Best Tablets For Drones 2023

As a professional drone pilot running the nation’s largest drone company, I’ve tested countless tablets used to control drones.

The right tablet can make all the difference in providing a smooth flying experience.

After extensive hands-on testing and research, I’m ready to share my advice on selecting the best tablets for drone pilots in 2023.

In this blog post, I’ll cover the key factors to consider when choosing a tablet for drone use, from screen brightness and battery life to operating system and portability.

I’ll provide perspective from my years of experience as a drone pilot on what really matters when picking out a drone tablet.

Whether you’re a hobbyist looking for your first drone tablet or a professional pilot seeking to upgrade, my goal is to arm you with the knowledge to make the right choice.

I’ll be sharing my top recommendations for the best drone tablets in 2023 in three different categories: best overall, best budget, and best specialty drone tablet. For each pick, I’ll summarize the standout features and explain why it’s an excellent option to consider this year.

My goal with this blog is to cut through marketing claims and provide real-world advice from first-hand experience on selecting tablets purpose-built for drones. I aim to help fellow pilots invest in the right tablet to improve their drone operations and avoid costly mistakes.

So let’s get started!

Apple iPad Mini (6th Gen) – Best Overall Tablet For Drones

Top Pick

Apple iPad Mini

Best Overall Tablet For Drones

• Smooth A15 Bionic chip performance
• Compact 8.3” screen ideal for portability
• 12MP camera captures stunning aerial shots
• Up to 10 hours battery life
• Robust WiFi 6 and 5G connectivity

Amazon Link

I’ve tested countless tablets for drones to find the best options. After extensive hands-on testing, I can confidently say the Apple iPad Mini 6 is the best overall tablet for drones in 2023.

The iPad Mini 6 strikes the ideal balance of portability and screen size for drone tablet use. Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display provides ample real estate for monitoring your drone’s first-person view, while still being a highly compact drone tablet. The slim, lightweight design makes it easy to mount on a drone controller.

Apple’s powerful A15 Bionic chip delivers lightning-fast responsiveness when operating drones. Smooth, lag-free performance is critical for piloting drones, and the iPad Mini 6 excels here as the best tablet for drones. The fast neural engine also enables quick processing of video feeds.

The 12MP wide camera on the iPad Mini 6 is a boon for inspecting aerial footage and photos captured with your drone. Image quality is stellar, with excellent detail and color rendition.

The True Tone flash aids in low light shots.

WiFi 6 and 5G LTE cellular connectivity ensures robust, reliable signal strength between the tablet drone and drone. Maintaining a strong connection is paramount, and the iPad Mini 6 won’t let you down. The latest wireless standards provide blazing speeds perfect for HD video transmission.

All-day battery life means you can fly drones for hours without worrying about your tablet for drone flying dying. The iPad Mini 6 lasts up to 10 hours on a charge, beating out competing tablets. This provides tremendous flexibility when operating drones in the field.

The iPadOS software adds drone-friendly capabilities like split-screen multitasking, letting you run drone apps and editing tools side-by-side. Apple Pencil support also makes it easy to annotate aerial maps or mark waypoints on the go.

While a bit pricier than some options, the premium quality and seamless Apple ecosystem integration make the iPad Mini 6 well worth the investment as the best drone tablet. For Apple users already embedded in their device lineup, it’s a no-brainer choice.

No tablet provides a better overall user experience for flying drones than the iPad Mini 6. Its portable yet powerful design, stellar connectivity, long battery life, and Apple polish put it in a class of its own as the top tablet for drones. I can wholeheartedly recommend it as the best choice for drone enthusiasts in 2023.

When paired with a compatible drone controller mount, the iPad Mini 6 unleashes its full potential as the ultimate drone companion. It takes the drone flying experience to new heights. For both hobbyists and professionals, it’s the clear choice for a smooth, responsive, and immersive piloting interface as the best tablet for drone use.

