Being a teacher means handling too many responsibilities at once while maintaining a healthy classroom for your school or college. And the last thing you want is to carry a bulky device everywhere. Trust me; you do not want the extra weight in your backpack every day.
Even in the online learning world, where you can engage in the teaching process from the comfort of your home, you need a better device than a usual PC. Luckily, tablet devices fill that void perfectly. But how do you find a tablet that suits teachers’ needs?
Teachers use tablets for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to browsing, online meetings, note-taking on OneNote, PPT presentations on PowerPoint, attendance management, and even content creation. So, they need a device that can offer suitable performance and portability.
Similarly, you do not like to keep the device charged all the time. Therefore, it must provide a decent battery life as well. You also have to make crucial decisions regarding the OS, availability of apps, hardware support, etc. Well, I thought I could help you a bit.
Contents
9 Best Tablets for Teachers in 2023
I have selected the products based on the criteria mentioned above. But, more so, the list is also diverse in that you get to find at least one suitable tablet for your requirements, such as the budget and OS preferences. So, for instance, you can use our guide to find the best iOS and Android tablets for teachers alike.
1. Best Overall: Apple iPad Air
This is hands down the best iPad a teacher can buy right now. A substantial improvement over its predecessor, the 4th Gen iPad Air brings higher performance, long-lasting battery, and a modern design. In short, you can expect the smoothest online teaching experience from this reasonably priced device.
Why Is It Suitable for Teachers?
The iPad Air 4 is a complete package that offers competitive performance, thanks to the A14 Bionic chip and 4GB of RAM. You can also have up to 256GB of storage in the package. iPadOS 14 makes sure that the device can handle resource-intensive tasks without draining the battery. The optimized set of apps on iPadOS make a noticeable difference while teaching.
The device comes with a 7MP front camera with an aperture of f/2.0. The HDR-enabled camera has support for 1080p video recording at 60fps. It means teachers can conduct online teaching sessions with high-quality video content. You can count on Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth for high-speed internet and seamless wireless audio.
Display & Tablet Design
This super-famous tablet from Apple comes with a 10.9-inch Full HD+ Liquid Retina IPS display. It has a total resolution of 2360 x 1640 and a screen-to-body ratio of 81.3%. The edgy construction of the system is very appealing, and Apple has added scratch-resistant glass and an oleophobic coating. Despite the superior build quality, the iPad Air weighs only 1 pound.
Other Features
The 2nd Gen Apple Pencil is the official stylus for this tablet, and it offers maximum precision/control. You can also connect the Magic Keyboard for an enhanced experience. As far as hardware is concerned, the device does not have an IP rating. The gadget also packs a capacitive fingerprint scanner on top for Touch ID-based login.
Conclusion
The 4th Gen iPad Air is the most expensive one on the list, but it easily qualifies as the best iPad for teachers. The device and the computing experience it provides are worth more than what you pay. By the way, if you are looking for a more powerful tablet for your content creation needs, you should check out the Apple iPad Pro.
- Reasonable pricing
- Incredible performance
- Sufficient RAM and storage
- High-quality, 1080p front camera
- Highly secured Touch ID
- Optimized iPadOS experience
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
2. Best Runner Up: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
If you prefer an Android tablet for teaching, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is your best shot. The flagship option in the Tab lineup, the Tab 7, comes with a better stylus, an exemplary display, and a bigger battery inside. It has everything a teacher could ask for from a portable device in the price bracket.
Why Is It Suitable for Teachers?
It uses a 1.9GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, enabling effortless multitasking. In some models, the device has 5G support. This model has 6GB of RAM, which is enough for multitasking. It also has 128GB of storage, which can be upgraded to 1TB using an SD card. The Android 10 OS with OneUI 2.5 on top makes things more effortless than ever. You can also use the DeX mode for a desktop experience.
Tab S7 also packs an 8MP front camera with a 26mm wide lens like the iPad Air. However, while it provides you a broader canvas for online teaching over Zoom, the camera can record at 1080p@30fps only. In terms of connectivity, the model checks all the boxes, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6, built-in GPS, which are enough.
Display & Tablet Design
The Tab S7 is also one of the slimmest devices you can find. It has a thickness of 0.21 inches and a total weight of 1.10 pounds. However, it has not stopped the maker from accommodating an 11-inch LTPS TFT panel with a Full HD+ resolution of 2560 x 1600. The panel also has an improved refresh rate of 120Hz and an aspect ratio of 16:10.
