10 Best Tablets for Writers (Professional Writing)

The best tablets for writers is one that has certain key characteristics. For example, a writer’s tablet has to be portable and have top-notch features such as a long battery lifespan per session that will make his life and work stress free and focused on written work and typing.

The most important features that professional writers and anyone writing should look for are the size and quality of the display, good connectivity, a compatible and excellent keyboard, enough storage and a battery that lasts for at least 8 hours of writing.

Since tablets are the next best alternative to desktops and laptops when it comes to portability, writers are constantly looking for which tablet works best for writing.

Interesting Device for writers: 8 Best Digital Writing Pads (Electronic Notebooks)

Related: 9 Best Tablets for Reading PDF files [Buyers Guide]

There are numerous tablets that have these features and more. For this reason, we have researched and created a list of the best tablets for writers that you can evaluate and choose from based on your precise writing needs.

At a glance – Best Tablets for Writing

Below  is our top picks of the best tablets for writers:

1. Microsoft Surface Pro 7: Best Tablet & keyboard for Writers & writing
2. iPad Pro: Best Tablet for Journaling
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro: Best Writing Tablet for Freelancers
4. iPad Air: Best Tablet for Writers With Stylus Pen
5. Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Tablet With Word Processing

Amongst expert writers & authors we’ve interviewed, the majority of professional writers preferred having a tangible keyboard to type on, even when using a tablet with an onscreen, digital keyboard.

Whether or not you choose to include an additional bluetooth or wired keyboard outside of the onscreen touch display keyboard is ultimately up to you, the writer.

Consider E-ink Technology instead? See the 15 Best e-ink Tablets for Reading, Note Taking, and Annotation

Best Tablets for Writers, writing, and typing

The list below will cover the ideal touch screen tablets to be used for writing specifically. These tablets are hand selected and tested and have the advantage of bright displays, strong storage, smooth navigation and intuitive design.

Related: 6 Best Apps to Convert Handwriting to Text on iPad and iPhone

1. Microsoft Surface Pro 7: Best Tablet & keyboard for Writers & writing

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a top-of-the-line tablet. Its advanced features make it the perfect portable device for writers on the go. Surface Pro 7 has a 12.3-inch touch screen with pen input.  

I found the surface pro & keyboard cover (sold separately) to be the best keyboard & tablet combination, despite the keyboard covers’ extra purchase.

Side note: The reMarkable and it’s alternatives are also a strong devices for writers – they let you write like a pen on paper.

If you’re a writer looking for a premium pick, the surface pro 7 along with the surface keyboard cover is one of the best setups amongst the major brands.

To be clear, you’ll need to purchase the keyboard cover separately, but it is well worth it for someone who is frequently writing or typing.

The display is one of the best in the market, making it perfect for writing. Another important aspect for writers is autonomy. Well, the battery of the Pro 7 lasts up to 10.5 hours, which is more than enough to write for a whole day on the go. 

In terms of performance, the Surface Pro 7 is one of the fastest and most reliable tablets out there. You won’t have any lag problems when multitasking, writing or researching a topic either.

Moreover, in addition to the Laptop Mode, which can stand anywhere like a normal laptop, the Surface 7 also has a Studio Mode.

Studio Mode allows the user to write or draw at a perfect angle using the Surface Pen. The Surface 7 comes with Windows 10 Home and weighs only 1.7 pounds.

If 12.3 inches seems too small for you, Microsoft recently introduced the all-new Surface Pro X . The X’s screen is slightly larger (13 inches) and the battery life is 13 hours instead of 10.5 hours. 

Although these features make the X version better, the Pro 7 is still the best Microsoft tablet for writers on the go.

Related: 9 Best Tablets for Reading and Web Browsing (Reading Pads)

2. iPad Pro: Best Tablet for Journaling

Apple offers top-of-the-line products, and the latest iPad Pro is definitely one of them. Apple’s latest flagship is definitely one of the best tablets on the market for content creators. This device is a powerful tool for any professional writer. 

If you are a journalist, you will appreciate how fast the iPad Pro is when multitasking. Thanks to the latest M1 chip with 8 cores CPU you will have no problems with simple or demanding tasks.

Related: Remarkable 2 Review: Is it worth it?

Also, the iPad Pro has the best display on the list. Mainly because of the Retina technology and the stunning blacks, the 11-inch screen will never tire you out. 

The battery lasts up to 10 hours when multitasking, making it one of the best iPads for writers. It also uses 5G so you can download super fast from the internet. This makes comparing the iPad vs a laptop easy since it lasts about as long as far as battery life goes.

The Magic Keyboard never lets you down and the typing experience on this keyboard is by far the best on the market.

