If you need a portable device to edit your footage, the best tablets for editing videos will be a better alternative to bulky laptops and desktop computers. These devices are compact and portable while still having powerful specifications that make video and Photo edits fast and easy thanks to powerful processing.
Apple iPads are considered to be more powerful than other tablet types. However, they are more expensive than other Windows and Android tablets that can be used to serve a similar purpose. All you need is the tablet and video editing applications and you are good to start your video creation and edit.
The tablets in this review are very powerful and perfectly suited for complex tasks. If you need a drawing tablet or one for Photo editing only, check out our previous posts on tablets compatible with Illustrator and Photoshop respectively.
Top 6 Tablets for Video Editing
- iPad Pro 13 2024: Best Overall
- Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch: Best Runner Up
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Best Android
- Lenovo Tab P11 Plus: Best Budget
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: Gaming Tablet
- Apple iPad Air: An affordable iPad for video editing
iPad Pro 13 2024: Best Overall
- Screen Size: 13 inches
- Resolution: 2,752×2,064 pixel
- Ultra Retina XDR OLED
- CPU: Apple M4
- Storage: 256 GB / 2 TB
- Apple Pencil Pro Stylus
iPad Pro 13 inches 2024 version is the most powerful tablet in this list. The key standout feature is the new M4 Chip processor which is almost twice as powerful as the older M2 Chip Processor.
The screen size matches the 12.9 inch 2022 iPad Pro version at 13 inches but instead of liquid Retina display, it has a nice high contrast OLED display. This is to better compete with Samsung tablets.
High 2,752×2,064 pixel resolution and a bright standard brightness of up to 1,000 nits provide a large and bright view as you edit videos. Additionally, you have a higher 1,600 nits HDR brightness that sets this tablet apart.
Still on the display, I noticed that the new Ultra Retina XDR OLED display is more clear than the older Liquid Retina option. Like the older iPad Pro, Apple offers a 120 Hz screen refresh rate which is good enough even for 4K video editing.
You will however have to use it with the new Apple Pencil Pro instead of the older Apple Pencil 2. Overall the iPad Pro 13 is very similar to its predecessor, only slightly better. It has a slim and sleek build that makes it easy to carry around.
Pros
- New Ultra Retina XDR OLED display
- Bright screen with a high refresh rate
- Powerful M4 processor
- Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro Stylus
Cons
- Very expensive
Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch: Best runner-up tablet for editing videos
- Screen size: 12.9-inch
- Resolution: 2732 x 2048 pixels
- CPU: Apple M2 chip
- RAM: 8GB or 16GB
- Storage: 128 GB–2 TB
- Weight: 684g
- Dimensions: 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4mm
For a long time now, the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 inch has been the best tablet available on the market today. In this list, it takes the spot as the best overall pick for editing videos. The display screen is perfect, with unique liquid retina display technology that is unmatched in terms of display quality and color accuracy.
The screen size and resolution are good, at 12.9 inches in size and 2732 x 2048 pixels in resolution. It comes with an Apple M2 processor and 8 GB and 16 GB of RAM options that ensure powerful performance.
Although it is quite expensive, the iPad Pro 12.9 inch will not disappoint thanks to its great display and near-perfect performance. If you are not familiar with it, however, the iOS system may be a little complicated to use, but once you get the hang of it, you will love it.
One downside, however, is that the tablet does not come with the Apple Pencil 2, making it a little more expensive, especially when you add to the already very expensive price range.
Pros
- Great display
- Large screen size
- Powerful M2 processor and large RAM
- Strong and Sleek body design
- Long Battery life
Cons
- Expensive
- Complicated interface
- Pen bought separately
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: best Android tablet video editing
- Screen size: 14.6-inch
- Resolution: 2960 x 1848 pixels
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor
- RAM: 12 GB
- Storage: 256 GB, 512 GB expandable to 1 TB
If you are looking for the best Android tablet for video editing, we recommend the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. The large 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2960×1848 pixels makes video editing simple and enjoyable thanks to the colorful display.
To save files and install applications, it comes with a large 256 GB or 512 GB storage option upon purchase. However, if you like a larger option, you can upgrade the storage space using an external MicroSD card to 1 TB.
For processing, you will have a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and 12 GB of RAM, which is perfect for running any photo or video editing software, including Premier Pro and Final Cut.
On purchase, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra comes with a free S Pen that is ideal for many creative tasks. Overall, this is a premium tablet and will not come cheap. However, the powerful specifications will not disappoint.
Pros
- Large screen with high-resolution
- Powerful processor and large RAM
- Free S pen
- Large expandable storage
Cons
- Expensive
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus: The best budget tablet for video editing
- Screen size: 11 inches
- Touchscreen Sensitivity
- Resolution: 2K resolution at 2000 x 1200
- Brightness: 400 nits
- Refresh rate: 60 Hz
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- RAM: 6 GB
- Processor: MediaTek® Helio G90T
If you are looking for a powerful but cheap tablet with an Android operating system, we recommend the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus. It features a nice 11-inch touch-screen display with a 2K resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels.
The screen has a high brightness level of 400 nits, making it possible to use in low and high light conditions. A 60 Hz refresh rate will enable quick screen updating as you move from one editing scene to another.
