Are you a professional or wannabe musician in search of an excellent digital sheet music reader to read, store, and organize sheet music? This article recommends top sheet music tablets that also let you manage playback, transpose digitized scores, sort music lists, edit sheets, and run apps like ForScore, Orpheus, and MusicNotes.
As an aspiring musician, you must look for tablets with a large screen, great speakers, powerful microphones, a 3.5mm jack to attach musical accessories, and an efficient processor to handle live music edits. Portability is also important since reading sheet music is your top priority.
Upon looking at the appropriate options on the market, I realized finding an ideal tablet for sheet music is not that easy. But after a lot of research and compatibility tests, I have handpicked a few tablets suitable for musicians, which will serve you right while sitting on that mason stand.
Contents
6 Best Tablets for Sheet Music in 2023
To give you an overview, the first few selections are for premium buyers, followed by a handful of mid-range variants. The list is eventually concluded with budget options that are good enough as a secondary device for practice events.
Now, without wasting more time, let’s get started!
1. Best Overall: Apple iPad Pro
As an artist invested in compactness, paperless sheet music is the way to a more productive future. And trust me, Apple iPad Pro fits right it!
Sheet music can sometimes be intimidating, especially for self-taught musicians who prefer learning and playing by the ear. However, if you want to experience the best of both worlds, i.e., reading and hearing, Apple iPad Pro is the one to choose.
If you compare it with 2020-model, this iPad Pro is a significant upgrade, courtesy of the M1 chip and additional RAM.
Why is it suited for sheet music?
The 12.9-inch, bright and stellar display makes it the best tablet for reading music. What makes sense is that you can even follow and read music charts and cord sheets out in the sunlight, courtesy of an overall resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels.
Apart from classically trained musicians who prefer reading music, learning by the ear is also possible, courtesy of the 4 speakers that go along with the display. The audio quality cannot get any clearer, with studio-grade microphones to fall back upon.
Hardware & Performance
Apple’s in-house M1 chipset gets the ball rolling, allowing you to manage synths, DAWs, and sheet music readers. However, the most impressive trait has to be the 8GB RAM, enabling you to install and use multiple sheet music apps without breaking a sweat.
As far as the storage is concerned, 128GB seems more than adequate, even with upgradable support. Coming to the ground-level performances, I have had no issues running apps like OnSong, Band Helper, and more.
Design & Connectivity
Apple iPad Pro is sturdy, boasting 11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches in dimensions. Plus, it weighs 1.50 pounds, which is a tad heavier compared to some of the other sheet music reading tablets.
Connectivity takes a front seat, courtesy of the exotic Thunderbolt 4 port, Bluetooth 5, and Wi-Fi 6 for establishing faster connections. Plus, it is compatible with the 2nd gen Apple Pencil, allowing you to skim through the files and highlight notes easily.
Battery Life & Other Features
At 10 hours, the battery backup is worth the splurge. In addition, you get hold of the interactive iPad 14.5.1 OS that allows you to install most apps without compromising interactivity. Also, there is a triple-camera rear setup for scanning and clicking the paper sheets to convert them into usable PDFs.
Conclusion
Apple iPad Pro is a top-shelf tablet for music sheets that scales beyond every other option on the list. But then, if you want a dumbed-down iPad Pro that costs a bit less and pairs better with your mason stand, the 11-inch variant is also up for grabs.
Although the processor, camera setup, and hardware remain comparable, the screen size is aptly trimmed out to make the device slightly lighter and more portable.
- Stunning large display
- M1 chipset is too fast
- Powerful speakers
- High-end studio mics
- Excellent battery backup
- Brilliant display
- No 3.5mm jack
- Doesn’t let you upgrade the storage
2. Best Android Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+
Despite the more powerful Galaxy Tab S8+ coming into the fold, the Tab S7+ remains relevant to the musicians interested in getting a powerful electronic sheet music display device.
If you take pride in being a complete musician, you must consider purchasing Galaxy Tab S7+. While you can always get it for reading and editing sheet music, this one also helps you with in-ear music learning.
