For gamers on the go, certain situations call for a stealthier device than a handheld game console. You might not feel comfortable whipping a Switch 2 out of your bag on the train ride to work. That is where a gaming tablet comes in. These devices are sleek, fit into your backpack, and don’t require any external controllers. They are perfect for quick gaming breaks during your day, with the power and versatility to serve as your main travel entertainment device. These are the best gaming tablets on the market right now.
Best Gaming Tablet Overall: RedMagic Astra
The RedMagic Astra is a truly premium gaming tablet that might be overkill for a more casual gaming audience, but it dominates in terms of performance.
What makes the Astra so powerful
The Astra consistently ran Call of Duty: Mobile and Genshin Impact at 120 frames per second during tests. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor is complemented by RedMagic’s in-house RedCore R3 Pro gaming chip to maintain peak performance across the most demanding mobile games.
Display and battery life
- 9.1-inch OLED display with 2,400×1,504-pixel resolution
- 165Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth gameplay
- 8,200 mAh battery provides enough game time to last an entire work day
Pros and cons at a glance
The Astra can run the most intensive mobile games at high FPS, and the high-resolution OLED display renders games wonderfully. However, RedMagic does not support its products with long-term security or platform updates, which is an implicit ding against the Astra as a multipurpose device. It is also the least portable gaming tablet reviewed due to its wide 9.1-inch display.
Pricing and who it’s for
With a base configuration priced at $499 and the most premium configuration at $849, the RedMagic Astra is best for the hardcore gamer who cares about technical specs and performance above all else. If you are worried about your device’s security or want a device good for gaming but able to handle other tasks, you might want to look into the iPad Mini instead.
Best Midsize Tablet: Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3
Lenovo packed some seriously powerful gaming specs into a sleek, 8.8-inch design with its Legion Tab Gen 3. This is a great “middle of the road” gaming tablet.
Solid performance at a lower price point
Outfitted with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and a 6,550-mAh battery, this gaming tablet provides solid performance and respectable battery life. The 8.8-inch design offers a good mix between portability and screen size.
Unique dual USB-C ports
One of the best quality-of-life features on this gaming tablet is that it actually has two USB-C ports integrated into its chassis. A USB 2.0 port on the left side supports 65-watt chargers, and a USB 3.0 port at the bottom lets you plug into an external display. It is a real boon to have such a portable device with the capability to connect to a larger monitor.
LCD screen and pricing
The 2,560×1,600-pixel resolution LCD screen with a 165Hz refresh rate will make your games look great, though it isn’t as good as what the RedMagic Astra offers. The base configuration is priced at $550, which is a solid price point for a dedicated gaming tablet.
Who it’s best for
If you are a hardcore gamer but the RedMagic Astra is unavailable in your market or you are turned off by its lack of commitment to OS security updates, the Legion Tab Gen 3 is the next best thing. It is also an extremely portable device. If you are looking for the best-performing gaming tablet on the market, though, you could stand to do better than this model.
Best iPad For Gaming: Apple iPad Mini
The iPad Mini isn’t a perfect gaming device, and it is not trying to be. This roughly 8-inch tablet won’t be what you reach for if you are looking to take your latest indie game obsession on the go, but it is a multipurpose machine that still supports some of the best games out right now.
A17 Pro chip and multitasking capabilities
Apple’s tiny tablet is powered by the company’s A17 Pro chip, giving it similar processing power to an iPhone 15 Pro. The iPad Mini allows easy multitasking between work and games. You will be able to switch between applications quickly and easily without seeing throttled performance.
Portability and Apple Pencil support
- Its 8-inch width makes it one of the most portable tablets available
- Pencil Pro connectivity is great for artists and writers
- Apple Arcade offers a great curated collection of premium mobile games
Pros and cons
The iPad Mini is the best choice for multitasking and non-gaming apps. However, it is just as expensive as the RedMagic Astra, with lower gaming performance. iPadOS is also less flexible than Android-based devices.
Who it’s best for
If you are a student or an artist who enjoys gaming, the iPad Mini will serve a dual purpose for you. This is a workhorse tablet that can also deliver your favorite mobile games with a high level of performance on an 8-inch display. If you are already deeply connected to Apple’s ecosystem of products, it probably makes sense for you to buy an iPad Mini, as you can port over your App Store games and Apple Arcade subscription and pick up from wherever you left off.
Pricing and final verdict
At a normal retail price of $499, the iPad Mini isn’t a cheap choice. But if you are looking for a tablet that can help you juggle creative projects, work and other personal browsing in addition to gaming, the iPad Mini is the right choice for you. Hardcore gamers looking for a gaming-only tablet should skip this one and opt for the RedMagic Astra or Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 instead.
How We Test The Best Gaming Tablets
Gaming tablets are just one of many ways to play games on the go, and different devices serve different purposes. CNET looks at tablets as the multipurpose devices that they are.
Key testing criteria
- Portability, battery life and display resolution
- Built-in cameras and overall build quality
- Performance, price and gaming libraries
Tablets provide fun, quick gaming experiences without trying to emulate larger, bulkier and often more powerful devices. The goal is to compare them against one another on their own merits.
Gaming Tablets FAQs
What kind of games can I play on my tablet?
You can play a wide range of games on a gaming tablet, from casual mobile titles like Vampire Survivors and Balatro to demanding AAA games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile. The exact performance depends on your tablet’s processor and graphics capabilities.
Why should I choose a gaming tablet over a handheld console?
A gaming tablet offers more versatility than a dedicated handheld console. When game time is over, the device can let you do other things like answer emails, work on spreadsheets, sketch and draw, and more, all on a display that is bigger than your phone’s but smaller than your laptop’s.
