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The 7 Best Tablets for Travel of 2024

Tablets are a must-pack, portable, and multipurpose travel device.

Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

Years ago, I caught myself on a flight unloading all of my tech devices onto my tray table from what appeared to be my clown car of a carry-on. Once it was all laid out onto the tray table, it looked like I was more of a traveling electronics exhibition than a proficient packer. Why was I devoting so much weight and bag space to multiple devices when right there, in the middle of my tech pile, was a tablet that could easily sub in for several of the other devices I’d brought with me? 

Tablets toe the line between a smartphone and a laptop, helping to keep you entertained, in touch, and on deadline while on the road. They can also be your digital translator , picture and video taker, and travel journal . Plus, I love that you can deck them out with accessories to get the most value and functionality for your buck. Years later, my iPad Mini (paired with some extra accessories) has become an indispensable piece of travel tech for certain trips. 

Here’s a look at the year’s best tablets worth a spot on your upcoming trips’ must-pack list.

Best Overall

Apple ipad air (6th generation).

It’s a powerful tablet that hits the sweet spot between full-on laptop replacer and sleek entertainment portal — while still having a large screen. 

The laptop-size screen may be larger than some travelers are looking for. 

The Apple iPad Air is a great mid-level tablet with the speed, power, and connectivity you need to really dive into its multipurpose uses. Out of the box, you’ll get an 11-inch (13-inch is also available) tablet with a gorgeous, redesigned Liquid Retina, True Tone display that supports quality playback, streaming, and video chats; a front and back 12MP camera that can capture landscape-oriented pictures and video; and, finally, a USB-C charging and accessories connector port. The speedy M2 chip will give you the power to smoothly run multiple applications at once. 

This tablet is also a great phone substitute for travelers with vision impairments because the clarity and size of the laptop-size display allows for helpful magnification of text, a bigger preview screen for capturing photos or 4K videos, and full-screen playback and graphics. Additionally, attaching the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil turns this tablet into a notetaker, sketch canvas, or travel journal, while adding a keyboard can boost your ability to confidently handle work tasks, emails, and word processing. 

In short, this is the tablet for the majority of people who may not know exactly what they’ll be using it for but want to have the capabilities for almost anything. It's a winner because it's full-size and within a budget, so you won't be spending money on features they likely won’t need. 

The Details: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches | 1.02 pounds | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 

Best Compact

Apple ipad mini 2021 (6th generation).

This was a major upgrade from the previous iPad Mini, giving you more power and compatibility (and it won’t be old news when the newest version is released.)

It won’t sync as well with Android phones or PC computers (but doesn’t necessarily need to).

I currently travel with an iPad Mini 5th Gen, and I find it’s a perfect size for packing in a carry-on and for using it on the seat back tray, even in the cramped main cabin. I can sometimes even slide it into my jacket pocket (with no case), which is awesome for commuting or using it as an e-reader. I have even replaced my laptop with my iPad Mini (paired with a case that has a built-in stand and magnetic Bluetooth keyboard), which allows me to work within my usual Google Workspace, stay on top of my emails, message with friends and coworkers through apps, and download or stream TV shows, movies, podcasts, and playlists while in transit. 

The newest 6th Generation model packs a punch with its A15 Bionic chip processor, so you feel like you’re working with a powerful piece of tech whether you’re playing app games, editing in Photoshop, or running several apps simultaneously. Notable features are the redesigned 8.3-inch display, superfast A15 Bionic chip processor, 12 megapixel camera with a wide angle lens (front and back), and Center Stage, which adjusts the front-facing camera depending on how you’re using it. It also captures high-quality 4K video, can be used on 5G data or Wi-Fi, and works for messaging and FaceTime audio or video calls with an Apple ID. 

The Details: 7.69 x 5.3 x 0.25 inches | 0.65 pounds | 64GB, 256GB

Best Apple Laptop Replacement

Apple ipad pro 11-inch (m4).

It’s essentially the iPad version of the MacBook Air, but more powerful.

The price for a full work setup with the necessary accessories goes head-to-head with an actual laptop.

Let me start off by saying at 5.1 millimeters thick, the new Apple iPad Pro is the thinnest product — not just iPad, but product — Apple has ever released. It also runs off of an M4 chip (Apple’s fastest), giving it more power than the current MacBook Air. It pushes the limits with a brand new Ultra Retina XDR display and whopping 1,000 nits of brightness that gives you unparalleled visuals — a big plus for editing photos, creating visuals, or just watching movies. Long story short: if you’re looking for a tablet to replace your MacBook laptop, consider this your best bet since it will outperform every other iPad — and even some MacBook Air models. The catch? It runs off of iPadOS, not iOS, which is similar but also sometimes infuriatingly different for workflows. Plus, adding the necessary keyboard and Bluetooth mouse needed to make using it feel like a laptop increases the overall price, pushing it closer and closer to the cost of an actual laptop. All that said, it’s still about half as light and you can upgrade the storage to laptop levels of up to 2TB. 

The Details: 9.83 x 6.99 x 0.21 inches | 0.97 pounds | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB

Best PC Laptop Replacement

Microsoft surface pro 2-in-1 laptop/tablet (2024).

The two-in-one design is built to function as a laptop or tablet — and it’s one of the only remaining tablets running on a Windows OS. 

It doesn’t include the keyboard or pen, which boost the price by hundreds of dollars. 

This pick features a super convenient two-in-one design with a laptop screen that detaches into its own fully functional tablet, complete with a built-in, adjustable kickstand. The bummer is that you won’t get the stylus pen or keyboard out of the box, and adding them to your cart can bump the price up by hundreds of dollars. However, this won’t be much of a deterrent if you’re dead set on a travel tablet that can replace your laptop and need it to run on Windows. The Windows operating system is notoriously taxing and not super compatible with tablets, but it's still available via the 13-inch Surface Pro 11, making this tablet your best (and kind of only) bet. You will get an upgraded OLED touchscreen display, impressive 14-hour battery life, speedy Snapdragon X Elite and Plus processors, and built-in AI to assist your work and creative projects. I’m seriously impressed with the power, battery life, and overall low weight and profile of this tablet since it is technically built to be a laptop, but suggest opting for the higher 32GB RAM option for better performance. 

The Details: 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches | 1.97 pounds | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

Best for Entertainment

Oneplus pad 2.

This superslim and lightweight tablet is purpose-built to provide a gorgeous graphics experience, from gaming to watching a movie. 

It only comes in one size, color, and spec breakdown. 

This Android tablet is a must-grab for gamers or anyone wanting to take advantage of its 12GB RAM and 900 nits brightness. I also love the idea of the left or right split screen capabilities because who is able to hook up additional monitors while traveling? The 12.1-inch 3K screen can feel slightly small, especially for gamers or folks with mega-TVs at home, but it keeps the tablet portable and even slip-pocket-friendly. You’ll get 40 days of standby battery, so you don’t have to worry about suddenly losing your progress if the power goes out or charging it constantly during a long travel day. It also comes loaded with Open Canvas right out of the box, runs on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and sports AI features to keep your workload tidy and moving along. 

The Details: 10.57 x 7.67 x 0.25 inches| 1.28 pounds | 256GB 

Best for Drawing

Samsung galaxy s9 ultra.

It has a huge beautiful display and comes with a real-feel S-Pen stylus. 

This tablet runs on the Android 13 operating system.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has integrated Galaxy AI features and runs on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, giving you extra power and support to complete workflows. The 14.6-inch screen is one of the larger ones on the market and has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with QHD resolution and contrast, brightness, and color, ideal for artistic projects. The S Pen stylus has a true-to-life feel for sketching, editing, and drawing — and, since it’s included, it means you can start working right out of the box. The front and back cameras capture at 12MP and 13MP, respectively, and offer 4K video. There’s also a fast-charging battery, which is clutch for those times you get in the zone and lose track of time (and battery power). There are three storage options, but know that if you opt for the 1TB version, you’ll also get an upgrade to 16GB RAM (otherwise you’ll be stuck at 12GB). 

The Details: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.21 inches | 1.61 pounds | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

Best Budget

Amazon fire hd 10.

It covers all your basic tablet needs for a steal of a price and has loads of handy accessories available to add on.

You only have access to apps available on the Amazon app store.

The Amazon Fire HD 10 is not the sexiest or even the most powerful tablet out of this bunch, but for under $140, the price is just right. This budget tablet has a two-million-pixel, 10.1-inch, 1080p Full HD screen that is great for streaming video, reading, and playing games, but this isn't necessarily the tablet you reach to get things done. The choice between Bluetooth or port-plugged headphones is nice, too, and there’s also a built-in Alexa. This durable, inexpensive tablet is also my go-to choice for kids. Not only does it have easy parental controls and the option to add kid-friendly cases, but it also runs off of the Fire operating system, so it's best for people who aren’t trying to sync it to a phone. Apps are restricted to those available on the Amazon app marketplace, which includes things like Netflix, Spotify, TikTok, and most games — but its offerings are noticeably less than Google Play or the Apple App Store. Add-on accessories include pens and keyboards, which add functionality to the tablet. 

The Details: 9.69 x 6.49 x 0.34 inches | 15.29 ounces | 32GB, 64GB

Tips for Buying a Tablet

Think about how you’ll use it while traveling.

Know the functions that fit your needs. If you’ll be using the tablet for work, you will want to prioritize its processing speed, Wi-Fi connectivity, and how universal it is when it comes to adding accessories like a keyboard. Parents will likely want to focus on durability and parental controls when shopping for a tablet for their kids, while travelers just looking for a good screen to watch movies on will want to lean toward tablets with better resolution. The main uses of your tablet should be the starting point specs-wise when narrowing down your initial options.

Purchase a case at the same time as your tablet

Chances are you’ve never seen a tablet in the wild without a case — I know I haven’t. Don’t fall for the trap of telling yourself you’ll buy a case later. Instead, opt for a case at the same time you purchase your tablet. This will not only protect it right out of the bag, it’ll also give you a wide range of available options for your current tablet model. 

Consider compatibility with your other devices

Another big consideration when buying a tablet is whether you want one that is compatible with your existing computer or phone. Apple products are notorious for being difficult to use with Android and Google technology, and vice versa. Often, you will lose some features and syncing. So, decide what devices you’d like to use, if any, with your tablet, and narrow your search down even further this way. 

For travelers looking for an alternative to traveling with their smartphone, a tablet is a convenient pick, depending on your needs. Tablets with Wi-Fi connectivity allow you to access the internet for research and use third-party apps to make calls or send direct messages. Many tablets also have cameras and video functionality, and can function as a multimedia device much like a smartphone, thanks to streaming service, social media, and e-reader apps. Tablets also offer a larger screen (meeting you halfway between a phone and computer), can be relatively thin, and aren’t quite as devastating or expensive to replace if something should happen to them. 

The best way to protect your tablet from water damage is to purchase a reliable and durable waterproof case. Make sure it includes a watertight screen protector, too. Be aware of the differences between waterproof and water-resistant — the former protects your device completely from water damage, while the latter can repel a certain level or amount of water but is not necessarily impervious to exposure. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, K. Alex Beaven researched the newest tablets on the market, looking for the best tablets to travel with for different needs. She focused on purpose, available accessories, price, reliability, internal and external specs, and compatibility with existing tech and operating systems. She also relied on her own experience traveling with a tablet. 

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The 6 best tablets for travel in 2024

With the world opening up once again for tourists, you’re going to want to buy a tablet to beat the boredom of long flights and waiting times. Not all models will be able to serve this purpose though, so to help you decide what to purchase, we’ve rounded up our recommendations for the best tablets for travel. We acknowledge that there are different types of travelers, so we picked devices that will cater to each of them, while considering a specific set of criteria when making our selections.

While you can also use your smartphone during your trips, the larger screen of tablets will help provide more amusing entertainment when you need it. The best tablets for travel will let you catch up on work, watch streaming shows , check social media, and whatever else you may think of doing while you’re on the way to your destination, or while you’re taking a break from all the sights and sounds. Read onward to figure out the best tablet for travel for you, then go ahead and purchase it so that the device will be ready and waiting for your next adventure.

The best tablets for travel in 2024

• Buy the if you want the best overall tablet for travel.
• Buy the if you want a tablet for travel that will keep you productive.
• Buy the if you want a tablet for travel to watch streaming content and play mobile games.
• Buy the if you want to get your child a tablet for travel.
• Buy the if you want a tablet for travel that’s extremely portable.
• Buy the if you want a tablet for travel for an affordable price.

Apple iPad Air 5th Gen

Best tablet for travel for most people.

It’s not a surprise that our top choice among the best tablets is also the first tablet for travel that we recommend. Simply put, the fifth-generation Apple iPad Air is that good. Performance is amazing with Apple’s M1 processor, as you wouldn’t want to get even more frustrated when you’re already dealing with the stress of travel. The tablet also features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, which is bright and colorful to help you better enjoy your favorite content.

The Apple iPad Air 5th Gen will take advantage of the features of the iPadOS 17 , which is the latest version of Apple’s operating system for tablets. It’s slim and light so it’s easy to bring with you during your travels, it comes with a USB-C port for wide compatibility, and it works with the Apple Pencil 2 and the Magic Keyboard as extra accessories for additional input options.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Best tablet for travel for professionals.

For those who are planning to work even while they’re traveling, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 will make sure that you’ll remain productive. It runs on Windows 11 Home , so you’ll be able to use it with the most popular productivity apps — Microsoft Office — and it will make sure that you can get all your tasks done quickly with its 12th-generation Intel Core i7 Evo processor and 16GB of RAM.

As a tablet, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 offers a 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate, and you can prop it up using its built-in kickstand. However, it transforms into a laptop using the Surface Keyboard that comes bundled with it, in case you need to respond to an email or make a quick report. Some people prefer bringing their work with them on their trips, but that’s why the Microsoft Surface Pro 9  is one of the best tablets for travel — it will help you get back to your vacation as soon as possible.

OnePlus Pad

Best tablet for travel to watch movies and play games.

The OnePlus Pad sits on top of our rankings of the best Android tablets , and that’s partly because of its sharp and vibrant 11.6-inch LCD touchscreen. With 2800 x 2000 pixel resolution and an up to 144Hz refresh rate, it’s an excellent display for watching streaming content and playing mobile games because you’ll be seeing sharp images and smooth movements. The tablet also supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos to enable a personal cinema, and the viewing is even more immersive because of the narrow bezels surrounding the screen.

Adding to the reasons why the OnePlus Pad is one of our best tablets for travel are its slim and lightweight design with a thickness of just 6.5 millimeters and weight of 552 grams, its smooth CNC aluminum unibody, and an all-day battery life that will go from zero to full charge after just over 60 minutes of being plugged in.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro

Best tablet for travel to keep your children entertained.

If you want to keep your children busy during your travels, giving them a tablet is one of the easiest options, and the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro will be your best bet. It’s not the most powerful device out there with just 3GB of RAM, but it will be more than enough for your children as they play games and watch videos on its 10.1-inch touchscreen with Full HD resolution, and they’ll be kept busy with its 13-hour battery life.

The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is great for children because it comes with a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, which offers age-appropriate books, games, videos, and apps. It’s also bundled with a kid-proof case to keep the tablet safe from damage, though it features a two-year worry-free guarantee — if the tablet breaks within that period, it will be replaced for free.

Apple iPad Mini 6th Gen

Best tablet for travel that’s easy to carry.

If you want to make sure that you won’t have trouble finding a place for your tablet in your luggage, get something compact like the Apple iPad Mini 6th Gen . It’s very portable with its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and weight of just below 300 grams. However, despite its small size, it offers fast performance for your apps with Apple’s A15 Bionic chip and 4GB of RAM, which is the same configuration that you’ll find in the iPhone 13 .

The Apple iPad Mini 6th Gen is compatible with the Apple Pencil 2 if you’re thinking about using it to take notes or draw sketches of the places you visit, and it may be upgraded to iPadOS 17 so that you have access to the operating system’s latest features. It’s also equipped with a USB-C port for charging and other accessories.

Lenovo Tab M10 Plus 3rd Gen

Best tablet for travel with a cheap price.

For those who just need a simple tablet for their travels, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus 3rd Gen is an affordable but decent option. Its display is relatively large for a budget device at 10.6 inches, and it’s bright and sharp enough for most purposes. The tablet also features a quad-speaker system with Dolby Atmos, so that you can better enjoy watching streaming shows and the videos that you’ll take with it.

The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus 3rd Gen is equipped with an all-day battery so it can keep you company throughout your trip, and it’s protected by a durable aluminum chassis that keeps the tablet light at 465 grams. Book lovers can activate the device’s Immersive Reading Mode to make the screen easier on the eyes, which will be helpful if you’ll be stuck on a plane or train for hours.

How we chose these tablets for travel

Not all tablets are excellent choices as travel companions, and to determine which ones are, we came up with this set of criteria that we followed to narrow down our choices for the best tablets for travel. While certain characteristics will be more important for different types of travelers, you generally want a tablet that will check all these boxes so that you won’t find it lacking once you’re already on your trip.

Portability

The first thing that most people will think about when choosing a tablet for travel purposes is whether the device will be portable. While tablets with larger screens will need a bit more effort if you want to make space for it in your luggage, they may still be considered portable if they’re slim enough to easily slide into your bag. As an electronic device, you wouldn’t want to have your tablet placed somewhere that’s going to be out of your sight, so it’s important that the device you buy will fit into the hand-carry bag that you always bring with you during your travels.

In selecting the best tablets for travel, we chose devices that maintain portability even if they have relatively large displays, though of course, that will still depend on the biggest device that you’ll be comfortable bringing with you.

Versatility

While you may have a specific purpose in mind for your tablet while you travel, it would be better if the device is versatile enough to handle different kinds of activities. For example, if your tablet is primarily for browsing the internet, it should still have a display with decent resolution in case you decide to watch a video. If you think you’re going to be playing mobile games most of the time on your tablet, you should still think about having enough storage space left over when you need it to take footage of anything awesome that you come across in your trip.

Some tablets have accessories, either bundled with the device or requiring a separate purchase, that will give you extra options. A stylus will help you pass the time by drawing the sights that you see, while a keyboard will make it easier to compose emails or write on your travel blog. This versatility helps make the best tablets for travel very valuable companions.

Compatibility

If you use a specific set of apps for work and play, or if you have accessories that you can’t leave home without, you better make sure that they will work with the tablet that you buy. The best tablets for travel are widely compatible with all of the popular apps and accessories, as they’re powered by top operating systems and they come with a complete set of ports.

We made sure to select tablets that will work with everything that you usually use, which means going for trusted brands that have taken this into consideration when building their devices. Whether you’re an iPadOS or Android fan, there’s something for you in our list of the best tablets for travel if you want to stick to the ecosystem that you’re used to back home.

Traveling requires a lot of movement, which will possibly expose your tablet to much more wear and tear compared to using it at home. We chose devices that are relatively durable because you wouldn’t want to go home with a broken tablet, which will be an additional expense to repair or replace. Tablets with built-in protection for their touchscreens and made with tough materials are excellent choices as travel companions.

For the more adventurous travelers, you may want to buy a rugged case or something similar for your tablet so that it will better withstand potential damage. This is partly why we chose some of the most popular models for our list of the best tablets for travel, as there will surely be rugged cases and similar accessories available for them.

Value for money

Last but not least, we believe that you should receive fantastic value for money with every purchase, and getting a tablet for travel is no exception. Whether you’re on a tight budget or you’re willing to make a significant investment, the device that you buy should make you feel that you paid more than what it cost you.

Affordable tablets should still provide decent performance, and premium tablets should pack all the latest features. It would be a good idea to set a maximum budget for your purchase to further narrow down your options, but no matter what, you won’t regret spending your cash on any of the best tablets for travel that we’ve highlighted above.

This article is managed and created separately from the Digital Trends Editorial team.

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Google just unveiled the new Google Pixel 9 series, which features a solid design shift, better cameras, and broader range than ever before. The Google Pixel 9 Pro specifically offers compactness, versatile camera performance with three shooters, and a host of AI features to back the hardware. The goodness comes with a not-so-sweet price, and you must be ready to shell at least $1,000 to own the Pixel 9 Pro. For that price and the keeping glass construction in mind, it would be wise to wrap it up in a case that protects it from drops of all intensity. Here, we list some of the best Pixel 9 Pro cases to ensure your new phone stays safe against all odds.

It feels like it was not too long ago that we were talking about the Google Pixel 8 Pro as the go-to interesting Google phone. And yet, the Made by Google event just happened, and here we are in a world with the Google Pixel 9 ready for preorder. At this time, the best place to get your Google Pixel 9 is directly from Google, and that includes the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL as well. They offer the most value for the punch, and you can buy the phone directly if you so choose, no monthly contracts required. However, Verizon and other phone companies also have their unique offers on Pixel 9 products. Tap the button below to go directly to the Google store for the phone. Otherwise, keep reading to see how Google's preorders work, a look at Verizon's deals, more details about the phone and phone models, and what to expect from the preorder process.

The best Google Pixel 9 preorder deals At the present moment, Google's Pixel 9 preorder deals are some of the best. For starters, you can get a trade-in value from your old phone equal to up to $760 if it qualifies. Then, get store credit (which can be used on a case, Google earbuds or watches, etc.) between $100 and $350, depending on the version of the Pixel 9 you buy. (Note that this store credit deal will continue for a short while after the pre-order is over, but is definitely a favor to the early purchase crowd.) Finally, buying a Pixel 9 phone from Google and signing up with Google Fi Wireless, their cellular plan, and get an extra $500 back on your phone bill over the next two years. Google also mentions that you'll receive a free year of Google's AI service, Gemini Advanced, for a full year with the purchase of the phone, a $239 value, but a look at the fine print shows this offer will be in effect until well into 2025 and, as such, isn't exactly a pre-order deal.

The next generation of Google Pixel is here with the Google Pixel 9. Not only did Google give us a fantastic Barbie pink color for the Pixel 9 (along with green, black, and white), but it also gave us more power with the Tensor G4, 12GB RAM, and a dual camera system with a 50MP main lens and a 48MP ultrawide camera. It even has a new design with flat edges and a revamped camera bar that looks much more modern.

But as with any new electronic device, you’re going to want to make sure to keep it protected from everyday wear and tear. Here are some of the best cases for your Google Pixel 9 right now.

Best Tablets for Travel in 2024: Our Picks for Holidays

What’s the best travel tablet? We review all tablets and here are our top recommendations for iPads and Android tablets for traveling.

Last updated on

Published on

We all love going on holiday, but not everyone wants to totally disconnect while doing so. Whether you want to get creative while on holiday or simply need to keep up with your favorite TV shows, bringing one of the best tablets for travel can be a great way to stay connected.

Sure, we all pack our smartphones, but sometimes those tiny screens just don’t cut it. That’s where our list comes into the picture. We’ve been reviewing tablets since 2008, so we’re confident we can recommend something for you. Whether it’s a high-end Apple tablet or a budget Android device, we’ve got you covered no matter your destination.

The Best Tablets for Travel: An Overview

• Best overall: Apple iPad Air (on Amazon*) . The Apple iPad Air is an excellent travel tablet with a great display, fantastic CPU performance, and Apple’s typical high-quality fit and finish. The iPad Air will do everything you need a travel tablet to do and then some.
• Best premium iOS tablet: Apple iPad Pro 11” (on Amazon*) . Power users who need a ton of storage and an ultra-smooth high-quality display will want to get the iPad Pro 11”. It’s a true laptop replacement tablet, albeit with a price to match.
• Best premium Android tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (on Amazon*) . Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 is a brilliant high-end Android tablet. It has a fantastic AMOLED screen, snappy performance, and IP68 water resistance, but the price may be hard to swallow for some.
• Best mid-range tablet: Apple iPad (10th generation) (on Amazon*) . Apple’s basic iPad is a classy tablet with good performance at a reasonable price. It’s not perfect, but it’s a great mid-range option for the average user.
• Best mid-range tablet with pen: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (on Amazon*) . The Samsung Tab S9 FE is a solid Android tablet that offers good performance for its price. It has a good IPS display, IP68 water resistance, and an S Pen for sketching and taking notes.
• Best value tablet: Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 (on Amazon*) . Lenovo’s Tab P11 Gen 2 is a great option if you want a large 120 Hz display without breaking the bank. Its mid-range MediaTek processor means it’ll do a good job in most apps, too.
• Best 8-inch tablet: Apple iPad Mini (on Amazon*) . Apple’s 8-inch iPad is a compact powerhouse. It has enough processing power for even the most demanding iPadOS apps and a good display, all in a package that’ll fit in a jacket pocket or sling bag.
• Best budget tablet: Lenovo Tab M9 (on Amazon*) . The Lenovo Tab M9 is an affordable tablet that squeezes a 9-inch screen into an 8-inch form factor. It’ll serve you well if you want a basic tablet for watching videos and browsing the internet during holiday downtime.

Best Tablets for Travel: All Details

If you want to know more about our picks, this section is for you. We’ll go into more details about each of our selections and link to hands-on reviews if you want to get into the nitty-gritty of each tablet.

Apple iPad Air: Best Overall

The Apple iPad Air 5 is a fantastic premium tablet. It's cheaper than the iPad Pro but offers the same super-fast Apple M1 processor. We get a premium metal body, good speakers, a fingerprint scanner, two keyboard options, and the fantastic Apple Pencil 2. The 10.9 inch LCD screen is a good one but a bit darker than the Pro and supports 60Hz only.

Apple’s iPad Air is an excellent tablet and a brilliant option for those seeking a travel tablet for the holidays. We’d go so far as to say it’s likely the best iPad for most users, with its excellent display, blazing-fast M1 chip, and reasonable price.

The iPad Air boasts Apple’s M1 processor, which powered the 2020 MacBook lineup. It may not be the newest Apple Silicon processor, but it’s still an amazing laptop-grade performer even a few years on. Apple complements the M1 chip with 8 GB of RAM and 64 or 256 GB of storage.

The iPad Air’s 10.9-inch 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina display isn’t quite as high-end as the Mini-LED and AMOLED models of pricier tablets. However, it still looks impressive and is great for content consumption. Its 500-nit peak brightness also makes it great for outdoor use, so you can lounge around in the sun while still using your iPad Air for videos or browsing the internet.

As you might expect, this high-performance CPU, great display, and typical Apple build quality don’t come cheap. The base model Apple iPad Air costs around $600, and you only get 64 GB of storage. That’s certainly usable, but those who demand more storage are looking at an extra $150 to bump it up to 256 GB. Worth it? We’ll let you be the judge.

Read: Our Apple iPad Air Review

Apple iPad Pro 11”: Best Premium iOS Tablet

Apple’s iPad Pro 11” is the tablet to get if you’re a power user demanding the best. It’s a very pricey tablet, but you’ll want to consider the iPad Pro 11” if you need a laptop replacement-tier tablet for your holiday.

The Apple iPad Pro M2 is the best tablet you can buy right now. It's more powerful than all competitors, has two very pretty 11-inch and 12.9-inch displays, as well as a premium built. We get great premium features like the good Apple Pencil 2, fantastic keyboard covers, facial recognition, and good speakers. However, compared to its predecessors, almost nothing has changed.

The iPad Pro 11” packs Apple’s M2 processor paired with 8 or 16 GB of RAM, broadly on par with all the current MacBooks. Storage is also impressive, starting at 128 GB and maxing out at 2 TB. So you’re getting laptop-class specs and performance in a tablet, putting the iPad Pro 11” miles ahead of the competition. Want a tablet for heavy photo or video editing? This is it.

