A pilot’s job is to keep their passengers safe, but they also have the responsibility of keeping themselves occupied during hours-long flights. Pilots are often looking for a solution that can provide them with entertainment on long trips, which is why many pilots rely on tablets to help entertain them while flying.
There are so many different types of tablets out there today and it can be hard for pilots to know what tablet will best suit their needs. That’s where this article comes in! We’re going to pick the best tablets for pilots and then give you some tips that will help you in choosing the best product for you!
At a Glance:
Best tablets for flying
2021 Apple iPad Mini
- 8.3-inch display
- A15 Bionic chip
- 64GB or 256GB of storage space
- Touch ID
- 5G capable
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
Best iPad for ForeFlight
2021 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro
- 12.9-inch screen
- 1T, 2T, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB drive spaces
- Apple M1 chip
- Face ID
- Available in different colors
Best aviation tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
- 10.4 inches screen
- 64GB drive space
- 3GB ram
- Octa-core processor
- 7040 mAh battery
- Slim and Stylish
Before moving further, let us tell you that we have been reviewing different tablets for a while, for example, the best tablet for Navionics. You can also check our Tablet section.
Introduction
A pilot is a person who controls the flying of an aircraft. Pilots are responsible for many aspects of the safety and security of their passengers and crew, including mustering all necessary resources to handle any emergency that arises during flight.
In order to be successful in this high-stress profession, pilots need the best equipment available. If you’re considering becoming a pilot or just getting started with your company’s aviation program, it’s important for you to know which tablets are best suited for use by airline pilots.
Pilots need a tablet to stay connected on the go. They need a device that can withstand all of the bumps and vibrations of an airplane, as well as be easy to use with one hand. We’ve compiled a list of the best tablets for pilots!
Summary
| Award | Design | Reviews | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best iPad for ForeFlight | Staff Pick | Check Price | |
| Best tablet for aviation use |  | Check Price | |
| Best aviation tablet | Budget Pick | Check Price | |
| Best tablets for flying | Best Pick | Check Price | |
| Best tablet for general use |  | Check Price |
Best Tablets For Pilots
2021 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro
Staff PickBest iPad for ForeFlight
| Brand | Apple |
| Dimensions | 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches |
| Weight | 2.65 Pounds |
| ASIN | B0932CJZ22 |
Get the most from your iPad when you upgrade to this latest model. This iPad has a 12.9-inch screen that’s bigger than ever. Immerse yourself in crystal clear graphics and superb HDR performance with the new iPad Pro. This Apple tablet features a powerful M1 chip for significant improvements in processing power and performance.
It also comes with a stunning Retina display, which means it’s brighter as compared to previous models without compromising on color accuracy. Available in a range of colors to perfectly match your personal style, this iPad is ready to be used every day.
With a powerful battery that lasts up to 10 hours on a single charge, this 2021 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro is truly a must-have accessory for everyday tasks like browsing, emailing, and social media sharing. Apple’s iPad Pro line of tablets is one of the most popular choices for business, personal use.
This best iPad for ForeFlight has just about everything you need as a pilot. You can choose from 1T, 2T, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB drive spaces according to your need and budget. Furthermore, it also has a TrueDepth camera for Face ID, which is a more secure way to unlock your tablet.
Pros
- 12.9-inch screen
- 1T, 2T, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB drive spaces
- Apple M1 chip
- Face ID
- Available in different colors
Cons
- Expensive
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Best tablet for aviation use
| Brand | Samsung |
| Dimensions | 0.22 x 6.28 x 9.63 inches |
| Weight | 15.2 ounces |
| ASIN | B07VGJH29F |
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is an updated version of the previous Galaxy Tab S5. This best tablet for aviation use is equipped with 4, 6, or 8 GB of RAM and 64, 128, or 258GB of drive space for great performance in multi-tasking. The latest hardware and software support means smooth and responsive performance both on the move and on the desktop
The battery is really good as it provides you with more than 15 hours of battery life. A convenient USB Type-C port at the bottom of the tablet offers superfast charging and data transfer. Samsung’s tablet is a great choice for travelers, pilots, and business users.
