The 7 Best Tablets for Travel of 2023

Best Overall

Apple iPad (9th Generation)

Yes, Apple came out with a brand-new iPad (10th generation) in October 2022, but we still think the 9th generation is great for most travelers, especially if you can find it on sale. The newest iPad does indeed have more features — including a larger screen (10.9 inches versus 10.2 inches), a faster chip (Intel A14 versus A13), a better rear camera (12MP versus 8MP), and it uses the new USB-C connector rather than the now-outdated Lightning port. The only factor to consider then is whether you truly need all those features or not.

The 9th generation iPad is plenty good enough to watch a movie on the plane, check some emails, and occupy the kids at dinner with the wide array of iOS games (that are much better on a tablet than the iPhone). Plus, it’s usually about $100 less than the latest device.

It’s possible to upgrade the iPad to get more storage and 5G/LTE connectivity, but if you need more power consider the iPad Air or iPad Pro, which can function as a travel laptop.

The Details: 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.29 inches | 1.07 pounds | 64GB/256GB

Best Android

OnePlus Pad 11.61-inch LCD Display

If you’re looking for the versatility of an iPad but prefer to stay within the Android ecosystem, check out One Plus’s Pad. Released in 2023, the tablet has efficient speed for your everyday traveling needs as well as plenty of storage (128GB). But what really stands out is its impressive battery life, which can last for more than 50 days on standby, and about 13 hours of constant use. It’s also a sleek-looking device overall that comes in a unique color: halo green.

An advantage of the OnePlus Pad over its closest competitor, the Google Pixel Tablet, is that it’s capable of becoming a 2-in-1 laptop if you add the Magnetic Keyboard (sold separately), and you can charge it by plugging it in rather than lugging around Google’s speaker charger, which would be awkward to travel with.

If you’re looking for an Android tablet with more power and 5G/LTE connectivity, consider the Samsung Galaxy S8.

The Details: 10.2 x 7.5 x 0.26 inches | 1.22 pounds | 128GB

Best Compact

Apple iPad Mini 2021 (6th Generation)

In Apple’s world, smaller doesn’t mean weaker, nor cheaper. The iPad Mini costs the same or even more as the latest iPad (10th generation) and has a smaller 8.3-inch screen (compared to 10.9 inches for the iPad). But it’s more powerful with an A15 chip and critically has an anti-reflective coating over the screen, which is an important feature for readers as traditional tablet screens can be tough on the eyes. It’s also about 7 ounces lighter than the iPad and of course smaller, so it’s much better in terms of portability.

If you’re an artist, the iPad Mini has another key feature — you can use the latest Apple Pencil (2nd generation), which doesn’t work with the entry-level iPad. Conversely, the Mini is not compatible with Apple’s Magic Keyboard for iPad, but it does work with other Bluetooth keyboards.

The Details: 7.69 x 5.31 x 0.25 inches | 0.65 pounds | 64GB, 256GB

Best Durability

Oukitel 10-inch Android Tablet

The frustrating thing about most tablets is the battery runs out quickly (it takes a lot of energy to power such big screens), plus they’re prone to cracking. Enter the Oukitel RT2. This tablet is built to last with a rugged protective case, a back handle grip and an IP68 water and dust-resistance rating which means it can handle being submerged in 5 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. It also has an extremely impressive 20,000 mAh battery which can last for 900 hours on standby or 15 hours of video. The battery is so strong that the tablet can even act as a power bank if your smartphone or smartwatch runs out of juice.

The Oukitel RT2 doesn’t sacrifice other useful features either. It has a 10.1-inch HD screen as well as an excellent rear camera for a tablet at 16MP. Last but certainly not least, this tablet is cheaper than any regularly-priced iPad and most other Android tablets, making it a strong option for any adventurous traveler.

The Details: 10.3 x 7.2 x 0.7 inches | 2.2 pounds | 128GB

Best Features

Apple 11-inch iPad Pro M2 Chip

If you want the very best iPad available for travel, especially if you plan to use it for work on the road, then look no further than the iPad Pro. While it has the same-sized display as the iPad (10th generation), it’s much faster with an Apple M2 chip — so it’s just as fast as the latest MacBook Air. That means you can very reasonably use it as your travel laptop, though you’ll need to get the Magic Keyboard for iPad and potentially the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) stylus if that’s useful for you. The iPad Pro is also ideal for video conferencing as it has a 12MP front-facing camera and can support high-speed gaming. It also allows you to use Apple’s LiDAR (light detection and ranging) feature, which isn’t available on other iPad models.

You can upgrade the iPad Pro to come with cellular data, more storage space, and a larger screen with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio as well as improved Liquid Retina XDR display.

The Details: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 inches | 1.03 pounds | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB

Best Budget

Amazon Fire 7

If you’re not sure if you really need a tablet and just want to try it out, check out the Amazon Fire. We love this tablet for its simplicity: it’s a compact device that allows users to watch movies on Netflix, listen to music on Spotify, and read books with the Kindle app. However, you’ll also be locked into Amazon’s app store, so many iOS and Android apps won’t work. It’s also not the speediest device with just a Quad-core 2.0 GHz processor and 2GB or RAM, and has a small, 7-inch display (though if those are your concerns Amazon sells larger models as well as the quicker Fire Max 11). But for the price and size, it gets the job done on the road.

The Details: 7.52 x 4.53 x 0.42 inches | 0.62 pounds | 16GB