7 Best Tablets for Live Streaming to Youtube, Twitch, and Facebook Live

The best tablets for live streaming to youtube, twitch, and facebook live require a good camera, moderate amount of ram, and a good microphone/audio system. 

Advanced streaming requires a hardware or software encoder when live streaming on a tablet. These encoders allow you to share your screen, cast gameplay, have scoreboards and visuals as well as layouts, audio tracks and sound effects. 

For all the things that can be done with a tablet with live streaming, this article is for those individuals who want to go beyond using the default application that comes on your device and do more than just use it as a glorified video editor.

1. iPad Air: Best Overall Tablet for Live Streaming.
2. VANKYO MatrixPad S21: Best Budget Tablet for Live Streaming (Youtube, Facebook, Twitch)
3. iPad Pro 12.9: Best Premium Tablet for Live Streaming

Related: How to Download a Youtube Video with VLC (Windows & Mac)

Requirements for live streaming to Youtube or Twitch with a Tablet

When live streaming, a minimum ram of 2gb and 1.5Ghz processor is what I have found runs well with a software encoder. The reason you need a software encoder is to “bridge the gap” between your video and your live stream (youtube or twitch).

There are various accessories to explore as well when using a tablet for livestreaming (or live streaming in general). The Corsair Elgato stream Deck is just one example which allows a streamer to use keys to launch audio and switch scenes. (really useful).

There’s also other smaller sized options you could go for, but Corsair usually makes some reliable products in this department from my experience.

You’ll need a software encoder or hardware encoder

If you want to live stream from your tablet, there are two different choices: software and hardware encoders. Professionals typically use these hardware encoders while beginners go with the software encoders and from my experience I’ve seen them upgrade from there.

An encoder allows you to perform advanced features of live streaming:

• Share your screen, broadcast gameplay
• On screen pop ups, live scoreboards, replays
• Use sound effects and audio tracks, web streams
• Scene layouts and formats of what your sharing.

No need to get overwhelmed with the complexities of encoding; you can begin with a simple software encoder, many of which are open sourced, and move onto a hardware encoder (which are quite expensive) as you advance.

Hardware encoders are high-end, and cost more than software encoders in most scenarios; these allow you to feed video live, with minimal delays.

• Related: Best Tablets for Social Media (Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat)
• Related: Best Tablets for Watching Youtube & Videos

Best Tablets for Live streaming to Youtube, Twitch, and Facebook Live

Many gamers use a tablet for live streaming to twitch and facebook gaming as it can control their SLOBS or OBS (broadcast software that can add a special effect), while their laptop is set up to work with the game. 

In this article, I’m going to cover the best tablets for lvie streaming and discuss their function and advantages as well as cons to using them.

1. iPad Air: Best Overall Tablet for Live Streaming.

It has a perfect size, a super-powerful hardware kit, the optimized iPadOS, and pretty much everything you might ask for Live Streaming on Youtube. The latest iPad Air is one of the most popular tablets out there for good reasons. It is both strong and lightweight and compatible with most software encoders. 

Many people who need a tablet for streaming choose the iPads and argue that Apple’s devices are more reliable than most Android ones. In fact. While reviewing the Air for Live Streaming, it did run smoothly. Let’s explore its specs to understand why the iPad Air is the perfect all-rounder for live video streaming.

Related: 7 Best Large Android Tablets (10 inches & bigger)

• Display & Audio: Apple included an amazing 10.9-inch Retina display, which offers excellent display quality and beautiful colors. When it comes to the audio experience, the speakers of the iPad Air produce an excellent and clear sound, and the microphone is crystal-clear. All these specs result in a breathtaking audiovisual experience when streaming. 
• Battery:  Although the battery life of the iPad Air allows autonomy of up to 10 hours, you should consider that streaming encoders tend to weaken the battery quickly (expect around 4-5 hours of live-streaming). 
• Processor & RAM:  If you want to live stream on Twitch or Youtube fluidly while multitasking, then the iPad Air is simply the best choice. With its 4GB RAM, the latest A14 Bionic chip, and the iPadOS, the Air is a compact beast that runs most live stream software without any issues.
• Cameras: With a great selfie camera that can record in 720P (at 30fps), the Air is a tablet that you can use for live streaming without an external camera.

Related: Best Streaming Devices for Watching Youtube TV

2. VANKYO MatrixPad S21: Best Budget Tablet for Live Streaming (Youtube, Facebook, Twitch)

VAN KYO’s new MatrixPad is an extremely powerful tablet that comes at a great price. By spending less than $200, you buy an octa-core device with 3GB of RAM, great cameras, and an amazing battery. Due to the brand’s recent appearance in the technology world, the S21 easily rivals more premium tablets like the Samsung S series.

