The 5 best tablets for streaming for 2024
Want to watch your favorite TV shows and movies without splurging on a new TV or monitor? A tablet is a great alternative. Finding the perfect tablet for streaming the content you and your family loves doesn't have to be complicated. Plus, if you love diving into videos and live streams, or if you're creating content yourself, there's a tablet out there that's just right for you. The best ones come with snappy processors, crystal-clear screens, and batteries that just keep going.
With options for both iOS or Android users, you'll feel right at home no matter your preference. Plus, they're not just one-trick ponies; with cool add-ons like stylus pens and keyboards available for each, you can switch from play to work mode in a snap. Read on for our picks for these stellar tablets, from iPads to Amazon Fire tablets.
Our top tablets for streaming for 2024
- Best overall tablet for streaming: Apple iPad Pro (6th Generation)
- Best iOS tablet for streaming: Apple iPad (10th Generation)
- Best Android tablet for streaming: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
- Best budget tablet for streaming: Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
- Best kids' tablet for streaming: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids
Apple iPad Pro (6th Generation)
For the best overall tablet for streaming, look no further than the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (6th Generation). This isn't just the cream of the crop for Apple, but a titan in the tablet arena, period. At its core, you've got the speedy M2 processor with an 8-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine that makes watching any kind of media a cinch. Streaming 4K videos, slicing through video edits, or diving into the latest game releases -- this iPad handles it all with ease.
The Liquid Retina XDR screen on this iPad Pro is in a league of its own. It offers 2,732 x 2,048 resolution and a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It boasts an impressive 1,600 nits of peak brightness and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. Whether it's the darkest of darks or the brightest of brights, this display can drastically improve your viewing.
With Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, your streaming sessions will be as smooth as silk. And if you keep a hefty media library, you'll appreciate the option to kit this iPad out with up to 2TB of storage -- plenty of room for all your favorite shows and clips. Plus, with iPadOS 17 in the mix, you're all set to make the most of Apple's latest and greatest software features.
It's true: The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is an investment, but when you consider the jaw-dropping display, its blazing-fast processing power, and the versatility it offers when you're ready to sit down and watch something alone or with friends, it's a top-tier choice for anyone serious about streaming.
Apple iPad (10th Generation)
The iPad (10th Generation) is a standout choice for iOS fans looking to stream. Its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is a real treat for the eyes, with a vivid and sharp 2,360 x 1,640 resolution. Wi-Fi 6 compatibility means your internet connection stays fast and reliable, so you can say goodbye to buffering interruptions and hello to more viewing time.
If you like to keep plenty of apps and content handy, the base model's 64GB of storage is a good start, but the option to jump to 256GB is there if you need more room.
With a battery life up to 10 hours, your day is covered from morning to night on a single charge. The A14 Bionic chip keeps everything running buttery smooth, and with the latest iPadOS on board, you're all set for a seamless user experience. It's also ready to go from the moment you unbox it, thanks to a suite of pre-installed apps.
With its blend of features, performance, and a tempting discount, the iPad (10th Generation) is a solid pick for anyone looking to do more streaming. Plus, it comes in fun colors, so you can personalize your new tablet to make it feel more like yours.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
If you're on the hunt for a premium Android tablet for streaming, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra should be on your radar. It's the analogue to the iPad Pro in several ways, and more than capable of serving up hours of entertainment with a comfortable viewing angle and stellar performance.
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra comes packed with a hefty 16GB of RAM and a spacious 1TB of internal storage. That's a dream setup for streaming aficionados and multi-taskers alike, plus it can handle gaming and other tasks as needed.
The tablet's 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display is a feast for the eyes, delivering sharp and vibrant images that can elevate any video to a cinematic experience. And with the power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, expect smooth sailing across all your apps and media.
This sleek, high-performance tablet's stunning display, great sound, and powerful processor secure its spot as a top recommendation for the best streaming tablets on the market for Android users.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
The Tab A8 from 2022 could be just the ticket if you're searching for an affordable tablet that doesn't skimp on screen real estate.
It boasts a 10.5-inch display with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels, offering a decent visual experience for its price range. The built-in storage is modest at 32GB, but Samsung has you covered with a microSD slot, allowing you to expand the storage up to a whopping 1TB.
This tablet has an entry-level processor and display, which makes it an ideal candidate for a child's first tablet. To make it childproof, consider grabbing a sturdy, kid-friendly case to safeguard it against the inevitable tumbles and rough handling it might encounter. Plus, the Tab A8 is compatible with Samsung Kids, a service that provides a range of age-appropriate content like games, e-books, and videos.
Out of the box, the tablet runs on Android 11 and comes with a variety of preinstalled apps to get you started. It's powered by a MediaTek Cortex A53 processor, which should handle basic tasks and media consumption with ease.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids
For parents on the prowl for a child-appropriate tablet for streaming, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids edition is a prime pick, if you'll pardon our pun. It's a hit with both kids and adults, striking a balance between fun and controlled content.
A key perk of this tablet is the one-year Amazon Kids+ subscription it comes with. This service is a treasure trove of kid-friendly content, spanning across games, e-books, videos and tunes, all suitable for children.
The hardware includes an 8-inch touchscreen display with 32GB of storage. And with a 13-hour battery life, the tablet is up for a full day of discovery and play. Need more space? You have the option to upgrade storage up to 1TB with a microSD card.
What's more, the Fire HD 8 Kids is armored in a sturdy case designed to take on the daily adventures of childhood. And for an extra layer of reassurance, Amazon offers a two-year "worry-free guarantee."
This is the perfect tablet to give kids a safe and sturdy option to watch their favorite shows.
10 things to consider when buying a tablet for streaming
While shopping for a new tablet to stream your favorite content on, you'll want to zero in on several key details to make sure your new device meets your needs. Here's a rundown of what to keep an eye out for:
1. Display quality: A crisp, high-res screen can make all the difference. Aim for a tablet with a high PPI (pixels per inch) for that sharp image quality that'll make your videos pop.
2. Screen size: Bigger isn't always better, but it can be when it comes to enjoying movies or shows. Just remember that a larger screen might mean less convenience when you're on the move.
3. Processor and RAM: No one likes buffering or waiting for their content to load. A zippy processor and plenty of RAM mean you'll spend less time waiting and more time watching.
4. Battery life: There's nothing worse than a dead tablet halfway through your favorite show. Look for a device that promises enough battery life to get you through your binge-watching sessions.
5. Sound quality: Built-in speakers that deliver clear audio can enhance your streaming experience. If you're an audiophile, also consider how your tablet pairs with top-notch headphones or external speakers.
6. Storage capacity: Downloads eat up space quickly. If you're planning to save videos for offline viewing, opt for a tablet that has enough storage or the option to expand it.
7. Operating system: Whether you're team iOS or Android, make sure the tablet's OS is compatible with the streaming apps you can't live without.
8. Connectivity: A solid Wi-Fi connection is crucial for streaming. If you're frequently out and about, cellular connectivity can be a game-changer.
9. Build quality and durability: Durability matters, especially if you're carting your tablet everywhere. A sturdy build can save you from heartache down the line.
10. Price and value for money: Finally, weigh your tablet's specs against the price tag. It's all about finding that sweet spot where cost meets quality.
