If you need a tablet primarily for streaming, you’ve come to the right place!
After thorough testing of several key factors, I concluded that the Apple iPad Pro offers the best performance for your investment.
To view the other products I selected for my test, scroll down, and you’ll know precisely where to invest your money in the best tablets for streaming.
QUICK OVERVIEW: Best Tablet for Streaming
Top Choice Apple iPad Pro
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Microsoft Surface Pro 7
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Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
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Table of Contents
Best Tablet for Streaming
Reviews
Streaming on Twitch, particularly game streaming, can feel somewhat overwhelming.
When you watch your favorite streamers and their setups are discussed, it may give you the false impression that you need an expensive and elaborate setup to stream.
However, that is not entirely accurate.
If the type of content you want to stream doesn’t strictly require a PC, a tablet can be an excellent choice.
Especially if you know you will need a portable device for your streams.
Here are my top recommendations for you!
1. Apple iPad Pro
The best overall streaming tablet
Stefan’s Take:
Apple iPads have many benefits to them, and they have been considered the industry standard for a long time.
Apple iPad Pro has all the specifications professional streamers look for in a device. There is an awesome front camera, battery life is great (you can go streaming for hours), and a built-in chip will start any game you like. Also, Apple did a solid job of preventing overheating of its iPad, so that is a big plus.
Performance | 9.4 |
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Camera | 9.3 |
Screen | 9.1 |
Battery Life | 9.5 |
The 4th generation Apple iPad Air features a stunning liquid retina display, with the Air model boasting a 10.9-inch screen.
If you want a larger screen while remaining loyal to the Apple iPad, consider the Apple iPad Pro. Although it is significantly more expensive, the larger screen may not be the primary focus for streaming.
As with all Apple products, there are various colors available to choose from if that is important to you. Personally, I prefer the black and silver options.
However, to return to the truly important details, this Apple iPad Air features a 12MP rear camera and, even more importantly, a 7MP front camera that performs exceptionally well for streaming.
It features an A14 Bionic chip with a Neural Engine, designed to greatly enhance the AI performance of your device.
To be technically more precise, this bionic chip enables the Apple iPad to perform 11 trillion operations per second, allowing it to run everything necessary during a stream.
Lastly, let’s discuss the battery life.
Binge-watching an entire season of a Netflix series, reading an e-book during a long trip, and, of course, playing many rounds of the Plague game (which I haven’t opened in quite some time; I wonder why that is).
If you use the Apple iPad continuously while watching videos and browsing the Internet, the battery life lasts approximately 10 hours, and it may extend even longer if the brightness is set to the minimum.
This is a crucial feature to consider when selecting a tablet for streaming, and it truly is the aspect that makes this product worthwhile.
A gadget you might consider if you choose this option is the Apple Pencil. While it isn’t a priority, it is a great and very helpful addition.
One downside of the Apple Pencil is that it is sold separately, regardless of whether you purchase this model or the Apple iPad Pro. However, I suppose we all anticipated this from Apple.
Pros
- Extremely long battery life
- Sturdy and hard case
- Good front and back cameras
- High-resolution display with True Tone and P3 wide color
Cons
- On the more expensive side
2. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Best Gaming Laptop
Stefan’s Take:
If you are a fan of Microsoft surface products, then this device can be a great option for you. It’s still on the pricier side, but if you like what you see when it comes to its features, then a Windows tablet might be the thing for you.
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 has many useful abilities, so besides streaming, you can use it for things that require typing, drawing, working, and obviously, playing games.
Performance | 9.2 |
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Camera | 9.1 |
Screen | 9.3 |
Battery Life | 9.3 |
It is likely expected from a Microsoft tablet that it incorporates laptop features in a tablet format.
The device is equipped with a 10th Generation Intel Core processor, which makes it over twice as fast as the previous model, the Surface Pro 6.
The display is a high-resolution PixelSense model, featuring excellent automatic brightness settings.
It automatically detects ambient light, adjusting to lighting conditions without requiring much effort from you.
