Which are the top tablets that come with keyboards in 2023? With numerous options available for Windows, Android, Chrome OS, and iPads, here are the best ones.
Tablets that come with keyboard docks or covers are highly sought after, regardless of whether they run on Android, iPadOS, or Windows. The reason for this is simple: you get both a tablet and a notebook in a single device. This means you can work productively on them without having to make do with an on-screen keyboard. Additionally, a touchpad is often built-in and the docks or covers protect the display when folded.
There is a wide variety of tablets that come with keyboards. Almost all Windows tablets have one, and some devices with Android and iPad Pro models also come with a keyboard. I have personally tested most of the new releases and have compiled a list of my current recommendations.
We have organized this list by price, with the more expensive models at the top and the cheaper ones at the bottom. I can recommend all of the tablets listed here, as they have all been my top picks during testing. It’s worth noting that a premium tablet isn’t always necessary, and most people would be satisfied with a cheaper mid-range tablet. Only those who require specific features should consider investing in a more expensive tablet.
Best Tablets With A Keyboard: An Overview
- Best Windows tablet with a keyboard: In my opinion, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the top choice if you’re looking for a tablet that can replace a full-fledged notebook. It boasts a 13-inch display, current Intel Core processors, high-quality design, and an excellent keyboard cover.
- Best iPad with a keyboard: For the best pure tablet with a keyboard, I recommend the 11-inch or 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro. While it can’t fully replace a laptop, it’s a better regular tablet than the Surface Pro 9. The iPad Pro offers outstanding displays, powerful M2 chipset, and support for the Apple Pencil 2, with the Apple Magic Keyboard available as a good accessory.
- Best Android tablets with a keyboard: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series are the best Android tablets on the market. While not as powerful as the iPad Pro, they come packed with premium features like the S Pen and up to a 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display. Choose between two types of keyboard covers.
- Great iPad Pro alternative: If the iPad Pro is too expensive, the Apple iPad Air is an excellent alternative. With its M1 chipset, it’s almost as powerful as the M2 and works with the same Apple Magic Keyboard. However, the Air only has a 10.9-inch display, so it’s not an alternative to the 12.9-inch Pro.
- Good Galaxy Tab S8+ alternative: The Lenovo Tab P12 Pro is a slightly cheaper alternative to the Galaxy Tab S8+. With a 12.6-inch AMOLED display, it offers a very good keyboard cover that can also be used separately from the tablet. Strong performance and an included active stylus round out its features.
- An excellent and budget-friendly alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2. Its optional keyboard cover is just as good and the OLED display is even superior, although the performance and build quality are slightly inferior.
- The Lenovo Duet 3 Chromebook (available on Amazon*) is a fantastic choice for students, thanks to its exceptional price/performance ratio. Its operating system, Chrome OS, includes the full-fledged desktop Chrome browser, and it comes with a good keyboard cover. However, it’s not ideal as an entertainment tablet.
- The Apple iPad 10 (available on Amazon*) is a mid-range iPad that works with a different keyboard, the Apple Magic Folio Keyboard, which is relatively expensive but functions seamlessly. Although the display has a weakness, the iPad 10 is a reliable tablet for working.
- If premium tablets are too pricey, consider the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE (available on Amazon*). It lacks many premium features, but it includes the S Pen and functions with the same keyboards as the Galaxy Tab S8+, making it an excellent mid-range tablet.
- The Lenovo Tab P11 (available on Amazon*) is an inexpensive Android tablet that comes with a keyboard cover. It’s the most affordable Android tablet with a keyboard cover that I can recommend, and while it’s smaller at 11 inches and weaker in some aspects than the Galaxy Tab S7 FE, it’s also cheaper. The optional keyboard cover is pretty good, and you can also get it with a stylus if you want.
- The Apple iPad 9 (available on Amazon*) is Apple’s cheapest tablet, and they offer an official keyboard case for it as well. While I consider the official keyboard to be the worst on this list, Logitech’s keyboard for the iPad 9 is pretty good. Although the design looks a bit older, the performance is outstanding at this price, and you can use it with the Apple Pencil 1.
- The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3i (available on Amazon*) is the most affordable Windows tablet with a keyboard that I can currently recommend. While the performance is comparatively weak, if you’re simply looking for a cheap tablet with a keyboard and Windows, I think it’s a viable choice.
Let’s delve deeper into the recommended tablets with keyboards. For more detailed reviews, please see the links provided for each device below.
Best Windows Tablet with Keyboard: Microsoft Surface Pro 9
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the top Windows tablet in the market and with its excellent keyboard cover, it also stands as the best Windows tablet with a keyboard. It surpasses other devices in this category as it can replace a high-end notebook without any significant compromise. Running on Windows 11, when combined with the keyboard, it functions like a laptop but can also be used as a pure tablet without it.
