13 Best Mobile Game Controllers (2024): iPhone or Android

Your Android Phone Could Have Stalkerware — Here's How To Remove It

Consumer-grade spyware apps that covertly and continually monitor your private messages, photos, phone calls and real-time location are a growing problem for Android users.

This guide can help you identify and remove common surveillance apps from your Android phone, including TheTruthSpy, KidsGuard and other apps.

READ OUR EXCLUSIVE INVESTIGATION

Consumer-grade spyware apps are frequently sold under the guise of child monitoring or family-tracking software, but are referred to as "stalkerware" and "spouseware" for their ability to also track and monitor partners or spouses without their consent. These spyware apps are downloaded from outside of Google Play's app store, planted on a phone without a person's permission and often disappear from the home screen to avoid detection.

Stalkerware apps rely on abusing in-built Android features that are typically used by companies to remotely manage their employees' work phones or use Android's accessibility mode to snoop on someone's device.

You may notice your phone acting unusually, running warmer or slower than usual, or using large amounts of network data, even when you are not actively using it.

Checking to see if your Android device is compromised can be done quickly and easily.

Before you start

It's important to have a safety plan in place and trusted support if you need it. Keep in mind that removing the spyware from your phone will likely alert the person who planted it, which could create an unsafe situation. The Coalition Against Stalkerware offers advice and guidance for victims and survivors of stalkerware.

Note that this guide only helps you to identify and remove spyware apps, it does not delete the data that was already collected and uploaded to its servers. Also, some versions of Android may have slightly different menu options. As is standard with any advice, you follow these steps at your own risk.

Check your Google Play Protect settings

Make sure Google Play Protect, a security feature in Android phones, is enabled. Image Credits: TechCrunch

Google Play Protect is one of the best safeguards to protect against malicious Android apps by screening apps downloaded from Google's app store and outside sources for signs of potentially malicious activity. Those protections stop working when Play Protect is switched off. It's important to ensure that Play Protect is switched on to ensure that it's working and scanning for malicious apps.

You can check that Play Protect is enabled through the Play Store app settings. You also can scan for harmful apps, if a scan hasn't been done already.

Check if accessibility services have been tampered with

Stalkerware relies on deep access to your device to access the data, and is known to abuse Android's accessibility mode which, by design, requires broader access to the operating system and your data for screen readers and other accessibility features to work.

Android users who do not use accessibility apps or features should not see any apps in their Android settings.

If you do not recognize a downloaded service in the Accessibility options, you may want to switch it off in the settings and remove the app. Some stalkerware apps are disguised as ordinary looking apps and are often called "Accessibility," "Device Health," "System Service" or other innocuous-sounding names.

Android spyware often abuses in-built accessibility features. Image Credits: TechCrunch

Check your notification access

Much like the accessibility features, Android also allows third-party apps to access and read your incoming notifications, such as allowing smart speakers to read alerts out loud or your car to display notifications on its dashboard. Granting notification access to a stalkerware app allows for persistent surveillance of your notifications, which includes message and other alerts.

You can check which apps have access to your notifications by checking your Android notification access settings under Special app access. Some of these apps you may recognize, like Android Auto. You can switch off notification access for any app that you do not recognize.

Spyware taps into notifications access to read user messages and other alerts. Image Credits: TechCrunch

Check if a device admin app has been installed

Other features commonly abused by stalkerware are Android's device admin options, which have similar but even broader access to Android devices and users' data.

Device admin options are usually used by companies to remotely manage their employees' phones, such as wiping the phone in the event of device theft to prevent data loss. But these features also allow stalkerware apps to snoop on the Android display and the device's data.

An unrecognized item in your device admin app settings is a common indicator of phone compromise. Image Credits: TechCrunch

You can find the device admin app settings in Settings under Security.

Most people won't have a device admin app on their personal phone, so be aware if you see an app that you don't recognize, named something similarly obscure and vague like "System Service," "Device Health" or "Device Admin."

Check the apps to uninstall

You may not see a home screen icon for any of these stalkerware apps, but they will still appear in your Android device's app list.

You can view all of the installed apps in Android's settings. Look for apps and icons that you don't recognize. These apps may also show as having broad access to your calendar, call logs, camera, contacts and location data.

Spyware apps are designed to blend in with generic-looking names and icons. Image Credits: TechCrunch

Force stopping and uninstalling a stalkerware app will likely alert the person who planted the stalkerware that the app no longer works.

