Whether you are searching a tablet for Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video or just YouTube, choosing the best tablets for streaming videos is a totally different task than finding the tablet for offline video playback.
Here, the large storage doesn’t matter the most, instead, you’ll need to focus on some different things.
In this post, you’ll find, which features you’ll need to consider before choosing a streaming tablet? Also, I’ll give you my top recommendations.
So, let’s get started!
Best Video Streaming Tablet 2019 – Buyer’s Guide
Connectivity Options
For the rich videos streaming, the internet connectivity should be stable and reliable, so it’ll be capable of handling even high definition video.
For this, you’ll need to pick the latest WiFi standard into the wireless adaptor of the tablet. Currently, the 802.11ac is the latest which has 1300 megabits per second speeds, after converting into megabytes per second it is 162.5 MBps. Comparatively, it is 3x faster than its previous standard (802.11n).
The good news is that this latest “Wireless AC”, “AC WiFi” or 802.11ac can be found in all major gadgets. Yes! it’s also called from these names, that I mentioned in previous lines.
If you want to stream your favorite show when you are away from Wifi hotspots, then you’ll need to consider about the LTE connectivity as well.
Memory and Storage
As I said above, the storage is not much important and it depends on your requirements. If you tend to store a lot of videos or photos then you’ll also need large storage. However, for video streaming, it doesn’t affect.
Apart from that, the RAM is a most important component to consider, as I also discussed in the “best internet browsing tablet” article. Especially, in the case of video streaming if you have lack memory than it will show a buffering message. However, the buffering also depends on internet connectivity. Basically, it is a background process, in which the data from the server (like YouTube, Netflix) send to your device and it continues even when the video is playing.
Also, keep in mind, the tablets are not upgradable like the laptop or desktop, you’ll need to think about the future as well.
In my opinion, for the best video streaming, at least 3GB of GB RAM is the minimum required, you should not go below this range.
Screen and Resolution
There are mainly two screen types, I would like to recommend them for the best video streaming tablets.
IPS: This screen is the most popular when it comes to natural and accurate color quality. Moreover, it offers widest view angles too. So, it could be a nice screen for streaming. The IPS screen are widely used in the color sensitive works.
AMOLED: The AMOLED screens are very popular for its highest contrast ratio, so the image quality looks for appealing. However, the IPS screens are also a great choice for video streaming, but the AMOLED can deliver much vivid and bright colors. Also, these screens are more energy efficient.
Because tablets have a big size compared to the smartphones, so you need to choose the higher resolution than that to get desired sharpness. Usually, most of the smartphone has at least full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution within the 6-inch size. So, for an 8-inch or bigger tablet, you will need a QHD (2560×1440) resolution to get a decent quality video.
However, for an 8-inch display full HD resolution could be accepted, but if you’ll choose bigger than that you’ll definitely need to think about the higher resolution.
Battery Life
Absolutely! battery life is also a considerable factor before choosing the best video streaming tablet. Otherwise, tell me who like to enjoy their favorite show while connected to the wall?
Usually, you can find many tablets which are offering around 10 hours of battery life on the internet browsing with WiFi connection. But If we going to use these tablets on the video streaming then they might not perform as well. However, in this review, I have tried my best to list the best tablet for you, and you don’t need to worry about that.
Extras
There are many other things to consider but they are not much important at all. Though, if you can get them for additionally, then you’ll definitely appreciate it.
Fast charging: If you lack the time or forget to charge your entertainment buddy then this feature comes in handy. Till you’ll end up your dinner it’ll already collect enough juice to run your favorite show. Along with that, the USB Type is a very popular port nowadays, and it is future-proof as well. It provides the fastest data transfer speed and can save a lot of time.
Durability: However, lightweight tablets are the best but if they have a bit extra weight due to their durable metal body construction then won’t mind. On the other hand, if you have small kids then it becomes even more crucial.
Ok, these were some point, you can keep in mind before picking your digital buddy.
As promised, here are my top recommendations for you.
Best Tablets for Streaming Videos in 2023 – Reviews
1. Fire HD 10 (Most Affordable Tablet for Video Streaming)
1.10 lbs | 10.1-inch | IPS | 1920 x 1200 | 2 GB | 32/64 GB | 10-hours | FireOS | WiFi
If you are not ready to spend more on your tablet then you might like the Fire HD 10 tablet, it is offering good features for this price.