Games and content will look great on the iPad Pro 11”s 2388 x 1688 Liquid Retina display. It’s a vibrant and accurate display that’ll impress all but the pickiest users. It also has a 120 Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth animations and scrolling. Add a four-speaker setup into the mix, and you have a great tablet for content consumption and even creation. 

Of course, that’s the minimum you’d expect from a tablet that starts at around $800. The Apple iPad Pro 11” isn’t a general-purpose tablet for the average user. But if you need laptop-rivaling power in a tablet, there isn’t anything else worth considering.

Read: Our Apple iPad Pro M2 Review

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9: Best Premium Android Tablet

Most consumers likely associate Android tablets with mid-range and value-oriented offerings, but Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 bucks that trend. It’s a high-end Android tablet experience, albeit with a price to match.

The highlight of the show has to be the Galaxy Tab S9’s 2560 x 1600 AMOLED 2X display. It’s a stunning 120-Hz and HDR10+ capable screen that’s incredible for content consumption. You get vibrant colors, deep blacks, and enough brightness even in direct sunlight. 

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, S9+ and S9 Ultra are the best Android tablets on the market. We get a powerful processor, really pretty AMOLED displays, the S Pen is included and it gets updates up to Android 17. We get good speakers, fingerprint readers, optional keyboard covers and much more - really great!

The Galaxy Tab S9 powers its top-notch display with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which you can complement with either 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage or a higher-capacity 12/256 GB setup. Either way, you’ll get great performance from the Tab S9 that beats all Android tablets.

Samsung ships the Galaxy Tab S9 with the S Pen, a nice bonus for those who like to draw or take notes while traveling. Another great travel-friendly feature is the Galaxy Tab S9’s IP68 dust- and water-proofing. While we don’t recommend you swim with it, the Tab S9 should be perfectly safe for use at the pool or seaside.

All of this goodness doesn’t come cheap, however. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 sits firmly in Apple territory, with the 8 GB version costing around $800. But that’s the price you’ll have to pay if you want the best tablet in the Android ecosystem.

Read: Our Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Series Review

Apple iPad (10th generation): Best Mid-Range Tablet

Apple’s basic iPad may not impress as much as the higher-spec (and pricier)  iPad Air and iPad Pro, but we think it’s still a solid option in the mid-range. It’s great for anyone who wants the sleek Apple tablet experience at a relatively affordable price.

The 10th-generation iPad “only” has Apple’s older A14 Bionic chip, which we last saw in the 2020 iPad Air. You also only get 4 GB of RAM here, with the option of either 64 or 256 GB of storage. So, on paper, it’s quite a ways behind the higher-end Apple offerings.

The Apple iPad 10 is faster than all Android tablets. Especially compared to its predecessor, it offers a better and more modern design, a bit lager and bright 10.9-inch display, as well as a new and good keyboard cover. Overall, it's a great tablet but it does have a bunch of downsides. The screen is not laminated and I noticed a jelly effect. You can get it with the first-generation Apple Pencil. However, for that one to work you have to buy an extra adapter which is ridiculous. And, sadly, the price has increased.

That said, you most likely won’t notice a huge difference in daily use. It’s more than fast enough for the average user and can play most games without issue. It’ll also still outclass most Android tablets.

One area where the 10th-generation iPad falls flat slightly is the display. The 10.9-inch 2360 x 1640 display is non-laminated and has no anti-glare coating. So you’ll notice reflections in brightly lit environments, which can get annoying. The non-laminated design also creates a noticeable gap between the glass and the display.

There are other quibbles, too. For example, the 10th-gen iPad only supports the first-gen Apple Pencil and needs a USB-C to Lightning adapter to go along with it. There’s also the fact that it only supports the new $250 Magic Keyboard Folio and won’t work with other Apple iPad keyboards.

So, the Apple iPad 10th generation isn’t the best choice for productivity or creativity. But it’s a great option if you want a sleek tablet for consuming content.

Read: Apple iPad 10th Generation Review

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: Best Mid-Range Tablet With Pen

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is a cut-down version of the premium Tab S9 that targets the mid-range market. It’s a downgrade from the Galaxy Tab S9, but the S9 FE is still a solid tablet that will tick many boxes for most users.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is currently the best mid-range tablet with a pen. We get a pretty good overall package here with a high-resolution 10.9-inch 90Hz IPS display, a great design, latest software with long updates, and the S Pen, which is included. The S9 FE has many premium features such as a fingerprint reader, good speakers, and a water and dust-resistant body. It would be even better if the processor was more powerful. So, it's not a perfect gaming tablet.

• Premium design
• IP 68 certification
• Pretty 90Hz display
• Fingerprint reader
• Up-to-date software
• Good speakers
• S Pen is included
• Good keyboard cover
• Performance just average

Samsung uses an in-house Exynos 1380 processor for the Tab S9 FE, which the company pairs with 6 GB of RAM. It’s not the fastest setup, but it’s nappy enough for daily use and light gaming. You only get a 128 GB storage option with the Tab S9 FE, but it comes with a MicroSD slot that supports up to 1 TB cards.

The display is a solid 2304 x 1440, 10.9” IPS panel. It runs at a maximum of 90 Hz and has decent contrast and vibrant colors. It also has a fully laminated construction, unlike Apple’s 10th-gen iPad. So, you won’t see any unsightly gaps between the glass and the display here.

Other welcome features include a bundled S Pen for notes and sketching. Add to that Samsung’s excellent Notes app, and you have a great tablet for jotting down any great ideas that come to mind while you’re on holiday. The Tab S9 FE also has IP68 water- and dust-proofing, making it a perfect poolside companion.

Samsung’s Tab S9 FE isn’t spectacular , but it doesn’t have to be. It’s a solid mid-range product at a good price, perfect if you want a travel tablet that won’t break the bank.

Read: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Review

Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2: Best Value Tablet

Lenovo’s Tab P11 Gen 2 is a great option if you don’t want to spend a ton of money on your travel tablet but still want a sizeable 120-Hz display. It has to make sacrifices in other areas to tick that particular box, but they may just be sacrifices you’re also willing to make.

Let’s start with the screen. The Tab P11 Gen 2 has an 11.5-inch IPS display that runs at 120 Hz with a 2000 x 1200 resolution and 400 nits of maximum brightness. It has vibrant colors and reasonably deep blacks for an IPS panel, offering an enjoyable content consumption experience overall.

The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 gets fantastic results in my review. It offers a great 10.2-inch OLED screen, powerful hardware, lots of storage, as well as a solid pen and good keyboard cover. I also like its long battery life, its loud speakers, and the productivity mode with external screen support. However, while it's supposed to get two major updates, it probably won't be updated as long as the flagships from Samsung and Apple.

Lenovo equipped the P11 Gen 2 with an eight-core MediaTek Helio G99 processor. The base model comes with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, rising to 6 GB and 128 GB at the top end. It’s not high-end hardware, then, but it’s adequate considering the P11 Gen 2’s price and target audience. It’ll do perfectly for everyday tasks such as web browsing, Netflix, and light productivity.

Conversely, gaming isn’t the Tab P11 Gen 2’s strong suit. It’s acceptable, but hardcore gamers will want to spend extra on a higher-performance tablet. The cameras are also sub-par. Not ideal, sure, but neither of these should matter if you’re simply looking for a value-conscious tablet that doesn’t skimp on the all-important screen. 

Read: Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 Review

Apple iPad Mini: Best 8-Inch Tablet

Apple’s iPad Mini proves you don’t have to sacrifice size to get a fast, high-performance tablet. The iPad Mini is easily the best-performing 8-inch tablet, making it a brilliant travel companion when you want to pack light.

The Apple iPad Mini 6 is the best 8-inch tablet on the market today. It offers a premium design, is more powerful than every Android tablet, supports the Apple Pencil 2, and ships with up-to-date software. We get premium features like great speakers and a fingerprint scanner. Sadly, the otherwise excellent 8.3-inch screen has a jelly effect which is a bit of a bummer.

• Very powerful
• Fingerprint scanner
• Apple Pencil 2 support
• Display has jelly effect
• No phone capabilities

This most recent iPad Mini features a new 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, running at 2266 x 1488. The combination of a reasonably high resolution and small dimensions means that content looks incredibly crisp on the iPad Mini. It also goes up to 500 nits of brightness, which is excellent for outdoor use. However, the display suffers from a jelly scrolling effect, where one side of the screen updates slower. Not everyone will notice this issue, but it’s there.

Of course, if you want a lot of CPU power in a small package, then that’s just something you’ll have to live with. Apple’s six-core A15 Bionic chip powers the iPad Mini, combined with 4 GB of RAM and either 64 or 256 GB of storage. Sure, it’s not a power user’s dream like the iPad Air or iPad Pro, but that’s still a good enough setup to handle almost anything you can throw at it without issue.

All this goodness comes in at just 297 grams, so it’s effortless to bring with you anywhere. It’s small enough to fit in a large jacket pocket or a sling bag, too, so you’ll never be caught without your iPad wherever you go on your holidays.

Read: Apple iPad Mini Review

Lenovo Tab M9: Best Budget Tablet

Budget Android tablets are often uninspiring and unexciting, but Lenovo’s Tab M9 is an exception. It’s a 9-inch tablet with the dimensions of an 8-inch one, offering extra screen real estate without taking up much extra room in your bag.

The Lenovo Tab M9 is better than other up-to-date and widely available 8-inch Android tablets on the market right now. Sure, with 9 inches, it's a bit bigger, but not much. It's fast enough, the display is quite bright and the battery lasts long. Sadly, there's no high-end competitor running Android right now.

The screen is a standard IPS panel that runs at 1340 x 800, with the 400-nit brightness and viewing angles typical to affordable tablet IPS displays. It’s not a bad screen, but its extra diagonal size leads to slightly poor text sharpness. That said, you’ll likely appreciate the additional room when watching Netflix.

Lenovo opted to go with thinner-than-usual bezels on the Tab M9, which means it’s only slightly larger than the average 8-inch Android tablet. Unless you need a tab that’ll fit into your back pocket, we think the screen-to-size ratio makes the Tab M9 the best Android tablet in this size range.

As you may expect for the price, the Tab M9’s internals aren’t anything to get too excited about. You get a MediaTek Helio G80 processor with 3 or 4 GB of RAM, depending on your storage choice. 32 GB models get 3 GB, while the 64 and 128 GB models get 4 GB of memory. You can expand the storage via the MicroSD slot.

If you can live with not having a fingerprint reader or earpiece, the Lenovo Tab M9 is a great compact Android tablet. It doesn’t have that much competition, either, so it’s likely your best choice for a small travel tablet if the iPad Mini doesn’t float your boat.

Read: Lenovo Tab M9 Review

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The Best Tablet for Travel: Top 10 Picks for 2024

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

Microsoft surface go 2 with a keyboard – best tablet for business travel.

• OnePlus Pad – The best Android Tablet on for Travel

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra – Best tablet for Car Rides or Best tablet for RV travel

Apple ipad air – best tablet for traveling abroad, amazon fire hd 10 kids pro – best tablet for kids.

• Apple iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard – Best tablet for movies on an Airplane
• iPad Mini – Best lightweight and compact tablet

Lenovo Flex 5 – Best 2-in-1 Chromebook for a travel tablet

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 – Best Samsung Tablet for Travel
• Oukitel 10-inch Android Tablet – The Best Tablet for Durability

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.

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

Best Android Tablet for Travel – The OnePlus Pad

The OnePlus pad stands out with its larger display, seamless integration within the OnePlus ecosystem, and competitive performance. While it may have limitations in software availability and market presence compared to other tablets, its unique features make it a compelling choice for those seeking a balance between performance and functionality.

The OnePlus pad, an 11.61-inch LCD tablet, offers an impressive array of features worth considering.

Pros of OnePlus Pad

• Impressive 11.61-inch LCD display for an immersive visual experience.
• Smooth integration with OnePlus ecosystem for seamless connectivity.
• Competitive performance and functionality for everyday use.
• Ability to connect external hard drives or flash drives.
• Option to enhance productivity with a separately purchasable surface pen.

Cons of OnePlus Pad

• Limited availability of specific software compared to other platforms.
• Less established in certain markets compared to other tablets.

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

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

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.
• Quality stereo speakers
• 12.9-inch Tablet with full HD display

Cons for Apple iPad Pro

• The price tag is a bit high, it’s not a cheap tablet
• 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
• 7.9 inch display

Cons for iPad Mini

• Not as many features as the larger iPad Pro

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 S9 – Best Android Tablet for Travel

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is the best Android tablet for travel. It features a powerful Samsung Exynos 1380 processor and a 10.9-inch display, making it perfect for working on the go. Plus, dual speakers make everything sound amazing. It also has a built-in GPS receiver, making it perfect for navigation.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 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 S 9

• Samsung Exynos 1380 processor
• The 10.9 – inch display
• Lightweight and portable
• Expandable storage up to 1TB with microSD card

Cons of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 9

• No Audio jack

Oukitel 10-inch Android Tablet – The Best Durability

Let’s explore the Oukitel 10-inch Android Tablet , a device that’s making waves in the world of Android tablets!

With its generous 10-inch display, the Oukitel tablet provides users with a spacious canvas for various tasks, from immersive media consumption to productive work sessions. This size offers a comfortable viewing experience, ideal for movies, games, or multitasking.

Pros of Oukitel 10-inch Android Tablet:

• Large and Vibrant Display: The 10-inch screen provides ample real estate for entertainment and work, ensuring a more immersive viewing experience.
• Android Operating System: Powered by the Android OS, this tablet offers access to a wide range of apps and customization options through the Google Play Store.
• Decent Performance: It delivers decent performance for everyday tasks, allowing users to browse, stream, and handle productivity applications smoothly.
• Expandable Storage: Offers the flexibility to expand storage via a microSD card, allowing users to store more apps, photos, videos, and files.
• Affordable Pricing: Positioned at an attractive price point, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Cons of Oukitel 10-inch Android Tablet:

• May Have Limited Performance for Intensive Tasks: While suitable for everyday use, it might struggle with more resource-demanding apps or multitasking extensively.
• Build Quality: Some users may find the build quality to be average compared to higher-end tablets.
• Software Updates: Timely software updates might vary, affecting the longevity of software support.

Overall, the Oukitel 10-inch Android Tablet offers a compelling choice for users seeking a larger display on an Android platform without breaking the bank. Its affordability and decent performance make it a noteworthy contender in the realm of Android tablets.

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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Hey, I'm NieNie, also known as Stephanie – a California native of hapa heritage (an American with a mix of Korean and German) with an enduring love for travel. Transitioning from my expat life in South Korea to embracing the experience of living in Germany, while also frequenting visits to my family in the Philippines, I'm documenting my adventure as a plus-size woman immersing herself in diverse cultures. Join me on Adventures with NieNie for travel tips, cultural insights, and inspiring stories from South Korea, the Philippines, and Germany. Let's embark on this adventure together!

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• Electronics

The Best Tablets

By Wirecutter Staff

After hundreds of hours of research and testing over the past seven years, we’ve concluded that Apple’s 10th-generation iPad —with all the performance and features most people need for watching video, browsing the internet, and staying on top of email and social media feeds—is the best all-around tablet. But we also have recommendations for people who want an Android tablet, a basic ebook reader, or a more powerful tablet for gaming, for handling design and creative tasks, or for replacing a laptop computer.

The research

The best all-around tablet: apple ipad (10th generation), an upgrade for multitaskers and creatives: apple ipad pro (m4), the best android tablet: google pixel tablet, a budget tablet for media: amazon fire hd 8, the best ebook reader: amazon kindle, the best drawing tablet: huion inspiroy 2 m.

Apple iPad (10th generation)

The best tablet for most people.

The cheapest iPad that Apple sells has a large screen, fast performance, a USB-C port, and plenty of color options to suit the needs of most people.

Buying Options

Who it’s for: You want a great all-around tablet that can handle pretty much any task.

Why we like it: The 10th-gen iPad is the best tablet for most people, thanks to great hardware, an easy-to-use operating system, and a huge library of quality apps, even if you normally use Android on your phone or Windows on your computer. iOS also receives frequent updates—including prompt security updates—which isn’t something you can say of many Android tablets.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The 10th-gen iPad offers 64 GB or 256 GB of storage, which is either too little or too much for most people. Also, the 10th-gen iPad supports only the 1st-gen and USB-C Apple Pencil models, with only the latter being able to connect to the iPad magnetically. Neither stylus offers pressure sensitivity, which determines how dark your mark is based on how hard you press. Digital illustrators might need a more expensive iPad.

For more on the 10th-generation iPad and how it compares to other iPad models, read our full guide to Apple’s iPad lineup .

Apple iPad Pro (11-inch, M4)

For pro-level performance and a vibrant oled screen.

The M4 iPad Pro has Apple’s fastest processor and a fantastic OLED display, and it’s compatible with the newest Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard case.

Who it’s for: You want the best possible performance for making digital art, taking notes or using productivity apps on the go, or viewing and editing photos and videos.

Why we like it: For serious creative work or as a second device for taking notes and handling quick office tasks, the iPad Pro is the best option. It has a slim, uniform bezel that wraps around the entire screen, making it feel equally natural whether you use it in landscape or portrait orientation—a design choice that makes it stand out from competitors. Its new OLED display gets bright enough for use in direct sunlight and has fantastic contrast in comparison with previous iPads.

Artists and diligent note-takers who buy the new Apple Pencil Pro will also appreciate its “squeeze” feature, where you can lightly squeeze the barrel of the Pencil Pro to pull up a helpful menu of different brushes and tool options. This means you can swap brushes or colors without moving your hand, which makes the Pencil Pro feel more natural to use.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Apple advertises the iPad Pro as a replacement for a traditional PC, but whether it can serve that purpose depends on what you do, how you work, and what apps you use. In general, iPad Pro keyboard cases and covers aren’t as nice as standalone Bluetooth keyboards or the keyboards on the best laptops. But drawing and photo-editing apps are well suited to touchscreen and Apple Pencil controls, and they benefit from the iPad Pro’s large, color-accurate screen.

For more on the iPad Pro, read our full guide to pro tablets .

Google Pixel Tablet

Best android tablet for most people.

With a vivid screen and a great processor, Google’s tablet is ideal for viewing content, gaming, and browsing the web. The bundled charging dock transforms it into a smart-home hub and is worth the $100 upgrade over the standalone tablet.

Who it’s for: You’re already invested in or partial to Google’s version of Android, and you want an affordable tablet with a good display, excellent performance, and useful smart-home controls.

Why we like it: The Google Pixel Tablet has a bright and vivid 11-inch display and is powerful enough to handle high-end gaming along with multitasking and split-screen apps. It offers our favorite Google features, like hands-free Google Assistant, voice typing, live translation, multi-profile support, and more. The 5,000 mAh battery lasted 12 hours in our testing. The included dock (which is bundled with the tablet for $100 more than the standalone version, but we recommend the bundle) boosts the bass and enables Hub mode, which transforms the Pixel Tablet into a smart-home hub that allows you to control smart-home devices such as smart lights, video doorbells, security cameras, and thermostats.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: If you want a tablet that supports a stylus, your options for the Pixel Tablet are limited; the Lenovo USI Pen 2 and Penoval USI 2.0 styluses are among the few that are compatible. If you want a tablet for drawing or writing, consider seeking out a different option.

Visit our full guide to the best Android tablets to read more about the Pixel Tablet and other Android tablets we’ve tested.

Budget pick

Amazon Fire HD 8 (12th generation)

A cheap tablet for streaming media.

The Fire HD 8 has a smaller, lower-resolution screen than the Galaxy Tab S8, but it’s a great cheap tablet for reading or watching video, especially if you get that content from Amazon’s store.

May be out of stock

Who it’s for: You want the cheapest tablet that’s good for reading and watching video, with access to a big library of video, ebooks, and music.

Why we like it: The Amazon Fire HD 8 (12th generation) costs less than $100 and is an excellent value. It lets you stream video from Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and other popular services, and you can also read your Kindle ebooks. It offers built-in support for the Alexa voice assistant used by Amazon’s popular Echo devices, which makes ordering products and media from Amazon easier. In addition, Amazon Prime members get access to a selection of no-extra-cost movies, TV shows, and ebooks (though Amazon’s apps for iOS and other Android tablets all work similarly).

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Fire HD 8 is slower and has a lower-resolution screen than any of our other picks, so text isn’t as crisp—the Kindle Paperwhite is better for reading ebooks—and its performance is optimized for watching videos and reading rather than getting work done. It’s also limited to Amazon’s Android app store, which has a smaller selection of games and apps than the regular Google Play store (which in turn lags behind Apple’s App Store when it comes to great tablet apps). Although it’s possible to install the Google Play store on the Fire HD 8 , doing so requires a workaround, and we don’t recommend it. Unlike our other tablet picks, which offer a solid selection of apps and productivity tools, the Fire HD 8 is best used only as a media-consumption device.

To find out how the Fire HD 8 stacks up against other Android tablets, see our guide to the best Android tablets .

Amazon Kindle (2022)

The best e-reader for most people.

Amazon’s most affordable Kindle is also its most portable, with a 6-inch screen that has finally been upgraded with a higher pixel density for sharper text and support for USB-C charging. Access to Amazon’s huge ebook library makes the Kindle the best dedicated device for reading.

Who it’s for: You don’t care about apps or browsing—you just want to read books.

Why we like it: The cheapest Kindle is also the best one. Its 6-inch E Ink screen offers 300 pixels per inch, which makes text sharp and easy to read, and its portable size makes it convenient for toting wherever you go—it even fits in a small purse. Amazon finally switched from Micro-USB to USB-C charging for the entry-level Kindle, so you don’t need to hunt down a special cable to juice it up. Because it lasts weeks on a charge, it’s better than an iPad or Android tablet for reading. And the Kindle comes with 16 GB of storage, which is plenty of room for your library of ebooks.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The entry-level Kindle isn’t waterproof, so if you plan to read by the pool or in the bathtub, you might want to splurge for the pricier Kindle Paperwhite.

If you’re interested in Amazon’s more expensive Kindles or non-Amazon options, read our full guide to ebook readers .

Huion Inspiroy 2 M

The best drawing tablet for most people.

Offering a smooth drawing experience and plenty of space and hotkeys, the Huion Inspiroy 2 M is a great drawing tablet for all but the most demanding professionals.

Who it’s for: If you’re an artist, a drawing tablet is a good way to create images in Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, or Celsys Clip Studio Paint Pro. Drawing tablets are also excellent tools for working with 3D modeling programs and other situations where using a stylus makes sense.

Why we like it: The 12-by-7-inch Huion Inspiroy 2 M offers a lot of space to sketch on, and drawing on it is comfortable, but even so, it doesn’t take up too much space on a desk. The included wireless stylus provides excellent tracking with no perceivable latency, is comfortable to hold for extended periods, and has two function buttons. The Inspiroy 2 M also has plenty of hotkeys for you to program as you like, along with a dial and a pen holder with replacement nibs.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Its design and construction are solid, but it’s still just a slab of (mostly) plastic. It also lacks wireless support.

You can find great drawing tablets for almost every situation and budget, and we have more information in our full guide to drawing tablets .

Meet your guide

Wirecutter Staff

Further reading

Getting Work Done on an iPad

by Ivy Liscomb

You can do a surprising amount of work on an iPad with the right gear. These are the best accessories for turning your iPad into a mobile work space.

The Best Android Tablets

by Roderick Scott and Ryan Whitwam

Good Android tablets are few and far between, but if you don’t want an iPad, Google's Pixel Tablet is your best bet.

The Best Pro Tablets

by Dave Gershgorn

If you’re looking to replace or supplement your laptop with a tablet, you have great options—but you also have some tough choices ahead of you.

The Best Drawing Tablets

by Arthur Gies

Drawing tablets are nearly indispensable for creating art on a PC or laptop, and models such as the Huion Inspiroy 2 M are great for beginners and veteran artists alike.

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Tablet Expert

Unbiased Tablet Reviews

We’ll earn a small referral fee, if you make a purchase using our affiliate links. Learn more .

8 Best Tablets For Travel in 2023 [According To Globetrotters]

posted on January 16, 2023

Are you a business professional or a travel enthusiast in search of travel-friendly tablets? Then you’ve come to the right place. Regardless of what your preferences are, you should shift the focus from ultraportable laptops to highly portable travel tablets, as these are quite convenient to use.

If you are traveling for work, pleasure, or heading towards a remote locale, you might be tempted to invest in portable, durable, autonomous, and stylus-compatible tablets . I feel sunlight visibility should be one of the criteria as you would be managing a majority of the workload, out in the open. Perhaps you should also be mindful of high-end security specs and a top-rated connectivity suite.

Despite the myriad user requirements and pain points tagged along, locating a reliable portable tablet is a fulfilling experience, provided you know exactly where to look and what to look for. I have therefore collated 8 of the most promising travel-friendly tablets that can help you make informed decisions.

8 Best Tablets for Travelers in 2023

Each of the 8 tablets that are to be enlisted in the subsequent sections has been tested in life-like conditions. I reviewed over 20 tablets whilst carrying them along on trips, only to come up with 8 devices that offer the best internet speeds, balanced cost-to-ownership ratio, excellent battery life, insane processing power, enthralling visibility, and more.

1. Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7

• Display: 11.0-inch WQXGA (1600 x 2560)
• Storage: 128GB (Expandable up to 1TB)
• Battery: Up to 15 Hours
• Weight: 1.10 Pounds
• OS: Android 10

Launched in 2020, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is one of the better tablets to consider if you are an ardent backpacker. Although the specs sheet is a marvel in itself, it is the dual rear camera setup that makes it more conducive to photography, whilst in a travel mode.

Compared to the Tab S6 Lite , the Tab S7 brings in a more powerful processor, sharper screen, and a better camera setup. Also, I feel that if you are a traveler who takes pride in smartphone photography, the Galaxy Tab S7 is worth investing in.

Why is it suited for travelers?

The Galaxy Tab S7 is designed to perfection. In fact, the aluminum frame adds to the durability of the tablet whilst keeping it light and portable at 1.10 pounds. The dimensions at 9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 inches validate the sleekness of form and even allow single-handed usage, preferably if you have larger hands.

Samsung takes pride in the 11-inch screen . In addition to the overall resolution of 1600 x 2560 pixels, the TFT display boasts HDR10+ technology for additional clarity. What adds to the visual presentation is the high screen-to-chassis ratio followed by sharper viewing angles and a 16:10 aspect ratio for managing eBooks, games, and professional interfaces with equal aplomb.

The 8000mAh battery makes it one of the best travel tablets to carry around. The battery translates into an extended backup of up to 15 hours, which is top-of-the-line considering the myriad globetrotting needs.

Hardware & Performance

The octa-core Snapdragon 865 processor excels, regardless of the task at hand. However, for the price, I would recommend this tablet for the corporate professionals who travel a lot as the processing setup, led by the Kryo cores and Adreno 650 graphics support, can compensate even for an entry-level laptop.

Coming to the supported apps and tools, the Galaxy Tab S7 can very well be used for music creation, video editing, gaming, and whatnot. Supporting the SoC is 6GB RAM. What follows is the 128GB storage space that is otherwise sufficient but can always be upgraded to up to 1TB, via the microSD slot.

