iPad is Apple's tablet line; other tablets run Android or Windows and cost less

An iPad is a tablet made by Apple that runs iPadOS. Other tablets — made by Samsung, Amazon, Lenovo, and others — run Android or Windows instead. The main differences come down to operating system, price, app selection, and what devices they work best with. If you already own iPhones, Macs, or Apple Watches, an iPad integrates more smoothly. If you want the lowest price or need Windows software, a different tablet may suit you better.

There is no single "best" choice. What matters is whether the tablet fits your actual use: watching video, reading, email, drawing, gaming, or work software. An iPad excels at some tasks; an Android or Windows tablet excels at others. Cost and compatibility with your other devices matter just as much as the tablet itself.

Key Takeaways

  • iPad runs iPadOS and works seamlessly with iPhones, Macs, and other Apple devices, while Android tablets and Windows tablets use different operating systems and work better with their own ecosystems.
  • iPad models range from $329 to $1,099 depending on screen size and storage, while Android tablets start as low as $100 and Windows tablets typically cost $300 to $800.
  • The iPad App Store has over 2 million apps optimized for iPad screens, while Android tablets have fewer tablet-specific apps but more flexibility to sideload software.
  • iPad is best for creative work like drawing and video editing through apps like Procreate and Final Cut Pro, while Windows tablets are better if you need Microsoft Office, Photoshop, or other desktop software.
  • All three types handle email, web browsing, and streaming video equally well, so your choice depends on what software you use and what devices you already own.

Operating system and how it affects what you can do

iPad runs iPadOS, Apple's operating system built specifically for tablets. Android tablets run Android, the same system that powers most smartphones worldwide. Windows tablets run Windows 11, the desktop operating system from Microsoft. Each one controls how the device looks, which apps you can install, and how you interact with the screen.

iPadOS is designed around touch and gestures — swiping, pinching, long-pressing. It does not let you access the file system the way a computer does. Android tablets also prioritize touch but give you more control over files and settings. Windows tablets work like a small laptop: you get a traditional file system, a taskbar, and the ability to plug in a mouse and keyboard to work like a desktop computer.

For most people, the operating system difference does not matter much. Email, web browsing, video, and reading work the same way on all three. The difference shows up when you need specific software — if you use Adobe Lightroom, it works on all three, but the Windows version has more features. If you want to draw, iPad has Procreate, which does not exist on Android or Windows.

Price and what you get for the money

iPad prices start at $329 for the base model with 64 GB of storage and a 10.9-inch screen. The iPad Air costs $599, and the iPad Pro ranges from $799 to $1,099 depending on screen size and storage. All of these prices are for the tablet alone; a keyboard or stylus costs extra.

Android tablets start much lower. Amazon Fire tablets begin at $100 for a 7-inch screen. Samsung Galaxy Tab tablets range from $150 to $700 depending on size and features. Lenovo and other brands offer options between $150 and $400. Windows tablets typically cost $300 to $800.

The price difference reflects what you get. iPad models have faster processors, better screens, and longer software support — Apple updates iPads for five to seven years. Cheaper Android tablets may slow down after two or three years. If you plan to keep the tablet for five years, the higher iPad cost may be worth it. If you want to spend under $200 and replace it in two years, an Android tablet makes more sense.

Apps and software available on each system

The iPad App Store has over 2 million apps, and most major apps — Netflix, Slack, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite — are optimized for iPad's larger screen. This means they use the full screen space and include features that make sense on a tablet. Many apps are iPad-only, like Procreate for drawing and LumaFusion for video editing.

Android tablets have access to the Google Play Store, which has over 3 million apps total, but far fewer are optimized for tablet screens. Many Android apps are designed for phones and look stretched or awkward on a larger screen. However, Android lets you sideload apps — install software from outside the Play Store — which gives you more flexibility if you need specific tools.

Windows tablets run the full Microsoft Store and can install desktop software like Photoshop, Visual Studio, or any Windows program. This is a major advantage if you need professional software. You can also plug in external drives, printers, and other hardware the way you would on a laptop. iPad and Android tablets are more limited in what hardware they can connect to.

Compatibility with devices you already own

If you own an iPhone, iPad, and Mac, they work together in ways other tablets cannot match. You can copy text on your iPhone and paste it on your iPad. Files sync automatically through iCloud. You can answer phone calls on your iPad if your iPhone is nearby. You can use the same apps and subscriptions across all three devices.