Still, VAN KYO has managed to offer it for around half their price. Although there are cheaper versions of the S21 (such as the MatrixPad S10), this is the best VANKYO device for Live Streaming on Youtube, Twitch, or Facebook. Let’s explore all the reasons why.

• Display and Audio: The S21 has a great FHD 10.1” (1920 x 1200) IPS display and dual speakers. The screen has good viewing angles and vibrant colors, the sound experience is great, and the microphone is top-tier for the price. 
• Battery: The S21 has excellent battery autonomy that allows you to use it for up to 15 hours (around 8 hours of live streaming).
• Processor & RAM: With a reliable 8-core CPU and 3GB of RAM, the S21 can handle any software encoder without any lag. For this price, it simply doesn’t get any better.
• Camera: The 13MP back and 8MP front cameras that the S21 includes are merely the best in the price range. If you want a budget device for live streaming without an external camera or microphone, the S21 is by far the best on the market. 

Related: Best Tablets with SD Card slot (expandable storage

3. iPad Pro 12.9: Best Premium Tablet for Live Streaming

The iPad Pro doesn’t need any introduction. Apple’s flagship is the ultimate live streaming device. Whether you are a Twitch gamer, a Youtuber, or an influencer, the latest Pro has you covered. 

This device can’t even be compared to any other tablet out there. With an amazing screen, breathtaking cameras, and the most powerful hardware, the iPad Pro can easily handle all encoders out there (both hardware and software). 

Even though the Air should be enough for most people, the Pro edition is for those who don’t compromise. Thus, if you are a serious streamer, this is the most premium solution and the best way to go.  

• Display & Audio: Apple included the best tablet display ever created. The Pro has a vast 12.9-inch Retina display (2732 x 2048 pixels with 265 PPI density), which offers the best display quality on the market. The speakers and the microphone of the iPad Pro are also top-tier. If you need an ultimate audiovisual experience, this is the best device for you.
• Battery:  As with the iPad Air, the Pro edition offers an autonomy of up to 10 hours of normal use (you should expect around 4-5 hours of live-streaming). 
• Processor & RAM:  With the Apple M1 Bionic chip, the 8GB of RAM, and the latest iPadOS, the iPad Pro is the most powerful tablet out there and easily outshines many laptops too.
• Cameras: The iPad Pro also has the best cameras. The 12MP selfie camera is simply breathtaking, allowing you to capture 1080P live streaming videos for Youtube or Twitch at 60FPS.

Related: Best Budget Tablets with a Good Camera

4. Surface Go 2: Best Windows Tablet for Live Streaming to Youtube for going live

For those of you who prefer Windows over iPadOS, there is the brand new Surface Go 2. Microsoft is a very well-known and reliable brand, and the Go 2 is an amazing device that backs this reputation up. 

The Surface Go 2 is perfect for live streaming on Twitch and Youtube. With its amazing screen, all the Windows-only supported apps, solid performance, and great cameras, this device has the whole package. Let’s explore all the reasons why the Go 2 easily made it on our list. 

• Display & Audio:  Microsoft included a 10.5-inch FHD display that offers a great overall experience when streaming, with vivid colors and great angles. The microphone is loud enough and reliable, and the tablet’s stereo speakers support Dolby Audio Premium.
• Battery: The Surface Go 2 has an outstanding battery autonomy of up to 10 hours (around 5 hours of live streaming).

Processor & RAM:  The Go 2 runs with a reliable Intel Pentium 8th gen processor, backed up with 4GB of RAM. Thus, you won’t have any issues streaming your Twitch, Youtube, or Facebook videos via hardware or software encoders.

Related: Best Budget Tablets for Watching Netflix

5. Lenovo Yoga 7i: Best Tablet for live streaming to Twitch for game streaming

If you want both a tablet and a laptop, Lenovo has you covered with an amazing VFM device. The latest Yoga 7i is a great, premium 2-in-1 tablet, ideal for live streaming with hardware and software encoders. 

With a massive screen and storage, a flexible design, advanced connectivity (Thunderbolt port, BlueTooth, etc.), and the best hardware kit on the list, the Yoga has everything a Youtube or Twitch streamer might ask for. 