One of the main benefits for streaming is that this tablet offers multiple connection options—it features both a USB-C port and a USB-A port, allowing you to easily connect various types of monitors and all the devices you need while streaming.
Another great feature of this tablet, which you should consider if you need to take it with you on the go, is its slim and lightweight design—it weighs only 1.70 lbs.
Additionally, the battery life is excellent.
I wouldn’t even mention this if it weren’t true, but to be specific, this excellent tablet has a battery life of up to 10 hours, depending, of course, on your activities—whether you’re binge-watching a web series, browsing the internet, or doing something else.
However, the 10-hour mark refers to keeping the big screen on continuously, which is essential for streaming and gaming. After playing for 5 hours straight, the battery remained at 60 percent, which impressed me.
Finally, this tablet supports fast charging, allowing it to reach 80% in approximately one hour.
The operating system is something very familiar to most of us: Windows 10 Home. Therefore, using this tablet will be quite easy.
Pros
- Large screen
- Familiar operating system
- Multiple types of connectors
- Has a micro card reader
Cons
- The surface pen often fails to connect
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
Tablet with the finest display
Stefan’s Take:
Android tablets are a logical next step if you’re already an avid Android operating system user and enjoy phones with Android, even more, if you’ve been loyal to Samsung Galaxy phones over the years, the Samsung Galaxy Tab can be great for you.
Android tablets are famous for their versatility, and this one isn’t an exception. Samsung made an incredible streaming tablet with a big, nice screen with excellent resolution and a satisfying battery. Just what you need for streaming.
Performance | 9.0 |
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Camera | 8.5 |
Screen | 9.4 |
Battery Life | 8.8 |
If you appreciate a larger, high-quality screen and are a fan of Android tablets, you’ll be pleased to know that this one features a 12.4-inch display.
Like the Apple iPad Air and the Apple iPad Pro, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is available in a wide range of colors for you to choose from.
Another impressive addition that caught my attention is the S Pen.
The S Pen simplifies navigation on your Samsung Galaxy Tab, making it easy to write and draw.
If you upload VODs to a YouTube channel, or if you manage a channel in addition to your streaming one, having a setup like that will simplify the editing process significantly.
The operating system included is Android 11.0. For storage, you can choose between a 64GB and a 256GB version, both of which are expandable. So, if you have a lot of items to store, there’s no need to worry.
The large screen also features an impressive resolution of 2560×1600 pixels.
The battery life is quite satisfactory, with a capacity of 10,090 mAh.
In my opinion, this is the best Android tablet currently available.
Only a few features set it apart from the Apple iPad Air and the Apple iPad Pro, but the price is significantly better.
Pros
- Big screen
- Great screen resolution
- Great price-point
- Up-to-date Android OS
- Very good battery life
Cons
- On Samsung devices, Android becomes outdated after 1.5 years
4. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S7+ Plus
Tablet with the finest sound
Stefan’s Take:
Having PC-like performance is what you will want to have for a task like live streaming, so tablets like Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ Plus are the best tablets you can get.
The biggest selling point of this tablet is its excellent sound system. If you don’t mind the sound being on full blast, you will have a great experience watching movies online or playing games.
Performance | 9.2 |
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Camera | 8.4 |
Screen | 8.8 |
Battery Life | 8.6 |
Similar to the earlier, more budget-friendly Samsung Galaxy Tab, this model features an impressive screen size of 12.4 inches.
This device comes with Android 10 as its operating system, but it remains fully updated regarding the availability of Google apps.
This Samsung Galaxy Tab promises PC-like performance, meaning it is compatible with an optional keyboard that includes an expanded trackpad.
The keyboard is, of course, sold separately. However, if you need it, it’s reassuring to know that the option is available, and it’s a good one at that.
This option is also excellent for entertainment, as it features an edge-to-edge LCD display.
Additionally, the sound quality is excellent because this tablet features AKG quad speakers and Dolby Atmos Surround sound. You wouldn’t believe how impressive some games sound.
Unlike the keyboard, the S Pen is included with the purchase of this Samsung Galaxy Tab, making it more accessible for you to make the necessary edits.
