For a long while, it was a challenge to find decent Android tablets to test. The category existed for some time before we were able to round up the best ones. But as Google continues to refine its mobile operating system, we're seeing a steady flow of high-quality Android tablets. And that's a good thing, since they provide viable alternatives to the Apple iPad, which has dominated the tablet market since its first release in early 2010. One of the major benefits of Android over the iPad, is that instead of a single hardware choice, you can access the OS on a number of tablets from various manufacturers, in different sizes, with varied designs.

The only hitch: There isn't a single version of Android. The latest iteration, 5.0 "Lollipop," brings a complete visual overhaul and plenty of new features to get excited about. It's the best Android yet, and you can get it on Google's own Nexus devices, but it's still not widely available on other manufacturers' tablets. Android has always had notorious problems with timely OS updates.

Still, even if you don't have the latest OS iteration—or an Android variation à la Amazon Kindle Fire—Android continues to be the most configurable tablet operating system you'll find. It's a master multitasker with an excellent notification system, and top-notch integration with Google services like Gmail, Hangouts, and Google Maps. There still aren't as many tablet-specific apps as you'll find for the iPad, but that's changing.

Hit the slideshow for the best Android-based tablets we've tested. Have a favorite we didn't include? Tell us in the comments below.