The Best Tablet Deals This Week*
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet — $169.99 (List Price $219.99)
- Apple iPad 10.2" 64GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (2021 Release) — $249.00 (List Price $329)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE 128GB Wi-Fi 10.9" Tablet (Gray) — $412.99 (List Price $449.99)
- Lenovo Tab M10 Plus 128GB Wi-Fi Tablet (3rd Gen) — $166.86 (List Price $229.99)
- Apple iPad 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (2022 Release) — $349.00 (List Price $449)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
For portable gaming, many people might turn to dedicated handhelds like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. But if you want to game on a bigger screen, a tablet is the way to go.
Of course, not just any tablet works: You need a speedy device that can handle the latest Android and iPad games. Surprisingly, tablet makers don't often market or design their slates specifically for gaming like some do with their phones. But our picks all have enough CPU and GPU strength, as well as memory and storage, to run the most challenging titles without hiccups.
Here, we round up some of the most powerful tablets on the market and discuss what makes them ideal for gaming. Read on for our top picks, followed by what to look for in a gaming tablet.
Table of Contents
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)
Best Low-Cost Gaming Tablet
Why We Picked It
The Amazon Fire HD 10 is an excellent choice if you want to play games without spending a ton of money. It has decent enough specs to handle most titles and features a 10-inch HD display. By default, you're limited to the games available from the Amazon Appstore, but you can sideload apps from Google Play for a broader selection.
Who It's For
This Fire HD 10 should appeal to budget-conscious gamers who want a large-screen tablet on the cheap.
PROS
- Affordable
- Good build quality
- Decent display
- Alexa Echo Show mode
CONS
- Limited app selection
- Amazon-focused content
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Amazon Fire OS |
| Dimensions | 9.69 by 6.49 by 0.34 inches |
| Weight | 15.3 oz |
| Screen Size | 10.1 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1,920 by 1,200 pixels |
| CPU | MediaTek |
| Storage Capacity | 32 GB |
| Battery Life | 10 hours, 18 minutes |
Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022)
Most Affordable iPad for Gaming
Why We Picked It
The entry-level iPad's A14 chip isn't Apple's latest, but it's still more than powerful enough to handle most games in the App Store. It's also lightweight at 1.07 pounds and supports optional 5G connectivity (for an additional cost).
Who It's For
If you're already invested in Apple's ecosystem and want a well-rounded 10-inch gaming tablet that won't break the bank, the standard iPad can meet your needs and grow with you.
PROS
- Appealing iPad Pro-like design
- USB-C port
- Relocated webcam
- Higher-quality cameras
- Improved speakers
- Faster performance
CONS
- Higher price than previous model
- Loses traditional Touch ID button
- No Face ID
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Apple iPadOS 16 |
| Dimensions | 9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 lb |
| Screen Size | 10.9 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,360 by 1,640 pixels |
| CPU | Apple A14 Bionic |
| Storage Capacity | 64 GB |
| Battery Life | 5 hours, 59 minutes |
Apple iPad mini (2021)
Best Small Gaming Tablet
Why We Picked It
The 8.3-inch, 0.65-pound iPad mini is easy to carry around but still has plenty of power to run anything from the App Store or Apple Arcade. It's pricier than the standard iPad because you're paying extra for the added portability.
Who It's For
If you're uncomfortable holding a 10-inch tablet for extended gaming sessions, the iPad mini is your best bet. No other small slate offers as premium an experience.
PROS
- Excellent performance
- Long battery life
- Works with second-generation Apple Pencil
CONS
- No multi-user option in iPadOS
- Pricier than previous model
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Apple iPadOS |
| Dimensions | 7.69 by 5.31 by 0.25 inches |
| Weight | 10.4 oz |
| Screen Size | 8.3 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,226 by 1,448 pixels |
| CPU | Apple A15 Bionic |
| Storage Capacity | 64 GB |
| Battery Life | 6 hours, 41 minutes |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Best Android Tablet for Gaming
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is Android's answer to high-end iPads, with tons of power for any game you throw at it. Highlights include a vivid 14.6-inch display, a speedy Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, 12GB of RAM, and a minimum of 256GB of storage. Excellent multitasking software, an included stylus, and an IP68 durability rating round things out.
