6 Best Business Tablets for Work Tested | 2024 Edition

Using tablets for work is becoming increasingly popular. More and more companies are opting for iPads or Android tablets to equip their employees.

Reason enough to assess the suitability of tablets for business use. In our ranking, you will find out which devices are particularly suitable and what you need to know about them.

What speaks in favor of using a tablet professionally? When people are asked if they would consider using a tablet for work, the spontaneous answer is usually: Yes, why not?

For us at MyNextTablet, however, that is not enough. To use a tablet for work, there need to be good reasons. Only if there are, does the acquisition really make sense.

One of these reasons is that tablets can function as a combination of a notepad and a laptop. If you like to capture ideas by hand but want to finally say goodbye to the paper clutter, a tablet is a beneficial investment.

Another reason is the ease of use, especially on the go. Tablets are uncomplicated companions in the professional world, as they can fit into any briefcase or toolbox.

The vast selection of software and apps makes tablets versatile. A single tablet can replace analog equipment such as folders, catalogs, and books. This not only saves your back but is incredibly smart.

Increasingly, manufacturers of software solutions for industry-specific applications offer versions for iOS and Android tablets.

Overview of the Best Business Tablets

Before we get to the ranking, we need to clarify one question: What distinguishes a tablet as a business tablet?

It’s clear that different priorities apply in the professional environment. Performance in gaming, for example, is less important—unless you work in the gaming industry. Nevertheless, graphics and computing power are essential, as tablets often need to support demanding software.

The fact is that there is no one “business tablet.” Depending on the industry and purpose of use, the requirements for devices vary greatly.

We work with all tablets that we test, but not all are suitable as business tablets. This includes the Nokia T10.

We have established some key characteristics to cover various usage scenarios. Important factors in selecting tablets include:

• Reliability
• High-quality craftsmanship
• Practicality and user-friendliness
• Technical specifications
• Overall impression and value for money

Of course, you are free to create a ranking based on your personal needs. It is quite possible that a different tablet might be the winner for you.

Our Ranking Overview

• Best tablet for work: Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (on Amazon*). The winner of our comparison is the Microsoft Surface Pro 9. Excellent computing power thanks to 12th-generation Intel processors and flawless craftsmanship serve as strong arguments. The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the only device in our selection with a Windows 11 operating system, which is practical for business applications, as a large portion of companies use Windows software, which is not always available on Android or iOS.
• Best Business iPad: Apple iPad Pro 12.9″ (on Amazon*). The iPad Pro stands for quality, as expected from Apple’s Pro series. However, it comes at a price: The starting price for the simplest version of the Apple iPad Pro 12.9” is 1449 euros. This tablet surpasses many limits, not least due to the price-performance ratio. Therefore, the iPad settles for the second place in our ranking.
• Best Android tablets for work: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ and S9 Ultra (on Amazon*). We have previously named the Galaxy Tab S9+ and S9 Ultra from Samsung as the best Android tablets elsewhere. Therefore, this third placement is not surprising. The two tablets earn the bronze medal with powerful processors and high-quality displays, while many competing devices look pale in comparison.
• Best iPad Pro alternative: Apple iPad Air (on Amazon*). Given the media attention that the iPad Pro receives, the iPad Air is sometimes overlooked. However, the Apple iPad is a loyal companion for everyday work life. Thanks to the M1 chip, it provides more than enough power to handle demanding software with ease.
• Best mid-range tablet with stylus: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (on Amazon*). The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a slightly trimmed-down version of the two third-placed Samsung tablets. Positioned in the middle price range compared to the devices in the first four places of this business tablet ranking, the S9 FE+ is a solid business device despite compromises in the processor. 
• Best mid-range iPad: Apple iPad 10 (on Amazon*). The fact that Apple tablets occupy three of the six places in our comparison shows that the Californian Apple empire understands its business. For a starting price of “only” 579 euros, the Apple iPad 10 offers a comprehensive package, including 5G connectivity. However, there are some weaknesses.

Technical features, pros and cons: Examining the tablets closely

If you find one of the tablets ranked above interesting and want to know more about it, we are happy to provide you with valuable information about the six business tablets.

By the way, for all tablets that made it into our selection, there are useful accessories available. Original keyboard extensions and pens from the manufacturers are available for each device. This is advantageous, especially for professional use, as it allows for writing longer emails or creating handwritten notes effortlessly with all the featured devices.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 – The premium tablet with Windows

Microsoft does not advertise the Surface Pro 9 as a “2-in-1 laptop” without reason. Thanks to Windows 11, you get numerous features that are otherwise only found in traditional laptops.

Important for potential buyers: The version with the Microsoft SQ3 processor may have significant limitations with third-party software. For example, Adobe Suite software runs only as emulation, which brings clear disadvantages in usability. However, only this SQ3 version offers 5G connectivity.