While the S8+ comes with a strengthened screen and a more powerful processor, if you are only looking for a sheet music tablet, the S7+, with its price cut, increased value-for-money, and 120Hz refresh rate is an excellent choice.
Why is it suited for sheet music?
The 12.4-inch Super AMOLED screen is a great asset for experienced musicians and artists. What’s even more promising is the cumulative screen resolution of 2800 x 1752, followed by slimmer bezels that further the sheet viewing area.
For in-ear learners, the quad-speaker, AKG tuned setup is a significant addition, followed by Dolby Atmos support and studio-grade mics.
Hardware & Performance
At the core, the Galaxy Tab S7+ features a Snapdragon 865 processor, which works swimmingly for running several Android-specific sheet music apps like Songbook, Mobilesheets, and more. You also get access to 6GB RAM for multitasking, followed by a 128GB storage unit, expandable by 1TB.
The performances are expectedly good as multiple music sheets feel light work to the existing processing setup.
Design & Connectivity
The metal-clad Galaxy Tab S7+ weighs 1.27 pounds and measures 11.22 x 7.28 x 0.22 inches. As far as the dimensions are concerned, this is one of the slimmest products to watch out for. Also, there is a Type-C port for charging, followed by DeX support and Wi-Fi 6 compatibility.
Battery Life & Other Features
This tablet offers 15 hours of backup, followed by the availability of an interactive Android 10 UI. The 13MP primary shooter, coupled with a 5MP secondary rear unit, is a good enough addition, allowing you to convert traditional chord charts to scanned PDF documents.
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ is a beautiful music reader tablet with a 5G processor and a massive battery unit separating it from the rest of the products on the list. Also, if you can afford it, Galaxy Tab S8+ is a solid pick.
- Brilliant display
- Upgradable storage
- S-pen comes bundled
- Massive battery backup
- Fast charging support
- Pricey
- Lacks a 3.5mm audio jack
3. Best Windows Tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro 8
If you are looking for something more than an electronic sheet music display device, the Surface Pro 8 is a great buy. It features an excellent PixelSense display, a top-notch processor, and a music-friendly speaker setup. Compared to Surface Pro 7, the Pro 8 is a significant upgrade, owing to the brighter screen and improved resolution.
Why is it suited for sheet music?
The 13-inch PixelSense panel takes care of the viewing angles. The overall Flow display and 120Hz refresh rate are added to the reading quality. Plus, the 3:2 aspect ratio makes life easier for sheet music readers, allowing them to use both portrait and landscape modes.
The overall resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels improves the color fidelity, whereas the peak brightness of 450 nits makes sunlight visibility a charm. Microsoft obliges with Dolby Atmos-powered stereo speakers. The audio fidelity is on the higher side, even while recording, all thanks to the far-field microphones.
Hardware & Performance
If you plan on running top-of-the-line sheet music apps like Tomplay, the 11th gen Intel Core i5 processor makes great sense. The 11th gen chipset works hand-in-hand with the 8GB RAM, allowing you to multitask efficiently, including running backtracks and other orchestral accompaniments.
You get a 128GB SSD for faster data management and efficiently storing/retrieving music sheets and files. Coming to the OS, Windows 11 Home version makes it easy for you to run most PC-specific apps.
Design & Connectivity
The aluminum-clad Pro 8 feels great to hold. The 2-in-1 device measures 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches, a tad thick compared to other tablets in the same price bracket. It weighs 1.91 pounds and can be carried around, qualifying as one of the best tablets for business use.
Connectivity-wise, it comes equipped with two high-speed USB ports, Thunderbolt 4. Next, you have a 3.5mm jack to work with the legacy earphones, followed by the Cover port and the surface connect port. On the wireless end, there is Wi-Fi 6 for fast internet, followed by Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting external accessories.
Battery Life & Other Features
The battery life extends at a massive 16 hours. Therefore, you can easily take this device to record music. Camera-wise, there is a 10MP rear shooter for capturing sheet images and scanning. There is also a 5MP front shooter to help you make video calls on a tablet.
