For portable gaming, many people might turn to dedicated handhelds like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. But if you want to game on a bigger screen, a tablet is the way to go. Of course, not just any tablet works: You need a speedy device that can handle the latest Android and iPad games. PCMag has been reviewing tablets for nearly two decades and has reviewed every iPad ever made. Surprisingly, tablet makers don’t often market or design their slates specifically for gaming like some do with their phones. But our top picks, like the Editors’ Choice-winning Apple iPad Pro, have enough CPU power, GPU power, memory, and storage to run the most challenging titles without hiccups. We round up some of the most capablel tablets on the market and discuss what makes them ideal for gaming below, but be sure to read to the end to see what to look for in a gaming tablet.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Most Powerful iPad
Apple iPad Pro
- Premium design
- Brilliant OLED display
- Unparalleled performance
- Flexible connectivity options
- Top cameras for a tablet
- Expensive
- Pricey accessories
- iPadOS can be clunky
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro runs on Apple’s powerful M4 chip, features four quality speakers, and comes with up to 2TB of storage for all your games and media. Moreover, its mini-LED backlit display enables excellent brightness and contrast and supports an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. And if you want to game on the go, the tablet is available with 5G connectivity.
The iPad Pro is unbeatable for Apple fans who want the most premium tablet experience and can afford the high starting price.
Operating System
Apple iPadOS 17
Dimensions
11.09 by 8.48 by 0.20 inches
Weight
1.28 lbs
Screen Size
13 inches
Screen Resolution
2,752 by 2,064 pixels
CPU
Apple M4
Storage Capacity
256 GB
Battery Life
10 hours (est.)
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Most Affordable iPad for Gaming
Apple iPad (10th Generation)
- Appealing iPad Pro-like design
- USB-C port
- High-quality cameras
- Good speakers
- Fast performance
- No traditional Touch ID button
- No Face ID
The entry-level iPad’s A14 chip isn’t Apple’s latest, but it’s still more than powerful enough to handle most games in the App Store. It’s also lightweight at 1.07 pounds and supports optional 5G connectivity (for an additional cost).
If you’re already invested in Apple’s ecosystem and want a well-rounded 10-inch gaming tablet that won’t break the bank, the standard iPad can meet your needs and grow with you.
Operating System
Apple iPadOS 16
Dimensions
9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches
Weight
1.1 lb
Screen Size
10.9 inches
Screen Resolution
2,360 by 1,640 pixels
CPU
Apple A14 Bionic
Storage Capacity
64 GB
Battery Life
5 hours, 59 minutes
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Best High-End Android Tablet for Gaming
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+
- High-quality hardware
- Useful AI and productivity features
- Excellent performance
- Includes S Pen stylus
- Waterproof build
- Expensive
- Average cameras
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ is Android’s answer to high-end iPads with lots of power for anything you throw at it. The S10+ includes a 12.4-inch AMOLED display for vivid colors and deep blacks with a refresh rate of 120Hz for smooth gaming. Its MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chip and 12GB of RAM make easy work of almost any task, including the most demanding games. This tablet also comes with 256GB or 512GB of onboard storage, and you have the option to add another 1.5TB using a microSD card. All of that makes the Galaxy Tab S10+ a great gaming package.
If you don’t want an iPad but still want a high-end slate, the Galaxy Tab S10+ is the top Android option. It should also appeal to artists because it comes with Samsung’s smooth S Pen stylus and serves as a truly immersive canvas. If you plan to take your tablet on the go, there’s even a 5G-capable version available.
Operating System
Android 14
Dimensions
7.30 by 11.24 by 0.22 inches
Weight
1.27 pounds
Screen Size
12.4 inches
Screen Resolution
2,800 by 1,752 pixels
CPU
MediaTek Dimensity 9300+
Storage Capacity
256 GB
Battery Life
8 hours, 10 minutes
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Best Midrange Android Tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
- Good performance
- Long battery life
- High-quality, waterproof build
- Includes S Pen stylus
- Occasional performance stutters
- Finicky fingerprint sensor
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a great all-around tablet that can do it all, from productivity to gaming, while keeping the price tag in check. Its 12.4-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate gives you plenty of screen real estate for games while keeping animations smooth. The Tab S9 FE+ is also IP68 rated, so it is dustproof and virtually waterproof. This opens up the opportunity to play games by a pool or the beach.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a fine choice if you want a versatile and affordable Android tablet. It also has an S Pen stylus for your artistic needs.
Operating System
Android 13
Dimensions
11.24 by 7.30 by 0.26 inches
Weight
1.4 lbs
Screen Size
12.4 inches
Screen Resolution
2,560 by 1,600 pixels
CPU
Samsung Exynos 1380
Storage Capacity
128 GB
Battery Life
7 hours, 23 minutes
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Best Low-Cost Gaming Tablet
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)
- Affordable
- Good build quality
- Decent display
- Alexa Echo Show mode
- Limited app selection
- Amazon-focused content
The Amazon Fire HD 10 is an excellent choice if you want to play games without spending a ton of money. It has decent enough specs to handle most titles and features a 10-inch HD display. By default, you’re limited to the games available from the Amazon Appstore, but you can sideload apps from Google Play for a broader selection.
