Struggling with finding a tablet that suits your programming and development needs? In this blog, we highlight the best tablets for programming, catering to developers and programmers who need a portable yet powerful device. From tablets with high processing power for complex coding tasks to those with exceptional display quality for design and development work, we cover a variety of options that suit different aspects of programming, including alternatives for varying budgets and operating system preferences.

With over 20 years of experience in software development and mobile computing, we’ve guided numerous clients, from freelance developers to software engineering students, in selecting tablets that enhance their coding efficiency. If you’re also interested in enhancing your gaming experience, you might want to check out our review of the SkyTech Chronos Gaming PC Desktop.

Our selection of the best tablets for programming is based on thorough testing and real-world application, ensuring our recommendations are practical and performance-driven. These tablets aren’t just about portability; they excel in offering robust computing capabilities, long battery life, and compatibility with various programming tools and environments.

We’ve evaluated them based on their performance, screen quality, input options, and overall suitability for different programming and development tasks, finding them ideal for programmers and developers who seek the convenience of a tablet without compromising on the functionality needed for their work. If you’re also into 3D modeling and rendering, you might find our review of the best graphics cards for 3D rendering useful.

Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a student just starting out, we believe that the right tools can significantly enhance your productivity and creativity. So, dive in and explore our top picks for the best tablets for programming.

Considering the above factors, tablets like the Microsoft Surface Pro series, the Apple iPad Pro with iPadOS (especially when used with third-party apps and platforms that support coding), and some high-end Android tablets offer a compelling mix of power and portability. While no tablet can yet replace a full-fledged development workstation, the advances in tablet technology have certainly brought them closer to being viable tools for programmers on the move.

Best Tablets for Programming of 2024

SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 10.4-inch Android Tablet 128GB

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (best tablet for programming) is an option if you want to program on a tablet. Its size does not affect its brightness, so you can comfortably write code on it.

  • The internals of this device are not to be ignored, given its price point.
  • In addition to the Exynos 9611 chipset, the tablet has 4GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, and it runs Android 10 OS.
  • When it comes to performance, Samsung’s S6 Lite definitely stands out from mid-range models.
  • While apps load faster on an iPad, they run a little slower on a phone.

A tablet’s physical build is thin, light, and compact. The Samsung Galaxy S6 Lite (9.6 x 6.1 x 0.3 inches) weighs just 1.02 pounds (0.46kg) and fits into your bag with ease. Each of these colors has its own distinct look and feel.

Aside from that, the camera on the Tab S6 Lite does a good job. This phone has two cameras, one with 8 MP and one with 5 MP, on the back and the front. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S6 Lite possesses a pen in addition to being one of the more reasonably priced Samsung tablets out there. However, it does not hold a candle to the one included with the

  • Apple iPad Pro. However, the S Pen is an adequate note-taking device.
  • Coders may benefit from the dark mode of the Tabs S6 Lite.
  • Batteries last a pretty long time. With the Tab S6 Lite, you can spend an entire workday on it.
  • This tablet has some flaws. iPad OS offers more innovation than Apple’s One UI. A further improvement could be made to palm rejection.
  • The S6 Lite, other than the slight drawback, is a pleasure to use. As an Android tablet, coders will have no trouble with it.

What We Like

  • The display is gorgeous.
  • Batteries that last a long time.
  • Excellent audio quality.
  • Design with robustness.
  • Ships with S Pen.

What We Don’t Like

  • There are some apps that could be improved.

Customer’s Feedback:

Samsung Tab S6 Lite, 64GB WiFi in blue. I purchased this product about 3 weeks ago and have been quite happy with its performance. I had clear expectations and they were all met or exceeded.

This tablet for programming is a great choice for anyone looking for a quick and easy way to take notes with Android functionality. The handwriting recognition was excellent. I would highly recommend this product. Mine was perfect in terms of palm rejection and pen responsiveness. However, the color of the blue of the pen is the same as in the pictures, even though the blue of the device is much darker than in the images.

Since I purchased a case and a screen protector for it, I have taken it to work every day, taking notes and watching videos and movies in HD when I’m not at work.

SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S7 11-inch Android Tablet 128GB

If you are looking for an Android tablet for programming that allows you to program, this is one of the best. Of all the tablets I have seen, this one is the easiest to program.

