Remember when editing videos meant being chained to a desk? Those days are gone. What once required a video editing PC with serious horsepower can now happen on a device that fits in your bag—or even your pocket.

Tablets have transformed video editing from a studio-bound activity to something you can do anywhere—from a mountaintop between shots to a coffee shop between meetings. This kind of creative freedom isn't just convenient—it can completely change your workflow and output.

We've cut through the marketing hype to identify the seven tablets that actually deliver for video editors. Below, you'll find not just what's good, but what's genuinely worth your money—plus a comparison chart that makes choosing the right one straightforward.

Technical Specifications and Performance

Understanding the technical specifications of each tablet can significantly assist you in choosing the right one for video editing. Key factors include processor type, RAM, storage capacity, and display resolution.

• Processor: Opt for tablets with powerful processors like the Apple M4 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 for efficient video editing.

• RAM: Look for at least 8 GB of RAM for smooth multitasking and editing.

Performance metrics such as render times and export speeds are crucial, with the iPad Pro 13-inch offering up to 40% faster render times for 4K video compared to previous models. Learn more about these specifications.

Best tablets for video editing

Finding the best tablet for video editing depends on your specific needs. Do you need seamless integration with your other devices? Is budget a key concern? Do you require high processing power to handle large video files? Identifying these factors will help you choose the right tablet for your workflow.

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 solid choice for an Android tablet, offering an affordable price, long battery life, and a high-definition display. Its standout feature is its budget-friendly cost, starting at just $199.99. Despite being an entry-level option, it still provides decent performance for basic video editing tasks.

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

Buy now.

2. Microsoft Surface Pro 9

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The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is ideal for professional video editors—if your budget allows. The base model starts at $999.99, but for serious video editing, you'll need higher specs. The i7 Intel Core version with 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD offers laptop-level power in a portable form, making it a strong contender for 4K video editing.

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

Buy now.

3. Apple iPad Pro 12.9 inch

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For Apple enthusiasts, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch is an excellent choice for video editing. It seamlessly syncs with other Apple devices and is powered by the new M4 chip, delivering faster processing speeds for heavy video editing tasks. Its high-resolution Liquid Retina XDR display ensures precise color accuracy, crucial for professional editing.

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

Buy now.

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+

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The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ is one of the best Android options for video editing. Powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, it offers smooth 4K video editing and multiple storage configurations. Samsung users will appreciate the seamless integration with Galaxy phones, making file transfers and app continuity effortless.

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

Buy now.

5. Microsoft Surface Go 3

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The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is an affordable Windows tablet for beginner video editors. While it lacks the processing power of the Surface Pro, it runs basic video editing software smoothly. Its lightweight design and Windows 11 compatibility make it a great entry-level option for those looking to edit videos on a budget.

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

Buy now.

6. ASUS Chromebook Flip C433

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The ASUS Chromebook Flip is the only Chrome OS-powered tablet on this list. Its flexible 2-in-1 design allows you to switch between laptop and tablet mode, making it versatile for video editing on the go. While Chrome OS has limited support for professional video editing apps, it works well with cloud-based solutions.

Pros:

• 360-degree keyboard hinge

• Versatile

• Affordable

Cons:

• 10 hours of battery life

Price: Starting at $399.99

Google rating: 4.3 stars

Buy now.

7. Apple iPad Air

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The iPad Air is a more budget-friendly alternative to the iPad Pro while still offering strong video editing capabilities. It features an 8-core processor, a Retina display for high-quality visuals, and Apple Pencil support for precise editing. Though it has less storage and a smaller screen, it remains a solid choice for mobile video editing.

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

Buy now.

Accessories and External Devices

Accessories can enhance your video editing experience significantly. Styluses such as the Apple Pencil for iPad Pro and S Pen for Samsung tablets offer precise control necessary for detailed editing work.

• External Keyboards: These can turn your tablet into a mini-laptop, improving workflow efficiency.

• Connectivity Options: Ensure your tablet supports necessary ports for external devices.

Adding these accessories can transform your tablet into a versatile video editing tool. Find out more about accessory compatibility.

Tablets for video editing comparison chart

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.

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Want something with a little more power? Check out our guide to the best laptops for video editing.

How to choose 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.

Which tablet is right for your video editing

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?

Not every tablet is ideal for video editing. Choose one with a high-resolution display, powerful processor, and ample storage to ensure smooth performance. Investing in a tablet with strong battery life and accessory compatibility, like a stylus or keyboard, can also enhance your editing workflow.

Which OS is better for video editing: iOS or Android?

Choosing between iOS and Android for video editing depends on your preference. iOS offers optimized GPU performance, while Android provides raw processing power. Both platforms support powerful video editing apps, so selecting the operating system you're most comfortable with is key.

Do I need internet for tablet video editing?

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 devices to video editing tablets?

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 budget-friendly tablets for video editing?

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.‍

Do tablets perform well for professional video editing tasks?

Yes, many modern tablets are equipped with powerful processors and ample RAM, making them suitable for professional video editing tasks. Models like the iPad Pro with its M4 chip and the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 with an Intel i7 processor can handle complex editing software efficiently. Explore more about the capabilities of these tablets.