When it comes to tablets for travel, there are a lot of different options to choose from. With new models and features being released every year, it can be hard to decide which tablet is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 10 best tablets for travel. Whether you’re looking for a powerful workhorse or a lightweight device that can handle basic tasks, we’ve got you covered. So read on to find out which is the best tablet for travel!
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The Best Tablet for Travel: Top 10 Picks for 2023
Needing a tablet while traveling is essential and crucial to many people around the world. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, it’s a must-have in our current society. If you are anything like me, then the business is your focus, and having a computer at your fingertips can be heavy to carry around but you may need access for your job. Or if you are a busy parent, trying to keep your kit entertained, you might be trying to find the best tablet for your little one.
Here are four reasons why you should get a tablet for your next trip:
- Tablet PCs are lightweight and portable, making them easy to take with you on the go.
- They offer a wider range of features and functionality than smartphones, making them ideal for travel.
- Tablets usually have longer battery life than smartphones, meaning you can use them for longer without having to recharge.
- Many tablets come with built-in GPS receivers, allowing you to use them for navigation while traveling.
The Most Important Features to Consider when picking the best Tablet for Travel
When narrowing down the best tablet for travel, it is important to consider what you will be using it for most. Will you be working on the go and need a powerful device with a large screen? Or are you looking for a lightweight tablet that can handle basic tasks like browsing the web and checking email? Here are some of the most important features:
- Size – One of the main benefits of tablets is that they are much smaller and lighter than laptops. If you’re looking for a device that you can easily carry around with you, choose a tablet that’s small and light.
- Screen size – Tablet screens range from 7 inches to over 13 inches. If you’re looking for a device to use for movies, you’ll want one with a bigger screen.
- Durability – If you’re planning on taking your tablet on adventures, choose one that’s durable and can withstand a few bumps and bruises.
- Battery – Make sure to pick a tablet with good battery life so you don’t have to worry about recharging it throughout the day.
- Price – There is a wide range of prices for tablets, from budget-friendly options to high-end devices. Choose the one that fits your needs and budget.
- Operating system – There are three main types of tablet operating systems: iOS, Microsoft, and Android. If you’re already familiar with one of these, choose a tablet that uses the same system.
- Storage – Tablets come with varying amounts of storage, from 16GB to 512GB. If you plan on storing a lot of movies or photos on your tablet, choose one with more storage.
- Weight – When choosing a tablet for travel, consider how much it weighs. You don’t want to be weighed down by a heavy device when you’re on the go.
- Performance – If you plan on using your tablet for work or gaming, choose one with good performance. Look for a tablet with a fast processor and plenty of RAM.
- Wi fi vs Sim Card – When traveling, it is often difficult to find a good wi fi connection. If you are planning on using your tablet for data-heavy tasks like streaming videos or downloading files, choose a tablet with a SIM card so you can always have an internet connection.
Overview of the Best Tablets for Travel
Comparison Chart of the Best Tablets for Travel
Best Tablets for Travel
There are many different tablets on the market, making it difficult to choose the best tablet for travel for your needs. Some of the most popular tablets including the Microsoft Surface Go 2, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, and the Apple iPad Air.
Each tablet has its own unique features and benefits, so it is important to consider what you will be using it for before making a purchase. If you need a powerful device that can handle heavy workloads, then the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a good option and may be the best tablet for travel for you. If you are looking for a tablet that can be used for entertainment purposes, such as watching movies or playing games, then the iPad Air or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra are great choices and fairly light which makes for the best tablet for travel.
Another factor to consider when choosing a tablet is its operating system. iOS, Android, and Windows are the three main types of operating systems available on tablets. If you are already familiar with one of these systems, then it is wise to choose a tablet that uses that same operating system.
Storage is another important consideration when purchasing a tablet. Tablets come with varying levels of storage space, so make sure to pick one that has enough space for your needs. Weight is also an important factor to consider when choosing a tablet for travel. Consider size for the best tablet for travel, make sure to choose a model that is lightweight and easy to carry around with you.
Performance is another important factor to consider when choosing the best tablet for travel. If you plan on using your tablet for power-hungry tasks such as gaming or video streaming, you will want to choose one that has good performance specs. Finally, if you often find yourself without an internet connection while traveling, choose a tablet that has a SIM card slot so you can always stay connected.
Microsoft Surface Go 2 with a Keyboard – Best tablet for Business Travel
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is the best tablet for business travelers. It’s lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you on the go. It offers a wider range of features and functionality than smartphones, making it ideal for travel. Since this product uses Microsoft as many businesses do, it makes it easier to complete some tasks you may need to do while traveling. It has all the functions of a Microsoft laptop yet is compact and portable. Being able to use Microsoft office while on the go is what makes this the best tablet for work.
Pros of Microsoft Surface Go 2
- It is lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you on the go.