Conclusion
Overall, the Surface Pro 8 is one of the best Windows tablets that not only help you with sheet music but powers through processing and acoustic performance. And it is the remarkable design that separates it from other products on the list.
Alternative Suggestion:
If Surface Pro 8 seems a tad pricey, I recommend opting for Surface Go 3. It’s an affordable tablet PC, which is more than adequate for reading sheet music and relevant use cases.
- Powerful processor
- Excellent battery
- Bright and color-accurate display
- Top-notch sunlight visibility
- Wi-Fi 6 supported
- Pricey
- On the heavier side
4. Best Mid-Range Option: Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
If you have prioritized affordability over anything else, Galaxy Tab A8 comes across as one of the better Samsung tablets in play. While the 2K panel helps get it on the list, the Tab A8 seems like a much-improved upgrade over the Tab A7, courtesy of the slightly bigger screen and a better processing setup.
Why is it suited for sheet music?
Obviously, it is the display that stands out. The 10.5-inch TFT screen is bright enough, all thanks to the overall resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. The 16:10 aspect ratio helps with the viewing experience, whereas the excellent 80% screen-to-chassis ratio allows you to maximize the projection of the music sheets.
Musicians can work alongside the four powerful stereo speakers, boasting excellent audio clarity. The studio-grade microphones also help get the best recording quality for aspiring and even professional musicians.
Hardware & Performance
The Tab A8 comes loaded with a powerful Unisoc Tiger chipset, capable of handling most sheet music apps like IMSLP, Yousician, and more. Complementing the chipset is 4GB RAM meant for taking on multiple tasks and music-based duties without breaking a sweat.
The 128GB storage module is useful enough. You can even consider upgrading the same by an additional 512GB via the microSD slot. And the Android 11 OS, with the One UI sitting atop, makes it easier for you to run most apps and tasks in no time.
Design & Connectivity
The Tab A8 is a standard plastic-clad tablet with metallic undertones. As far as the dimensions go, the product measures 9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 inches, which qualifies it as sleek. The tablet weighs close to 1.12 pounds, making it easy to carry on trips and concerts.
A Type-C port is in play, followed by a 3.5mm audio jack. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, allowing you to connect wireless accessories to the tablet.
Battery Life & Other features
With close to 15 hours of battery backup and fast charging support, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is one of the more reliable musical tablets on the market. This digital sheet music reader is equipped with an 8MP rear shooter for snapping those quick and clear pictures. There is also a 5MP front camera for all your video recording needs.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 scores some additional brownie points when value-for-money is concerned. And as compared to other products on the list, the quick and efficient fast charging support sets this reliable tablet apart.
- Bright screen
- Powerful speakers
- Excellent battery
- Fast charging support
- The TFT screen is the most color-accurate
- No Wireless AX standard
5. Best New Launch: Apple iPad Air (5th Gen)
If you like the Apple ecosystem over Android or Windows, the iPad Air 5th Gen is a great pick, courtesy of the M1 chipset. And while the M1 processor gets it on the list, it scales above the predecessor in terms of better performance and a slightly improved battery life.
Why is it suited for sheet music?
It is the 10.9-inch screen that makes quite an impression. The bright and color-accurate IPS panel offers 500 nits of peak brightness, allowing you to get decent sunlight visibility for the price. The screen resolution is 2360 x 1640 pixels, which is more than adequate for viewing music sheets over apps like forScore.
Next, you have the 1.44:1 as the aspect ratio, which makes it possible to view stuff in both portrait and landscape mode without breaking a sweat. Also, if you fancy some design, the True Color gamut makes a lot of sense.
As a musician, you are best served by the integrated stereo speakers and studio-grade microphones. The audio quality, both for the speakers and mic recording, is top-notch.
Hardware & Performance
Apple’s M1 processor deserves a special mention as it lets you view sheet music, play games, handle audio, and even facilitate multitasking with ease. There is 8GB RAM to make multitasking better. And if you plan on using demanding music reading apps like MuseScore, it ensures that the pages aren’t auto-killed.
