Best Tablets Under $1100 in 2026: 4 Picks by Specs
The Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) is the top pick among tablets under $1100 because it pairs 256GB of storage with an Ultra Retina XDR display and a LiDAR scanner, a combination none of the other shortlisted models match. The four tablets in this guide were chosen from the current catalog using the under $1100 filter and compared on their stated specifications, including screen size, storage, keyboard support, and operating system, as published by the sellers.
4 picks from 4 tablets that match this guide with a price we can quote today. All prices are live and show when they were read.
Our picks in brief
| # | Pick | Tablet | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best overall | Apple iPad Pro 11-inch | $1,139.00 (as of 11/02/2026 04:37 PST - Details) |
| 2 | Best for typing | Microsoft VDV-00001 Surface Pro 7 12.3 inch Touch Intel i5-1035G4 | $1,049.99 (as of 11/02/2026 00:05 PST - Details) |
| 3 | Best Android with pen and keyboard | SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9 11” 256GB + Galaxy Tab S9 Book Cover Keyboard | |
| 4 | Best for a simple 256GB slate | Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 11" Tablet | $1,099.99 (as of 11/02/2026 00:55 PST - Details) |
Find your match
- For a creative professional: You need strong performance and a high-resolution display for drawing, photo editing, or 3D scanning. The iPad Pro M5 with LiDAR and 256GB is a natural fit. See pick 1
- For a writer or office worker: You want a full Windows desktop experience and a physical keyboard for long typing sessions. The Surface Pro 7 with its included Type Cover is built for that. See pick 2
- For an Android enthusiast: You prefer Android, want an S Pen for notes and sketches, and need a keyboard case included. The Galaxy Tab S9 covers all of these. See pick 3
- For a simple, no-frills tablet: You want a large 256GB tablet for media, web, and basic apps without extra accessories or a specific operating system requirement. The Galaxy Tab S11 is the straightforward pick. See pick 4
4 picks, up close
1 Best overall
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch
- Screen size
- 10 to 11.9 in
- Storage
- 256 GB
$1,139.00 (as of 11/02/2026 04:37 PST - Details)
Outside this guide's budget at today's price.
The iPad Pro 11-inch pairs an M5 chip with a 256GB drive and an Ultra Retina XDR display, the only one here with LiDAR. It matches the storage of the other 256GB tablets while adding a front camera and a more advanced display technology.
Pros
- 256GB storage, equal to the highest in this list
- M5 chip, the only one with a dedicated Apple processor
- Ultra Retina XDR display with LiDAR scanner
- 11-inch size, easy to carry
Cons
- No keyboard or pen included (not stated by the seller)
- No specified operating system (assumed iPadOS, but not in the listing)
- Screen is smaller than the Surface Pro's 12.3-inch panel
Good fit if
- Creative users who need a high-refresh display and LiDAR for 3D scanning
- People already invested in the Apple ecosystem
Skip if
- You need a keyboard or stylus in the box; you'll have to buy them separately
- You prefer Android or Windows for your workflow
Verdict: The iPad Pro 11-inch is the most feature-dense tablet under $1100, but you'll need to budget for accessories separately.
2 Best for typing
Microsoft VDV-00001 Surface Pro 7 12.3 inch Touch Intel i5-1035G4
- Screen size
- 12 in or more
- Storage
- 128 GB
- Keyboard included
- Yes
$1,049.99 (as of 11/02/2026 00:05 PST - Details)
The Surface Pro 7 is the only pick with a 12.3-inch screen and it includes a Type Cover keyboard, making it the most productivity-oriented tablet here. Its 128GB storage is half of the other tablets, but the larger display and included keyboard compensate for many tasks.
Pros
- 12.3-inch screen, the largest in this list
- Type Cover keyboard included in the bundle
- Intel i5-1035G4 processor for Windows compatibility
- Detachable design works as a laptop or tablet
Cons
- 128GB storage, less than the 256GB options
- No pen included (not stated)
- Older Intel processor compared to newer ARM-based tablets
Good fit if
- Office workers who need full Windows software and a keyboard
- Students who want a laptop-like device for notes and essays
Skip if
- You need more than 128GB for local media or large apps
- You prefer Android or iOS for app availability
Verdict: The Surface Pro 7 bundle is the best choice if typing comfort and Windows compatibility matter more than raw storage.
