The world has changed, and people demand entertainment - especially in the car. Spotting the odd cow, being the “first to see the sea”, and the inter-sibling violence of yellow car and double-digit just don’t cut it anymore. Today, car passengers demand connectivity at all times and require a screen for entertainment. It doesn’t matter whether you like it or not, it’s the reality of today’s car journeys.
If you want a device to entertain your passengers during a long drive this half-term, look no further. We've put together this guide to some of the most appropriate tablets up for the task. Whether you’re on a budget or after the absolute pinnacle, our recommendations cover many bases.
How to choose your travel tablet
The first thing to consider is size. There's a considerable debate over which screen size is best, but for the round-bound traveller, anything between a mini-tablet and 11-inch model will be best. Anything bigger than this will result in unnecessary bulk.
If you want to stream, update socials and browse the internet on the move, then a tablet that supports cellular data may be best. However, be prepared to pay more for the device - for example, the iPad Pro with cellular is over £100 more than the model with just Wi-Fi. Alternatively, you can install Wi-Fi into your car - but again, this does require further expense and installation. If this all sounds a bit much, then you can counteract the need for Wi-Fi by picking a tablet with a higher internal memory to house downloaded movies, TV shows and games.
Given that the tasks you have in mind for your travel tablet will most likely be entertainment-oriented, such as screen resolution is important when watching films and shows - the higher the resolution, the clearer the image. You might want to consider battery life too, though this is less important because you can charge the tablet while in the car.
The best tablets for travel
Best all-rounder
With solid performance, long battery life, crisp display and a fair price tag, the Samsung T590 Galaxy Tab A is our top pick. Samsung is known for having great tablets, and this is ideal for films and TV shows, plus a few low-fuss games, which will keep passengers happy. While it's not the most high-tech option, it's perfectly decent, the Android OS is great and carries a good camera.
Pros
- Great value
- Large display
Cons
- Not the fastest tablet around
| Camera: | 8MP rear, 5MP front |
| Battery: | 7300mAh |
| Screen: | 10.5 inches |
| Resolution: | 1920 x 1200 |
| Storage: | 32GB |
Best for easy entertainment
If the product value is top of your wish list, then the Fire HD 8 is the one for you. The screen resolution and camera aren't as good as other options we've listed here, but it still packs plenty for easy-access entertainment on the go. The battery life will last a full run of the A1, and it can charge up quickly via a USB-C connection. It uses Amazon's operating system, which is reliable for accessing Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime and more. Just note it isn't as well-tocked for apps like the Google Play store, which isn't supported here.
Pros
- Value
- Colour options
- USB-C
Cons
- Amazon Appstore only
| Camera: | 2MP rear, 2MP front |
| Battery: | Up to 12 hours |
| Screen: | 8 inches |
| Resolution: | 1280 x 800 |
| Storage: | 32GB/64GB |
Best for compact power
It's got a small screen, but the power hiding in its metal shell. The Apple A12 Bionic chipset and Hexa-core CPU makes the iPad mini sharp, handling even the most demanding apps. The 7.9 Retina display comes with True Tone, which maintains image clarity no matter your surroundings - that is handy for travelling in a car because surroundings and lighting conditions change frequently. The 8MP camera captures in 1080p HD and the battery life is a solid 10 hours, yet the Lightning connector will quickly recharge it.
Pros
- Fantastic specs
- Easy to use
Cons
- Expensive
| Camera: | 8MP rear, 7MP front |
| Battery: | Up to 10 hours |
| Screen: | 7.9 inches |
| Resolution: | 2048 x 1536 |
| Storage: | 64GB |
Best for kids
This is the best way to keep kids entertained whenever the journey is long or traffic-heavy. This is exactly the same as the Fire HD 8 above, albeit encased in a kid-proof protective shell and carrying parental controls. Included is a year's subscription to Amazon Kids+, which boasts a catalogue of child-friendly educational and recreational games, shows, and films.
Pros
- Perfect for kids
- Rugged case
Cons
- Only good for kids
| Camera: | 2MP rear, 2MP front |
| Battery: | Up to 13 hours |
| Screen: | 8 inches |
| Resolution: | 1280 x 800 |
| Storage: | 32GB |
Best of the best
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To be honest this is the best tablet for any situation - it's worth parting with the large chunk of cash. While the iPad mini impresses with an A12 chip, the Pro 11 carries an Apple M1 chip - a more powerful CPU found in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. It offers top-of-the-pile performance, and the quality, touch and feel of the screen are exquisite too. You can opt for 5G cellular connectivity if you would like remote access to the web, but the price bumps a tad for this feature.
Pros
- Some of the best specs around
- Great to use
Cons
- Expensive
| Camera: | 12MP and 10MP cameras |
| Battery: | Up to 10 hours |
| Screen: | 11 inches |
| Resolution: | 2388 x 1668 |
| Storage: | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1T, 2T |
Chris Williams is a contributor to What's The Best. He also writes for CAR, Parkers, and Live For The Outdoors.
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