While I always have a smartphone in my pocket, I also always have a tablet in my backpack for getting stuff done.
Tablets have come a long way in recent years. What started as mainly entertainment and media consumption devices have evolved into powerful productivity machines. With the right tablet and accessories, you can get serious work done on the go.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top tablets that excel at productivity and work tasks. We’ll look at key factors like performance, display quality, accessories, and software ecosystem. Whether you need a tablet for office work, graphic design, note-taking or other productivity uses, these are the best options available.
Apple iPad Pro 12.9” (2022)
The 2022 iPad Pro 12.9″ is arguably the best productivity tablet available. It packs desktop-class performance thanks to Apple’s blazing fast M2 chip. The large 12.9″ Liquid Retina XDR display has excellent color accuracy and Mini LED backlighting for stellar HDR performance.
For creative professionals, the iPad Pro supports the Apple Pencil 2 for precise drawing and editing work. The Pencil magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad for charging and pairing. For desktop-like use, Apple’s Magic Keyboard adds a great tactile keyboard with trackpad.
On the software side, iPadOS 16 takes multitasking to the next level. You can easily open multiple apps in Split View, plus drag and drop content between them. Stage Manager provides a more organized multitasking interface for juggling multiple windows.
Other highlights of the iPad Pro include Face ID, all-day battery life, four excellent speakers and up to 2TB of storage. While not cheap, the iPad Pro offers incredible power and versatility for work on the move.
Key Specs:
- Display: 12.9” Liquid Retina XDR, 2732 x 2048 resolution
- Chip: Apple M2
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Cameras: 12MP Wide, 10MP Ultra Wide
- Battery: Up to 10 hours
- Accessories: Supports Apple Pencil 2, Magic Keyboard
Performance – 5/5
Display – 5/5
Accessories – 5/5
Software – 5/5
Overall – 5/5
Microsoft Surface Pro 9
For those who prefer Windows over iPadOS, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a top choice. It packs full Windows 11 Pro into a slim 2-in-1 form factor with a kickstand and detachable keyboard.
Under the hood, you can configure the Surface Pro 9 with Intel or ARM processors. The Intel models offer better performance for intensive workloads. We recommend the Intel i5 or i7 models with at least 8GB RAM and 256GB storage for optimal speed.
The 13″ touch display is sharp and responsive for using Windows apps and inking with the Surface Pen. The integrated kickstand allows flexible positioning whether using the excellent Surface Type Cover keyboard or drawing with the pen. Battery life is rated for over 15 hours.
Overall, the Surface Pro 9 brings desktop-class Windows power to a highly portable form factor. It works well for office productivity, content creation and even some lightweight gaming. Just keep in mind it doesn’t come with the Type Cover or Surface Pen – you’ll need to buy these separately.
Key Specs:
- Display: 13” PixelSense, 2880 x 1920
- Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 or Microsoft SQ3
- Memory: 8GB, 16GB or 32GB
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Battery: 15.5 hours typical
- Accessories: Surface Pen, Type Cover keyboard
Performance – 4.5/5
Display – 4/5
Accessories – 5/5
Software – 5/5
Overall – 4.5/5
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
If you want a premium Android tablet for productivity, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8+ hits the sweet spot. It provides an expansive 12.4″ AMOLED display perfect for multitasking. The slim bezels and 16:10 aspect ratio allow for comfortable split-screen use.
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor delivers fast performance for apps and games. Samsung includes the S Pen for free, which attaches magnetically to the back and charges wirelessly. The S Pen enables precise note-taking and drawing on the Tab S8+.
One UI’s desktop-inspired DeX mode transforms the interface for mouse and trackpad support. You can run multiple app windows for efficient multitasking. Battery life is rated for 12+ hours of use. The Tab S8+ also features an excellent quad speaker system tuned by AKG.
For accessories, Samsung offers the Book Cover Keyboard case which adds a slot for the S Pen. There’s also support for microSD storage expansion up to 1TB. Overall, the Galaxy Tab S8+ brings together premium hardware, software and accessories for a capable Android productivity tablet.