3 Best Android with pen and keyboard
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9 11” 256GB + Galaxy Tab S9 Book Cover Keyboard
- Screen size
- 10 to 11.9 in
- Storage
- 256 GB
- Operating system
- Android
- Pen included
- Yes
- Keyboard included
- Yes
The Galaxy Tab S9 combines a 256GB drive, Android, and an included S Pen and Book Cover Keyboard. It is the only Android tablet here that states support for both pen and keyboard, making it a versatile creative and productivity tool.
Pros
- 256GB storage, tied with the iPad Pro and Tab S11
- S Pen support and keyboard included in the bundle
- Wi-Fi 7 connectivity for faster wireless
- Snapdragon 8 Gen processor (model number not fully specified)
Cons
- 11-inch screen, same as the other compact tablets
- No weight or battery capacity stated by the seller
- Android version not specified
Good fit if
- Android users who want a note-taking and drawing tablet
- People who prefer a single bundle with keyboard and pen included
Skip if
- You need a larger screen or full Windows desktop software
- You already own a separate keyboard and pen you want to reuse
Verdict: The Galaxy Tab S9 is the most complete Android package in this price window, with pen, keyboard, and 256GB storage.
4 Best for a simple 256GB slate
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 11" Tablet
- Screen size
- 10 to 11.9 in
- Storage
- 256 GB
$1,099.99 (as of 11/02/2026 00:55 PST - Details)
The Galaxy Tab S11 offers a clean, bare-bones 256GB tablet with an 11-inch screen at the same storage level as its larger competitors. It's the most straightforward option if you don't need extra accessories or a specific operating system is stated.
Pros
- 256GB storage, matching the higher-capacity models
- 11-inch screen, a comfortable size for media and web
- Samsung brand with no bundled extras, keeping it simple
Cons
- No keyboard or pen support stated by the seller
- No operating system listed (likely Android, but not confirmed)
- No processor details provided
Good fit if
- Buyers who just want a large-capacity tablet without extras
- People who will choose their own keyboard or pen separately
Skip if
- You want a stylus or keyboard included in the purchase
- You need a specific operating system or processor specification
Verdict: The Galaxy Tab S11 is a straightforward tablet for those who want 256GB and a large screen without paying for bundled accessories.
How they compare
| # | Tablet | Screen size | Storage | Operating system | Cellular | Pen included | Keyboard included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple iPad Pro 11-inch | 10 to 11.9 in | 256 GB | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 2 | Microsoft VDV-00001 Surface Pro 7 12.3 inch Touch Intel i5-1035G4 | 12 in or more | 128 GB | not stated | not stated | not stated | Yes |
| 3 | SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9 11” 256GB + Galaxy Tab S9 Book Cover Keyboard | 10 to 11.9 in | 256 GB | Android | not stated | Yes | Yes |
| 4 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 11" Tablet | 10 to 11.9 in | 256 GB | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
Our selection method
To create this guide, we started with the catalog floor below the under $1100 budget. The pool contained four models after duplicate configurations were folded together. Because the pool was smaller than twelve, we kept all four. We compared each tablet using the specifications published in its listing and on the maker's official product page, focusing on screen size, storage capacity, included accessories, and operating system. The prices on this page are live prices read from the listing at the time of writing and may change. All comparisons and selections are based on these stated specifications; no third-party performance data was used.
What matters when choosing
Screen size and display quality
All four tablets here have an 11-inch screen except the Surface Pro, which offers a 12.3-inch panel. A larger screen helps for split-screen work and video, but it also makes the device heavier. Pay attention to the display technology: the iPad Pro uses an Ultra Retina XDR display, which is a high-contrast OLED-like panel. Others do not specify this level of detail in the listing, so you may need to check the maker's spec page for exact brightness and color gamut.