  • There is 128GB of internal storage and 6GB of RAM on this Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus smartphone.
  • For the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, 8GB or 6GB of RAM are also available. Two storage variants are available: 256GB and 512GB. In the case of models with 8 GB of RAM, code can be written without problem.
  • Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S7 is well suited for pen input and touch input.
  • A large screen and responsive stylus make it easy to read and take notes on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7.
  • You can choose from the following three colors: magical black, magical silver, and magical bronze.
  • The Samsung S5 has excellent build and design qualities. There are a lot of similarities between this tablet and Apple’s new iPad Pro.

In addition to being a lightweight travel companion, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 weighs only 1.1 pounds and measures 9.9 inches.

  • You can do many other things effortlessly with the tablet, in addition to programming.
  • Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S7 can run multiple tabs simultaneously with no signs of slowdown, thanks to its Qualcomm
  • Snapdragon 865+ chipset and 6GB of RAM.
  • It actually comes out decent in terms of sound quality.
  • A full day’s worth of work is possible with its adequate battery life.
  • Its DeX mode, however, is a minor issue. It remains a work in progress.
  • No matter how much it may be favored as one of the best tablets for software development, it remains one of the best tablets.

What We Like

  • The display at 120 Hz is gorgeous.
  • Batteries that last a long time.
  • Design that works.
  • Performance that is quick.
  • Portable and thin.

What We Don’t Like

  • A possible improvement could be made to DeX mode.

Customer’s Feedback:

I am using my third Samsung tablet and I am very pleased with its performance. Since manufacturers do not provide security updates after a couple of years and only support their Android tablets for a limited time, you end up having to upgrade the tablet every 3 or 4 years because manufacturers do not support their tablets forever.

You either have to open the tablets up to replace the batteries or bite the bullet and buy a new tablet because they don’t seem to last as long on a full charge as they did when they were new. My general practice is to use Samsung, and I have been doing it for many years. The Galaxy Tab S7 (the best tablet for programming) is a great product from Samsung. There are many reviews online about the Galaxy Tab S7. My only real complaint is that this one is heavier than my previous tablets so it’s more of a chore to hold for a long time, such as when watching several TV shows in a row or a full-length movie. My iPad is lighter than my previous Samsung tablets.

Otherwise, this is as good as any other Galaxy model. You must use either built-in speakers or Bluetooth headsets or earbuds since this phone does not have a 3.5mm audio jack. Anyone who wants to stick with Android should consider Samsung’s tablet.

New Microsoft Surface Book 3 – 13.5″ Touch-Screen

As a tablet and laptop in one device, Microsoft’s Surface Book 3 (the best tablet for programming) is designed to provide flexibility and portability. An aluminum chassis, an appealing design, and a host of useful features make this tablet stand out from the competition. Carrying it is easy because it’s light and thin. The Microsoft Surface Book 3’s graphics card is an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650, the RAM is 16GB, and the storage is 256GB, making it ideal for running Windows applications. In case you need more storage, we recommend a 2TB model. Core i7 processors are used in the system. Having a Core i7 makes running many programs straightforward. Core i5 versions are cheaper. Programmers, however, will have no problems with the Core i7 variant.

  • Compared to Surface Book 2, Surface Book 3 has superior graphics. The Surface Pen (separately sold) enhances the Surface Book 3, which is a pleasure to use.
  • It is compatible with external displays thanks to DisplayPort, and it can connect to external drives and USB peripherals through USB 3.0.
  • The SDXC card reader is equipped with an SD card slot and a 3.5mm headphone jack, as well as two USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A ports and one USB Type-C port. Since all Surface Book 3 models come with the same ports, it is an important point to mention.
  • A laptop this light weighs only 3.4 pounds.
  • A single charge allows the device to work for approximately nine hours.
  • I was disappointed with a lot of the speakers. The speakers on Apple’s MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are more powerful than those on the Surface Book 3.

Among developers and programmers, this tablet remains one of the best.

What We Like

  • Display that is impressive.
  • The backlit keyboard is very good.
  • GPU with excellent performance.
  • Removable.

What We Don’t Like

  • It does not have a Thunderbolt 3 port.
  • Speakers of average ability.

