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The Best tablet for musicians

This article provides a detailed guide on how you can fin d the best tablet for music production. We have included some of our top picks and reasons they are the best plus factors that you can consider to choose a good music tablet.

Tablet features have over the years improved to match up to laptops in terms of power and performance only more only more portable and convenient.

However, not all tablets are powerful enough to produce music. It is important to choose the right tablet for your work. A quality tablet can be the difference between high-quality and poor out put quality.

Top Tablets for Music Production

Apple iPad Pro 12.9

A powerful tablet with a large 12.9 inches screen, and perfect features for music production. It features an iPad OS and is compatible with Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

An Android tablet with a large 14.6 Inch screen size and 2960 x 1848 Pixels resolution on the OLD screen. It comes with a free S Pen and is compatible with Samsung Dax.

Microsoft Surface Pro 8

A large 13 inch screen Windows tablet with versatile specifications for music production and creative work.

Best tablet for music production

  1. Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch – Best Overall
  2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra – Best Runner Up
  3. Microsoft Surface Pro 8 – Windows tablet for music
  4. Microsoft Surface Go 3: 2 in 1 tablet Laptop
  5. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 UltraLarge Android tablet
  6. Apple iPad Air – best budget
  7. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE: Cheap Android Tablet

Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch – Best iPad for Musicians

  • Screen Size: 12.9 inches
  • Resolution: 2048 x 2732 pixels
  • RAM: 8 GB, 16GB
  • Internal Storage: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
  • Processor: Apple M2
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular
  • Colors: Silver, Space Gray
  • OS: iPad 16

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 is the most powerful tablet for music production. It can also work perfectly as a Sheet Music device. Speed and processing power are important factors to consider. This will allow you to easily multi-task and run complex programs and free or paid DAW.

The speed and performance are determined by the processor and RAM. Apple iPad Pro comes with a 12X Bionic processor and 8GB of RAM. This is good enough for any music needs and will easily replace your music production laptop.

Storage space refers to the memory where you will store your files. This tablet comes with up to 1TB of storage capacity which is more than enough. The Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch is arguably the best tablet for music production due to its powerful specs and processing power.

Additionally, this tablet has a nice and sleek design and feel. With its gorgeous 12.9-inch display and Apple Pencil support, this tablet is designed to create a great experience for creative professionals.

You will get great features and advanced audio editing capabilities. By downloading the right production apps you can use this device to mix and master tracks on the go or in your studio.

Best Tablet for Music

Pros

  • 4K video recording
  • Large Screen Size
  • High Screen Resolution with liquid Retina Display
  • 4 stereo speakers for Perfect sound quality
  • Scratch free screen
  • Large RAM and powerful processor
  • Large storage space

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Pen bought Separate
  • Complicated system

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra – Best Samsung tablet for musicians

  1. Screen Size: 14.6 Inch
  2. Resolution: ‎2960×1848 Pixels
  3. RAM: 12 and 16 GB options
  4. Storage Space: 256 ,512 GB and 1 TB options
  5. Comes with Samsung S Pen
  6. Weight: 2.4 pounds
  7. Average Battery Life: 2 weeks
  8. Rear Camera: ‎13 MP

The new Samsung Galaxy S9+ is one of the best tablets for Musicians. It features a large 14.6 Inch screen size with 2960 x 1848 Pixels resolution.

For processing power, you have a powerful Octa-core CPU up to 3.36 GHz processor with 12 and 16 GB RAM options for multitasking. It would however been perfect if they had a 32 GB RAM option.

To save files and install software, you will have a choice between 256, 512 GB and 1 TB storage options. We recommend the 1 TB option for the best experience.

Overall, this is a premium tablet and will serve you in a very wide range of professional functions including drawing and animation.

Pros

  • Large AMOLED screen with good resolution.
  • Powerful processor and wide range of RAM options.
  • Good Camera

Cons

  • Expensive

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

  • Display: 11 inches
  • RAM: 6 GB
  • Internal Storage: 128 GB
  • Connectivity: Dual sim, 3G, 4G,5G Wi-Fi
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
  • Color Varieties: Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold
  • OS: Android 12, One UI 4.1

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is an Android-based tablet that offers a great range of features for music production.  Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is our Best Android tablet for music.

