As technological innovation affects virtually every part of our life, the field of music production is using music tablets more and more often. traditional methods of rendering and listening to music are still very important, but gadgets like tablets have taken it to a whole new level. It gives players much more versatility to create new and innovative music, even on the go!
You can have a variety of convenient functions such as storing multiple music scores and audio files and creating music wherever and whenever you want, thanks to the portability of the tablet. Here are some of the best tablets for musicians on the market today.
What is a music tablet, one might assume?Well, these are tablets suitable for music production , playback, mixing and mastering, etc.
In case you are fond of listening to music and also lean towards the production side, we have compiled a guide on the best tablet for musicians
With those e-readers you can easily write and edit musical notes, sheet music.They offer Bluetooth and have the ability to auto-turn pages to sync with the tunes. Strong huh!
Best Tablets for Musicians
With the latest and most advanced technology, the consumption of music in many ways has changed from its analog to purely digital form.
Best Tablets for Musicians | Comparison Table 2022
Top Quality | 5-Star Pick | Great Prices
| Image | Title | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPad Air (10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Space Gray (Latest Model, 4th Generation) (Renewed) | Apple | Check Price | |
| SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 10.4" 64GB WiFi Android Tablet w/ S Pen Included, Slim Metal Design, Crystal Clear Display, Dual Speakers, Long Lasting Battery, SM-P610NZBAXAR, Angora Blue | SAMSUNG | Check Price | |
| Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB) | Microsoft | Check Price | |
| 2021 Apple iPad Mini 6 (8.3 inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) Space Gray (Renewed) | Apple | Check Price | |
| SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A7 Lite 8.7" 32GB Android Tablet w/ Compact, Slim Design, Sturdy Metal Frame, Long Lasting Battery, SM-T220NZAAXAR, Gray | SAMSUNG | Check Price | |
| Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet 10.1" 32 GB - Wifi Only - Black (U.S. Warranty) with Bluetooth Keyboard | Sony | Check Price | |
| Lenovo - Tab M10 Plus - Tablet - 10.3" FHD Display - Octa Core Processor - 2GB RAM - 32GB Storage - Dolby Atmos - Android 10 - WiFi & Bluetooth | Lenovo | Check Price | |
| 2021 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Wi‑Fi, 256GB) - Silver | Apple | Check Price | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Wi-Fi, Mystic Black - 128 GB (Renewed) | SAMSUNG | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Tablets for Musicians | 2022 Products Overview
1. Apple iPad Air 10.9-inch
- The 10.9 touch screen LED-backlit display and 1640 × 2360 resolution will have playing all day!
- The 10.9 touch screen LED-backlit display and 1640 × 2360 resolution will have playing all day!
- Lighten your load with this light weight tablet and entertain your down time with its long lasting battery.
- Works with Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
- Over 200 incredibly fun games. No ads. No in-app purchases.footnote4
2. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S6
- S PEN INCLUDED: The included S Pen makes it easier than ever to write notes and personalize photos and videos, all without needing to charge. The S Pen attaches magnetically right to your tablet and is always ready to go.
- SLIM METAL DESIGN: Take this sleek, lightweight tablet anywhere. Its slim design slips right into your bag and comes in your choice of stylish colors.
- ENTERTAINMENT READY: A vivid, crystal clear display draws you into content while dual speakers with sound by AKG supply spacious Dolby Atmos surround sound. With discovery powered by Spotify, setting a personal soundtrack to your waking moments has never been easier.
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: A long-lasting battery lets you stream for up to 12 hours¹ on a single charge. The fast-charging USB-C port allows you to quickly get back to where you left off when you need to recharge.
- ONE UI CONNECTIVITY: Sync up multiple devices and double down on your todos with Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. Use it as a hotspot and create share-ready content all at once.
- DEX EXPERIENCE: Get more done each day by turning your Galaxy devices into an expanded desktop workstation. Send multiple windows to the devices of your choice and control them all from your Galaxy Tab S6 Lite like a boss.²
- ¹Battery power consumption depends on usage patterns. Results may vary. ²DeX will be available on R OS or above.