Customer’s Feedback:

With the 13.5″ i5 256 GB, I have been using it for about 3 weeks now, and I love the touch screen! It allows me to annotate documents and take handwritten notes easily. I also use it for gaming and it runs smoothly for games like League of Legends or Valorant.

Generally, it’s a great laptop. I’ve had only a couple of problems with how hot the SB3 gets, but it should be fine as long as you don’t run too many apps at once or play heavier games. Overall, it’s a great laptop!

Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB)

You can still get all the Windows 10 features and functionality with the Surface Pro 6 (best tablet for programming). It makes perfect sense to program.

On the Microsoft Surface Pro 6, there are several options for internal storage. You can choose from 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 1TB storage. Choosing an Intel Core i7 with 16GB of RAM or an Intel Core i5 with 8GB of RAM would be the better choice. Pre-installed on all versions of Windows 10 is Windows 10 Home.

The Surface Pro 4 has a better display and performance. The tablet features a retina display of 2736 x 1824 pixels, which is absolutely stunning. Battery life varies from 6 to 7 hours, depending on the application running. When you save the settings and recommend brightness settings, the battery can last a day or more.

In comparison to most tablets, the Surface Pro 6 has a very sleek and lightweight design, and the sound quality is quite good. Although the Surface Pro 6 rarely gets hot, even while running applications that consume a lot of power, it rarely becomes hot.

  • Surface tablets have a USB-A port, headphone jack, mini DisplayPort, and surface connection port in addition to the USB-A port. The Surface Pro 6 does not have a USB-C port. MicroSD cards can be inserted under the kickstand.
  • As well as running Microsoft Office programs, surfing the web, taking notes, coding, and streaming videos with Surface Pro 6, it can also be used with other applications. Light gaming can also be done with Photoshop and Revit.
  • Easy and quick unlocking is possible using face recognition.
  • USB-C ports are not available on the Surface Pro 6. We don’t worry much about this. An adapter that converts USB-C to USB-A can be bought if you need to use USB-C devices with the tablet.

However, if a USB-C port is a deal-breaker for you, then you should nonetheless purchase the Microsoft Surface Pro 6. Programmers will find this tablet quite useful.

What We Like

  • Display that is impressive.
  • Performance that was outstanding.
  • Batteries that last a long time.

What We Don’t Like

  • Expensive.
  • There is no USB-C.

Customer’s Feedback:

The best tablet for programming that I’m using is by far the best I’ve ever used for illustration. It’s responsive and feels very natural. However, I’m not that fond of the on-screen keyboard. Because it runs Windows full-blown, you need a decent keyboard to work smoothly. Fortunately, this is an easy fix because any keyboard can be connected to the USB port.

I had a wireless keyboard/mouse combo that was great. PCs have a vast selection of software compared to Macs, but this is actually not a big deal. Most of the best programs are available on both. There’s real magic going on at the pin. The Apple pin has all plastic tips, which feels horrible for drawing. The surface pin’s rubber tip is perfect for drawing and feels just like drawing on paper (sort of). Its other features are also flawless.

There are cheap knockoff pens available, but the surface pin is far better. As someone who has used Wacom and iPads in the past, I have decided to stick with the Surface Pro. Even if it only ran my drawing programs, I would be satisfied.

A Comparison of the Best Tablets for Programming in 2024

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Galaxy Tab S7+ Galaxy Tab A7
S-Pen included
Display Size 10.4″ 12.4″ 10.4″
Display Resolution 2000 x 1200 (WUXGA+) TFT 2800 x 1752 (WQXGA+) sAMOLED 2000 x 1200 (WUXGA+)
Audio Dual + AKG + Dolby Atmos Quad + AKG + Dolby Atmos Quad + Dolby Atmos
Weight 1.02 lbs. 1.28 lbs. 1.05 lbs.
Processor Exynos 9611 Qualcomm SDM865 Plus Qualcomm SM6115
Internal Memory 4GB(RAM) + 64/128GB 6/8GB(RAM) + 128/256/512GB 3GB(RAM) + 32/64GB
External Memory microSD up to 1TB microSD up to 1TB microSD up to 1TB
Keyboard Supported

Best Tablet for Programming: Buying Guide

In the market today, we find tons of choices in programming tablets, but there are two main categories: iPads and Androids. There is no way to predict with certainty whether a performance will be flawless. Between both groups of programmers, we chose the best tablet.