Despite a budget price of under 200$, it is offering a 10-inch full HD IPS panel which is amazing. You’ll rarely find a device like that for this cheaper price.
With the Dolby Atmos sound and two stereo-speaker setups, you will get a rich sound quality for your video streaming or gaming.
The Fire HD is powered by a quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM which is enough for playing video online. However, it has limited performance, if you want to do more than that you’ll need another tablet.
There are two variants available 32GB and 64GB when it comes to storage capacity. But it doesn’t affect video streaming performance, its a totally personal preference.
As I said in the buyer’s guide section always look for the latest Wi-Fi standard to ensure the highest network speed. This tablet has the latest 802.11ac WiFi which is compatible with all older standard as well.
Also, keep in mind, it also, depends on your network provider, if you have a limited speed then the latest WiFi standard or newest devices can’t help with that.
Sadly, there is no LTE connectivity is available, if you need it then you need to scroll down for other devices.
Overall, the Fire HD 10 is a good tablet for video streaming at the inexpensive price which is offering many great features.
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PROS
- Budget price
- Beautiful big display with full HD resolution
- Rich sound quality with Dolby Atmos
- Good battery life
- Acceptable performance
- Reliable build quality
- Inbuilt Alexa
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CONS
- Longer charging time
- Slightly low memory
2. LG G PAD V520 (LTE enabled Budget Tablet for Streaming)
1.1 lbs | 8-inch | IPS | 1920×1200 | 2 GB | 32 GB | 7.5 hours | Android 6.0 | WiFi + LTE
With the almost identical price of Fire HD 10, the LG V520 is offering the LTE connectivity feature. However, there are some negative point of this tablet, but if you really need cellular connectivity then it is a perfect option over the Fire HD 10.
This tablet has a smaller screen size compared to the Fire HD 10, but on the other hand, the display quality will be sharper due to the same resolution.
Probably you are already aware of that – tablet or smartphone consume more battery on the LTE internet browsing than the WiFi connectivity. If you will be going to use this tablet on the LTE connectivity then it can last up to 7.25 hours. However, it is sufficient for watching movies or some TV shows with a single charge, but it is comparatively lower.
If you are looking for an LTE enabled tablet for online video playing at the budget price then the LG V520 is the perfect pick for you.
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PROS
- Affordable price
- Sharp display with full HD resolution
- LTE connectivity
- Justified performance
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CONS
- Average battery life
- Small display
3. ASUS ZenPad 3S (Great Budget Video Streaming Tablet)
0.95 lbs | 9.7-inch | IPS | 2048×1536 | 4 GB | 64 GB | 10.5 hours | Android 6.0 | USB Type-C, QC 3.0 | WiFi
If you can stretch your budget a little bit then you can get the Asus ZenPad 3S tablet which is bang for the bucks.
First of all, this tablet is offering a 9.7-inch IPS panel with the 2K resolution which can deliver a beautiful immersive experience during video playback. With the SonicMaster 3.0 technology and dual five magnet speakers, it can produce an impressive sound for you.
Moreover, in the performance department, it has a MediaTek hexa-core processor with 4GB of RAM and IMG GX6250 graphics. The performance is just amazing, you won’t face any lag during gaming or video streaming.
Besides the great performance, the battery life is quite impressive – it is coming with 5900mAh battery with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology.
There are some extra features like USB Type-C and fingerprint sensor are given, so you can take advantage of faster data transfer and better security.
The ASUS ZenPad 3S is the best videos streaming tablet under $300 which is offering more features than its price.
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PROS
- Better Display quality with 2K resolution
- Long battery life with fast charging.
- Decent build quality with Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- Large memory and storage with higher performance
- Great sound with SonicMaster 3.0
- USB Type-C and fingerprint sensor
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CONS
- A bit old Android version (6.0) and only upgradable to 7.0
- The thin bezel can cause the accidental touches
- Need to purchase a Qualcomm QC 3.0 supported charger separately
4. Huawei MediaPad M5 (Overall Recommended Tablet in Mid-Range)
0.68 lbs | 8.4-inch | IPS | 2560 x 1600 | 4 GB | 64 GB | 11 hours | Android 8.0 | USB Type-C, QC | WiFi
The Huawei MediaPad M5 has everything that you’ll need for a great video streaming experience. I can say, it is a premium tablet without the premium price.
