Best tablets of 2014

Apple's best tablet yet

Apple iPad Air 2

The iPad Air 2 is a nice refinement and finesse of last year's model, with a bevy of tweaks, enhancements, a much faster processor, and the welcome addition of Touch ID. Simply put: it's still the gold standard for tablets.

Price: $499.00 - $529.99 

Google Nexus 9

The Google Nexus 9's premium build, speedy performance and consistent updates render it one of the best high-end Android tablets.

Price: $449.00 

Best pure gaming tablet

Nvidia Shield Tablet

Even if you don't take advantage of its gaming prowess, the Nvidia Shield Tablet is one of the most versatile -- and affordable -- high-performance 8-inch Android slates you can buy.

Price: $299.99 - $314.99 

Amazon Fire HDX 8.9

Impressive Amazon features and an outstanding display make the the Fire HDX 8.9 one of the best and most affordable media consumption tablets.

Price: $379.00 

Feature-rich, small, and powerful

Samsung Galaxy Tab S (8.4-inch)

With its slim design, fantastic screen, and oodles of power, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is a superb smaller tablet, and a worthy competitor to the ever-popular iPad Mini.

Price: $346.99 - $397.99 

Best productivity tablet

Microsoft Surface Pro 3

While the new Surface Pro 3 is Microsoft's best PC to date, it's more successful as a tablet than a laptop replacement.

Price: $784.99 - $799.00