Secure your device

If stalkerware was planted on your phone, there is a good chance that your phone was unlocked, unprotected or that your screen lock was guessed or learned. A stronger lock screen password can help to protect your phone from intruders. You should also protect email and other online accounts using two-factor authentication wherever possible.

If you or someone you know needs help, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) provides 24/7 free, confidential support to victims of domestic abuse and violence. If you are in an emergency situation, call 911. The Coalition Against Stalkerware has resources if you think your phone has been compromised by spyware.

Read more on TechCrunch:

Top 5 Best Authenticator Apps For Android In Canada 2024

We independently select all products and services. This article was written by a third-party company. If you click through links we provide, The Georgia Straight may earn a commission. Learn more

The significance of authenticator apps for enhancing online account security is growing steadily. Adding another layer of protection, these applications necessitate users to input a code produced by the app besides their password. Android users have a wide selection of these apps, each bearing different features and advantages.

After conducting extensive research and analysis, the top 5 best authenticator apps for Android have been identified. These apps were chosen based on their security features, ease of use, and compatibility with a wide range of online services. The selected apps offer a balance between security and convenience, making them ideal for both personal and business use.

Criteria for Evaluating Authenticator Apps

When evaluating the best authenticator apps for Android, there are several criteria to consider. These criteria help to determine the security, usability, and overall effectiveness of the app. Below are some of the most important criteria to consider:

Security

The primary purpose of an authenticator app is to provide an additional layer of security to your online accounts. Therefore, the security of the app is of utmost importance. A good authenticator app should use industry-standard encryption protocols and provide secure storage for your account credentials. It should also support multi-factor authentication, which requires more than one form of authentication to access your account.

Usability

An authenticator app should be easy to use and navigate. It should have a simple and intuitive user interface that allows you to quickly and easily access your accounts. The app should also support multiple accounts and provide a way to organize them for easy access.

Compatibility

The app should be compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems. It should support both Android and iOS devices, as well as popular web browsers. This ensures that you can use the app on all of your devices, regardless of the platform.

Reliability

The app should be reliable and provide consistent performance. It should work seamlessly with your online accounts, and should not cause any issues or errors when accessing them. The app should also be regularly updated to fix any bugs or security issues.

Additional Features

Some authenticator apps offer additional features that can enhance the user experience. For example, some apps provide backup and restore functionality, which allows you to easily transfer your accounts to a new device. Other apps offer biometric authentication, which allows you to use your fingerprint or facial recognition to access your accounts.

By considering these criteria, you can choose the best authenticator app for your needs, ensuring that your online accounts are secure and protected.

Top 5 Authenticator Apps for Android

When it comes to securing your online accounts, using a two-factor authentication (2FA) app is a must. Authenticator apps generate a unique code that you enter after entering your password, adding an extra layer of security to your account. Here are the top 5 authenticator apps for Android:

Google Authenticator

Google Authenticator is a popular choice for Android users. It is easy to set up and can be used with any site that supports time-based one-time passwords (TOTP). The app generates a new code every 30 seconds, ensuring that your account is secure. It also supports multiple accounts, making it a great choice for users with many accounts.

Authy

Authy is another popular authenticator app that offers a wide range of features. It supports TOTP and also supports one-time passwords (OTP) via SMS or phone call. Authy also offers a backup feature that allows you to sync your accounts across multiple devices, making it a great choice for users who frequently switch devices.

LastPass Authenticator

LastPass Authenticator is a great choice for users who already use LastPass password manager. The app supports TOTP and also offers push notifications for easy login. LastPass Authenticator also offers a backup feature, allowing you to sync your accounts across multiple devices.

Microsoft Authenticator

Microsoft Authenticator is a great choice for users who use Microsoft services such as Outlook or Office 365. The app supports TOTP and also offers push notifications for easy login. Microsoft Authenticator also supports fingerprint and face recognition, making it a convenient choice for users with compatible devices.

Duo Mobile

Duo Mobile is a great choice for users who value security. The app supports TOTP and also offers push notifications for easy login. Duo Mobile also supports fingerprint and face recognition, making it a convenient choice for users with compatible devices. Additionally, Duo Mobile offers a feature called "Trusted Access" that allows you to verify the security of your device before logging in.

In summary, choosing the right authenticator app is crucial for securing your online accounts. The above-mentioned apps are all great choices for Android users, offering a range of features to suit different needs.

Features to Look for in Authenticator Apps

When choosing an authenticator app for Android, there are several features that users should look for to ensure that they are getting the best security and convenience.

Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a must-have feature in any authenticator app. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more authentication factors to access their accounts. This can include something the user knows (such as a password), something they have (such as a smartphone), or something they are (such as a fingerprint).

Cross-Platform Compatibility

A good authenticator app should be compatible with multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. This allows users to use the same app to secure their accounts across all their devices, regardless of the operating system.

Backup and Recovery Options

It's important to choose an authenticator app that offers backup and recovery options. This ensures that users can recover their accounts in case they lose their device or accidentally delete the app. Some authenticator apps allow users to back up their accounts to the cloud or to a separate device.

User-Friendly Interface

A user-friendly interface is essential for any authenticator app. A good authenticator app should be easy to use, with clear instructions and a simple layout. Users should be able to add and manage their accounts with minimal effort.

Third-Party Integration

Some authenticator apps offer third-party integration, allowing users to use the app to secure their accounts on other websites and services. This can be a convenient feature for users who want to consolidate their security measures into a single app. However, users should be cautious when using third-party integrations and make sure they trust the service before granting access to their accounts.

Setting Up and Using Authenticator Apps

Authenticator apps are a great way to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts. They work by generating a unique code that you must enter in addition to your password to log in to your account. Here are some steps to set up and use authenticator apps:

Download an authenticator app: There are several authenticator apps available for Android, such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and Authy. Choose one that suits your needs and download it from the Google Play Store.

Enable two-factor authentication: To use an authenticator app, you need to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your online accounts. This can usually be done in the security settings of your account.

Scan the QR code: Once you have enabled 2FA, you will be prompted to scan a QR code with your authenticator app. Open the app and scan the code to link it to your account.

Enter the code: After scanning the code, your authenticator app will generate a unique code. Enter this code along with your password to log in to your account.

Backup codes: Most authenticator apps provide backup codes that you can use if you lose your phone or can't access your authenticator app for any reason. Make sure to save these codes in a safe place.

It is important to note that not all online accounts support authenticator apps. However, many popular services such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter do support them. Using an authenticator app can greatly improve the security of your online accounts and is highly recommended.

Security Best Practices with Authenticator Apps

Authenticator apps are a great way to secure your online accounts and protect them from unauthorized access. However, it is important to follow some best practices to ensure maximum security. Here are some tips:

Use a strong password: A strong password is the first line of defense against hackers. Make sure to use a unique and complex password for each of your accounts.

Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. It requires you to enter a code from your authenticator app in addition to your password to log in.

Use a trusted authenticator app: There are many authenticator apps available in the market, but not all of them are trustworthy. Make sure to use a reputable app from a trusted source.

Back up your authenticator app: In case you lose your phone or it gets stolen, you may lose access to your authenticator app. To avoid this, make sure to back up your authenticator app regularly.

Don't share your codes: Never share your authenticator codes with anyone, even if they claim to be from the company. This is a common phishing tactic used by hackers to gain access to your accounts.

By following these best practices, you can ensure maximum security for your online accounts and protect them from unauthorized access.

Frequently Asked Questions What are the top-rated authenticator apps available for Android devices?

There are several top-rated authenticator apps available for Android devices. Some of the most popular ones include Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, LastPass Authenticator, Authy, and 2FA Authenticator. These apps are highly rated for their ease of use, security features, and compatibility with a range of online services.

Which authenticator app offers the highest level of security for Android users?

When it comes to security, it is important to choose an authenticator app that uses strong encryption and offers advanced security features. Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator are two of the most secure authenticator apps available for Android devices. Both apps use industry-standard security protocols and offer features like biometric authentication and password protection.

Can you recommend a reliable and free authenticator app for Android?

If you are looking for a reliable and free authenticator app for Android, Authy is a great option. Authy offers a range of advanced security features, including two-factor authentication, password protection, and biometric authentication. The app is also easy to use and supports a wide range of online services.

How do Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator compare for Android users?

Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator are both highly rated authenticator apps for Android users. While Google Authenticator is more widely used and offers a simpler interface, Microsoft Authenticator offers more advanced security features, including biometric authentication and password protection. Both apps are free to use and offer strong encryption.

What are the best options for an authenticator app to use with social platforms like Facebook and Instagram on Android?

When it comes to using authenticator apps with social platforms like Facebook and Instagram on Android, Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator are both great options. Both apps are compatible with a wide range of online services, including social media platforms. Other popular options include LastPass Authenticator and Authy.

Are there any authenticator apps for Android that also have a desktop or Mac version?

