Specs: 10.9 inch Retina display | Apple M1 8-core CPU | 12 MP camera | Up to 256GB storage | Price: $559

Even Android fans will like Apple’s newest iPad Air. The lightweight tablet can do everything — including taking notes. Compatible with the Apple Pencil (second generation), the 2022 Apple iPad Air makes it easy to take notes in class, as well as sketch (if you’re an art student), go to meetings with classmates, and watch seminars virtually if needed. Apple’s products are largely customizable, and this is no different. You can opt for one of five colors and get more or less storage depending on what you need. 

You can also equip your iPad to use cellular data if Wi-Fi doesn’t feel sufficient for class or homework. For students who might need to use their tablets while on the go often, a cellular data plan ensures you can always get online to access what you need for schoolwork and beyond.

Students can also add a Bluetooth keyboard to this iPad to set up in class for note-taking to make it even easier to type as you listen. It operates with an iOS, so if you’re a Windows devotee, that could take some getting used to. Plus, as its name suggests, the iPad Air is lightweight so it’s not a burden to carry around campus or back home. One drawback with this tablet, though, is while the camera is great quality, you can’t use it while doing anything else.

Pros:

• Fully customizable with color, storage, and access
• Fast speed with Apple’s M1 chip
• Retina display

Cons:

• Only compatible with iOS
• Camera cannot be used with other apps

Also: The 5 best note-taking apps for iPad: Take notes for school

Specs: 10.5 inch display | Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y or Intel Core i3 Processor | ‎Intel UHD Graphics 615 | Up to 128GB storage | Price: $375

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a lightweight tablet that you’ll hardly even notice is in your school bag when you head to class. It’s just over a pound, and even if you add a keyboard to it, it still doesn’t take up too much space. The Surface Go 3 has a hefty battery life that can last you through a full day of classes and also charges quickly if you need it in a hurry.

You can customize your machine with different storage options and processors to boost it up if you want it to run faster or have more space. Just keep in mind that the more you customize, the higher the price tag. That being said, less storage space means the tablet will fill up quickly, and if you plan to take a lot of notes, that could get you into trouble before you graduate. Starting off with plenty of storage space means no problems later on!

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 also has a facial recognition camera to add a layer of security and runs a Windows operating system. It’s also compatible with the Surface pen, should you want to use a stylus while taking notes, and has a crisp 1920×1280 resolution for joining Zoom calls or simply watching Netflix after class. 

Pros:

• Fully customizable
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Stylus and keyboard sold separately
• Customizations can get pricey

Specs: 10.1 inch 1080p full HD | Octa-core 2.0 GHz CPU | 2 MP front-facing and 5 MP rear-facing cameras | Up to 64GB storage | Price: $180

Amazon’s Fire tablets have come a long way since they first launched in 2011. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus is fully equipped to serve as your note-taking tablet for school and it won’t break the bank. If you’re familiar with the Fire tablets, you already know that this functions a little less like your iPad and a lot more like your Kindle, but it still serves its purpose. 

Because of the lower price tag, you have lower-grade cameras and a slightly slower processor than some of the other options, but you still have enough storage to get you through the school year and a good enough screen resolution for Zooms and keeping track of your homework. It doesn’t have quite as many app options as other tablet options, but if you just want a simple tablet to use for school, this one works just fine.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Long battery life

Cons:

• Not as many apps available as other options
• Camera isn’t great

Specs: 15.6 inch display | 3840 x 2160 pixels resolution | Price: $1500

If you’re someone who wants a tablet for taking notes but know you also need a tablet for art classes, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 does both beautifully. Designed with the artist in mind, this tablet allows you to be creative first and foremost. Think of this tablet like a sketch pad. Using the Wacom Pro Pen 2, you can draw on the screen for any of your art classes. Don’t worry, though, it can also serve as a place to take notes during class as well. But unlike a traditional tablet, this one works in tandem with your computer. You simply plug it in and transfer your work over. This tablet doesn’t run its own CPU, so it doesn’t really function as a standalone machine. 

This tablet is way more than is necessary for students who aren’t in the arts and don’t want to use their handheld to draw as well. However, if you’re majoring in graphic design, digital media, or anything else art-related, this tablet is super functional for all your classes. 

Pros:

• High-quality display
• Incredibly responsive stylus

Cons:

• Very pricey
• Has to be plugged into a computer

Specs: 11 inch display | Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU | 12 MP camera | Up to 512GB storage | Price: $578

Samsung is constantly updating its tablet family, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is one of the newest on the market. The touchscreen display is bright and responsive, which means note-taking is a breeze, and so is watching videos for class or streaming lectures. This tablet comes with the S Pen, so you don’t have to worry about an extra spend to get a stylus.

This new-and-improved tablet is one of the most responsive tablets you’ll find, with reviewers saying that it truly feels like you’re writing on paper. If you’re someone who likes the old-fashioned way of putting pen to paper, this tablet allows you to do that and still save your work digitally. It also has quite a large display so you can see your work and can be boosted with more storage if needed.

Pros:

• Customizable
• Very responsive screen

Cons:

• The android interface can be frustrating for Apple users