Best Tablets For Gaming
The right tablet can make all the difference between a fun, smooth gaming session and frustrating lags. Whether you’re into fast-paced shooters, board games, arcade games, strategy games, or graphically intense RPGs, you need a tablet that can keep up with the action. Let’s dive into the best gaming tablets of 2024, how we chose them, the key criteria points you should look for, comparison, the most popular tablet games, Bluetooth controllers, and FAQs when it comes to gaming on a tablet.
9 Best Gaming Tablets of 2024
| Tablet | Rank |
|---|---|
| Apple iPad Pro M4 (11-inch) | Best Overall 🥇 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra | Largest Android 🥈 |
| Asus Rog Flow Z13 | Best Performance 🥉 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE | Best Mid-Range 🎖️ |
| Apple iPad (10th gen) | Most Affordable iPad 🎖️ |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | Most Compact 🎖️ |
| Amazon Fire HD 10 | Cheapest 🎖️ |
| Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro | Best For Kids 🎖️ |
Best budget gaming tablets, best premium picks and others. You can find gaming tablets with different operating systems, different screen sizes, different price ranges, etc. Below, you will see the most popular tablets for gaming with specs, pros, and cons, and you will be able to compare them to choose the best fit.
The ratings provided are from 1-10, specifically in the category of best gaming tablets. Please note that these ratings may differ in other categories, such as productivity, media consumption, or general tablet use, where different factors and features are prioritized.
Best Overall
- Powerful M4 Chip
- Lag Free
- Lightweight and Portable
- Controller Compatibility
- Beautiful Mid-Sized Display (OLED with 120Hz)
- Cloud Gaming Capabilities
- Very Expensive
- Heat Management
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | iPad OS |
| Screen Size | 11-inch (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1668 x 2420 pixels (~264 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Apple M4 |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB |
| Main Camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP, f/2.4 (ultrawide) |
| Battery | Li-Po 8160 mAh, Last up to 10-hours |
| Colors | Silver, Space Black |
| Released | 2024, May |
The iPad Pro 11-inch M4 is designed to elevate your gaming experience to the next level. With cutting-edge performance powered by the Apple M4 chip, this tablet seamlessly handles even the most demanding games with precision and speed. Its 11-inch Ultra Retina Tandem OLED display provides stunning visuals, ensuring that every detail in your game pops with clarity. Whether you’re playing fast-paced shooters, expansive RPGs, or mobile-exclusive titles, the iPad Pro M4 can handle it all.
It can easily handle PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact, and other high-demanding games.
Compared to other premium gaming tablets, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, the iPad Pro M4 is more compact and portable, making it an ideal choice for gamers who want both power and mobility. It also stands out with its 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring ultra-smooth gameplay, and 10-core GPU, delivering desktop-level graphics performance.
While Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offers a larger screen and slightly more battery life, the iPad Pro 11-inch M4 provides superior app optimization with iPadOS and a better integration with gaming peripherals. The OnePlus Pad 2 also has a powerful performance, but the iPad Pro’s M4 chip outshines it in terms of sheer speed and efficiency for intense gaming sessions.
It can be connected to the most popular Bluetooth controllers to take your gaming experience to the next level. You can also play Xbox and Palystation games on it, by using cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming (via Xbox Game Pass) and PlayStation Remote Play. Simply connect your Xbox or PlayStation controller to the iPad via Bluetooth and stream games directly to your device.
Best Large Screen Android
- Powerful Processor
- No Lags
- Compatible with Controllers
- Large Screen (AMOLED 120Hz)
- IP68 Dust/Water Resistance
- Cloud Gaming Capabilities
- Very Expensive
- Large & Heavy
- Overkill for Casual Gamers
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android OS |
| Screen Size | 14.6-inch (~90.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1848 x 2960 pixels (~239 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| RAM | 12GB, 16GB |
| Main Camera | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) |
| Battery | Li-Po 11200 mAh, Last up to 11 hours |
| Colors | Beige, Graphite |
| Released | 2023, July |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: A Gaming Beast with a Massive Display is built for gamers seeking a large, high-performance tablet that delivers console-like experiences on the go. With its 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, you’ll enjoy ultra-immersive visuals and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate that’s perfect for fast-paced gaming. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and Adreno 740 GPU, it handles even the most graphically demanding apps and games with no problem. Whether you’re playing battle royales or exploring open-world RPGs, the Tab S9 Ultra provides a seamless and breathtaking experience. Although a Bluetooth Controller is necessary to play games comfortably.