3. Microsoft Surface Pro 6
- A best in class laptop with the versatility of a studio and tablet
- More power now with the new 8th Generation Intel Core processor
- Ultra slim and light, starting at just 1.7 pounds. Sensors : Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope
- All day battery life, with upto 13.5 hours of video playback
- Pair with our signature type cover in luxurious Alcantara material and rich colors for a full keyboard experience
4. Apple iPad Mini 6
- Gorgeous 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone - A15 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- 12MP Wide back camera, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Stay connected with ultrafast Wi-Fi 6 - Up to 256GB storage - Comes in 4 colors
- Up to 10 hours of battery life - Touch ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay
- USB-C connector for charging and accessories - Supports Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
5. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A7
- LIGHT AND PORTABLE: With its compact 8.7” screen, slim design and sturdy metal frame, Galaxy Tab A7 Lite tablet is perfectly sized for entertainment on the go; Easy for everyone to carry and travel with, especially kids
- LASTING PROTECTION: This device features an upgraded metal frame that helps protect against everyday hiccups; Its made to be durable so your tablet keeps working even when handled by children’s accident-prone hands
- FASTER PERFORMANCE: Galaxy Tab A7 Lite has faster speed than previous models for smooth streaming with minimal interruptions for work, school or play; Also packs more expandable storage than before — up to 1TB, almost 2x as much as the previous model — for all your photos, videos, and apps
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Binge away with a long battery life and plenty of power to keep up with the content you love — and then some — with fast charging to help you juice up quickly on the go.
- MULTI DEVICE EXPERIENCE: Enjoy connectivity across all your Samsung Galaxy devices with One UI technology; Start watching a show on your smart phone, then send it to your tablet to finish later or vice versa
6. Sony Xperia Z4
- Keep going in all weather conditions with the extremely durable water- and dust-resistant design.
- Enjoy a best-in-class personal entertainment experience, featuring Hi-Res Audio, 10-inch 2K display, and powerful quad-core Snapdragon processing power for showcasing your movies, videos, music, and games.
- Continue to play PS4 games away from your TV via your local Wi-Fi with PS4 Remote Play.
- 32 GB of native storage, plus a microSD card slot so you can store an additional 200 GB of photos, videos, music, and games.
- Comes with a bonus keyboard
7. Lenovo Tab M10 Plus
- Premium look & feel with metal back cover and slim, narrow bezels. Enjoy your favorite videos on the 10. 3 FHD display with TDDI technology
- Fast and powerful Octa-Core processor with up to 2.3 GHz main frequency for quick performance
- Never miss a moment with 8 MP rear + 5 MP front cameras, dual microphones, and 2 side speakers tuned with Dolby Atmos
- Kids mode includes dedicated content for kids, with parent control and specialized eye protection. Bumpy environment and posture alerts also available
- Stay connected with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz Dual Band, and Bluetooth 5. 0
8. Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch
- Apple M1 chip for next-level performance
- Brilliant 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color
- TrueDepth camera system featuring Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage
- 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner for immersive AR
- Stay connected with ultrafast Wi-Fi
- Go further with all-day battery life
- Thunderbolt port for connecting to fast external storage, displays, and docks
- Face ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay
- Four speaker audio and five studio-quality microphones
- Support for Apple Pencil (2nd generation), Magic Keyboard, and Smart Keyboard Folio
9. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
- PC PERFORMANCE. TABLET PORTABILITY: Transform your tablet into a PC experience with DeX mode and the optional keyboard(1) with expanded trackpad. *(1)Sold separately.
- ENTERTAINMENT, UPGRADED: Experience cinematic viewing in your hands with larger edge-to-edge displays, sAMOLEDTM screen(2) and quad speakers tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos surround sound. *(2)Tab S7 11” screen is a TFT LCD screen.
- REDESIGNED S PEN INCLUDED: With improved 9ms pen latency, the redesigned S Pen can control presentations, take notes and mark up papers effortlessly.
- CHANGE THE WAY YOU GAME: Bring console gaming to anywhere a Wi-Fi connection is available with an immersive screen and Bluetooth-enabled controller(3). *(3)Controller sold separately.
- CHARGE FAST. POWER FOR HOURS: Go for hours on a single charge,(4) and back to 100% with the fast-charging USB-C port. *(4)Battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
- CAPTURE AND CONNECT: Stunning brightness and clarity with the wide 13MP and ultra-wide 5MP dual back, and 8MP front-facing cameras.
- ALWAYS IN SYNC: Use your Galaxy Tab S7 | S7+ as a hotspot, a second screen or a hyper-efficient vehicle for sharing ideas and content.
- SAY NETFLIX. START STREAMING “Hi Bixby. Begin streaming.” Netflix now supports Bixby voice, so you can start streaming instantly with voice command(5). *(5) Netflix streaming membership required. The Netflix app and content availability may vary by country.
Buying Guide to the Best Tablets for Musicians
Most Important Features
Performance
Music production, listening, and editing applications use a lot of resources on a tablet, so it is critical to buy an option with adequate processing power. We recommend looking for a tablet with at least a quad-core processor, but you may want to choose an option with an octa-core or deca-core processor. Of course, the processor is only as good as the RAM. If you will be using it for music production, look for a tablet with at least 4 GB of RAM. However, for casual use, such as reading sheet music or listening to songs, a device with 2 or 3 GB is more suitable.