Who It's For
If you don't want an iPad but still want a high-end slate, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is your top Android option. It should also appeal to artists because it comes with Samsung's smooth S Pen stylus and serves as a truly immersive canvas. If you plan to take your tablet on the go, however, the 12.4-inch, 5G-capable Galaxy Tab S9+ is a better (and more affordable) bet.
PROS
- Gorgeous screen
- Fast performance
- Tight Samsung integration
- Good productivity software
- IP68 rating
- S Pen stylus included
CONS
- Pricey
- Size makes it awkward to handle
- Android on tablets is still limiting
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| Dimensions | 12.85 by 8.21 by 0.21 inches |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs |
| Screen Size | 14.6 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,960 by 1,848 pixels |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Storage Capacity | 256 GB |
| Battery Life | 9 hours, 30 minutes |
Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 2022)
Most Powerful iPad
Why We Picked It
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro runs on Apple's powerful M2 chip, features four quality speakers, and comes with up to 2TB of storage for all your games and media. Moreover, its mini-LED backlit display enables excellent brightness and contrast, as well as supports an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. And if you want to game on the go, the tablet is available with 5G connectivity.
Who It's For
For the Apple fan who wants the most premium tablet experience and can afford the high starting price, the iPad Pro is unbeatable.
PROS
- Laptop-level performance
- Gorgeous, roomy display
- ProRes video support
- Capable cameras
- Excellent connectivity
CONS
- Costs as much as a laptop
- iPadOS is still a limiting factor
- Accessories add up quickly
- Awkward front camera placement
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Apple iPadOS 16 |
| Dimensions | 11.04 by 8.46 by 0.25 inches |
| Weight | 1.5 lb |
| Screen Size | 12.9 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,732 by 2,048 pixels |
| CPU | Apple M2 |
| Storage Capacity | 128 GB |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (est.) |
Google Pixel Tablet
Best Midrange Android Tablet
Why We Picked It
The Google Pixel Tablet can handle resource-intensive games on moderate settings without issue thanks to its Tensor G2 processor and 8GB of RAM, while its 128GB of storage should be sufficient for most entertainment needs. The device also balances well for handheld gaming and has a pixel-dense screen with vivid, 24-bit color. But what makes it stand out the most is the included Speaker Dock that pumps out loud, clear audio when the tablet is used as a smart display.
Who It's For
If you're in the market for an Android gaming tablet that doubles as a smart home hub, the Pixel Tablet should appeal. It offers reasonable performance and the Speaker Dock adds flexibility other tablets don't have.
PROS
- Solid Android tablet
- Flawless audio hand-off
- Good sound from Speaker Dock
CONS
- Expensive
- Speaker Dock has limited functionality
- Hub Mode could do more
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| Dimensions | 10.16 by 6.65 by 0.32 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs |
| Screen Size | 10.9 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,560 by 1,600 pixels |
| CPU | Google Tensor G2 |
| Storage Capacity | 128 GB |
| Battery Life | 5 hours, 25 minutes |
Asus ROG Flow Z13
Best Windows Gaming Tablet
Why We Picked It
The Asus ROG Flow Z13 is a gaming laptop masquerading as a tablet. Its high-end specs include an Intel Core i9 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 13.4-inch display. It also packs an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU, which blows away the graphical capabilities of most tablets. Unsurprisingly, all that power pushes the price higher than that of similarly powerful laptops.
Who It's For
The ROG Flow Z13 is for people who have deep pockets and want to take their games with them without sacrificing power. If you truly value portability, however, you should look at the other, more traditional tablets on this list.