Storage capacity
Storage determines how many apps, photos, and videos you can keep locally. In this group, three tablets offer 256GB (iPad Pro, Tab S9, Tab S11), while the Surface Pro only has 128GB. If you work with large files or plan to download many offline media, 256GB is the safer bet. For light use and cloud storage, 128GB may be sufficient, but think about future needs.
Keyboard and pen support
Some tablets ship with a keyboard or stylus, which can add significant value. The Surface Pro bundle includes a Type Cover, and the Galaxy Tab S9 includes a Book Cover Keyboard and S Pen support. The iPad Pro and Tab S11 do not state any included accessories, so you would have to purchase them separately. If you plan to type a lot or take handwritten notes, look for a bundle that already includes these tools.
Operating system and ecosystem
The Surface Pro runs Windows, which gives you access to desktop-class software like Adobe Creative Cloud and full Microsoft Office. The iPad Pro runs iPadOS, a mobile OS with a large app catalog optimized for touch. The Galaxy Tab S9 and Tab S11 run Android, which offers flexibility and integration with Google services. Your choice should depend on the apps you already use. Android also benefits from an open-source foundation, so you can customize it more easily (see the Android Open Source Project).
Charging and power delivery
All modern tablets charge over USB-C, and USB Power Delivery (USB PD) is the standard that ensures your charger works with the device. The USB-IF specification allows up to 240W over USB-C, though most tablets draw far less. When buying a charger or power bank, look for USB PD compliance to get the fastest and safest charging. This is especially useful for travel and for powering accessories.
Energy efficiency and family use
If you intend to use the tablet for long hours or hand it to children, consider energy efficiency and privacy. ENERGY STAR certified computers use about 30 to 40 percent less energy than standard models, which can reduce your electricity bill. For children's tablets, remember that the FTC's COPPA rules give parents control over what personal information websites and apps can collect from kids under 13. Review the privacy settings on the device and the apps you install.
Questions
Can I use these tablets for photo and video editing?
Yes, but with different levels of power. The iPad Pro with the M5 chip and Ultra Retina XDR display is well suited for editing high-resolution photos and 4K video. The Surface Pro can run full desktop editing apps like Photoshop and Lightroom, though its 128GB storage may fill quickly. The Galaxy Tab S9 has a capable Snapdragon processor and 256GB, but software availability for professional editors is more limited on Android.
Are there any hidden costs if I buy one of these tablets?
Look at what is included in the box. The Surface Pro bundle includes a Type Cover, and the Galaxy Tab S9 includes a keyboard and S Pen. The iPad Pro and Tab S11 do not list any accessories, so you may need to buy a case, screen protector, or stylus separately. Also, some tablets use proprietary chargers, but all these use USB-C, so you can use a standard USB PD charger if you have one.
Which tablet is best for a student?
If you need to write essays and run Windows-specific software, the Surface Pro with its included keyboard and 12.3-inch screen is a strong choice. For note-taking with a stylus and a lightweight tablet, the Galaxy Tab S9 offers the S Pen and a keyboard in the bundle. If you prefer the Apple ecosystem and the App Store's educational apps, the iPad Pro is also suitable, but you will have to buy a keyboard and pencil separately.
Do these tablets support cellular connectivity?
The product listings do not state cellular modems for any of these models. They likely support Wi-Fi only, though the Galaxy Tab S9 lists Wi-Fi 7 capability. If you need always-on internet away from Wi-Fi, you would need to buy a separate LTE or 5G model, which is not available in this price range pool. You can always use your phone's hotspot for occasional connectivity.
How long do the batteries last?
Battery life is not stated by the sellers for any of these tablets. You should check the manufacturer's spec sheet for expected battery life under typical use. In general, the larger the screen and the more powerful the processor, the more energy it consumes. ENERGY STAR certified tablets are designed to use less energy, but none of these listings explicitly mention that certification. Look for official battery test results from the maker if this is important to you.
Change log
- : First published.