Having a pen for your tablet generally makes your life much easier, so I truly appreciate that it is included with this one.
Oh, are you perhaps a console player?
Do you want to stream the games you play on a console?
I have the best news for you!
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ can connect to Bluetooth-enabled controllers, and when paired with its impressive sound quality, it becomes an excellent choice for gaming and streaming.
Additionally, watching movies online during breaks.
The display resolution is excellent at 2560×1600 TFT, ensuring that the larger screen size does not compromise quality.
The available internal memory depends on the version you choose to purchase; you can select tablets with 128, 256, or 512GB of storage space.
Similarly, with RAM, you can choose between 6GB and 8GB, depending on your needs and budget.
However, I would generally choose a larger RAM for streaming whenever it is feasible to do so.
The internal memory is expandable, so if you can’t purchase the 512GB option right now, there’s no need to worry; you can upgrade it later with a MicroSD card of up to 1TB.
The processor is an Octa-Core that performs and multitasks effectively, so this should not be a concern with this model of the Samsung Galaxy Tab.
It is also very slim and lightweight, weighing just 1.1 lbs.
Pros
- Amazing sound system
- Can connect with Bluetooth controllers
- The Pen comes with the tablet
- Great design
- Great replacement for a laptop or PC
Cons
- You can’t turn vibrations off, only put the device on silent mode
5. VASTKING KingPad K10
Best Affordable Tablet for Streaming
Stefan’s Take:
If you are in search of a highly inexpensive tablet, it will be a good idea to look into this one.
The low price comes with some downside, however, the things that do come with it make it worth the purchase, so if you’re only at the start of your streaming career, or your streams aren’t high maintenance, then this is something you should consider.
Performance | 8.0 |
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Camera | 8.2 |
Screen | 8.5 |
Battery Life | 8.6 |
The primary drawback is the RAM, which is limited to only 3GB.
Generally, this wouldn’t pose much of a problem for a tablet; however, streaming requires sufficient RAM to efficiently handle all the open tasks.
If your streams do not involve gaming on the tablet itself, then it is likely to function effectively.
It will likely work even if you do, but it’s uncertain how quickly and smoothly everything will proceed.
The CPU is impressive, featuring an Octa-core design that supports frequencies of up to 1.8GHz.
When it comes to watching videos and streams, it can display them in 4K.
The screen measures 10 inches, which is smaller than average, but many people, myself included, find tablets of this size to be just right.
The display is a full HD screen with a resolution of 1920×1200, which is excellent for a tablet of this size.
The screen is also curved, making it as comfortable to watch as it is to stream.
This tablet is equipped with the latest features for extended screen time and screen exposure, including an Eye Comfort mode.
Battery life is average, featuring a 6000 mAh battery that should last for a few hours of streaming. However, I recommend staying near an outlet to plug in the charger or having a power bank on hand at all times if you plan to stream outdoors.
Like most tablets today, this one can easily connect to a keyboard, allowing you to use it as a laptop when necessary—whether you’re playing a game that requires keyboard commands or need to interact with your chat more conveniently.
It features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing any wireless accessories to connect easily.
The rear camera features 13MP, while the front camera has 5MP, which is essentially the standard you can expect from most lower-priced Android devices.
The OS is Android 10, which is quite current and should not cause you any issues.
The storage is not the largest at 32GB; however, you can easily upgrade it with a MicroSD card of up to 512GB.
This device features a Type-C cable, allowing you to connect it to most modern devices.
Pros
- Very low price
- Overly good quality despite the low price
- Bluetooth connection
- Able to work well with a keyboard
Cons
- Only 3GB RAM
6. Microsoft Surface Go 2
Best Budget Tablet for Streaming
Stefan’s Take:
If you like what Microsoft tablets offer but are looking for something that won’t break the bank, this one might be the one for you.
If having a mobile device with a big screen is not what you need, this is probably the best tablet you can get that has a good price-to-quality ratio.
Performance | 8.8 |
---|---|
Camera | 8.4 |
Screen | 8.5 |
Battery Life | 8.7 |
This Microsoft tablet features a 10.5-inch screen, which is an excellent, and arguably the ideal, size for a tablet, in my humble opinion.