Yes, there are several authenticator apps for Android that also have a desktop or Mac version. Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and Authy are all available for desktop and Mac users. These apps offer a seamless and secure way to manage your two-factor authentication across multiple devices.

The Best Android Tablets In 2024

Best Android tablets: Quick Menu

The best Android tablets make great alternatives to the best iPads. That's because these well-designed devices pack enough power to run apps and games with minimal or no slowdown. They're also power-efficient enough to last long on a single charge. And with a keyboard attachment, some Android tablets can make for decent laptop replacements.

To find the right Android tablet for you, we tested many in the lab, measuring battery life, performance and screen quality. App quality is a lingering question for Android tablets. To that end, your decision might start with how many apps you want — as not all of these Android tablets get the same apps.

Here are the best Android tablets, based on our hands-on testing and review of dozens from Amazon, Samsung, Nokia and even OnePlus.

Tony Polanco

Senior Staff Writer

Tony is a senior writer at Tom's Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and iPadOS. During his off-hours, Tony enjoys reading comic books, playing video games, reading speculative fiction novels, and spending too much time on Twitter. His work has appeared in publications such as Laptop Mag, PC Mag, and various independent gaming sites.

The quick list

Here's a quick overview of the best Android tablets you can buy right now based on our testing and reviews.

Best overall

1. OnePlus Pad

The best Android tablet overall

With a huge 13MP rear camera, curved edges and a unique 7:5 aspect ratio, OnePlus' first slate makes a statement. Videos and ebooks look great on its vivid 11.6-inch 144Hz display. Its MediaTek Dimensity 9000 CPU and Android 13 OS make apps and games run smooth and fast. It's an overall winner.

Read more below

Best affordable

2. Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)

The best affordable Android tablet

The Amazon Fire HD 8 represents the sweet spot in terms of price, power, and functionality. This 12th-generation Fire HD 8 tablet packs roughly 30% more power than the last model. It's also lighter yet more durable. This is an amazingly solid tablet for the price ($100).

Read more below.

Best Samsung

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

The best Samsung tabletThe Galaxy Tab S9 is the best overall Samsung tablet thanks to its versatility. This OLED-equipped slate is great for both work and for play. If you need a solid premium Android tablet, you can't go wrong with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9.Read more below.

Best smart home

4. Google Pixel Tablet

The best smart home Android tablet

The Google Pixel Tablet stands out from every other on this list by being the only one to come with its own speaker/charging dock. No other tablet on the market doubles as an out-of-the-box smart home hub in quite the same way, and we found it works quite well.

Read more below.

Best big screen

5. Lenovo Yoga Tab 13

The best big screen Android tablet

The Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 is an entertainment-focused Android tablet with an impressive 13-inch display and quality speakers. Thanks to the Snapdragon 870 processor and 8GB of memory, playing games is a delight. Its 2K screen is also great for watching videos or acting as a secondary display.

Read more below.

Best pseudo-laptop

6. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

The best laptop replacement

Samsung took "go big or go home" to heart when creating the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. This 14.6-inch beast is easily one of the largest tablets we've ever reviewed. But beyond its monstrous size, the Tab S9 Ultra has enough power packed into its thin chassis to potentially turn it into a laptop replacement.

Read more below.

The best Android tablet overall

(Image credit: Tom's Guide) Specifications

CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 9000

Display: 11.6 inches (2800 x 2000) 7:5 aspect ratio, 144Hz

Storage: 128GB

Memory: 8GB

Ports: 1x USB-C

Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.4 x 0.2 inches

Weight: 1.2 pounds

Reasons to buy +

Incredible battery life

+

Comfortable curved edges

+

Sharp front and rear cameras

+

Fast performance

Reasons to avoid -

Mediocre speaker quality

The OnePlus Pad is an Android tablet worth getting excited about. With a huge 13MP rear camera, curved edges and a unique 7:5 aspect ratio, OnePlus' first slate stands out from the competition. It's one of my favorite tablets of 2023.

This tablet has plenty going for it besides its distinctive design. Videos and ebooks look great on its vivid 11.6-inch 144Hz display, and thanks to its MediaTek Dimensity 9000 CPU and Android 13 OS, apps and games run smooth and fast. The lightweight OnePlus Pad also has exceptional battery life, lasting over 13 hours in our testing.

The OnePlus Pad looks great and runs even better. If you're looking for an excellent Android tablet for under $500, you can't go wrong with the OnePlus Pad.

Read our full OnePlus Pad review.