PROS
- Remarkable performance for a tablet thanks to Intel "Alder Lake" Core i9
- Legitimate entry-level gaming chops
- XG Mobile eGPU (sold separately) significantly boosts graphics performance
- Keyboard included
CONS
- High cost for GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics performance in tablet alone
- Awkward heft and thickness for a tablet
- Cost with optional eGPU is prohibitively expensive
- Conceptually, no clear advantage over a premium slim gaming laptop
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Dimensions | 11.89 by 8.03 by 0.47 inches |
| Weight | 2.6 pounds |
| Screen Size | 13.4 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1,920 by 1,080 pixels |
| CPU | Intel Core i9-12900H |
| Storage Capacity | 1 TB |
| Battery Life | 5 hours, 59 minutes |
Which Tablet Is Best for Gaming?
There are a few key hardware aspects to consider before you buy a tablet for gaming: power, storage, and battery life.
Pick something with a fast processor. Slates with the most recent chips are generally the best bet because they can run the games of today (and tomorrow) smoothly. You should also get a tablet with as much RAM as possible. More memory allows games to load more in advance and decreases the likelihood of stutters. Make sure to inspect how well the tablet handles heat; if it runs hot under stress, you won't want to use it for long periods.
Lots of storage space is equally important. High-end games such as Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and others consume tons of space and can fill up your storage quickly. Opt for 128GB at a minimum. If you like to keep multiple games on your device at once (along with other media, such as movies and music), consider moving up to 256GB. Or, snag a tablet that offers the option to expand storage via a microSD card.
Intense games can drain a tablet's battery life quickly, so you should keep your expectations in check. Aim for something that can run modern games for at least a few hours. And when you need to recharge, fast charging support is important because it can get you back to your game that much quicker.
Android, iPadOS, or Windows: The Best Tablet OS for Gaming
Another huge consideration is whether you want an Android tablet or an iPad. This is a matter of preference and depends on what other types of devices you have. For example, if you're a longtime iPad OS user and subscribe to Apple One (which includes the Apple Arcade gaming service), an iPad is likely the better way to go. Similarly, if you're an Android phone user and have purchased a lot of apps or content from the Google Play Store, an Android slate makes more sense.
As for Microsoft's platform, the biggest issue with gaming on Windows tablets is that the majority of them simply don't have sufficient power. Moreover, many PC games work best with a mouse and keyboard or controller, which conflicts with the idea of casual gaming on the go. But this segment is quickly growing nonetheless.
What Size Tablet Is Best for Gaming?
Screen size and tablet size go hand in hand and are thus another factor to weigh. Ultimately, however, your choice depends on how much you value portability and comfort.
Most tablets have screens that range from 7 to 12 inches, with 10 inches being the average. A 7-inch slate can easily fit into a handbag or purse, meaning it travels more easily, while a 10- or 12-inch tablet likely requires something larger, such as a backpack, to tote around. Larger tablets also weigh more and can cause hand fatigue if you hold them for several hours. As far as size goes, pick what feels the most natural to use and carry around. The benefit of going with screen sizes larger than 8 inches is that they provide substantially more real estate for gameplay.
Of course, you want something with at least a 1080p resolution (Full HD) or higher, if possible. Further, a high refresh rate (90Hz or higher) goes a long way toward improving your experience.
Recommended by Our Editors
Do You Need a Cellular Gaming Tablet?
Determining whether you need to spend the extra money (usually $100 or more) for a tablet with a cellular connection depends on where you plan to use the tablet most and what games you want to play.
If you're often home or somewhere else with regular Wi-Fi access, you should be fine without cellular connectivity. If you typically find yourself in places where Wi-Fi isn't readily available, consider paying extra for a 5G tablet, along with a monthly service plan from your wireless carrier.
Another point to consider is the type of game you like to play. A Wi-Fi-only model should work fine if you generally stick to single-player games that don't require a constant internet connection. But a cellular connection could be invaluable if you want to play multiplayer games that require back-and-forth over the internet.
Dave LeClair contributed to this story.
