The open-source nature of Google's Android OS makes it inviting with a great notification system, maximum configurability, fast Web browsing, and efficient integration with Google applications like Hangouts, Gmail and Google Maps.

Multiple user logins make it easy to share your tablet with a friend or family member, a wonderful feature Apple tablets do not have.

Best of all, you have a choice of hardware from several different manufacturers.

Our top picks offer you more versatility. These tablets work by day and easily become kid-friendly tablets by night.

Plus, the Android tablets listed below feature efficient processors, long battery life and holiday sale prices.

Kindle Fire HDX 16 GB Tablet. For casual tablet users on a budget, the Kindle Fire tablet has an attractive low price. The quad-core processor delivers fast performance for your favorite movies and apps. The visually stunning HDX display will wow you in with its sharp text and vibrant colors. It is on sale at Best Buy for $179.99 (Regular price: $199.99).

Asus Nexus 7 Tablet. It has a Tegra 3 quad-core processor, 12 core GPU, 8GB or 16GB internal storage and 7-inch 1280 x 800 screen. The Nexus 7 is a solid performer and easily the best tablet for those on a budget. Buy the 16GB Nexus 7 tablet at Amazon for $208.00 (Regular price: $299.00). Buy the 32GB Nexus 7 tablet at Amazon for $251.42.

Nvidia Shield Tablet. If you are a gamer, this is your tablet. The high performance 8-inch Nvidia Shield Tablet is one of the most versatile and affordable you can buy. Amazon has it for $299.00 (Regular price: $299.99).

Google Nexus 9 Tablet. Its premium build, speedy performance and consistent updates make it one of the most coveted high-end Android tablets. Get it at Office Depot for $349.99 (Regular price: $399.99).

Google Nexus 10. The tablet is not as great a value as the Nexus 7, but it gives Apple's pricey iPad 4 a run for its money. It sports a dual-core A15 processor, 2GB of system memory, 32GB on-board storage memory and Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) OS. It comes with a 10.55" touchscreen. It has 2560 x 1600 resolution. It has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, plus a 5MP webcam and front 1.9MP webcam. You can buy the Google Nexus 10 with 32 GB at Amazon for $409.88 plus free shipping (Regular price: $499.00).

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4. Choked full of power, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is an excellent smaller tablet with beautiful screen resolution. It is a worthy competitor to the popular iPad Mini. Buy the 16 GB tablet at Best Buy for $349.99 (Regular price: $399.99).

LG G Pad 8.3 Tablet. Android fanatics will like the 8.3" screen with 1920 x 1200 resolution that is ideal for gaming and streaming HD content. It has a quad-core processor. 16 GB of internal storage mean plenty of space for photos, music, movies, and more. It comes with a 1.3MP front camera and 5.0MP autofocus rear camera. Buy it at Best Buy for $249.99 (Regular price: $329.99).

Sony Xperia Tablet Z. This top-end Android gadget comes with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 1.5 GHz and 2 GB RAM memory. As if that is not enough, the gorgeous 10.1 inches display and easy-to-carry weight of 2.07 pounds make it delightful to own. On sale at Amazon for $419.00 (Regular price: $499.99).

Asus Transformer Pad Infinity. This tablet rivals the Sony Xperia Tablet will its improved screen that makes browsing the web and watching video a joy. The 1920x1200 resolution Full HD is incredible. It has the fastest NVIDIA Tegra 3 Quad-core CPU ever, at 1.6GHz. It also has improved graphics performance with a 12-core GPU. The rear auto-focus 8MP camera with LED flash, 5-element lens, F/2.2 aperture and back illuminated CMOS sensor offers you crystal clear photographs. You can buy the 32 GB tablet at Best Buy for $439.99 (Regular price: $499.99).