The Best Gaming Tablets for 2024

PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.

Which Tablet Is Best for Gaming?

There are a few key hardware aspects to consider before you buy a tablet for gaming: 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, you want something with at least a 1080p resolution (Full HD) or higher, if possible. Further, a high refresh rate (90Hz or higher) goes a long way toward improving your experience.

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.