First, it comes with a large display that provides crystal-clear visuals. The 8-inch Super AMOLED screen is one of the best in the industry and provides a great experience viewing and editing sound wave visuals depending on the software you are using.

The RAM is good enough for music although it is slightly smaller than the Apple iPad Pro at 4 GB.

Additionally, this Samsung Tablet is packed with 64 GB / 128 GB storage so you can store plenty of files for music production. You will also not need to buy an S-Pen because, unlike the Apple iPad Pro, it comes with a free pen.

Microsoft Surface Pro 8 – Windows tablet for music

Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is the one of the best for music. It is one of the most powerful tablets that will run on a system similar to your PC laptop.

Microsoft Surface Pro 8 has an impressive display. First, it has a large 13-inch working area 2880 by 1920 pixels resolution Display screen.

For more clarity and vivid color display, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 100% sRGB gamut level will display clear and crisp colors.

Accuracy and sensitivity are very good thanks to 267 PPI pen response and a 10-point simultaneous sensitive screen.

As for the screen type, the Surface Pro 8 uses an Oleophobic coating that not only improves screen smoothness but also protects the screen, reduces fingerprints, and enhances the pen-tablet interaction.

The tablet comes with a free Surface Slim Pen 2 that will make selections and point a walk in the park. It is not so necessary for music but is perfect if you like writing or drawing.

Processor speed and multitasking are perfect with 16 GB RAM and Windows 11 with the Intel Evo platform and 11th generation core processor that allows for fast processing and multitasking. 256 GB storage is enough but can be upgraded to 1 TB using an external SD Card

Microsoft Surface Go 3

  • Screen: 10.5 inches
  • Resolution: 1920×1280 pixels
  • Storage: 64 GB
  • Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i3 processor
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Battery Life: 11 Hours
  • OS: Windows 11 Home in S mode
  • Camera: 8 MP rear camera

Microsoft Surface Go 3 is our pick for the best Cheap tablet for sheet music. It is one of the cheapest Surface Pro versions of Windows tablets.

However, despite its low price, it comes with a nice 10.5-inch screen size and a 1920×1280 pixels resolution, which is better than Full HD.

It is powered by a 10th-generation Intel Core i3 processor with only 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage space. 64 GB and 4 GB of RAM are low and not the best options for complex tasks. However, for their price, they are a perfect deal.

The upgraded 10th Gen Intel Core i3 processor is not as good as the Core i5 or i7, but it will surely work better than the older Golden Pentium processor.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7

  • Screen: 10.4 inches
  • Resolution: 2000 x 1200 pixels Super AMOLED
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus processor
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Storage: 32 GB
  • Battery life: 13 hours

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra and S7 Plus are both expensive tablets. If you are on a budget, then the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is the best value-for-money option you can buy. 

Although you will forgo some of the premium features, you will still have a good enough tablet to use for multiple complex and professional functions.

First of all, the screen is not super AMOLED, is slightly smaller, and features a lower screen resolution. The screen has a 10.4-inch screen size and a 2000 by 1200-pixel resolution. 

What stands out on this very affordable tablet is the long battery life of 13 hours, which is longer than that of more premium tablets such as the Apple iPad Pro at 10 hours.

The storage space is relatively low at 32 GB but is expandable using an external microSD card up to 1 TB. You will experience great sound with an ergonomically positioned dual speaker set up on either side of the tablet.

Unlike the Samsung View tablet, this tablet comes with the latest Android 10 operating system. You will, however, not enjoy fast 5G network coverage or Samsung S pen support.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is a good budget-friendly device for basic use. It is ideal for users looking to get a simple tablet with a good screen and long battery life. You can use it for browsing, watching movies, and social media.

If you need a high-performance tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is not the best choice.

Pros

  • Long Battery Life
  • Good display Screen
  • Expandable storage
  • Good Speakers

Cons

  • Weaker Performance
  • Not S pen compatible
  • Not 5 G compatible

Lenovo Tab P11 Pro: Best Portable 

  • Screen: 11.5 inches
  • Resolution: 2560 x 1600 
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G
  • RAM: 6 GB
  • Storage: 128 GB
  • Battery life: 8 hours

Samsung tablets have dominated the list of the best large Android tablets. There are, however, some large-screen tablets from other brands that effectively compete with Samsung.

