrid tablet comes with a Real Pen stylus and a Halo keyboard and offers immense versatility to what you can do with both. The Halo keypad doubles as a haptic keyboard and a drawing surface, with the accuracy and haptic sensitivity of the touchpad being what buyers have lauded the most. Though it takes some time for touch typists to get used to a flat backlit Cornilla Glass keyboard, the TouchPal auto-correct software makes the transition a lot easier.

If that's not impressive enough, Lenovo has managed to transform the touchpad into a full-fledged Wacom digitizer. With just a press of a button, the touchpad transforms from a well-lit keyboard to a Create Pad for using the Real Pen.

What's really impressive is that Lenovo provides a magnetic notepad that works like a normal pen and paper using EMR technology. All strokes, writings, and drawings are transformed into digitized figures and notes with incredible accuracy and offer palm detection that is a digital artist's ultimate dream.

The Lenovo Yoga Book is a masterpiece in terms of flexibility and ingenuity. From the Halo surface and included Real Pen to its fantastic display and lightweight body, the Yoga Book is a perfect fit for almost all kinds of users. Though the Intel's Atom processor holds back a little, this is still quite a revolutionary tablet.

Key Features

Thinnest & lightest YogaBook yet
High-performing portable tablet
Productivity using the Real Pen stylus
Theater-like multimedia comes with built-in dual speakers
Endless options to draw, type, take notes or browse the web

Specifications

Display Size: 10.1"
Battery Life: 13 Hours
Memory: 4GB
Brand: Lenovo

Pros

Insanely thin & light
Excellent display
Clever Create Pad

Cons

Woefully underpowered

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The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a decent choice for less demanding tasks as it's the most this tablet can handle. The Intel Pentium processor isn't really the powerhouse you would be going for if you are a hardcore tablet user. Nonetheless, for everyday work, the Surface Go 2 Tablet does the job well and looks good doing so too.

The Go 2's incredibly slim build and brilliantly vivid display can easily make it pass as a premium tablet. The 10-inch screen might not be for everyone, but then again, this tablet lets you almost have the Surface Pro 7 experience while on a budget. Moreover, the Go 2 supports the same Surface pen that works with the Surface Pro 7, which means that you'll be using one of the finest styluses on the market.

The Surface keyboard is extremely comfy and well-lit and gives off a very subtle feel while working in laptop mode. Although, due to its small size, it might cause slight discomfort to folks who are used to working with 17-inch laptops.

Another thing to add is that the Surface keyboard and Surface Pen will be costing you extra if you are planning to pair the tablet with its accessories.

Apart from the mediocre PC performance, the battery life may come off short compared to other tablets on the list. So, if you are considering investing in the Surface Go 2, be sure to carry its charger with you.

Key Features

High-res 10" PixelSense Display designed to be viewed, touched & written on
Lightest surface yet, starting at 1.15lbs
All-day battery life & ambient light sensor
Runs Windows 10 Home in S Mode, streamlined for security & superior performance
Includes multitasking USB-C, fast-charging surface connect & headphone jack

Specifications

Display Size: 10"
Battery Life: 9 Hours
Memory: 8GB
Brand: Microsoft

Pros

Bright, colorful & bigger screen
Thinner bezels streamline design
Excellent webcame

Cons

Performance doesn't impress

The ASUS Transformer Mini is one of the most affordable options here. Not just because of its price, but because of the keyboard cover that comes with the tablet. As you must have noticed by now, purchasing a stylus or keyboard separately can set you back a pretty penny and that can be a big deal for our budget users.

The performance review of the ASUS Transformer Mini is entirely subjective. Some might find the performance lacking and it might actually be true. The ASUS Transformer Mini should not be your primary choice if you want a stable, strong performing portable slate. If your daily tasks are slightly ambitious, involving media manipulation, gaming, simulation, or working with complex software, you will find the performance wobbly and laggy.

On the bright side, its Intel Atom x5-Z8350 processor is an upgrade from its predecessor, delivering 20% better performance. Moreover, the cheap cost doesn't really reflect on the tablet's modern exterior design, having a magnesium alloy build. One more surprising plus is the full-size USB port which is another hard-to-find in tablets this cheap.

So, if you're a mild user who just needs a light, carryable, affordable device for work emails and documents or even for just staying connected, you will be very pleased with this product.