Compared to other premium tablets like the iPad Pro 13-inch M4, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra stands out with its larger screen, making it ideal for gamers who want more real estate to view detailed game environments. While the iPad Pro offers a slightly higher app optimization for gaming, the S9 Ultra’s microSD card slot allows for storage expansion, giving gamers more flexibility with their libraries.
Best Performance
- Powerful Processing Power
- Peripheral Support
- Compatible with Controllers (Wired & Wireless
- HDMI Support
- Very Expensive
- Large & Heavy
- Overkill for Casual Gamers
- Short Battery Life
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Screen Size | 13.4-inch |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels |
| Processor (Chipset) | 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i9-13900H Processor |
| Storage | 512GB, 1TB |
| RAM | 8GB, 12GB, 16GB |
| Main Camera | 13 MP |
| Selfie Camera | 5 MP |
| Battery | 56WHrs, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion |
| Colors | Black, Silver |
| Released | 2023 |
The Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2023) is a powerful gaming tablet that redefines portable gaming, offering specs and performance more akin to a gaming laptop than a traditional tablet like the iPad Pro or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. It comes equipped with up to an Intel Core i9 processor, an NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU, 16GB or 32GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of SSD storage. Unlike conventional tablets, the Flow Z13 is designed with gaming in mind, boasting a 13.4-inch 120Hz display (with a 16:10 aspect ratio), Dolby Vision support, and adaptive sync for smooth gameplay. The detachable keyboard makes it flexible for gaming and productivity alike, while the Thunderbolt 4 port allows connectivity to external GPUs for even greater performance boosts.
In terms of gaming capabilities, the Flow Z13 excels at handling demanding AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II without sacrificing performance, even on higher settings. The active cooling system, with vapor chamber technology, ensures the tablet runs efficiently during intense gaming sessions, making it stand out compared to more entertainment-focused tablets like the iPad Pro, which lacks the dedicated GPU and thermal management for heavy gaming. That said, the battery life can be a limitation when gaming on-the-go, as it depletes quickly under high-performance loads, unlike tablets optimized for longer media consumption or lighter tasks.
For those looking to enhance their gaming experience, accessories like the Asus XG Mobile external GPU (for even higher graphical performance), a compatible gaming controller, and a high-quality cooling pad are great additions. Additionally, the Flow Z13 supports external displays via its HDMI or USB-C ports, making it possible to game on larger screens when at home. In summary, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 is the ideal choice for serious gamers who want desktop-grade gaming in a tablet form factor, though its price and reduced battery life might be a consideration for more casual users.
Best Mid-Range
- Well Rounded Price
- Great Battery Life
- IP68 dust and Water Resistance
- S Pen Included in Price
- 90Hz Display
- Mid-tier chipset (Exynos 1380)
- No OLED or AMOLED display
- Plastic Back Design
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android OS |
| Screen Size | 10.9-inch (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2304 pixels (~249 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB |
| RAM | 6GB, 8GB |
| Main Camera | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Battery | Li-Po 8000 mAh, Last up to 18 hours |
| Colors | Mint, Silver, Gray, Lavender |
| Released | 2023, October |
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (2023) is a mid-range tablet that balances affordability and performance, making it a solid option for casual to moderate gaming. Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset with an octa-core CPU and a Mali-G68 GPU, it is capable of handling popular mobile games like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and PUBG, although not at the highest settings. Its 10.9-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, though it won’t deliver the OLED-level vibrancy found in higher-end models like the iPad Pro. While it lacks the top-tier graphics power of flagship tablets, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE performs well enough for users who prioritize budget-conscious gaming and multitasking.
One of the key advantages of the Tab S9 FE is its IP68 dust and water resistance, which adds durability for on-the-go gaming. This sets it apart from many other tablets like the iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab A9, neither of which offer this level of durability. The inclusion of a stylus (S Pen) adds to its versatility, giving you the option to switch between gaming, note-taking, and content creation seamlessly. However, in comparison to the iPad Pro’s M2 chip or the Tab S9 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the performance gap becomes noticeable when running graphically demanding games like Diablo Immortal or Apex Legends Mobile, especially on higher settings.
For gamers looking to elevate their experience, accessories such as a Bluetooth gaming controller and a good pair of Bluetooth earbuds (since there’s no 3.5mm jack) would be useful additions. The tablet’s large 8000mAh battery with 45W fast charging allows for extended gaming sessions, although heavy gaming will drain the battery quickly. While it can manage many modern mobile games, it’s best suited for casual to mid-tier gamers rather than those seeking a high-end gaming tablet.