Connectivity & Charger Details

The Galaxy Tab S7 exhibits a full connectivity suite, led by Wi-Fi 6 support , Bluetooth 5.0, Type-C port, and the magnetic connector for pairing audio-specific accessories. Travelers can also reap the benefits of the 45W, fast charger that can refill the battery in less than an hour.

However, the fast charger needs to be purchased separately as you only get a 15W unit, out of the box, which takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge the 8000mAh battery.

Camera & Other Features

Samsung ensures that travel photography with the Galaxy Tab S7 in play is as productive as possible. You get access to a 13MP primary shooter at the rear, which is ably supported by the 5MP ultra-wide snapper.

The 8MP front camera comes with 1080p capabilities and is good enough for attending video calls on Zoom, Skype, Whatsapp, etc even while traveling. In addition to these attributes, Samsung also includes a fingerprint scanner and exhibits Android 10 OS with One UI 2.5, right out of the box.

Overall, the unified specs sheet led by an interactive UI and sharp camera units qualifies the Android tablet as one of the better options on the list. Also, as compared to other products around, this tablet promises exceptional professional coverage and comes across as a better bet for corporate individuals.

Also Read: Best Android Tablets in 2023

Alternate Option

However, if you are looking for something less pricey, the 10.4-inch Tab is also a worthy inclusion. Despite the smaller screen as compared to the S7, the Tab S6 Lite still manages to put up quite a show, courtesy of the bundled S-pen, 12-hour battery backup, Exynos 9611 chipset, 4GB RAM, and Dolby Atmos speakers.

• Stellar display
• A sizable chunk of RAM
• Excellent rear camera setup
• Massive battery
• Portable aesthetics
• Sunlight visibility isn’t the best

2. Best for Designers: Apple iPad Air

• Display: 10.9-inch IPS 2K (1640 x 2360)
• Processor: Apple A14
• Storage: 256GB
• Battery: Up to 10 Hours
• Weight: 1.01 Pounds
• OS: iPadOS 16.6

The Apple iPad Air is one of the better bets for travelers, courtesy of the brilliant display. Despite the screen quality taking center stage, the iPad Air throws in a wide range of functional traits, including but not limited to top-shelf acoustics and the ability to pair the magic keyboard, folio, and even the Apple pencil with ease.

As compared to the 3 rd gen iPad Air, boasts a better rear camera and a more vivid display. Also, if I were to recommend, purchasing this tablet makes sense for craft designers using Cricut Design Space or professional designers using the Adobe Capture CC, PhotoShop, etc who are always on the move and still willing to work, whilst depending on the brilliant display, Apple Pencil support, and excellent battery backup.

The iPad Air 2020 is light at 1.01 pounds. The dimensions stand at 9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24 inches and ensure that the tablet is good enough to be handled while traveling. Complementing the slimmer structure is the 10.9-inch Retina Display that assumes an overall resolution of 1640 x 2360 pixels.

The extended color-gamut ensures life-like images whereas the True Tone display promises better sunlight visibility. There is a sizable battery in place, capable of offering 10 hours of steady backup.

The iPad Air comes equipped with an A14 Bionic chip, based on the 5nm architecture. The Hexa-core processor is synonymous with zero overheating and ultrafast performances; provided you are planning to use the iPad Air for graphics designing and running apps like Lightroom and more.

Working alongside the processor is 4GB RAM, which also increases the gaming fealty of the iPad Air. The 256GB storage support, featured right out of the box, is adequate enough for most professionals. However, the tablet lacks expandable storage support, in case you want to stack the device with offline movies and TV shows for keeping you engrossed while traveling.

Apple incorporates a high-speed Type-C port for faster data transfers followed by the magnetic connector for charging and connecting compatible headphones. The Wi-Fi 6 standard exists, allowing you to connect seamlessly to the hotel Wi-Fi. Also, the Bluetooth 5.0 wireless standard is fast and responsive, in case you want to have the wireless earphones plugged in, during transit.

As far as the charger support is concerned, you get a standard 20W charger with the tablet, which takes close to 2 hours to completely refill the 7606mAh battery.

The traveler in you can rejoice at the availability of a 12MP shooter with f/1.8 aperture, best suited for low-light photography. Apple also includes a 7MP front shooter for recording videos like a pro.

Other relevant and important attributes include the availability of iPadOS 16.6 for added flexibility followed by the Fingerprint scanner for added security while traveling.

In conclusion, the Apple iPad Air 2020 is certainly one of the more reliable tablets for travelers, readily ousting other products in terms of screen quality and processing power.

But then, investing in the smaller Apple iPad , with a 10.2-inch screen, isn’t such a bad option either. You can still pair a full-size keyboard to it whilst experiencing a slightly thicker chassis and the slightly less-powerful A12 Bionic chipset. While the camera isn’t as powerful as the iPad Air, the 8MP unit still manages to click brilliant pictures.

• Vivid display
• Brilliant rear shooter
• Powerful speakers
• Wi-Fi 6 support
• Lacks 3.5mm audio jack

3. Best Tablet-PC: Microsoft Surface Go 2

• Display: 10.5-inch FHD (1920 x 1280)
• Processor: 1.7GHz Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y
• Storage: 128GB SSD (Expandable up to 512GB)
• Weight: 1.2 Pounds
• OS: Windows 10

If you seek a dependable tablet PC pertaining to the Windows ecosystem, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is quite a reasonable investment. Although the entire specs sheet is worth accolades, it is the multi-mode operability that makes it the best travel ally.

The Surface Go 2 makes more sense if you’re looking for a tablet to stream Netflix on the go, as it can be operated in tablet, PC, and even studio mode. Plus, as compared to the Surface Go, the Go 2 is a better content-viewing resource, courtesy of the slimmer bezels and a much-improved screen.

The Surface Go 2 is one of the lightest tablets in the market at 1.2 pounds. As far as the dimensions are concerned, it measures 9.65 x 6.9 x 0.33 inches. Needless to say, the magnesium-clad chassis isn’t the slimmest but looks great in the Platinum shade.

The 10.5-inch screen is loaded with possibilities. While the 3:2 aspect ratio makes the Surface Go 2 fit for reading eBooks and comics, designers can be happy about the overall resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels. The screen itself is protected by the Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Also, the 10-hour battery life justifies the inclusion of this product in the list of travel-friendly tablets.

The dual-core Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y might be an entry-level processor for laptops but it certainly holds its own when tablet-specific functionalities are concerned. The clock speed of up to 1.7GHz is good enough for streaming, accounting, surfing, and other less demanding tasks.

However, Microsoft fits in 8GB RAM followed by a 128GB SSD unit. While the memory allocation makes sense to professional and content consumers, you can always upgrade the storage space, via the dedicated microSD slot.

The Surface Go 2 boasts Wi-Fi AX and BT 5.0 as the wireless standards followed by a Type-C port, 3.5mm jack, and the Surface Connect slot for pairing the Signature-series keyboard, with a large trackpad and backlit keyset.

Coming to the bundle, you get a 24W charger with the Surface Go 2, capable of supplying 1.6amps of constant current. In fact, you can charge the entire battery in less than 90 minutes with this charger.

This tablet comes equipped with an 8MP rear shooter and a 5MP front camera, calibrated precisely for Skype. Plus, you also get hold of studio-grade mics, stereo speakers, and the Face login support for added functionality.

The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is one of the better tablet PCs for travelers, who prefer experiencing the Windows 10 S Mode as the operating platform of choice and are looking strictly for a laptop extension. However, it is the multi-mode operability and compatibility towards keyboard and stylus that separate it from other products on the list.

• Presentable screen
• Exceptional camera setup
• Class-leading aesthetics
• No fingerprint scanner
• The keyboard needs to be purchased separately

4. Best for Gaming: Lenovo Tab M10 Plus

• Display: 10.3-inch FHD (1200 x 1920)
• Processor: 1.8GHz Helio P22T
• Storage: 128GB (Expandable up to 256GB)
• Battery: Up to 8 Hours
• OS: Android 9.0

For gamers on the move, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus is one of the more sought-after tablets on the list. What’s most impressive about this product is the octa-core processor, capable of managing most games like Asphalt 9, Minecraft, and more with ease.

I even replaced it with the dated Tab 4 10 Plus only to find that the M10 Plus is light, faster, and boasts double the storage space.

The lightness of form i.e. 1.01 pounds, qualifies the Tab M10 Plus as one of the better tablets for users on the move. Also, the tablet measures 9.61 x 6.04 x 0.32 inches, which is in line with my expectations.

Coming to the display, the 10.3-inch screen doesn’t offer several bells and whistles but exhibits an overall resolution of 1200 x 19200 pixels. The sunlight visibility, however, isn’t the best and you might find it hard to view content perfectly while moving in a car or bus. Powering the same is a 7000mAh battery, which offers 8 hours of extended backup, on continued web browsing.

The Tab M10 Plus fits in the MediaTek Helio P22T chipset that is capable of clocking at a maximum speed of up to 2.3GHz for 4 Cortex-A53 cores. Lenovo also brings home 4GB RAM for assisting the chipset with drawing, gaming, streaming, and other relevant processes. Storage needs are handled by 128GB of space that can be upgraded by an additional 256GB.

Lenovo features a Type-C 2.0 slot for data transfers on the move. In addition to the wired port, you also get access to dual-band wireless support, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS compatibility. Plus, the package comes bundled with a 10W charger, capable of restocking the battery within 2.5 hours.

There is an 8MP rear camera to rely on followed by a 5MP front shooter. The Tab M10 Plus also makes room for stereo speakers and comes in an Iron Grey color.

Overall, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus is the perfect bet if you are an invested gamer, always on the move. However, it is the Face Unlock feature that offers an additional line of security to this tablet and sets it apart from other products on the list.

• Bright screen
• A decent chunk of RAM
• Significant storage space
• Acceptable battery life
• Rear shooter comes with autofocus
• Middling USB transfer speeds

5. Best Windows Tablet: CHUWI Hi10 X

• Display: 10.1-inch FHD (1200 x 1920)
• Processor: 1.10GHz Intel N4120
• Storage: 128GB (Expandable by 256GB)
• Battery: Up to 6 Hours
• Weight: 1.15 Pounds

Despite the list featuring the Surface Go 2, I feel that the CHUWI Hi10 X is a better Windows tablet, courtesy of the affordability it beckons. Also, for the given price, it boasts an excellent processing setup, thereby allowing you to use the tablet for academics, gaming, reading comics, sheet music reading, and more.

Also, upon comparing the Hi10 X with the UBook, I felt that the former is a much better bet for travelers, owing to its slim and light form factor.

The Hi10 X weighs 1.15 pounds and sports a metallic form factor. While the product dimensions are tagged at 10 x 6.72 x 0.26 inches, it is the slimmer chassis that enthralls me the most. The 10.1-inch Full HD screen isn’t run-of-the-mill but exhibits full lamination for added visual clarity.

Plus, CHUWI features anti-glare support, which in turn makes it easier for you to read eBooks and enjoy movies relentlessly, without having to worry about straining your eyes. However, the 6-hour battery backup isn’t Hi10 X’s strongest suit.

Clocking at a maximum burst speed of up to 2.6GHz, the Intel N4120 chipset is a force to reckon with. The Intel UHD graphics lend the requisite visual clarity and the SoC works in tandem with 6GB RAM, precisely for sailing through gaming, designing, and other processes with ease. Storage support is ideated by the 128GB unit, which can be expanded further by an additional 256GB.

The sub $300 tablet incorporates two USB Type-C ports, provided you connect the external keyboard to it. Plus, you also get access to an HDMI port, Type-A slots, dual-band Wireless support, and Bluetooth 5.0. You can even pair the high-end stylus pen with this tablet, which boasts palm rejection support and 4096 pressure levels for drawing with precision.

Powering the battery is the 12-volt charger, which translates into a power throughput of 24W, thereby resulting in fast charging. In fact, you can reach from 10 to 100 percent in a matter of 80 minutes or so.

CHUWI underplays the camera setup with a 5MP rear and a 2MP front shooter. The underwhelming camera setup is followed by a responsive Windows 10 OS, which is interactive and loaded with professional possibilities.

Overall, the CHUWI Hi10 X is easily one of the most affordable Windows tablets in the market , which surpasses others when aesthetic brilliance is concerned.

• Stellar aesthetics
• Laminated display
• 6GB RAM for seamless multitasking
• Fast processor
• Excellent connectivity suit
• Shoddy battery life

6. Best Value For Money: Vastking Kingpad K10 Pro

• Processor: 1.6GHz UNISOC T618
• Storage: 64GB (Expandable up to 256GB)
• Battery: Up to 12 Hours

If you seek the best value for money travel-ready tablet, there isn’t a better option than the Vastking Kingpad K10 Pro . A relatively sleek device, the Kingpad K10 Pro is one of the few tablets that bundle a keyboard and stylus, allowing you to use the same as a tablet PC.

I compared the Kingpad K10 Pro with the K10 and was impressed with the additional RAM and improved storage space. Therefore, I feel that this tablet is a better bet for college students who need to travel a lot due to their academic commitments, as multitasking and storing resources won’t be an issue.

The sleekness of form, followed by a manageable heft of 1.10 pounds makes it suitable for travelers. Plus, the dimensions are tagged at 9.6 x 6.3 x 0.3 inches, making it pretty sleek and compact.

The 10.1-inch FHD display furthers its stead as a travel-friendly tablet, courtesy of excellent viewing angles and acceptable sunlight visibility. Not to mention the 12-hour battery backup that makes a strong case for this tablet.

The Kingpad K10 Pro makes room for a Spreadtrum T618 processor, which is good enough for most tablet games and apps. Assisting the same is 4GB RAM, which is followed by 64GB of storage space. The same can be upgraded by an additional 128GB, via the microSD slot.

In terms of connectivity, you get access to dual-band wireless support, a Type-C port, and the 3.5mm audio jack for enjoying music on the go. However, Vastking doesn’t fit in a fast charger and offers the 5V, 10W standard adapter that can replenish the battery in close to 3 hours.

The 13MP rear shooter is sharp and good enough for standard photography. The Kingpad K10 Pro also makes room for a 5MP front shooter followed by dual speakers. In addition to these specs, Vastking also brings home a Mali GPU for improved visual clarity and Face Recognition support for securing the tablet, further.

Overall, the Vastking Kingpad K10 Pro is an all-inclusive tablet PC that comes bundled with a keyboard and a stylus, features that set it apart from other tablets on the list.

• Comes with a bundled stylus
• Sharp display
• Face recognition for added security
• Flimsy build quality
• Not the finest processor

7. Best with Cellular Support: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7

• Display: 10.4-inch 2K (1200 x 2000)
• Processor: 1.8GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
• Storage: 32GB (Expandable by 1TB)
• Weight: 1.05 Pounds

If you plan on ditching your smartphone while traveling, you can pick up the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 instead, for its elusive cellular capabilities. This tablet is rather perfect for individuals who want to stay connected with their families while traveling, courtesy of the built-in SIM card slot.

As compared to the Galaxy Tab A 8.0, the A7 boasts a bigger screen and a lighter form factor, making it more suitable for travelers.

The Galaxy Tab A7 measures 9.75 x 6.20 x 0.28 inches. The sleek form factor further translates into a manageable heft of almost 1.05 pounds. Also, the light frame is complemented by the 10.4-inch 2K screen that assumes an overall resolution of 1200 x 2000 pixels.

Moreover, the aspect ratio of 5:3 ensures that you can very well rely on the Galaxy Tab A7 for reading books, manga, magazines, and more, even while traveling. Finally, the 12-hour battery backup ensures that you need not worry about charging the tablet while moving around the city.

At the core, you have the Snapdragon 662 CPU, working in tandem with the 610 graphics coprocessor. Plus, you also get access to 3GB RAM for moderate multitasking followed by 32GB of integrated storage space. The storage capacity underwhelms but can always be upgraded by 1TB, courtesy of the microSD slot.

Samsung makes way for the USB 2.0 port followed by dual-band Wi-Fi AC support. You also get access to Bluetooth and GPS connectivity for managing wireless devices and trip insights better. Also, charging the device is a 15V adapter that supplies current at 1amp and capable of refilling the battery within 90 minutes or so.

The Galaxy Tab A7 comes equipped with an 8MP rear shooter with 1080p capabilities. Not to mention the standard 5MP front shooter in play followed by a quad-speaker setup and the Android 10 OS, offered right out of the box.

The Samsung tablet, owing to its cellular support, is one of the more innovative products on the list. Plus, it readily scales beyond others when the cost-to-ownership ratio is concerned.

• Calling support
• Stellar screen
• Excellent processor
• Underwhelming storage support
• Plastic-clad chassis

8. Best for Reading: Fire HD 10

• Processor: 2.0GHz Helio P60T
• Weight: 1.03 Pounds
• OS: Android 9.0 Pie

As a traveler with an affinity for books, comics, manga, and digital magazines, you can hardly go wrong with the Fire HD 10 from Amazon. What stands out though is the stellar display, bolstered by the presence of an extended color gamut and a widescreen visual experience. 

I even compared it with the existing Fire 7 and was amazed to see the insanely upgraded display configuration and even the presence of a beefed-up processor.

As travelers prefer light and portable devices by their side, the HD 10 is certainly worth investing in, courtesy of the light form factor at 1.03 pounds. As far as the dimensions are concerned, the tablet measures 9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 inches.

The 10.1-inch IPS screen is adequately bright and boasts excellent sunlight visibility. Plus, the screen assumes an aspect ratio of 16: 10 whilst being protected by the Aluminosilicate panel. Not to mention the 12-hour battery backup that furthers the credibility of the HD 10 as a travel-friendly tablet.

The HD 10 comes loaded with the Helio P60T chipset, boasting octa-core architecture and the presence of the Mali MP3 GPU. Working alongside the chipset is 3GB RAM that can handle most eBooks, games, browsing-specific tasks, and even light designing without lags. The 32GB storage support is basic but can be upgraded by almost 1TB, via the microSD slot.

The Fire HD 10 from Amazon boasts Wi-Fi AC support, Bluetooth 5.0, OTG compatibility, and the Type-C connector for facilitating faster data transfers. As far as charging support is concerned, you can replenish the tablet in a matter of 4 hours, courtesy of the 15V Type-C charger in play.

While the camera setup isn’t exemplary, Fire HD still manages to put together a 5MP rear and a 2MP front shooter. Plus, you get the all-inclusive Android 9.0 platform to work with, fortified further with the inclusion of the Fire OS 7.

Overall, if you want the best reading and streaming tablet to cover you during trips, there is a better tablet than the HD 10. Plus, it is the durable screen in the tablet at a budget-friendly price that sets it apart from other product selections on the list.

However, if your kid starts envying your choice of tablet and wants one, the Fire HD 8 Kids version with 32GB storage, 8-inch HD screen, durable case, and a wide range of kid-friendly apps, videos, games, and 1TB storage upgradability, is worth considering.

• High-speed internet access
• Massive battery backup
• Excellent streaming performance
• Pairs well with a Bluetooth keyboard
• Light yet durable tablet
• Inadequate storage
• Not the best speakers

Frequently Asked Questions

Light and slim tablet with a screen size north of 10 inches, is best suited for traveling. If you seek a more granular perspective, it is better to opt for a tablet with over 10 hours of battery backup and high-speed internet connectivity standards.

Yes, iPads are excellent choices for travelers, as they offer best-in-class displays and dependable battery backups

Students traveling with their tablets prefer reading books and watching informative videos whereas professionals might end up managing accounts on the move. However, the most common tasks include offline content viewing, listening to music, and playing games.

Yes, you can rely on high-end Windows-powered tablets during business travel instead of carrying the massive laptop that is expected to be heavier. However, you must ensure that the tablet supports external keyboard connections and is stylus compatible.

Finding the best tablet for traveling with, isn’t easy. Also, it is completely understandable if the list of 8 tablets also leaves you confused. Therefore, I have tried to simplify the process of tablet selection further by putting together few handpicked options as per specific use cases:

• If you are looking for an all-inclusive tablet with excellent processing capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is the best possible bet
• In case you want something to double up as your primary Windows PC, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is the best premium choice followed by the more affordable CHUWI Hi10 X
• If gaming is one of your priorities with budget-friendliness being the second, the Lenovo Tab seems like the perfect fit
• Lastly, if you want an affordable tablet that would help you ditch the smartphone, there isn’t a product better than the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7

While these are some of the exclusive selections, you can keep digging further and pick any of the other listed tablets, as per the budget, preferences, and targeted professional requirements that you want the travel-friendly tablet to cover.

About Joseph Edwin

Despite spending the majority of my professional career in the US, I am well-versed with tablets and smartphones launched across the globe.

I ensure that every new tablet is reviewed in the most detailed manner.

It is my belief that it is important to explain each complex tablet-related concept as clearly as possible and I always try to avoid heavy, technical jargon.

Please email me directly at [email protected] if you have any questions about an article!

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6 Best Tablets For Travel in 2024

By Tati Taylor 3 days ago, Graphic Tablets

The best budget tablets to travel worldwide with.

Tablets are indispensable helpers for travelers since they may be used for various purposes. For example, you may easily communicate and work with a tablet. In addition, such tablets should have sufficient memory to be able to download videos while traveling. The LTE module will also come in handy to connect to the Internet at any time.

Top 6 Tablets for Travel

• Apple iPad Air - Our Choice
• Hoozo Android Tablet - Maximum features for the price
• Microsoft Surface Pro 7 - Best for long travel
• Apple iPad mini - Best Apple traveling tablet
• Lenovo Tab M10 - Best tablet for study and travel
• LG G PAD 5 - Best LG travel tablet

Although many people still think that real work may be done only on the laptop, there are many high-end tablets now that provide decent laptop-like features. Therefore, people who work while traveling may switch from big and heavy laptops to thin and lightweight travel tablets. 8-inch tablets are currently among favorites. Moreover, some of them offer even better battery life.

1. Apple iPad Air

Weight: 458g | Screen size: 10.5 -inch | Resolution: 1536 x 2048 pixels | CPU: A12 Bionic chip with 64‑bit architecture, Neural Engine, Embedded M12 coprocessor | Storage: 64/256 GB | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 7MP

⊕ Hundreds less than the iPad Pro ⊕ Big high-res Retina display ⊕ Fast A12 chip ⊕ Decent battery life ⊖ Absence of quad stereo speakers ⊖ Outdated design ⊖ No Face ID

Apple iPad Air was greatly improved in comparison with the iPad. It offers a bigger screen that provides a better image. Moreover, it has more storage and cool design.

The newly introduced feature is Apple Smart Keyboard support. You will have to pay extra money for this keyboard, but you will get new working opportunities. Therefore, you may do some work on the go and don’t pay more for iPad Pro.

However, if you are short of money or need a more work-orientated gadget, there are other decent travel tablets. But if you need it for general use ‒ Apple iPad Air is a worthy choice.

In case you can afford this device, it is the best travel tablet for today.

2. Hoozo Android Tablet

Weight: 725 g | Screen size: 10.1 -inch | Resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels | CPU: 1.5GHz Quad-core | Storage: 16GB | Rear camera: 5MP | Front camera: 2MP

⊕ 1.3 GHz quad-core processor ⊕ Excellent camera ⊖ Only 16GB of internal storage

Hoozo Android is the best budget tablet for travel. Being relatively cheap, it attracts users with its innovative and effective functions. It is really an appealing option for those who change their tablets like socks.

You may show it to your friends and brag about its amazing functions forever. The most prominent thing about Hoozo is that it is not expensive, but at the same time, it may boast of a great number of useful functions.

It is a great and cheap tablet for those who want to get many functions for little money. This travel tablet is manufactured for them! If you choose this option, you will get the features you haven’t even expected. Don’t miss this appealing offer!

3. Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Weight: 771g | Screen size: 12.3-inch | Resolution: 2736 x 1824pixels | CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core Processor | Storage: 128GB | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 5MP

⊕ Faster Intel 10th Gen CPU ⊕ Up to 10.5 hours of battery life ⊕ Dual far-field mics ⊕ Comes with Wi-Fi 6 ⊖ Keyboard/Surface Pen should be bought separately ⊖ No Thunderbolt 3 ⊖ Weak performance due to fanless design

Being as good as Microsoft’s Surface Go, this model hits some limitations with its new and advanced functions for travelers. So, if you need the best tablet for travel to replace a laptop, Surface Pro is really a good idea.

You will get really powerful performance thanks to the latest generation processor, Windows 10 Pro OS, 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. This gadget may become a decent alternative to any travel-sized Windows laptop.

Surface Pro 7 is very similar to Surface Pro 6 but still, there are some improvements. The most important one is that Pro 7 has the USB-C. Moreover, it features better performance and has microphones.

Unfortunately, these advancements are achieved at the expense of battery life. In general, it is a decent PC alternative especially for those who wanted to get a new port. However, it’s not worth paying $750 for an upgrade.

4. Apple iPad mini

Weight: 300g | Screen size: 7. 9-inch | Resolution: 1024x768 pixels | CPU: A12 Bionic chip | Storage: 64/256GB | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 7MP

⊕ The same features as iPad Air has but in a smaller size ⊕ Compatible with Apple Pencil ⊕ Best app selection ⊕ Decent battery life ⊖ Doesn’t support second-gen Apple Pencil ⊖ More expensive than 9.7-inch iPad ⊖ Absence of USB-C

Although this gadget can’t boast of a super-modern design, iPad mini is the best travel tablet among compact ones. This gaming laptop is efficient, versatile and may become your faithful companion for trips.

It works smoothly with Apple Pencil but doesn’t have a physical connector to attach a keyboard. So, if you really need one, you should have a powerful Bluetooth.

5. Lenovo Tab M10

Weight: 480g | Screen size: 10.1 -inch | Resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 429 | Storage: 32GB | Rear camera: 5MP | Front camera: 2 MP

⊕ Powerful processor and high performance ⊕ Lightweight and slim ⊕ Features a multi-user mode ⊖ Absence of a fingerprint sensor ⊖ Poor-quality camera ⊖ No ambient light sensor

Lenovo Tab M10 is the best traveling tablet for students since it is a perfect tool to watch video lectures online, read books, etc. If you buy this gadget, you will enjoy a clear image on a huge full HD display. Moreover, M10 may boast of some other interesting features that attract customers.

Speaking about battery life and camera quality, they are not the best ones. You need to adjust brightness since there is no ambient light sensor. To sum everything up, this model is not expensive, and it features more functions than one expects for such a price. If you require a keyboard for laptop-like functionality during travel, pairing the Lenovo Tab M10 with the best travel keyboard can enhance productivity and convenience. The additional keyboard allows for seamless typing and multitasking, transforming the tablet into a versatile workstation on the go.

6. LG G PAD 5

Weight: 821 g | Screen size: 10.1 -inch | Resolution: 1920 x 1200 pixels | CPU: | Storage: 32GB | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 5MP

⊕ Thin and well-built ⊕ Stable performance ⊕ Excellent multitasking UI ⊕ Nice design ⊖ Expensive ⊖ Poor front camera ⊖ Average rear camera

LG G Pad 5 10.1 tablet is not exactly what all of us expect from modern 2024 gadgets. Although it has been recently released, it looks disappointing in comparison with other high-end devices.

It doesn’t seem like a serious competitor on the market. LG G Pad 5 10.1 is an Android-based tab and is a good 4G LTE tablet . However, all the other features are quite ordinary.

How to Choose the Best Traveling Tablet?

Laptop or Tablet for Travel?

