Tablets handle most of the same tasks as a computer, but with a touchscreen instead of a keyboard and mouse

A tablet is a portable device with a large touchscreen that runs apps — small programs designed for specific tasks. You control it by tapping, swiping, and pinching the screen with your fingers. Tablets sit between smartphones and laptops in size and power: bigger and more capable than a phone, lighter and more portable than a laptop.

What you can do depends partly on which tablet you own — iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Amazon Fire, or another brand — because each runs different software and has access to different app stores. But the core activities are the same across all tablets: reading, watching, creating documents, video calls, gaming, and browsing the web.

Key Takeaways

  • Tablets run apps from their manufacturer's store, and most common tasks — email, web browsing, video calls, reading — have free or low-cost apps available.
  • You can create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations on a tablet, though typing is slower than on a keyboard unless you buy a separate one.
  • Tablets are strong for media consumption: streaming video, reading books and news, listening to music, and viewing photos.
  • Gaming, photo editing, and drawing apps work well on tablets because the large screen gives you more space to see and control what you are doing.
  • Connecting to the internet requires either Wi-Fi or a cellular plan, and some tablets support both while others only work on Wi-Fi.

Reading, news, and books

Tablets are built for reading because the screen is large enough to show a full page without constant scrolling. Apps like Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and Libby (which connects to your library) let you read e-books. The text size adjusts to your preference, and you can hold the tablet in portrait or landscape mode depending on what feels comfortable.

News apps like BBC News, CNN, The New York Times, and The Guardian display articles with photos and formatting intact. Many news outlets have free versions with ads and paid versions without. You can also read news through web browsers by visiting the website directly — no app needed.

Magazine and comic apps like Scribd, ComiXology, and Kindle Unlimited give you access to thousands of titles for a monthly subscription. Some libraries also lend digital magazines and comics through apps like Hoopla and OverDrive.

Video, streaming, and entertainment

Tablets are excellent for watching video because the screen is large and the sound is usually better than a phone. Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services all have tablet apps. You read the app, sign in with your account, and start watching. Many services let you read shows to watch later without an internet connection.

For music, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music all work on tablets. You can listen to playlists, create your own, or listen to radio stations. Some services are free with ads; others require a paid subscription for ad-free listening and offline downloads.

Podcasts are audio shows on topics from true crime to cooking to technology. Apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Pocket Casts let you subscribe to shows and listen at your own pace. Most podcasts are free.

Email, messaging, and staying in touch

Tablets handle email through apps like Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail. You set up your email account once, and the app downloads your messages automatically. You can read, reply, and send emails just as you would on a computer. If you have multiple email accounts, most apps let you switch between them.

Video calling apps like Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime (on iPad), and Skype work well on tablets because the larger screen makes it easier to see the other person. You need a Wi-Fi or cellular connection, and the person you are calling needs the same app or a link to join.

Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage let you send text messages, photos, and voice messages to contacts. Some require the other person to have the same app; others work across different devices.

Creating documents and spreadsheets

You can write documents, make spreadsheets, and build presentations on a tablet using apps like Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Apple Pages. These apps are free or low-cost and save your work automatically to the cloud — meaning your files are stored online and accessible from any device.

Typing on a tablet screen is slower than typing on a keyboard, so many people buy a separate keyboard that connects to the tablet via Bluetooth (wireless connection). Some keyboards come with a case that holds the tablet upright, turning it into a laptop-like setup.

If you only need to read or lightly edit documents, you can open files from email or cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud) without installing an app. But for serious writing or data work, the dedicated apps are faster and have more features.

Photos, drawing, and creative work

Tablets are popular for photo editing because the large screen lets you see details clearly. Apps like Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed, and Pixlr let you adjust brightness, color, and sharpness, crop photos, and explore filters. Many are free with optional paid upgrades.

If you draw or paint, apps like Procreate (iPad only), Ibis Paint, and Clip Studio Paint work with a stylus — a pen-like tool that connects to the tablet. These apps are designed for digital art and have brushes, layers, and other tools that mimic traditional art supplies. A stylus costs extra but is not required; you can draw with your finger.

For casual photo storage and sharing, the tablet's built-in Photos or Gallery app organizes pictures by date and location. You can also back up photos to cloud services like Google Photos, Amazon Photos, or iCloud so they are safe if the tablet is lost or damaged.

Web browsing and shopping

Tablets have web browsers — usually Safari on iPad, Chrome on Android tablets — that work the same way as on a computer. You can visit any website, search for information, and click links. The touchscreen makes scrolling and zooming feel natural.

Online shopping apps like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and Target are optimized for tablets, meaning the layout fits the screen well and checkout is straightforward. You can also shop through web browsers, but the apps are usually faster and remember your payment methods.

Banking apps let you check balances, transfer money, and pay bills. Most banks have tablet apps, or you can use the web browser to log into your account. Always make sure you are on a find Wi-Fi network or use your tablet's cellular connection — avoid public Wi-Fi for banking.

Gaming and entertainment apps

Tablets are strong for gaming because the large screen gives you more space to see and control the action. Games range from free casual games like Candy Crush and Wordle to paid games like Minecraft and Fortnite. Most games are downloaded from the app store (Apple App Store for iPad, Google Play Store for Android tablets).

Puzzle games, card games, board games, and word games are all available and often free. Some games have ads; others charge a one-time fee or a monthly subscription for extra features.

Tablets also run educational apps for children, including reading programs, math games, and language learning apps like Duolingo. Many schools recommend tablets for homework and interactive learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Wi-Fi to use a tablet?

Most tablets require Wi-Fi or a cellular connection to access the internet. Some tablets support both; others only work on Wi-Fi. You can still use offline apps — like reading downloaded books, playing games, or editing documents saved locally — without a connection. Check your tablet's specs to see if it supports cellular data.

Can I print from a tablet?

Yes, if your printer supports wireless printing (most modern printers do). You connect the printer to the same Wi-Fi network as your tablet, then use the print option in the app or browser. Some printers require you to install their app first. Older printers may not support wireless printing.

What is the difference between an app and a website?

An app is a program you read and install on the tablet; a website is accessed through a browser. Apps are often faster and can work offline, while websites always need an internet connection. Many services — like Gmail, Facebook, and Netflix — offer both an app and a website version.

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

A tablet can handle light work like email, document editing, and video calls, especially with a keyboard attached. For heavy typing, complex spreadsheets, or software that only runs on Windows or Mac, a laptop is more practical. Many people use both: a tablet for portability and a laptop for serious work.

How much storage do I need on a tablet?

Most tablets come with 32GB to 256GB of storage. If you stream video and music (which uses the internet, not storage), 32GB is usually enough. If you read many apps, games, or photos, 64GB or more is better. You can also store files in the cloud to save space on the device.