Cheapest iPad
- Good Processing Power
- Compatible with Bluetooth Controllers
- Multiple Colors to Choose From
- Non-Laminated Display
- Only 60Hz
- No microSD expansion
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | iPad OS |
| Screen Size | 10.9-inch (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Main Camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) |
| Battery | Li-Po 7606 mAh, Last up to 10 hours |
| Colors | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow |
| Released | 2022, October |
The Apple iPad (10th Gen) is a versatile tablet that strikes a good balance between gaming performance and everyday functionality. Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, this tablet delivers impressive performance for its price range, making it suitable for gaming, even on more demanding titles like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and PUBG. Its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display offers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, supported by stereo speakers that enhance the gaming experience. While it doesn’t boast the ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate of the iPad Pro or the AMOLED screen of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, its 500 nits brightness and scratch-resistant glass still make it one of the best-tablets for casual and mid-tier gamers. Plus, it comes in multiple fun colors like Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow, adding a touch of personalization.
One of the key advantages of the iPad (10th Gen) is its A14 Bionic chip, which delivers smooth gameplay even in graphically demanding games. However, compared to the iPad Pro, which features the M4 chip and ProMotion display, the 10th Gen iPad is better suited for users who don’t need top-tier specs but still want a powerful tablet. Its USB Type-C port improves versatility for accessories, but it only supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil USB-C, limiting some creative potential compared to the newer iPad models. While the iPad (10th Gen) lacks the water resistance of tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, it makes up for it with iPadOS smooth interface and long-term software support, keeping the device updated and optimized for new games over time.
In conclusion, the Apple iPad (10th Gen) is an solid choice for gamers looking for a reliable and well-rounded tablet without the premium cost of the iPad Pro.
Most Compact For Gaming
- Affordable price
- Compact and lightweight
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Low display resolution
- Limited performance on high-demand games
- Slow charging speed
- TFT LCD display
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android OS |
| Screen Size | 8.7-inch (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 800 x 1340 pixels (~179 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB |
| RAM | 4GB, 8GB |
| Main Camera | 8 MP, AF |
| Selfie Camera | 2 MP |
| Battery | Li-Po 5100 mAh, Last up to 10-hours |
| Colors | Graphite, Silver, Navy |
| Released | 2023, Oct |
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is an affordable and compact tablet that’s a solid choice for casual gamers seeking a portable yet capable device. It’s powered by the Mediatek Helio G99 chipset and featuring an 8.7-inch TFT LCD display, the Tab A9 delivers decent performance for its price range. While it doesn’t compete with high-end models like the iPad Pro or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, it’s one of the best 8-inch tablets for casual gaming. The tablet’s Mali-G57 MC2 GPU ensures smooth gameplay on popular titles like Clash of Clans, Asphalt 9, Candy Crush, and PUBG Mobile, though it may struggle with graphically intensive games at higher settings.
Compared to premium tablets like the iPad Pro and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, the Tab A9 is a budget-friendly alternative that prioritizes portability and practicality. It lacks the high-resolution displays and advanced processors found in those more expensive models, but for users who don’t need top-tier specs, the Tab A9 is a great entry-level option.
While the 5100 mAh battery that lasts up to 10 hours can handle extended gaming sessions, the 15W wired charging may feel slow when compared to the faster charging standards of high-end devices. Nevertheless, for casual to mid-tier gamers looking for a budget-friendly option, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is a great choice, delivering enough performance for mobile gaming without breaking the bank.
Cheapest
- Good Price
- Decent Build Quality
- Good Battery Life
- Limited App Seleciton
- Limited Storage
- Amazon Content Focused
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Fire OS |
| Screen Size | 10.1-inch |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels (~224 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | 2.05GHz octa-core processor |
| Storage | 32GB, 64GB |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Main Camera | 5 MP |
| Selfie Camera | 5 MP |
| Battery | Last up to 13 hours |
| Colors | Black, Lilac, Ocean |
| Released | 2023 |
The Amazon Fire HD 10 is one of the most budget-friendly tablets available, making it a solid option for casual gaming. It features a 10.1-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, providing decent visuals for games, though it doesn’t compare to the vibrant, high-refresh-rate screens found in premium tablets like the iPad Pro or Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. You will be able to run popular games like Candy Crush, Clash of Clans, and Asphalt, on Amazon Fire HD 10 though it may struggle with more demanding titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at higher settings, you can play them on the lowest settings, but you will notice lags.