Microsoft has recently released the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard, which is not compatible with the Pro 7. It is built with the same high-quality material as its predecessors and connects via a magnetic connector. When folded, the keyboard protects the display and allows you to charge the Slim Pen 2 stylus inside it.
The keyboard has a standard size with good key travel and a touchpad that is big enough for a tablet, though smaller than a laptop’s. With Windows 11 and Office 365, the Surface Pro 9 is a great office tablet. However, since Windows 11 is primarily a desktop operating system, it is not as good of a “pure” tablet as the iPad Pro or Galaxy Tab S8 without a keyboard.
The Pro 9 is equipped with 12th generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, 8GB to 32GB RAM, and 128GB up to 1TB SSD, which can even be changed by the user. It is one of the fastest Windows tablets on the market, though Apple’s M2 chipset is more powerful. Nonetheless, its performance is excellent, particularly for Adobe Photoshop and basic video editing in Premiere Pro. The display measures 13 inches and has a 3:2 aspect ratio, which is ideal for work. It has a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels, with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The PixelSense Flow display allows for writing with the Microsoft Slim Pen 2 or Surface Pen, making it a great choice for taking handwritten notes.
The top iPads with keyboards: Apple iPad Pro
In our view, while the Apple iPad Pro cannot fully replace a laptop like the Surface Pro 8, it surpasses it as a pure tablet. It’s the better option if you want a device for entertainment such as gaming and Netflix, while also needing a keyboard for occasional work. Apple provides two types of keyboards for both sizes of the iPad Pro.
If you do want to replace your notebook with an iPad Pro, the 12.9-inch model is the better choice. When paired with the Apple Magic Keyboard, it is similar in size to a 13-inch laptop. The keyboard is well-designed, functioning as a keyboard dock with the tablet appearing to float above it. The keys have good travel, and the touchpad is responsive.
Apple also offers the same keyboard for the 11-inch iPad Pro, but it is slightly smaller due to the smaller display. It may take some time to adjust to typing on it quickly and smoothly. Additionally, Apple provides a Smart Keyboard Folio for both sizes, which functions more as a keyboard case. It is lighter and thinner, but less comfortable for prolonged use.
The iPad Pro operates on iPadOS, which has surprisingly become suitable for work. Additionally, due to a wide variety of tablet-optimized apps, it is the best tablet-only device. Interestingly, the iPad Pro is more powerful than the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 thanks to the Apple M2 chipset, and outperforms any Android tablet. With up to 16GB of RAM and 2TB of storage, plus the option of 5G connectivity, the iPad Pro can run the most demanding games with ease.
The 11-inch iPad Pro features a bright classic LCD display with 600 nits of brightness and a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels. Meanwhile, the 12.9-inch model has an even better display, using Liquid Retina XDR technology that delivers black levels as good as OLED. Its resolution is 2732 x 2048 pixels, and both models support a 120Hz refresh rate. Additionally, both models are compatible with the Apple Pencil 2, allowing you to write on them.
Discover the Top Android Tablets with Keyboards: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Series
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8 series is widely considered the best line of Android tablets available, and one reason for that is their compatibility with keyboards. Samsung offers two types of keyboards for all three models: a thin keyboard case and a more expensive keyboard cover with better key action, similar to the Surface Pro 8 and Apple Magic Keyboard. This makes the Galaxy Tab S8 series the best Android tablets with keyboards.
Like the iPad Pro, the Galaxy Tab S8 tablets are primarily tablets, but they also offer Samsung’s DeX desktop mode, which enhances their laptop-like capabilities. The processor performance is not as strong as Apple’s, but it is sufficient for most tasks, including multitasking, DeX, and demanding games.
The 12.4-inch Galaxy Tab S8+ and 14.6-inch Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra keyboards are roughly the same size as those on a typical laptop, while the 11-inch Galaxy Tab S8 keyboard is smaller, like that of the 11-inch iPad Pro. The keyboards have built-in touchpads, and the Book Cover Keyboard for the larger models includes a separate back with a folding stand that can be used without the keyboard.
All three tablets offer bright, high-resolution displays, with the Galaxy Tab S8+ and S8 Ultra featuring Super AMOLED displays that are especially good for entertainment.
An Excellent Alternative to the iPad Pro: The Apple iPad Air with Keyboard
Looking for a cost-effective alternative to the iPad Pro? Consider the Apple iPad Air. It boasts a 10.9-inch display, runs on the powerful Apple M1 chipset, and supports the same keyboard accessories as the 11-inch iPad Pro. While it lacks a 12.9-inch version, the iPad Air’s build quality and software are similar to its pricier counterpart.