Key Specs:
- Display: 12.4″ AMOLED, 2800 x 1752
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
- Memory: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB
- Battery: 12 hours video playback
- Accessories: S Pen, Book Cover Keyboard (sold separately)
Performance – 4.5/5
Display – 5/5
Accessories – 4/5
Software – 4/5
Overall – 4.5/5
Apple iPad Air (2022)
The 2022 iPad Air packs strong performance and a high-quality display into a more portable and affordable package. It’s powered by Apple’s speedy M1 chip, so you can expect fluid app use and multitasking. The 10.9” Liquid Retina display features 500 nits brightness, P3 wide color and anti-reflective coating.
Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard support allow for pro-level productivity. iPadOS 16 brings new collaborative tools like Freeform whiteboarding to help teams work together. The iPad Air also supports convenient features like Center Stage and USB-C connectivity.
Battery life is rated for up to 10 hours between charges. There are excellent cameras, Touch ID security and WiFi 6/5G for connectivity. Speakers deliver room-filling stereo sound as well.
If you like the versatility of the iPad Pro but don’t need the 12.9” screen or M2 chip performance, the iPad Air brings tremendous value. It’s a highly capable productivity tablet for office work, graphic design, writing and more.
Key Specs:
- Display: 10.9” Liquid Retina, 2360 x 1640 pixels
- Chip: M1
- Memory: 8GB
- Storage: 64GB, 256GB
- Cameras: 12MP Wide, 12MP Ultra Wide
- Battery: Up to 10 hours
- Accessories: Apple Pencil 2, Magic Keyboard
Performance – 4.5/5
Display – 4.5/5
Accessories – 5/5
Software – 5/5
Overall – 4.5/5
Microsoft Surface Go 3
Microsoft’s Surface Go 3 delivers portable Windows 11 productivity at an affordable price. It packs desktop-class performance into a compact 10.5″ tablet. The Surface kickstand enables convenient use anywhere.
Configurable with up to 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD, the Surface Go 3 handles office work, web browsing, streaming and light gaming. The 10.5″ PixelSense touch display is vivid and responsive for using Windows apps or inking notes.
For maximum productivity, you’ll want to add Microsoft’s Type Cover keyboard and Surface Pen. Windows 11 includes tablet-friendly features like touch optimization and expanded inking capabilities. Battery life is rated for up to 11 hours.
Keep in mind the base storage is only 64GB eMMC – you’ll want to upgrade to the 128GB SSD model if your budget allows. Still, the Surface Go 3 lets you run a full Windows experience in a highly portable form factor at an affordable price point.
Key Specs:
- Display: 10.5” PixelSense 1920 x 1280
- Processor: Intel Pentium Gold / 10th Gen Core i3
- Memory: 4GB, 8GB
- Storage: 64GB eMMC, 128GB SSD
- Battery: Up to 11 hours
- Accessories: Surface Pen, Type Cover keyboard (sold separately)
Performance – 3.5/5
Display – 4/5
Accessories – 4.5/5
Software – 5/5
Overall – 4/5
Lenovo Chromebook Duet (2020)
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet delivers surprising productivity in a budget-friendly package. Part tablet and part laptop, the Duet runs Chrome OS for access to Android apps and cloud services.
The 10.1” FHD touchscreen detaches from the included keyboard cover for use as a standalone tablet. Weighing just 1.2 pounds total, it’s highly portable. The MediaTek Helio P60T processor and 4GB RAM provide enough power for Chrome tasks.
The Duet works well for document editing, web browsing, streaming media and more. The keyboard cover props up the tablet nicely for laptop-like use. While only rated for 10 hours of battery life, standby time is excellent. There’s also 128GB of onboard storage.
At around $250 when on sale, the Duet brings flexibility and productivity to Chrome OS at an affordable price. Just keep in mind performance is not on par with premium tablets. But for basic work on the go, it delivers good bang for your buck.