Other Features
As for stylus support, you can use the brand-new S Pen bundled with the package. You can also connect the official keyboard and book cover to the device. If you want to spend time gaming on the tablet in-between all your duties, the S7 tab will assist you. Once again, the device does not have an IP rating, but it is sturdy enough. I also loved the on-display fingerprint scanner for security.
Conclusion
While the Tab S7 does not cost much, the device offers top-notch performance and customization options. Compared to other products on this list, the S7 provides room for customization as well.
- Competitive everyday performance
- Android 10 and OneUI 2.5
- High-Res screen with 120Hz refresh rate
- Samsung DeX and keyboard support
- Reasonable price for features
- No 3.5mm audio jack
3. Best Windows Tablet: Microsoft Surface Go 2
I can recommend the Microsoft Surface Go 2 as the perfect Windows-based tablet for teachers on any day. It also brings the benefits of hybrid connectivity and design, letting you turn it into a fully-fledged laptop when necessary.
Why Is It Suitable for Teachers?
The Surface Go 2 uses an Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y processor, which has a clock speed of 1.7GHz. As a result, it can keep your system running without much drain, offering up to 10 hours of battery life. The package also contains 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage, both of which you cannot upgrade.
In short, the system can handle medium to heavy activities with ease. In addition, the device comes with a decent front camera that you can use for meetings. It also packs Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth for wireless options. Both these can come in handy during teaching sessions.
Display & Tablet Design
The device uses a 10.5-inch Full HD+ PixelSense display on the top. The panel has a resolution of 1920 x 1280, which is the standard. You cannot expect any fancy refresh rate from this panel. The total weight of the Go 2 comes down to 1.20 lbs.
Other Features
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 works fine with a variety of accessories, including the Surface Pen. The Surface Pen can help you take notes and navigate better, while the Keyboard Case gives you a closer-to-laptop experience. Unfortunately, Microsoft has not added hardware-level security features or IP rating, either.
Conclusion
If you want to use Windows 10 (or Windows 11) on your tablet for teaching, the Surface Go 2 is the best. It also provides additional advantages if you are active in the Microsoft ecosystem.
- Affordable and reasonable price tag
- Suitable for Windows ecosystem
- Support for a variety of accessories
- HD+ PixelSense touchscreen display
- Above-average battery life
- Accessories are expensive
- Limited connectivity
4. Best Under $350: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
If you thought our second pick was too expensive, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite would be an impressive choice. It is the Lite version of the S6 flagship tablet. However, the renewed design happens to be an excellent choice for teachers and students, thereby making it the best tablet for classrooms.
Why Is It Suitable for Teachers?
Despite being a ‘Lite’ version, the Tab S6 Lite does not compromise power or performance. It houses 4GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. You can expand the storage up to 1TB using an SD card. As for the chip, Samsung has used its own Exynos 9611, which is clocked at 2.3GHz.
The Android 10 OS with OneUI on top is a great solution as well. Coming to connectivity, the device comes with a 5MP camera that can capture 1080p content at 30fps. So, you can ensure the maximum quality during online classes. For wireless, you get Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and a USB Type-C connector.
Display & Tablet Design
This gadget has got a shiny 10.4-inch TFT panel with an aspect ratio of 5:3. Its resolution of 2000 x 1200 may seem augmented, thanks to the 81.6% body-to-screen ratio. While it does not have a high refresh rate, the viewing experience is pleasant. The build quality feels premium, and the device weighs only 1.03 lbs.
Other Features
Unlike many other devices on the list, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite includes the stylus in the package. You can get the keyboard separately if you want to use the Samsung DeX features. The device does not have an IP rating or hardware security options, though.
Conclusion
Nevertheless, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is the best teaching tablet under $350. Considering this price tag, features from the package are not only satisfactory but also efficient for seamless online teaching.
- $350 price tag
- Expandable storage up to 1TB
- Sleek and modern design
- Stylus included in the package
- Samsung DeX support
- Charging could be better
5. Best-in-Class Display: Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
If you want to have one of the latest Android 11 tablets for education related needs, the newly-launched Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is a great pick. You would have the improved display, hardware, graphics, and features in the renewed package. The device can last for the whole day on a single charge as well.
Why Is It Suitable for Teachers?
Even though the tablet does not cost a lot, it packs a quad-core MediaTek Helio G90T processor and 4GB of RAM. When combined with 128GB of onboard storage, with options for expansion, the device can fulfill your performance requirements in an instant.