Related: Best Stylus Pens for Lenovo Yoga, ThinkPad, and IdeaPad

• Display and Audio: With an enormous 14” FHD IPS screen, this Lenovo tablet/laptop outshines all tablets on this list when it comes to screen size. Thus, this is a great choice for those who prefer bigger screens and spend their time streaming professional videos. Also, the 7i’s audio speakers are great, and the integrated microphone is one of the best on the list.
• Battery: Lenovo has included the best battery on the list, as the Yoga can handle up to 16 hours of continuous usage (around 10hours of streaming). If you consider the bigger screen, this is simply impressive.
• Camera: Even though the Yoga 7i doesn’t have the best selfie camera out there, this tablet has all the ports required to connect a great external one for live streaming. 

6. Samsung Galaxy S7: Best Tablet for Live Streaming to Facebook for Facebook live

Samsung’s flagship is the best device for those who prefer Android tablets over iPads and Windows devices. The S7is a performance-beast with a premium design and all the advanced specs and accessories (keyboard, active pen, etc.) a streamer could ask for.

Visually, the S7 provides an amazing experience. In fact, if you want a tablet to live stream Android games on Youtube or Twitch, this is the best way to go. Let’s analyze all the reasons why.

• Display and audio: Samsung is one of the best brands when it comes to displays. Likewise, the S7’s 11” (2560 x 1600 pixels) FHD display has impressive blacks, vibrant colors, and great viewing angles. Thus, this device is perfect for live streaming on a top-tier screen. Apart from the screen, the S7 also offers an amazing audio kit and a great microphone.
• Battery: Samsung has included one of the best batteries on the list. The S7 can be used for 8 hours of streaming (up to 15 hours of normal use) without a charging break.
• Cameras: With an amazing 8MP front camera, the S7 is simply the best Android tablet on the market for live streaming.

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7. Microsoft Surface Pro 7: Best Tablet for Live Streaming to Instagram & Social Media.

The Surface Pro 7 is the best Windows device for those who want to connect an advanced hardware encoder for streaming live on their Youtube or Twitch channel. Microsoft has developed a performance beast that can easily handle any live streaming software. 

The live streaming app navigation is as smooth as it goes, and the Pro 7 has all the specs a streamer needs. In a few words, this is a smart choice for professionals. Let’s find out why:

• Display and Audio: The Surface Pro 7 has an amazing 12.3” FHD display. Due to its hybrid design, the Pro 7 can be used in 3 different modes (laptop mode, studio mode for drawing, and tablet mode). Audio-wise, even though Microsoft’s kit isn’t the most powerful, the Pro 7 has an adequate audio set. With its dual 1.6W speakers and a great microphone, the S7 has great live streaming capabilities. 
• Battery: The Surface Pro 7 offers an autonomy of up to 11 hours of continuous usage (6-7 hours of live streaming). 
• Cameras: Even though Surface’s front camera isn’t as good as iPad Pro’s, the 5MP quality is solid and capable of capturing live streaming videos without any issues.

See our post: Surface Pro 7 vs iPad Pro for Drawing & Art (Compared)

Can I use a tablet for Live Streaming to Youtube, twitch, or Facebook live?

Yes, you can use a tablet for live streaming to YouTube, twitch or Facebook as most modern day tablets are strong enough to handle the requirements a stream requires.

If we answered this question a few years ago, the answer would be different. However, nowadays, many brands like Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft, have developed tablets that can easily outshine laptops. 

Thus, live streaming on a tablet isn’t news anymore. All the tablets on our list above can easily handle live streaming to Youtube, Twitch, or Facebook live. All you have to do is install an encoder, and you’re good to go!

How to live stream on YouTube and do a screenshare?

If you want to live stream on YouTube and share your screen with your viewers, we have good news. You can easily do it! However, there are two requirements: 

1. Your channel needs to be verified.
2. You have at least 1000 subscribers. 

As long as you have both requirements fulfilled, the methodology to live stream your screen is pretty easy. All you have to do is:

1. Open Youtube 
2. Tap the camera button on the top-right 
3. Press Go live
4. If this is the first time, you have to access your storage, camera, and microphone.
5. If you want to screen share, just press the screen sharing button at the top-right menu. 
6. Tap next. Your device will capture a photo, and Youtube will use it as a thumbnail. 
7. There you go! Your stream is ready to go live. Just press the ‘GO LIVE’ button at the bottom, and you are all set!

For expanding your screen and display, see our post on, or an alternative (Duet Display Alternatives (Free and Paid) Reviewed

What is a live streaming app?

As most of you know, live streaming is a technology that allows you to share videos with your audience (Youtube and Twitch subscribers or Facebook friends) in real-time. There are numerous apps and platforms that will enable you to host a live stream. The most popular ones are:

1. Twitch TV
2. Youtube live streaming
3. Facebook Live
4. Instagram Live Stories

Do I need a hardware video encoder or can I use a software encoder for live streaming on a tablet.