The best affordable Android tablet

(Image credit: Tom's Guide) Specifications

CPU: 2GHz hexa-core

Display: 8-inch 1280x800 LCD Touch

Storage: 32GB, 64GB

Memory: 2GB RAM

Ports: 1 USB-C, 1 microSD slot, 1 Headphone jack

Dimensions: 7.94 x 5.4 x 0.37 inches

Weight: 0.7 pounds

Reasons to buy +

Bright screen

+

Excellent battery life

+

Fantastic value

+

Strong speakers

Reasons to avoid -

Performance limitations

-

Rough cameras

-

Amazon's ecosystem

-

Lock screen ads

Amazon's tablets have long maintained the reputation of being shockingly good for their low prices, and the middle-sized device — the Amazon Fire HD 8 — represents the sweet spot in terms of price, power, and functionality. That's unchanged with the new 2022 model, although it comes with some nice tweaks and upgrades from the last edition.

This 12th-generation Fire HD 8 tablet packs roughly 30% more power than the last model, helping to smooth out some of the spurts of lag we saw when we reviewed the older hardware. It's also lighter and feels more durable. Granted, it's also $10 more expensive than before.

But the overall experience and value equation are much the same: this is an amazingly solid tablet for the price ($100) if you can deal with modest performance, along with more pressing annoyances like lock screen ads and the limitations of Amazon's app ecosystem. If that doesn't bother you, this is a good budget tablet to get.

Read our full Amazon Fire HD 8 review.

The best Samsung tablet

(Image credit: Future) Specifications

CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Display: 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz

Storage: 128GB/256GB

Memory: 8GB RAM

Ports: USB-C, microSD

Dimensions: 9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 inches

Weight: 1.1 pounds

Reasons to buy +

AMOLED upgrade is great

+

Bright, beautiful display

+

Good speakers

+

Included S Pen stylus is a great value

Reasons to avoid -

Slower than cheaper, older iPad Air

-

Middling battery life

The Galaxy Tab S9 is good at a lot of things, but it's best at being a premium Android tablet. You can use it to get work done in a pinch, but in our experience, it's best enjoyed as a speedy all-purpose device for making work and play a bit more enjoyable.

Though basically identical to last year's model, the S9 is more powerful and has a beautiful new AMOLED display that makes everything you do on it look great. On the couch, it's great for gaming or reading comics. At work, it's nice to have as a note-keeping device or secondary display, especially if you go through the trouble of investing in the Galaxy ecosystem and making your workspace DeX-friendly.

If you absolutely must have the biggest, baddest Android slate possible you probably want the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, but if you just need a great premium Android tablet the Galaxy Tab S9 delivers — and in the process, sets a new standard for what we should expect from the category.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 review.

The best smart home Android tablet

(Image credit: Future) Specifications

CPU: Tensor G2

Camera Resolution: 8MP, f/2.0 front and rear

Display: 11-inch 2560 x 1600 LCD, 60Hz

Storage: 128GB, 256GB

Ports: USB-C

Dimensions: 10.2 x 6.7 x 0.3 inches (tablet); 6.6 x 3.7 x 2.7 (dock)

Weight: 1.08 pounds

Reasons to buy +

Charging dock a useful accessory

+

Good photo quality

+

Strong photo editing features

Reasons to avoid -

Average performance

-

Few productivity accessories available

The Google Pixel Tablet stands out from every other on this list by being the only one to come with its own speaker/charging dock. It's both a tablet and a smart home device.

It's a clear attempt on Google's part to help the tablet stand out from the pack, and it pays off. No other tablet on the market doubles as an out-of-the-box smart home hub in quite the same way, and we found it works quite well.

The speakers on the tablet's charging dock are also great, delivering more satisfying bass at the expense of some treble. It's a solid Android tablet too, comparable to Apple's base iPad despite costing $50 less. However, its support for various smart home technologies varies, and it can't match the capabilities or sound quality of a good dedicated smart home hub like the Nest Hub Max. 

Read our full Google Pixel Tablet review.  

