The 8 Best Lightweight Tablet For Travel Of 2025

Michael Brown By, Michael Brown
Updated
Best Lightweight Tablet For Travel
Best Lightweight Tablet For Travel

Summary

Best Overall

Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch M4

The Apple iPad Pro M4 is Apple’s boldest take on what a tablet can be—ultra-thin, lightweight, and astonishingly powerful. It’s designed to handle everything from creative projects to professional workflows.
Best For The Price

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a tablet that can do a lot of things and looks good doing them. It comes with a S Pen, a crystal-clear display, and Dolby Atmos surround sound, making it great for creative, entertainment, and getting things done on the fly.
Best Audio

Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE

The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE is a tablet built for everyday convenience, with a focus on comfort and immersive visuals. Its 11-inch FHD+ display balances portability with a larger-than-average screen, making it a great choice for both work and leisure.

Travelling light doesn’t mean leaving technology behind. The finest lightweight tablets are the ones that have the best blend of mobility, performance, and battery life. They're great for flying, driving, or working on the go. Whether you’re checking maps, streaming movies, editing photos, or catching up on work emails, a slim and travel-friendly tablet can keep you connected without weighing down your bag.

To find the best options, we researched top-rated tablets across different brands, focusing on size, weight, processing power, display quality, and long-lasting batteries. A travel tablet should be compact, easy to slip into a carry-on, and durable enough to handle life on the move while still offering smooth performance for everyday tasks.

Our top pick is the Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch M4. We recommend it as the best lightweight tablet for travel thanks to its powerful M4 chip and thin 1.27-pound design. That said, the right tablet depends on your needs. Some models are better for entertainment, while others excel in multitasking or stylus support. Ahead, we’ll share the best lightweight tablets for travel to help you find the one that fits your journey.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch M4
Our Score:
9.9
Apple

Apple’s iPad Pro has always set the bar for tablets, and the 13-inch M4 version pushes it even further. The Ultra Retina XDR display is beautiful right away. It's sharp, colourful, and bright enough for professional tasks like picture editing, graphic design, or just watching your favourite shows. Apple also has a nano-texture glass option for some models that helps cut down on glare in bright places.

Underneath, the M4 chip delivers an impressive leap in performance with up to a 10-core CPU and GPU. Whether you’re multitasking with Stage Manager, sketching in real time with Apple Pencil Pro, or rendering large video files, this iPad handles it all while still promising all-day battery life. iPadOS ties everything together, making the device more versatile and laptop-like than ever.

The only drawback is its premium price. While the cost may feel steep compared to other tablets, the iPad Pro 13-inch is a high-powered creative and productivity tool that many will find worth the investment.

TOP Choice #2 Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
Our Score:
9.7
Samsung

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a crowd-pleaser, offering a mix of features that make it just as suitable for note-taking and light work as it is for gaming or streaming. The included S Pen is easy to jot down notes, sketch, or even edit photos and videos right out of the box without needing to buy extra accessories. Combined with Samsung DeX, the tablet doubles as a productivity tool, letting you arrange multiple windows and expand your workspace seamlessly.

For entertainment, the crystal-clear display paired with Dolby Atmos surround sound delivers an immersive experience, whether you’re watching shows or diving into a game. Its lightweight, sleek build also makes it highly portable, and the addition of a new Mint color adds a stylish touch.

One thing to note is that while the Tab S6 Lite supports expandable storage, the MicroSD card is sold separately. Still, with its mix of creativity, entertainment, and productivity features, this tablet offers strong value and flexibility in a portable package.

TOP Choice #3 Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE
Our Score:
9.6
XIAOMI

The Redmi Pad SE from Xiaomi gives you more than you might think at first appearance, especially when it comes to the quality of the display. The 11-inch screen has a 16:10 ratio, a contrast ratio of 1500:1, and a brightness level of up to 400 nits, which is bright enough to see in bright sunlight without straining your eyes. The colour reproduction is also very good, with support for 16.7 million colours that make movies and games look bright and colourful.

For smoother performance, the refresh rate reaches up to 90Hz, which users can toggle down to 60Hz to conserve battery life. This makes it versatile, whether you’re gaming with quick reactions or just reading an e-book. Speaking of reading, the upgraded Reading Mode 3.0 adds Paper and Class modes, helping simulate a natural paper-like experience. TÜV Rheinland certifications for low blue light and flicker-free performance also reinforce its eye-friendly design.

Nevertheless, it does not support SIM cards, meaning it relies on Wi-Fi for connectivity. However, with its thoughtful display features and balance of smooth performance and comfort, it is an affordable, reliable tablet for daily entertainment and productivity.

