Best Tablets for Netflix to Buy in 2026
If you mainly watch Netflix, you want more than a fast chip. Look for high‑quality displays (OLED or excellent LCD), HDR support (Dolby Vision or HDR10/HDR10+ on supported plans/devices), Widevine L1 DRM for HD playback, good speakers, and big batteries. Below are buyable, current models that consistently deliver a reliable streaming experience.
Netflix tips: For the highest quality streaming on mobile/tablets, use the latest Netflix app, a stable connection, and (where available) the Premium plan for HDR titles. Availability of Dolby Vision/HDR10/HDR10+ varies by device and title.
Quick Picks (TL;DR)
- Best Overall (Apple): iPad Pro 11‑inch (M4, OLED) – stunning OLED, excellent speakers, long updates.
- Best Value (Apple): iPad 11‑inch (A16) – bright LCD, Dolby Vision support, sleek and reliable.
- Best Overall (Android): Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra – huge AMOLED, loud speakers, HDR10+ support for Netflix titles that offer it.
- Best Mid‑range (Android): Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ – big 12.4″ screen, solid stereo speakers, strong battery for binge‑watching.
- Best Budget Big‑screen (Android): Lenovo Tab P12 – Widevine L1 for HD streams on major services; comfortable 12.7″ display.
- Best Budget Compact (Android): Xiaomi Pad 6 – Widevine L1 confirmed; sharp 11″ display and quad speakers for the price.
- Best Ultra‑Affordable: Amazon Fire Max 11 – excellent value and battery life on Fire OS with Netflix app support.
What to look for (and why it matters)
- Widevine L1: Required for HD streaming on most Android tablets. Without it (L3), Netflix may cap at SD.
- HDR formats: Dolby Vision on iPads and many premium Androids; HDR10/HDR10+ on others (Netflix added HDR10+ support on certified devices in 2025).
- Speakers: Dual speakers (preferably quad) greatly improve the experience.
- Battery: Aim for 8,000mAh+ (Android) or a full‑day iPad battery.
- Panel quality: OLED is best for contrast in dark rooms; high‑quality LCD can still look superb.
iPad Pro 11‑inch (M4, OLED) — Best Overall (Apple)
Why it’s great: The new tandem‑OLED delivers true blacks and gorgeous HDR. iPadOS Netflix app is mature, and Apple’s quad speakers sound cinematic for a tablet.
Best for: Viewers who want the best display and audio in a premium tablet.
Highlights: 11″ OLED · superb speakers · long OS support · excellent brightness.
iPad 11‑inch (A16) — Best Value (Apple)
Why it’s great: A bright Liquid Retina display with Dolby Vision/HDR10 support, long battery life, and Apple’s reliable app ecosystem.
Best for: Everyday Netflix watchers who prefer Apple reliability without Pro pricing.
Highlights: 11″ LCD · Dolby Vision/HDR10 playback support · strong battery.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra — Best Overall (Android)
Why it’s great: A massive Dynamic AMOLED canvas that makes movies feel theatrical. With Netflix’s HDR10+rollout on supported devices, Samsung’s top tablet can showcase dynamic HDR on titles encoded for it.
Best for: Android fans who want a huge screen and HDR10+ compatibility on eligible content.
Highlights: 14.6″ AMOLED · loud speakers · premium design.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ — Best Mid‑range (Android)
Why it’s great: Big 12.4″ display, S Pen included, steady performance, and great battery for long binges.
Best for: Viewers wanting screen size and battery at a mid‑price.
Highlights: 12.4″ LCD · stereo speakers · IP68 tablet/S‑Pen.
Lenovo Tab P12 — Best Budget Big‑screen (Android)
Why it’s great: Comfortable 12.7″ viewing with Widevine L1 for HD playback across services. Great for family streaming and travel.
Best for: Budget‑minded buyers who still want a large screen with HD Netflix.
Highlights: 12.7″ LCD · quad speakers · L1 DRM confirmed.
Xiaomi Pad 6 — Best Budget Compact (Android)
Why it’s great: Sharp 11″ display, good performance, and Widevine L1 confirmed by Xiaomi help ensure HD streaming.
Best for: Someone who wants solid picture and clean MIUI for Pad without overspending.
Highlights: 11″ 2.8K‑class LCD · L1 DRM confirmed · quad speakers.
Amazon Fire Max 11 — Best Ultra‑Affordable
Why it’s great: Amazon’s best value slate: 11″ screen, long battery, and a Netflix app in the Amazon Appstore. Runs Fire OS, Amazon’s fork of Android — not standard Google Play services. Great as a couch tablet for movies and shows.
Best for: Tight budgets and households that already use Prime Video/Kindle.
Highlights: 11″ LCD · long battery life · sturdy design · Fire OS interface.
Comparison Table (at a glance)
| Tablet | Display | HDR formats (app/device support) | DRM | Speakers | Why pick it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro 11 (M4) | OLED | Dolby Vision / HDR10 (app‑dependent) | Integrated (handled by OS) | Quad | Best overall picture & sound |
| iPad 11 (A16) | LCD | Dolby Vision / HDR10 | Integrated (handled by OS) | Stereo | Best Apple value for Netflix |
| Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra | AMOLED | HDR10/HDR10+ (eligible titles) | L1 | Quad | Best Android cinematic screen |
| Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | LCD | HDR10 (app‑dependent) | L1 | Stereo | Mid‑range big screen |
| Lenovo Tab P12 | LCD | HDR (app‑dependent) | L1 | Quad | Budget large display |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | LCD | HDR (app‑dependent) | L1 | Quad | Budget compact |
| Fire Max 11 | LCD | HDR (app‑dependent) | — | Stereo | Ultra‑affordable |
Note: Netflix’s mobile/tablet apps emphasize HDR quality; some devices/apps may not show a “4K” label even when image quality matches the panel’s full potential. For HDR playback and 4K streams on TVs, Netflix Premium is required.
Setup & Troubleshooting
- Check your plan & app: Ensure you’re on Premium for HDR and running the latest Netflix app.
- Confirm device capability: On Android, open Netflix → App Settings → Diagnostics → Playback Specification and check Widevine = L1.
- Network: Aim for 5–15 Mbps (HD to UHD) stable bandwidth for best quality.
- HDR10+ on Samsung: Newer Samsung devices can play Netflix titles encoded in HDR10+ where available.
Final Thoughts
For the most consistent experience, iPad Pro 11 (M4 OLED) is our luxury pick, while the iPad 11 (A16) is a stellar value for Apple fans. On Android, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra offers the most immersive movie feel, and the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ delivers big‑screen comfort on a friendlier budget. If you want a large display under a tighter budget, Lenovo Tab P12 and Xiaomi Pad 6 keep HD Netflix within reach, and the Fire Max 11 is a practical ultra‑budget couch companion.
These foldable smartphones may also multiple purpose, so check out Best Foldable Smartphones to Buy (Book‑Style & Flip)