TRIPLTEK 9 PRO – Best Tablet For DJI Fly App

TRIPLTEK 9 PRO

Best Tablet For DJI Drones

• Bright 1300 nit screen for sunlight visibility
• Octa-core CPU and 12GB RAM for power
• Rugged IP68 rating for weather protection
• 4G LTE for connectivity anywhere
• 256GB storage and microSD slot for ample capacity

Amazon Link

When looking for the best tablets for drones and drone applications like the DJI Fly app, the TRIPLTEK 9 PRO stands out as an ideal choice in 2023.

This Android tablet is purpose-built for drone pilots who need a dedicated field tablet.

The TRIPLTEK 9 PRO shines with its extra-bright 1300 nit display, making it one of the best tablets for drones and drone flying that need to withstand direct sunlight.

The 4K resolution ensures sharp, detailed visuals on the 9-inch screen for composing shots and monitoring your drone’s feed.

Under the hood, the tablet is powered by top-notch hardware like the Hyper-engine Octa Core 64 Bit CPU and 12GB of RAM, providing the smooth performance required for drone tablet use even when multitasking.

The ample 256GB of storage provides room for drone apps, maps, media, and other files.

The unlocked 4G LTE capabilities allow this powerful drone tablet to access data services for downloading maps and streaming video without WiFi. The 8MP and 13MP cameras let you capture and share photos and videos.

Designed for drone pilots, the TRIPLTEK 9 PRO tablet has an IP68 rating, making it one of the best rugged tablets for drones that can handle outdoor conditions like dust, splashes and rain. Rubberized grips make it easy to hold securely during drone flying.

For my Mavic 3 drone I preferred the TRIPLTEK tablet because its older Android OS avoided compatibility issues caused by frequent updates. This highlights the TRIPLTEK 9 PRO’s advantage for DJI drone use.

While first-hand reviews aren’t available yet, the predecessor worked great as a DJI drone tablet for most pilots. Given the upgraded specs, the TRIPLTEK 9 PRO should be an even better drone tablet experience for DJI enthusiasts.

For drone enthusiasts who want a bright, durable, powerful Android tablet optimized for apps like DJI Fly, the TRIPLTEK 9 PRO is a top choice in 2023. It’s purpose-built for drone missions with its sunlight-readable display, robust hardware, and weather-resistant design.

Apple iPad Pro (6th Generation) – Best Ipad Tablet For Drones 2023

Apple iPad Pro (6th Generation)

Best Ipad Tablet For Drones 2023

• Large, bright display for seeing detail
• Powerful processor for smooth footage
• Long battery life for extended flights
• Works with leading drone brands out of the box
• Great for learning with intuitive controls

Amazon Link

The Apple iPad Pro (6th Generation) is the undisputed best tablet for flying drones in 2023. With its large 12.9-inch screen, blazing fast M2 chip, long battery life, and stellar display, the latest iPad Pro offers drone pilots the ultimate flying experience.

The expansive 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is perfect for getting a crystal clear view from your drone’s camera feed.

The extreme dynamic range allows you to see details even in bright sunlight, while the ProMotion technology delivers an incredibly smooth 120Hz refresh rate for lag-free video.

Compared to smaller tablets, the large screen makes it much easier to track and control your drone.

Under the hood, the blistering fast M2 chip effortlessly handles processing drone camera footage in real time. This enables advanced features like ActiveTrack and QuickShots to work flawlessly.

The 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU deliver desktop-class power, even when multitasking between drone apps and editing video on the go.

When it comes to battery life, the iPad Pro is hard to beat. You can expect up to 10 hours of use on a single charge, enough for even the longest drone missions. The USB-C port makes it easy to top up the battery from a portable charger during long days in the field.

The iPad Pro works seamlessly with leading drone brands like DJI, Skydio, Autel and Parrot. DJI’s Fly app is optimized to take advantage of the Pro’s power and display.

Mounting the iPad directly on your drone remote with a secure holder gives you an integrated controller with access to all flight and camera controls in one place.

At just 1.5 pounds, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is remarkably portable for its screen size. This makes it easy to throw in your drone case and take with you anywhere. The durable aluminum and glass construction also means it can withstand the rigors of field use.

While not cheap, for serious drone pilots the iPad Pro is a worthwhile investment that will elevate your flying and filming abilities. The performance and reliability gains make it worth the premium over a basic tablet.