This Fire HD 10 should appeal to budget-conscious gamers who want a large-screen tablet on the cheap.
Operating System
Amazon Fire OS
Dimensions
9.69 by 6.49 by 0.34 inches
Weight
15.3 oz
Screen Size
10.1 inches
Screen Resolution
1,920 by 1,200 pixels
CPU
MediaTek
Storage Capacity
32 GB
Battery Life
10 hours, 18 minutes
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Best Small Gaming Tablet
Apple iPad mini (2024)
- Compact and portable
- High-quality hardware
- Solid performance
- Supports Apple Intelligence
- Works with Apple Pencil Pro
- Dated design
- Few real upgrades
The 8.3-inch, 0.65-pound iPad mini is easy to carry around but still has plenty of power to run anything from the App Store or Apple Arcade. It’s pricier than the standard iPad because you’re paying extra for the added portability, but it’s still capable enough to run Apple Intelligence.
If you’re uncomfortable holding a 10-inch tablet for extended gaming sessions, the iPad mini is your best bet. No other small slate offers as premium an experience.
Operating System
IPadOS 18
Dimensions
7.7 by 5.3 by 0.3 inche
Weight
1.1 lbs
Screen Size
8.3 inches
Screen Resolution
2,226 by 1,448 pixels
CPU
Apple A17 Pro
Storage Capacity
128 GB
Battery Life
7 hours, 23 minutes
Learn More
Buying Guide: The Best Gaming Tablets for 2024
Which Tablet Is Best for Gaming?
Before you buy a tablet for gaming, consider the following key hardware aspects: power, storage, and battery life.
Pick something with a fast processor. Slates with the most recent chips are generally the best bet because they can run the games of today (and tomorrow) smoothly. You should also get a tablet with as much RAM as possible. More memory allows games to load more in advance and decreases the likelihood of stutters. Make sure to inspect how well the tablet handles heat; if it runs hot under stress, you won’t want to use it for long periods.
Lots of storage space is equally important. High-end games such as Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and others consume tons of space and can fill up your storage quickly. Opt for 128GB at a minimum. If you like to keep multiple games on your device at once (along with other media, such as movies and music), consider moving up to 256GB. Or, snag a tablet that offers the option to expand storage via a microSD card.
Intense games can drain a tablet’s battery life quickly, so you should keep your expectations in check. Aim for something that can run modern games for at least a few hours. And when you need to recharge, fast charging support is important because it can get you back to your game that much quicker.
Android, iPadOS, or Windows: The Best Tablet OS for Gaming
Another huge consideration is whether you want an Android tablet or an iPad. This is a matter of preference and depends on what other types of devices you have. For example, if you’re a longtime iPad OS user and subscribe to Apple One (which includes the Apple Arcade gaming service), an iPad is likely the better way to go. Similarly, if you’re an Android phone user and have purchased a lot of apps or content from the Google Play Store, an Android slate makes more sense.
As for Microsoft’s platform, the biggest issue with gaming on Windows tablets is that the majority of them simply don’t have sufficient power. Moreover, many PC games work best with a mouse and keyboard or controller, which conflicts with the idea of casual gaming on the go.
What Size Tablet Is Best for Gaming?
Screen size and tablet size go hand in hand and are thus another factor to weigh. Ultimately, however, your choice depends on how much you value portability and comfort.
Most tablets have screens that range from 7 to 12 inches, with 10 inches being the average. A 7-inch slate can easily fit into a handbag or purse, meaning it travels more easily, while a 10- or 12-inch tablet likely requires something larger, such as a backpack, to tote around. Larger tablets also weigh more and can cause hand fatigue if you hold them for several hours. As far as size goes, pick what feels the most natural to use and carry around. The benefit of going with screen sizes larger than 8 inches is that they provide substantially more real estate for gameplay.
Of course, if possible, you want something with at least a 1080p resolution (Full HD) or higher. Further, a high refresh rate (90Hz or higher) goes a long way toward improving your experience.
Recommended by Our Editors
Do You Need a Cellular Gaming Tablet?
Determining whether you need to spend the extra money (usually $100 or more) for a tablet with a cellular connection depends on where you plan to use the tablet most and what games you want to play.
If you’re often home or somewhere else with regular Wi-Fi access, you should be fine without cellular connectivity. If you typically find yourself in places where Wi-Fi isn’t readily available, consider paying extra for a 5G tablet, along with a monthly service plan from your wireless carrier.
Another point to consider is the type of game you like to play. A Wi-Fi-only model should work fine if you generally stick to single-player games that don’t require a constant internet connection. But a cellular connection could be invaluable if you want to play multiplayer games that require back-and-forth over the internet.
Dave LeClair contributed to this story.