It is true that not everyone enjoys using a tablet for programming. When buying a coding tablet, a programmer should be aware of plenty of things. Before buying a tablet to code, consider these factors.

IOS and Android

Whatever platform we use, a processor plays a vital role. A robust CPU requires less effort; the stronger it is, the less effort it needs. Programming is technical, so check the processor before purchasing a tablet. Tablets can be divided into two groups: iOS and Android. Make sure whichever version you choose is the latest.

Dimensions

On tablet computers, the perfect size isn’t so important, but business users should consider the size of the screen. Typically, programmers use screens between nine and ten inches in size. It is important that screens are large enough for coders to not strain their eyes since they spend millions of hours in front of screens. If the size increases, the weight also increases, so buyers should not go much beyond 10-inches.

Using the keyboard

Tablets with touch keyboards are not a good option for coding because of their lack of a physical keyboard. As a first point, make sure that your premium tablet is compatible with your Bluetooth keyboard when you are buying it for programming. A magic keyboard is a must-have feature for the iOS iPad. Consumers can connect wireless tablets to Android slates.

RAM

Whatever you use, you need plenty of memory. Despite this, tablets are not the biggest selling point. It is recommended that the tablet have a minimum of 4GB to 8GB of memory if coding and programming are to be done on it. Coders need to respond more quickly to programming requests.

Storage

It is usually the responsibility of coders to install coding software and use it. For programmers who need to download several applications at once, a large storage package is optimal. Choosing a model without sufficient storage should be reconsidered if it is lacking. As well as supporting SD cards and cloud storage, its storage capacity should be between 128GB and 256GB.

Longevity of the battery

Technology devices rely on batteries to operate. Working while traveling is a common way to waste a second. Coders spend their entire lives programming. When they’re on the beach, coding, they have to keep an eye on the battery life in order to avoid running out of battery power. A tablet battery should be able to last between 8 and 10 hours on one charge, at least.

FAQs: Best Tablet for Programming of 2024

For programming, which tablets are best?

There is no better tablet for programming than the Microsoft Surface Pro 4. 256 GB of storage and 16 GB of RAM are also included. RAM. Besides being able to program well, MSSP4 users can play most serious games on it.

Programmers looking for an affordable tablet should consider Intel’s Iconia W700 Tablet since it is optimized for Windows 8.

Coding on tablets: Are they useful?

Coding is easy on tablets. There is plenty of space on the screen, so you can easily navigate. With a touchscreen, you can perform actions on the screen just like with a mouse. And you can code much quicker than with a keyboard.

How do I learn to code on a tablet?

A tablet computer cannot be used for coding. There is a very small keyboard and it cannot be used as a mouse replacement.

In spite of the irregular ordering of the letters on the keyboard, typing errors can be made because the arrangement of the keys is different from that of a PC keyboard.

You can also type code with the help of some apps out there (for example, SwiftKey). For example, you can set macros and shortcuts so that when you touch one letter, another frequently-typed letter comes up.

Do I have to use a tablet PC to code or program? Can I use a touchscreen laptop instead?

Tablet PCs are better than touchscreen laptops. It’s hard to hold a laptop on your lap for hours due to the small screen and weight. As a result, the performance would be worse than that of a tablet PC with a more powerful processor.

Do I need a tablet PC or an iPad to program?

Sure. The use of the device depends on your needs. Using a tablet PC will be better if you have to type long documents or codes since it has a bigger keyboard. With a tablet PC, you can also work with multiple windows because of its bigger screen and its better ability to multitask.

Which tablet is the best to program on?

Programming and coding are best done on a tablet that can multitask without overheating, such as the Surface Pro or iPad, which has a large screen, good resolution, a keyboard, and a stylus. Your computer needs lots of RAM in order to run your programs.

Conclusion

Even a programmer will have difficulty selecting the best tablet for programming. Utilization and cost are two factors to consider. We have selected a budget tab along with a premium tab to assure everyone can find something they are interested in.

Among the Google Pixel slates, we prefer its molecular display for its realistic display. Because it is lightweight and slim, it can be easily transported. Google Assistant assists with making life easier with its hands-free functionality. Also, it’s not too expensive, and its 8GB of RAM should prevent lag.

With these four tablets, you’ll be able to code without any technical difficulties, regardless of which tablet you choose.