Storage-wise, you get 256GB of high-speed space, allowing you to store files and retrieve them in no time. And the iPadOS 16.6.4 will enable you to handle most processes easily, thanks to the highly interactive UI.
Design & Connectivity
Like other iPads, this one is also made of aluminum and measures 9.73 x 7.03 x 0.24 inches. The in-hand feel is premium, primarily due to the slimmest possible form factor. The oleophobic coating in front makes sense as a glare-dissipating enhancement. It weighs a tad north of the 1 pound mark, which also qualifies it as light.
Connectivity-wise, the iPad Air has a lot to offer, including a Type-C Gen 2 port, a magnetic connector for fast charging, a reliable fingerprint scanner, Wireless AX for exploring faster internet possibilities, and Bluetooth 5.0 for connecting accessories like microphone and speakers.
Battery Life & Other features
The 12-hour battery life is worth considering while purchasing this upgraded model. The shooters have a 12MP rear camera followed by a 12MP ultra-wide front module — primarily for handling video calls and other assignments with perfection.
Conclusion
The Apple iPad Air 5th Gen is easily one of the better products, best known for its beautifully crafted design and excellent battery life. Also, it is the M1 chipset that separates it from other products on the list.
- Sleek and portable
- Powerful processing setup
- Color accurate IPS screen
- High peak brightness
- Wi-Fi AX support
- Top-of-the-line battery
- Pricey
- No 3.5mm jack
6. Best Under $200: Nokia T20
Are you planning to invest in an affordable yet efficient tablet to read sheet music on? Please take a closer look at the Nokia T20, which has become famous for its bright and color-accurate 2K screen. And the T20 is one of a kind, scoring higher than the more established tablets like the M10 Plus from Lenovo in terms of screen resolution.
Why is it suited for sheet music?
First of all, it is the 10.4-inch IPS panel that deserves special mention. While the screen real-estate is more than adequate for running music sheets, the IPS LCD panel boasts 400 nits of peak brightness for good sunlight visibility.
The 5:3 aspect ratio makes sense if you prefer reading things in the landscape mode. Plus, the 2K screen resolution makes way for excellent viewing angles. The stereo speakers are loud enough, whereas the microphones ensure that the music recording quality is top-notch.
Hardware & Performance
The Unisoc processor works with 4GB RAM, allowing you to run most sheet music and audio apps without lags. You get 64GB of upgradeable storage, making storing files, data, and apps easier without stretching the limit. And yes, the microSD slot lets you add 256GB to the existing storage space.
As far as the OS is concerned, Android 11 and the interactive UI make it easier for you to work with a wide range of applications.
Design & Connectivity
This aluminum-clad tablet measures 9.75 x 6.20 x 0.31 inches. It weighs 1.03 pounds and is characterized by a scratch-resistant glass panel. The splash-resistant form factor feels easy on the hand. It has wired connectivity specs, including a 3.5mm audio jack and a Type-C USB 2.0 port for connecting legacy headsets and transferring data at acceptable speeds.
Wireless connectivity takes center stage with Wi-Fi AC support allowing you to access fast internet. Bluetooth 5.0 is supported for connecting to wireless speakers and earphones.
Battery Life & Other features
Nokia T20 comes with an 8200mAh battery module capable of living through 18 hours with ease. Fast charging is supported, provided you get an additional 15W charger to compliment the same. Other relevant specs include 8MP rear camera for precisely capturing and uploading music sheets. And there is a 5MP front shooter for video conferencing.
Conclusion
Overall, Nokia T20 is easily a good tablet for sheet music, especially if you plan on prioritizing battery life over everything else.
- Powerful battery
- Top-notch processor
- Powerful speakers
- Scratch-resistant glass
- Middling storage
- No Wi-Fi 6
Frequently Asked Questions
With screen real-estate over the 10-inch mark are good enough for sheet music on tablets. However, that’s not the only criterion, as you would still have to look for a decent aspect ratio, including 16:9 and 3:2.