Ten years ago, smartphones were not so popular among travelers. Those who nevertheless had them couldn’t use their gadgets to the full extent because Wi-Fi wasn’t freely available everywhere. We used to ask people for directions, communicate with other tourists asking for advice, etc. I agree that today it seems strange, but it was the reality of those times.

Fortunately, in 2024, everything is different. If you have a smartphone or a tablet ‒ you may get any info you need, no matter where you are. Besides, you can connect a travel keyboard to your tablet and get a laptop-like experience.

What is the Best Cheap Tablet?

Check out the list of the best budget tablets under 300 dollars .

What are the Disadvantages of a Tablet?

• Absence of a keyboard and mouse. Of course, if you need a tablet to type on it, it can’t compete with a PC or a laptop since there isn’t a physical keyboard and mouse.
• Processors show not the best performance.
• Less convenient than a smartphone.
• Tablets usually don’t have enough ports.
• They are very fragile.
• Sometimes they bring ergonomic inconveniences.

Battery Life

Battery life is one of the most important features of a traveling tablet. A tablet with excellent battery life reduces the need for frequent charging, allowing travelers to stay engaged and productive without worrying about finding power outlets constantly. Look for tablets with larger battery capacities, efficient processors, and power-saving features to maximize battery longevity.

Additionally, consider the tablet's usage patterns during travel. For example, if it's primarily used for entertainment purposes like streaming videos or playing games, a tablet with a longer battery life is essential. On the other hand, if the tablet serves mainly as a productivity tool for reading documents, taking notes, or handling emails, a slightly shorter battery life may still suffice.

Travelers should also assess their charging options. Some tablets support fast charging, which can quickly top up the battery during layovers or breaks. Additionally, carrying portable power banks or investing in a travel-friendly solar charger can extend the tablet's battery life during extended trips.

• Is a tablet worth buying?

A tablet is a universal tool that may be used for various purposes by all family members. For example, you may quickly check email, read the news, play an online game or check an Instagram page. A cool device for entertainment, isn’t it? Moreover, it is easier to take a tablet with you than a laptop – it allows free movement without any restrictions.

• Do I need a tablet if I have a smartphone?

Frankly speaking, if you already have a laptop or a smartphone, a tablet will not bring some new and advanced functions. You shouldn’t buy a tablet to replace either of these gadgets since it will not do that. It will perfectly serve as an additional third device. You can’t put Galaxy Tab into your pocket and freely move along the street ‒ it’s too big for that purpose.

• What is the difference between a tablet and an iPad?

The main thing that distinguishes an iPad from an Android-based tablet is the operating system. The former gadget is run by iOS, while the latter ‒ by Google's Android. iOS, as well as Android, were primarily developed for smartphones and now are used for tablets. In addition, due to the lack of Flash, iPads cannot show videos from YouTube and some other sites.

• Should I invest in the best Android tablet ?

An Android tablet will undoubtedly come in handy. If your requirements are rather light, you may choose a reasonably priced Amazon tablet. However, if you need laptop-like functions, it’s better to choose a Windows 2-in-1.

• Apple iPad Air
• Hoozo Android Tablet
• Microsoft Surface Pro 7
• Apple iPad mini
• Lenovo Tab M10
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Top 10 | The Best Tablet For Traveling

With the current trend of amazing smartphones and surprisingly portable laptops, tablets seem to have retreated into the shadows. But this is actually far from the truth.

In recent years tablets have been getting more and more powerful. While they used to be great for reading and writing, these best-budget tablets are now capable of handling much more such as photo editing and working on the go. They are certainly one of my top travel gadgets.

The best ones are a combination of performance and portability at the right price, this is what I love about the iPad Air. But, there are plenty of other choices.

So, if you are searching for the best tablet for traveling and working while you go, you have come to the right place on the internet.

You may also like:

• Best Ultra-Thin Laptop Backpack

Coming your way in this post - click to expand ->

Note – Please know, some of the external links on this page are affiliate links, this means that if you purchase after following one, I make a small commission from the sale at no additional cost to yourself.

Why a tablet?

A smartphone — though very portable — is simply too small for completing creative tasks like creating and editing documents, editing photos, or executing digital campaigns and promoting your work. Obviously, you don’t have to do any of these things from your smartphone because you definitely have a work laptop .

Likewise, if you are vlogging, then you would probably want to consider a laptop for video editing rather than relying on just a tablet.

But as a writer or blogger, sometimes you’ll have to go places, and leaving your work behind is never an option. This is where an ultra-portable work machine comes in.

Of course, there are very portable laptops available but what if you want something more compact, much lighter and can easily disappear into your pocket but can still help you stay productive throughout your trip? And you have it, a tablet.

So what features should you look for in a tablet for traveling?

HD Display or Nah?

If your sole reason for getting a tablet is to stay productive on your travels, then you need a tablet that will give you enough digital real estate to work on. Tablets come in different sizes and some are as small as 7 inches in size, this will probably be too small for completing any real work. A 10 to the 11-inch tablet will be the most useful.

Battery Life

Next, you have to consider battery life. An ideal tablet for writing and blogging on the go should have a battery life of at least 10 hours on a single charge, so you can conduct that research, finish that piece of article and complete some reasonable amount of work before thinking of charging your device again. Of course, you may also need to pack a portable power charger just to be extra careful.

Accessories – Apple Pencil and Keyboards

If you’re completely sold to writing with your PC because you just prefer writing on a physical keyboard and don’t quite find the virtual keyboard in many touchscreen devices very convenient, then you sure need a tablet with a physical keyboard . Yes, some tablets come with physical keyboards, and no, this doesn’t make them less portable. 

Keyboards that come with tablets are usually very slim and fold back to attach to the body of the tablet. Not all tablets come with a keyboard, some simply give you the option of plugging in a keyboard. Alternatively, you could consider one of these cheap laptops for blogging .

Capable Apple/Android Tablet Readers

As a writer, you’re probably also a reader, meaning your tablet will act as your mobile library. This means that while choosing a tablet, be sure to remember that it has to be compatible with your favorite reading apps . 

So let’s get right to it, the 10 best tablets for traveling to stay productive on the go.

The best tablets for traveling

• The Apple iPad Air
• Microsoft Surface Pro 7
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 10.4”
• All-new Fire HD 8 tablet
• HP Elite X2
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
• Dragon Touch KidzPad Y88X 7 Kids Tablet
• Microsoft Surface Go
• Lenovo Tab M10 Plus
• Asus Transformer Pad Infinity

1. The iPad Air

This beauty beat the other iPads in various online polls since its release, and it’ll take serious courage to argue differently. While it might not be as outlandish as the Pro with specs, or as cheap as the iPad or iPad mini, the iPad Air offers the very best of both worlds in such a way that will leave any buyer without regret.

The curved edges of the previous iPad Air editions have been thankfully disposed of for the flat edges of the iPad Pro, and that’s not it as in common with the Pro. The iPad Air also features the P3 Wide Color assistance on Apple’s TrueTone mode, the completely laminated build, and even the anti-reflective coating of the Apple iPad Pro. 

Also, with the A14 Bionic chip in tow, the iPad Air houses a 30% faster 4-core GPU, a 40% stronger 6-core GPU, and a 70% better machine learning Neural Engine compared to its predecessors. The iPad Air is just as superbly functional and impressive as the Pro while being cost-effective but rid of all the limitations that hold the iPad and iPad mini. There’s no better choice in truth.

• Superfast performance
• Long-lasting battery
• Very bright display
• It’s gorgeous

• The Smart Keyboard has no touchpad
• Keyboard and pencil cost extra

• Stunning 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and P3 wide color

But, all iPads are pretty great

You know what, as you’re here, let’s have a quick look at the other iPad models too. While I would choose the air, maybe you want something with a bit more oomph, like the iPad Pro or something small and beautiful like (. . . trying my hardest not to write me here . . .) like the iPad Mini.

1.2 iPad Pro

The king of iPads is in a class of its own, that is without a doubt. Both the 11-inch and 12-inch types are designed with the calculated complexity to perfectly cater to all the professional needs of artists, editors, engineers, and designers that expect too much from their tablets.

The Apple iPad Pro is an excellent travel companion for any writer and it checks all the boxes for a perfect on-the-go computing device.

The Pros now uses the A12Z Bionic chip to boost its performance beyond the realms of operation of the Air, mini, and many laptops out there to be honest. After all, how many devices (Notebooks, Laptops, tablets) can boast of ROM sizes reaching 1TB like the Pros? Very few.

As for its display, the Pros settled for the same 264 pixels per inch pixel density as the iPad Air and iPad but through its Liquid Retina display. It’s also the only beneficiary of Apple’s exclusive ProMotion working at refresh speeds reaching 120Hz. That’s not to mention the introduction of some new features like the new Light Detection and Ranging Scanner added to the camera group opposite the front-facing TrueDepth camera to enable the Pro to measure time-at-flight and distance. The message is simple: if you want cutting-edge tech, get the money ready.

The Smart Keyboard is a bit shallow but it’s comfortable for typing. The iPad Pro also has an Apple pencil which is great for taking quick notes. Though the Smart Keyboard and the Apple Pencil come with extra costs, they are both very important writing material no writer should do without. Plus, the way the apple pencil smoothly connects with the Apple iPad greatly enhances your experience with the iPad Pro and helps you stay productive.

1.3 Apple iPad

As recently as 2017, when the Apple iPad took the place of the iPad Air 2, it was just a tech piece with just a little more than antique value for those that wanted to take selfies with the Apple logo in the frame. 

With time, though, the iPad has gained quality, so much that it can now almost stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the iPad Air on the hypothetical spec shelf. 2020 epitomizes that growth with an A10 processor replacing the now-defunct A10 processor.

There’s the same quality of options in memory as the 2019 iPad, but 32GB and 128GB are far from terrible provisions. And it makes up for some of its lapses by having a 2160×1620 pixel resolution that’s superior to the iPad mini.

1.4 iPad mini

The smallest iPad is not the weakest – that spot is designated for the iPad. It is more attractive to the iPad Pro on two fronts, which is not an easy feat to accomplish. 

First, it is a lot cheaper than the Pro, which comes as no surprise given it has a more mobile frame of 7.9 inches in screen dimensions. However, its smaller screen size opened the way for the mini to claim 326 pixels per inch density despite having a really low screen resolution of 2,048×1,536 to put the Pro in the shadows. The mini usually comes with Wi-Fi only, but there’s the version that supports 5G so you can access cellular data when you’re moving without a mobile hotspot.

Just like the iPad Air, it also has the P3 Wide Color assistance on Apple’s TrueTone mode, the completely laminated build, and even the anti-reflective coating of the Apple iPad Pro, as well as the A12 used in the iPad. If you’re looking for a compact tech powerhouse, then look no further.

2. Microsoft Surface Pro 7

How’s a tablet with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and an Intel 10th Gen Core i5 or i7 CPU?

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 offers unquestionable sophistication at the weight of a feather.

Unlike Surface devices of old where Microsoft experimented with colors ranging from spaceship grey to suspicious shades of pink, the Surface Pro 7 comes in either a cooler matte black or rich platinum.

Instead, the R&D department went to work to develop different CPU options that provide faster and more reliable performance than tablets outside its price range. 

The screen resolution of the Surface Pro 7 is recorded at 2736 x 1824, dimensions that deliver a respectable 267 pixels per inch that are expected of such a big brand. You can also be issued clarity and smooth transitions with the graphics powered by the Intel Iris Plus.

However, the No Suggestions Available Surface Pen used on it allows 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and an innovative N-trig operational system, unlike the Wacom technology that other styli are disposed to. 

While the charm of the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is obvious, there’s the option of a separately-sold TypeCover that offers users an impressive 2-in-1 experience through its tough and stable kickstand and a six-pin port.

As for other ports, the Pro 6 has a mini DisplayPort hole, one USB-A 3.0 port, a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack asked well as the mandatory power supply cable port.

Here’s top-of-the-line technology at a delicious price, it’s a great deal.

• Long battery life
• Has a detachable keyboard and a responsive touchpad
• Powerful processors
• Intel Iris Graphics
• So many great features
• Keyboard costs extra

• Next gen, best in class laptop with the versatility of a studio and tablet, so you can type, touch, draw, write, work, and play more naturally

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 10.4”

Just like they have done so remarkably well with smartphones, Samsung has declared their wish to claim a greater hold on the previously-monopolized market of tablets with this piece.

For its price, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite exceeds expectations on so many different levels, and it’s that strong all-around game you can rely on to bring a smile to your face every time you hold yours.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is dressed in either Angora Blue, Oxford Grey, or Chiffon Pink colors with a 10.4” display with a screen resolution marked at 2000×1200 on a featherweight metal unibody. The intelligent display is accessorized with a 5-megapixel front camera that’s partnered with a rear camera quality of 8 megapixels.

What really steals the show for the S6, though, is the intelligent S Pen and the included PENUP app that’s been intentionally designed to offer an incisive response, low latency, and lovely pressure sensitivity with a natural grip that’ll make it your favorite tool for work and study.

Compared to its rivals and their 32GB memory limit, the S6 packs a heavy 64GB of ROM running with an octa-core processor that floats on 4GB of RAM. The inbuilt memory can be further expanded to yield 1TB of internal storage space for those interested. Add to that an unprecedented 7,040mAh of battery life to complete the arsenal of what is the most powerful android tablet you’ll see on the market today.

• Great performance
• Beautiful display
• The keyboard costs extra
• The glass back is a fingerprint magnet

• The included S Pen makes it easier than ever to write notes and personalize photos and videos, all without needing to charge. The S Pen attaches...

4. All-new Fire HD 8 tablet

Compared to its previous edition, the Fire 8 HD comes with an improved 2GHz quad-core MediaTek 8168 processor, 2 hours extra battery life, less weight, numerous software updates, the addition of USB-C charging as well as a few other enhancements that makes the $10 price difference a ridiculous thing.

There’s also Fire HD 8’s track record as a reliable option despite their wallet-friendly prices to consider. 

Indeed, while Amazon has been the king of budget tab acquisitions for some time now, the 2020 edition comes with an interesting dilemma – choosing between two different 8-inch Amazon Fire tabs.

The difference between the two options is extremely similar, but there’s the addition of wireless charging features, up to 1TB memory microSD support (a jump up from previous 512GB capacities), and better performance for a few extra bucks. 

There’s also better front camera positioning up for grabs with the Amazon Fire tabs – it’s now placed at the side of the tab which works out better for Zoom calls and other video conferencing alternatives in their preferred landscape mode.

On that note, the display gracing the screen of the 2020 version is slightly wider than older versions, and some of its height was sacrificed to deliver uniform bezel width around the entire display.  For its price, and even some ways higher, you won’t see fewer bezels and more screens in the tablet market. 

The Amazon Fire automatically ensures a more natural Amazon prime membership that’s affected throughout the device alongside Hands-free Alexa voice assistant integration for an all-around smarter tablet experience.

It runs on the Fire operating system, which is based on Android but you can install Google’s Play Store and gain access to every Android app, including Gmail, Chrome, Google Maps, Hangouts, and the over one million apps in Google Play.

• Works with Alexa
• Great for Prime Members
• Can integrate Google Play Store
• Expandable memory
• Internal memory is small
• Not as powerful as many tablets

• 8" HD display, 2X the storage (32 or 64 GB of internal storage and up to 1 TB with microSD card) + 2 GB RAM. 10th generation (2020 release).

5. HP Elite X2

The HP Elite X2 is a 12 inches convertible tablet designed in the style and sleekness of a notebook. This device is no joke and it packs the Windows 10 operating system coming up to compete directly with the sleek and beautiful Microsoft Surface convertible tablets — and it does a good job of that.

With a thickness of 0.35 inches, the HP Elite X2 is an ultra-slim and very compact device it weighs 1.83 pounds but this slightly increases to 2.6 pounds with the keyboard attached. Even at the new weight, it’s still a portable 2-in-1 convertible tablet.

For a tablet of its class, the HP Elite X2 is an excellent device to work with as it has the 1.1GHz Core m5-6Y54 chip inside (with Core m3 and Core m7 options) which makes it more than powerful enough for everyday office work plus internet tasks. Its battery will also stay with you long after your workday is over since it lasts for 10 hours on a single charge, this is an impressive feature. 

The HP Elite X2 also comes with a detachable physical keyboard that is very comfortable and supports fast typing plus a responsive touchpad which is a bit too narrow — though it works just fine. It also has an active pen stylus which is rechargeable and it’s attached to the tablet via a user-installable string loop. This tablet isn’t just stylish and beautiful, it’s also sturdy and robust and will remain unscathed if dropped from 32 inches above ground onto a wooden floor.  

• Durable and sturdy build
• Good performance
• Keyboard magnets to the tablet and comes off too easily
• It’s a bit heavy compared to its competition

6. Samsung Galaxy Tab S4

Another excellent ultra-portable computing device to help you stay productive while on the move is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 . The S4 is an Android tablet designed for a busy life both at home, in your office or on the go, it gives you the productivity of a PC and the mobility of a tablet.

With a display of 10.5 inches, it gives you enough space to get some work done and it packs 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage plus a MicroSD card slot that supports up to 400GB. 

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 has an awesome display that is crisp and colorful with all the apps aligned to the left like in a Windows laptop. And it comes with a keyboard cover that doubles as a tablet cover and if you like to work with a mouse, the S4 has you covered as it comes with a mouse, though this will cost you some extra bucks.

This Samsung tablet also has an S Pen which is great for navigating the tablet, making sketches, and jotting down quick notes. The S pen doesn’t need any charging and has a storage space in the tablet which makes it easy to replace after use.

Another exciting feature of the S4 is its long-lasting battery life. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 has a battery built to last for up to 16 hours, this is super impressive. Unlike most tablets, the S4 has a mouse to help you navigate through it, this tablet is built to be an assistant to any hard worker and it is also very suitable for entertaining yourself. 

• Crisp and colorful display
• Comes with an S pen
• PC desktop-like DeX interface
• The keyboard has no touchpad
• Keyboard and mouse cost extra

• DeX: Transform your tablet into a PC

7. Dragon Touch KidzPad Y88X 7 Kids Tablet

So I’m just throwing a bit of a wildcard in here in case you are after a great table for kids while traveling. Giving them their own one reduces the risk of yours being damaged and increases the chance of you actually getting to use your own tablet.

In a changing world where bright futures are decided less by who’s faster at solving algebra, and more by who’s more acquainted with fast-evolving technology, the Dragon Touch KidzPad Y88X 7 Kids Tablet offers the perfect introduction for your little ones to the world of technology. 

Despite coming at a steal for its low price, the Dragon Touch KidzPad comes with 20 officially authorized pre-loaded Disney Audiobooks to save you $120. The 20 books come with classics like Mulan’s Lunar New Year, Beauty and the Beast, Pooh’s Secret Garden, Moana, and the Ocean, The Lion King, and many other kids’ favorites. Through the installed KIDOZ app, your kid also has a positive tech space to learn, play, explore and create. 

Kids will be kids, and that’s why the kid’s edition Dragon Touch KidzPad is made with stress-resistant flexible silicone material to make it tough, durable, and lightweight. While the tablet case has enough scratch resistance to guard against the inevitable drops, bumps, and the occasional pressure while providing a child-friendly grip. The detachable straps also make it attachable to car seats.

The rotatable handle is designed to aid switches between multiple viewing angles and provide eye protection alongside the 1024 x 600 IPS HD display. The system brightness automatically adjusts to surrounding illumination to equally protect your kid’s eyes. 

The Dragon Touch KidzPad Y88X 7 Kids Tablet provides eye protection in more ways than one for kids, as the operating system denies in-app purchases, there are no ads, and parents can set different profiles for each kid, block accessibility to certain apps, and set timers on the total screen time and lock times of the device.

Add to that the Family Link feature built for remote monitoring, real-time Google Account activity supervision and reports, as well as the ability to guide them to good content. There’s no better and safer fun tech teacher out there. 

No products found.

8. Microsoft Surface Go

Another Windows tablet that’s an excellent choice for writers and bloggers is the Microsoft Surface Go . This device has the speed and performance of a Windows 10 laptop and the flexibility and portability of a tablet. The 10 inches Surface Go is currently one of the best writing tablets on the market, it weighs only 1.15 pounds and it is just about 0.33 inches thick which makes it a superbly portable computing device.

The Microsoft Surface Go is powered by Intel Pentium Gold Processor and has a RAM of 4GB which gives it an excellent performance speed and allows it to smoothly juggle several tasks without stuttering or lagging. And it has a battery life of 9 hours which is enough for a full workday.

As a writer, if you’ve become accustomed to the tapping sound of your keyboard while writing (which is to be expected) and this helps the flow of your inspiration then you’d surely prefer a writing tablet with a physical keyboard. The Microsoft Surface Go wouldn’t disappoint you in this regard, it comes with a keyboard dock that is very comfortable for typing, and a responsive touchpad that makes it feel like you’re actually working with a PC. 

It also comes with a Surface Pen which is great for taking quick notes and it has a rubber eraser at the top which makes it feel like you’re using a pencil. And you can write in any Windows 10 apps that accept pen input like Microsoft Word, OneNote, etc. With all the features that can make content creators’ hearts race, it’s clear that this device is obviously designed with hard workers (including writers and creatives) in mind.

• Speedy performance
• Comfortable backlit keyboard and touchpad
• Windows Hello for facial recognition login
• Better battery life than its predecessors
• The thick bezel on a bigger screen
• The keyboard and pen come with extra costs for one of the “budget tablets”

• High res 10 inch PixelSense Display designed to be viewed, touched, and written on

9. Lenovo Tab M10 Plus

4GB of RAM and 64GB worth of storage space are the least exciting specifications of the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus, and that says a lot about this overachieving tablet .

Facial recognition, Lenovo’s Entertainment Center, a MediaTek Helio P22T octa-core processor, great battery life, and a 10.3-inch screen with a 1920 x 1200 screen resolution in HD define what can be considered high-end, and that’s what the M10 offers for relatively next to nothing. 

For less than $200 you get a full metal-bodied design and impressive build quality that is usually a trait you see with high-end phones and tablets.

In addition, the M10 weighs just about 460g, just enough to know you’re holding more value for your money, and light enough for you to enjoy the 5-MP front-facing camera (which works wonders and is usable for Zoo and Skype video calls or the odd selfie. And there’s even more value to be found in the 8-MP main camera.

When it comes to ports, the M10 is up there with the very best tech, boasting a Type-C USB port for charging and connections, as well as it’s 3.5mm headphone Jack. The M10 also comes with a MicroSD slot that supports external memory spaces reaching 256GB for extra capacity. 

As far as functionality, the M10 doesn’t let down with its Android 9 Pie Software build version allowing more room to explore what’s the latest modifications to the Android life.

There’s also a series of modes to cater to every person. There’s a ‘kids’ mode’ to safely give your kids some screen time, and a ‘productivity mode’ when it’s time to roll up your sleeves. Just as the M10 is seamlessly doing with an amazing list of specifications, you’ll be able to punch above your weight with the M10 in your hands.

• Good performance fitting for the best tablet for travel
• Great battery life
• Good display (great for movies) and solid speakers
• Sharp cameras
• Old Android version (Android 7.1 Nougat)

• Premium look and feel with metal back cover and slim, narrow bezels. Enjoy your favorite videos on the 10.3" FHD display with TDDI technology

10. Asus Transformer Pad Infinity

The Asus Transformer Pad Infinity was once described as the new Android King, and it was no exaggeration.

If you prefer Android to iOS and Windows on a tablet and are an ASUS fan. then the Asus Transformer Pad infinity would be a good choice.

This device is packed full of very exciting features and it’s the only Android tablet with a full HD display that is amazingly crisp, bright, and colorful.

One of the most impressive features of the Transformer Pad Infinity is its speedy performance and very fast load times, thanks to the new quad-core processor – Nvidia Tegra 3 T33.

Completing everyday tasks provides no challenge for this tablet and if your favorite recreation is playing video games, then prepare to be completely entertained with the Transformer Pad Infinity as it was built with gaming in mind, plus you can’t help but admire the crisp clear image quality and beautiful display – a few things that make travel-sized windows laptop replacement a lost topic in your mind. 

This Asus tablet is 0.37 inches thick and weighs 1.4 pounds it is very portable for anyone, and it has a battery life of about 7.5 hours.

The virtual keyboard is also very responsive and has the Swype-style trace feature which allows you to spell words by tracing lines between letters. For a physical/Bluetooth keyboard, the Asus Transformer Pad Infinity is compatible with the Asus keyboard dock which houses a full-sized USB 2.0 port, a microSD card slot, and a 19.5Wh battery that significantly extends the battery life of the Transformer Pad Infinity.

While a little outdated now, this android tablet still holds up to the newer models while offering the bonus of a price tag that shows it’s a year or so outdated.

• High-res display
• Fast performance
• Finger pressure distorts the display

• Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, 10.1" LED Backlight WUXGA (1920x1200) Screen, latest generation Corning Gorilla Glass 2

Final Thoughts on finding the best tablet for travel

The perfect tablet for traveling depends on several great features but mostly it depends on personal preferences, and of course budget. There is a reason Apple and Microsoft have high prices, they are pure class.

However, that doesn’t mean you cannot find some great value options. Just be careful of falling into the cheap tablet trap, many of the unbranded clones quickly become sluggish and have a dull display, it can never be great for anyone.

But, that said, there are some diamonds in the rough, just see my post on the best tablets under $200 to check them out,

So, a tablet should have a decent performance and should multitask really well so that you can easily glide between apps, conduct research without getting frustrated, and barely withhold the urge to smash the damn tablet on a wall. It should also have a battery that is strong enough to see you through a full working day before it requires another charge.

And, if you’re a writer committed to writing with a physical keyboard, then it should have a keyboard dock or at least support one.

With your must-have tablet features laid out, you’ll find out that choosing the best tablet for traveling becomes super easy and less confusing. And if you want my opinion, I strongly recommend the top pick which is the Apple iPad Air, it really is the perfect balance of performance, portability and at a reasonable price too.

2 thoughts on “Top 10 | The Best Tablet For Traveling”

Thanks for the great information and descriptions of each choice. I think my choice is going to be the Samsung Galaxy TabS6. My only question is where am I going to find a class that will teach me how to use it? So many features and such a little mind.

Believe it or not, some Libraries offer small group “classes” on compute basics. Usually they are taught by people that volunteer their time to share their knowledge with you. The libraries that I am aware of offer the sessions for free or very small fee. They fill quickly so sign up right away. Also check with tech programs in your area, they might be aware of any community groups that offer sessions that are also run by volunteers.

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Traveling with a Tablet – Pros, cons and how to use it safely abroad

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Is traveling with a tablet the best option for you? Or should you consider taking your laptop, or flying only with your phone?

Here are a few tips to help you choose wisely, and how to travel with a tablet safely.

Are you gearing up for your next big adventure, and you’re a true minimalist? For you, nothing can get in the way of traveling as light as possible.

But maybe you’re a digital nomad and you need to work while you travel. Or, maybe you just want a bigger screen for research or entertainment purposes.

If any of these rings true for you, you should consider traveling with a tablet. Tablets are lighter than laptops, and bringing one with you is likely much easier than you think.

Below is a comprehensive overview of what it’s like to travel with a tablet, especially on a plane.

We talk about the advantages and disadvantages of a tablet. How to travel with a tablet, from security for tablets to carrying it with your luggage and using it in airports and abroad. What are the best tablets for traveling, and more tips to make the most of your tablet or iPad during the trip.

