7 Best Gaming Tablets Of 2024

Gaming tablets are more than just screens for entertainment—they also need to balance productivity features and entertainment options to justify their cost, all while delivering top-notch gameplay across various genres. 

This means that the price of these specialized devices can rise quickly, as they often include high-end specs not found in standard tech. 

Nevertheless, many mainstream tablets are well-suited for casual gaming, and their utility continues to improve with the growth of cloud gaming.

Currently, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 stands out as the top gaming tablet, featuring Windows 11 and an RTX graphics card, with the ability to upgrade to an RTX 4090 via an external GPU. 

However, its steep price might be out of reach for many. To address this, we have compiled a selection of our top picks across various prices.

Whether you’ve moved past your gaming phone or need something more versatile than a handheld console, numerous options are available.

The best gaming tablets are now competing with gaming laptops in terms of performance and value.

If you're considering investing in a high-end device, some exciting choices are currently available.

Comprehensive Comparison

If you're having trouble deciding which tablet fits your needs, we provide a comprehensive comparison below.

We've evaluated each gaming tablet across various categories, allowing you to determine which one best meets your requirements. 

The star ratings reflect each model's performance relative to the others featured in this comparison.

For instance, although the Amazon Fire HD 10 offers respectable speed for its price, it remains slower compared to the other tablets reviewed.

	Value	Screen quality	Speed	Game compatibility	Storage
Asus ROG Flow Z13	★★☆☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆
Amazon Fire HD 10	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★☆☆☆☆	★☆☆☆☆
iPad Air	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆
iPad Pro	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	★★★★★

Top 7 Gaming Tablets In 2024

1. Amazon Fire HD 10

If you’re looking for an affordable gaming tablet that can handle your favorite mobile games, web browsing, and streaming, the Amazon Fire HD 10 is an excellent choice.

Design: The Fire HD 10 features a simple design, with a basic black frame and a screen. It has thicker bezels and a plastic build, lacking the premium feel of higher-end models.

However, its low-cost construction effectively serves its purpose without costing a fortune.

Features: The tablet offers a high-quality display that enhances gaming visuals and sufficient internal power for smooth performance in lighter games. It provides great value, especially considering its frequent discounts.

Although the standard retail price is $149.99 for the 32GB model, you can often find it for less during sales.

The speakers produce a somewhat tinny sound, and the touchscreen experience isn’t the most refined, but it’s adequate for budget-conscious gamers.

Performance: The Amazon Fire HD 10 excels in its intended use. Games from Amazon’s Fire selection and streaming via Luna run smoothly with minimal issues.

While switching between apps can be a bit sluggish, it performs well once you're in an app. Pushing the Fire HD 10 beyond casual gaming may result in some stuttering, making it best suited for light gameplay.

Specifications:

• Operating system: Fire OS

• Screen: 10.1 inches, 1920 x 1200

• CPU: Octa-Core 2.0GHz

• Storage: 32GB / 64GB

• Rear camera: 5MP

• Front camera: 5MP

• Weight: 0.95lb (433g)

• Battery: Up to 13 hours

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is the top Android gaming tablet currently available, offering a premium experience.

Design: The Tab S8 Ultra impresses with its design, particularly when browsing the web or watching YouTube videos.

Its large screen minimizes the need for scrolling on longer articles, although it can become somewhat heavy when held vertically.

We found it more comfortable to use horizontally, where it feels more balanced. However, it’s not the most suitable option for one-handed use.

Features: While the Tab S8 Ultra doesn't feature a full OLED display, its black levels are still impressive.

As the most giant tablet screen available, it provides an immersive viewing experience that differentiates it from other devices.

The speakers deliver intense audio, especially with Dolby Atmos enabled. Unlike Apple's separate purchase requirement, the included S Pen enhances productivity with note-taking, and the tablet also supports taskbar app switching for added convenience.

Performance: The tablet maintains a smooth refresh rate for games like Call of Duty Mobile at maximum settings, though Diablo Immortal had some difficulty achieving the same performance.

A mobile controller is recommended for optimal gameplay, especially with more demanding titles.

The expansive 14.6-inch display, while excellent for immersive experiences, can make on-screen controls challenging for complex games.

However, it handles simpler games like Monument Valley effortlessly, providing a sense of immersion unmatched by other tablets on the market.

Specifications:

• Operating system: Android 12

• Screen: 14.6-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz

• CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1

• Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB

• Rear camera: 13MP wide / 6MP ultrawide

• Front camera: 12MP

• Weight: 1.6lbs (726g)

• Battery: Up to 10 hours

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7

While flashier Android and Apple devices are on the market, few offer the same value for money as the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7.

Design: The Tab A7 sports a sleek design with slim bezels, providing a modern look and accommodating a larger screen than the iPad 9th generation.

The tablet is simple yet lightweight, available in dark gray, silver, and gold, and features a durable back panel that feels superior to the plastic build of the Fire HD 10.