4 Apple iPad Air 13-inch M3
Our Score:
9.4
Apple

Apple’s iPad Air has long been known as the “just right” option between the entry-level iPad and the high-end iPad Pro—and the 13-inch M3 model continues that tradition. Its Liquid Retina display is sharp, vibrant, and easy on the eyes, with features like True Tone and P3 wide color that make images and videos look lifelike. The larger size gives you more room for multitasking, and with Stage Manager in iPadOS, managing multiple apps side by side feels smooth and intuitive.

The real star here is the M3 chip, designed to power Apple Intelligence. It delivers impressive performance whether you’re editing photos, running graphic-intensive games, or juggling work apps. And with up to 1TB of storage, there’s plenty of room for big projects. Apple Pencil Pro support also makes the iPad Air a compelling tool for artists and note-takers, while the Magic Keyboard adds laptop-like functionality.

The only missing feature is Face ID, unlocking is handled through Touch ID instead. While that might feel less futuristic, it remains secure, reliable, and familiar to many users. Overall, the iPad Air 13-inch M3 hits a sweet spot for those wanting power and versatility without going all the way to Pro pricing.

5 Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet
Our Score:
9.2
Amazon

The Fire HD 8 keeps things simple but effective, offering a balance of portability and performance. Its 8-inch HD screen provides a crisp, comfortable view for streaming or casual gaming, and the lightweight, durable build makes it easy to carry anywhere. The tablet is more snappy now that it has 3GB of RAM, which is 50% more than the 2022 edition. This is true whether you're switching between programs or browsing the web. The storage starts at 32GB and can go up to 1TB with a MicroSD card. This gives you plenty of space for images, videos, and downloads.

Battery life is another highlight, lasting up to 13 hours, so you can stream, read, or play games throughout the day without recharging. Amazon also adds some thoughtful touches like built-in creative tools and Alexa support for voice commands, reminders, or even controlling smart home devices.

However, it would be best if the sound could be a little louder, especially if you’re watching videos without headphones. Still, considering its affordability and the mix of streaming, gaming, the Fire HD 8 is a dependable choice for anyone seeking a reliable everyday tablet.

6 SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S10 FE+
Our Score:
9.1
SAMSUNG

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ makes a strong case for being your all-around daily device. The expansive 13.1-inch screen is perfect for streaming, browsing, or even playing casual games, while the dual speakers add to the immersive experience. Productivity tools stand out here: Circle to Search makes it easy to get instant results with a quick S Pen gesture, and Handwriting Assist tidies up notes to look clean and professional. Students will especially appreciate Math Solver, which helps convert handwritten equations into text.

The processor makes sure everything runs smoothly, whether you're playing fast-paced games or doing a lot of stuff at once. The S Pen is sensitive and accurate, and it feels like writing on paper, which makes both work and creative activities better. Another good thing about the Tab S10 FE+ is that it is water-resistant, which makes it even safer to use every day.

The refresh rate tops out at 90Hz, which is smooth enough for most users, though some premium tablets now offer 120Hz. But the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ still offers a compelling large-screen experience that fits seamlessly into both work and leisure.

7 Lenovo Idea Tab Pro
Our Score:
8.9
Lenovo

The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro is designed to be a true all-rounder, balancing study, work, and play in one lightweight device. Its large 12.7-inch 3K LCD screen is crisp and immersive, especially when paired with the quad JBL speakers tuned with Dolby Atmos. Streaming content or attending lectures feels cinematic, while its sleek design keeps things portable.

The MediaTek Dimensity 8300 processor makes multitasking easy, and Wi-Fi 6E compatibility speeds up browsing and downloading. This tablet is also certified for PUBG and has a 360Hz touch sampling rate with 90fps, which gives gamers an edge in fast-paced action. The Tab Pen Plus and Circle to Search features that come with it also make learning or doing research faster and easier.

Battery life stretches to 11 hours of video playback, with 45W fast charging for quick top-ups, which means less time tethered to a charger. One minor downside is that the Wi-Fi connectivity isn’t as strong as it could be, which might occasionally affect performance. Despite this, the Idea Tab Pro is a compelling pick for anyone seeking a do-it-all tablet.

8 OnePlus Pad 2
Our Score:
8.7
OnePlus

OnePlus takes its second-generation tablet to the next level with the Pad 2, and the result is an impressive mix of power and polish. The 12.1-inch screen is stunning, with a 3000x2120 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and up to 900 nits brightness that makes everything from streaming to gaming feel incredibly sharp and smooth. Pair that with six speakers delivering punchy sound, and you get an immersive media experience that stands out.