- It offers a wider range of usability for those with access to Microsoft Products like Microsoft Office
- You can easily plug in your external hard drives or flash drives to access
- Better battery than the Microsoft Surface Pro
- 10.5 inch screen
- Can purchase a surface pen for more productivity
Cons of Microsoft Surface Go 2
- Small smart keyboard makes prolonged typing awkward
- Average battery life
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra – Best tablet for Car Rides or Best tablet for RV travel
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is an updated model of the Samsung galaxy tab s7 and is a great tablet for car rides because it has a large screen size and high resolution. This android tablet makes it ideal for watching movies or TV shows on the go. It also has a powerful processor and plenty of storage space, allowing you to install lots of apps and games. And with its long battery life, you can use it for hours without having to recharge. It’s also small enough to fit most headrest car holders.
Pros for Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
- Large Screen Size
- High Resolution
- Powerful Processor
- Lots of Storage Space
- Camera quality
- Come with a pen stylus
Cons for Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
- Some users have complained that the tablet is not very durable
Apple iPad Air (2022) – Best tablet for Traveling Abroad
The Apple iPad Air (2022) is my choice for the best tablet for travel and the best tablet for flying, thanks to its lightweight and portable design. It also offers a wider range of features and functionality than most smartphones, making it ideal for use while on the go. It also has a longer battery life than most smartphones, meaning you can use it for longer without having to recharge. It’s perfect to watch movies on, play games, and use as a portable planner.
Many models come with built-in wi fi and GPS receivers /SIM slots, making them perfect for navigation while traveling. Additionally, it has an amazing screen resolution. Just grab a sim at the airport and you are good to go. This is arguably the best tablet for most people especially the best tablet for traveling in Europe because it’s lightweight, compact, and big enough for watching movies. Don’t forget to add an apple pencil!
Pros for Apple iPad Air
- Lightweight and portable design
- A wider range of features and functionality than most smartphones
- Longer battery life than most smartphones
- Many models come with built-in GPS receivers /SIM slots
- With the purchase of a keyboard, it’s an excellent replacement to some larger laptops
- USB C Charging
- 10.86 inch screen
- Excellent Front and Rear Camera
Cons for Apple iPad Air
- The price tag is a bit high, starting at $599
- Not as durable as some of the other options
- No MicroSD card slot meaning internal storage only
- No headphone jack included
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro – Best tablet for Kids
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is a great tablet for traveling kids and has way more features than its predecessor the Amazon fire HD 8. It comes with a variety of kid-friendly features, including a built-in parental control feature that allows you to restrict what your child can access. It also has a durable design that can withstand being dropped. And with its durable battery, your child can use it for hours without having to recharge which is why it’s on the list of the best tablet for travel for kids. It’s also great for ebooks and audiobooks using the Kindle and Audible Apps.
Pros of Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro
- The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro comes with a variety of kid-friendly features, including a built-in parental control feature that allows you to restrict what your child can access.
- It also has a durable design that can withstand being dropped.
- And with its long battery life, your child can use it for hours without having to recharge.
Cons of Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro
- Some parents have complained that the parental controls feature is too restrictive.
- Not as flexible as an android tablet
Apple iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard – Best tablet for movies on an Airplane or best tablet for RV travel
The Apple iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard is the best tablet for travel for those trying to be products and the best tablet for watching movies. It features a powerful A12X Bionic chip and a 12.9-inch Retina display, making it perfect for working on the go. It also has a built-in GPS receiver, making it perfect for navigation.
The iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard is also lightweight, and portable. The screen resolution is one of the best and fairly large which allows you to watch some of your favorite movies on the go. Plus, with its long battery life, you can stay productive without having to worry about recharging often. With that said, it’s a great table for work and play. I suggest you grab an apple pencil which will make it more productive for your needs.
Pros for Apple iPad Pro
- The Apple iPad Pro has a large screen
- It has a lot of space to download movies for the airplane
- The iPad Pro is lightweight and portable.
- Plus, with its hours of battery life, you can stay productive without having to worry about recharging often.
- USB C Charging
- Quality stereo speakers
- 12.9-inch Tablet with full HD display
- Excellent Front and Rear Camera
Cons for Apple iPad Pro
- The price tag is a bit high, it’s not a cheap tablet
- Not as durable as some of the other options
- No MicroSD card slot
Apple iPad Mini – Best lightweight and compact tablet
The Apple iPad mini is a lightweight and compact tablet that is perfect for travel. This is the best tablet for travel for those who are minimalists. It features a 7.9-inch Retina HD display and a powerful A12 Bionic chip, making it perfect for working on the go. It also has a built-in GPS receiver, making it perfect for navigation. The iPad mini is also lightweight and portable. And with its long battery life, you can stay productive without having to worry about recharging often. Be sure to pair it with an apple pencil for additional capabilities.
