Best budget tablet for office work

Best budget tablet for office work

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

This is an increasingly mobile world, and many companies are turning to the tablet to satisfy their business needs. Tablets have responded with enterprise-level apps and the power to allow companies to keep their employees mobile and still very productive. There are many options, so we’ve put together a list of the best tablets for business around (for yourself or even your employees) to get the job done.

What to look for in a business tablet?

Best budget tablet for office work

Harley Maranan / Android Authority

Business users have to stay productive, mobile, and look good at the same time. The tablet market has taken a tumble in the past few years, but there are still excellent options for those who want to take their business anywhere they want.

Of course, the best tablets for business must have a distinct look. You can’t be rocking around a device with flashy looks or gaming aesthetics. Business users tend to like sleek designs made of metal or very underproduced plastic.

Also read: The best business apps you should get

Meetings and business trips can take place anywhere, so you need a special level of mobility. This is why we believe tablets are great options, even if they usually have lesser quality keyboards. That said, we’ve included convertible options to this list, as these come with full laptop keyboards. All that said, some of these devices are more portable than others, just in case you prioritize that.

Additionally, the best business tablets shouldn’t leave you waiting around. You might not need enough performance to render videos or games, but the device must be powerful enough to process multiple apps simultaneously without a hiccup.

The best tablets for business

  • The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is the ultimate Windows tablet. It comes with capable specs, a gorgeous design, and can tackle any task you throw at it.
  • The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is a super powerful Android tablet for those who want to make the most out of robust mobile apps.
  • The Apple iPad Pro is a mobile device first, but it’s very powerful and has access to many professional apps.
  • The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 looks fantastic and is a competent Chrome OS laptop that can also be folded into tablet form factor.
  • The Lenovo Duet 5 has a detachable keyboard and a stylus. Chrome OS powers it, and specs are more modest, but it’s also much more affordable and has a large screen.
  • The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is the best budget, small Windows tablet around.

Editor’s note: We’ll regularly update this list of the best business tablets as new devices launch.

1. The best Windows business tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro 8

Best budget tablet for office work

Just because you’re using one of the many tablets for business on the go, it doesn’t mean you have to leave the traditional computer behind, far from it. Microsoft has been trying to bridge that gap between PC and tablet for years, and it has hit a home run with the Surface Pro 8. Take all the power and performance from your traditional PC, inject it into a beautiful tablet, and you have the Surface Pro 8. Additionally, it has adopted the much sleeker thin design from the Surface Pro X.

More: The best Microsoft Surface laptops and tablets

When you add the Surface Pen and the keyboard cover to this tablet, you may as well be walking around with a fully functional computer. It runs Windows 11, so there’s no need to train your employees to use something different. It’s one of the best mobile options out there because its form is portable, but its function is a desktop computer.

The Surface Pro 8 is not cheap. In fact, it can get really pricey, starting at around $1,000 and getting as costly as $2,600. However, it’s the best option if you need a professional powerhouse in tablet form.


Microsoft Surface Pro 8 specs:

  • Display: 13-inch with 2,880 x 1,920 resolution
  • CPU: Intel Core i5 or i7 (11th Gen and Intel Evo versions available)
  • RAM: 8/16/32GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512/1,024GB of SSD

  • Front camera: 5MP
  • Rear camera: 10MP
  • Battery life: Up to 16 hours
  • OS: Windows 11

The best Android business tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

Best budget tablet for office work

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

If you need ample screen real estate, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra comes with a large 14.6-inch Super AMOLED screen with a WQXGA+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. It also comes with a hefty 11,200mAh battery. You’ll get an included Surface Pen, but the keyboard must be purchased separately.

The tablet costs a pretty penny compared to other Android pads, but it’s the best one around, and direct competitors don’t even get close to it.


Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra specs:

  • Display: 14.6-inch, WQXGA+
  • CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
  • RAM: 8/12/16GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512GB

  • Front camera: 12 and 12MP
  • Rear cameras: 13 and 6MP
  • Battery life: 11,200mAh
  • OS: Android 12

Best budget tablet for office work

iPad has been leading the tablet race pretty much since its debut. If you want a device meant to be a tablet first, the iPad Pro is the start of your journey. It has a dedicated app ecosystem designed for the iPad — it’s hard to beat that. While Windows and Android may have more apps in general, none boasts as many apps designed for the tablet space.

Need more?: iPhone buying guide

Plus, the iPad Pro has all the beauty and power you could want in a small package, thanks to the all-new Apple M1 chip onboard. You now have all the power of a MacBook processor packed into a portable — and touchscreen — body.

Paired with the Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard, it allows you to perform nearly any task you might want to while you’re away from your desk. The iPad Pro is fast and compact, slipping easily into a bag or backpack while adding very little weight. With all-day battery life on board, this tablet will power through the most complicated tasks, from writing to movie editing and anything in between.

The new iPad Pro comes in two screen sizes: 11- and 12.9-inch. It has slimmer bezels than its predecessor and comes with Apple’s Face ID technology. However, it does not have a headphone jack. Also, remember that the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard are sold separately.

  • Display: 11/12.9-inch with 2,388 x 1,668/2,732 x 2,048 resolution
  • CPU: Apple M1
  • RAM: 8GB of RAM
  • Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB

  • Front camera: 12MP
  • Rear cameras: 12 and 10MP
  • Battery life: Up to 10 hours
  • OS: iPadOS 14

The best Chrome OS option: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2

Best budget tablet for office work

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook 2 may not be an actual tablet, but its 2-in-1 design offers plenty of punch without sacrificing much portability. It keeps much of what made the original Galaxy Chromebook great, with an aluminum body and a brilliant QLED display, while also cutting a few corners to slash the starting price.

The Galaxy Chromebook 2 offers up to 13 hours of battery life.

The Galaxy Chromebook 2 even comes in the spicy Fiesta Red color of the original model. Samsung boasts an all-day 13-hour battery on its latest Chromebook, which is more than enough to get you through a long day at the office. You can get as much as an Intel Core i5 processor on the inside, but there are more affordable options. Storage tops out at 128GB with 8GB of RAM.

This isn’t quite as powerful as the original Galaxy Chromebook, but it’s a much more accessible option with more options for every type of user. The Galaxy Chromebook 2 offers up to 13 hours of battery life. That should be plenty for your daily business needs.


Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 specs:

  • Display: 13.3-inch with 1,920 x 1,080 resolution
  • CPU: Intel Celeron, Core m3, Core i3, Core i5
  • RAM: 4/8GB
  • Storage: 64/128GB

  • Front camera: 1MP
  • Rear camera: N/A
  • Battery life: Up to 13 hours
  • OS: Chrome OS

The best Chrome OS tablet on a budget: Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5

Best budget tablet for office work

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

Maybe you don’t need something as fancy, powerful, and expensive. The best business tablet to ensure the most bang for your buck is the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5. You get quite the package for very little cash, and it will surely keep you busy during business trips.

Next: The best Chromebook tablets

Specs aren’t impressive, but since the Duet runs Chrome OS, it doesn’t need much to run smoothly, especially if you are mostly doing office work. Not to mention you also get the keyboard, which doubles as protection. Typing documents will be a breeze, and a stylus is also available if you want to take some notes.

This device is also much larger than its predecessor at 13.3 inches, so you get more screen real estate for all those spreadsheets and presentations. Additionally, it comes with a handy stylus pen that might help jot down notes and more.


Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 specs:

  • Display: 13.3-inch with 1,920 x 1,080 resolution
  • CPU: Snapdragon SC7180
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage: 256GB

  • Front camera: 5MP
  • Rear camera: 8MP
  • Battery life: Up to 15 hours
  • OS: Chrome OS

Windows tablet on a budget: Microsoft Surface Go 3

Best budget tablet for office work

Microsoft has an excellent option for those looking to get one of the best tablets for business on a budget. This one comes with Windows, which means you can get more functionality out of it, thanks to the better software availability of the operating system. In addition, it has an excellent design language and the build quality Microsoft is known for.