For those who want to use the tablet on the go without compromising on third-party programs, it’s advisable to look for alternatives.

Nevertheless, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 stands out as the winner for us. The high-quality 13-inch display and good battery life are convincing, as well as the strong computing power. Especially the model with an Intel processor has rightfully made a name for itself in the business world.

We believe that those looking for a tablet for the home office or other professional purposes can rely on the Surface Pro 9.

Apple iPad Pro 12.9” – High-powered racehorse from Apple

No one can deny the performance of this powerhouse from California. In benchmark tests, it even outperforms our top-ranked Microsoft Surface Pro 9.

The display also impresses with breathtaking resolution and brightness, especially with HDR content. The external craftsmanship leaves nothing to be desired.

BUT: The aforementioned price quickly exceeds 2000 euros, including accessories. For most people, this investment requires careful consideration. Nevertheless, we consider the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 to be one of the best business tablets.

An additional, although small, downside is the so-called Blooming effect of the screen. If you use the iPad in a dark environment with high brightness settings, “overexposure” of bright content may become visible. Considering the price, this is actually a no-go. However, unwanted Blooming does not occur in most usage situations.

Read: The Best PDF Readers for Android Tablets

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ & S9 Ultra – The currently best Android tablets

If you want an Android tablet that supports you in your job with technical excellence, then you are in the right place with the powerful Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ & S9 Ultra.

The S9 Ultra is ideal with a screen diagonal of 14.6 inches when you need space to work. The S9+ with its 12.4-inch display is also one of the larger tablets. The “Dynamic AMOLED 2X” technology ensures precise colors and contrasts at a 120Hz refresh rate.

Also convincing is the update plan that Samsung guarantees for these tablets: Beyond the current Android version (Android 13), the manufacturer ensures updates for four more generations of the operating system. Good prospects for those looking for a long-term solution with a business tablet.

The tablets are dust and waterproof according to the IP68 standard. Depending on your industry, this can be a significant advantage.

Similar to the iPad Pro, unfortunately, the S9 series from Samsung stands out with an ambitious price range. In the 5G version, the S9 Ultra starts at 1549 euros. At least a high-quality S Pen is included in the S9 tablets.

Apple iPad Air – A modern classic for business use

With its 10.9-inch display, the Apple iPad Air is almost as large as the smaller version of the Apple iPad Pro. However, it is significantly cheaper.

The iPad Air has a lot in common with the Pro series in our impression. As a business tablet, the iPad Air recommends itself, not least due to its flawless performance.

Positive is also the support for the second generation of the Apple Pencil. This allows for an excellent workflow whenever you prefer input via a stylus – whether for drawing or quick notes.

Before buying, consider whether a display of less than 11 inches is sufficient. For showing content to clients or business partners on a tablet, opting for a larger device can be sensible.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ – A good choice for a relatively small budget

It doesn’t always have to be a device from the top tier for a business tablet. For many areas, a well-made mid-range product like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ can be more than sufficient.

The tablet primarily collects arguments with its high-quality 12.4-inch screen and the included S Pen. The S9 FE+ even gets the IP68 protection standard from its relatives in the professional league.

Compared to the other tablets in our selection, the performance of the S9 FE+ is noticeably behind in benchmark tests. With demanding software, you push the FE+ to its limits. However, at a price of around 600 euros, the somewhat weaker chip configuration is quite justifiable.

Apple iPad 10 – Powerful mid-range tablet

To relegate the iPad 10 to the last place in this ranking is almost unfair. After all, with the iPad 10, you get a truly comprehensive package. Our ranking becomes more understandable when you consider that numerous other devices did not make it into our selection of the best business tablets.

The hardware does what it should even with challenging tasks. The long update plan for the iOS operating system guarantees smooth operation in the coming years. Additionally, you have the option to stay connected on the go with the 5G version.

Drawbacks include the fact that the Apple Pencil only works with an adapter. Therefore, it is hardly usable in the professional everyday routine. The non-laminated screen also speaks against using it as a constant travel companion or outdoor device.

If you are satisfied with a weaker display and do not plan to use the Apple Pencil, in this case, we can recommend the Apple iPad 10 as a job tablet with a clear conscience.

Also Read: Best iPads with pen for drawing in procreate

Final thoughts on the topic of business tablets

That tablets will gain importance in the professional environment in the future is beyond question for us. After all, handy devices have clear advantages in terms of size and weight over laptops. Additionally, important business programs like Microsoft 365 are already available for Android and iOS. Apps like Slack, Discord, or Zoom, which have found their way into companies since the advent of COVID-19, are excellently tailored to tablets as end devices.

Thanks to the wide range of different tablets, you can find the right device for almost every field of work.

For those considering transitioning to a tablet for work after reading this article, we advise: Give it a try. The chances of enriching your own work life with a tablet in the long run are more than good.