Clearly, this is compatible with Windows 10 Home, so everything should be quite familiar and easy for you to use.
The battery life appears to be good, lasting up to 10 hours.
Just as you would expect from a PC-like tablet, this one easily connects to a keyboard.
Speaking of things you can connect to it, this tablet features a headphone jack (which is a valuable addition these days) and a USB-C port.
Both the front and rear cameras are full HD, ensuring that your streams are clear and sharp.
An update for Windows 11 is free, so if you wish to pursue that option, it will be available at no cost.
One significant benefit of this device is that it is made with the Climate Pledge Friendly certification, indicating that it is moving in the right direction in that regard.
This tablet is equipped with the Intel Pentium Gold processor.
Regarding internal memory, you can select either 4GB or 8GB of RAM, and the storage options are 64GB or 128GB.
The screen resolution is 1920×1280 pixels, providing a satisfactory picture.
Pros
- The Climate Pledge Friendly certification
- Good pricing
- A headphone jack is included
- Very user-friendly
Cons
- Speakers sometimes pop
What to Look for When Buying a Tablet for Streaming
RAM and Processor
Since streaming on Twitch requires multiple tasks to run on your device simultaneously, you should definitely consider the RAM and processor specifications.
The minimum RAM required on a tablet for streaming should be at least 2GB, and the processor should operate at a minimum speed of 1.5GHz.
Software Encoder
Another important consideration is that you will need a software encoder on your tablet to easily convert your video and audio content into a live stream.
To switch screens during the stream and manage other activities, you’ll need a stream deck. Be sure to verify that the specific model you are considering can connect to one.
Screen Size
Given the various tasks that arise during streaming, it is advisable to choose tablets with larger screen sizes.
However, if gaming is not the primary type of content you stream, a 10-inch tablet could be perfectly suitable for you.
Battery Life
Certainly, battery life is extremely important.
It is anticipated that the battery will deplete much faster during streaming; however, ensure that it lasts for at least 5 hours under these conditions.
Most high-end tablets typically offer a battery life of around 10 hours. Therefore, if you choose an Apple or Samsung product, you can expect excellent battery performance for an extended period.
Internal Memory
You should avoid tablets that have only 16GB of storage.
An affordable tablet may be appealing, but it often comes with the drawback of limited storage space.
Display
Finally, an HD display will likely be beneficial for you as the individual who watches all the material during filming.
Ensure that the resolution is high, so you don’t end up with a large screen that lacks quality graphics.
FAQ
What are good streaming tablets?
As with the best tablets for any other purpose, when it comes to streaming, some of the best tablets are the ones from the industry’s leading companies. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eIf you use Apple products religiously, getting some of the newest iPad models can be a perfectly good choice. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eI’d say look into the 4th generation iPad Air, especially because the size of the screen might not be the most important thing for your streams. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eIf you don’t like Apple and you’re more of an Android fan, depending on your budget, the best ones that you can choose from are the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ if money is not an issue, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE if you would like to go the more affordable route. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eHowever, if you are used to doing streams on Windows, and you prefer the desktop version of Twitch compared to the app, then go for the Microsoft Surface Pro 7. u003cbru003eu003cbru003ePersonally, I am a Samsung fan so I would most likely purchase that.
Are tablets good for live streaming?
Mainly yes, but this also depends on the type of content you plan to stream. If you want to stream games that are primarily meant for PC, then you will obviously need to do that from a PC or a laptop. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eBut, if your content isn’t fully about gaming, then a tablet can be a great option for you. You won’t have a tablet that’s just for streaming, you will have a multi-purpose tablet that could be useful to you in many different ways like most portable devices are. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThis also means that you could easily stream from anywhere, not just from your room.
Conclusion
As with the best tablets for any other purpose, the top tablets for streaming are those from the industry’s leading companies.
Therefore, the final conclusion of my test is to choose the following tablets.
Whichever tablet you select for streaming, rest assured that they perform well for streaming on Twitch, provided that its operating system supports the Twitch app—which most tablets do.