Features: Despite its budget-friendly price, the A7 includes several appealing features. It has facial recognition for quicker unlocking, making it hard to live without being accustomed to it.

Additionally, it retains the classic 3.5mm headphone jack and offers a MicroSD card slot to expand its 32GB of internal storage.

With a 2,000 x 1,200 LCD resolution, the screen lags behind more expensive models in brightness and viewing angles.

Nevertheless, it includes quad speakers and Dolby Atmos for a more immersive audio experience.

Performance: Although the Qualcomm SM6115 processor in the Tab A7 isn’t as powerful as those in higher-end devices, it performs well compared to other budget options.

It handles most games easily but may struggle with more demanding applications or running multiple programs simultaneously.

Specifications:

• Operating system: Android

• Screen: 10.4-inch (2000 x 1200)

• CPU: Octa-Core

• Storage: 32GB

• Rear camera: 8MP

• Front camera: 5MP

• Weight: 1.04lbs (476g)

• Battery: Up to 13 hours

4. iPad 10.2 (2021)

You don't need an iPad Pro to enjoy the benefits of Apple tablets. The 2021 iPad 10.2 (9th generation) is a fantastic budget-friendly option that performs exceptionally well.

Design: The 9th generation iPad retains an older Apple design with more pronounced bezels at the top and bottom of the screen, a physical home button with a fingerprint sensor, and a gently curved back.

Despite its more traditional design, it still feels high-quality thanks to its sturdy build and matte finish.

Features: Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, this iPad can handle most games easily and provides all the essential features you need from a daily tablet.

The 10.2-inch Retina display ensures that visuals are clear and vibrant. Although it lacks extensive storage options and has a less impressive front camera, it supports the Apple Pencil, which is excellent for artists and note-takers due to its responsive pressure sensitivity.

Additionally, the iPad 10.2 charges more quickly with its 20W plug than earlier models.

Performance: While the A13 chip may not rival the performance of Apple's M1, it is more than adequate for casual gaming and many larger apps from the App Store.

It may not offer the lightning-fast load times or the expansive color depth of more expensive models like the Air, but it is a reliable choice for everyday tasks such as note-taking, streaming, and gaming.

Specifications:

• Operating system: iPadOS

• Screen: 10.2-inch Retina (2160 x 1620)CPU: A13 Bionic

• Storage: 64GB / 256GB

• Rear camera: 8MP

• Front camera: 1.2MP FaceTime HD

• Weight: 1.07lbs (487g)

• Battery: Up to 10 hours

5. iPad Air

Apple's latest iPad Air strikes a perfect balance in gaming tablets. Priced reasonably for an Apple product and packed with impressive power within a sleek design, it offers everything you'd expect from a mid-range device.

Design: The iPad Air adopts the contemporary design seen in recent iPad models, featuring squared edges, a flat back, and a variety of color options.

This gives it a lightweight and customizable feel. Despite its sleek appearance, the tablet is quite durable—our unit has withstood several drops over the years without issue.

Features: Equipped with the advanced M2 processor, the iPad Air boasts an attractive 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina display that enhances your gaming, movie-watching, and TV-viewing experience.

The absence of a home button provides additional screen space for an immersive experience.

Additionally, the iPad Air supports Apple's keyboard and trackpad, offering similar functionality to the iPad Pro but at a more affordable price.

It’s an ideal option for those seeking high performance without the exorbitant cost of top-tier models, avoiding budget alternatives that may not meet expectations.

Performance: The iPad Air delivers impressive performance, thanks to the M2 processor.

Most major game releases run smoothly, though you might need to lower settings for optimal performance.

It handles high-quality content from the App Store well. Although the display’s refresh rate is lower than the Pro model's, it’s a minor trade-off, given the price difference.

With a robust battery life, a bright and sharp display, and strong speakers, the iPad Air provides a well-rounded experience.

Specifications:

• Operating system: iPad OS

• Screen: 11-inch or 13-inch 2732 x 2048 Liquid Retina display

• CPU: M2

• Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB

• Rear camera: 12MP wide

• Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide

• Weight: 617g

• Battery: Up to 10 hours

6. Asus ROG Flow Z13

The Asus ROG Flow Z13 represents a groundbreaking evolution in gaming tablets.

This hybrid device combines the functionality of a tablet with the performance of an Asus gaming laptop, featuring Intel’s 12th-generation processors and an RTX 3050 Ti graphics card.

Design: The ROG Flow Z13 is notably bulky, making it the heaviest tablet on this list. Given that it houses full PC components, its weight is relatively manageable.

While one-handed use might be impractical, its portability remains impressive. A highlight is the sleek RGB display revealing the internal circuitry, which adds a high-end touch and signals its gaming capabilities.

Features: With Windows 11, the ROG Flow Z13 opens up a vast world of PC gaming, offering access to more games and services than any other tablet in this category.

Its dual functionality as a tablet and laptop is enhanced by a responsive magnetic keyboard and a robust kickstand, making the transition between modes seamless.

Performance: Although the RTX 3050 Ti GPU showed some limitations during testing, it still outperforms many other multipurpose devices.

