Travel tablets come in various shapes, sizes, and designs catering to different preferences and needs. They range from lightweight tablets designed purely for entertainment purposes to more powerful devices that can handle multitasking and productivity tasks. Whether you're a frequent traveler or just looking for a device to enjoy during your downtime, a travel tablet could be the ideal companion.
Travel Tablets Things to Know
When selecting the best travel tablet, it's crucial to consider key features such as battery life, screen size, overall performance, and the device's weight. Battery life is vital, as you'll want your tablet to last throughout your journey without needing frequent charging. Screen size is another crucial factor: a larger display can enhance productivity and make for a better viewing experience, while a smaller, more portable model may be more travel-friendly. Performance matters as well; a smooth user experience and the ability to handle multiple applications are essential for efficient use during travel.
With these factors in mind, we sifted through countless travel tablets to identify the top contenders that strike the perfect balance between portability, functionality, and affordability. The next section will introduce you to our top picks, helping you make an informed decision for your next travel companion.
Best Travel Tablets
In the following list, we have compiled the best travel tablets for you. Discover your ideal companion for your next adventure and enjoy the convenience, entertainment, and efficiency they offer.
RCA 12.2" Windows 10 2-in-1 Tablet with Travel Keyboard
This RCA 2-in-1 tablet is a suitable option for those seeking an affordable and portable device for light work and entertainment needs.
Pros
- Portable with travel keyboard
- Good display resolution
- Extended storage with MicroSD
Cons
- Limited processing power
- Average battery life
- Subpar camera quality
As you start using the RCA 12.2" Windows 10 2-in-1 Tablet, you'll notice the portability and convenience of the travel keyboard that comes with it. This feature allows you to easily switch between tablet and laptop mode, making it perfect for on-the-go productivity and leisure.
One of the strengths of this tablet is its display resolution. The 12.2" touchscreen supports 1920 x 1200 IPS, which ensures clear visuals and vibrant colors for your movies, photos, and documents. While using the tablet, you'll appreciate the expandable storage using the MicroSD card slot that supports up to 128GB, giving you plenty of space for all your files and media.
Camera Quality
However, this RCA tablet might not be suitable for heavy multitaskers or resource-intensive applications, as it features an Intel Celeron N4000 processor coupled with just 2GB of RAM. Also, with an average battery life of up to 6 hours, you might find yourself reaching for the charger more often than you'd like.
Additionally, you may be disappointed with the camera quality, as both the front and rear cameras offer only 2MP resolution. This makes video calls and photography less enjoyable on this device.
In conclusion, the RCA 12.2" Windows 10 2-in-1 Tablet with Travel Keyboard provides a portable, budget-friendly option for those with basic computing needs. Its display resolution and expandable storage are strong selling points, while its limited processing power, average battery life, and subpar camera quality may deter more demanding users.
Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet is a great option for travelers seeking a reliable, budget-friendly tablet with a bright display and long-lasting battery life.
Pros
- Bright and clear 10.1" 1080p Full HD display
- Long-lasting 12-hour battery life
- Responsive performance with octa-core processor and 3 GB RAM
Cons
- Limited app availability due to Amazon's Appstore (Google Play not supported)
- Camera quality is basic with 2 MP front-facing and 5 MP rear-facing cameras
- Plastic build, though durable, may feel less premium compared to other tablets
Upon using the Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet, you'll immediately notice the stunning 10.1" Full HD display that showcases sharp images and vibrant colors, making it enjoyable to watch movies or browse the web during your travels. The tablet's octa-core processor and 3 GB RAM offer smooth multitasking and optimal responsiveness, allowing for seamless browsing, streaming, or working on the go.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet outshines many competitors with its 12-hour battery. This makes it an ideal companion for long flights or layovers, as you can utilize it for hours without worrying about constant recharging. Additionally, the tablet supports up to 1 TB of storage expansion with a microSD card (sold separately), providing ample space for movies, music, and other travel entertainment.
While the Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet offers many advantageous features, it does have some limitations. Due to the reliance on Amazon's Appstore, some popular apps may not be available, and Google Play is not supported. For casual users, this might not be a concern, but for those who rely heavily on Google apps, it may be a deal-breaker. The tablet's cameras are also somewhat basic, with 2 MP front-facing and 5 MP rear-facing options – suitable for casual snapshots or video calls but lacking the quality of more advanced devices.
In conclusion, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet is an excellent travel tablet choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option with a vibrant display, long-lasting battery life, and responsive performance. Although it has some limitations in app availability and camera quality, its overall offerings make it a valuable companion for travelers needing entertainment and practicality from their device.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet
The Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet is a reliable, budget-friendly choice for on-the-go entertainment and basic productivity needs.
