As someone who has tested dozens of tablets over the years, I know how important it is to find one with a great keyboard if you want to get serious work done. While tablets are amazing for media consumption and gaming, they can‘t fully replace a laptop for productivity without a proper keyboard. Fortunately, the top tablets today have fantastic keyboard options that provide a comfortable typing experience while maintaining the sleek, portable design that makes tablets so versatile.
After extensive hands-on testing, I‘ve compiled a list of the top 10 tablets you can buy with a keyboard. I evaluated each tablet‘s performance, display quality, battery life, stylus support, and the design and usability of its keyboard accessory. Whether you prefer Windows, iPadOS, or Android, there are great options available at a range of prices.
For those who want the most laptop-like experience, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and Apple iPad Pro are the top choices. These premium tablets have gorgeous 120Hz displays, powerful processors, all-day battery life, and can be configured with up to 16GB RAM and 2TB of storage to handle demanding workloads. The Surface Pro‘s built-in kickstand is fantastic for propping up the tablet at an ergonomic angle, while the iPad Pro‘s Mini-LED display provides unrivaled HDR brightness and contrast. Both have excellent keyboard accessories with large trackpads, although they are quite pricey, costing upwards of $299 for the full keyboard case.
If you don‘t need all the bells and whistles of the Surface Pro and iPad Pro, the Apple iPad Air and Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ are more affordable options that still deliver impressive performance and have great keyboard cases available. The iPad Air has the same fast M1 processor as the iPad Pro, while the Tab S8+ has a stunning AMOLED display. For those on a tighter budget, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 and Apple 10.2" iPad are worth considering and have more affordable keyboard options.
In the world of Windows tablets, the Surface Pro 9 remains the gold standard, but there are some compelling alternatives. The Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable has a fantastic keyboard and durability that lives up to the ThinkPad name. The HP Elite x2 G8 is another great choice for business users, with a 3:2 display, capable 11th gen Intel processors, and an included keyboard and pen.
When comparing these tablets to laptops, it‘s important to consider the trade-offs. Because these tablets use mobile processors and integrated graphics, they won‘t be able to match the sheer CPU and GPU performance of larger laptops with dedicated graphics cards. However, the advantage of tablets is that you get a touchscreen and pen support in a far sleeker and more portable form factor. For common productivity tasks like Office, web browsing, and email, a tablet with keyboard is just as capable as a laptop while enabling new touch-centric workflows. Creative professionals will appreciate being able to draw and take notes right on the screen.
So which tablet with keyboard reigns supreme? For the average user, I think the Surface Pro 9 and iPad Air offer the best blend of performance, portability, and price. They have premium designs, gorgeous displays, more than enough power for everyday tasks, and solid keyboards available. But the Surface Pro 9 has the edge when it comes to true laptop replacements, thanks to its built-in kickstand and compatibility with a wider range of desktop PC apps. But if you‘re used to iPad OS or value the iPad‘s superior app ecosystem for tablet-optimized apps, the iPad Air is an excellent choice and costs significantly less than the iPad Pro while providing similar capabilities.
Ultimately, the best tablet with a keyboard will depend on your specific needs and budget. But you really can‘t go wrong with any of the options on this list. The versatility of using a tablet with a keyboard has truly been a game-changer for my mobile productivity. With desktop-class performance in such sleek and portable form factors, these tablet and keyboard combos make it easier than ever to get work done anywhere. If you‘re in the market for a productivity device but want something more travel-friendly than a laptop, I highly recommend checking out these fantastic tablet and keyboard options.