The good and the bad of traveling with a tablet

Before getting into the nitty-gritty, here’s a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of tablets for travel. There are so many benefits, but it pays to be aware of the trade-offs as well.

Pros of traveling with a tablet

• If you’ve ever traveled with a laptop, you know that nowadays they’re slim and have a lightweight design – tablets even more so. To give you an idea, an Apple iPad weighs barely more than 1/3 of a MacBook Air .
• For some lines of work, laptops are overkill. Graphic designers, artists, and writers don’t always need the hefty processing power or advanced features of a computer.
• Some Android tablets and Ipads come with the capacity for cellular data, which means you can access the internet from your tablet just as you would with your cell phone. In this case, you just need to buy a tablet with a SIM card slot.
• If you were considering traveling with only your smartphone, a tablet will be immensely helpful when you need to conduct some research on your next destination or the accommodation options in your area. The larger screen just makes it much easier to stay organized, make plans and read all the travel guides.
• Along the same vein, the big screen of a tablet makes watching movies and TV shows much more enjoyable (and don’t pretend you never need a “day off” from full-time travel, and that you like to watch movies on a phone screen!).

Cons of traveling with a tablet

• It’s just a fact that tablets don’t have the same scale of processing power or user options as a laptop. If you need to do any serious video or photo editing, or if your work requires some beefier applications, a tablet won’t be your best bet. In this case, Ipads might be a better option, offering a faster processor.
• This is obvious, but tablets are expensive; the more valuables you travel with, the more you have to lose if you’re unfortunate enough to be the victim of a robbery. Traveling is usually very safe, but it helps to be aware of worst-case scenarios—more about keeping your tablet safe later on.

Air travel with a tablet – What you need to know

Unfortunately, a process as beautiful as flying through the air thousands of feet above the ground can sometimes be such a hassle — and yet, it’s the truth. Flying with a tablet will complicate things a bit, but not enough to be a material concern.

Boarding a plane with a tablet – airport security

In general, airline security for tablets is the same as airline security for laptops. As you’re going through the checkpoint, the most important thing is to make sure you take your tablet out of your bag and place it in a bin by itself, with nothing underneath it or on top of it.

If you’re wondering whether you can take tablets on a plane, the answer is yes; there’s no need to store your tablet in a checked bag unless you want to. On the contrary, it’s almost always better to carry it on the plane with you, for two main reasons:

• It’s easier to keep your tablet protected when it’s in your carry-on bag. Airline workers are notoriously “unfriendly” towards checked bags.
• You can watch movies or get some work done on the plane if you have your tablet in your carry-on.

That being said, if for whatever reason you do feel like you want to store your tablet in a checked bag, just make sure to really protect it. If you have a sleeve, keep it in there, and maybe even surround it with some softer items in your bag, like clothes.

Using your tablet in an airport or plane

There are two types of people in the world: those who get to the airport early, and those who get to the airport early . If you’re in the second group, you might want to make your way over to a charging station, usually provided for free at most airports.

If you have a long flight coming up, don’t board with a 6% battery.

Once you’re on the plane, definitely keep your tablet travel bag under your seat; your tablet is much safer on the floor than if it is stuffed into the overhead compartments.

This also just makes it easier to access your tablet as needed. And of course, don’t forget to switch your tablet into airplane mode (flight mode) when instructed by the flight crew!

In most cases, whether you’re on the plane or just waiting in the airport, you’ll need to use provided Wi-Fi connections to access the internet. Usually, airports offer complimentary Wi-Fi to anyone on the premises, though usually, these types of connections are notoriously slow.

When you’re in the air, you’ll have to pay for an in-flight Wi-Fi connection, which may or may not be worth it depending on your flight’s length.

For either of these scenarios, it’s important to be aware of the risks of connecting your tablet to open networks — more on this in the below section.

Using your tablet abroad safely

It’s just a fact that anytime you use a provided Wi-Fi connection while traveling, you’re potentially exposing yourself to hackers and other cybersecurity risks.

The best way to hedge against this risk is to use a secure virtual private network or VPN for tablets.

Click here to check NordVPN prices and have your tablets and other devices protected!

Here are two other safe ways to connect a tablet to the internet while abroad:

• Use your phone’s personal hotspot. In most countries, you can purchase a local SIM card for a very reasonable price. As long as the SIM provides 4G data or faster, you should be able to connect to the hotspot from your tablet with no problems.
• Buy a tablet with a cellular data plan. As time goes by, more and more tablets seem to be offering this feature. If your tablet has this capacity, you can just put a local SIM card directly into your tablet, access the internet, and skip the whole hotspot thing.

VPN is not only about safety. Another good reason to invest in a VPN for your tablet is that you can access your movies, Netflix series, and documentaries from your country that might not be available in foreign countries. That way you can really use your travel tablet as an entertainment device.

In our case, the VPN is also handy to access our banking system in Brazil and other governmental websites that are blocked abroad.

Things to remember when traveling with a tablet

It’s important to remember that a tablet is a valuable investment. Below are some crucial considerations, both to protect your investment and to make your life just a bit easier.

How to protect your tablet for traveling

First of all, definitely keep your tablet in a protective case. Even something sleek and lightweight can make a huge difference, as there’s possibly no worse feeling in the world than dropping a pristine, uncased tablet on the sidewalk.

It’s also 110% worth it to spend some money on a good-quality carry-on backpack or a strong and comfy daypack with a dedicated tablet or laptop section.

  Find the perfect tablet carry bag here!

Keep in mind that your tablet carry case or bag needs to meet the airline carry-on luggage requirements.

During your trip, you’re likely to be stuck in the rain, dropping your stuff on dirty floors, and bumping into other travelers on crowded trains or metros. It’s really nice to be able to rest easy amidst all the chaos, knowing your tablet is safe and secure.

And if you really want to go the extra mile, consider purchasing a separate sleeve for your tablet , which can also double as a protective placemat when you’re working on scratch-inducing surfaces.

Travel Insurance for you and your tablet

We always recommend you don’t embark on a long trip without a good travel insurance plan. Again, the more valuables you have with you, the more at risk you are for the misfortunes of the open road.

HeyMondo and SafetyWing are some of our favorite companies, but for more of an in-depth look, check out our Travel Insurance Guide . This guide is super handy for people planning a long trip or going to different destinations. 

How to choose a tablet for travel

In case you don’t have a tablet yet, or a considering buying a new one, here are a few things you should take into consideration when buying a tablet for travel:

• Budget and usage: there is a wide range of tablets in the market, and the price can vary widely. So the first thing you need to do before buying any compact tablet or a super powerful device is to think of how much you want to invest and your needs. If it’s for work, it might be worth spending more. If it’s for your child, you can think of a brand that offers kid-friendly features. Or if you are going on an adventure or expedition, then a durable design can be your best option.
• Design and size: check the weight, size, and if it’s nice to hold and comfortable to use. Does it feel fragile or strong? If you are worried about luggage space and weight, don’t forget to also check the size and weight of the charge, cables, and surface pen, as it will all add up to your bag.
• Operational System: you can have iOS (all products from Apple), Android, Amazon Fire OS, and Microsoft Windows.
• Internal specs: you need to take into consideration if you need a powerful processor for work or for using specific applications. Also, check the RAM and all the info about the machine itself.
• Screen type: resolution, definition, and tablet screen size. Premium tablets and Ipads will have better screen definition and vivid colors than cheap tablets.
• Battery: is very important to check the hours of battery life and how long it takes to get completely charged. A long-lasting battery is essential for long trips. Yes, you can charge a tablet on planes, also buses and trains, but keep in mind that you should always have your devices charged when passing the security checks. If you are traveling with kids, you probably want those extra hours of battery to keep them entertained.
• Storage: as with any laptop or mobile device, your tablet will have inbuilt storage and some will also offer a MicroSD card slot (expandable storage).
• Connectivity: tablets and Ipads can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi, some models also offer the option of a SIM card slot. All of them have a connection via Bluetooth (for pairing with stereo speakers, earphones, or pairing with your phone). If you already have a MacBook , an iPhone , or an Apple Watch you might consider buying an Ipad to have an easy connection between all devices.

The best tablets for travel worth buying:

• Samsung Galaxy
• Microsoft Surface

Those are good brands that offer a variety of portable tablets with a wide range of features, sizes, and prices, being a good choice for travelers.

Accessories for your tablet

Do some research on the types of outlets used in your destination country (or countries), and purchase the right adapter—but if you’ll be moving around frequently, consider purchasing a worldwide travel adapter.

These are usually quite bulky, but since they work for every outlet type, you’ll never be stuck high and dry, unable to charge. And, speaking of charging, you might want to bring along an extra cable, just in case.

You could also invest in an external hard drive or solid-state drive if you need extra storage space. That can be handy to upload your photos and videos from the trip, especially if you are in a place with slow internet and you can’t save them on cloud storage.

If you are planning to use your tablet for work, answering emails, or any other task that involves typing, then you can buy a proper keyboard. There are some foldable keyboards for tablets that are lightweight, easy to carry and to connect to your tablet, especially if it’s an Android device.

They might not be the most comfortable keyboard, but they are helpful. If you buy one, you might consider getting a keyboard cover, a slim one, just for protection. 

Traveling with tablet wrap-up!

We can say that if you don’t need a laptop for work while traveling, then a tablet is the way to go.

With so many device options for travelers, it is easy to find a tablet that fits your budget, needs, and luggage.

Remember that larger tables are better for road trips or when you don’t need to worry about baggage weight. A compact device is better for backpacking, adventure, or a shorter trip with less luggage.

Buying a tablet for traveling is the first step. You also have to keep your device protected while using it abroad and when carrying it from one destination to another.

We hope our tips help you decide which portable device to take on your next trip and make the most of your tablet on the air and land.

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2 thoughts on “Traveling with a Tablet – Pros, cons and how to use it safely abroad”

I love reading blog posts like this because they give me ideas for traveling with my tablet. I’ve been using my tablet to read books, watch movies, and listen to music while I’m on the go, and I’ve found that

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Best Tablets For Travel In 2024

Planning your next vacation and want the best travel tablet for your next great adventure? There’s no understating the convenience of a trusty tablet on the go. Whether you’re planning to soar through the skies, take your family on a road trip, or travel by steam train, having a tablet on hand makes the difference between a good trip and a great trip.

If you want to know about which tablets are best for travelling, we’ve scoured the market and tested some of the top devices available to compile a list of the very best travel tablets for you. If you need a deeper dive for tablets that offer stellar performance, lightweight portability, long-lasting battery life and are not a burden on your wallet, you’ve come to the right place. Check out our buying guide at the end of this article if you want a surefire way to find the tablet that’s right for you.

Let’s dive into the top-tier travel tablets that will elevate your travel experiences in 2024.

Recommended Best Travel Tablets | 2024 Top Pick

We’ve put together a list of the absolute best ones out there, with killer performance, ultra-portability, awesome battery life, and great bang for your buck.

So, let’s cut to the chase and explore the top-notch travel tablets that are about to kick your travel game up a notch.

1. RCA Windows 2-in-1 Tablet with Travel Keyboard

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly travel tablet, the RCA 12.2″ Windows 10 2-in-1 Tablet with Travel Keyboard could be a good option for you.

• Provides clear and vivid images
• Comes with a travel keyboard
• Up to 128GB storage capacity
• Not powerful enough for heavy multitasking or demanding apps
• Battery life limited to 6 hours
• Only 2MP resolution front and rear cameras

During our recent trip, we tested the RCA 12.2″ Windows 10 2-in-1 Tablet with Travel Keyboard for a week.

We were quite impressed with this tablet’s clarity and brightness , which made the screen easy to see, day or night. The included travel keyboard was a handy addition, providing comfortable typing while on the move.

We also appreciated the MicroSD card slot, which allowed us to store all our photos and videos without worrying about running out of space.

We feel this tablet’s performance may not satisfy power users, given its Intel Celeron N4000 processor and 2GB of RAM, as we noticed it struggled with heavy multitasking and demanding applications. The battery life, maxing out at 6 hours, left something to be desired, as we frequently had to recharge it during long travel days.

We also noticed that the front and rear cameras, both with 2MP resolution, didn’t deliver high-quality photos or video calls.

So, if you’re in the market for an affordable travel tablet with a decent display and a travel keyboard, the RCA 12.2″ Windows 10 2-in-1 Tablet with Travel Keyboard is a reasonable choice. However, if you need a more powerful tablet with extended battery life and better camera capabilities, you might want to explore other options on our list.

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

If you’re in search of a travel tablet that can match your family’s travel needs, the SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A8 is an excellent choice. Equipped with an enhanced chipset, extended battery life, and storage capacity of up to 128GB, this tablet is ideal for activities like streaming movies, staying connected on social media, and managing emails while you’re on the move.

• Large 10.5″ LCD screen is great for watching videos
• The upgraded chipset and long-lasting battery
• Samsung Kids for kid-friendly use
• Not as sleek as other tablets on the market
• 32GB of storage may be limiting
• Battery life varies depending on usage patterns and other factors

During our recent family vacation, we had the chance to use the SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A8, and it left a positive impression.

The tablet’s 10.5″ LCD screen was excellent for streaming movies and staying connected via video chats with friends and family. We especially liked the upgraded chipset, which facilitated smooth multitasking throughout the day.

A standout feature of the SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A8 is Samsung Kids—an assortment of safe and enjoyable games, books, and videos. It offers a kid-friendly and parent-approved environment for learning and play, instilling good digital habits.

While not the sleekest travel tablet available, we found the Tab A8 easy to pack and carry. Its impressive battery life allowed us to go unplugged for extended periods.

Overall, the SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A8 is a solid choice for families on the move. Its upgraded chipset, extended battery life, and kid-friendly features make it a reliable travel companion that caters to the needs of both parents and children.

3. Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet

If you’re looking for a tablet for your young child, the Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet is a great option.

• The tablet comes with a 2-year worry-free guarantee, so if it breaks, Amazon will replace it for free.
• The Kid-Proof Case with a built-in stand is durable and can protect against drops and bumps.
• The tablet includes a 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, which has thousands of ad-free books, games, videos, apps, and Alexa skills.
• Low-resolution screen
• Speakers are not forward-facing, which can impact the sound quality.
• Shorter battery life than other tablets on the market.

We were quite impressed with this tablet’s durability and kid-friendly features. The kid-proof case has already saved the tablet from a few drops, and the built-in stand is great for watching videos hands-free. The 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ has also been a hit with our child, who loves the variety of content available.

However, we have noticed that the screen resolution is not the best, and the speakers are not forward-facing, which can make the sound quality less than ideal. The battery life is also not as long as some other tablets on the market, so it may need to be charged more frequently, which is not great if you’re traveling for extended periods.

Overall, we would recommend the Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet for parents looking for a durable and kid-friendly tablet with plenty of content options.

4. Microsoft Surface Pro 2

Looking for a versatile tablet that won’t break the bank? Consider the Microsoft Surface Go 2.

• Scratch resistance coat to resist daily wear and tear
• IPS panel technology provides high-quality visuals
• Speedy processor
• Full HD video recorder
• Camera pixels are not up to the mark
• Occasional touchscreen issues

The Microsoft Surface Go 2 features a stunning IPS panel delivering vibrant colors and sharp, high-quality images from various angles, with a slim and sleek HD display at 1920 x 1280 resolution. It also boasts an 8 MP rear camera for impressive photos and video chats.

Running on Windows OS, it provides seamless access to your favorite apps and games while maintaining its slim, stylish, and lightweight design for portability.

This tablet offers a versatile experience, serving as both a capable gaming machine and a reliable movie player. Storage can be expanded with a micro SD card, and it includes unique features like micro HDMI and a 1.7 GHz core_i9_7740x.

Despite its affordability, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 stands out with a powerful processor, 8 GB of RAM, dual cameras, and advanced panel technology, making it one of the most promising options we’ve tested.

5. Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet

If you are looking for a tablet for your child aged 3-7, we highly recommend the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet. It is a well-built tablet that is designed to withstand drops and bumps, and it comes with a kid-proof case. With its bright 10.1″ screen, your child can enjoy thousands of ad-free books, games, videos, apps, and more.

• Comes with a 2-year worry-free guarantee.
• Includes 1 year of Amazon Kids+
• High-tech features like an octa-core processor, 3 GB RAM, dual cameras, a USB-C (2.0) port, and up to 1 TB of expandable storage.
• After 1 year, your subscription to Amazon Kids+ will automatically renew. You can cancel this on the Amazon Parent Dashboard.
• Only really ideal for kids aged 3-7
• Won’t be great for children looking for a tablet with more advanced features.

We recently acquired the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet, and it has exceeded our expectations. The tablet impresses with its robust build, complete with a sturdy kid-proof case designed to shield against drops and bumps. An added perk is the included 2-year worry-free guarantee, providing peace of mind.

This tablet is exceptionally user-friendly, and our kids found it a breeze to navigate. The Parent Dashboard is another valuable feature, offering easy content filtering by age, educational goal and time limit settings, and access control for platforms like Netflix and Disney+.

We wholeheartedly recommend the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet for parents seeking a tablet tailored to children aged 3-7. It combines durability with a vibrant 10.1″ screen and an array of ad-free books, games, videos, apps, and more — guaranteeing hours of entertainment during your travels.

6. 2021 Apple 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi‑Fi, 256GB) – Silver

The Apple iPad Pro is an ideal travel companion, thanks to its impressive features. 

• Excellent image quality
• Impressive battery life
• Extremely fast processors
• Quad speaker Audio system
• 12MP rear-facing camera
• Least portable
• Expensive compared to other travel tablets

The Apple iPad Pro excels as a travel tablet, combining entertainment and productivity seamlessly. Its 11-inch Retina Display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 and 264 ppi pixel density ensures sharp and vibrant visuals for movies, photos, and reading while on the move.

As a bonus, the iPad Pro is excellent with energy efficiency, thanks to advanced technologies like photo alignment, oxide TFT, and variable refresh rate. These innovations extend the tablet’s battery life, making it reliable for extended use during your travels.

Entertainment is a forte of this tablet, with the Retina Display delivering stunning visuals for movies and videos. The Quad speaker audio system complements this by providing high-quality sound, enriching your on-the-road entertainment.

But the iPad Pro isn’t just for leisure. Fueled by a potent 64-bit A9X chip and an M9 motion coprocessor, it offers swift performance and effortless multitasking with iOS 9 features. 

The tablet’s productivity prowess is further underscored by its 64-bit A9X chip, allowing you to tackle substantial work-related tasks typically reserved for workstations and PCs.

Whether you’re using Picture in Picture or Split View or even handling three simultaneous 4K video streams in iMovie, it caters to creative individuals who appreciate its spacious screen.

We believe the Apple iPad Pro is an exceptional travel companion for professionals on the go, offering a harmonious blend of entertainment, productivity, and portability. Whether you’re catching up on work or creating content while traveling, the iPad Pro is more than up to the challenge.

7. YINOCHE Kids Tablet

If you’re looking for a tablet that’s perfect for kids, the YINOCHE Kids Tablet is a great option that you won’t want to miss.

• The tablet comes with GMS Certified IWAWA Kids Apps pre-loaded, which makes it easy for kids to use.
• Equipped with an adjustable stand and a multi-touch 1024×600 display that presents a bright display with vivid colors at all angles.
• With the 32GB storage in this kids’ Android tablet, you can store every wonderful moment.
• The tablet’s front and rear cameras have low resolution, which may not be suitable for taking high-quality photos.
• The tablet’s battery life is not as long as other tablets on the market.
• The processor is not that powerful.

The YINOCHE Kids Tablet offers robust child-friendly features, including parental controls for effective screen time management. 

We loved the pre-installed educational apps designed for toddlers, such as Montessori, STEM, Art and Craft, and Brain Training, which enhance learning. You can also expand options with additional apps from the Google Play Store, including popular choices like Netflix, YouTube Kids, Disney Plus, Duolingo, and more.

Durability is ensured with a protective case, while the adjustable stand and responsive multi-touch display enhance user experience. As a plus, the tablet supports over 40 languages, including Spanish. 

If you seek a child-focused tablet, we recommend the YINOCHE Kids Tablet for its educational value and user-friendly design.

8. Contixo 7-inch Kids Learning Tablet

If you are looking for a tablet that is both kid-friendly and educational, then the Contixo 7-inch Kids Learning Tablet might be a good choice for you.

• Comes with pre-installed educational apps
• Easy parental control and full access to Google
• Kid-proof case and a built-in kickstand
• Battery life could be better
• Screen resolution is not great
• Some users have reported slow loading times

The Contixo 7-inch Kids Learning Tablet proved to be an excellent choice for young children embarking on their learning journey. It impressively comes loaded with over 20 pre-installed educational apps meticulously designed by Academy Learning Experts, rendering it a top-rated educator-approved device.

Ease of use is a hallmark of this tablet, complemented by robust parental control features, which empower you to manage screen time and filter kid-friendly content. Furthermore, it offers full access to Google services like Gmail, YouTube, and Disney+.

We found the kid-proof case of the Contixo 7-inch Kids Learning Tablet to be a valuable asset, featuring a built-in kickstand that facilitates hands-free video viewing. Additionally, it includes a stylus designed for children aged 3-10.

While the tablet’s battery life could be improved, it generally sufficed for most daily activities. Although the screen resolution could be higher, we found it to be clear and easily readable. Occasionally, we encountered slow loading times, but these issues did not significantly impact our testing.

We recommend the Contixo 7-inch Kids Learning Tablet if you have young children just embarking on their educational journey. It’s an excellent choice for parents seeking a safe and educational device that is both user-friendly and travel-friendly.

9. TravelWifi Sapphire Tablet

If you’re looking for a tablet that can keep you connected while you travel, the TravelWifi Sapphire Tablet is a great option.

• Lightning-fast performance thanks to Android 11 OS, Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor, and 4 GB RAM
• Unlimited global internet in over 130 countries with CloudSIM technology
• High-speed internet connection to 5 devices and 15-hour battery life
• The Sapphire protective case is sold separately
• A little on the heavy side, at 1.9 pounds
• The 2 MP front camera is not ideal

The TravelWifi Sapphire Tablet impressed us with its lightning-fast performance, handling everything from emails to video streaming. Its CloudSIM technology ensures a stable internet connection in over 130 countries, making it an excellent travel companion.

While the tablet’s 8 MP rear camera takes great photos and videos, the 2 MP front camera disappointed us. It can connect up to 5 devices and offers a long 15-hour battery life, ensuring you stay connected throughout your journey.

We will admit that there are some downsides: the Sapphire protective case is sold separately, and the tablet is somewhat heavy at 1.9 pounds, making it less ideal for those seeking a lightweight option. We feel the TravelWifi Sapphire Tablet is a strong choice if you simply want to stay connected during travels and don’t need it to make video calls.

10. Niuniutab 10-inch Android Tablet

If you’re in need of a reliable and affordable travel tablet, then the Niuniutab 10-inch Android Tablet comes highly recommended.

• Comes with the latest Android 11 operating system already installed
• The HD IPS touchscreen has narrow bezels that provide a more vibrant viewing experience
• Up to 8 hours of battery life
• Disappointing 8 MP rear camera 
• 10-inch screen size could be bigger
• Average battery life tends to be around 6 hours

The Niuniutab 10-inch Android Tablet is a solid choice for travelers who are spontaneous and prone to plans changing. Its versatility makes it suitable for activities like watching YouTube, reading books, browsing the web, video conferencing, and mobile gaming.

The Niuniutab runs on the latest Android 11 OS, ensuring consistent app performance. Its HD IPS touchscreen has narrow bezels and offers vibrant visuals, which you can watch for hours thanks to its 2.5D Curved Screen that reduces eye fatigue. The dual speakers enhance audio, and the matte anti-glare coating reduces reflections for video watching and calls – perfect for travel when lightning can vary throughout your trip.

You can enjoy all this for up to 8 hours thanks to the 5000mAh battery and efficient CPU. Niuniutab, as a company, is also fairly responsive and has solid after-sales service, including 24/7 online support, a one-year warranty, free repairs, and convenient return and exchange options if it’s not exactly what you’re looking for.

The Niuniutab 10-inch Android Tablet is budget-friendly, reliable, and a strong contender for your next travel gadget.

Things To Consider When Buying the Best Travel Tabler?

When choosing a travel tablet, there are several factors to consider. The size and weight of the device are crucial, as you want something that is easy to carry and won’t take up too much space in your luggage. 

Battery life is also essential because being stuck without your charger while you’re travelling is the worst feeling in the world. Once that’s sorted, you can start looking at other features like storage capacity, screen resolution, and connectivity options.

If you’re need of a checklist to refer to while shopping for travel tablets, we’ve compiled a list of features that you should also keep an eye out for.

Operating System

Your choice of operating system may depend on the type of phone or laptop you already have, but it can significantly impact your tablet’s performance and functionality with your other devices.

• Android. Android’s OS  offers versatility and affordability, with frequent updates for the latest features.
• Windows. Windows’s OS is ideal for affordability and control and provides a desktop-like experience and software compatibility.
• iOS. This OS is exclusive to iPads. iOS offers unique features like split-screen multitasking and superior integration with other Apple devices.

Size, weight, and durability are critical factors for travel tablets, especially if you plan to take them through airport security. Opting for tablet devices that weigh less than 1.5 pounds with screen sizes between 7 – 10 inches will offer you the best TSA experience.

Battery Life

Choosing a tablet with extended battery life (at least 8 hours) is essential to ensure that you’re not caught in a situation where your battery dies in a crucial moment like check-in.

Storage Capacity

Searching for tablets with at least 32GB of storage is another necessary step to buying the best travel tablet. How else are you going to keep all those holiday pictures?

Display Quality

One of the most common uses for tablets is to watch shows and movies while travelling, so having a display quality that is clear and has a high resolution. Tablets with at least 1080p resolution and an IPS display should be the minimum.

Connectivity Options

Ensure your tablet features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity features so you can listen with wireless earphones, don’t have to contend with buffering, and can keep up to date with work.

Have questions brewing about which travel tablet you should purchase? Have a look at our answers to some of the questions we’ve receive the most about tablets for traveling. 

What are the best tablets for travel?

Some top choices for the best travel tablet include the Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, and Microsoft Surface Go. They offer high quality resolutions, and extended battery life, and varied storage options at reasonable prices.

What is the best lightweight tablet for travel?

Those looking for lightweight travel tablets should consider the Apple iPad Air, which weighs only 1 pound and has a 10.9-inch display.

What tablet works like a laptop for business travel?

If you want a tablet to use as a laptop while travelling, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a strong contender, offering a detachable keyboard for typing on-the-go and Windows 10 OS compatibility. Other choices include the Apple iPad Pro and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+.

Final Thoughts on the Best Tablet for Traveling

There is such a diverse range of travel tablets catering to various needs and budgets. From the budget-friendly RCA 12.2″ Windows 10 2-in-1 Tablet to family-friendly options like the SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A8, and kid-centric tablets such as the Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet, there’s something for everyone.

The 2021 Apple 11-inch iPad Pro impresses with its top-tier performance. The TravelWifi Sapphire Tablet ensures global connectivity. The Niuniutab 10-inch Android Tablet offers budget-conscious travelers a reliable option. The choice ultimately depends on individual preferences, but there’s no shortage of travel-ready tablets to enhance your next adventure.

