Some of the most popular features - like bright screens, rapid processors and long battery lives - are also getting cheaper.
Here's why we love travelling with a tablet and the models to suit lots of budgets.
Just want to know which models excel in our tough lab tests? Go straight to1. Access endless entertainment to make your journey go faster
If you're travelling this Easter holidays, a tablet can keep you - or your kids - occupied and entertained. Both Android tablets and Apple iPads have built-in app stores with millions of apps for gaming, video streaming, eBooks, drawing and more.
And all on a larger screen than a phone - so it's less of a strain on your eyes.
You can enjoy most apps on the go without needing a wi-fi connection or data package. Just remember to download the episodes of your favourite TV show before you set off.
2. Saves your phone battery
When we're away from home, we often rely on our phones for storing tickets, navigating a new place and paying for things. But if you are web browsing for long periods of time, your battery life can deplete quicker than you'd like.
Using a tablet when you can allows you to keep confident that your phone's battery won't run out just when you need it.
3. It's a hybrid between a phone and laptop
Looking at the small screen on a phone for long periods of time is often uncomfortable for your eyes. A tablet's bigger screen can be just the ticket for a better experience watching videos, browsing the web or taking video calls.
It also makes it easier to view and edit your holiday snaps with clever software built-in to your device or from third-party apps.
A laptop does all of this, but a tablet is much more portable; a tablet weighs 516 grams on average, whilst laptops generally weigh nearly three times this. A tablet is also less cumbersome to get in and out of your bag, especially if you're squished into a plane or train seat.
A number of tablets have a laptop mode, which transforms the interface to act how you'd expect a laptop to. You are presented with a task bar and start button along the bottom of the screen and this takes you to your apps.
You can even use a keyboard
If you like using a keyboard when you've got a bit more space, there are plenty that are inexpensive and easy to connect to a tablet. The Sandstrom SBTTLKB25 is a wireless keyboard compatible with Android and iPads. It has a built-in cradle that holds your tablet. SQUIRREL_TEXT_50020285
Or you can get it with a handy case - just make sure it will fit the size of your new tablet before buying. SQUIRREL_TEXT_50020288
4. It can connect to your phone's data for internet on the go
If you have a wi-fi version of a tablet (rather than one with a 4G or 5G connection), you can link it to your phone's data for when you need the internet and don't have wi-fi.
This can be useful for the last-minute travelling plans once you're on your way, such as booking activities for days out, train tickets or car hire.
5. It's a good back-up device
If the worst happens to your phone and it is stolen or lost when you're away from home, having a tablet in your bag means you stay connected.
Three tablets worth considering
Apple iPad (2025)
It's tricky to find a 'cheap' iPad, but the new Apple iPad 2025 is the cheapest one the brand offers (at launch). It's a device you should be able to invest in for the long run with at least five years of updates guaranteed.
It's an upgrade of the 2022 iPad. It has a 10.9-inch screen, 6GB of Ram and the A16 Bionic chip, which is the same processor as in the iPhone 15. It does not come with Apple Intelligence - Apple's latest AI software.
This iPad is currently going through our tough tests so come back for our review or buy it from the retailers below.Samsung Galaxy S9 FE
The S9 FE tablet range from Samsung is a scaled-back version of the brand's pricey flagship range. But it's specifications are remarkably similar. The 10.9-inch screen has a high 1,440 x 2,304 resolution, making it better than HD.
It comes with a stylus and it uses an Exynos 1380 processor backed up with a generous 6GB of Ram. It has a thin build with a premium feel and runs on the Android operating system.
Check out the latest deals at retailers below or read our expert to see if it's the right tablet for you.Lenovo Tab M11
This 11-inch Android tablet from Lenovo has a Full HD screen and starts from 128GB of storage. The screen is not the most premium, but it has a decent resolution and brightness.
It uses the Helio G88 processor with eight cores - plenty for multitasking. It also comes with a stylus.
The full scoop on this tablet is revealed in our and you can buy it from the retailers below.Want to see more tablets at great prices? We've rounded up thesource https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/reasons-why-a-tablet-is-a-great-travelling-companion-aM3jl4p4nAJV