Key Features

Versatile Windows 10 device with keyboard & pen included
All day battery life of up to 12 hours
2MP webcam & 128GB Solid State Storage
Magnesium alloy body weighs less than 1.7lbs

Specifications

Display Size: 10.1"
Battery Life: 12 Hours
Memory: 4GB
Brand: ASUS

Pros

Comes with keyboard & pen
Competitive price
USB 3.0 port included

The 2020 iPad Pro is one of Apple's most hyped up products for official use. At first glance, especially when you look at it from the front, you might confuse it for its 2018 predecessor. It has the same dimensions as the 2018 version, and were it not for the new square camera bump at the back, the 2020 iPad Pro would just look the same as its predecessor.

However, that is not to mean they are the same. As expected, this version comes with some pretty fantastic upgrades. For instance, Apple went ham on memory as this model features 6GB of RAM, and storage for entry-level models starts at 128GB instead of 64GB as with its predecessor. This particular model gives you 256GB of storage to exploit.

Apple also upgraded the chip with the A12Z bionic chip which is an excellent addition as it significantly boosts the graphical performance of this model, making it one of the best tablets for note taking. The 2020 iPad pro also comes with an optional magic keyboard case. It features an adjustable display, backlit keys, and a built-in trackpad.

This makes note taking and drawing far more seamless and turns the iPad Pro into the perfect option over laptops for students and formal users since you can conveniently take notes or draw without the hassle of carrying a cumbersome laptop.

The 2020 iPad Pro also comes with a 12MP, f/1.8 camera, and an f/2.2 front camera which shoots videos at 4k and snaps images at 1080P. You also get an additional 10MP f/2.4 ultra-wide camera lens that captures fantastic images at 125 degrees.

Key Features

6GB RAM
A12Z Bionic chip with neural engine
USB-C connector

Specifications

Display Size: 12.9 inches
Battery Life: 9-10 Hours
Memory: 256GB
Brand: Apple

Pros

etter RAM and storage
High quality cameras
Ships with a magic keyboard
Equipped with a fast and convenient A12Z bionic processor
Long battery life

Cons

Quite pricey
A bit cumbersome to carry around

Coming in at 0.28x6.07x9.63inches, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 lite is one of the best note-taking tablets you will come across at a reasonable price. It features a stunning, matte-grey material, and has mid-sized bezels which makes it look and feel sleek in your hands.

It however has no home button and also lacks a fingerprint sensor which means you have to either type in your password, or use Samsung's face unlock feature. There's a single USB-C port, and a standard audio jack at the top.

Note taking is even more seamless thanks to the famed S pen stylus that ships with the model. The pen clips magnetically to the side of the tablet so it doesn't fall out when you move around. The pen is tilt and pressure sensitive which makes writing on the smooth screen quite comfortable.

As far as performance is concerned, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 lite does extremely well. But this is no surprise as it is equipped with a Samsung Exynos 9611 which has four 2.31GHz cores, and four additional 1.74GHz cores and it runs on Android 10. This model is compatible with Bluetooth keyboards and mice.

If you like taking pictures, you will be glad to know this model is equipped with an 8MP rear camera, and a 5MP front facing camera. Both cameras boast HDR capability, and capture images and videos at 1080P. It is also equipped with dual, AKG, Dolby Atmos speakers. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 lite is an excellent buy if you are looking for the best note taking tablet but working on a tablet.

Key Features

1920x1200 Pixels
Dual+AKG+Dolby Atmos
4GB RAM
Exynos 9611

Specifications

Display Size: 10.4 inches
Battery Life: 13 hours
Memory: 64GB
Brand: Samsung

Pros

Excellent design
Quality cameras
Excellent dual speakers
Long battery life

Cons

Lacks an OLED display

Experience the true definition of versatility and reliability with the Fire HD 8 Plus tablet. The tablet stands out in various ways, including an incredibly lightweight design, an impressive screen, and super-fast performance.

If there's one thing you'll love is the superb 8-inch high-definition touchscreen. Writing notes for long hours feels comfortable and smooth with the 1280 x 800 resolution. You can see every written text with improved precision, plus you can read in almost any environment without experiencing eye fatigue. The square-shaped design makes the Fire HD 8 Plus tablet easier to hold.

