Tablets handle most of what you do on a computer, just in a smaller form

A tablet is a portable device that runs apps, streams video, browses the web, and handles email and documents. The main difference from a laptop is that tablets use touch instead of a keyboard and trackpad, and they're designed to run apps rather than traditional software. What you can do depends on which tablet you own — iPad, Android, or Windows — because each one has a different app store and set of built-in tools.

The short answer: if you can do it on a phone but want a bigger screen, you can probably do it on a tablet. Most people use tablets for reading, watching video, email, light document work, and casual gaming. Some people use them for serious work like photo editing, video production, or running a small business, but that depends on the tablet model and what apps you buy.

Key Takeaways

  • Tablets work best for reading, streaming video, email, and web browsing because the larger screen makes these tasks more comfortable than on a phone.
  • You can edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations on most tablets, though typing is slower without an external keyboard.
  • Creative work like photo editing, drawing, and video editing is possible on high-end tablets like the iPad Pro, but basic tablets have limits.
  • Gaming, social media, and messaging work on any tablet, but performance varies by model and how much you spend.
  • Tablets cannot run traditional desktop software like Photoshop or Microsoft Office the way a Windows laptop can, though similar apps exist in app stores.

Reading, email, and web browsing are the most practical tablet uses

The tablet's larger screen makes reading more comfortable than a phone. You can read books through apps like Kindle, Apple Books, or Google Play Books. Magazines and newspapers have their own apps, or you can read them through a web browser. Email works the same way it does on a phone — you open the Mail app (on iPad) or Gmail (on any tablet), and your messages appear in a larger format that's easier to read.

Web browsing on a tablet feels closer to a computer than a phone does. Websites display more content at once, and you can see multiple columns or tabs side by side. Safari (iPad), Chrome (Android), or Edge (Windows tablets) all work the way you'd expect. The touchscreen means you tap links instead of clicking, but the experience is otherwise familiar.

Video streaming and entertainment apps work on any tablet

Tablets are built for watching video. Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, and other streaming services all have apps that work on tablets. The larger screen makes movies and TV shows more enjoyable than on a phone, and most tablets have decent speakers or support for headphones and Bluetooth speakers.

Music streaming apps like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music work the same way they do on a phone. Audiobooks through Audible or Libby (the library app) also work well. Gaming apps range from straightforward puzzles to complex games, though performance depends on the tablet's processor and how much RAM it has. Older or cheaper tablets may struggle with demanding games, while newer iPads and high-end Android tablets handle them smoothly.

Document work is possible but slower without a keyboard

You can edit Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations on a tablet. Microsoft Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) work on iPad and Android tablets. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides work on any tablet through a web browser or their own apps. Apple's Pages, Numbers, and Keynote are free on iPad.

The catch is typing. Tablets have on-screen keyboards that take up half the screen, making typing slow and awkward for long documents. If you plan to write more than a few paragraphs or do serious spreadsheet work, an external keyboard (which you can buy separately) makes a huge difference. Many people buy a keyboard case that turns a tablet into something that feels more like a laptop.

You can also view and annotate PDFs on any tablet, which is useful for reviewing documents, signing forms, or marking up papers. Apps like Adobe Acrobat Reader and Apple's built-in Preview app handle this.

Photo and video editing depends on which tablet you own

Basic photo editing — cropping, adjusting brightness, adding filters — works on any tablet through free apps like Google Photos or Snapseed. More serious photo editing through Lightroom or Photoshop is possible on iPad and high-end Android tablets, though these apps cost money and work best on newer models with more processing power.

Video editing is similar. straightforward editing through iMovie (iPad) or Google Photos works on most tablets. Professional video editing through apps like LumaFusion (iPad) or Adobe Premiere Rush requires a newer, more powerful tablet. Older or budget tablets will struggle or won't run these apps at all.

Drawing and digital art work well on tablets with a stylus, particularly the iPad with Apple Pencil. Apps like Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and Clip Studio Paint are popular for artists. Android tablets and Windows tablets also support styluses, but the app selection and performance vary.

Productivity and organization tools work through apps and web browsers

Calendar apps (Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Outlook) sync across your devices and show your schedule on the tablet. To-do list apps like Todoist, Microsoft To Do, and Apple Reminders help you track tasks. Note-taking apps like OneNote, Evernote, and Apple Notes let you capture and organize information.

Cloud storage apps like Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, and Dropbox let you access your files from the tablet. You can read files to the tablet for offline use, or work with them directly in the cloud. This makes it straightforward to start a document on your computer and finish it on your tablet, or vice versa.

Communication apps let you message, call, and video chat

Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger work on tablets the same way they do on phones. Text messaging (SMS) works on some tablets if they have cellular service, but most Wi-Fi-only tablets cannot send text messages — they can only use internet-based messaging apps.

Video calling through Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime (iPad), or Skype works on any tablet with a camera and internet connection. The larger screen makes video calls more comfortable than on a phone. Social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter all have tablet versions or work through a web browser.

What tablets cannot do

Tablets cannot run traditional desktop software. If you need Photoshop, AutoCAD, or specialized business software that only exists for Windows or Mac, a tablet won't work — you need a laptop or desktop computer. Some of these programs have tablet versions or alternatives, but they're not the same thing.

Tablets are also limited by storage. Most tablets come with 64 GB to 256 GB of storage, and you cannot add more with an external drive the way you can with a laptop. If you work with large video files or need to store thousands of photos, a tablet may fill up quickly.

Printing from a tablet is possible but requires a wireless printer or a specific app. It's not as straightforward as printing from a computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a tablet instead of a laptop for work?

It depends on the work. If your job is email, documents, spreadsheets, and video calls, a tablet with a keyboard case can work. If you need specialized software, heavy file management, or a lot of typing, a laptop is better. Many people use both — a tablet for reading and email, a laptop for serious work.

Do I need to buy apps, or do they come free?

Many apps are free, including Gmail, Google Docs, Netflix, YouTube, and Facebook. Some apps cost money upfront (usually a few dollars), and some are free but offer paid features. You choose what to read from your tablet's app store.

Can I connect a keyboard and mouse to a tablet?

Yes. Most tablets support Bluetooth keyboards and mice. iPad also supports trackpads and keyboard cases that attach physically. This makes a tablet feel more like a laptop, though the software is still designed for touch.

What's the difference between an iPad, Android tablet, and Windows tablet?

iPad runs Apple's iOS and has access to the Apple App Store. Android tablets run Google's Android system and use the Google Play Store. Windows tablets run Windows and can access the Microsoft Store. iPad and Android tablets are more common and have more apps. Windows tablets are better if you need traditional desktop software.

Can I watch cable TV or streaming services on a tablet?

Yes, as long as you have an internet connection. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other streaming services have tablet apps. Cable apps like Xfinity, YouTube TV, and Sling TV also work on tablets if you have a subscription.