The tablet is exceptionally well-engineered, featuring an i9-12900H processor, the latest graphics card, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD.

This combination delivers impressive performance without the overheating and noise often associated with slim devices.

While its high price may not justify the cost for everyone and might not replace a laptop for some, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 stands as the most powerful gaming tablet available today.

Specifications:

• Operating system: Windows 11

• Screen: 13.4-inch, 1920 x 1200, 60Hz, 30ms

• CPU: Intel i5-12500H / i7-12700H / i9-12900H

• Storage: 512GB / 1TB

• Rear camera: 8MP

• Front camera: 720P HD

• Weight: 2.6 lbs (1.18kg)

• Battery: Up to 6 hours

7. iPad Pro

The latest iPad Pro is unmatched for the ultimate Apple gaming tablet experience.

Design: The iPad Pro stands out with its stunning design. Its sleek body and expansive Ultra Retina XDR OLED display make it visually impressive.

Like all Apple products, it boasts excellent durability and craftsmanship, though it's wise to use a bumper case to protect those vulnerable corners.

The device also offers a range of sophisticated, understated color options.

Features: Equipped with the mighty Apple M4 processor, the iPad Pro provides exceptional performance.

It includes a trackpad and keyboard for enhanced functionality, and its Ultra Retina display with ProMotion technology makes it one of the top gaming tablets available.

Additionally, the new model features a dual-camera system and lidar sensors, improving augmented reality applications by accurately measuring distances.

Combined with a superb Liquid Retina screen that is ideal for games and videos, FaceID, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil, it represents cutting-edge technology.

Performance: The M4 processor significantly enhances the iPad Pro’s performance, improving game loading times, reducing lag, and optimizing battery management during intensive use.

The 120Hz refresh rate display is particularly beneficial for fast-paced games, delivering smooth gameplay with excellent frame rate synchronization.

Specifications:

• Operating system: iPad OS

• Screen: 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR OLED (2420 x 1668) / 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR OLED (2752 x 2064)

• CPU: Apple M4

• Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB

• Rear camera: 12MP Wide

• Front camera: 12MP Ultra Wide

• Weight: 446g / 582g

• Battery: Up to 10 hours

Key Considerations for Choosing a Gaming Tablet

When selecting a tablet specifically for gaming, there are several key features to consider that might not be as crucial for general use. 

Beyond the types of games the tablet can support, you should also evaluate factors like processing power, WiFi standards, Bluetooth performance, and refresh rates, as these aspects play a more significant role in gaming performance compared to everyday tasks.

• Which Gaming Services Are Supported?

Different tablets operate on varying operating systems, so it's important to verify which games you can download and run on your chosen device. 

Most Apple and Android tablets support cloud gaming services like Xbox and Nvidia, but it's also essential to check their respective app stores.

For instance, while Apple offers a subscription service through Arcade, it does not include Fortnite in its store.

• How Much Power Do I Need?

Recent tablets from brands like Apple and Samsung generally handle games smoothly, whether they're streamed or downloaded.

However, if you're considering an older model, ensure it has adequate RAM and a recent processor to avoid performance issues like lag.

• What Refresh Rate Should I Aim For?

Tablet displays often come with a standard refresh rate, but you can opt for a higher refresh rate, such as 120Hz, for better motion handling.

The iPad Pro, for example, offers a 120Hz variable refresh rate for a premium experience. If you're on a budget, a minimum of 60Hz refresh rate is recommended for a gaming-focused device.

• Do I Plan to Stream Games?

For streaming games via services like Xbox Game Pass or Nvidia, ensure you have a strong internet connection.

This starts with a reliable router and internet plan. Look for tablets equipped with WiFi 6E or even WiFi 7, which offer enhanced performance and future-proofing.

• Will I Use a Wireless Controller?

Most tablets connect wireless controllers via Bluetooth, so choose a device that supports high-bandwidth Bluetooth signals to ensure low latency.

Avoid devices that only support 2.4GHz receivers, as they often have compatibility issues with mobile devices.

FAQs

What Size Tablet Is Ideal for Gaming?

For an optimal gaming experience, it's advisable to choose a tablet with a screen size larger than the smaller 7-inch models commonly found in entry-level devices. A display of at least 10 inches is recommended for those who plan to spend substantial time gaming on their tablet.

How Much RAM Should a Gaming Tablet Have?

Budget-friendly gaming tablets might come with as little as 2GB of RAM. However, for better performance, aim for a minimum of 3GB, with 4GB being preferable. Higher-end models can offer up to 16GB of RAM, but such configurations are typically found in more specialized devices.

Which Budget Tablet Offers the Best Gaming Experience?

Among budget tablets, options like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7, Amazon Fire HD 10, iPad base model, and Lenovo M-series stand out. For an exceptionally affordable gaming tablet, the Amazon Fire HD 10 is a solid choice. Alternatively, if you want better value and also plan to stream or browse the web, the entry-level iPad provides a strong option.