In recent years, using a tablet as a second monitor has become increasingly popular. With the rise of remote work and flexible working arrangements, having an additional screen to work on can significantly increase productivity and efficiency. However, not all tablets are created equal, and choosing the best one to use as a second monitor can be daunting. Factors to consider include screen size, resolution, connectivity options, and compatibility with your existing setup. In this article, we will explore some of the top best tablets to use as a second monitor and highlight their features to help you make an informed decision.
Top 5 Best Tablets To Use As A Second Monitor
We evaluate the top 5 tablets suitable for use as a second monitor, considering their screen size, resolution, connectivity options, and other relevant features.
1. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A8
The SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A8 10.5″ 32GB Android Tablet is a mid-range tablet that balances performance, portability, and affordability. Its 10.5-inch LCD screen is sharp and vibrant, making it suitable for watching videos, browsing the web, or reading documents.
This tablet is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor and comes with 3GB of RAM, sufficient for most tasks such as running multiple apps and playing casual games. The battery life is impressive, with up to 14 hours of video playback on a single charge, making it ideal for on-the-go usage.
One of the standout features of the SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A8 is the dedicated Kids mode, which offers age-appropriate content and parental controls to help keep children safe and entertained.
This tablet also comes with Samsung Smart Switch, making it easy to transfer data and settings from an old device. The 32GB of storage is adequate for most users, but it can be expanded up to 400GB using a microSD card.
There are a few drawbacks to the SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A8. The tablet only has a single speaker, which can result in subpar audio quality. Additionally, the tablet’s performance may need to improve when running intensive applications such as high-end games or video editing software.
Finally, the tablet’s design is relatively basic and needs higher-end models’ premium look and feel. Overall, the SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A8 10.5″ 32GB Android Tablet is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable and versatile tablet with good performance and a long-lasting battery.
Its Kids mode and expandable memory make it an excellent option for families, while its portability and durability make it suitable for students or professionals on the go.
2. All-new Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet
The All-new Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet is the latest model released in 2022, and it boasts several upgrades over its predecessor. The tablet features an 8-inch HD display that is bright and sharp, making it ideal for streaming movies and TV shows from Prime Video.
The tablet comes with 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 1TB using a microSD card, providing ample space for storing books, music, and other media.
The updated processor in the All-new Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet offers improved performance, allowing for smoother multitasking and faster app launches.
This makes the tablet an excellent choice for reading Kindle books, listening to Audible audiobooks, or browsing the web. The tablet also has a long battery life of up to 12 hours, so you can use it throughout the day without worrying about running out of power.
One of the standout features of the All-new Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet is the absence of lock screen ads, which can be distracting and annoying. The tablet also has a front-facing camera for video calling and a rear-facing camera for taking photos and videos.
The tablet also supports hands-free Alexa, allowing you to control your smart home devices and access information using just your voice.
There are a few drawbacks to the All-new Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet. The tablet’s speakers are average, so use headphones for better sound quality. The tablet’s design is more sleek and modern than some higher-end tablets. Finally, while the tablet runs on Android, it uses Amazon’s Fire OS, which means it may not be compatible with some Android apps.
Overall, the All-new Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable and versatile tablet with good performance and plenty of storage space. Its long battery life, front and rear-facing cameras, and hands-free Alexa make it an excellent entertainment, communication, and productivity option.
3. Apple 2022 11-inch iPad Pro
The Apple 2022 11-inch iPad Pro is the latest iteration of the iPad Pro lineup, and it comes packed with features and power. The tablet features a stunning 11-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a high refresh rate of 120Hz, making it ideal for viewing photos, watching movies, or playing games.
The tablet is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, which delivers desktop-class performance and allows seamless multitasking and app switching. The 128GB of internal storage provides ample space for storing photos, videos, and other media, while the iPadOS operating system offers a smooth and intuitive user experience.
The tablet also features a powerful 12MP wide camera and a 10MP ultra-wide camera, which allows you to capture stunning photos and videos. One of the standout features of the Apple 2022 11-inch iPad Pro is its compatibility with the Apple Pencil 2 and the Magic Keyboard.
The Apple Pencil 2 allows for precise and natural drawing, while the Magic Keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience and turns the iPad Pro into a laptop-like device.
A few things could be improved for the Apple 2022 11-inch iPad Pro. The tablet is relatively expensive compared to others on the market, and some may find the price prohibitive.
Additionally, the tablet’s battery life could be better, and you may need to recharge it frequently if you use it heavily throughout the day. Finally, the tablet’s design is relatively unchanged from previous models, so it may feel like a minor upgrade for those who already own an iPad Pro.