If you want to live stream from your tablet, you have two different choices concerning video encoders: software and hardware encoders. So, how would you know if you need a hardware video encoder or can use a software one? Well, it is pretty simple. Most people don’t need the advanced capabilities of hardware encoders. 

Thus, if you are a relatively new streamer, most software encoders have all the specs and features you need. On the flip side, if you need a hardware encoder, you should go for a very powerful tablet like the iPad Pro or the Surface Pro 7. Unfortunately, this is the only way to confirm a flawless working hardware encoder for live streaming on Youtube or Twitch.

What are the minimum requirements for live streaming on a Tablet?

We reccomend a minimum of 1.5 GHz processor to be the minimum for a tablets that is suitable for live streaming.

The minimum amount of RAM we reccomend is 2 gigahertz, which many tablets come standard with now. This makes it easy to run other apps in the background while using the twitch app. This is why so many people are using the iPad models for live streaming.

Is the iPad good for live streaming?

Many argue Apple’s devices a bit more reliable than those made by third partys. From my experience, the Air ran smoothly, felt lightweight and made the perfect all-round live video streaming device for Apple fans.

iOS is also compatible with most software Encoders and have the necessary features (ram, good camera), I look for in a tablet for live streaming to Youtube, Twitch, or Facebook live.

Many users connect the iPad to a stand acessory that allows forboth a laptop and a tablet which is then connected to a hardware encoder for live streaming.

Related: 7 Best Adjustable iPad Stands [iPad holders]

Benefits: Why use a tablet for live streaming to youtube or twitch?

• You can put these small sized devices in your backpack, large pockets, or in a coat, making it super portable.
• You don’t have to be an expert or a professional videographer to record videos on a tablets; these devices make it much easier now that they are highly compatible with youtube and twitch.
• The camera module on tablets is getting better as techonlogy advances, and is perfect for recording videos. The VankyoMatrix pad is a good example of an affordable tablet with a strong camera, but the iPad, samsung, and premium tablets are all suitable choices for live streaming on youtube or twitch.

Live streaming is one of the most recent developments in mass communication (along with the iPhone). Streaming video live is almost always delivered over the internet, which tablets can handle just fine with the new Wifi technology that is only increasing. 

Alternatively, you can also use cheap streaming devices such as a Roku stick or a fire stick if you don’t plan on live streaming and you only plan on streaming shows for entertainment purposes, not just live streaming.

It is becoming more common for individuals to broadcast a video of themselves on their own personal live stream site such as Ustream, Youtube, going live on instagram. It’s become common to broadcast everything from just talking about your day to day or playing video games, to covering large scale, breaking news and wide-spread events.

My Experience Using Tablets for Video Streaming

I’ve been using tablets for live streaming for a couple of years now, and the experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The portability factor alone has made it incredibly convenient to set up impromptu streaming sessions, whether I’m at home or on the go.

The quality of streaming has also been surprisingly good, especially on premium tablets like the iPad Air and the Samsung Galaxy S7. These devices offer not just high-quality cameras but also robust processing power, ensuring that my streams run smoothly with minimal lag.

Additionally, the versatility of tablets has been a game-changer for me. With a range of software encoders and streaming apps available, I’ve been able to customize my streaming setup to fit my specific needs. Whether it’s adding on-screen elements or integrating with other hardware, tablets have proven to be a flexible and powerful tool for live streaming. Specifically, streaming on Twitch has been a breeze, thanks to the tablet’s seamless compatibility with the platform’s features.

Conclusion

When choosing the best tablets for live streaming, you’ll want to atleast consider a premium name-brand tablet if you prefer to not worry about upgrading after a few years.

In the past, all you needed was an internet connection, a streaming service platform (like YouTube), an external webcam and an external microphone. 

A Tablet now combines all these features and most do so quite adequately. The iPad for example, has all of these capabilities and does so with very minimal lag, delay or stuttering when the internet you are using is properly set up.

It is becoming more and more common for individuals to broadcast a video of themselves on their own personal live stream sites such as Ustream, youtube, twitch, facebook live, instagram live streaming and more.

Live streaming requires an encoder that can process the video feed in real time and hardware encoders are a bit more strong and they are aimed at professional streamers. So, It depends on the purpose of your stream and the budget you are working with. Due to the high price point, most beginners to experienced broadcasters will go with live streaming software.

One of the most recent developments in mass communication is live streaming and Tablet allows just that with the new technology being so readily accessible. Most of the time, streaming video live is delivered over the internet, which means that tablets can handle the new technology.