The S6 offers a great size for viewing videos, watching movies, and reading books. The screen is sharp and clear so you can enjoy your content with ease. This tablet also has a stylus pen which makes it the best tablet for the aviation industry.
The Tab’s powerful processor will allow you to perform well in intense tasks such as editing photos or videos without having to worry about any delays. You can also attach an external keyboard with this one of the best tablets for pilots and use it like a Laptop so technically it’s 2 in 1 tablet.
Pros
- 2 in 1 Tablet
- 10.5″ screen
- Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 processor
- 4, 6, or 8 GB of RAM
- 64, 128, 258GB of drive space
Cons
- Office Apps are not supported
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
Budget PickBest aviation tablet
| Brand | Samsung |
| Dimensions | 10 x 8 x 1.5 inches |
| Weight | 1.5 pounds |
| ASIN | B08NMW6V9Q |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is a slim and portable tablet that has a 10.4″ screen and 64GB of storage. This best aviation tablet features an Octa-core processor and fast USB Type-c connector for quick battery charging so you can use it even longer than before.
The microSD card slot lets you expand the amount of storage so you can save more of your favorite apps and photos and you can share them with friends and family. This is an ideal choice for any kind of activity where you need a device that is easy to use and carries a lot of features like videos, music, and games, as well as other business needs like editing and presentation.
Designed to be ultra-responsive, this tablet is designed for use in the cockpit. Featuring a super-fast performance, the device is ready for pilots who need to make split-second decisions. The next-generation Android operating system provides intuitive features.
It has front and rear cameras so you can take photos and record videos on the go, enhancing your special moments. The immersive 8MP rear camera ensures you can look your best even in low-light conditions. There’s also a 5MP front camera for easy video chatting.
Pros
- 10.4 inches screen
- 64GB drive space
- 3GB ram
- Octa-core processor
- 7040 mAh battery
- Slim and Stylish
Cons
- No Slot for Sim
2021 Apple iPad Mini
Best PickBest tablets for flying
| Brand | Apple |
| Dimensions | 7.69 x 5.31 x 0.25 inches |
| Weight | 1.32 pounds |
| ASIN | B09G91LXFP |
The thinner, lighter, and more powerful iPad Mini is now even more portable. It’s so thin, you’ll barely know it’s there. And with an amazing display, you’ll be able to take photos in the dark or watch videos in bright sunlight—without worrying about glare.
It’s the perfect size for reading magazines, enjoying ebooks, or surfing the web, and it’s faster than ever before. The A15 chip with Neural Engine makes it ultra-responsive—and even faster than before. And our new Touch ID fingerprint sensor provides even more protection to make you feel safe when using your device.
With its 8.3-inch Retina display and 64GB or 256GB of storage space, this one of the best tablets for pilots is the perfect size for keeping all your favorite apps and content right at your fingertips. And with IPadOS, you can now seamlessly organize your content by dragging and dropping apps between folders.
The new and improved design and build quality of the 2021 Apple iPad Mini makes it the perfect mobile companion when you’re on a flight. The compact size makes it one of the best tablets for flying so if you are in search of a tablet that is portable and powerful, then your search ends here.
Pros
- 8.3-inch display
- A15 Bionic chip
- 64GB or 256GB of storage space
- Touch ID
- 5G capable
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
Cons
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Best tablet for general use
| Brand | Microsoft |
| Dimensions | 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 inches |
| Weight | 1.7 pounds |
| ASIN | B09J2MT5H1 |
The versatile Microsoft Surface Pro is the best tablet for general use. With powerful features and a large screen, it’s a great way to get work done on the go. The 12.3-inch screen is perfect for detailed work and gives you plenty of room to get creative with your media.
An Intel Core i5 processor allows for an easy-to-use experience without sacrificing speed. The 256GB SSD lets you load apps and files quickly, while the 8GB RAM ensures peak performance. The integrated webcam and microphone enhance video conferencing and online chatting.