While the Fire HD 10 can’t compete with high-end gaming tablets in terms of power, it’s a fantastic entry-level option for casual gamers. Its low price makes it one of the cheapest tablets you can buy for gaming, offering good value for those who want basic gaming functionality without the need for top-tier performance. If you’re not focused on AAA mobile games and are looking for an affordable device that can handle lighter titles and media consumption, the Fire HD 10 is a great choice.
Best For Kids
- Strong Build Quality
- Decent Display
- Strong Parental Controls
- Amazon Kids+
- Limited App Selection
- Limited Performance
- Plastic Build
- Low Storage Capacity
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Fire OS |
| Screen Size | 10.1-inch |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels |
| Processor (Chipset) | MediaTek |
| Storage | 32GB |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Main Camera | 5 MP |
| Selfie Camera | 2 MP |
| Battery | Last up to 13 hours |
| Colors | Mint, Nebula |
| Released | 2023 |
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is designed specifically with children in mind, offering the same core hardware as the standard Fire HD 10 but with added parental controls and kid-friendly content. It features a 10.1-inch Full HD display, powered by a MediaTek MT8183 processor and 3GB of RAM, making it capable of running popular kids’ games like Minecraft, Roblox, and Lego Star Wars. While it handles casual and educational games well, it’s not suited for high-demanding, graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact or Fortnite. What sets it apart from the regular Fire HD 10 is the inclusion of a durable kid-proof case, a two-year worry-free warranty, and access to a curated app store with age-appropriate content, making it a safe and reliable gaming option for children.
The Fire HD 10 Kids Pro also includes 1 year of Amazon Kids+, giving children access to thousands of games, books, and educational apps. While it doesn’t have the premium performance of higher-end tablets, its low price point and robust parental controls make it an excellent choice for parents looking for a safe gaming tablet for their kids. With its decent battery life and solid screen quality, it’s a good option for casual gaming and educational activities, offering great value for a family-friendly device.
What’s The Best Tablet Size For Gaming?
It depends on how you plan to play. If you’re planning to use a Bluetooth controller, a larger screen like 11 to 14 inches offers a better experience, allowing you to enjoy console-quality visuals while holding the tablet on a stand/holder. However, if you prefer touch controls, a portable size of 8 to 10 inches will be more suitable for you, as it’s easier to hold and manage during gameplay and your hands won’t get tired. In this case, we also recommend paying attention to the tablet’s weight.
If you are planning to play games on large-screen tablets, a controller is almost a necessity, especially when playing competitive games, like shooters, people with controllers have a serious advantage.
Recommended Bluetooth Controllers for Tablets
When gaming on a tablet, using a Bluetooth controller can significantly enhance your experience by providing more precise controls and a console-like feel. Here are some of the best Bluetooth controllers compatible with tablets, offering a range of features for both casual and serious gamers.
| Bluetooth Controller | |
|---|---|
| Sony DualSense | Best Overall |
| Xbox One S | Reliable |
| 8BitDo Pro 2 | Retro Design |
| PowerA Moga XP7-X Plus | A Hybrid Controller |
| iPega PG-9083S | Extendable Design |
| Gamsir X2 Pro | Excellent Control |
| SteelSeries Stratus Duo | A high-performance |
Popular Games Played on Tablets
Gaming on a tablet offers a more immersive and enjoyable experience compared to smartphones due to the larger screen size, better sound quality, and often more powerful hardware. Tablets provide more screen real estate for detailed graphics and more comfortable controls, especially in strategy and RPG games that benefit from touch input. Additionally, tablets often have larger batteries, allowing for longer gaming sessions without needing to recharge frequently. Popular titles like Fortnite, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, Minecraft, PUBG Mobile, and Among Us.
FAQ’s
Yes, many tablets, such as the iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, and Asus ROG Flow Z13, can run high-end games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile smoothly, especially when they have powerful chipsets and GPUs.
While budget tablets like the Amazon Fire HD 10 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 can handle casual games, they may struggle with high-end, graphically demanding games due to their less powerful hardware. For light gaming, they are a great value, but for AAA titles, a premium tablet is recommended.
Yes, most gaming tablets support Bluetooth controllers, such as the Xbox One S Controller, Sony DualSense, and 8BitDo Pro 2, to provide a more console-like gaming experience.