Performance is equally strong, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and Adreno GPU. Games run fluidly with HyperBoost stabilising frame rates, while productivity tasks are enhanced by AI tools like AI Writer and Smart Cutout. With 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, there’s plenty of room for multitasking and large files, while the 80-minute fast charging ensures you’re never out of action for long.

Unfortunately, the Pad 2 doesn’t include a fingerprint lock. While that may be a small drawback, the device’s combination of raw performance, vibrant display, and thoughtful AI features makes it a versatile option for both professionals and entertainment seekers.

What to Look For in a best lightweight tablet for travel?

Hardware Connections

While connections are important for laptops and PCs, it is less relevant for tablets. Tablets use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as well as apps to store and transfer data. Apple tablets lack hardware connections. However, adapters can be attached to the dock port of the tablet or added wirelessly using purpose-built gadgets. Android tablets offer more options in terms of hardware connections. They have a USB port and HDMI-out.

Storage

The capacity of most tablets ranges from 16GB up to 128GB. The type of use you make for your tablet will determine how much storage you need. Most tablets can be used for browsing the Internet, checking email, streaming video and similar content.

Cameras

Tablets have less importance than smartphones for cameras. It should still have an 8MP, 12MP, or F2.0 aperture camera, as well as 4K 30fps video recording (although 1080p is acceptable if the tablet costs less than $100). Look out for 5MP front-facing cameras that record Full HD video. This ensures that you video will appear clearer when video calling or conference with people on the other end of the call.

Screen & Audio

When buying a tablet, the first thing you should look at is the screen size and quality. It's often the most used component. A tablet with a 10 inch screen and Full HD resolution is a good choice. Tablets with 7-inch and 8-inch screens may be small and lightweight, but they can feel cramped when browsing the internet and taking online classes.

Software

No matter if you're buying an iPad, an Android tablet or a smartphone, ensure that your device is pre-installed using the most recent version of the operating systems. It should at least include a guarantee of an upgrade to iOS or Android. The newest Android version is 11 and iPadOS version 14 in 2020.

Battery

One charge should be enough to last for a tablet through mixed use. Look at reviews on all of the tablets that you have shortlisted. For a 10-inch tablet to be reliable, it should contain a minimum of 7,000mAh. Tablets with larger screens (11-inch and 12-inch) should pack close to 10,000mAh to keep them going for a full day. Although not all devices can be rated on battery capacity, you should still consider other factors such as battery life. Reviews and test results are a good way to get an idea of what the actual battery life is.

Online Access

Many tablets come with Wi-Fi, while others offer mobile broadband, 3G and 4G for data. However, this requires you to sign up for an additional plan. Another option is the Wi-Fi only tablet. They can be used over Wi-Fi, just like the name implies, and also via your smartphone's mobile hotspot feature (standard on all new models). If your 3G plan is not sufficient, you might consider a 4G tablet that comes with its own plan.

FAQs

What features should I look for in a travel-friendly tablet?

A good travel tablet should be lightweight, compact, have at least 8–10 hours of battery life, and offer reliable performance for tasks like browsing, streaming, or note-taking. Durability and fast charging are also big pluses.

Is an iPad better than an Android tablet for travel?

It depends on your needs. iPads (like the iPad Air or iPad Mini) are known for smooth performance and long-term software support, while Android tablets often provide more variety in sizes, prices, and expandable storage options.

Can lightweight tablets handle work tasks while traveling?

Yes. Many modern tablets support keyboards, stylus pens, and multitasking features. While they may not fully replace a laptop for heavy workloads, they’re more than capable for emails, documents, and light creative work.

It's time to start buying when you've determined the best types of best lightweight tablet for travel and the characteristics you want. It's important to remember that you needn't rush out to a certain store or browse internet discounts just soon. You may quickly discover your pal thanks technological advancements, particularly the proliferation of selling sites.

Try to keep an eye on our site's regular to guarantee the latest deals best lightweight tablet for travel passes our standards. As a result, you'll be able to close the gap with them. Could you kindly provide us with feedback so that we can satisfy you guys, our customers? Wish you a great shopping experience!


0 ratings

About Michael Brown

Michael Brown

Michael Brown has been the lead editor of the website display-central.com for a long time. He's been a technology examiner for almost a decade, specializing in the display solutions such as laptops, projectors, and TVs, and Mobile devices. Michael will provide you with helpful and relevant knowledge and advice based on his technical background.