One good example is the Lenovo Tab 11 Pro. For slightly under $400, the Lenovo Tab 11 Pro is a good tablet that will not only be good for streaming and simple tasks but is powerful enough even for gaming.

The Lenovo Tab 11 Pro features a large 11.5-inch screen with a high 2560 x 1600 pixels resolution. It is powered by a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor and a large 6 GB of RAM. This setup makes it easy for the tablet to run complex tasks or multitask.

The front and rear cameras are good at 8 MP and 13 MP, respectively. On a single charge, the battery will stay on for a long 8 hours of use, which is enough for a full day’s work.

This is a very reasonably priced tablet that packs enough power to perform complex tasks. Just like any other budget tablet, however, this tablet has its equal share of disadvantages.

Pros

  • Affordable Price
  • Powerful Processor and large RAM
  • Good Cameras

Cons

  • Slightly heavier than most tablets
  • No cellular connectivity
  • No USB C charging
  • Lacks 5 G support

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE: Cheapest Android Tablet

  • Screen: 12.4 inches
  • Resolution: 2560 x 1600 pixels
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G
  • RAM: 6 GB
  • Storage: 128GB of internal storage
  • Battery life: 8 hours

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE features an 11.5-inch display and 2560 x 1600 pixels of resolution. Most of the features are similar to those of the Lenovo Tab 11 Pro. It features a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor and comes with 6 GB of RAM, just like Lenovo.

However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is a better tablet compared to Lenovo because it supports 5G connectivity and runs on the modern Android 22. It also features a USB Type-C-compatible charging system and supports Samsung’s Dex. 

Samsung’s Dex support means that, just like the S8 Ultra, when you connect to a keyboard and mouse, the tablet mode is automatically deactivated, and it automatically switches to friendly laptop mode and view.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is a good budget tablet that offers great features. It features a large screen and a clear, colorful display, as well as large RAM and a powerful processor. However, it may not be the best choice for gamers or those who need high-performance tasks.

Pros

  • Affordable Price
  • Large clear screen
  • Powerful processor and large RAM
  • Long Battery life
  • S pen Support
  • 5 G connectivity
  • Expandable storage

Cons

  • Not the best camera

Reasons for using a Tablet for Music

Tablets pack similar power and specifications to laptops and desktop computers. They are considered as good production devices because they are more affordable, portable and versatile compared to computers.

Their lightweight and portable build, combined with bright screens makes it possible for music producers to create music no matter their location whether during in the office, during travel, or even outdoors in high light conditions.

Tablets feature an easily compatible OS while some even feature expandable storage. This ensures they are compatible with many music production applications, whether on Google Play or as third party downloads.

How to choose the right tablet for music

Choosing the best music tablet for your needs relies on several factors. Firstly, consider the tablets screen size, resolution, processing power, RAM and storage space. Some tablets have expandable storage using a MicroSD card while others do not.

A large screen size is with high resolution will provide the best user experience thanks to its size and clarity. However, the larger the screen, the less portable it is. Try to strike a balance between the two. Screen brightness will determine whether you can use your tablet outdoors or not.

Operating systems are a next key consideration. iOS, Android, and Windows are all compatible with most music production software. Each OS has its own share of advantages and disadvantages. Other operating systems like Fire OS will have problems working with Google Play applications.

What are the The Best Tablets for Musicians?

ProductBest ForPrice
Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inchBest OverallCheck Price
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 UltraBest Runner UpCheck Price
Microsoft Surface Pro 8Windows tablet for musicCheck Price
Microsoft Surface Go 32 in 1 tablet LaptopCheck Price
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 UltraLarge Android tabletCheck Price
Apple iPad AirBest BudgetCheck Price
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FECheap Android TabletCheck Price

Related: Top Laptops for FL Studio

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Are tablets good for listening to music?

    Tablets are compact and portable devices. They are small enough to fit in your pocket or bag and still pack enough speaker power for an immersive sound quality. Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch is the Best tablet for playing music.

  2. Which Tablet OS is best for Music Production?

    When shopping for a music tablet, one of the most important choices you’ll have to make is between Android, iOS, and Windows tablets. Each type has its own advantages and drawbacks when it comes to making music.
    Android devices typically provide more freedom when it comes to customizing their user interfaces and apps, while iOS devices provide ease of use and intuitive design. Windows tablets offer plenty of features but tend to be more expensive than other options.

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