Plus, the front camera has a wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle camera, so you’ll have a premium experience when video conferencing and writing on the go.

Related: 9 Best Tablets for Zoom Calls & Classes

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro: Best Writing Tablet for Freelancers

Samsung is one of the most reliable brands in electronics out there. The latest Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro offers unique features that you can use anywhere. This is the best option for an active freelancer who is always on the go.

The Active Pro can withstand real challenges. It is built to withstand weather conditions like rain and cold (which is a situation many writers may find themselves in) 

We also cover a few different Samsung models vs Fire HD models in our comparison based review.

• In a few words, it is the most rugged tablet I’ve came across on this list. With its 10.1-inch waterproof screen and 15-hour battery life, you can almost take it anywhere.

Apart from that, Active Pro is a reliable and fast device. Therefore, you will not experience any lag while typing. It is compatible with the excellent S Pen that you can use to operate the tablet. Finally, the Active Pro also has a great keyboard and 64 GB of internal storage.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy tab Active Pro is simply the best choice if you need a rugged tablet for writing on the go.

Related: Best Remarkable 2 Templates (+ Custom & How to make your own)

4. iPad Air: Best Tablet for Writers With Stylus Pen

The IPad Air has the smallest (10.9 inches) but one of the best displays in our list. As with all current iPads, the screen is Liquid Retina, so your eyes will not get tired while working. Its small size and light weight make it the ultimate portable device for writers. 

It also runs on A14 Bionic Chip, making it perfect for everyday tasks. One of its best features is that it can be connected to an Apple Pencil (2nd generation). The best stylus in the market is very helpful for writers who work with scribbling. 

See our post on the best tablets for work & productivity

The tablet is also compatible with one of the best keyboards ever designed (Apple Magic Keyboard). 

Compared to the iPad Pro we reviewed above, the iPad Air is smaller, lighter, and just as reliable. So if you do not want to spend a tonne of money or need a portable Apple tablet, the iPad Air is the tablet for you. 

5. Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Tablet With Word Processing

The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is one of the best tablets for business use. Its handy 10.8-inch display and Windows 10 Professional operating system will definitely loosen up your hands. Moreover, the multi-touch display provides an amazing HD experience for writers.

Even though the Pro 3 doesn’t have the best autonomy on the list, its battery lasts up to 10 hours of continuous use, which is more than enough for most writers. When I tested this it worked well for handwritten notes, but couldn’t beat the iPad due to how intuitive the apple notes app is.

When using the Surface tablet models, a detachable keyboard is always ideal and this is where Microsoft excels. In the surface pro 3’s case you’ll need to purchase a wireless keyboard to pair for writing.

If you’re using a tablet strictly for reading and you want the least expensive option, see our post on the: 7 Best Amazon Fire HD Tablets for Reading E-books

As for performance, the tablet is fast for everyday use and pretty much any task writers need. In short, the Surface Pro 3 is a reliable device that Microsoft offers at a reasonable price.

6. Microsoft Surface Pro X: Best Tablet for Writing a Novel

The latest Microsoft Surface Pro X is a sleek and slim device – perfect for a mobile lifestyle. Surface Pro X has an amazing 13-inch screen and 8GB RAM, making it perfect for writers who need a large screen and a fast writing experience. 

During our testing, the keyboard proved to be very comfortable and reliable for typing. The keyboard’s trackpad is large enough to make it feel like you are using a laptop. You can also use the rechargeable Surface Slim Pen, which gives a natural handwriting feel. 

Like all Surface tablets, the Pro X runs Windows 10 Home. If you are looking for a device that combines the best characteristics of laptops and tablets, this is the one. It is comfortable for long periods of time and has the portability and key features of the iPad models and Lenovo 2-in-1 tablets.

With one of the largest displays, this is a high-end device that will totally wow you and help you write anywhere.

7. HP Pavilion 14: Best Writers Tablet

HP Pavilion 14 is a different suggestion from those examined above. In fact, the Pavilion 14 is one of the most reliable hybrid tablets on the market for writers. 

This device allows you to use a huge 14-inch display on a portable and lighter device than a laptop. Its display has a great FHD resolution. This amazing tablet laptop offers up to 11 hours of autonomy. 

The most useful feature of the tablet is its 360० hinge that allows you to use it at any angle you prefer. It also has an 80% screen-to-body ratio, so you’ll have a better viewing and writing experience. 

Another amazing and convenient feature of the Pavilion 14 is the fast charging technology that allows you to charge faster on the go.

8. Lenovo Flex 5: Top Tablet Used by Professional Writers & Journalists

As a professional writer or journalist, you need a portable device with a great display. Lenovo Flex 5 offers just those features at a great price. Like the HP Pavilion 14, the Lenovo Flex 5 is a 2-in-1 touchscreen tablet that looks more like a portable notebook.