One key difference is the slightly smaller and darker display, with a maximum brightness of 500 nits and a 60 Hz refresh rate. This may affect the smoothness of using the Apple Pencil 2. Additionally, the iPad Air features Touch ID instead of Face ID, built into the power button.
With 8 GB of RAM and 64 GB or 256 GB of storage, the iPad Air provides ample power for gaming and productivity tasks. 5G connectivity is also available. In fact, the iPad Air outperforms competitors like the Surface Pro 8 and Galaxy Tab S8.
Lenovo Tab P12 Pro: A Great Alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
The Lenovo Tab P12 Pro is an exciting option for those considering the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+. While it may not receive software updates for as long, it is often more affordable and comes with a keyboard cover that adds to its appeal. The keyboard cover can be used separately from the tablet via Bluetooth, and the tablet has a productivity mode that makes it easy to operate with a mouse and keyboard.
The keyboard cover is similar to Samsung’s, with a built-in folding stand that can be used separately from the keyboard. The keyboard connects via a magnetic connector, but it doesn’t need to be attached since it has a built-in battery and can be used separately via Bluetooth. This allows the tablet to be placed on a table while the keyboard is used on your lap.
The tablet boasts a beautiful 12.6-inch Super AMOLED display, which is only slightly smaller than the Surface Pro 8 and 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro. The display has excellent contrast and deep black levels and comes with Lenovo’s Precision Pen 3, which works well but isn’t quite as outstanding as the pens included with other tablets.
The Lenovo Tab P12 Pro is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor, 6GB or 8GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. It offers decent performance, and 5G is available upon request. While the performance is slightly below the Galaxy Tab S8 series and significantly below the iPad Pro, it can still handle games like Fortnite smoothly with high graphics settings.
The tablet’s premium features include a metal casing, fingerprint reader, and good speakers. It ships with Android 11, and updates are expected until 2024, which is a downside compared to the other tablets on this list that may receive updates for a longer period.
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2: A Great Alternative to Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 can be a great alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 if you’re looking to save some money. The tablet comes with an optional keyboard cover that’s comparable to Samsung’s, and the Productivity Mode makes it an excellent secondary device with a solid keyboard at an affordable price.
The Tab P11 Pro Gen 2’s 11.2-inch OLED screen is superior to the Galaxy Tab S8’s, with better black values, higher brightness at 600 nits, HDR 10+ support, and 120Hz refresh rate. The screen resolution is also impressive at 2560 x 1536 pixels, and the Lenovo Precision Pen 3 works seamlessly for writing on the display.
However, the MediaTek Kompanio 1300T chipset’s performance is slightly weaker, although the tablet offers decent storage options with 6GB to 8GB of RAM and 128GB to 256GB. It may struggle to run games like PUBG Mobile and Fortnite at the highest graphics settings.
It’s worth noting that Lenovo plans to update the Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 from Android 12 to Android 13 and Android 14, which is rare for a tablet manufacturer.
The Lenovo Duet 3 Chromebook: Excellent Value for Students
The Lenovo Duet 3 Chromebook offers great value, particularly for students on a budget. Despite being relatively unknown, the tablet includes a keyboard cover in its MSRP of around $400, making it a great deal.
The Chrome OS is another highlight of the tablet, with Google providing updates for it until 2030. The full-fledged desktop Chrome browser, which we’re familiar with on Windows and macOS, serves as the heart of the operating system. It’s perfect for using web apps such as Google Docs, and the Google Play Store allows users to install Android apps as well.
The included keyboard cover is made up of two parts, as is typical for Lenovo. The back cover features a built-in kickstand that attaches magnetically to the tablet and can also be used without the keyboard. The keyboard itself includes a touchpad, and Chrome OS was developed as a desktop operating system, so using it with a mouse and keyboard is more comfortable than Android and iPadOS.
The tablet features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor, with 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 64GB to 256GB of storage, providing sufficient performance. The 11-inch display has a resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels, and while it doesn’t support USI 1 stylus, it works with the new USI 2 pen. However, the stylus isn’t as good as those from Samsung, Apple, and Microsoft, so it may not be a reason to buy the tablet.
Apple iPad 10: A Mid-Range iPad with Keyboard Support
Michael's blog features in-depth analysis and commentary on the latest technology trends and developments, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, cybersecurity, and more. He also provides insights and advice for businesses and individuals looking to navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. With his vast knowledge and experience, Michael is quickly becoming a trusted source of information and expertise in the tech industry.
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