Writer Graham Grieve brings two decades of technical communications experience to The Holy Tech coverage. Isaac contributes articles on laptops, tablets and PCs, alongside various software and hardware guides.  Isaac is a former newspaper journalist who also worked in tech communications for some of the country’s biggest corporations. He also counsels and creates material for other technology publications and hosts a podcast.

Isaac’s in-depth reporting and knowledge of hardware and software issues helps The Holy Tech’s readers learn how to choose the right products, or solve tricky problems.

Copyright © 2022 TheHolyTech

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8 Best E-Readers and Tablets for Travel

Traveling is a wonderful way to explore new cultures, relax, and experience new adventures. For avid readers and tech enthusiasts, choosing the right device to carry along can be a game-changer. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, waiting at the airport, or winding down in your hotel room, having the perfect e-reader or tablet can improve your travel experience. 

Here are the eight best e-readers and tablets that combine portability, performance, and features ideal for travelers.

• Kindle Paperwhite – The Kindle Paperwhite is a popular choice for readers who want a lightweight and durable e-reader. 
• iPad Mini – The iPad Mini combines the power of an iPad with a compact size that’s perfect for travel.
• Kindle Oasis – The Kindle Oasis is Amazon’s premium e-reader, designed for those who seek the ultimate reading experience. 
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 – The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is a powerful tablet that excels in both productivity and entertainment.

Continue reading to discover the full list of r-readers and tablets. 

The Difference Between an E-Reader and a Tablet

While both e-readers and tablets serve as portable devices for reading digital content, they have distinct differences in terms of functionality, design, and use cases. 

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand the key differences.

E-readers are designed primarily for reading eBooks and other digital texts. They offer features that enhance the reading experience, such as e-ink displays and adjustable lighting.

E-readers typically use e-ink technology, which mimics the appearance of printed paper. This type of display is easier on the eyes and reduces glare, making it ideal for reading in bright sunlight.

Battery Life

E-readers have significantly longer battery life compared to tablets. They can last for weeks on a single charge, as e-ink screens consume very little power.

Weight and Portability

E-readers are usually lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around. They are designed to be held comfortably for extended reading sessions.

Specialized Features

Many e-readers come with features like adjustable front lights for night reading, waterproofing for beach or poolside use, and support for multiple eBook formats.

Limited Functionality

E-readers are primarily focused on reading and usually have limited capabilities beyond that. They may offer basic web browsing and dictionary functions, but they are not designed for multimedia or productivity tasks.

Tablets are versatile devices designed for a wide range of activities, including reading, web browsing, watching videos, playing games, and productivity tasks. They offer a broad spectrum of apps and functionalities.

Tablets use LCD or OLED screens, which provide vibrant colors and high resolution. While these displays are great for multimedia consumption, they can cause eye strain during long reading sessions and are less effective in bright sunlight.

Tablets have shorter battery life compared to e-readers, typically lasting from 8 to 15 hours on a single charge, depending on usage.

Tablets are generally heavier and larger than e-readers, although there are compact models available. Their size and weight can vary significantly based on the model and screen size.

Versatility

Tablets support a wide range of applications, from entertainment to productivity. They can run various apps, stream video, play games, and even function as laptops with the addition of keyboards and other accessories.

Multimedia and Connectivity

Tablets are equipped with cameras, speakers, and microphones, making them suitable for video calls, photography, and media playback. They also support advanced connectivity options like cellular data, Bluetooth, and more.

Best E-Readers and Tablets for Traveling

Kindle paperwhite.

The Kindle Paperwhite is a popular choice for readers who want a lightweight and durable e-reader. It features a 6.8-inch glare-free display that mimics real paper, making it easy on the eyes even in bright sunlight. With its waterproof design, you can read by the pool or at the beach without worry. The adjustable front light ensures comfortable reading day or night.

• Display:6.8-inch glare-free display
• Battery Life: Up to 10 weeks
• Storage: 8 GB or 32 GB options
• Waterproof: IPX8 rating

Perfect for: Avid readers who want a lightweight, waterproof device with a glare-free screen, making it ideal for beach or poolside reading.

The iPad Mini combines the power of an iPad with a compact size that’s perfect for travel. Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display offers stunning visuals, while the A15 Bionic chip ensures smooth performance for reading, browsing, and entertainment. The device is lightweight and easy to carry, making it a versatile companion for any trip.

• Display: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display
• Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
• Storage: 64 GB and 256 GB options
• Weight: 0.65 pounds

Perfect for: Travelers who want a compact but powerful tablet for reading, browsing, and entertainment.

Kindle Oasis

The Kindle Oasis is Amazon’s premium e-reader, designed for those who seek the ultimate reading experience. It features a 7-inch Paperwhite display with adjustable warm light, allowing for a customizable reading environment. Its ergonomic design with page-turn buttons makes it comfortable to hold, and the waterproof build ensures it can withstand splashes.

• Display: 7-inch Paperwhite display with adjustable warm light
• Battery Life: Up to 6 weeks
• Storage: 8 GB and 32 GB options

Perfect for: Those seeking a premium e-reading experience with ergonomic design and warm light adjustment for nighttime reading.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is a powerful tablet that excels in both productivity and entertainment. Its 11-inch TFT LCD provides a vibrant and immersive viewing experience. With the Snapdragon 865+ processor, it handles multitasking with ease. The included S Pen enhances creativity and note-taking, making it a perfect choice for travelers.

• Display: 11-inch TFT LCD
• Battery Life: Up to 15 hours
• Storage: 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB options
• Weight: 1.1 pounds

Perfect for: Users who need an adaptable tablet for reading, streaming, and productivity with a large screen and powerful performance.

Kobo Libra 2

The Kobo Libra 2 is an excellent alternative to Kindle devices, offering a range of features that cater to dedicated readers. Its 7-inch E Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen delivers crisp text and graphics. The device supports various eBook formats, and its ergonomic design ensures comfort during long reading sessions. The waterproof rating adds extra peace of mind.

• Display: 7-inch E Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen
• Storage: 32 GB

Perfect for: Readers looking for an alternative to Kindle with a comfortable design and support for various eBook formats.

The iPad Air strikes a perfect balance between power and portability. Its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is perfect for both reading and multimedia consumption. The A14 Bionic chip ensures fast and efficient performance, while the lightweight design makes it easy to carry. With support for the Apple Pencil, it’s also great for note-taking and creative tasks.

• Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display
• Weight: 1.0 pounds

Perfect for: Travelers who need a mid-sized tablet that’s perfect for reading, creative work, and streaming.

Kindle Paperwhite Kids

The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is designed specifically for young readers. It features the same great specs as the standard Kindle Paperwhite but comes with added parental controls, a kid-friendly cover, and a 2-year worry-free guarantee. It also includes a year of Amazon Kids+ for access to a vast library of age-appropriate books.

• Display: 6.8-inch glare-free display
• Storage: 8 GB
• Extras: 1 year of Amazon Kids+ and a 2-year worry-free guarantee

Perfect for: Parents or grandparents traveling with children or grandchildren who want a durable and kid-friendly e-reader loaded with age-appropriate content.

Microsoft Surface Go 3

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 offers the flexibility of a tablet with the power of a laptop. Its 10.5-inch PixelSense display is perfect for reading, watching videos, and working on the go. The device runs Windows 11, providing access to a full suite of productivity tools. Its compact size and detachable keyboard make it a great choice for business travelers.

• Display: 10.5-inch PixelSense display
• Battery Life: Up to 11 hours
• Storage: 64 GB and 128 GB options
• Weight: 1.2 pounds

Perfect for: Travelers who need a device for work and play, with full Windows compatibility in a compact design.

What to Look for When Shopping for an E-Reader or Tablet

When selecting an e-reader or tablet for travel, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the right device for your needs.

Portability

Look for a lightweight and compact device that’s easy to carry in your bag or pocket.

Long battery life is crucial for travel, as you may not always have access to charging points.

Display Quality

A high-resolution display with good brightness and contrast is essential for comfortable reading in various lighting conditions.

Storage Capacity

Ensure the device has enough storage for your eBooks, apps, and other media. Consider options with expandable storage if needed.

Waterproofing

If you plan to use the device by the pool or at the beach, a waterproof model can prevent damage from splashes.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity options can be beneficial for downloading books or streaming content on the go.

If you want a device for more than just reading, choose a tablet with the capabilities to handle multimedia, productivity apps, and more.

A comfortable design with features like adjustable lighting and easy-to-hold form factors can improve your reading experience.

Read READING OPTIONS WHEN SIGHT IS AN ISSUE .

Also read HOW READING BOOKS CAN WAKE UP YOUR BRAIN AFTER 60 .

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you have an e-reader or tablet that you travel with? Do you intend to purchase one for your next travels? What do you mainly use your e-reader or tablet for? Tell us about it in the comments below. 

I am looking for an ereader where I have the option to either listen with my ear pods or read off the screen. Is there such a device? Susan

I love my iPad Mini and an on my second one in 9 years. As for reading, I wouldn’t be without my Kindle Paperwhite on holiday, I have an astigmatism in one eye and the screen resolution is fantastic. My previous version was Kindle Keyboard and I had an Amazon Fire tablet before my first iPad.

Still love paper books though!

Tags Books Solo Travel Technology

Sandra Roussy

Sandra is the middle-aged woman you hear about who sheds everything she owns and sets out into the world to rediscover and redefine herself. After more than twenty years spent in the fashion industry designing collections for brands such as La Senza, Victoria’s Secret, and JACOB Lingerie, she shifted her path and pursued her longtime passion for writing, traveling, and photography. Sandra was published in the NY Times best selling book Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It. A deeply personal essay hand-picked by Elizabeth Gilbert about loss, facing fears, and going after dreams. Visit her website: www.sandraroussy.com

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20 Best Tablets for Air travel (2024)

While on an airplane, having a tablet, if you prefer to work, or have your own source of entertainment. Today, we’ll look at the best tablets for air travel . You can use the devices to watch movies and videos, prepare your documents and even do some work.

There are features that a tablet suitable for air travel must have. The first one, is a long battery life. The tablets listed here, come with a minimum battery life of 8 hours. This, can cover most flight durations, ensuring that in between, there is no need for a recharge.

Speaking of performance, these tablets suitable for flights, have at least 2GB RAM, in addition to an octa core processor. This, ensures that you can run several apps in the background, and not have performance issues such as freezes and relaunches.

As far as the display quality goes, you get a minimum screen resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels. You get to enjoy high fidelity and quality graphics when playing games and using apps.

In this list of best tablets for Air Travel recommendations , you’ll get the key specs and features, in addition to the pros and cons. More features that have been taken into account, include; quality cameras, a large storage capacity, detachable keyboard support, good design and build quality in addition to light weight.

You should also take a look at the Best Tablets for Car Trips and Travelling in addition to the Best Tablets for Watching movies and TV Shows.

The Following are the Best Tablets for Air Travel:

• SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9 FE Wi-Fi 10.9” 256GB Android Tablet, IP68 Water
• SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9 FE Wi-Fi5G (US Cellular) 10.9” 128GB Android Tablet
• Lenovo Tab P11 (2nd Gen) - 2023 - Tablet - Long Battery Life - 11.5 LCD - Front 8MP & Rear 13MP Camera
• Google Pixel Slate 2 in 1 i5
• Apple iPad (10th Generation) with A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 256GB
• Apple iPad Air (5th Generation) with M1 chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 64GB, Wi-Fi 6 + 5G Cellular
• Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Generation) with M2 chip, Liquid Retina XDR Display, 512GB, Wi-Fi 6E, 12MP front12MP
• iPad Pro3 11in 128GB Gray WiFi
• Google Pixel Slate 2 in 1 i7
• Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 Tablet
• Samsung Electronics Galaxy Tab S5e 10.5 Tablet
• Microsoft Surface Book 3 - 15inch i7 - 32GB Memory - 512GB SSD
• Huawei MatePad Pro WiFi 10.8-inche Tablet
• Apple iPad Mini (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 64GB)
• VANKYO MatrixPad S7 7 inch Tablet
• Microsoft Surface Go 4GB RAM 64GB

MORE TABLET RECOMMENDATIONS:

Latest Top Tablets for Audio Books

Best Tablets for Netflix

Best Tablets with Long Battery Life

Latest Top Tablets with a Headphone Jack

Latest Top Tablets for Microsoft Word

Best Tablets for Live Streaming

Latest Top Tablets for Writing and Drawing

Best Tablets for Lecturers

Best Tablets for Medical Students

Related posts:

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ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

The best travel gadgets you can buy: Chargers, headphones, and more

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What to Consider

Functionality

With so many mobile accessory options on the market, it’s crucial to consider how you need mobile accompaniments to function and benefit your life. Do you need a compact charger to travel with? Or a standalone wireless charger for at home? We recommend considering these factors before diving into mobile accessory shopping because it’s easy to get lost and waste your cash if you aren’t sure what you want.

Often, you know what type of mobile accessory you’re shopping for. You know you need a MagSafe wallet, a portable charger, or a phone grip. But it’s also important to consider the most frequent use cases of whichever accessory you want. Do you need a slim MagSafe wallet? Or one that has a larger card capacity? Will you use this MagSafe wallet to commute to work, or is it for special occasions? Getting an idea of your best use case for a mobile accessory before you buy it makes it easier to consider how it must function in your routine to be worth your investment.

Compatibility

Perhaps the most crucial factor to consider when shopping for mobile accessories is compatibility. Be sure to identify the make and model of your mobile device and read up on the compatibility offerings on specific products. Remember that certain features like MagSafe connection and wireless charging aren’t available for every phone model, and you’ll need to consider that while scoping out the mobile accessory market.

Mobile accessories can range extensively in cost, from under $20 to over $100, depending on what type of accessory you’re looking for and from what brand. Flagship accessories from brands like Apple or Samsung will often cost more than other options on the market, but accessories from more bespoke places like Casetify, Nomad, and more can get pretty pricey, too. That’s why it’s important to always consider your budget.

The holiday season is here, and with it, lots of plans for travel to see family or just to get away. If you're already starting to stress about some of the logistics, don't worry -- there are things you can do and pack that make travel easier, less stressful, and combat some metaphorical turbulence. For example, you can slip an AirTag into your bag to at least know the whereabouts of "lost" luggage.

Also:   The best travel VPNs you can buy

AirTags, however, aren't the only tech travel gadget you should consider as a stowaway. There's lots of tech out there that can save you space, battery, trip memories, and all three combined. To find the gadgets best suited for the job -- and your luggage or even car --  I talked to travel experts and enthusiasts to see what they consider essential, and you should, too. Our pick for best travel tech gadget overall is Anker's 747 GaNPrime 150W charger  due to its compact form and its ability to charge up to four devices quickly. However, this charger is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to essential travel gadgets. Check out the rest of our top picks below. 

The best travel gadgets of 2024

• Can charge up to 4 devices quickly
• Compatible with iOS and Android devices
• USB-A and USB-C charging ports

Anker 747 GaNPrime 150W charger

Best travel tech gadget overall.

Anker 747 GaNPrime charger features:  3 USB-C ports and 1 USB-A port | Can charge 2 laptops at once | Can charge up to 4 devices at once | 38% smaller than Apple's 140W charger, but packs in 10 more Watts (150W)

When you're traveling, it's important to keep all your devices powered and ready to go. Has anyone else ever had their phone die just as you're scanning your mobile boarding pass? To avoid that embarrassment, world traveler  Nick Yiu is saving up for the Anker 747 charger to power all his devices for the five flights he has coming up. Even though the brick is smaller than a standard Mac charger from Apple, it offers three USB-C style ports, a traditional USB-A port, and all at a whopping 150W total output. To put it in perspective, it's powerful enough to charge two laptops in a short amount of time. 

"This would replace the need to carry any additional power bricks, so you just need this one alone," said Yiu. 

The 747 also employs Anker's GaNPrime technology , which is a faster, more powerful, and even more sustainable semiconductor than traditional silicon chargers. Anker's ActiveShield 2.0 technology also monitors temperature throughout the day and makes the appropriate power output adjustments, safeguarding connected devices. For these reasons and more, this charger is even essential for ZDNET contributor  Jason Cipriani  when he travels for work. 

However, Cipriani points out that while the brick is compact, it is heavy, "falling out of most outlets, which is why Anker includes a plate that fits around the adapter and has a bunch of small suction cups to hold it against the wall." Aside from its density, the only other downside of the 747 power brick is the $110 price tag. However, when you factor in its adaptability and power, you're really paying for multiple charges rolled into one. 

• Lightweight
• 5 total USB ports
• Can use adapter for almost any country
• Enough wattage to charge a laptop
• Only compatible for 100V to 250V devices
• Max of 15W on USB-C

Tessan International Plug Adapter

Best adapter for international travel.

Tessan International Plug Adapter features: 2 USB-A ports (12W) | 3 USB-C ports (15W) | 4 different built-in plugs, which covers over 150 countries | 6 in 1 travel adapter outlet 

The New York Times' recent daily crossword  acknowledged that the most "annoying thing" you can forget to pack for a trip is, by far, a charger. Even more frustrating is remembering a charger, and don't forget that if you're traveling abroad, there's a high likelihood your charger won't work. Enter the Tessan International Plug Adapter. This compact tool has four different built-in plug types, which covers over 150 countries, and also includes a universal AC outlet that can convert plugs from the ES, EU, UK, and AU to fit your chargers' socket. 

Featuring five total USB ports, three of which are USB-C, this can also be used both internationally and domestically as a multi-charging brick. In fact, the executive editor of The Points Guy, Scott Mayerowitz , says this is one of his biggest tricks since they easily plug into airplane outlets and can be a one-stop, compact shop to keep track of different cords. 

This is especially a good option if you don't want the heavy price tag or physical weight of something like the Anker 747. It may not be as fast, but it's definitely efficient and price-conscious. However, keep in mind that devices requiring a higher voltage, such as a hair dryer , are only compatible with devices in the 150V-250V range. 

• Noise canceling quality is best in class
• Long lasting battery life
• Advanced voice chat quality makes for quality video conferencing
• Over-ear headphones take up more space than earbuds
• Larger carrying case than previous generations

Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones

Best travel headphones.

Sony WH-1000XM5  headphone features: Over ear, closed back | Bluetooth 5.2 | USB-C charging port | Up to 30 hours of battery (3 hours on a 3-minute charge) | 4Hz-40,000Hz frequency response 

Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones are a cult classic. With market-leading active noise cancellation and up to 30 hours of battery, they've rightfully earned the top spot on our best headphones and  best noise-canceling headphones  list and in Lonely Planet Managing Destination Editor Alex Howard's favorite travel bag . 

"The drone of the engines disappears into a pleasant background hum, and you can focus on catching up with the Last of Us instead of the screaming baby a few rows over," Howard said.  

Excellent sound quality isn't their only travel perk; the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones include a folding design and compact carrying case, making them easy to take on the go for short and long trips alike. 

• Transparent and noise canceling quality is best in class
• Wireless charging
• Integrates Apple's FindMy system
• Remain some of the most expensive earbuds on the market
• If you have multiple Apple devices, beware of connectivity chaos
• Not the greatest for non-iPhone users

AirPods Pro 2

Best travel earbuds.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 features: 6-hour battery life and 30 hours in the case | IPX4 waterproof rating | 5.3 g each | Wireless charging | New Apple H2 chip 

Over-ear headphones are a powerful sound blocker, but they're not necessarily space-conscious. If you're not ready to sacrifice precious luggage real estate with headphones, no matter how compact or portable, a pair of pocket-sized noise-canceling earbuds can be just as effective. I personally never leave my apartment without my Apple AirPods Pro 2 or get on a plane without them. What I love about the second-gen AirPods is that they deliver outstanding sound quality in both noise-canceling and transparent modes . 

Also: Flying soon? Flighty is a must-have iOS app for air travel

Sure, it's great to block out the rattles of the subway car as I make my way to the airport or the crying baby on the plane, but it's also important to be aware when traveling. And with my AirPods, I can clearly hear the flight attendant announce which carousel my luggage has (hopefully) arrived at without having to pause Taylor Swift's "Welcome to New York" as I fly into the city, per Scott Mayerowitz's suggestion.

Plus, there's a built-in case speaker that makes it easy to ping your AirPods case if it's lost in the depths of your bag or waiting to be rescued from the airplane seatback pocket. Apple's FindMy feature also comes in handy to keep track of all Apple-associated devices when you're on the go, sending you a notification when one isn't on the move with you. The second-gen Pros also employ wireless charging, even via the Apple Watch charger, which may save you packing one less cable. 

Review: AirPods Pro 2 offer two big upgrades but connectivity chaos hasn't been tamed

• 12.9-inch screen and high resolution display
• 1600 nits at peak brightness
• Lightweight for an iPad Pro
• Doesn't have the newest M2 chip
• Camera suite isn't as updated as newer models

Best travel tablet

iPad Pro (2018) features: M1 chip | 12.9 inch Liquid Retina XDR display | WiFi 6 connection available | 12MP Ultra-Wide camera | 4K video recording at 30 fps or 60 fps | Five microphones and four speakers | FaceID | USB-C charging port 

Speaking of Apple, Alex Howard relies on his iPad Pro for inflight entertainment. But his main pro tip is to upgrade to a bigger storage size to "accommodate extra seasons of your favorite TV show when Wi-Fi is spotty." 

While a few years old, the 2018 iPad Pro features Apple's fast-performing M1 chip, a 12.9 Liquid Retina HDR display that makes for sharp and vivid visuals, and 1600 nits at peak brightness. Plus, if you take Alex's suggestion and opt for more storage, you won't face much latency and can let the high-res graphics shine. 

At  22.26oz and around $480 at most retailers, you won't be adding too much weight to your travel gear or your wallet, especially compared to the most recent iPad Pro model. Additionally, the iPad Pro 2018 (3rd generation) is compatible with the more sleek, capless second-generation Apple Pencil, which simply attaches to the magnetic strip to pair and charge . And if you're like me, it's great for taking notes that can even sync to and stay on your other devices while you're on the go. 

Of course, the iPad Pro 2018 also integrates Apple's FindMy system, making it easy to track and find as you destination hop. 

• Folds up and flips out easily
• USB-C connectivity – no HDMI cords
• 1080p resolution
• Adds bulk to your laptop
• Pricey at $280
• Drains laptop battery

Duex Plus monitor

Best travel monitor.

Duex Plus monitor features: 13-inch display | Compatible with Mac and Windows laptops | Auto-Rotation display | Multi-device compatibility | 1.33 mm | USB-C plug-and-play 

Traveling doesn't mean you have to sacrifice work productivity. If you, like me and many other working professionals, rely on a monitor to multitask, the Duex Plus is a great portable option. Coming with four adhesive magnets, the monitor easily attaches to your laptop cover and flips out hassle-free. From there, it's as easy as connecting via USB-C to either your Mac or Windows laptop -- no extra HDMI cord is needed. 

ZDNET's June Wan reviewed the monitor and was not only impressed with the easy setup but also with its ability to enhance his workflow, from responding to Slack messages to video editing. 

What makes the Duex optimal for travel is its ability to slide in and out from the laptop lid and then just collapse and act as a makeshift case before you pack it away in your back. While there's no need to lug around an extra bag or pack the monitor as a new entity, it unsurprisingly does add some bulk to your laptop. 

Review: This flip-out portable monitor is my productivity secret weapon

• 360-degree footage
• Compact and rugged for adventurous travel
• User-friendly
• 2.29-inch display makes for an excellent viewfinder
• Software support can be sluggish
• 360-footage requires a larger MicroSD card

Insta360 X3

Best action camera for travel.

Insta360 X3 features: 180g | 2.29-inch touchscreen | ½" 48MP sensor | Up to 5.7K resolution | 1,800 mAh removable battery | USB-C or MicroSD connectivity | Waterproof up to 33ft 

The best part of traveling is making memories and capturing them. However, lugging around a big camera takes up space, adds weight, and places limits on capturing fun action shots. As of right now, travel buff Nick Yiu likes throwing in his tiny but mighty GoPro to take versatile footage but has his eye on the Insta360 X3 action camera. As the name suggests, the camera films at every angle and assures you won't miss a shot -- even if you're skydiving. 

ZDNET's June Wan did have the chance to go hands-on with the Insta360 X3, and his experience confirmed that it's worth a spot on Nick's packing list and our best travel tech list. 

"Whether you're a professional or a beginner, the X3 brings a lot to the table for all to play," said Wan. 

This third-generation action cam is the Insta360's most compact, refined design yet and, according to Wan, "the exterior is gilded with a rugged blend of rubber and texturized ridges which assures you that the X3 can hang in the toughest outings and/or within the slipperiest of fingers." 

Perfect for long adventures, the camera is also capable of lasting two to three days on one charge, limiting yet another device you have to charge on your trip. Additionally, Insta360 puts "art" in artificial intelligence, as June Wan puts it, packing a suite of photo editing AI features on the back and front end. 

Review: Insta360 X3 360-degree action cam will blow you away  

• Personalized travel itinerary
• Hotel booking
• Can modify recommendations
• Group planning enabled
• Only available as a website
• No flight, transportation, or restaurant booking

Guide AI trip planner

Best travel planner.

Guide features: AI trip planning tool | AI chatbot to ask questions | Free | Can book hotels | Group planning

If you want to make your trip as seamless and efficient as possible, you need a trip planner. While not a tech gadget per se, a planner can help you stay organized before and during your trip, making travel much less stressful.  Guide is an AI travel planning tool that helps you create personalized itineraries based on your trip preferences. (Full disclosure: It's also ZDNET's sister brand. It's currently in private beta, but you can join a wait list.) Once you create an account, you can input your travel details, and Guide will generate a customizable schedule for your desired trip, with hotel, restaurant, activity, and attraction suggestions. 

You can modify Guide's suggested itinerary to your liking by adding new activities and restaurants or by moving current suggestions around -- a feature ZDNET associate editor Gabriela Perez Jordan loves. In a recent trip, she used Guide to find the top activities and restaurants to visit in Austin, Texas. 

With Guide, you can also send your schedule to friends and family to assist in the trip-planning process, or you can use its chatbot to ask your most burning questions regarding your destination. While you currently can't book any flights, transportation, or restaurant reservations through Guide, you can book and find great hotel deals powered by Expedia. 

What is the best travel tech gadget?

There are lots of tech gadgets that can optimize travel, from canceling out distractions on a long flight to capturing memories around you, and a device to power all of those devices. The items on this list consider functionality, durability, build, battery life, and more that hopefully enhance your journey.

 *Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.

Which travel tech gadget should you buy?

All the items on this list were carefully selected, as most have various functionality for different needs, preferences, and even budgets. Here's a further breakdown if you're trying to decide which gadgets are essential for your next trip. 

How did I choose these travel tech gadgets?

To compile my list and decide which travel tech was the best of the best, I turned to experts and enthusiasts. I consulted Nick Yiu, who took 15 flights in 2022, the executive editor of travel publication The Points Guy,  Scott Mayerowitz , and Lonely Planet Destinations Managing Editor Alex Howard. As a frequent traveler myself, I also drew from my own experience and looked at products ZDNET has reviewed.  Ultimately, I weighted the following aspects when curating this list: 

• Design: When selecting travel tech gadgets, portability and design were top of mind since you must always consider where you will store your devices during your trip. Most, if not all, of these devices are lightweight and compact, perfect to store in a purse, backpack, carry-on, or suitcase. 
• Durability:  No one likes to buy products that break at first use, which is why I only included items you could buy and count on their performance for years to come.
• Price: Useful travel gadgets don't have to be a hefty investment, especially when you have hotel, transportation, and flights to consider -- or, let's be real, you can easily forget the gadgets in a car or hotel. The devices on this list are top-quality devices that won't break the bank. 
• Functionality: Traveling requires fitting all of your essentials in a tight, compact space. This means you should only take devices that advance common traveling components, such as charging your phone, tuning out noise on the plane, or storing and recording memories.  

