For portable gaming, many people might turn to dedicated handhelds like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. But if you want to game on a bigger screen, a tablet is the way to go.

Of course, not just any tablet works: You need a speedy device that can handle the latest Android and iPad games. Surprisingly, tablet makers don't often market or design their slates specifically for gaming like some do with their phones. But our picks all have enough CPU and GPU strength, as well as memory and storage, to run the most challenging titles without hiccups. You know what that translates into: Don't expect cheap tablets in this roundup.

Here, we round up some of the most powerful tablets on the market and discuss what makes them ideal for gaming. Read on for our top picks, followed by what to look for in a gaming tablet.

Which Tablet Is Best for Gaming?

There are a few key hardware aspects to consider before you buy a tablet for gaming: power, storage, and battery life.

Pick something with a fast processor. Slates with the most recent chips are generally the best bet as they'll not only run games smoothly today, but down the road as well. Similarly, get a tablet with as much RAM as possible. More memory allows games to load more ahead of time and decreases the likelihood of loading delays. Make sure to inspect how well the tablet handles heat; if it runs hot under stress, you won't want to use it for long periods.

Lots of storage space is equally important. High-end games such as Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and others consume 1GB or more and can fill up your storage quickly. Opt for 64GB at a minimum. If you like to keep multiple games on your device at once (along with other media, such as movies and music), you might consider 128GB. Or, snag a tablet that offers the option to expand storage via microSD card.

Intense games can drain a tablet's battery life quickly, so you should keep your expectations realistic. Aim for something that can run modern games for at least a few hours. And when you do need to recharge, fast charging support is important because it can get you back to your game that much quicker.

Android, iPadOS, or Windows: The Best Tablet Software for Gaming

Another huge consideration is whether you want an Android tablet or an iPad. This is a matter of personal preference and depends on what types of other devices you have. For example, if you're a longtime iOS user and subscribe to Apple One (which includes the Apple Arcade gaming service), an iPad is likely the better way to go. Similarly, if you're an Android phone user and have purchased a lot of apps or content from the Google Play store, an Android slate makes more sense.

As for Microsoft's platform, the biggest issue with gaming on Windows tablets is that most don't have sufficient power. Additionally, many PC games work best with a mouse and keyboard or controller, which conflicts with the idea of casual gaming on the go. The major exception to that rule is the Asus ROG Flow Z13. It's one of the most well-rounded gaming tablets on the market but remains way too pricey for most people.

What Size Tablet Is Best for Gaming?

Screen size and tablet size go hand in hand and are thus another factor to mull over, though it ultimately comes down to how much you value portability and comfort.

Most tablets have screens that range from seven to 12 inches, with 10 inches being the average. A seven-inch slate can easily fit into a handbag or purse, meaning they travel more easily, while a 10- or 12-inch tablet will require something larger, such as a backpack, to tote around. Larger tablets also weigh more and can cause hand fatigue when held for several hours. As far as size goes, pick what feels the most natural to use and carry around. The benefit of going with screen sizes larger than eight inches is that they provide substantially more real estate for gameplay.

Of course, you want something with at least 1080p Full HD resolution, and more if possible. Further, a high refresh rate (90Hz or higher) will go a long way toward improving your experience.

Do You Need a Cellular Gaming Tablet?

Determining whether you need to spend the extra money (usually $100 or more) for a tablet with a cellular connection depends on where you will use the tablet most and what games you plan to play.

If you're often home, at the coffee shop, or another place with regular Wi-Fi access, you should be fine without cellular connectivity. If you typically find yourself in places where Wi-Fi isn't readily available, consider paying the extra money for a tablet with 4G or 5G along with a monthly service plan from your wireless carrier.

One other point to consider here is the type of games you like to play. If you generally stick to single-player games that don't require a constant internet connection, a Wi-Fi-only model should work fine. But if you want to play multiplayer games that require back-and-forth over the internet, a tablet with cellular capabilities could come in handy.