A simple and stylish silver finish adds a contemporary accent that complements any look. With a stunning design and a host of useful features, Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is the perfect PC for every day. It’s the tablet that handles all your everyday tasks with ease.
It’s the best tablet for pilots that will make working with documents, spreadsheets, and photos easier than ever before. Take advantage of powerful performance with a processor, graphics, and storage that provide a smooth, responsive experience for multitasking. A built-in kickstand provides a versatile view for a variety of work scenarios.
Pros
- 12.3 inches screen
- Tablet plus Laptop
- Intel Core i5
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB SSD
- 11 hours battery life
Cons
- No GPS
- Suitable only for general use
Buying Guide For the Best Tablets For Pilots
Screen Size: A tablet’s screen size is a very important consideration. Larger screens are better for displaying charts and other graphics, while smaller displays work well when you have to use your tablets with one hand or when you have to use your tablet conveniently. A good-sized display should be high resolution so that it can show maps or aerial images in detail.
RAM: RAM is responsible for carrying out the instructions that you give your system. A good tablet should have 2-4 RAM so as to be able to run lots of apps at once without slowing down.
Battery Life: Battery life greatly determines how long it will take before you need to recharge your device or purchase an extra power bank just to get through a long day. A good quality tablet should be able to last for at least 6 hours of light usage and 4 hours when you are working on it intensively, so pick one that can meet your needs in this regard.
Processor: The CPU is the brain of your device and performs all its operations. When it comes to picking a good tablet, you need to choose one that has either an updated processor or at least 4 cores so as not to slow down when using lots of apps simultaneously.
Drive Space: A tablet’s storage space determines how many songs, videos, and documents you can store. A good quality tablet should have a minimum of 32 GB so that you do not run out of memory too quickly.
Camera: A good quality tablet should have a camera so that you can take photos and videos in emergency situations.
Connectivity: The connectivity of your device determines how well it works when connected to other devices or the internet, whether through Wi-Fi, USB cable etcetera. A good tablet should be able to connect with multiple types of protocols at once for faster, more efficient transfer of data.
OS: The operating system that your device runs on is responsible for how well it performs various tasks and operations. A good quality tablet should have an updated OS so as not to slow down over time or when using multiple apps simultaneously. There are basically 3 options in tablets; Windows, IOS, Android. You can opt for any one of them based on your need and choice.
Price: You should keep cost in mind while buying a new tablet for downloading charts and other aviation-related apps. You can always purchase a tablet that has all of the above features, but you should also consider how much money your budget will allow for this device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pilot use an Android tablet?
Yes, more and more pilots are using Android tablets since they have all the same capabilities as an iPad. Tablets can be very useful for a pilot if they have specific apps installed on them to help with flying.
Do pilots need iPads?
An iPad is a very popular tablet among pilots, however, they are expensive and some may not need all the features of an iPad. But still, iPads are one of the best options for pilots for a long time.
Should I get an iPad as a student pilot?
No, it’s not necessary to get an iPad if you are a student pilot. You can find other options for cheaper that will still do the same job as an iPad and they may be better suited for your needs.
Is there a cheaper alternative to an iPad?
Yes, you can always opt for Android tablets that are less expensive and still do the same job as iPads. There is also some good quality budget-friendly options like Samsung Galaxy Tab A7.
Can I use my phone instead of a tablet?
A phone is not the ideal option for pilots since they are too small so you may find it difficult to see charts and other aviation-related data on your phone, but some apps can be used on phones.
Conclusion
Here is the list of the best tablets for pilots. Tablets are an awesome tool for pilots. They can improve training time, reduce the amount of paper that needs to be carried around, and just make life in general easier. There are many things to take into consideration when buying one though so hopefully this list has helped you out!
Thank you for taking the time to read this guide on buying the best tablet for pilots. We hope that before making your next purchase decision, you have been able to find some information here that will help you make an educated choice.
