The top 10 best tablets: What's the best tablet you can buy in 2013?

The 10 best tablets of 2013

Since the launch of the iPad 4-years ago the tablet market has exploded with pretty much every technology manufacturer worth its salt now making a tablet PC. This is where PC Advisor rounds up and reviews the top 10 best tablets available to buy in the UK in 2013. This chart takes into consideration, overall performance and value for money.

10 Best tablets of 2013

10. Archos 80 Titanium

Archos 80 Titanium
  • Reviewed on: 20 March 13
  • RRP: £130 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 8 out of 10

The Archos 80 Titanium proves that you can get a decent tablet without breaking the bank. Its screen isn't high resolution, but it's a good IPS panel which matches the iPad mini for half as much. Performance is also good, as is build quality; only the cameras let the side down. If you're on a tight budget or want a tablet for your kids, this is a great choice.

9. Microsoft Surface Pro

Microsoft Surface Pro
  • Reviewed on: 16 May 13
  • RRP: £719 inc VAT for 64GB model; £799 for 128GB model
  • Rating: Rated 8 out of 10

The Surface Pro is the best Windows tablet we've used. It also makes a pretty good laptop. But as a tablet it's not match for the best iOS or Android devices, and as a Windows laptop it can't compete with Ultrabooks. It's portability and performance will be perfect for a few, and okay for most. So that makes it a good but not perfect device, which feels about right as a verdict.

8. Apple iPad 2

Apple iPad 2
  • Reviewed on: 18 April 11
  • RRP: £329 for 16GB Wi-Fi-only model; £429 for 16GB Wi-Fi plus cellular model. No other storage capacities available
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

Still available as the cheapest full-sized iPad, the second-generation Apple tablet remains a classic - better than almost all Android devices.

7. Amazon Kindle Fire HD

Amazon Kindle Fire HD
  • Reviewed on: 14 November 12
  • RRP: £159 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 7 out of 10

If you're after a 7in tablet that's very easy to use, you don't need GPS and don't want to stretch your budget to £200, the Kindle Fire HD is a good buy. However, although Google's Nexus 7 has half the storage for the same price, it's more versatile and has a better range of apps and games and is faster, too.

6. Barnes & Noble Nook HD

Barnes & Noble Nook HD
  • Reviewed on: 6 June 13
  • RRP: £159 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 8 out of 10

We can hardly find fault with the hardware, but UK-specific content - including magazines, newspapers, books and apps - is sorely lacking. Much is promised, but you're taking a risk if you jump in and buy a Nook HD right now. As with the Kindle Fire HD, the Nook HD will be good option for anyone wanting something that's easy to use, and there's the bonus of user profiles as well. However, if you don't want to be completely locked in to the Nook store, you're better off with a Nexus 7 at this price.

5. Sony Xperia Tablet Z

Sony Xperia Tablet Z
  • Reviewed on: 14 June 13
  • RRP: £399 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 8 out of 10

Sony has made a very desirable tablet in the Xperia Tablet Z. We particularly like its striking svelte design and features that you don't get with rivals such as NFC, its waterproof casing and infrared. However, its slightly lacking performance means the Nexus 10 will save you some money or the iPad 4 will give you a smooth experience for the same price.

4. Google Nexus 10

Google Nexus 10
  • Reviewed on: 2 July 13
  • RRP: £319 for 16GB; £389 for 32GB
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

The Nexus 10 is easily the best 10in Android tablet we've seen to date. It has a fantastic screen, decent cameras and software features all for a more than reasonable price. Those looking for an alternative to the full-sized iPad needn't look any further.

3. Apple iPad mini

Apple iPad mini
  • Reviewed on: 24 June 13
  • RRP: Wi-Fi: £269 (16GB), £349 (32GB), £429 (64GB)
  • Rating: Rated 8 out of 10

The iPad mini is a premium small tablet, with a price to match. It's a shame Apple couldn't have included a Retina screen and newer processor - expect the iPad mini 2 to get those updates when it launches later this year. This Wi-Fi only model also lacks GPS. It's not cheap by any stretch, especially if you want more storage spare or the 3G/4G cellular version, but it's great value compared to a full-size iPad. You can save a chunk by buying a Nexus 7, Nook HD or Kindle Fire HD, but if you must have an iDevice, it won't disappoint.

2. Google Nexus 7

Google Nexus 7
  • Reviewed on: 25 June 13
  • RRP: £159 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

Google has set a new standard for budget tablets with the Nexus 7. It's an unbelievably well-equipped device for such an affordable price. The silky smooth performance and high resolution IPS screen are the highlights for us. If you're looking for a tablet under £200 then look no further than the Nexus 7.

1. Apple iPad 4 with Retina display

Apple iPad 4 with Retina display
  • Reviewed on: 18 June 13
  • RRP: WiFi only: £399 (16GB); £479 (32 GB); £559 (64 GB); £639 (128GB)
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

The iPad 4 is the quickest iPad yet and a solid choice for a tablet in which we can barely find fault. However, if you're not in a hurry to buy, it's worth waiting for the rumoured iPad 5, which could launch within months.

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