What should I look for in a good piece of travel tech?

According to The Points Guy Executive Editor Scott Mayerowtiz, it's important to travel with tech that is lightweight, compact, and durable. 

"You might have to pay an extra $10 to $15, but it's well worth it to have the lightest device or the one with the battery that lasts that extra 20 to 30 minutes. It makes all the difference when you're on the road or in the air," he said. 

That said, it's also important not to get the most expensive item on the market, "How many chargers have you left in a hotel room when checking out in a rush?" joked Mayerowitz. "Maybe it doesn't have to be the 'best' product out there. Be mindful that things on the road get damaged." 

I considered Mayerowitzs' tips on what to look for when compiling this list -- making sure I talked to someone who had hands-on experience with every product and could vouch for it's quality. 

Is smart luggage worth it?

Smart luggage has been a hot-button item, but they don't necessarily make travel easier. If a smart suitcase has a lithium battery, you'll have to remove it before even getting to the airport. However, certain smart suitcases, like the Away suitcase, can be purchased without the lithium battery pack. 

Are there alternative travel tech gadgets worth considering?

While deciding on the best products on the market, we tried to find the best options to throw in your luggage and make your next trip as stress-free, entertaining, and easy as possible. 

However, there are also other options worth considering, depending on your different preferences and how you like to spend your travel time. 

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The 25 best Amazon tech gadgets you need for travel

Your phone’s battery is completely drained. Your luggage was sent to the wrong airport and now your flight is delayed.These sound like nightmares, but they can be a reality when you’re traveling. Mishaps are simply a part of the adventure, but you can be prepared with the help of these travel tech gadgets . 

Whether you’re traveling a few hours away or across the globe, there are travel gadgets that can help make your trip easier, safer and (mostly) headache-free. We spoke to a travel expert, tried a few products ourselves and sorted through hundreds of top-rated products on Amazon to find the best tech to pack for your next trip.

SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best travel tech essentials | The best travel tech gadgets on Amazon | Why trust NBC Select?

Selected. Our top picks

How we picked the best travel tech essentials

To figure out what types of travel tech are worth bringing along on your next trip — and which gadgets to skip — I spoke to several experts who have spent years traveling all around the world. Here’s what they recommended keeping in mind:

• Size: As you consider travel gadgets, it’s important to evaluate their size and weight, especially if you have limited space in your carry-on or suitcase . If you’re planning to bring something oversized, be sure it’s worth the real estate in your bag. For instance, cameras are a popular item to bring while traveling, but many experts suggest leaving them behind because they’re bulky: “Cell phone cameras are so advanced now that you can take phenomenal photos on your mobile,” says Tom Marchant, co-founder of luxury travel company Black Tomato .
• Convenience : Whether you’re taking a car, plane, train or bus, the best travel tech gadgets provide convenience when you’re on the road, ensuring you’re comfortable and prepared for common travel issues. Almost all of the experts I spoke to recommended a power bank as their top travel accessory. Marchant explains that these devices are a convenient way to charge electronics in airports, on airplanes (or other modes of transportation) and while exploring your destination. 
• Peace of mind: The right technology can also help reduce stress while you travel, allowing you to make the most of the experience. For this reason, our experts highly recommend devices like Bluetooth trackers, personal safety devices and noise-canceling headphones. “I always put AirTags in every piece of checked luggage, especially if making multiple transfers, as it can greatly save headaches and stress,” explains Marchant. 

select Tired of lugging around a clunky suitcase? Here are the best lightweight luggage options

The best travel tech gadgets on amazon to buy.

Using the guidance of travel experts, I sorted through hundreds of popular travel tech gadgets on Amazon. The following are best-selling devices that are highly rated by thousands of shoppers, and you may want to grab a few of them for your next trip.

Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter

• Long battery life
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Takes a bit of time to pair

4.4-star average rating from over 15,070 reviews

This wireless audio transmitter plugs into the in-flight entertainment system on airplanes and sends the audio directly to wireless Bluetooth headphones. This allows you to listen to movies or other content without being tethered to the seat by a cord. The transmitter can also be used on gym equipment, televisions or gaming devices, and it lasts for up to 20 hours per charge, according to the brand. 

Apple AirTag

• Water and dust resistant
• Built-in speaker
• Replaceable battery
• Only compatible with Apple

4.7-star average rating from over 126,700 reviews

For iPhone users, AirTags are an inexpensive way to keep tabs on your luggage, keys or other belongings while traveling. The location of these Bluetooth-powered trackers can be monitored through the Find My app. If the AirTag is within Bluetooth range of your phone, its Precision Finding feature will point you toward it, or you can see its location on a map if you’re further away.

Fyy Travel Cable Organizer

Fyy Electronics Organizer

• Compact design
• Water resistant
• Multiple pockets
• Nothing to note at this time

4.5-star average rating from over 13,100 reviews

You can keep electronics and all their accessories neatly organized with this travel pouch. It comes in 11 colors, and there are two compartments inside with various pockets to store charging cables, power banks and more. The cable organizer is compact enough to put in a carry-on or handbag, and the exterior is water-resistant to protect its contents, according to the brand. 

Conair Handheld Travel Garment Steamer

• Adjustable steam head

4.3-star average rating from over 19,000 reviews

It’s inevitable that your clothing will get a bit wrinkly while traveling, but you can remove creases with this top-rated travel garment steamer . It heats up in less than a minute, and its high-velocity steam will help smooth wrinkles on shirts, dresses, and other clothing — important if you’re traveling for work. It has an adjustable steam head that lets you hold it at any angle, and the device is even dual-voltage for international trips. 

Kindle Paperwhite

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

• Great battery life
• Storage capacity
• Must have an Amazon account

4.7-star average rating from over 34,000 reviews

If you like to read while traveling, this popular e-reader is a worthwhile investment. It has a 16GB storage capacity, allowing you to download dozens of books, and the glare-free display is comfortable to read even in direct sunlight. It’s lightweight and more compact than your average paperback novel, and it can last for weeks on a single charge, so you don’t have to bring a charger with you, according to the brand.

• Works with Apple and androids
• Long lasting battery
• Non-replaceable battery

4.5-star average rating from over 22,525 reviews

Android owners can attach these Bluetooth trackers to anything they want the exact location of: think keys, luggage or throw it inside of carry-on luggage. Using the Tile app, you can pinpoint the location of the tile from up to 250 feet away using the Tile app. You can also ping the tile, it will ring audible to help you locate it. The app will give a more approximate location on a map using the Tile Network. Like the Apple AirTag, the battery lasts up to a year, and is easily replaceable.

Philips One by Sonicare

• Three month battery life
• Built-in timer
• Replaceable brush head
• Needs AAA battery

4.5-star average rating from over 15,909 reviews

This electric toothbrush is designed specifically for traveling. According to the brand, the toothbrush can last for up to three months on a single AAA battery, and it comes with a case that protects the brush head. The brush uses micro-vibrations to help clean your teeth, and it has a built-in two-minute timer that vibrates at 30-second intervals to let you know when to move to a different area of your mouth. 

iWalk Mini Portable Charger

iWalk Small Portable Charger

• Can fully charge iPhone
• Does not work with android

4.3-star average rating from over 822 reviews

Our experts highly recommend portable chargers for traveling, and this popular model is roughly the size of a tube of lipstick, making it compact enough to fit in a carry-on, purse or your pocket. It has a built-in lightning connector for iPhones, eliminating the need for a charging cable, and its 3350mAh capacity can charge most iPhone models one full time. However, it can’t be used with Android phones. 

Yogasleep Rohm Portable White Noise Sound Machine

• Portability
• Charges via USB cable
• Battery life

4.3-star average rating from over 13,379 reviews

If you have trouble sleeping in noisy hotels, this portable sound machine has three white noise audios to drown out background noise. The gadget is 3.5 inches in diameter and weighs a few ounces, allowing you to tuck it in your suitcase or backpack, and the brand says that it can be used overnight on a single charge. It charges via USB cable, and you will generally need to bring along the charger on multi-night trips. 

Brita Insulated Filtered Water Bottle

• 32 ounce capacity
• Filtered straw

4.6-star average rating from over 13,200 reviews

This reusable water bottle has a filter built into the straw, and it’s designed to reduce the taste of chlorine if you fill it up at a public water fountain, according to the brand. The stainless steel bottle holds 32 ounces of water, and the brand claims it can keep your beverage cold for up to a full day.

Hicober 3-in-1 Charging Station

• 3-in-1 Charger
• Wireless charging
• Slower charging speed

4.4-star average rating from over 6,717 reviews

If you travel with your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, this 3-in-1 station, which we recently reviewed , is a convenient option for keeping your electronics charged. Instead of bringing individual chargers for each device, you can use this all-in-one station, which has designated spots for all three products. It also folds up into a compact flat form for easy storage. 

Lightimetunnel Sleep Headphones

• Decent audio

4.2-star average rating from over 18,694 reviews

You can block out the world around you while traveling with these Bluetooth-enabled sleep headphones. They’re shaped like a sleep mask , with light-blocking eye covers and the headband strap has comfortable flat speakers that will play audio for just you to hear. You can connect the device to your phone to play podcasts, music or just white noise, and the brand says that the headphones offer up to 12 hours of playtime per charge. 

Etekcity Luggage Scale

• Ease of use
• Nothing of note at this time

4.7-star average rating from over 66,334 reviews

There are hefty fees for overweight luggage, so it’s always a good idea to weigh your baggage before you head to the airport. This luggage scale was a NBC Select Travel Awards accessory winner and it has a maximum capacity of 110 pounds, and you simply hook your bag onto the braided belt to check its weight. The digital scale is compact and lightweight, so you can tuck it into the pocket of your suitcase to take along on your trip.

MiiKare Airplane Phone Holder

• Portable design
• Easy to store in a bag

4.5-star average rating from over 7,150 reviews

You’ll be able to watch movies or play games comfortably on long flights with this airplane phone holder. It can be slotted into the back of an airplane seat or clamped to a tray table, and it’s compatible with most iPhone and Android phones. You can even rotate your phone 360 degrees while it’s in the stand for the optimal viewing angle. 

Miroposs Rechargeable Travel Makeup Mirror

• Adjustable brightness levels
• 10x magnification

4.4-star average rating from over 7,137 reviews

This lighted makeup mirror can help you get ready in dark hotel rooms. According to the brand, its rechargeable battery offers around 180 minutes of use per charge, and you can choose from three light settings with adjustable brightness levels. The mirror’s cover doubles as a stand, and you can adjust its angle to suit your needs. It also comes with a removable 10x magnifying mirror for more detailed tasks. 

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

• Can be used in 150 countries
• Supports up to six devices

4.7-star average rating from over 14,982 reviews

Travel adapters are essential when you’re going to a different country, and this universal model includes four plugs — types A, C, G, and I — that can be used in more than 150 countries. The adapter has four USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and one AC socket, supporting up to six devices at once. Just keep in mind that it’s not a voltage adapter, so AC-powered devices need to support dual-voltage operation to work in certain locations. 

Airglo Flex Flap Cell Phone Holder

• Flexible design

4.5-star average rating from over 5,867 reviews

This cell phone holder has a metal core that’s wrapped in a faux leather cover, and you can bend it into any shape to hold up your phone or tablet. It can be used on tabletops, airplanes or even in the car, and the flat design will take up minimal space in your luggage. 

Ntonpower Travel Power Strip

• 4-foot extension cord

4.7-star average rating from over 2,217 reviews

This power strip will give you more outlets to charge your electronics while on the road — it’s especially useful on cruise ships where outlets are limited. It has a 4-foot extension cord that wraps around the plug for compact storage, and the strip has two three-prong outlets, two two-prong outlets and three USB-A ports. There’s also extra space between the outlets to accommodate larger plugs, such as camera or laptop chargers. 

Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 

Anker PowerCore Essential 20000

• Large battery capacity
• Easy storage
• Two USB ports
• No wireless charging

4.5-star average rating from over 103,812 reviews

You’ll be able to recharge electronics several times using this large-capacity power bank. Its 20,000mAh cell capacity can charge an iPhone 11 more than four times, and the brand says it charges iPhones 20% faster than other models. It has two USB ports to charge multiple devices at once, and there’s also a trickle charging mode for low-power gadgets. 

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

• Very versatile
• Great noise cancellation
• Not for android users

4.6-star average rating from over 4,285 reviews

These are some of the best wireless earbuds for the iPhone especially when it comes to travel. What makes them good is their pocketable size, great noise canceling and transparency modes, and easy pairing with all your Apple devices. Multiple NBC Select staff use these headphones for travel. While they don’t deliver as much noise canceling as over-ear headphones, they are much easier to pack.

Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

She's Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

4.5-star average rating from over 14,167 reviews

If you’re traveling alone, this personal safety alarm can provide peace of mind. It’s activated by pulling the top out of the base, and the device emits a loud siren and flashing strobe light to attract attention. It has a loop that can easily be attached to a keychain, and the alarm is reusable — just reinsert the top pin to turn it off.  

Jisulife Portable Handheld Fan

Jisulife Mini Handheld 3-in-1 Fan, Flashlight & Power Bank

• Good battery life
• Two fan speeds
• Built-in flashlight

4.6-star average rating from over 56,997 reviews

This portable fan is a useful accessory if you’re traveling during the summer. It folds up into a small form that can be tucked into any bag, and the brand says that it can run for up to 21 hours per charge, depending on the setting. It has two speeds, as well as a small built-in flashlight and it can also be used as a power bank to charge electronics in a pinch. 

Braun MobileShave Electric Razor

• Replaceable batteries
• Easy to clean

4.1-star average rating from over 8,151 reviews

If you don’t want to take your everyday electric razor on a trip, this small model is designed for traveling. It has a swiveling cover to protect the blade in your bag and it’s powered by two AA batteries. The razor has a slide-out precision trimmer on one side, and you can wash it under running water for easy maintenance on the go. 

• Great audio

4.6-star average rating from over 249 reviews

The JBL Clip is one of our favorite portable Bluetooth speakers, thanks to its ingenious design and great audio quality. It’s designed to clip onto a bag using its integrated carabiner, and it has IP67 water- and dust-resistance. The speaker can play audio from your phone for up to 12 hours on a single charge, according to the brand, and it has a simple control panel that lets you start or stop the music or adjust the volume. 

select Planning a short weekend trip? These bags can keep your travel essentials in one place.

Meet our experts.

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Tom Marchant , co-founder of luxury travel company Black Tomato .

Why trust NBC Select?

Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and editor who has previously covered travel lifestyle stories, along with reviewing tech gadgets like the Apple AirTags.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer who specializes in home and pet products. In her six years as a product tester, she's reviewed hundreds of items firsthand with the help of her cat and two dogs.

The 10 Best Sling Bags for Men, Tested by Style Editors

See our top picks from brands like Lululemon, Oakley and Patagonia.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

Best Sling Bags for Men

Best Overall

Lululemon everywhere belt bag large 2l.

Best for Hiking

Waterfly crossbody sling bag.

Most Compact

Topo designs mini quick pack.

Below, we’ve included 10 options that combine style and convenience that let you stay comfortable and organized on the go. Of course, they’re worn across the body, but we’ve also featured a couple silhouettes that can be sported like a fanny pack . Keep reading to see the best slings for men from notable brands like Lululemon, Oakley and Patagonia.

What to Consider

Size and capacity.

The best sling bags for men should offer features that cater to your needs. Consider the layout and accessibility of the compartments, pockets, and dedicated spaces for laptops, smartphones, tablets, or water bottles. All in all, there should be ample storage capacity (usually measured and listed in liters) that allows for smart organization and easy reach.

Material and Durability

Your sling bag should come in durable materials that can withstand everyday use and even outdoor activities. Look for high-quality materials like nylon, polyester, or leather that will help extend a sling bag’s lifespan and easily resist daily wear and tear. Also, pay attention to the stitching and construction of the sling bag to ensure it is sturdy.

Comfort and Fit

Since sling bags are often worn over one shoulder or across the body, the best sling bags for men need to have adjustable straps and padding to distribute weight evenly across your shoulders and back—a properly fitted sling bag should feel comfortable and not strain you even when worn for extended periods. Therefore, pay attention to the strap’s material, width, and adjustability.

A lightweight sling bag is usually better since it is easier to carry and feels better on your body by preventing unnecessary strain on your shoulders and back, especially if you plan to use the sling bag for hours on end, or carry it while hiking. Ultimately, the weight of a sling bag will depend on the bag's capacity, design, and intended uses.

Read More: Best Fanny Packs for Men

How We Selected

To find the best sling bags for men, our style team led by Fashion Director Ted Stafford, put them through real-life situations. We loaded them up with our usual gear—phone, wallet, keys, even a water bottle—to see how they handle the weight. The ones we tested have been worn at outdoor festivals, during light hikes, in course of errand runs and through long-haul flights. We paid close attention to the pockets and zippers, but really made sure to assess how comfortable the adjustable straps laid on our shoulders. Continue scrolling as we reveal our top 10 picks.

We gave 20 different sling bags a test run, but Lululemon’s offering takes the cake. The Everywhere Belt Bag is all about making things easier for the man on the go. For starters, you can throw it over your shoulder or wear it around your waist like a fanny pack for when you're on the trail or at an outdoor concert (or any other time you want to be hands-free). The main pouch features a double two-way zipper that opens 3/4 of the way, letting you see and reach everything inside without having to dig around blindly. Another bonus: there’s a smaller pocket tucked into the back with a single zipper, which makes it ideal for hiding cash, cards, and other small valuables.

Thanks to the water-resistant nylon exterior, anything stowed away will remain dry, in the event it starts to pour down raining. Our favorite part, however, is the strap that we found to be one of the most comfortable ones that we’ve tested. As for the colorway, you can choose from a bunch of neutral tones, but our fashion team recommends going with the eucalyptus hue—you’re bound to be the center of attention.

While it can’t store a water bottle, we love how effortlessly our gadgets and snacks fit inside. Not to mention, it has so much versatility in regards to style. You can wear it with your best sweatsuit or casual fit and look fly for the day’s festivities.

This Amazon best-seller is spot-on for your next trail adventure. It’s really got organization in spades with mesh pockets on two sides for bottles or umbrellas, a small front zipper pocket for smaller devices, and a big space inside that’s designed like a backpack. It’s smartly compartmentalized into smaller sections for anything from keys, passports, snacks, and other bits and bobs. The main pocket inside is also big enough to store tablets, a feature that we deemed essential in a travel sling bag.

You can even enjoy your music on your commute as the convenient opening on the front provides easy access to your earphones. It comes in every color imaginable, but the baby blue and reflective details will help you stand out and offer nighttime visibility.

As one of the smaller—or the smallest—sling bags on the list, Topo Designs Mini Quick Pack has a substantial storage where it matters most. We found that its capacity is perfect for shorter trips and daily errands, and the straps are a piece of cake to adjust (though there are quite a few straps). Whenever we don’t need a backpack and want to pack light, this little guy is a star.

In our experience, we’ve worn it on the waist and across the body. Either way, it will keep up with your movements. With a decent amount of space and interior organization for a phone, cardholder, and other odds and ends, our editors have also tucked it under a thin coat when we’re in a tight spot.

Dagne Dover Nova Sling Bag

If you’re looking for a designer sling bag that combines flair with functionality, Dagne Dover has the perfect match for you. As far as size is concerned, the bag is not too big, not too small, rather just right. Scaling down the crossbody strap is seven elastic loops, perfect for securely holding cables, pens, or other small essentials. Your phone and iPad can easily slip into two pockets, while the mesh material offers plenty of breathability.

Based on our extensive testing, we found that this version is ideal to have on deck when it’s time to go biking or hiking. With its cording drawstring, you can pull the top of the bag tightly closed, so nothing falls out along the way. On top of that, the milky creme colorway is a safe bet as it won’t clash with any performance fit or casual look.

Carhartt Mono Sling Bag

Count on Carhartt to make a solid sling bag that can withstand the elements. This water-resistant style is made with a 600-denier polyester, meaning it's tough enough to keep your things dry through abrupt showers. The main compartment measures 19 inches, while the padded tablet sleeve protects your iPad and the fleece-lined front pocket holds your phone and sunglasses. Our adventure-loving editors love its rugged aesthetic, which looks fitting for nature explorations. We also love how comfortably the cushioned strap rests on our shoulder and distributes weight evenly. All in all, it’s a reliable option for long-term use, no matter how much wear and tear it goes through.

Patagonia Atom Sling Bag 8L

Tough bags are what Patagonia is known for, and this version is no exception. The polyester fabric, for instance, is enhanced with a durable water-repellent coating, and we love how the harness makes sure the weight stays close to the body for more comfort. Complete with a front zip pocket for your valuables, this is as stylish as it is functional.

Whether you’re navigating the city streets or looking for a secondary bag to carry essentials while traveling, this is your bet. Not to mention, the Atom is armed with spandex mesh, meaning it has flexible pockets that can snugly hold items of different shapes and sizes without slipping out. While it comes in multiple colorful tones, our fashion editors prefer the black silhouette since it’s timeless and will pair with any outfit without clashing.

KAVU Remix Rope Bag

With four climbing ropes braided together for the strap, Kavu’s sling bag is created with a durable, yet completely unique design. And of course, you can adjust it to your comfort level. It’s produced with a blend of 600D polyester and cotton canvas, so the fabric can resist water, feels soft and ultimately, built to last. In total, there’s three pockets—two ideally for your keys/phone and one zippered in the rear for smaller valuables. Even though aesthetics is what earned its placement on this list, we found the colorblock gear should be paired with a simple outfit like a white t-shirt and blue jeans .

Oakley Extractor Sling 2.0

Oakley’s Extractor Sling is basically a backpack in disguise, making it perfect for work commutes. It has the capacity to serve as one with several compartments and pockets to transport goods like your hand cream , portable charger and office laptop. We found this sling bag specifically useful for when we want to pack more without overdoing it.

You can even fit your gym shorts and workout shirts inside to hit a quick session once you’re off the clock. Plus, the back panel is equipped with air channels to help deliver more breathability and comfort while you’re on the move. Although the downside is that it is heavier than others we’ve tested, it’s got the volume you need to load it all in.

Arc'teryx Granville Crossbody Bag

The Arc’teryx Granville Crossbody Bag is perfect for anyone who values simplicity. It’s streamlined and straightforward with just enough space for essentials—no extra bulk, no unnecessary frills. Whether you’re embarking on a hike up the mountains or heading out for a quick errand run, this compact size feels super light and not like a ton of bricks on your shoulders. The ripstop fabric is made with a durable water-repellent finish, so it can keep your belongings dry and safe, even in unpredictable conditions. In terms of organization, there’s pockets for your phone and keys secured by WaterTight zippers that prevent moisture from seeping through the seams. Plus, the interior is designed with a brighter color to make it easy to locate your things inside.

Tumi Gregory Sling

Some of the most top-notch sling bags often arrive in rich leather. Take this sleek number from Tumi. The silhouette is quite minimal yet still very chic, and looks great with dressier fits. Our fashion team recommends wearing it with a knit sweater and a neat pair of pants. Interior details include a key leash, a padded pocket for extra protection, pen loops, and the brand’s tracer—in case it goes missing or gets stolen.

It also helps that the bag comes with a five-year warranty, which means you’re covered for defects in materials and workmanship. While the price tag may be on the higher spectrum compared to others on this list, it’s a style that’ll never fade. Plus, a classic monogram comes with your purchase, adding a unique, personalized touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sling bags carry laptops or tablets.

Many sling bags are actually designed to accommodate laptops or tablets. These sling bags usually fall on the larger, more functional side, with a large capacity and spacious interior compartment, as well as dedicated padded compartments or sleeves that offer protection and secure storage for your electronic devices.

Can I use sling bags on different occasions?

Sling bags are versatile just like backpacks, hence, with the right style and design, they can work in a variety of places. A sleek, leather option looks professional enough for the office and goes well with your office fits. A rugged, weather-resistant one is great for outdoor activities—in fact, there are sling bags designed for purposes like hiking and traveling. For your casual outings, a small, stylish sling bag will work wonders.

Why Trust Us?

At Men’s Health , we don’t produce product reviews that don’t actually involve testing anything hands-on or in person. For each product, we always use items ourselves first before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience. You can read more about our testing process here .

More importantly, at Men’s Health, we have a whole fashion closet dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best as well as the newest products. We put them on ourselves to see how the items look and feel before making our final decision. And we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s materials and test it.

Lastly, you can trust our opinions on product recommendations and tips. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollayan who know the pros and cons of materials, but we also have a panel of influencers, stylists, and experts—including designers at top brands or retailers—whom we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.

Shop More of Our Favorite Bags

Best Fanny Packs | Best Gym Bags | Best Travel Backpacks | Best Luggage Brands | Best Laptop Bags | Best Briefcases | Best Messenger Bags

Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.

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The Best Tablet Deals of August 2024: Save on Back-to-School Tech Gear

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

We’re well into August, and the upcoming school year is right around the corner. If you are a student, faculty, or a family member or friend shopping for one, now is a good time to shop for new gear, including tech and gadgets . Deals are constantly available on major retailers like Amazon and Walmart, so finding a coveted product that will help, both in and out of class, is not overly daunting.

By providing a sleeker and lighter alternative to traditional laptops and Chromebooks without skimping on power and versatility, tablets have become popular among students over the past few years. The market is currently brimming with high-quality slates, including those on sale from Apple, Google, and Samsung, so I spent a day parsing through products to find the best in August 2024.

Do Your Research Before Buying

Tablets vary in size, price points, and OS platform, so I recommend you take a closer look at our comprehensive explainer that covers the entire product realm. Apple is the undisputed leader in this space, courtesy of the vast iPad lineup. I’ve broken it down in a separate guide focused on the touchscreen-toting Apple computer.

The best tablet deals I encountered are on iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab models that have been on the market for over a year. Top-tier machines like the all-new iPad Pro and the big-screen iPad Air are available at more modest discounts, so you can still have cash for a memory upgrade or a protective case.

Find a shiny new tablet for yourself or give someone a gift they’ll cherish for years by choosing one of the on-sale offerings below.

Best Tablet Deals on Amazon

The tablets that Amazon has on sale range from a robust selection of iPads to up-to-date Android offerings like the Google Pixel Tablet and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ . The latest iPad Pro and iPad Air are also available at modest discounts.

iPad (10th Generation)

Pixel Tablet

Galaxy Tab S6 Lite

iPad mini (6th generation)

iPad (9th generation)

Galaxy Tab S9+

Best Tablet Deals on Walmart

The Walmart tablet bargains that caught my attention include a duo of super affordable devices from the retail giant’s in-house brand, onn. , which are perfect for students. The full-size Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite with a bundled S Pen stylus, on the other hand, is available at almost half below retail.

11 Tablet Pro

walmart.com

Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024)

8 Kids Tablet

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9 Best Turmeric Supplements, According to Registered Dietitians

Should you add this superfood supplement with powerful anti-inflammatory benefits?