The device packs an 8MP wide camera on the front, and it can record 1080p footage at 30fps. As long as you are using a compatible meeting up, your visual input will stay crisp. For wireless connectivity, you can count on Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1. The maker has opted for a USB Type C 2.0 port for everything.
Display & Tablet Design
The display on this device is something that shines above everything. It’s an 11-inch IPS 2K display, which has a resolution of 2000 x 1200. So, if you like watching Netflix or offline movies on weekends, this is an amazing display panel to treat your eyes with.
Both the aspect ratio of 5:3 and the screen-to-body ratio of 81.8% add value to the visual impact. In addition, the device is only 0.30 inches thinner and weighs 1.08 lbs, making portability smoother than ever.
Other Features
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus comes with stylus support, and you can try a variety of them. Unfortunately, as you can guess from the price, it does not come with an IP rating. Nor do you find a fingerprint scanner. However, you can use the Face Unlock function for easier access.
Conclusion
There are a few areas where the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus makes a few compromises. But, even then, you can count on this Android 11 tablet for your various teaching needs. And you do not have to spend a lot.
- Inexpensive offering
- Gaming-capable processor
- Stunning 2K display
- Slim and lightweight design
- It runs on Android 11
- 8MP wide front camera
- No headphone jack
- No fingerprint scanner
6. Best Budget 2-in-1: CHUWI Hi10 X
You cannot find many reliable Windows 10 tablet PCs apart from the Microsoft Surface ones. However, the CHUWI Hi10 X tablet is a real exception. Unlike other devices from the manufacturer, this gadget can easily be doubled as a fully-fledged laptop.
Why Is It Suitable for Teachers?
Even if I keep the sub $300 price aside, I think teachers have more things to rejoice about the device. First, it uses a 2.5GHz Intel Core N4120 processor with integrated graphics. When coupled with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, the device can handle Windows 10 with ease. You can add another 128GB SD card.
The camera on the CHUWI Hi10 X is not an exceptional one, though. You can indeed use it for most types of online classes; that’s true. In addition, it comes with all options of wireless connectivity, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You can find a wide variety of ports as well.
Display & Tablet Design
For display, the CHUWI Hi10 X has used a 10.1-inch Full HD panel with full lamination. The IPS display has an aspect ratio of 16:10. However, I could not ignore the heavy bezels on all four sides. The modern-design device weighs only 1.15ls and is 0.26 inches thick.
Other Features
The CHUWI Hi10 X has a bundled stylus with 6096 pressure points. While it’s not as great as Apple Pencil or S-Pen, you can use the stylus for notetaking or leisure drawing sessions. On the bright side, the included keyboard is excellent and adds so much value. Because it is a laptop, more or less, you cannot expect an IP rating.
Conclusion
I understand that the CHUWI Hi10 X is not for everyone. However, if you want a Windows 10 laptop without spending much, you should check this one out.
- Affordable pricing
- Versatile connection options
- USB Type-C connectivity
- Detachable keyboard (included)
- Lightweight and thin design
- Massive bezels
7. Best Chromebook: Lenovo Chromebook Duet
Considering that many teachers spend a considerable amount of their time on the web, a Chromebook is a good option for most people. However, unlike the typical Chromebooks, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet can easily be doubled as a portable tablet PC.
Why Is It Suitable for Teachers?
The Chromebook tablet uses a MediaTek Helio P60T, clocked at 2GHz, as the processor. It also has 4GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. Considering how light Chrome OS is, this device will keep you satisfied with the best speed.
Lenovo has used a 2MP fixed focus camera on the front, and it may not be magical per se. On the connectivity side, though, Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 will be sufficient. It also comes with a Type C port which you can use to connect a variety of accessories.
Display & Tablet Design
The device uses a 10.1-inch Full HD panel for the main display. The IPS LCD panel has a resolution of 1920 x 1200 and can get as bright as 400 nits. You also get 70% NTSC coverage, which is impressive. As for the total weight, the tablet alone weighs around 1 pound, but it will double when you add the keyboard and kickstand.
Other Features
Even though the Chromebook Duet has stylus support, you have to buy a compatible one separately. As you can guess, the device supports a keyboard and a kickstand. Lenovo has done a great job with sound, fast charge, and a whopping 7000mAh battery.
Conclusion
I can recommend the Lenovo Chromebook Duet only if you are comfortable with Chrome OS. Chrome OS is simple, but there could be compatible issues. Yet, if your school uses the Google ecosystem, it is all good.