Expect ultra-fast speed when taking notes with the powerful quad-core processor and 3GB of RAM. Users can store various files and applications with the 32GB internal storage. Alternatively, you can add an external MicroSD card of up to 1TB to keep massive PDFs.

Some note-taking tablets offer unpleasant surprises when in class with their defective batteries. Fortunately, you can enjoy up to 12 hours of power with the Fire HD 8 Plus tablet, eliminating the need to carry a charger when attending classes. You don't have to wait for long when downloading note-taking applications with dual-band Wi-Fi technology.

A portable tablet makes a massive difference in your workflow, the reason the Fire HD 8 Plus tablet measures 8.0 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches and weighs 12.52 ounces. The design makes it easy to take notes while enjoying some outdoor breeze. You can also place it on the laps without feeling uncomfortable.

Key Features

2 MP front camera
Built-in Bluetooth 5.0
Amazon Alexa built-in

Specifications

Display Size: 8 inches
Battery Life: 12 hours
Memory: 32GB
Brand: Amazon

Pros

All-day battery life
Portable design
Expandable memory
Intuitive screen

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It's difficult to associate Apple products with affordability, but surprisingly, it is not the case this time. The iPad 2020 has all the pizazz you need in a tablet for note-taking. Not only does it offer a great price value but it also contains a bunch of optimized extensive support for a stylus like Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.

What's important is that the iPad can do all of the basics - and a bit more than you may realize thanks to the iPadOS update. This is the 7th generation iPad and it shows, with a solid-feeling, yet the familiar design looks as if it hasn't changed in several years. There's exactly half an inch of extra display on this year's iPad at 10.2 inches, and it's nice to see more screen-to-body value now. This makes the new iPad a fine choice for obviously taking notes but also watching Netflix, playing mobile games, and its 4:3 aspect ratio is primed for reading.

The extra half-inch does come in handy with iPadOS changing up the home screen and pushing Split View, or if you use macOS Catalina's "Sidecar" feature that turns your iPad into a second Mac display. Sidecar makes carrying an iPad a must for productivity-focused travelers. Ever wish your laptop had a second monitor when on the road? This is the solution you've been waiting for.

A great spec that the iPad holds is its battery life. It has an excellent ten hours of video playback and web surfing, The iPad also lasts a solid three days with intermittent use–playing games, watching a bunch of shows on Netflix and using the Smart Keyboard for constant writing.

The Apple iPad is your type of buy if you want a great-performing iPad for cheap, a second Mac monitor, or really a great notepad using the Apple Pencil.

Key Features

Supports Smart Keyboard & Apple Pencil
A10 Fusion chip
Touch ID Fingerprint Sensor
8MP back camera, 1.2MP HD front camera
802.11AC WiFi & Gigabit-Class LTE cellular data

Specifications

Display Size: 10.2"
Battery Life: 10 Hours
Memory: 6GB
Brand: Apple

Pros

Great price for a new iPad
Slightly bigger screen than other tablets
Works well with Apple Pencil & Smart Keyboard

Cons

Older iPads may be cheaper with a slightly similar performance

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Another entry on the list that is a bit on the pricey end is the 12.3-inch Google Pixel Slate. Google mainly prides this tablet for its 'Molecular Display' and undoubtedly the Pixel Slate delivers much sharper display outputs than any other screen of similar dimensions on the shelves - mostly due credit to its high pixel density and 337 nits of brightness.

Another massive plus is the convertibility of the Pixel Slate. It is supported by the magnetic build of the tablet that makes the transformation from angle to angle almost natural. The detachable keyboard is another area where Google played the field. The circular keys may seem intimidating at first glance but are much quieter and smoother than you might expect. The support for the stylus in Pixel Slate is just as good, and the minimal latency 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity deliver effortless taps and strokes while drawing or jotting down notes.

However, it should be kept in mind that the already expensive Pixel Slate will set you back even more with its accessories. The Pixel Slate keyboard will cost you $199 and Google's Pixelbook Pen is an additional $99. Moreover, the ChromeOS of the tablet is a work in progress. Granted that Google has come a long way with their base OS, there still persists to be a lot of bugs and incompatibility issues with Android apps that need to be taken care of. This is especially true with the price tag they are packing the device with.