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall Turmeric Supplement

Thorne research curcumin phytosome.

Best Value Turmeric Supplement

Nature made turmeric curcumin.

Best Organic Turmeric Supplement

Garden of life mykind organics extra strength turmeric.

The team of registered dietitians in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab analyzed dozens of turmeric supplements, prioritizing picks that have been tested by a credible third party such as USP and NSF . These tests are designed to help ensure there are no harmful substances in the products and to verify that what is in the bottle is what is on the label.

We have tested every type of supplement from best multivitamins for women to the best magnesium supplements and the best Vitamin D supplements . Our articles on supplements are informed by nutrition expertise, but the ultimate choice is a personal decision between you and your healthcare provider. Since dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA prior to going to market, it’s important to do your research before adding any to your regimen.

The registered dietitians in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab review and evaluate every single supplement we recommend in accordance with our dietary supplement methodology . We then have a registered dietitian on our Medical Review Board review each article for scientific accuracy. A supplement should do just that: supplement the diet, not replace high-quality, nutritious food and important healthy lifestyle practices. Check with your healthcare provider before starting any dietary supplement regimen.

Curcumin Phytosome may have "29 times better absorption than ordinary curcumin," according to Thorne. This supplement is NSF Certified for Sport, which means that the product has been tested to verify that what is on the label is in the bottle and that the product does not contain unsafe levels of contaminants and prohibited substances . As a sustained release formula, it delivers its benefits over a longer period of time. Plus, it contains the patented turmeric extract brand Mervia for better absorbency.

This supplement is available in a large capsule size, and the company suggests taking multiple doses throughout the day. It can be purchased in two strengths and is designed to provide anti-inflammatory support for joints, muscles and the GI tract.

RELATED: 9 Best Joint Supplements to Fight Pain

If you're on a budget, don't fret: This wallet-friendly pick from Nature Made offers a blend of turmeric root powder and turmeric root extract in a capsule form. It contains no artificial flavors, preservatives or colors. It is third-party tested for quality, purity, safety and potency by USP, a scientific nonprofit that may have the most widely accepted standards for supplements.

This supplement is available in an easy-to-swallow capsule as a 500-milligram dose or as an extra-strength version that contains 1000 milligrams. Unlike many turmeric supplements, this one does not contain black pepper extract, which can be used to increase absorbency but may interact with certain medications.

Ingredients under the USDA-certified Mykind Organics umbrella from Garden of Life are farm-sourced, Non-GMO Project Verified and do not contain any hard chemicals, fillers or binders. This Extra Strength Turmeric supplement is also approved by ConsumerLab.com for label accuracy and is free of unacceptable levels of lead, cadmium and arsenic.

This pick combines fermented turmeric root with fermented ginger root. It also contains black pepper to aid absorption and a probiotic blend of Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus , which may contain anti-inflammatory benefits and promote healthy digestion. Garden of Life is a certified B corporation, which signifies its commitment to social and environmental standards. The supplement is also NSF Certified gluten-free.

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Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme Extra Strength

Gaia Herbs displays a farm-to-table mindset with company headquarters located on a farm in North Carolina close to many of the herbs the company grows and uses in supplements. One of its best-selling product lines is Turmeric Supreme, which is produced using an ISO-certified curcuminoid testing method.

According to the company, this testing ensures the maximum level of accuracy of these beneficial active compounds per serving. This supplement combines 482 milligrams of turmeric with 7 milligrams of black pepper extract for enhanced absorbency. It is suggested to take this supplement one to two times daily.

Gaia Herbs offers a robust traceability program, Meet Your Herbs , where consumers can enter the product ID located on the packaging and trace the supplements from farm to shelves. Through this program, consumers can also learn how the herbs were grown, extracted, harvested and tested. Results of tests the product undergoes to validate its purity and potency are available online as well. As a certified B corporation, Gaia Herbs meets high social and environmental standards.

NOW Turmeric Curcumin

This herbal supplement from NOW contains 665 milligrams of turmeric root extract per serving. NOW is a family-founded company that performs stringent in-house testing on all its products. It is good manufacturing practices (GMP) certified. It is also third-party tested by one of the oldest safety certification companies, Underwriter Laboratories (UL) , which certifies labeling accuracy for purity and potency.

This supplement is recommend to be taken once or twice daily. NOW offers several forms of turmeric supplements, including one that contains the patented version of turmeric Mervia , geared toward joint health; one that contains the patented version Longvida for brain health ; softgels ; and a liquid turmeric extract that can be added to warm water.

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Nordic Naturals Zero Sugar Curcumin Gummies

If you don't like swallowing pills, this is the supplement for you. Nordic Naturals curcumin gummies contain a patented form of turmeric known as Longvida that is used to increase bioavailability , meaning better absorption into the bloodstream. Gummy supplements are often loaded with added sweeteners, but this mango-flavored version contains zero sugar, making it a good choice for diabetics or those on a low-carb diet. But take note: It contains the sugar alcohol xylitol, so people with digestive issues may choose to avoid this one.

It is free of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives and contains 200 milligrams of curcumin per serving, which is lower than some of the other picks on this list. This choice is also Non-GMO and vegan.

A1Vitality Turmeric Curcumin

Designed to support joints and promote heart health, A1Vitality is a top choice of ConsumerLab.com because it contains the bioavailable-enhanced curcumin NovaSOL. According to A1Vitality, NovaSOL-containing supplements may be 185 times more bioavailable than curcumin extract. The company also states this supplement is "27 times more effective than standard turmeric tablets."

A1Vitality is made in a GMP-certified facility for safety and quality. The supplement is free of artificial flavors, colors and preservatives. The softgels are easy to swallow but require two doses daily.

Momentous Turmeric Ultra

Thanks to the rigorous testing, this Turmeric Ultra supplement from Momentous is our top choice for athletes. It is NSF certified for sport and Informed Sport certified as free of over 250 banned substances — and each individual batch of supplements is tested. According to Jeff Byers, CEO of Momentous and a former NFL athlete, the supplements are double-tested because different sports leagues have different preferences.

For better absorption, Turmeric Ultra contains Meriva curcumin instead of black pepper or the black pepper extract piperine because, according to Byers, black pepper may interact with certain medications. Meriva is a patented form of turmeric extract that is designed for better absorption, and Momentous claims it may provide up to 29 times better absorption than non-patented versions of curcumin.

Clinical studies indicate that Meriva curcumin may be helpful in the treatment and management of osteoarthritis . This supplement comes in capsule form, which some reviewers find on the larger size for swallowing.

Life Extension Super Bio-Curcumin Turmeric Extract

Super Bio-Curcumin from Life Extension is an approved pick by ConsumerLab.com and passes its tests for purity, potency and labeling accuracy. This pick contains BCM-95 Bio-Curcumin extract for better absorbability. According to the company, BCM-95 stays in your bloodstream longer and is up to seven times more absorbable than standard curcumin. Each capsule contains 400 milligrams of BCM-95 turmeric complex and includes essential oils from turmeric root.

This product is Non-GMO and available in multiple strengths. Life Extension also sells multiple turmeric offerings including turmeric paired with black cumin oil for better immune health and turmeric paired with ginger to complement turmeric's health benefits.

Should I add turmeric supplements to my diet?

"For healthy individuals, adding turmeric spice daily can help optimize overall health and may prevent health issues associated with inflammation ," says registered dietitian Sydney Greene, MS, RDN, founder of Greene Health . "Most of the research examining turmeric’s role in common health challenges uses large doses of the active compound, curcumin." As a result, Greene says, "adding it to your cooking repertoire might not be enough to notice a significant difference in a given health issue" due to the smaller dosages. Supplements can play an important role in your diet by helping to boost your daily dose of curcumin.

Johane Filemon, M.S, R.D.N, L.D, C.L.T, Registered Dietitian cautions that "turmeric is not a cure-all and should not be seen as the key to removing inflammation in everyone. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory compounds within turmeric can be countered if one is not consuming mainly colorful plant-based foods, adding a variety of nutrients." Read on for everything you need to know about the best turmeric supplements, including whether you should be taking one and what to look for.

What is the difference between turmeric and curcumin

There is frequently confusion regarding turmeric versus curcumin. Turmeric is a plant in the ginger family, Z ingiberaceae , and its underground stem, also known as its rhizome, is the part used as a culinary spice and for juicing.

Curcumin , on the other hand, is derived from the turmeric plant and is the active ingredient in turmeric that provides many of the health benefits. Curcumin has been widely studied for its anti-inflammatory benefits as well as many other health issues, including improving glucose control . Curcumin can be unstable, which could result in lower bioavailability, meaning less of a medicinal compound reaches the bloodstream. There are now several patented turmeric compounds that we have included in our story — such as Mervia, Longvida and NovaSOL— that claim to increase bioavailability.

How we chose the best turmeric supplements

We evaluated dozens of turmeric supplements in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Nutrition Lab, and our choices were based on the following criteria:

✔️ Third-party testing: We prioritize companies that conduct third-party testing by credible institutions, such as USP and NSF , to ensure quality standards and that what is on the product label is, in fact, what consumers are purchasing. We reviewed marketing claims, ingredient lists and product quality, and prioritized companies that test for heavy metals, pesticide and herbicide contamination and other items of concern. We also highlighted companies that have strict internal quality-control standards.

✔️ Types of turmeric: We looked for different forms of turmeric that could accommodate a range of symptoms and budgets. We kept in mind dosage and supplement form, be it a capsule, tablet, liquid or gummy. We also looked for turmeric specifically targeted for different purposes, such as inflammation response and joint and immune support.

✔️ Ingredients: We emphasized companies that use higher-quality ingredients and that are free from artificial preservatives, flavors, sweeteners, synthetic coloring agents and fillers.

What to look for when shopping for the best turmeric supplements

✔️ Form: If you don't like swallowing capsules, there are plenty of other options to choose from: Forms include soft gels, tablets, gummies and oils. Pay attention to serving size as some supplements require multiple dosages throughout the day.

✔️ Dosage: According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) , a division of National Institutes of Health (NIH), "turmeric and conventionally formulated curcumin products are probably safe when taken orally or applied to the skin in the recommended amounts." Different dosages may be indicated for different health issues; ultimately the decision is between you and your healthcare provider.

✔️ Price: Turmeric supplements can vary greatly in price and therefore we've listed a range of picks to suit all budgets. As with many things, higher prices are not necessarily a good indicator of quality.

✔️ B ioavailability: Turmeric and curcumin are not well absorbed on their own. For example, they may be better absorbed when paired with black pepper or black pepper extract, which is sometimes listed as piperine or bioperine. They are also better absorbed with a fat source, so you may want to take your supplement with a meal.

"Lecithin and piperine are chemical compounds that may help with the absorption of turmeric in the body and increase the bioavailability of curcumin," says registered dietitian Abigail Calderon, MS, RD, CDN. Lecithin is found in foods like eggs, vegetable oils, butter, yogurt and other lactose products. "The piperine in black pepper increases the absorption of curcumin in the body to almost double the amount than if you took turmeric by itself," Calderon explains.

There are also many products that contain turmeric with enhanced bioavailability such as Mervia, Longvida and NovaSOL.

What are the benefits of turmeric supplements

As with any supplement, more research is needed before a definitive conclusion can be reached, but some of the purported benefits include:

✔️ May help with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Turmeric alone will likely not help decrease the symptoms associated with IBD or ulcerative colitis (UC), explains Greene. However, she adds that a randomized clinical control trial showed that taking supplemental curcumin with a common medication used to treat UC was more successful in helping patients with mild to moderate UC achieve remission than the medication on its own. According to Calderon, who has IBD herself, and specializes in treating patients with IBD, "studies show that turmeric may be beneficial for cases of mild IBD when used together with medication because of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties." She further notes that studies also indicate "curcumin has certain natural properties that may improve the intestinal barrier, as well as antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties that may play a role in regulating the gut microbiome." Because of this, it may have a potential role in the treatment of IBD. ✔️ May help with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Turmeric may help decrease the pain and discomfort associated with both types of arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. "When compared to ibuprofen, studies showed that taking about 1,000 milligrams of curcumin per day could be as helpful in decreasing arthritis symptoms," Greene says. "These studies have been done in small groups of people, so it is hard to definitively say that turmeric will help more than traditional treatments but it could be worthwhile to try."

✔️ May help with digestive issues. A 2022 randomized clinical control trial showed that taking 500 milligrams of curcumin four times per day was as effective at relieving reoccurring symptoms such as gas, bloating and nausea as the medication Omeprazole. Filemon adds, "Turmeric’s curcumin has also been shown to stimulate the gallbladder to produce more bile, which is essential in breaking down fats and can relieve symptoms of indigestion and bloating in some." She goes on to note that curcumin might help grow good gut bacteria, support the healing of the gut lining in people with leaky gut and reduce harmful free radicals linked to other diseases.

✔️ May help with insulin resistance and diabetes. Recent research suggests that curcumin may have effectiveness as an anti-diabetic agent, including improving insulin resistance and reducing blood glucose. A recent study indicated that supplementing with 1,500 milligrams of curcumin daily reduced fasting blood glucose and weight in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, if you are diabetic and taking medication to control it, it may increase the risk of low blood sugar and therefore should be discussed with your doctor.

Are there serious side effects of turmeric?

Turmeric used as a spice in food is generally considered safe , although whenever you are ingesting it in a supplemental form you should first consult with your healthcare provider. "Cooking with more turmeric than normal or adding turmeric as a condiment to meals is safe; you may just leave the meal with a bright yellow tongue," Greene says. "In general, there are no common serious side effects. However, it may cause mild gastrointestinal distress such as reflux, nausea or upset stomach in some individuals."

As discussed earlier in the article, turmeric may lower blood sugar levels, which means if you have diabetes, it may cause low blood sugar and should be discussed with your doctor. Additionally, it contains natural blood thinning properties and therefore may interact with other medications you may be taking.

Filemon says, "Everyone is different, and because of this, discuss the addition of any turmeric supplement with a healthcare professional to be on the safe side as even supplements can be contraindicated when it comes to current health status, medications and other supplements that one may be taking, especially those who are on blood thinners."

There have been several cases linking high doses of turmeric supplements to liver issues. While there have been reports of acute liver failure, most of these cases resolve completely without resulting in long-term damage or loss of bile ducts.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

As a registered dietitian, Amy Fischer , M.S., R.D., C.D.N., has worked with thousands of patients in several clinical settings for over 10 years, including working with gastrointestinal and heart transplant patients. Her goal is to help people improve their health through whole foods and a nutritious diet. She has written about many other supplements for Good Housekeeping, including magnesium , menopause supplements and fish oil benefits .

Amy (she/her) is a registered dietitian with the Nutrition Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute , covering nutrition- and health-related content and product testing. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Miami University of Ohio and a master's degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. Prior to Good Housekeeping , she worked at one of the largest teaching hospitals in New York City as a cardiac transplant dietitian. She has authored numerous chapters in clinical nutrition textbooks and has also worked in PR and marketing for food company start-ups.

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Best tablet deals in August 2024

Browse today's best tablet deals from budget to premium

August's best tablet deals offer back-to-school savings on top-rated tablets , as college students across the nation gear up for the new semester. However, anyone can take advantage of this summer's biggest discounts. 

Back-to-school season is one of the best times of the year to buy a tablet. Retailers are currently offering fantastic discounts and trade-in deals on Apple iPad , Samsung Galaxy Tab , Lenovo Tab, Microsoft Surface Pro , and Google Pixel Tablet .

So whether you're looking for the best tablet for entertainment, productivity (or both), now is an opportune time to score huge savings. I've searched high and low to find the best tablet deals so you don't have to. My hand-selected list of tablet deals will help you save money and precious time. 

Browse today's best tablet deals below. 

Best tablet deals — Quick links

• Apple iPad 10:  $449  $319 @ Amazon
• Apple iPad Air 5:  $599  $399 @ Walmart
• Apple iPad Air 6 (2024): $599 $559 @ Amazon
• 13" Apple iPad Air 6 (2024): $799 $735 @ Amazon
• Apple iPad Pro M4:  $999  $929 @ Amazon   
• Lenovo Tab M9: $149 $99 @ Lenovo
• OnePlus Pad: $479 $399 @ Amazon
• Google Pixel Tablet: $499 $399 @ Amazon
• Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus: $269 $219 @ Amazon
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus: $599 $479 @ Amazon
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9:  $919  $665 @ Amazon

Best tablet deals

Lenovo Tab M9: $139 $99 @ Lenovo Save $40 on the Lenovo Tab M9, the ideal tablet for on-the-go use. Stream your favorite TV series and movies on a superb 9-inch (1340 x 800) 400-nit touch-enabled display. Dolby Atmos-enhanced dual stereo speakers, deliver immersive sound. 

Features:  9-inch (1340 x 800) 400-nit touch screen and dual speakers with Dolby Atmos sound. Powering the M9 is a MediaTek Helio G80 8-core CPU alongside 3GB of RAM with 32GB of microSD-expandable storage. Google's snappy and efficient Android 13 mobile OS affords you access to helpful Google apps like Gmail, Drive, Maps, Photos, and Google Play.

Amazon Fire Max 11: $279 $189 @ Amazon Save $90 on the Amazon Fire Max 11. It's one of the best all-around tablets for streaming, reading, and gaming. Featuring a powerful octa-core processor, detachable keyboard and stylish options , the Amazon Fire Max is also suitable for productivity. 

Features: 11-inch (2000 x 1200) touch screen, 8-core processor, 4GB RAM, 128GB of storage, rated battery life of 14 hours

10.9" iPad 10: $449 $349 $319 @ Amazon Amazon takes $30 off the 10th generation iPad for a limited time.. It features Apple's A14 Bionic chip and is faster and more power-efficient than its predecessor. ideal for consuming content, internet browsing, emails, checking socials, and light productivity, the iPad 10 is the best tablet for most people. 

Features:  10.9-inch (2360 x 1640) Liquid Retina display, Apple A14 Bionic chip, 64GB of storage, 12MP rear camera, 12MP front camera, records up to 4K video, USB-C connector, supports Apple Magic Keyboard Folio  and  Apple Pencil  support, nearly 11-hour battery life

Price check: Apple $349 | Target $349

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus: $269 $219 @ Amazon Save $50 on the 128GB model Galaxy Tab A9 and snag it for just $10 shy of its lowest-ever price! If you're looking for a solid iPad alternative, the Galaxy Tab A9 is worth considering. 

Features: 11-inch WUXGA ‎(1920 x 1200) LCD touch screen Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 8-core CPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB of microSD-expandable storage , works with Amazon Alexa, Bixby, Google Assistant, Nest, Ring, SmartThings, Android 13 

Price check: Best Buy $229  

Apple iPad 9 (64GB): $329 $249 @ Amazon Save $80 on the 9th generation iPad and snap up Apple's cheapest tablet for even less. This entry model iPad packs a 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone, A13 Bionic chip, 64GB of storage and stereo speakers. It sports an 8MP wide angle primary camera on the back and a 12MP ultra-wide front camera. Touch ID and Apple Pay offer secure login payment. 

Price check: Best Buy $249

Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2: $429 $224 @ Lenovo Save $202 on the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2. This tablet features a vibrant OLED Android tablet with plenty of power for multitasking. It's 11-inch screen offers plenty of space and makes everything look crisp and smooth thanks to a 120Hz refresh rate, HSR10+ support and Dolby Vision, while a 13MP main camera, and 8MP selfie camera take care of all of your shutterbug needs.

Features: 11.2-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1536) 420-nit 120Hz OLED touch screen, MediaTek Kompanio 1300T 9-core CPU, 6GB RAM, 128GB of storage, 13MP rear camera, 8MP front camera, Android 12 (upgradable to Android 14)

OnePlus Pad: $479 $399 @ Amazon Lowest price! Save $80 on the OnePlus Pad, one of the better iPad Pro alternatives out there. In our OnePlus Pad review , we gave it a high rating of 4.5 out of 5-stars and our Editor's Choice Award stamp of approval. We were impressed by its fast, smooth performance during real-world use. The OnePlus Pad is a wise choice if you want an all-around tablet for creating in Google Docs, drawing, streaming hours of video content, and playing your favorite mobile games.

Features: 11.61-inch (2800 x 2000) 144Hz touch screen, MediaTek Dimensity 9000 8-core CPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB of storage, Dolby Vision HDR, Dolby Atmos speakers, Android-based-OxygenOS

11" Apple iPad Air 6 (2024): $599 $559 @ Amazon Lowest price! Save $40 on the 11-inch iPad Air 6 at Amazon. The iPad Air 6 is 50% faster than the previous-gen iPad Air 5 and features landscape stereo speakers. Made of 100% recycled aluminum enclosure the new iPad Air works with the Apple MacBook Keyboard and Apple Pencil.

Features:  11-inch Liquid Retina display with P3 wide color,  True Tone, and anti-reflective coating, Apple M2 Chip, 128GB of storage, 12MP wide wide camera, 12MP Ultra-wide front camera, supports Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil USB-C and Magic Keyboard

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus: $699 $549 @ Amazon Amazon takes $150 off Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus with 256GB in this tablet deal. Sister site Tom's Guide rates the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus 3.5 out of 5 stars. Some of the tablet's highlights are its premium design, large, bright display, and solid battery life. The nifty S Pen is also a welcome accessory for taking notes, marking up documents, and drawing.  

Features: 12.4-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 90Hz TFT touch screen, S Pen, Samsung Exynos 1380 8-core CPU, 12GB RAM, IP68 water-and dust-resistant, 12MP rear camera, 8MP front camera, 256GB of storage (microSD-expandable up to 1TB), dual speakers w/ Dolby Atmos, 10,090mAh battery, 2 x AKG stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, optional Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus Keyboard Cover (sold separately), Android 13 (upgradeable to Android 15),

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: $1,099 $649 @ Best Buy Save $450 on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. In our 11-inch  Galaxy Tab S8 review , we were impressed by its bright, vivid display, solid performance, and S Pen. Battery life was top notch, too, at nearly 13 hours in our Laptop Mag Battery test of constant web browsing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness. It ships with an S Pen stylus which instantly converts the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra into a drawing tablet.

Features: 14.6-inch (2960 x 1848) Super AMOLED display at up to 120Hz, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPU, 8GB RAM, and 128GB of microSD-expandable storage, includes S Pen

Apple iPad Air 5 LTE (64GB): $749 $649 @ Best Buy Save $100 on the iPad Air with Cellular support. it packs a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone. Rounding out its specs are Apple's M1 chip, 8GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and stereo speakers. For image capturing and video calls it has a 12MP wide-angle primary camera on the back and a 12MP FaceTime Camera. Touch ID and Apple Pay offer secure login payment.

13" Apple iPad Air 6 (2024): $799 $735 @ Amazon Lowest price! Save $64 on the 13-inch iPad Air 6 in Space Gray at Amazon at Amazon. This is a great option if you prefer a larger display for split-screen multitasking, creating, gaming, and consuming content.  

Features: 13-inch Liquid Retina display with P3 wide color, True Tone, and anti-reflective coating, Apple M2 Chip, 128GB of storage, 12MP wide wide camera, 12MP Ultra-wide front camera, supports Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil USB-C and Magic Keyboard

11" Apple iPad Pro M4: $999 $929 @ Amazon   Lowest price! Amazon takes $70 off the latest iPad Pro M4. The 2024 iPad Pro starts from $999 with storage capacity options from 256GB up to 2TB. Apple's 2024 iPad Pro is the thinnest ever and, for the first time, features a state-of-the-art display called Tandem OLED, which delivers 1000 nits of full-screen brightness and up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness.

Features: 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR OLED, Apple M4 9-core chip, 256GB of storage.

Price check: Best Buy $949  

11" iPad Pro M2 (512GB): $1,099 $799 @ Best Buy Save $300 on the 11-inch iPad Pro M2 with 512GB of storage. Succeeded by the 2024 iPad Pro, Apple's 2022 iPad Pro  M2 is still one of the  best tablets for productivity and gaming. 

Features: 11-inch Liquid Retina (2388 x 1668) display, Apple M2 8-core CPU, 8GB of RAM, 10-core GPU, and 512GB of storage. It works with the Apple Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Apple Pencil 2.

Price check: PC Richard $1,049 | Best Buy $1,099

13" iPad Pro M4: $1,299 $1,197 @ Amazon Lowest price! Amazon offers a $102 discount on the 13-inch iPad Pro M4. Featuring Apple's new blazing-fast M4 chip, the 2024 iPad Pro is up to 50% faster than the older model M2 and uses just half the power. In terms of GPU performance, it’s 4X times faster, which means games and other graphics-intensive tasks run smoother than ever.

Features: 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR OLED, Apple M4 9-core chip, 256GB of storage

Price check: Best Buy $1,249

Best tablet deals — eReaders

Amazon Kindle: $99 @ Amazon The Amazon Kindle is the best e-reader to buy. It features a 167 ppi glare-free display that reads like real paper, even in direct sunlight. It has an adjustable front light for comfortable reading in any environment. Plus, you can highlight passages, look up definitions, translate words, and adjust text size—without ever leaving the page.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: $149 @ Amazon The Kindle Paperwhite is the best e-reader you can get if you're looking for a dedicated reading device for every day carry. It's water-resistant, features a 6-inch, anti-glare flush-to-screen display, 5 LED front lights, and 8GB of storage. It includes a free 3-month Kindle Unlimited subscription for access to more than a million eBooks (valued at $30). 

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids: $119 @ Amazon The Kindle Paperwhite Kids tablet features a large black and white 6.8-inch 300 ppi glare-free display and 8GB of storage. This e-reader includes 1 free year of Amazon Kids+ to let your little ones explore thousands of popular age-appropriate books. The Kindle Paperwhite Kids e-Reader is IPX8-waterproof and backed by Amazon's two-year, worry-free warranty.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature: $189 @ Amazon The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition costs $189 at Amazon. It's IPX8 water-resistant and features a 6.8-inch, matte display, 17 LED front lights, 32 GB of storage, and wireless charging supports. It includes an optional free 3-month Kindle Unlimited subscription (valued at $30). 

Amazon Kindle Scribe: $339 $239 @ Amazon (save $40 when you buy 2) Save $100 on the Kindle Scribe or save $40 when you buy two Kindle Scribe eReaders. The Kindle Scribe –– the first Kindle with writing support. This e-reader packs a 10.2-inch 300ppi Paperwhite display, adjustable front light, and 16GB of internal storage. It ships with its own magnetic stylus pen for easy storage when not in use. 

Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle: $439 $379 @ Amazon Save $60 on the Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle at Amazon. This bundle includes a 16GB Kindle Scribe e-reader, Kindle Scribe Premium Leather Cover, Basic Pen, and Power Adapter. The Kindle Scribe features a 10.2-inch 300ppi Paperwhite display, adjustable front light, 16GB of storage, and magnetic stylus pen for easy storage. 

Best tablet deals — retailers

• Amazon: tablet deals from $49
• Best Buy: tablet deals from $129
• Target: tablet deals from $55
• Walmart: tablet deals from $99

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Hilda Scott uses her combined passion for gadgets from laptops to TVs and her bargain-shopping savvy to bring you the best prices on all things tech. She has a bachelor’s degree in film and media studies from Hunter College and over a decade of experience in tech journalism. Her work has been featured on Tom’s Guide, iTechPost, Examiner.com, Parlemag, Enstars, and Latin Times. When she's not scouting for the best deals, Hilda’s catching up on her favorite TV series and combat sports.

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