The Best 7-inch Tablets

If you're looking for a tablet on a tight budget—or just want a tablet that's especially light and portable, a smaller, 7" tablet is the way to go. These are our favorites.

Apple iPad mini

Why we like it: If you're an Apple user looking for a smaller, more portable—and less costly—tablet, the iPad mini is the pick of the lot. The iPad mini is our favorite 7" tablet because it has all the bells and whistles you would expect on a larger tablet (like its big brother the iPad), just in a more portable package.

Why you might not like it: If you're on a tight budget, the mini is still pretty pricy and we'd recommend considering one of the Android options below instead. And if you really want a device with a larger screen, you should definitely check out the iPad instead (the iPad 2 if you're looking to cut costs).

Storage: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB
Screen: 7.9" with 1024x768 resolution (163ppi)
Internet: Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi with cellular service from AT&T, Sprint or Verizon
Camera: Front (1.2MP still photos and 720p HD video) and rear camera (5MP still photos and 1080p HD video)
OS: iOS 6
Battery life: Up to 10 hours
Price: Starts at $329 at apple.com

Google Nexus 7

Why we like it: This is a no-compromises tablet that packs a lot of power into a Android-based package. It's slightly smaller than the iPad mini for added portability, but boasts an extra-sharp 216ppi screen (better than the iPad mini).

Why you might not like it: The only reason we can think of not to like this powerhouse is if you want a larger tablet: in which case you should look to the Nexus 7's big brother, the Nexus 10. And if you really want an Apple tablet, well, this will only be a poor substitute.

Storage: 16GB, 32GB
Screen: 7” with 1280x800 resolution (216ppi)
Internet: Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi with cellular service from AT&T or T-Mobile
Camera: Front-facing (1.2MP)
OS: Android 4.2
Battery life: Up to 10 hours
Price: Starts at $199 at Google Play 

Amazon Kindle Fire

Why we like it: This is an ideal budget tablet, with just the features you need at a very affordable price. If you tend to buy from Amazon (or are an Amazon Prime subscriber), you'll especially like this as it's tied in to Amazon's book, movie, and music stores for easy access to all of your content. Parents will love Amazon's FreeTime features, which offer parental controls and a library of kid-friendly apps, books, games, and shows.

Why you might not like it: The Kindle Fire is locked into Amazon, making it challenging to use it to access apps, music, books, or movies that aren't sold by Amazon. If you like the Fire, but want a tablet with a bit more power, you should look at the Kindle Fire HD which starts at $199 but offers more storage space and a better screen.

Storage: 8GB
Screen: 7" with 1024x600 resolution (169 ppi)
Internet: Wi-Fi only
Camera: N/A
OS: Customized version of Android 2.3
Battery life: Up to 9 hours
Price: Starts at $159 at Amazon

Need more help deciding which tablet is right for you? Check out our story on how to buy a tablet.