Android tablets work best if you own Android phones and use Google services like Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. They sync smoothly with each other. If you own an iPhone but want an Android tablet, they still work together for email and cloud storage, but you lose the seamless integration.

Windows tablets work with Windows PCs and laptops. If you use Microsoft Office, OneDrive, and Windows software, a Windows tablet fits naturally into your workflow. They do not integrate with iPhones or Macs.

Screen size, weight, and portability

iPad comes in four sizes: 10.9 inches (the standard iPad), 11 inches (iPad Air and iPad Pro), and 12.9 inches (iPad Pro). The 10.9-inch model weighs about 1.3 pounds. The 12.9-inch model weighs about 1.5 pounds. All are thin enough to fit in a large bag or backpack.

Android tablets range from 7 inches to 12 inches. The 7-inch models weigh under a pound and fit in a large pocket. The 10-inch models are similar in size and weight to iPad. Samsung's 12-inch Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is heavier and bulkier than iPad Pro.

Windows tablets typically weigh between 1 and 2 pounds depending on size. The Microsoft Surface Go is light and portable; the Surface Pro is heavier but more powerful. All three types are portable enough to carry daily, but smaller models (7 to 8 inches) are easier to hold for long periods.

Stylus support and creative work

iPad supports the Apple Pencil, a stylus that works with all iPad models. The Pencil costs $99 to $129 depending on the model. It is pressure-sensitive, has low latency (almost no delay between your hand and the screen), and works with drawing apps like Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and Clip Studio Paint. Many iPad users buy the Pencil specifically for drawing, note-taking, or design work.

Android tablets support styluses from Samsung (the S Pen), Lenovo, and others, but they are not as widely supported across apps. The S Pen works well with Samsung's own apps and some third-party drawing software, but fewer apps are optimized for it compared to Apple Pencil.

Windows tablets support the Microsoft Surface Pen and other styluses. They work with Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and other desktop software, which means more advanced features than iPad apps. However, the stylus experience is generally less smooth than Apple Pencil on iPad.

Battery life and charging

iPad batteries last 10 hours of typical use — web browsing, email, video, reading. Actual battery life varies based on screen brightness and what apps you use. iPad charges via USB-C (on newer models) or Lightning (on older models). A full charge takes about 2 to 3 hours with the included charger.

Android tablets typically last 8 to 12 hours depending on the model and screen size. Larger screens drain battery faster. Most charge via USB-C. Windows tablets last 6 to 10 hours depending on the processor and screen brightness. All three types support fast charging on newer models, though the speed varies.

For daily use, all three will get you through a full day of moderate use without charging. If you use the tablet heavily — streaming video, gaming, or creative work — you may need to charge in the evening. None of them match the battery life of an e-reader like a Kindle, which lasts weeks on a single charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an iPad if I have an Android phone?

Yes. Email, cloud storage, and most apps work across both systems. You will not get the seamless integration you would with an iPhone and iPad, but they work together for practical purposes. Files sync through Google Drive or iCloud, and you can use the same apps on both devices.

Is iPad worth the extra cost compared to Android tablets?

It depends on what you do with it. If you draw, edit video, or use iPad-specific apps, iPad is worth it. If you mainly watch video, read, and browse the web, a cheaper Android tablet does the same job. If you already own iPhones or Macs, iPad integrates better and may justify the cost.

Can I use Microsoft Office on an iPad?

Yes. Microsoft Office apps — Word, Excel, PowerPoint — work on iPad and are free for basic use. They work on Android and Windows tablets too. The iPad versions have fewer features than the Windows desktop versions, but they handle most everyday work.

Which tablet is best for reading books?

All three handle reading equally well. If you read a lot, consider a dedicated e-reader like a Kindle instead — they use e-ink screens that are easier on the eyes and last weeks on a charge. If you want one device for reading and other tasks, any tablet works, and price becomes the deciding factor.

Do I need a keyboard with a tablet?

No. Tablets work fine with the on-screen keyboard for email and messages. A keyboard is useful if you write long documents, work in spreadsheets, or type a lot. iPad keyboards are expensive ($150 to $350), while Android and Windows tablet keyboards are cheaper ($50 to $150). You can also use a Bluetooth keyboard from any brand with any tablet.