Overall, the Apple 2022 11-inch iPad Pro is an excellent choice for those seeking a powerful and versatile tablet that can handle productivity and entertainment. Its high-quality display, powerful processor, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard make it an ideal choice for creatives and professionals.
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ is a top-of-the-line Android tablet offering various features and capabilities. Its standout feature is its 12.4-inch large AMOLED display, which offers stunning visuals and vibrant colors, making it ideal for streaming movies, playing games, or browsing the web.
The tablet has 256GB internal storage and enough space to store your photos, videos, and other files. The tablet is powered by Wi-Fi 6E, allowing faster internet speeds and more reliable connections.
This tablet also has an ultra-wide camera, which offers a wider field of view, making it ideal for capturing group photos or landscapes. Also comes with an S Pen, allowing precise and natural drawing and handwriting.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ has a long-lasting battery, lasting up to 14 hours on a single charge, depending on usage. Performance is also impressive, thanks to its octa-core processor and 8GB of RAM, which allow for smooth multitasking and fast app launches.
There are a few drawbacks to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+. The tablet is relatively expensive compared to others on the market, and some may find the price prohibitive.
The tablet’s design is more sleek and modern than some higher-end tablets, and its pink-gold color may appeal to some. Finally, the tablet’s size and weight may make it less portable than smaller tablets.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-end Android tablet with a large and beautiful display, powerful performance, and plenty of storage space. Its long battery life, ultra-wide camera, and included S Pen make it an ideal choice for creatives and professionals.
5. Microsoft Surface Pro X LTE
The Microsoft Surface Pro X LTE is a powerful and sleek tablet ideal for professionals needing a portable and versatile device. Its standout feature is its 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen, which offers stunning visuals and crisp details.
The tablet is powered by an SQ 2 processor and 16GB of RAM, allowing smooth multitasking and fast app launches. It also has a solid-state drive storage of 512GB, providing ample space for storing documents, photos, and videos.
One of the unique features of the Microsoft Surface Pro X LTE is its built-in LTE connectivity, allowing you to stay connected even when Wi-Fi is unavailable. This makes it ideal for business travelers who need to stay connected on the go. The tablet also comes with Windows 10 Pro, which provides enterprise-level security and management features.
Another advantage of the Microsoft Surface Pro X LTE is its slim and lightweight design, which makes it easy to carry around. The tablet also has a long battery life, lasting up to 15 hours on a single charge, which is excellent for working on the go.
However, there are a few drawbacks to the Microsoft Surface Pro X LTE. The tablet is relatively expensive, making it less accessible for those on a budget. Some users may also find the need for a USB-C port or headphone jack to be more convenient. Finally, while the tablet is compatible with Microsoft’s Surface Pen, it is sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
Overall, the Microsoft Surface Pro X LTE is an excellent choice for professionals needing a powerful and versatile device with LTE connectivity and long battery life. Its slim and lightweight design, large and beautiful display, and solid performance make it an ideal choice for those who need a reliable device for work or personal use.
Buyer Guide For The Best Tablet To Use As A Second Monitor:
When looking for the best tablet to use as a second monitor, there are several factors to consider:
Screen Size And Resolution:
The size and resolution of the tablet’s screen are essential factors to consider. A larger, high-resolution screen will provide a better viewing experience and make multitasking easier.
Connectivity:
The tablet must have the necessary connectivity options to connect to your computer. Look for a tablet that supports USB-C or HDMI connectivity or can connect wirelessly via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Compatibility:
Make sure the tablet is compatible with your computer’s operating system. Most tablets are compatible with both Windows and Mac, but it’s important to double-check before making a purchase.
Portability:
Suppose you plan to use the tablet as a second monitor while on the go; portability is crucial. Look for a tablet that is lightweight and easy to carry.
Price:
The cost of the tablet is an important consideration, and it’s important to balance cost with the features you need.
Conclusion:
Choosing the best tablet for a second monitor depends on your specific needs and preferences. The best tablets for this purpose include the Apple iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+, and Microsoft Surface Pro X LTE.
The Apple iPad Pro is a high-end tablet with a large, high-resolution screen and powerful hardware. It’s an excellent choice for professionals who need a versatile and powerful device.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ is another excellent option, with a large AMOLED screen, long battery life, and an included S Pen for easy note-taking.
Finally, the Microsoft Surface Pro X LTE offers built-in connectivity and a slim and lightweight design, making it an excellent choice for professionals who need to work on the go.
Overall, any of these tablets would make a great second monitor, providing a high-quality viewing experience and the necessary connectivity options for multitasking.
