The best tablet with a keyboard is the perfect way to get that laptop and tablet functionalities without having to shell out quite a bit of cash or lug around two devices all the time.
These days, tablets have evolved into such capable devices, touting laptop capabilities that allow you to not only get some productivity tasks done, but also tick creative ones off your list as well. That’s while keeping things incredibly slim and more affordable. And, a separate or detachable keyboard only expands those capabilities, rivalling some of the 2-in-1 laptops out there.
Laptops are great and all, but they’re not what everyone needs. Some folks will be more than satisfied with the best tablets with a keyboard, whether they’re multitaskers, music producers, or content creators.
No matter what you’re looking for, there’s something in our roundup of the best tablets with a keyboard that will fit your needs.
The best tablets with keyboards at a glance
- Galaxy Tab S7 Plus
- iPad Air 4 (2020)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
- iPad Pro 12.9
- Surface Book 3
- Panasonic Toughbook CF-33
The best tablets with keyboards of 2020
The first Android tablet on our list is the best tablet that Samsung has ever made, and it’s a serious rival to the iPad Pro. In fact, its screen arguably has those slates beat, as it’s a 12.4-inch Super AMOLED one with a 2800 x 1752 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The iPad Pro range can match much of that, but those slates have LCD screens that aren’t as good. It also has a smart connector at the bottom where the Samsung Keyboard cover magnetically attaches.
Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus
The iPad Air 4 (2020) is a great tablet for anyone who can’t justify splurging on the very best, as it has many of the things that make the iPad Pro range great, but costs less. It even has a newer A14 Bionic chipset. That’s what you’ll find in the iPhone 12 range, and it’s exceptionally powerful. The iPad Air 4 (2020) also supports both the Magic Keyboard, the best tablet keyboard hands-down, and Apple Pencil, so it’s almost as good as a laptop replacement or general productivity device as an iPad Pro. With good all-round specs too and a wide range of colors that you can buy it in, the iPad Air 4 (2020) is a great choice for a lot of people.
Read the full review: iPad Air 4 (2020)
Our favorite Android tablet plus keyboard option is the S6 for several reasons. This is a premium slate which boasts excellent performance levels thanks to its Snapdragon 855 chip, and has a gorgeous Super AMOLED display. As a result, it’s fantastic for media playback in particular, and an added bonus is the inclusion of high quality AKG-tuned speakers.
Note, however, that the keyboard must be purchased separately, and is an optional accessory (although some retailers sell it in bundles with the tablet, so you might want to look for one of these). The Book Cover, as Samsung calls it, is built in much the same vein as the Surface Pro’s detachable keyboard, using a sturdy magnetic connection, and even providing a kickstand via a cover that attaches to the rear of the Galaxy Tab S6.
On the whole, it’s a pretty decent keyboard, but the downside is the accessory is pricey. Indeed, the tablet is on the expensive side itself, so the complete setup is far from a budget option.
And indeed, Samsung’s interface still isn’t the best and holds the S6 back a little, but despite that quibble – and those pricing issues – this remains hands-down the top pick for those who want an Android slate with a keyboard.
Read our full review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
If you’re a creative professional, there’s an obvious choice of tablet to go for, and that’s the iPad Pro. It’s not cheap, but the iPad Pro 12.9 is a fantastic device on the creative front for many reasons, and it can be combined with the detachable keyboard – which Apple calls the Smart Keyboard Folio – as you check out when buying your iPad (so make sure you add this, and the correct language for the keyboard).
The detachable keyboard is solid enough effort, but what really sets the iPad Pro apart from the competition for creative types is the fantastic display which is impressively bright, and boasts support for the P3 wide color gamut (meaning it’s great for professional design work or the likes of photo editing). The Apple Pencil stylus is also a dream to use on this display, and highly responsive.
The downsides are that you don’t get a full desktop experience, compared to say Windows, although Apple is trying to provide that with iPadOS to move the tablet away from its mobile (and iOS) roots. The iPad Pro 12.9 is also eye-wateringly expensive if you want a decent amount of storage, with the detachable keyboard and stylus adding a considerable dollop of extra cost. This isn’t a hybrid combo for the financially faint of heart.
Read our full review: iPad Pro 12.9
If you’re looking for a beautifully designed laptop that moonlights as a tablet, look no further than the Microsoft Surface Book 3. It comes with an immaculate screen and keyboard and will scratch that itch if you want a premium looking and feeling device as your portable. And, with its discrete graphics and ample amount of RAM, it’s great for content creators as well. It’s unfortunate that it comes with a weaker CPU and tiny trackpad, though the trackpad works as intended, keeping it from being a perfect device. It also comes with lackluster speakers. Outside of those issues though, this is one heck of a tablet with a keyboard.
Read the full review: Surface Book 3
A rugged 2-in-1 is another niche area, but for those who need a tablet with keyboard which can take some punishment, this Panasonic product is king of the rough-and-tough hill.
Panasonic’s Toughbook CF-33 is sold standalone as a tablet or can be bundled with the keyboard – be sure to add it upon purchasing. The keyboard is well worth the extra outlay, because this is an excellent accessory, giving you a nice typing experience with a good level of travel (for a detachable unit).
Battery life is superb, which is obviously great for those using the CF-33 in the field, plus you get a high quality display, and a 2-in-1 capable of surviving drops and shocks, rain, extreme temperatures and humidity. The CF-33 meets the military-grade MIL-STD-810G standard for toughness, and perhaps the biggest downside for those wanting a truly rugged hybrid is that it won’t save your wallet from a pretty severe beating.