Musicians prefer tablets with at least a dual stereo speakers setup, high-fidelity microphones, a powerful processor for managing DAWs and sheet music apps, an excellent battery for lasting through events and gigs, and obviously, sizable storage units.
Yes, iPads are perfect electronic sheet music readers, owing to the vivid retina screen, powerful processing setup, and excellent viewing angles that support comprehensive viewing.
You can download sheet music and chord charts from online resources or scan and convert them into readable PDFs for digital viewing.
Nothing beats the Mobile Sheets Pro when it comes to displaying sheet music. This is one of the few apps to offer side-by-side page view, support half turns, and even vertical scrolling.
Verdict
Working with sheet music isn’t an overly demanding task. Still, most musical tablets falter in this regard, owing to less impactful displays and middling battery backups. While I have enlisted the best possible choices, here are some of the categorized selections to help you choose better:
- If you do not want to leave any performance-specific stone unturned with the overall tablet brilliance, there isn’t a better option than the Apple iPad Pro.
- For experiencing laptop-like functionality with Windows 11 OS, Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is your best bet.
- If you are more interested in the audio quality and other aspects of sound engineering, Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ is worth investing in.
- You can’t go wrong with the Nokia T20 if you need an affordable and efficient tablet. It comes with a bright and vibrant 2K display and a power-efficient processor.
Leaving these options aside, you can also consider alternatives mentioned in the article above, depending on your brand preference, skill level as a musician, and even your budget.
Iván G says
I have found this extremely useful thank you very much ! I’m hesitating about getting the iPad pro 12.9 2018 vs the Galaxy tab S7+, the problem is that I’m looking for something to work with for a few years, S7+ is newer in comparison with the iPad pro 2018, but I don’t know if that is a problem, obviously I would rather the aspect ratio from the iPad but the fact that is from 2018 makes me doubt. What would you recommend me to do ?
Peggy Hargrave says
I am a professional organist/accompanist with early stage age related macular degeneration that is already affecting my ability to read normal sized print music, while responding quickly to the director, and who has always been challenged by page turns.
For the past three years, I have been trying to find a tablet that will not only meet my current needs, but (since a good one will be expensive) also meet my needs as my eyes deteriorate. This is imperative in order for me to continue my music career. Right now I am spending a lot of time at the photo copier enlarging music, which then constantly curls and tries to fall off the music rack! (Hole punch, tape, tape, tape…sigh!)
How do I look at the features you have high-lighted in your reviews and match them with my needs, which are:
1) size of screen as close to 10 by 12 as possible (impossible, right?),
2) camera sharp enough to get a good, clean, high resolution picture of sheet music,
3) transfer accurately to memory with no loss of margins,
4) image can be enlarged incrementally,
5) easy, quick page turns, both backward and forward, even multiple pages [say from page 6 back to page 1],
6) stylus to mark performance notes that can be edited and resaved, color highlight (multiple colors) sections of music.
that’s all I can think of right now.
After all this searching for help with visual aids, last fall I finally was referred to a good low vision specialist who understands the challenges I face as a musician. When I asked her about tablets, she said, “If you find one, please let me know!”
Your article is the first comprehensive 2022 review I have found written by someone who actually sounds as if he has done the grunt work and knows what he’s talking about.
So, PLEASE HELP (this Android person) !!! I will be in your debt forever,
Peggy, the church organist who loves what she does
LAURA A SHELTON says
Same as above: I need identical help for identical reason.
please, someone, answer us.
Joseph Edwin says
Hey Peggy,
Thank you for reading my article.
Considering you’re an Android person, I have to say that Samsung is your best bet. I have two options to recommend that meet your specified needs.
Samsung’s S-Pen is a very capable resource, and the ‘Smart Select’ feature will let you highlight parts of music on captured images, screenshots, etc. It even lets you annotate on PDFs or documents. Exactly what you’re looking for, isn’t it?