This variant which I am talking about has an 8.4-inch display with 2560 x 1600 resolution, if you need something large then you can opt for its elder brother which has almost the same features with a big screen.
The Huawei MediaPad M5 is offering a premium metal unibody design with curved 2.5D glass. Moreover, the thin bezel looks very appealing thanks to its 82% screen to body ratio. Overall the build quality is very reliable and durable.
With the support of dual stereo speakers (certified and tuned by Harman /Kardon), it delivers a wonderful audio quality during video or audio playback
The great thing about this tablet is – it can fully charge within 2 hours with its Quick Charge technology and can last up to 11 hours on video playback. It is really impressive and comes in handy when you don’t have enough time.
For the performance concern, this tab is loaded with HiSilicon Kirin 960 processor, 4GB memory and 64G of storage capacity which are just enough for a fantastic experience. Additionally, you are getting the latest Android OS for better security and optimal performance.
Overall, the Huawei MediaPad M5 is a perfect tablet for video streaming in the mid-range. You don’t need to go above that, in most of the cases – it has enough features for an interruption-free video streaming along with all everyday tasks.
However, if you need a large display then you can choose its bigger variant that is offering identical features too.
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PROS
- Stunning display with ultra-sharp 2560 x 1600 resolution
- Amazing sound quality
- Premium looks
- Great performance with big storage and memory
- Latest Android version
- Longer battery life with fast charging
- Very Lightweight
- USB Type-C
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CONS
- No LTE
- The thin bezel can cause the accidental touches
5. Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Plus (Great Performance with Longest Battery Life)
1.32 lbs | 10.1-inch | IPS | 2560 x 1600 | 3GB | 32 GB | 18 hours | Android 6.0 | USB Type-C | WiFi
It is also a mid-range tablet, but what is a special thing about this one?
There is not the only one feature that stands out this tablet apart from the crowd. Let’s find out!
First of all, as you already read in the heading, the Lenovo Tab 3 is offering such a longest battery runtime. It can last up to 18 hours on the web browsing, if you even use it with streaming then it will still give you around 15+ hours of backup. It is totally insane, I don’t find any tablet till yet which is offering battery backup like this.
From the design aspect, it is a totally different tablet of our list. You’ll be getting an inbuilt stand and a roller type edge on the stand side which holds the big battery. This stand is very useful to hold this tablet in a different position, you can tilt it, hang it, stand it or just hold it. It will make you free while watching movies or your favorite tv shows.
Moreover, it is offering brilliant sound quality, thanks to its four front-facing JBL speakers and Dolby Atmos technology.
When we talk about the screen quality – this tablet is offering a 10.1-inch full HD IPS screen which delivers crisp and bright visual for better viewing.
In contrast to the previous tablet, it is offering only 3GB of memory and 32GB of storage, which is definitely lower than rivals but still pretty nice for the videos streaming. And, considering other features like battery processor, longest battery life and unique design it can be accepted.
Overall, the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Plus is the most recommended tablet for those who just want the seamless streaming without any interruption, whether it’s about the performance or battery life.
There is another great thing for you if you are interested to watch your tv shows or movies on the bigger screen, you can pick the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro model which is coming with an inbuilt projector and extra features as well.
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PROS
- Brilliant display quality
- Longest battery life
- Paramount sound quality
- Innovative design for efficient usage
- Can be used as a power bank
- Inbuilt 24W fast charger
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CONS
- A bit older Android version (6.0)
6. Samsung Tab S4 (Overall Recommended Tablet in Android)
1.06 lbs | 10.5-inch | Super AMOLED | 2560 x 1600 | 4 GB | 64 GB /256 GB | 16-hours | Android O | WiFi
The latest Samsung Tab S4 is the improved version of the Tab S3, so it has many advanced features with higher performance. It is probably the best tablet for streaming videos if we talk about today’s Android market.
Firstly, it has 10-inch super AMOLED display which is capable to deliver crisp and clear image quality. As I discussed in the buyer’s guide the AMOLED display can provide the best contrast ratio, so the colors will be punchier which is just fantastic for amazing video playback.
Besides the amazing display quality, the Samsung Tab S4 has Dolby Atmos surround sound support, which is the perfect combination for your streaming enjoyment.
The Tab S4 is powered by an Octa-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM which is pretty enough for a powerful performance. Basically, the Snapdragon 835 is one of the most popular mobile processors, which is based on 10nm technology. Moreover, it is capable of up to 2.45 GHz of clock speed, and it consumes less power than its previous design.