Pros for iPad Mini
- Lightweight and compact design
- Retina display
- Powerful A12 Bionic chip
- Portable and durable
- Long battery life
- USB C Charging
- 7.9 inch display
Cons for iPad Mini
- The price tag is a bit high, it’s not a cheap tablet
- Not as many features as the larger iPad Pro
- No headphone jack included
Lenovo Flex 5 – Best 2-in-1 Chromebook for a travel tablet
This Lenovo tab is a great 2-in-1 Chromebook for travel. It’s the best tablet for travel that is more like a computer that is great for students. It features a 360-degree hinge that allows you to use it as a laptop or a tablet. It also has a built-in GPS receiver, making it perfect for navigation. The Lenovo Flex 5 is a great 2-in-1 Chromebook for travel.
It features a 360-degree hinge that allows you to use it as a laptop or a tablet.
It also has a built-in GPS receiver, making it perfect for navigation. The Lenovo Flex 5 comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, making it perfect for working on the go.
The Lenovo tab also has a great battery, allowing you to stay productive without having to worry about recharging often.
Pros for the Lenovo Flex 5
- The Lenovo Flex comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, making it perfect for working on the go.
- The Lenovo Flex also has a great battery, allowing you to stay productive without having to worry about recharging often.
- Integrated keyboard, no additional purchases for a keyboard
Cons for the Lenovo Flex 5
- The screen resolution could be better
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 – Best Android Tablet for Travel
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is the best Android tablet for travel. It features a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor and a 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display, making it perfect for working on the go. It also has a built-in GPS receiver, making it perfect for navigation.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is also lightweight and portable. Plus, with its long battery life, you can stay productive without having to worry about recharging often. If you don’t want an iPad, but want something of comparable then this is the travel tablet for you. Android tablets are some of the best on the market and are definitely in competition with Apple. If you aren’t an apple user and looking for android tablets, this is one you should consider.
Pros of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
- The Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor
- The 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display
- Lightweight and portable
- Long battery life
- USB C Charging
- Expandable storage up to 1TB with microSD card
Cons of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
Conclusion for the Best Tablet for Travel
When it comes to choosing the best tablet for travel, there are a number of factors you need to consider if you want a tablet. You need to think about what type of activities you will be using the tablet for and what features are most important to you. If you’re looking for a lightweight and compact tablet that is perfect for travel, the iPad mini 2022 is a good option. If you need a tablet with a larger screen, the Apple iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard is a good choice. Whichever tablet you choose, make sure that it has a long battery life so that you can stay productive while on the go.
My top pick would be the iPad Air because it’s the best of both worlds. You can use it for a variety of occasions. The screen isn’t too small, but it isn’t too bulky and heavy either making it the best tablet for travel.
How We Decided which is the best tablet for travel
To help narrow down your choices, we considered the most important features when picking the best tablet for travel. This included size, screen size, durability, battery life, price, operating system, storage, weight, and performance. We also looked at reviews from experts and travelers to find the best options on the market.
FAQs about the Best Tablet for Travel
What is the best tablet for personal use? Which tablet is best for everything?
Personally, if you want a tablet that does it all and is truly the best table for travel, I would go with the iPad Air. It is my personal favorite. It’s not as small as the mini, but powerful enough. It’s not as big as the iPad Pro which makes it more compact and light for travel. Also, if you are looking for android tablets, then the iPad might not be the best choice for you and the Samsung S7 might be the right choice.
Which is the best tablet for watching movies?
As I’ve recommended above, I think the iPad Pro will be one of the best choices for watching movies. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is also a very good option as well.
Can I take my Samsung tablet on a plane?
Of course. Just make sure it’s in airplane mode or if you have a sim slot that the network is not running in the background.
What brands of tablets are the best?
Samsung and Apple will be the best tablets on the market and the best tablet for travel. They are honestly great quality and some of the biggest competitors on the market. I recommend either going with those 2 unless otherwise listed above.
What tablets are good for traveling?
All the tablets I’ve listed above will be good for traveling. Any tablet you have may be good for travel. Just make sure they are able to download videos so that you can watch them on the plane since wifi services are limited or practically nonexistent on airplanes.
What is the best size tablet for travel?
It honestly depends on what you’ll be using it for. If you’re looking to do work or school work, then a larger tablet like the iPad Pro would be good. If you are looking for something more compact, then the size of the iPad mini. When it comes to storage space, I wouldn’t have anything less than 100gb these days, that way it can last you longer.
What travel tablet should I buy?
Honestly, it all depends on what you will be using it for and your budget. If you are looking for an affordable option, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A is a great choice. If you have a bit more to spend, then I would recommend the iPad Air. It also depends on if you want an android tablet or an ios device.
How much should I spend on a tablet?
Again, it all depends on your price point. You can find a quality tablet for around $200. However, if you are looking for something more high-end, you could be spending over $1,000.
Are tablets worth it?
Yes, especially if you are a fan of having technology at your fingertips. If you are constantly on your phone and need something bigger, then a tablet may be perfect for you. It gives you the ability to do more things such as watch movies, work on larger projects, or even play games.
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