Tablets work for reading, watching, creating, and working from anywhere

A tablet is useful for tasks that don't need a full keyboard and mouse, or when you want something lighter than a laptop. You can read books and news, watch videos, take photos, draw and edit, write documents, video call, play games, and control smart home devices. Most tablets run either Apple's iOS or Google's Android, and the apps available differ slightly between them—but both ecosystems have thousands of programs for nearly any task you might want to do.

The real advantage of a tablet is portability combined with a screen larger than a phone. You can hold it in one hand or prop it on a stand, and the touchscreen responds directly to your fingers. That makes tablets especially good for things where you'd want to see detail or interact with the screen itself, rather than typing on a keyboard.

Key Takeaways

  • Tablets are best for reading, watching video, drawing, and light document work—tasks where a large touchscreen matters more than a keyboard.
  • You can install thousands of apps from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, depending on whether your tablet runs iOS or Android.
  • A tablet with a stylus lets you draw, annotate documents, and take handwritten notes with precision that your finger cannot match.
  • Tablets can connect to keyboards, mice, and external storage, turning them into a lightweight alternative to a laptop for travel or casual work.
  • Most tablets work on Wi-Fi only, though some models include cellular data—check your device's specs before buying if you need internet away from home.

Reading books, magazines, and news articles

The tablet screen is large enough to read a full page of text comfortably, and small enough to hold while lying down or sitting on a bus. You can install apps like Kindle, Apple Books, or Libby (which connects to your library's digital collection) to read ebooks. Magazine and newspaper apps like Flipboard, Apple News, or your local paper's own app let you read current content with photos and layout intact.

Many people find reading on a tablet easier than on a phone because the text is larger and you see more of the page at once. The backlit screen also means you can read in dim light without needing a separate lamp. If you read a lot, a tablet with an anti-glare screen or an e-ink display (like some Amazon Fire tablets) will be easier on your eyes during long sessions.

Watching video and streaming entertainment

Tablets are excellent for streaming movies, TV shows, and videos because the screen is large enough to see detail but portable enough to move around your home. Apps like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and others work smoothly on tablets. You can watch while cooking, exercising, or relaxing without tying up your television.

If you travel, you can read shows and movies to your tablet while connected to Wi-Fi, then watch them later without using cellular data. The built-in speakers on most tablets are louder and fuller than phone speakers, though you can always connect headphones or a Bluetooth speaker for better sound. Tablets with larger screens (10 inches or more) and higher refresh rates feel more like watching on a small TV.

Drawing, note-taking, and document editing with a stylus

If your tablet supports a stylus (like the Apple Pencil on iPads or the S Pen on Samsung tablets), you can draw, sketch, and annotate with precision. Apps like Procreate, Adobe Fresco, or Clip Studio Paint let you create digital art. For note-taking, apps like GoodNotes, Notability, or OneNote let you write by hand, and the tablet converts your handwriting to searchable text.

A stylus also makes it easier to edit documents—you can mark up PDFs, sign forms, or highlight text without using your finger. Students often use tablets with styluses to take notes in class, because handwriting feels more natural than typing and you can draw diagrams alongside text. The pressure sensitivity of a good stylus means your lines respond to how hard you press, just like a real pen.

Not all tablets support styluses, and styluses are sold separately—they can cost $50 to $150 depending on the model. Check your tablet's specifications before assuming you can use one.

Light work tasks like email, documents, and spreadsheets

You can write emails, edit Word documents, and work with spreadsheets on a tablet using apps like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or Apple's iWork suite. For light work—responding to emails, editing a document someone sent you, or updating a straightforward spreadsheet—a tablet works fine. The touchscreen keyboard is slower than a physical keyboard, but it's adequate for short bursts of typing.

If you need to do serious writing or data entry, connecting a physical keyboard makes the tablet feel much more like a laptop. Many tablets have magnetic connectors or cases that hold a keyboard at an angle, turning the tablet into a makeshift laptop. This setup is lighter and cheaper than buying a full laptop, though it's not as fast or powerful for heavy-duty work.

Video calls and staying in touch

The tablet's large screen and built-in camera make video calls feel more natural than on a phone. Apps like Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime, and WhatsApp all work on tablets. The wider field of view means more people can fit in the frame during a group call, and the larger screen makes it easier to see faces clearly.

Tablets are popular for staying in touch with family members who live far away, because the bigger screen makes the person you're talking to feel more present. If you prop the tablet on a stand, you can have your hands free to gesture or show things to the camera.

Gaming and entertainment apps

Tablets run the same games and entertainment apps as phones, but the larger screen makes them more enjoyable. Casual games, puzzles, and strategy games all work well. The touchscreen is responsive enough for action games, though serious gamers often prefer a controller connected via Bluetooth.

Beyond games, tablets are good for apps that benefit from a bigger display—fitness apps that show workout videos, cooking apps that display recipes, meditation apps, and educational apps for children. The larger screen makes it easier to follow along without squinting.

Controlling smart home devices and other connected gadgets

If you have smart lights, thermostats, security cameras, or other connected devices, you can control them through apps on your tablet. Keeping a tablet in a central location—like a kitchen counter—gives you a convenient control panel for your home. Many people use older tablets they no longer carry around as dedicated smart home controllers.

You can also use a tablet to view security camera feeds, adjust your thermostat, lock doors, or turn lights on and off from anywhere if the app supports remote access. This works best when the tablet is connected to your home Wi-Fi network.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on the work. For email, light document editing, and video calls, a tablet with a keyboard works fine. For heavy writing, coding, video editing, or running specialized software, a laptop is faster and more practical. Tablets are best as a supplement to a laptop, not a replacement, unless your job is mostly reading and responding to messages.

Do I need Wi-Fi, or can I use cellular data on a tablet?

Most tablets connect to Wi-Fi only. Some models offer cellular versions that accept a SIM card and can use mobile data like a phone, but these cost more and require a separate data plan. Check your tablet's specifications before buying if you need internet away from home.

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

iPads run Apple's iOS and have access to the Apple App Store. Android tablets run Google's Android and use the Google Play Store. Both have thousands of apps, but some apps are exclusive to one platform. iPads generally cost more but tend to receive software updates for longer. Android tablets offer more variety in price and screen size.

Can I connect a keyboard and mouse to a tablet?

Yes. Most tablets support Bluetooth keyboards and mice, and many have cases with built-in keyboards. This turns the tablet into something closer to a laptop, though the operating system is still designed for touchscreen use. Wired keyboards and mice work too if your tablet has a USB port or adapter.

Is a stylus worth buying?

Only if your tablet supports one and you plan to draw, take handwritten notes, or annotate documents regularly. A stylus costs $50 to $150 and is not necessary for reading, watching video, or using apps. If you mostly use your tablet for consumption rather than creation, you don't need one.