Screen Size and Image Quality
When it comes to choosing a tablet based on screen size, there are several items to consider. Larger screens make it easier to read sheet music and guitar tabs, but they are less portable than tablets with smaller screens. However, the universal truth about screens is that a high-resolution screen is always better than a low-resolution screen. It is recommended that you purchase a tablet with a Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) or higher.
User Experience
If you use your tablet to enjoy music, you are most likely handling an instrument at the same time. That is why it is important to purchase an option with a simple user interface and enhanced usability. both Android and iPadOS operating systems are simple choices, but different users have different preferences. We recommend that you purchase the option that best suits your preferences.
Resolution
As you know, resolution determines the clarity of the screen; the higher the resolution, the clearer the image.
When it comes to music tablets, you don’t have to worry about this, as you can easily get full HD resolution even on budget tablets. This resolution is sufficient for ideal reading and movie viewing.
Size.
Tablet size depends on your needs and budget, but generally musicians are accustomed to A4 paper, and this size is 8.27 x 11.69 inches. So a tablet about 10″ in size may be ideal for reading. However, many tablets with large screens are available, but they are also expensive.
Page-turning support
This is another major requirement for tablets, since during practice or performance, the hands are occupied with operating the instrument and turning pages is not possible.
Therefore, the most important role here is page-turning, which allows you to turn the digital sheet with your foot. However, the problem is that not all tablets support page flipping. So keep this in mind before you buy a tablet.
Android and iOS tablets are almost always compatible with wireless page turners, so you can rest assured that you can buy these.
Top 5 Tablet Uses for Musicians
1 – Sheet music (chord charts, tablature)
Stay in tune. It’s not 1999 anymore. Dealing with printed out sheet music and tablature is time-consuming and tedious.
Many digital sheet music applications now allow you to not only read chord charts and sheet music with lyrics, but also to import and transpose sheet music and create set lists.
2 – Applications and sound tools
Metronomes, timers, amp modelers, digital music, multi-track recording apps, synthesizers… all these tools can be easily operated on a tablet. It is often a hassle to take out your laptop or drag it to another room to sit at your desk every time you want to play music.
Purchasing a lightweight, portable tablet will solve all of these problems and make your playing and listening time more enjoyable.
3 – Music Player
Want to master the rhythm of that new song you’re learning on the guitar? Set up your favorite music player on your tablet device and start jamming.
Whether you listen to your downloaded music library or get inspiration from music streaming apps, one thing is for sure: there are plenty of tablet options.
4 – Recording (at home or live)
Whether for recording the progress of regular practice sessions, cataloging song ideas, or creating multi-track studio productions, tablets have become one of the top gadgets every musician should own.
In fact, by linking tablets with devices like iRig and Line 6 Sonic Port, as well as your favorite music software, making music on the go has never been easier.
5 – YouTube and Online Tutorials
Whether it’s how to play an intro riff or how to change the BPM in the latest music app, most of what you need to know can be found in a video somewhere on the Internet.
Whether for work, research, or general surfing, tablets are the most convenient solution. And with all that extra screen space, squinting at your smartphone will be a distant memory.
Frequent questions
What kind of tablets do musicians use?
Musicians prefer tablets with larger screens, powerful microphones, and a top-notch speaker setup. However, it is also preferable to have dedicated tuning technology on board to increase the effectiveness of the speakers.
Can i record music on a tablet?
Yes, if your tablet has a dedicated microphone or set of microphones, you can record music. However, the quality of the recording depends on the quality of the microphones and the underlying technology.
Are iPads good for making music?
Yes, iPads adhere to the Apple ecosystem, which makes them sufficiently capable of creating music with apps like Retro Piano, iSpark, and the proprietary digital audio workstation in Garageband.
How do you flip through sheet music on a tablet when your hands are full during a performance?
As I mentioned earlier, you can use the wireless page turner to turn the music with your feet.
Which tablet screen should I choose to read sheet music?
The E-Ink screen is the best, but there are not many options. They are also quite expensive and are only available in black and white. However, many professional musicians still prefer E-Ink tablets, as recommended above. If your budget is not high, you can opt for an IPS or AMOLED screen, neither of which are great.
What is the right tablet size for musicians?
Get the largest screen possible. You will be able to read from a distance with ease.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a tablet primarily for music production, then there are a few things to consider. You may think that speakers are the most important aspect to look for when buying one, but that’s not the case. If you want to make music, chances are you’ll use a headset or headphones to listen to it. Speakers are important, but the most important factor should be the quality of sound the tablet will produce. Another very important thing to consider is the display size and image quality so that you can see everything no matter where you are. Finally, an important thing to consider is connectivity. You need a tablet with enough ports to connect to necessary hardware such as a Turner-Pedal digital page, speakers, etc.
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