- Incredible performance
- Low battery usage
- Full HD display panel
- Lightweight design
- Versatile connections
- Compatibility issues
- 4GB of RAM only
8. Best Value for Money: TELCAST M40
Suppose you are looking for a super-affordable Android 10 tablet for teaching. In that case, TELCAST M40 is a good option. It does not come with any fancy features, per se. On the bright side, you do not have to worry about interruptions, either.
Why Is It Suitable for Teachers?
First of all, the TELCAST M40 does not cost you a lot. It comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. For performance, the system uses a 2GHz UNISOC T618 processor. While it is not the fastest processor, you can have a satisfactory experience.
As for the cameras, it has a standard sensor on the front, which you can use for online teaching. You can also count on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless interaction. It also has GPS connectivity, but you may not want it while you are at home.
Display & Tablet Design
The system is powered by a 10.1-inch Full HD IPS panel. It has a resolution of 1920 x 1200 and offers wider viewing angles. Together, the visual experience is impressive. As for the design, it is a few millimeters thick and weighs 2 pounds.
Other Features
The manufacturer does not specify whether the TELCAST M40 supports styluses. However, I can assume it does on most applications. Considering what you pay, you cannot expect a keyboard in the package or an IP rating. The tablet does not feature a fingerprint scanner or other hardware-level security options.
Conclusion
The TELCAST M40 is not as powerful as the other tablets on this list. However, if you need an affordable Android tablet that won’t let you down in the performance part, you can count on what the product offers.
- One of the most affordable tablets
- It runs on Android 10
- Standard battery backup
- Modern design
- High-quality IPS panel
- No fingerprint scanner
- Unspecified stylus support
9. Cheap Yet Good Option: VASTKING KingPad K10
The VASTKING KingPad K10 is another affordable tablet in the market. Instead of focusing on fancier features, the device delivers stable performance to customers. Therefore, if you need a dedicated device for teaching, it will do the job.
Why Is It Suitable for Teachers?
The device is powered by 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. You can expand the storage to up to 512GB using an SD card. For the processing power, the 1.8GHz Unisoc Tiger T610 chip is more than enough for the majority.
Connectivity on the device is also impressive. In addition to Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5, the system offers voice control options as well. You can also rely on the built-in GPS if you want to take the tablet outside. There is also a USB Type C port for various needs. And the 5MP front camera is just decent.
Display & Tablet Design
You can spot a 10.1-inch Full HD display in this package. Its 1920 x 1200 resolution is more than enough to provide a smooth computing experience. While the viewing angles are just okay, the bezel-free design can amplify what you see on the screen.
Other Features
You can connect the VASTKING KingPad K10 to a keyboard, turning it into a laptop. However, the case of stylus support is still confusing. Either way, you do not get any accessories with the package. Coming to the point of protection, it does not have a fingerprint scanner but uses Face recognition for unlocking.
Conclusion
As I said, the VASTKING KingPad K10 is not the most powerful tablet. However, when you have minimal needs, the sub $150 tablet delivers.
- Slim and modern design
- A sleek keyboard support
- Face recognition for unlock
- Full HD IPS display
- 5GHz Wi-Fi and GPS
- No fingerprint scanner
- 3GB RAM is too low
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many tablets considered the best for teachers. If you need an iPadOS tablet, the Apple iPad Air 4 is a good choice. On the other hand, devices are running on Windows 10 and Android as well.
An iPad is helpful for features. As I said, it is the complete package a teacher could ask for in terms of performance, UI, and battery backup. So, it is 100% reliable in a classroom.
The answer also depends on how the device’s OS manages RAM resources. However, I believe the RAM on a device must be no less than 3GB.
You can surely do online classes on a tablet. Thanks to their portability and other features, tablets are the best devices for online courses, where you can use portability.
Verdict
I believe the list packs almost every tablet you should consider as a teacher. However, if you are buying it for you or a friend, make sure you do not miss these points:
- If you are looking for a super-performing tablet PC with the best battery life, I recommend going for the Apple iPad Air.
- However, if you can give up iPadOS for Android and some extra savings, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite seems to be a great option.
- If you’re more inclined towards the display quality and consistent performance, nothing can beat the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus. It features an IPS 2K display and Helio G90T processor at sub $300 price.
- Last but not least, if you want to save money, you can consider the TELCAST M40, which packs in commandable specs at sub $200 price.
In the end, just be sure that your budget does not stop you from getting the tablet PC that you need. Do not think, for instance, that you can teach hundreds of students using a low-cost Android tablet.
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