However, despite the price and some over-familiarity, this tablet from Google is one of the best in the business.

Key Features

Made to deliver brilliant entertainment
12.3" molecular display with 6 million pixels
Powerful multitasking tools, including split screen & multi-window browsing
Duo cam's wide angle lens keeps everything in view, even in low light
Battery performance is based on a mix of video, web browsing, productivity, etc.

Specifications

Display Size: 12.3"
Battery Life: 10 Hours
Memory: 8GB
Brand: Google

Pros

Nice display & solid construction
Great-feeling keyboard accessory
Google Assistant is always available

Cons

Too expensive & buggy software

Taking massive notes is fast and easy with the Dragon Touch Notepad K10 Tablet. Users get almost everything they've ever wished for in a tablet for continuous productivity in the office or class. With a stunning display comes an immersive note-taking experience. You get a 10-inch Full HD screen with a 1280 x 800 resolution for viewing each text with exceptional clarity.

The tablet eliminates the need to look for power outlets when attending a meeting or class with the 5000mAh battery. You can comfortably take notes for around 10 hours or more when using smart power-saving technology.

Note-taking applications are pretty demanding, meaning you'll benefit from a heavy-duty processor. The Dragon Touch Notepad K10 Tablet won't disappoint with the 64-bit quad-core processor clocking at 1.3GHz. You'll have enough processing speed to write notes, surf the internet when researching, and play videos after a long working day.

Not only is the tablet great for note-taking but also for capturing stunning pictures. The 8MP rear camera takes bright and lifelike images so you can record memorable moments. Use the 2GB of RAM to run various applications simultaneously. Send well-crafted notes to your colleagues without experiencing any hiccups with the dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz) technology.

The Dragon Touch Notepad K10 Tablet is designed with on-the-go users in mind. The tablet measures 9.5 x 6.69 x 0.39 inches and weighs 1.96 pounds, allowing frequent travelers to jot down notes quickly.

Key Features

64-bit quad-core processor
Latest Android OS
Eye-Care mode
Dual-Wi-Fi mode

Specifications

Display Size: 10 inches
Battery Life: 10 hours
Memory: 16GB
Brand: Dragon Touch

Pros

Large and bright screen
Excellent Wi-Fi connection
Easy to use

Cons

Sluggish performance on demanding applications

There are so many tablets on the market it hurts, including those of the Android and Apple varieties, but which one is right for you? Whether you're eyeing on an iPad or one of the many Android models available on this list, we have the key factors you need to consider when shopping, along with some of the top-rated tablets from our opinion.

Android vs. Apple Tablets

We're going to talk about Windows tablets because they're different beasts entirely, so we'll discuss the difference between the two powerhouses that most people look into. Android tablets make great media players, ebook readers, and kids' devices (if you want a tablet to do more than take down notes), but rarely compete with iPads when it comes to versatility and performance.

Generally speaking, the greatest strengths of Apple's iPad OS are twofold. It's very clean and intuitive, and the wide selection of apps that you can buy right on your tablet–more than one million iPad-specific titles–work uniformly well with very few exceptions.

Google's Android OS gives you a choice of hardware from several different manufacturers and offers maximum configurability, a top-notch notification system, fast and smooth web browsing, and seamless integration with Google applications like Gmail, Google Maps, and Hangouts for video chat. Android also includes support for multiple users' logins so you can share your tablet with a friend or family member, a useful feature that's missing in iPads. That said, most Android tablets ship with an older version of the OS and few get updates.

What Size Tablet Do You Need?

This consideration is a bit obvious, but size - both screen real estate and storage capacity - is important to consider. First things first: When you hear the term "7-inch or 10-inch tablet," this refers to the size of the screen, measured diagonally, and not the size of the tablet itself. 7-inch tablets are considered small, while 8.9-inch and above tablets are considered large.

Screen resolution is important too, especially for ebook reading and web surfing. A sharp, bright display is key when taking notes as well. If you're in the market for a 10-inch tablet, look for a display with at least 1280 by 800 resolution.

What About the Right Stylus?

Many of the tablets come with a stylus, but they don't always fuse well with the bought tablet. Make sure you look for the right tablet that comes with a killer stylus or one without a stylus to later buy a great third-party type.