To process calculations and edit files, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus comes with a powerful MediaTek® Helio G90T processor and up to 6 GB of RAM. The processor is good, but the 6 GB of RAM is a bit low for editing videos.
For the best experience, choose a tablet with 8 GB and above. This means that you may experience lag with heavy 4K video and above.
However, for its price, this is quite good. The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is compatible with the Lenovo Keyboard Pack for the Tab P11 Plus and the Lenovo Precision Pen 2, which are very convenient. However, you will have to buy each of them separately since they do not come in the box.
Pros
- Comes with an S pen
- Powerful processor and RAM
- Large storage space options
- Easy to use
- Great display
Cons
- Only has one port
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: Best Gaming Tablet
- 14.6 inches
- 1848 x 2960 pixels resolution
- Super AMOLED Screen
- 500 nits brightness levels
- 120 Hz refresh rate
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is the best iPad Pro alternative that you can buy from Samsung. It features a Super AMOLED larger screen than the iPad Pro at 14.6 inches but has a lower 1848 x 2960 pixels resolution. This means that, when placed on a larger screen, this resolution seems even less crisp.
However, it is still clear enough for professional video editing thanks to the 500 nits brightness levels and 120 Hz refresh rate. On purchase, you will get a free S Pen and 128, 256, and 512 GB of storage space.
Unlike the iPad Pro, it is possible to upgrade this space to 1 TB using an external MicroSD card. You, however, have to buy it separately, which can be expensive.
Although you can use the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra as a laptop when you connect to a keyboard, you still have to buy the keyboard separately, adding to the overall price.
Pros
- Expandable storage
- Large, ultra-slim, and sleek screen with high-resolution
- Powerful processor and RAM
- Free S Pen
Cons
- Expensive
- Low battery life
- Keyboard comes separate
Apple iPad Air: The most affordable iPad for video editing
- Screen size: 10.9-inch
- Resolution: 2360 x 1640 pixels
- CPU: Apple M1 chip
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 64GB or 256GB
- Dimensions: 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm
- Weight: 461 g
If you want a tablet that is reasonably priced but still packs powerful features to give you your money’s worth, then the Apple iPad Air is our pick for the best value for money.
The screen is around the same size as the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus, at 10.1 inches, only larger with better resolution and a cleaner, sleeker design.
The screen size is 10.9 inches, and the resolution is an impressive 2360 x 1640 pixels. The screen features a liquid Retina display similar to the premium iPad Pro at a fraction of the price. RAM also matches up to the iPad Pro at 8 GB, and it also comes with a powerful M1 processor, the predecessor to the iPad Pro’s M2.
For its price, this tablet will surely give you more value and is a sure buy that will not disappoint.
Pros
- Powerful processor
- Premium Display
- Great Camera
- Strong and Durable Built
Cons
- Lacks a 3.5mm Audio jack
Choosing the Right Tablet for Your Needs
- Screen size and Resolution
- Power and Performance
- Price
- Connectivity and Accessories
- Operating System and Software
- Connectivity and Ports
Screen size and resolution
When editing videos, you need to consider the overall size and resolution of your screen. A large screen size will provide a better editing experience than a small one. A smaller one is, however, preferable if you want a portable tablet for your editing.
For resolution, the higher the resolution, the better the clarity and color display. Choose Full HD resolution and above and 12 inches of screen size and above for optimal performance.
High screen brightness and a 60- to 120-Hz refresh rate are also important. Choose at least 400 nits of brightness so that you can use it indoors and outdoors.
Power and performance
Unlike editing photos or drawings, video editing is system-intensive. You will need a lag-free tablet with a modern and powerful processor and large RAM. The Apple iPad Pro’s M2 chip is the most powerful processor.
To avoid lags, choose 16 GB of RAM and above for optimal performance. If you are on a budget, however, we recommend a minimum of 8 GB of RAM.
Price
Before choosing the tablet you intend to use, make sure to consider the budget and price of the device. Try to strike a balance between features and price. Overall, due to their powerful specs, video editing tablets will not come cheap.
Connectivity and Accessories
Tablets that are compatible with pencils and keyboards are preferable to those that are not. Additionally, some come with free accessories, while others do not. Those that come with free accessories will provide better value for money than those that do not.
Top 3 tablets for editing videos
| Tablet | Rating | Price |
| iPad Pro 13 2024 | Best Overall | Check Price |
| Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch | : Best Runner Up | Check Price |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra | Best Android | Check Price |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tablets be used for video editing?
Yes. Powerful models like the Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro, Microsoft Surface Pro 7, and Samsung S8 series have large, clear screens and powerful features that make it easy to edit both photos and videos.
What are the best tablets for video editing?
The Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro is the best tablet for video editing. If you prefer an Android tablet, we recommend the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra or the S8 Ultra. If you are looking for the cheapest tablet for editing videos, we recommend the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus.
Can I use a Samsung tablet for video editing?
Yes, both Galaxy S8 Ultra and S9 Ultra are the best iPad alternatives for video editing. They feature a large AMOLED screen size with a high resolution display plus powerful processing power.
Laptop vs. tablet: which one is better for video editing?
Laptops are more powerful and versatile compared to tablets as video editing devices. Additionally, accessories that must be bought separately on tablets, such as keyboards and mice, come for free when connected to laptops.