That’s why the Samsung Tab S4 is offering such a great battery life despite powerful performance and big screen. Although the AMOLED display also deserves some credit for this long battery life. If you are just going to use video playback it can last up to 16 hours, it is really appreciable.
This tablet is available in two storage variants 64GB or 256 GB, it doesn’t affect your video streaming performance, it is personal preference though.
You can use this device for multiple purposes whether it about the gaming, drawing, video streaming or just document editing.
Yes! this tablet can be used as a laptop with Dex and keyboard cover, though you need to purchase it separately. On the other hand, with the inbuilt stylus, you can draw some masterpiece on it or just taking notes on-the-go.
Finally, the Samsung Tab S4 is the most premium tablet in Android, which is best for rich video streaming along with many tasks like drawing, notes-taking, gaming, editing etc.
It is an expensive tablet, if you are looking for some budget-oriented device then you need to scroll above.
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PROS
- Richest super AMOLED display
- Immersive sound
- Pretty much memory and storage
- Outstanding performance
- Great battery life
- Durable and premium design
- In-built Google Assistant
- Latest Android
- Can be used as a laptop with Dex and Keyboard cover
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CONS
- Expensive
7. Apple iPad (Overall Recommended in iOS)
1.05 lbs | 9.7-inch | IPS | 2048 x 1536 | 2 GB | 32 GB / 128 GB | 10 hours | iOS 12 | Lightning | WIFI + 4G LTE
As you can see, we have discussed several types of Android tablet till, but our list still lacks something. And the Apple iPad is the missing block that we were trying to find. In my opinion, it is the most recommended tablet from Apple’s iPad lineup, because it is offering premium feature without the premium price. You don’t need to spend on the latest iPad Pro to get amazing features, it has pretty much specs for smoothest video streaming.
First of all, it is coming with a 9.7-inch Retina display with is having 2048 x 1536 pixels of resolution. Therefore, it can deliver life-like picture quality with higher contrast ratio, wide view angle and vivid colors. Seriously, the display quality is tremendous.
The iPad has two speakers which will deliver decent quality audio which is great for watching videos or listening to music.
Unlike other devices, the latest iPad is coming with 802.11 ac MIMO technology. Basically, the MIMO technology stands for multiple-input, multiple-output – the supported device uses multiple transmitters and receivers to transfer more data at the same time. But your WiFi router should be compatible too for making this work.
When we talk about the performance, this iPad has powered by the same chip, which was used in the iPhone 7 and 7plus and it is the first Quad-Core SoC (System on Chip) of Apple. This chip works on the 2.34 GHz frequency, so it provides a brilliant performance. With the two high-performance cores it allows doing the high-performance tasks like gaming, while remaining two cores are very energy efficient.
In facts, Apple offers premium quality hardware and software, and it is the major reason behind the expensive prices. In my opinion, this iPad is still offering a great price while considering the performance, durability and premium quality.
Overall, Apple’s iPad is the most recommended tablet for video streaming, gaming, drawing or some high-performance tasks, when we talk about the Apple devices. You are getting premium features without the premium price.
If you can spend more than 600$ or even more then it is the best tablet for you. Absolutely not!, you can grab a unit of latest iPad Pro (iOS) or Microsoft Surfact Pro 6 (Windows) But these are a highly over-rated device for this tiny video streaming task, and you don’t need to spend extra.
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PROS
- Best display quality with vivid and sharp colors
- Long battery life
- Most durable and premium design
- Impressive sound quality
- LTE variant is available
- Touch ID for better security
- Outstanding camera quality
- Powerful performance
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CONS
- 128GB + LTE variant is slightly expensive
Wrapping it up
Again, I just want to say if you are not ready to spend much on your tablet then grab an android tablet with Full HD display, 3GB of RAM and 802.11 ac Wireless adaptor. It will be pretty enough for your seamless video streaming whether you are going to use Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video or just YouTube.
While if you want to more than the streaming then you might need to raise your budget a bit for getting a better device like Huawei MediaPad M5, Samsung Tab S4 or Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Plus.
And finally, the Apple iPad is a paramount choice for streaming, if you can afford it. However, if you’ll choose this variant (32GB + WiFi) which I have listed here it is not much expensive.
Thank you very much for reading, if you have any question regarding these video streaming tablets, let me know in the comment below. I will back to you shortly.
