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Year after year, technology gets more powerful and more portable. What previously was only possible on a video editing PC can now be done on a tablet or even a smartphone.
This includes video editing. Whether you’re filming in the wilderness or just find yourself with a few extra minutes in a coffee shop, having the ability to edit video on the go can be a game changer.
This article will cover the top seven tablets for video editing and factors to consider when choosing one, and show you a comparison chart that can help you decide which will be best for your needs.
Top tablets for video editing
Finding the right tablet for video editing depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Do you need something compatible with your other devices? Is budget a major factor? Do you need something that can handle a ton of footage?
Check out each of these seven options to decide what’s most important to you and your content.
1. Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
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The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is a great option for an Android tablet. It’s affordable and has solid battery life, high-definition display, and other great features. The biggest selling point with this tablet is its price point. Starting at only $199.99, it’s one of the cheapest options on our list, and it doesn’t skimp on features.
Pros:
- Up to 15 hours of battery life
- 128 GB built-in storage with expandable storage option
- Keyboard connectivity capabilities
Cons:
- No headphone jack
- 11-inch screen display
Price: Starting at $199.99
Google rating: 4.5 stars
2. Microsoft Surface Pro 9
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The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a great option for professional video creators — as long as you have the budget to spring for it. The base option starts around $999.99, though that one doesn’t have the level of CPU needed for some of the higher-end software and video editing capabilities.
This means you may need to opt for one of the better models, which increases the price point even more. But it may be worth it: the model with an i7 Intel Core processor with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD can be just as powerful as a laptop, while much more portable. The price point for this option is $2,599.99.
Pros:
- Up to 15.5 hours of battery life (with some models getting up to 19 hours)
- Edge-to-edge screen display
- Option to upgrade to tablet with Intel Core processor
Cons:
- Expensive
- Base model may not be powerful enough for professional video editing software
Price: Starting at $999.99
Google rating: 4.4 stars
3. Apple iPad Pro 12.9 inch
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If you prefer Apple products, the iPad Pro 12.9 inch is a high-quality option that can easily sync with your Mac, MacBook, iPhone, and any other Apple product you might have. The iPad Pro comes with the new M2 chip, beating out the M1 chip used in previous models in both speed and functionality.
This option also comes with a high-quality camera, meaning you can use it for filming your videos as well as editing them. With an octa-core processor, you can easily run your preferred video editing tools.
Pros:
- Compatible with Apple Pencil, keyboard, and mouse
- Sleek design and high-resolution screen display
Cons:
- Expensive
- Additional accessories cost extra
Price: Starting at $999
Google rating: 4.8 stars
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
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The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ is one of the best Android tablet options on this list. This new option comes with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and a couple of different options for storage capacity.
This Samsung option is also great for creators who use a Samsung phone. The functionality is similar, meaning there’s little to no learning curve as you get started editing videos.
Pros:
- High-quality 4K camera for shooting video footage
- New processor technology
Cons:
- Only 8 GB of memory
Price: Starting at $799.99
Google rating: 4.7 stars
5. Microsoft Surface Go 3
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Here, we have another great Microsoft option. This one is more affordable — but has specs that match its price point. This tablet doesn’t have quite the caliber of processor, memory, or storage space that the Surface Pro does.
It’s still a great option for beginners, especially ones who are already familiar with the Windows 11 operating system. This tablet runs basic video and photo editing software, so it can definitely get the job done, even if it’s not one of the higher-end tablets on our list.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Smaller screen
- Not as much storage space
Price: Starting at $399.99
Google rating: 4.3 stars
6. ASUS Chromebook Flip C433
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The ASUS Chromebook is the only tablet on our list powered by the Chrome operating system. It’s also foldable like a laptop, coming with a keyboard already attached. But that’s not the only way it folds — you can flip, switch, and fold this Chromebook every which way to use it as a touchscreen laptop or just as a tablet with the keyboard folded back.
Pros:
- 360-degree keyboard hinge
- Versatile
- Affordable
Cons:
- 10 hours of battery life
Price: Starting at $399.99
Google rating: 4.3 stars
7. Apple iPad Air 2022
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The iPad Air is a much more affordable Apple option than the aforementioned iPad Pro. If you’re an Apple user who can’t afford a $1,000+ price tag, this might be the perfect tablet for you.
It still comes with a powerful 8-core processor; it just has less storage and memory, as well as a smaller screen. It does come with a Retina display, which ensures that the screen quality is there — a major factor when editing video content.
Pros:
- Portable
- Powerful processor
Cons:
- Smaller screen
Price: Starting at $549
Google rating: 4.7 stars
Comparison of tablets for video editing
Want a better bird’s-eye view of these seven tablets? Take a look at this comparison chart to find the best option for your creative business and video editing requirements.
Want something with a little more power? Check out our guide to the best laptops for video editing.
Factors to consider when choosing a tablet for video editing
You’ve seen the comparison. But let’s talk about which factors you need to consider most when choosing the right tablet for video editing.
Screen size and resolution
Screen size is important when editing video clips. This is why we recommend opting for a larger screen option when you can, rather than a small tablet or iPad Mini. With a larger screen size and high-resolution display, you can see more at one time — and see it more clearly.
This is an important factor when editing. Being able to see your video clips, editing tools, and the final product are necessary to enhance video quality and publish good content.
Performance and processing power
Another major factor is the overall performance and processing power. You need to ensure your tablet of choice has the proper functionality for the video editor you prefer to use.
Many of the tablets on our list have similar processors to some of the best laptop options for video editing, meaning they can run programs like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro.
Connectivity and ports
You also want to pay attention to the port options and connectivity features. For example, some tablets can connect to a stylus, keyboard, and mouse for additional support to make the process almost like using a laptop.
Some tablets have additional ports, like a microSD slot and headphone jack, while others only have USB-C ports or just a charging port. Think about what you need for your projects and find the best video editing tablet to fit those needs.
Find the best tablet for your video editing needs
Which tablet will best fit into your workflow? Pay attention to which has the most powerful processor, which is compatible with the video editing apps you use, and which is the best budget option.
Learn even more about video editing with our video editing 101 article. Find the best tips and tricks to create the most engaging video content for your audience.
Video editing tablet FAQs
Can I use any tablet for video editing, or are there specific requirements?
Not every tablet is going to be a good option for video editing. Make sure to choose one with the right screen size, power, storage, and display quality so you can seamlessly create, edit, and publish video content.
Which operating system is better for video editing: iOS or Android?
A lot of times, this comes down to personal preference. However, many experts say that iOS is better due to its graphics processor (GPUs), while Android can be better due to pure processing power. We say choose the operating system that you’re most comfortable with, as either one can work.
Do I need an internet connection for video editing on a tablet?
Some downloaded apps require an internet connection to work while others can work even if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi. If you won’t be connected to the internet for extended periods of time while you edit, make sure to choose video editing tools that don’t require it.
Can I connect external peripherals like a keyboard or mouse to a tablet for video editing?
This depends on the tablet, but yes! Many of the tablets on our list include capabilities to add a keyboard and mouse to turn the tablet into a mini laptop of sorts. This can make the video editing process much easier.
Are there any budget-friendly options available for video editing tablets?
Yes. While some tablets can be upward of $1,000, there are budget-friendly options available as well. For example, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus on our list is a great choice at just $199.99.