Key Specs:
- Display: 10.1” 1920 x 1200 IPS
- Processor: MediaTek Helio P60T
- Memory: 4GB
- Storage: 128GB eMMC
- Battery: 10 hours
- Accessories: Keyboard cover included
Performance – 3/5
Display – 4/5
Accessories – 4/5
Software – 4/5
Overall – 3.5/5
Factors for Productivity Tablets
When choosing a tablet for getting work done, there are several key factors to keep in mind:
Processing Power
Tablets need enough processing muscle to handle productivity apps without slowdowns or lag. Top-end chips like Apple’s M2 or laptop-class Intel Core i5/i7 processors provide the best experience. But even mid-range chips like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 700-series are viable for lighter workloads.
Display Quality
A high-quality display allows you to view documents, spreadsheets, photos/video and other work materials accurately. Look for a sharp resolution along with robust brightness (at least 400 nits), anti-reflective coating and wide DCI-P3 color gamut support. Larger 12-inch+ screens provide ample room for multitasking.
Accessories
The right accessories can turn a standard tablet into a productivity powerhouse. A quality detachable keyboard enables efficient typing and laptop-mode use. Active pens facilitate precise illustration and handwritten notes. Cases with adjustable kickstands also come in handy.
Software Experience
The software platform and ecosystem play a big role in productivity. Apple’s iPadOS offers a robust selection of pro apps plus excellent cross-device integration with Macs. Windows 11 provides full desktop capabilities and app support. Even Chrome OS and Android offer solid productivity options through Android apps and cloud services.
Battery Life
The best portable productivity devices enable all-day use away from a power source. Look for tablets that deliver at least 8-10 hours of battery life for work sessions on the go. Fast charging capabilities are also nice to have.
Recommended Accessories for Productivity
To maximize productivity on a tablet, you’ll want some useful accessories:
- Keyboard: Adds efficient typing in laptop mode – look for comfortable keys, backlighting and laptop-like layouts.
- Stylus: Enables natural inking, drawing and precision selections – advanced models feature pressure/tilt sensitivity and customizable buttons.
- Case: Protects your tablet from drops while traveling and converts to a stand – integrated keyboard cases offer the ultimate flexibility.
- USB hub: Expands limited port selection to connect peripherals like external drives, cameras, mice and more.
- Portable monitor: Provides an extra screen for your tablet – great for multitasking and extending workspace.
- Headset: Allows voice calls and video chats to communicate with colleagues or clients.
- Portable printer: Lets you print from your tablet from anywhere – compact photo and document printers connect wirelessly.
Top Productivity Apps
To maximize your workflows on a tablet, make sure you have the right apps on board:
- Microsoft Office: Get full desktop-class versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- Google Workspace: Edit documents and create spreadsheets with Docs, Sheets and Slides.
- Apple iWork: Apple’s Pages, Numbers and Keynote apps enable robust content creation.
- Adobe CC: Run full versions of Photoshop, Illustrator and other Creative Cloud apps.
- Squid: Great for handwritten notes with advanced stylus support.
- Evernote: The premier note-taking and organization app syncs across devices.
- Dropbox: Keeps your files backed up and accessible across multiple devices.
- Zoho Workplace: All-in-one suite for docs, spreadsheets, email and more.
- WPS Office: Capable free office suite as an alternative to Microsoft Office.
- Clockify: Robust time tracking and reporting for tasks and projects.
- Todoist: Cross-platform to-do lists and task management.
- 1Password: Manages passwords and secure notes across devices.
- Drawboard PDF: Advanced PDF annotation and editing tools.
- LiquidText: Efficiently annotate and excerpt documents and PDFs.
- Lucidspark: Intuitive diagrams and flowchart creation.
- Procreate: Best-in-class digital illustration and painting app.
The Bottom Line
Tablets have evolved into powerful productivity devices that are ideal for work on the go. From office tasks to note-taking to content creation, today’s top tablets can handle it all. Just make sure to get one with strong performance, display quality and accessory support.
Pair your tablet with a good keyboard, stylus and productivity apps, and you have an ultraportable laptop replacement. The tablets profiled above – like the iPad Pro 12.9” and Surface Pro 9 – provide excellent combinations of hardware, software and ecosystem to maximize your workflows. With the best tablet for your needs, you can work efficiently from virtually anywhere.
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