Specs aren’t fantastic at their base configuration, but they are reasonable for a tablet that starts at $399. You can upgrade to an Intel Core i3, up to 8GB of LPDDR3 RAM, and as high as 128GB of SSD storage.

You will also love the Microsoft Surface Go 3’s small profile. It’s only 0.33 inches thick, and the screen is pretty small at 10.5 inches. You can throw the tablet in any bag for long flights or on-the-go work.


Microsoft Surface Go 3 specs:

  • Display: 10.5-inch with 1,920 x 1,280 resolution
  • CPU: Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y or Intel Core i3
  • RAM: 4/8GB LPDDR3
  • Storage: 64 eMMC/128GB SSD

  • Front camera: 5MP
  • Rear camera: 8MP
  • Battery life: Up to 11 hours
  • OS: Windows 11 Home

FAQs

It depends on your specific needs. If all you need is a tablet to reply to emails, work on documents, check social media, and such, you can do fine with an iOS or Android device. Chrome OS will offer a similar experience to mobile operating systems, but you will feel more at home if you prefer the traditional desktop UI. If you need more flexibility and depend on desktop apps, Windows will be your best bet. That said, Windows devices tend to require much more power to offer the same performance as mobile tablets, which in turn can make them more expensive. The benefit is that Windows machines are very well-rounded, and you can use them for pretty much anything.

Again, it depends on your needs. Smaller eight to ten-inch tablets are great for portability, but working with them can be uncomfortable. Especially if you’re one to use multiple windows or apps simultaneously. Multi-tasking is much better on a larger business tablet. Additionally, a bigger screen gives you more room to collaborate and show others your screen during work trips.

On the other hand, if you don’t think you need a larger screen, a smaller screen will be better for on-screen typing, and it might be best for quick email and social media check-ups. It’s a much more personal form factor.

Keyboards aren’t always essential, but having the option to use one is always lovely. Thankfully, most tablets we recommend either come with a keyboard, or you can purchase one separately. It’s definitely a factor to consider, as these keyboards can get pricey, especially if you’re getting something like the Apple Magic Keyboard, which doesn’t come with an iPad. If this is an essential feature for you, check if a physical keyboard comes with your device of choice, or be ready to pay the extra price for it.

The short answer is yes, and you can look at our lists of the best mice and keyboards to see our favorite third-party options. The longer answer is that things can get more complicated once you start digging deeper. Windows tablets should work with pretty much any keyboard or mouse. Other platforms also support them but don’t always offer full functionality. For example, Windows-focused keyboards have buttons that may not work well with iPadOS, Chrome OS, or Android devices. They’ll work, just not as well. Of course, you won’t be able to use keyboards with proprietary connections on non-supported devices. For example, don’t expect an Apple Magic Keyboard to work on a Samsung Galaxy Tab. You also can’t use a Microsoft Surface Go 3 keyboard on a Windows tablet.

Which tablet is best for office work?

Whether you're a creative professional or a loyal Apple user, here are the best business tablets available today..
Best Overall: Microsoft Surface Pro X. ... .
Best for Creative Professionals: Wacom Cintiq 16. ... .
Best for Travel: Google Pixel Slate. ... .
Best Budget: Lenovo Chromebook Duet. ... .
Best for Apple Users: Apple iPad Pro..

Is there a tablet that works like a laptop?

If you need a tablet that can double as a laptop, then your best options are the iPad Pro or the Surface Pro 8 — tablets that can be paired with an attachable keyboard and support trackpad/mouse input. Both of these devices provide plenty of power for even the most demanding users.

Can office work be done by a tablet?

There are two ways to get Office on your Android phone or tablet: You can install the new Office mobile app that combines Word, Excel, and PowerPoint into a single app, and introduces new mobile-centric features to view, edit and share files without the need to switch between multiple apps. Learn more.

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