It is a slim and lightweight device with a 14-inch display. The full HD resolution will not tire your eyes and the long battery life (10 hours) will never let you down on the go. Another great feature is that the battery charges to 80% in just one hour.

The Lenovo Flex 5 can also be compared to the Lenovo Flex 14, which is also included in our list. 

The Flex 5 has a better processor and RAM, which will help you handle your daily tasks. They both have an amazing 14 inch screen with a full HD screen resolution.

9. Asus ZenPad 10: Best Tablet for Typing Word Documents

The Asus ZenPad 10 is a sleek and slim device that will definitely be an amazing tool for writing. Its 10.1-inch display with a 72% aspect ratio minimizes the width of the bezel, giving you all the screen space you need. 

The ZenPad 10’s features make it look more like a mobile device. Features like your personal assistant, double-tap screen wake, and kid mode help you use the device effortlessly. Even though it is not a high-performance device, it can handle tasks like typing and browsing with ease.

For all these reasons, the ZenPad 10 is a reliable and affordable solution for writers who need a stylish tablet for everyday tasks like texting, social media, and web browsing.

10. Lenovo Flex 14: Best Tablet for Writing Books 

Lenovo Flex 14 is a convertible tablet that is more than just a tablet for everyday use. For writers, the Flex 14 is one of the best solutions. Its huge 14-inch display with full HD resolution is just what you need. 

The tablet also features an active stylus that makes it easier than ever to write or take notes directly on the display. 

The battery lasts up to 10 hours of continuous use. You can use the tablet in “notebook mode” which helps you write. 

Related: Lenovo Flex Vs Yoga: Which is the best?

With a Ryzen 5 CPU and 12 GB RAM, the Flex 14 is more than adequate for everyday use and multitasking. It runs the very well-optimized Windows 10 without any problems. 

In short, this Lenovo tablet has everything a writer needs at a great price. Thus, it is an excellent choice for writers who need a large screen but also have a certain budget. Whats interesting is that you can also use one of the best stylus for Lenovo, the active pen 2.

What Tablet do Professional Writers use?

Professional writers need tablets that can handle their daily tasks. Multitasking and smooth web browsing are essential for a professional writer. Writers also need a display with high quality and the highest resolution possible. 

Another important point to consider before buying a tablet is the battery life, which must be more than 8 hours. The keyboard is also very important as it must be comfortable and give a natural feel.

Also, a lightweight tablet is better for a writer who is on the go a lot. All these features make a writer’s life easier and help him to do his work without any practical obstacles.

What tablet do writers use to write a book?

As with writers in general, writers that use to write books, need a fast reliable tablet for research. Therefore, multitasking and web browsing are two of the most important aspects your tablet should be able to cope with.

However, book writers usually need a larger screen, as they spend many hours writing in front of their computer. For this reason, choosing one of the best 2-in-1 tablets reviewed above, might be a brilliant choice for such professionals. 

Do writers use an iPad to write a book?

Writers love writing on an iPad because iPads have more than enough features to help creators. Even the less expensive Apple devices have everything a writer needs. Because of their slim and lightweight design, iPads are some of the most portable devices around.

Another great feature is the battery life, which is usually longer than the average tablets. Not to mention the amazing high resolution screens on each iPad. Especially the latest model with the Liquid Retina display won’t tire your eyes.

One benefit to this for writers is that while also reading, you can use an adjustable iPad stand to make the job easier.

Related: Do I Need an iPad if I Have an iPhone? (Is it Necessary)

Finally, Apple is known for its top-notch keyboards, and the latest iPads are no exception.

Do I need a mouse for professional writing?

It may seem counter-intuitive, but using a mouse can be beneficial for many writers. The writer’s I’ve spoken with all used the touchpad or touch screen, but the few who did use a mouse reported they would never go back to a trackpad of any sort.

The reason for this is because a mouse can be used to quickly navigate between different apps, tabs, or browsers you may be using to research while writing a paper, book, novel, or journal. The best tablets for writing should certainly have the capability to connect to a mouse via bluetooth or USB wired connection.

How to choose a tablet for writing (What to look for)

When choosing a tablet for writing, you’ll want to look for a good keyboard, a bluetooth connection (to connect a wireless keyboard if the writer desires), and a good display. Long battery lifespan, slim design, battery length per session, and a quick charge is ideal for writers or journalists utilizing a tablet.

Keyboard

The quality of the keyboard is naturally one of the most important features a writer is to consider before purchasing a tablet. Luckily, most of the major brand tablets, like the Microsoft Surface Pro, have a dedicated keyboard cover to be purchased separately.