The best big screen Android tablet

(Image credit: Tom's Guide) Specifications

CPU: Snapdragon 870

Camera Resolution: 8MP (front)

Display: 13-inch (2160 x 1350 pixels) capacitive touchscreen

Storage: 128GB

Ports: USB-C, micro-HDMI

Dimensions: 11.55 x 8.03 x 0.24-0.98 inches

Weight: 1.83 pounds

Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac

Reasons to buy +

Built-in kickstand

+

Vibrant 13-inch touchscreen

+

Impressive speakers

+

Long battery life

Reasons to avoid -

Lacks 5G support

-

No rear camera

-

Hard to find suitable cases for it

The Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 is an entertainment-focused Android tablet with an impressive 13-inch display and quality speakers. It makes you feel like you're watching movies and shows on a proper TV instead of a bulky tablet. Playing games is a delight too, thanks to the speedy Snapdragon 870 processor and 8GB of memory. The slate can even act as a secondary monitor for your laptop or tablet, giving its 2K screen a bit of extra versatility.

Though great at what it does, it's not the most portable device out there. It's also all but impossible to find a protective cover due to its unusual design. The lack of 5G support is also a letdown, as is the lack of a headphone jack. Still, if you're looking for an entertainment-focused tablet that you don't plan to cart around much, the Yoga Tab 13 is a good choice. That said, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra might be a better choice.

Read our full Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 review.

The best laptop replacement

(Image credit: Tom's Guide) Specifications

CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Camera Resolution: 12MP + 12MP UW (front), 13MP AF + 6MP UW (back)

Display: 14.6-inch, 2960 x 1848-pixel

Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

Ports: 1x USB-C, microSD

Dimensions: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 inches

Weight: 1.4 pounds

Wi-Fi: WiFi 6E (2.4/5/6GHz)

Reasons to buy +

Gorgeous 14.6-inch OLED display

+

Slim, lightweight design

+

Fast performance

Reasons to avoid -

Pricey compared to the competition

-

DeX mode is a poor Windows 11 imitation

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is the ultimate Samsung tablet for those who absolutely need a ginormous slate.

Like its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, this model features a gorgeous 14.6-inch OLED display, an ultra-slim svelte design and plenty of power thanks to its speedy Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. If you're ingrained in the Samsung ecosystem and need a tablet with laptop-like functionality, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra will serve you well.

Of course, Samsung's monstrous tablet isn't flawless. While you can use it as a laptop when it's paired with the Samsung Book Cover Keyboard, the accessory adds an extra $349 cost to an already pricey $1,200 machine. And while the Tab S9 Ultra is a light 1.6 pounds, its large size can make it cumbersome to use when compared to a smaller tablet.

Read our Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra review.

How to choose the best Android tablet

When it comes to picking the best Android tablet for you, start by thinking about the apps you want. Yes, battery life and performance are so similar across many of these tablets that you can easily cross off half of this list by thinking about if you need your next Android tablet for more than just Netflix and Spotify.

Those who want every single application on their Android phone should probably look away from the Amazon Fire tablets, as those require jumping through hoops (and disabling security protection features) to get Gmail or any of the Google apps as apps. If you don't need those apps on your tablet, or could stand to use older, less-than-stellar versions of those applications in a web browser, then you can consider the Fire tablets.

If you want all of the apps, you have three questions, each with its own answer. Are you mainly going to be consuming content? Get the Galaxy Tab S9. Looking for a machine where you can crank out a Word document and possibly replace your laptop? The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is right for you. 

Those OK with the limitations of Amazon tablets should grab a Fire 7 for less demanding uses, and the Fire HD 8 if they're shopping for folks with slightly higher standards. And if you're looking for the best of the budget bunch, the Fire HD 10 is right for you.

If you need more guidance, we have detailed buying guides for the best Samsung tablets, the best Amazon Fire tablets and the best cheap tablets.

How we test the best Android tablets

The first thing we do to separate the great tablets from the jokers is to test all their different facets. Our web-surfing-based battery test times how long a tablet can browse the internet for, with its display set to 150 nits of brightness. But in order to figure out what percentage of brightness equals 150 nits, we perform a series of display tests to measure how colorful the panel can get (measured with its sRGB output number) as well as how bright it can get. Then, we run benchmark tests on said tablet, including the latest version of the Geekbench general performance benchmark.

Another thing we do to evaluate Android tablets is check out the app store to see if you're getting a true Android experience or some company's vision thereof. The latter is a major disappointment — though we don't expect anything different from Amazon at this stage. On tablets with parental controls settings, we try and find the loopholes in said limitations, to find red flags before your kids can.

Then, we just use the tablets like we would if we owned them. Opening tab after tab and app after app to see if we can multitask without hiccups. We also watch YouTube videos because the color output (sRGB) and brightness (nits) measurements don't tell the whole story. Only through all of these tests, can we be sure that we're giving you a complete assessment of a tablet's value.

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