If your budget is less than $600, you should go for Samsung Galaxy Tab S7: 11-inch Screen, 13MP + 5MP Dual Rear cameras, 256GB Storage, and S-Pen.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FBPLZDV?tag=autopanonet-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1
If you want a bigger display and similar specs under $600, go for Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE: 12.4-inch Screen, 5MP Rear Camera, 256GB Storage, and S-Pen.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09972XSL4?tag=autopanonet-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1
I know the Tab S8 series is out, but I believe these are enough and should be fine for your specific needs. Save money and get one of these!
Joseph
Brian Farrell says
Great help. Do you know if it’s possible to add a foot switch so that pages can be turned while playing classical guitar? Thanks B
Dorothy Braker says
I have the Samsung 12.4. The music display is 6.5×8.5, but with the horizontal display you can get a full 10-inch width. Using MobileSheetsPro you can load your .pdf files to be half-page display. hope this helps
Dorothy Braker says
I have the Samsung 12.4. The music display is 6.5×8.5, but with the horizontal display you can get a full 10-inch width. Using MobileSheetsPro you can load your .pdf files to be half-page display. hope this helps.
p.s. I am just reading Samsung has a 14.6 inch tablet out.
John Hertenstein says
The correct phrase is “learning by ear” not “learning by the ear”.
Harry says
No mention of ereaders specifically made for this task, really?
Reading sheet music at the correct size in any light is the top priority
Olivia says
In my view a tablet for reading sheet music has to be at least A4 size as the music appears too small on any smaller screens. I already have a 12.9 inch tablet and that is too small. So none of the above qualify for being suitable for reading sheet music. If anybody knows of a bigger tablet, please let me know.
Gloria Crawford says
Here are a few more for your review.
https://goodereader.com/blog/electronic-readers/the-best-e-readers-for-musicians-and-pianists
They are slightly larger; dual pages; pedal for turning pages, more money!
But, very interesting if you can afford it.
Gloria
Henri says
I need tablet to help me to read notes with color mark following on the sheet.
J. Richard Smoker says
I have read your well-written article. Not being tech-savvy, I was unable to understand everything. Page turning has been my nemesis for the many years I’ve been playing organ and piano. Since I am mostly retired, I want a device that will simply give me more enjoyment in playing (I will probably not be using it in a professional setting). What concerns me is price: I would rather not pay $600 or more when a $200 device would serve just as well. Also, would a more moderate priced device be connectable to the apps I would need for use? Thanks for your help.
Raymond Barden says
Hi from Darwin Australia, 1st, very helpful info, i have just purchased a Galaxy Tab A8. i am a working singer/guitarist aged 72!!! so i am a techno dinosaur but rapidly learning, my question, instead of lugging around music books and over loading the music stand i wish to transfer all my A4 printed and handwritten lyrics , some A3, to my tablet. what is the easiest way to do this? I have done some research and there are a number of options, any suggestions from you would be awesome, most young guys have the tablet on the Mic stand and read from there, much neater, ( no music stand ) thanks for now, Ray.
Tijn Kemps says
How about the e ink tablets?
I think the Boox Tab X (or the older Boox Max Lumi 2) are excelent devices with a large 13.3 inch screen which is natural to read even in the brightest sunlight.
If you don’t need color this is the best option for sheet music imho.
There is a special version of mobile sheets on android for e ink devices, which improved contrast and insant page turns. (although the regular amdroid version also works fine).
Gary W Pool says
Deppending upon budget/ trust, I’m putting in the Google Search for those who need a larger screen because used prices are obviouusly less expensive. At a whopping 18.4″, it’s the largest reasonably priced screen I’ve seen.
https://www.google.com/search?q=samsung+galaxy+view&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS1066US1066&oq=samsung&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggAEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg7MgYIARBFGDkyBggCEEUYQDIGCAMQRRg7MgYIBBBFGDsyBggFEEUYPDIGCAYQRRg9MgYIBxBFGDzSAQg2MTEwajBqNKgCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8