Alternatively, purchasing a tablet that has bluetooth connection means you can connect nearly any compatible bluetooth keyboard to your touch screen tablet device (whether its a 2-in-1 tablet or standard)

Related: see our post on how to clean a laptop screen safely (touch screen cleaning)

Tablets that can connect a keyboard wirelessly will have the same connectivity technology to connect a wireless mouse, which can be useful for writers, but is not typically the core concern since using your fingers will be efficient in most scenarios (which is a core advantage of a tablet to begin with)

Display

Aside from a screen size of 8 inches or larger, the best tablet for writing will need to be large enough with clear words being shown on screen when typing. This means getting a tablet with a good range of compatible resolutions that can also adjust the brightness easily.

The display of a writing tablet will ideally have a screen with an intuitive design in addition to a clear, vivid picture. For writers, the display of the tablet can also be thought of as an interface to a digital work desk. Most recent models of tablets have a touchscreen for a user to touch and use the device with their fingers or a dedicated stylus if they want to handwrite notes.

The display of a tablet is typical of many different types of electronic devices that can be viewed from an angle or from multiple angles. The display technology found in the monitor is typically LCD or LED-backlit LCD.

The size that they come in is measured by the diagonal measurement of the screen, so it is important to know what size tablet your consumers want before purchasing them.

Operating system

There are many different operating systems for tablets. iOS, android, and windows, to name a few. These operating systems determine how the tablet is used. Apps on iOS, for example, are designed to use the touch interface of tablets. Android apps have been designed to maximize screen real-estate. While, Windows runs more traditional desktop operating systems that makes it easy for a user can switch between with a keyboard and mouse or a touchscreen. 

The operating system will determine how the writer will also use common tasks such as surfing the internet, checking email, social media, playing games and getting directions when on-the-go. For someone typing, there are keypads that can be attached to them wirelessly and via a usb cable.

The operating system of a tablet will determine what types of software and applications a writer will use. For example, someone using a Windows operating system will be able to install Microsoft Office, while someone using a Linux operating system may not be able to utilize that software.

Writing Applications & Writing software

Tablets are an increasing popular tool for writers. A tablet is a mobile device that can run many of the same applications as a computer and has various features such as word processing, e-mail, and internet browsing capabilities. These devices have been designed to take the place of laptops for those who need mobility but not as much power or storage space.

Some writing applications also allow for drawing, but in this case most prefer a drawing tablet in combination with a laptop for drawing instead.

Battery life

Outside of the features listed above, a writer will also need a long battery life for their tablet. This is because writers are constantly in situations where a tablet is ideal and having it power off when your ‘in the zone’ or flow state is not deal. To avoid writers block, a long battery life is required.

A tablet which has a screen size of 8 inches or smaller, like the Apple iPad Mini model, can generally carry up to 10 hours of battery life before needing to recharge. Ideally, you’ll want 8 hours minimum if your the type of writer that travels often or uses the tablet to write on a couch or as a passenger on a long ride.

Note: a Tablet or iPad battery is not much different from a MacBook Pro battery in that they are rechargeable and last for several hours in one charge session. Amount of cycles can be used to judge it’s lifespan.

In this case, you may also want to see your alternatives. This includes the Best Tablets for Traveling Abroad.

How we rated our picks for the best tablets for writers.

We have rated the best tablets for writers based on our hands on tests that focused on reading functionality, writing capability, battery life, and which apps and software were ideal. We also rated those laptops with a functional, dedicated keyboard with a sleek, ergonomic design higher as this is an important feature for someone who writes often on their tablet.

A good tablet for writers is one that lasts long, has a good, clear display with adjustable brightness, and allows for bluetooth connectivity for an external keyboard. A lightweight tablet with a slim, sleek design is also ideal for writers on the go and those that had this were rated higher when we tested them.

Conclusion

The best tablet for writers is one that is designed with a writer’s needs in mind, which we have covered in this post. Whether you need a device for writing books, blogs, or articles, there are three things to consider in order to determine the best tablet for writers: the keyboard typing experience, the device’s charging capabilities and weight.

A tablet with an intuitive navigation and design is important. When you minimize a window, it should be an obvious gesture that it is minimized and not that the entire app or screen simply disappeared. The screen should also have a high resolution that a user can easily read from.

The functionality of a tablet is important for authors, journalist, Public relation professionals, and general writing in order to achieve an optimal user experience with connectivity to the required hardware and softwares.

If you are writing for long periods of time, it is essential to have a tablet with a convenient charging method. There are different options, but the stand-out feature should be an easy access to charge while you use your device.