Pros
- Responsive performance with updated hexa-core processor
- Long battery life, up to 13 hours
- Variety of apps, including Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney+
Cons
- Limited to Amazon Appstore (no Google Play support)
- Moderate 2 GB RAM
- Lower resolution cameras (2 MP front and rear)
The Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet boasts an improved performance thanks to its updated hexa-core processor, which is 30% faster than its predecessor. This tablet allows you to enjoy a more seamless experience when browsing, reading, or watching videos. The long battery life is perfect for travel as it lasts up to 13 hours, ensuring that you can stay entertained throughout your journey.
Although the tablet comes with various popular apps like Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney+, it's worth noting that it is limited to Amazon Appstore, which means that you cannot access the Google Play store. This might limit your selection of apps, but it's important to remember that the devices are designed mainly for consuming content available on Amazon's platform.
Affordable Travel Tablet
The Fire HD 8 tablet is equipped with 2 GB RAM, sufficient for basic tasks and simple multitasking, but may not perform well with more demanding applications. The tablet has cameras on both sides but has a modest 2 MP resolution for both front and rear cameras, which might not satisfy those looking for high-quality photography or video-conferencing capabilities.
Overall, if you're searching for an affordable travel tablet option that offers portable entertainment, the Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet is an excellent choice. Keep in mind its limitations, such as the lack of Google Play store, but for those primarily interested in content from Amazon's ecosystem, this tablet is more than adequate.
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet, 10.1", 1080p Full HD, ages 3–7, 32 GB, Sky Blue
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet is a great choice for children ages 3-7, providing them with hours of entertainment and educational content.
Pros
- Excellent parental controls
- Durable Kid-Proof case
- Comes with 1 year of Amazon Kids+ subscription
Cons
- Limited to Amazon ecosystem
- Battery life could be better
- Only 32 GB storage
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet is designed to be a perfect travel companion for young children. It comes preloaded with a one-year Amazon Kids+ subscription, offering a vast collection of kid-friendly books, games, videos, and apps. The tablet's 10.1" 1080p Full HD display ensures that your children can enjoy their favorite content with high-quality visuals.
One of the significant selling points of this tablet is its parental control features. The intuitive Parent Dashboard allows you to filter content based on your child's age, set educational goals, time limits, and even grant access to additional content such as Netflix and Disney+. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your child is accessing age-appropriate content.
The Fire HD 10 Kids tablet is built to withstand accidental drops and bumps, as it comes with a robust Kid-Proof case. This means you don't have to worry about potential damage while traveling. However, it's essential to keep in mind that this tablet is limited to the Amazon ecosystem, meaning that some popular apps and games might not be available.
Battery Life
The battery life on this tablet could be improved, as it lasts up to 12 hours of mixed usage - reading, browsing, video watching, and listening to music. Additionally, the tablet comes with only 32 GB of storage, which might be restricting for some users, but it can be expanded up to 1 TB with a microSD card.
Overall, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet is an excellent option for parents looking for a travel-friendly tablet for their young children. With its combination of useful features, durable build, and engaging content, it can provide hours of enjoyment and education for your little ones during your travels.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best travel tablet, there are several factors you should consider to ensure you're investing in a device that will meet your needs while on the go. Here are some key features to look out for:
Display
Consider the screen size and resolution of the tablet. You'll want a display that's large enough for comfortable use, but not too big to carry around. A resolution of 1280x800 pixels or higher is ideal for clear and crisp visuals.
Battery Life
A good travel tablet should have a long-lasting battery that can withstand several hours of continuous use. Look for a tablet with a battery life of at least 8 hours, so you won't have to worry about constantly charging the device.
Storage
Ensure the tablet has sufficient storage for your apps, media, and files. Tablets with a minimum of 32GB are recommended for travelers, but you can opt for models with larger storage capacities if needed. It's also a plus if the tablet has expandable storage options, like a microSD card slot, for additional flexibility.
Connectivity
Check if the tablet has both Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity options. Having access to 4G or 5G networks will allow you to stay connected even when there's no Wi-Fi available. Additionally, GPS functionality can be helpful for navigation while traveling.
Portability
A lightweight and slim design is crucial for a travel tablet. Look for devices that weigh under 1.5 pounds and have a thickness of less than 0.5 inches for easy packing in carry-on bags.
Operating System
Choose a tablet with an operating system that's easy to use and has access to a wide range of apps. Popular options include Android, iOS, and Windows, each with its own set of features and compatible apps.
Durability
Since traveling can expose your tablet to various conditions, consider investing in a device with a rugged design or a durable case. This can protect your tablet from accidental drops, scratches, and spills.
To sum it up, when shopping for the best travel tablet, prioritize display quality, battery life, storage capacity, connectivity, portability, operating system, and durability. By considering these factors, you'll be able to find a tablet that suits your travel needs and offers a seamless experience on the go.