When it comes to gaming, you don't have to be restricted to a gaming PC or home console. If you're on the move a lot, or simply want to bring your gaming world with you (like many of us do), you can do so with a gaming tablet.
Of course, you also have the option of a gaming laptop, however, gaming tablets are preferable for people who travel a lot. This is due to the fact that they are usually lighter, making them easier to pack and ultimately bring around.
If you're truly concerned with transportability, then you may want to consider the Nintendo Switch or other handheld consoles that are ideal for travelling. However, if you also want to be able to carry out any office tasks or browse social media, you're better off purchasing a tablet.
Another pretty handy perk of gaming tablets is that they are significantly cheaper than gaming laptops, so you won't have to break the bank to find an excellent tablet.
Before you decide which tablet to give your money to, there are a few things to consider when browsing for these devices. You'll want a decent screen size and a great resolution so that you can get the most immersive experience and catch nuanced details, you'll also want a powerful processor as you'll be able to have a smooth video that won't jolt or run slow - this is especially key for competitive, racing and first-person shooter games.
And if you prefer a Samsung Galaxy over an iPad, don't worry, our best gaming tablets guide has included a wide range of brands, from Amazon to Microsoft, we've got them all.
If you do prefer an iPad, consider purchasing a subscription to Apple Arcade, this is a subscription service which gives you access to some free mobile games.
The best gaming tablets:
Best gaming tablet overall
As one of the best iPads, it's easy to see why this has made the top of our list. It boasts an impressive resolution, a gorgeous display, an excellent camera system and a long-lasting battery life. We also love how powerful it is, all due to its A12 bionic processor and that it now features an eight-core CPU, meaning it's pretty fast and can handle running more graphically demanding games. The 11-inch display is a great size for most games, but if you're looking to lose yourself into Call of Duty: Mobile, or need a more immersive experience, consider going for the 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro. If you do select this tablet, make sure to check out our best iPad cases too, as you'll want to keep your hardware safe.
Pros
- Superb display
- Powerful processor
Cons
- Expensive
| Screen size: | 11 inches |
| Resolution: | 2388 x 1668 pixels |
| CPU: | A12Z Bionic |
| Weight: | 639g |
Best Android gaming tablet
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ provides all the features you'd need in a gaming tablet, with a powerful battery of 10,090 mAh, fast performance, and a gorgeous Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, you're in for a pretty sweet gaming experience. The quick refresh rate, excellent resolution and AMOLED display mean you'll be able to spot any nuanced details in the game (ideal for competitive games such as Fortnite and PUBG), the video will be pretty smooth and the images displayed on the screen will be sharp and crisp. Its 12.4-inch display is also a nice perk as it's slightly larger than the average tablet size, and it only weighs 571g, making it easily transportable.
Pros
- Gorgeous AMOLED display
- Fast refresh rate
Cons
- Costly
| Screen size | 12.4 inches |
| Resolution | 2800 x 1752 pixels |
| CPU | Octa-core |
| Weight | 571g |
Best budget gaming tablet
Of course, bagging one of the best gaming tablets doesn't mean spending an exorbitant amount. Aside from being great value for price, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet also features a camera, decent resolution and a nice battery life. If you commute or travel a lot, then this is a great option for you as it is extremely lightweight. The internal memory is low (32GB or 64GB), but can be expanded via a microSD. However, it's important to note that it only has a 7-inch screen and lacks processing power, so if you're looking for a more state-of-the-art tablet, this won't be the one for you.
Pros
- Great price
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor resolution
| Screen size: | 7 inches |
| Resolution: | 800 x 1280 pixels |
| CPU: | Quad-core |
| Weight: | 285g |
Best small gaming tablet
Now if you are in the market for something super lightweight, sleek, and easy to carry around, then the Apple iPad mini may just be for you. You won't have to compromise too much on the screen size as it is 7.9 inches, and the device itself is pretty feature-packed. The battery lasts up to 10 hours and it boasts an A12 processor which will ensure your games run smoothly and quickly, it can also handle running some of the more intensive creative programs too.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Powerful processor
Cons
- No USB-C
| Screen size: | 7.9 inches |
| Resolution: | 2048 x 1536 pixels |
| CPU: | Hexa-core |
| Weight: | 299g |
If you're not interested in any Samsung, Amazon or Apple products, then consider this Microsoft tablet. It's excellent for any light gaming you may want to do, whether it's on your commute or waiting for an appointment. Thanks to its Windows 10 operating system, it doubles up as a working tablet too, so feel free to do any administrative or more heavy-duty work tasks you need on it too. It's important to note that it can only handle light games and will not be able to run more demanding games, so if you're a more serious gamer this won't be the product for you.
Pros
- Has Windows 10
- Excellent for work tasks too
Cons
- Can’t run intensive games
| Screen size: | 10.5 inches |
| Resolution: | 1920 x 1280 pixels |
| CPU: | Intel Pentium Gold |
| Weight: | 544g |
What makes the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 such an excellent choice is that you can use it for gaming and work tasks alike, making it quite versatile. However, unlike the Microsoft Surface Go 2, it can handle and run more intensive games. This is due to its powerful Snapdragon 855 processor. The AMOLED display is also a nice perk, as it displays crisp colours with sharp contrasts and vivid imagery.
Pros
- Excellent display
- Versatile
Cons
- No headphone jack
| Screen size: | 10.5 inches |
| Resolution: | 2560 x 1600 pixels |
| CPU: | Octa-core |
| Weight: | 408g |
FAQs:
What is a CPU?
A CPU stands for central processing unit and even though it can be slightly confusing, it is the same thing as a processor. They often consist of multiple cores, and the higher the number of cores the more processes it can carry out, improving the performance of your game.
What should I look for in a tablet for gaming?
There are several things to consider when purchasing a gaming tablet, these factors will depend on whether you want to use it for intensive games or whether you're only looking to run light games. Overall you should look for a tablet with a great resolution and a decent screen size, as well as a long battery life (nothing worse than your tablet dying out mid-game) and how heavy it is.
If you're a serious gamer, you'll need one with a powerful processor and a fast refresh rate too, as these factors ensure it'll be pretty quick and will be able to handle running more graphically demanding games. In this case, we'd recommend the iPad Pro 11.
Is a higher refresh rate better for gaming?
Yes it is. The refresh rate is essentially the number of times, per second, that the monitor updates with new images. So it's ideal to have a high refresh rate for competitive and fast-paced games, as this means you'll be able to potentially see or anticipate other player's moves and catch on to what they haven't. Refresh rates are measured in Hertz (Hz).
However, this is only important for individuals who take gaming quite seriously, and if you're only looking for a tablet that can run lighter, less graphically demanding games, then we suggest the Microsoft Surface Go 2.
Isabel Martins is a Commercial Content Writer for What's The Best, specialising in technology.
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