Another aspect of choosing the right stylus is based on price. If you choose to go for a tablet without an included stylus, make sure you budget accordingly to find the right one. Some of the best styluses on the market can range from $20 to $300.

WiFi-Only vs Cellular Tablets

Some tablets come in a WiFi-only model or with the option of always-on cellular service from a wireless provider. Unless you constantly use your tablet in an area without Wi-Fi or are a frequent international traveler, you're probably better off using your smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot to save the extra money you'd spend on an LTE tablet. You can also buy a dedicated mobile hotspot, which won't kill your phone's battery life. Some even double as backup batteries to charge your tablet.

Conclusion

The tablets chosen here represent the best Android, Apple, and Windows options for note-taking and come in a variety of price levels. That said, there are plenty of other great tablets out there, and you're bound to find your ideal tablet for note-taking.

FAQ

Q: Are tablets good for note taking?

Yes. A tablet combined with efficient accessories like a highly functional stylus pen can offer the same functionality as writing your notes on a laptop or PC. Since they are designed to serve that purpose, the best note taking tablets feature apps and programs that make it far much easier for you to write, edit, organize, and share your notes compared to other options. Using a tablet for note taking encourages the freedom to make mistakes, spurs creativity, and enhances the learning process since all it takes to erase mistakes is hit the undo button, or use a digital eraser. Should you change your mind, all you need to do is hit the redo button.

Q: Which type of screen should I look for in my tablet?

When looking for a note taking tablet, you may have the desire for it to feel more like paper, with a more matte, or textured screen than the regular shiny display it might have. Regular tablets such as the iPad might be too bright for your liking, or may not give the right feel as you're taking notes. Luckily, there are certain screen protectors that allow you to get a differently textured screen, which can be satisfactory for drawing as well as writing.

Q: Should I get an additional stylus for my tablet?

Though most tablets with note-taking abilities might come with their own stylus, you can potentially buy a better one or an additional one that can work on any tablet surface. You can look at additional styluses with different nibs (the part of the stylus that touches the glass), as they come in different materials like rubber, mesh, and plastic. You may want it to be retractable, or covered by a cap to protect the nib, so these may be of use to look at if the stylus your tablet comes with isn't doing the job.

Q: How much storage/memory should I look for?

Because you'll mainly be taking notes, you may not need a lot of memory for your tablet. You probably won't need any more than 16GB of RAM for your device, and may just use as little as half as much that will serve you just fine. For storage, 32GB can be fine for note taking, but this can become an issue if you want to add music, games, movies, and more on your device. If that's more your style, then 64GB of storage should be great for all your note taking and leisurely needs.

Q: Can I take notes on a drawing tablet?

Ideally, yes, you can take notes on a drawing tablet. Tablets that are ideal for note taking have a lot of the same features as ones for drawing. The only difference may be that you might not need as high of a resolution when you're just taking notes, but this will lead your display to looking as high-quality as possible. You may have a screen that is more ideal for those who draw by the way it imitates paper in its texture, which may even feel more comfortable and familiar to you as you take notes.

Q: Do I need to look for high resolution?

For note taking, you may not need as high of a resolution as someone might need for their drawing tablet. You'll probably want to know instead how well your tablet is at running multiple apps, especially if you're in school and need to switch back and forth between a few. Tablets with lower resolution may not look as crisp as those with higher resolutions, so this all comes down to preference, and depends on what you'll be looking at on your tablet to judge if you'll need that higher resolution or not.

Q: What is the best note-taking tablet if you want to maintain your privacy?

The best note taking tablet if you want to maintain your privacy is one that does not connect to the internet. However, nearly all note taking tablets can connect to the internet. Besides, if you opt for a note taking tablet without internet connectivity, you'll be missing out on all the benefits of using a tablet for note taking such as real-time collaboration, and automatic, secure note backups to the cloud. If you want to maintain your privacy, the best thing to do is get the best tablets for note taking and create passwords for apps you don't want anyone to access. You can also restrict permissions for note-taking apps and software that collect data.

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Philip Plotnicki (37 Articles Published)

Philip Plotnicki is the Product Review Writer of Comic Book Resources and one of Comic Book Resource's Affiliate Writers for Tech and Films. Check out Philip on Twitter @plotnickinator or his portfolio at plotnicki.ca