Let’s be honest—most people don’t need a “power user” machine. If your daily life is internet, the best device is the one that’s fast, comfortable to look at, and doesn’t die at 2pm.
Here’s how I judge an “internet surfing” device:
- Screen: big enough to read without squinting, bright enough for real life
- Speed: smooth scrolling + no lag when you’ve got 20 tabs open
- Battery: I shouldn’t be hunting for a charger like it’s a side quest
- Keyboard (optional): if you email/type a lot, a real keyboard matters
The top 10 devices I’d recommend
1) iPad Air (M2) — the sweet spot tablet
If you want a tablet that feels fast, has a great screen, and just works for browsing, this is the easy pick. Add a keyboard later if you start doing more typing.
2) iPad Pro (M4) — best screen + “everything is instant” feel
Overkill? For some people, yes. But if you want the nicest tablet browsing experience (brightness, motion, speed), the Pro is hard to beat.
3) Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 — best Android tablet vibe
If you’re Android-first and want a premium tablet for browsing, streaming, and split-screen multitasking, the Tab S-series is usually where people end up.
4) Lenovo Idea Tab Plus — big screen value for couch browsing
For casual browsing and video, a bigger display with good value is the whole point. This is a “lot of tablet for the money” pick.
5) MacBook Air (M3) — best “grab-and-go” browsing laptop
If you want a real laptop that’s light, fast, and doesn’t sound like a jet engine, the Air is the move. It’s the device I recommend most for small business owners who live in the browser.
6) Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 — the Chromebook I’d actually buy
For pure internet use, ChromeOS is simple and fast. This one nails the basics: good build, good screen, and 2-in-1 flexibility.
7) Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 (2-in-1) — flexible + budget-friendly “do everything”
If you want a laptop that can flip into tablet mode for scrolling and then back into “typing mode” for emails, this is a really practical setup.
8) iPhone 16 Pro — best “fast browsing in your pocket”
For people who do a surprising amount of internet from their phone, the Pro models are quick, smooth, and handle heavy pages without feeling sluggish.
9) Samsung Galaxy S25 — best Android “big screen, big power” browsing phone
If you want Android with a great display and a snappy feel for heavy scrolling, multitasking, and “too many tabs,” this is an easy top-tier choice.
10) Google Pixel 9 Pro — clean Android + great everyday experience
Pixel phones are usually the “simple and smooth” Android recommendation. Great for browsing, great for photos, and not loaded with junk.
Quick buying guide (pick your lane)
- Mostly couch browsing: iPad Air or a big value tablet
- Browsing + lots of typing: MacBook Air or Chromebook Plus
- Android tablet: Galaxy Tab S-series
- Only want one device: lightweight laptop > tablet (for forms, docs, email)
My rule: if you fill out forms, write emails, or run a business—get a laptop (or a tablet with a real keyboard).