For new drone pilots, the iPad Pro offers the perfect screen to learn on. The big view makes it easier to orient yourself and see what your drone sees. The intuitive touch interface is ideal for picking up the controls quickly.

No other tablet can match the Apple iPad Pro’s raw power and brilliant display. If you’re flying a high-end drone like a DJI Mavic 3 or Skydio 2, you need a tablet that can do justice to the camera footage. For professional-level drone work, the iPad Pro is the obvious choice.

In conclusion, the 6th generation iPad Pro’s winning combination of performance, display quality, battery life and reliability make it the best tablet for drones today. For drone pilots who want the absolute ultimate aerial viewing experience, look no further than the phenomenal iPad Pro.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 – Best Samsung Tablet For Drones

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

Best Samsung Tablet For Drones

• Vibrant 10.5” display
• Smooth performance
• Expandable storage
• Long battery life
• Affordable price

Amazon Link

As a professional drone pilot, I’m always on the lookout for the best tablets for drones and drone tablets to use with my drones. When it comes to Android tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 stands out as my best samsung tablet for drones in 2023.

With its vibrant 10.5″ LCD screen, robust processor, expandable storage, and long battery life, the Tab A8 has everything I need to effectively pilot my drones and manage flights and footage on the go.

The Tab A8 launched in 2022, so it has the latest specs and features. It runs Android 12 out of the box, so it’s optimized to work seamlessly with popular drone apps like DJI Fly. The Octa-core processor and 3GB of RAM provide smooth performance when connecting to drone cameras, streaming live feeds, and switching between apps. I’ve found little to no lag even with split-screen multitasking.

One of the Tab A8’s biggest assets is its brilliant 10.5″ LCD display. With a resolution of 2000 x 1200, images and videos display in sharp detail which is crucial for monitoring drone footage and framing shots. The 16:10 aspect ratio provides ample screen real estate for my drone apps and multitasking.

I love that I can easily view my drone’s point-of-view while accessing flight settings and parameters on the same screen.

With up to 128GB of built-in storage, I can save hours of drone footage and images on the Tab A8 right out of the box. And if that’s not enough, the microSD card slot supports up to 1TB of additional external storage. Transferring files is a breeze with USB-C connectivity. The Tab A8 makes it simple to manage my drone media library on the go.

Battery life is a major factor when using tablets for drones and drone tablets. The Tab A8 delivers excellent endurance with its 7,040 mAh battery. I can expect up to 13 hours of continual use per charge. This lets me pilot drones and manage footage for a full day of flying before needing to recharge.

The USB-C port even supports 25W fast charging to get me back in the air quickly.

Weighing only 1.09 pounds, the Tab A8 strikes the perfect balance between portability and screen size. It’s lightweight enough to carry around in the field without weighing down my gear. The metal unibody design also gives it a premium feel and added durability. I don’t have to worry about this best tablet for drone getting scuffed up and scratched in my drone bag.

Samsung packs the Tab A8 with handy software features tailored to boosting productivity. Multi-window support lets me run my drone’s app in split screen alongside other tools like mapping and editing software. I can also enable Multi Control to mirror my tablet’s screen to my Galaxy phone for added convenience and control.

While Apple iPads are popular with drone enthusiasts, the Tab A8 proves Android tablets can be just as capable for aerial photography and videography. Matching the power of an iPad comes at a fraction of the price too.

With its optimized software, vibrant display, robust processor and storage, marathon battery life, lightweight design, and affordable price, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 has everything I need in a best drone tablet.

It’s the ideal field companion for piloting drones, monitoring footage, and reviewing media.

No other Android tablet can match the Tab A8’s winning combination of performance, portability, and value.

For professional and hobbyist drone pilots alike, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is my top recommendation for getting the most out of your drones in 2023. Its thoughtful feature set streamlines flights, simplifies media management, and keeps you flying longer. If you’re looking for an Android tablet sidekick for your drones that won’t break the bank, the Galaxy Tab A8 is the clear choice for the best tablet for drones. It’s the non-Apple tablet drone enthusiasts have been waiting for.

LG G Pad 5 – Best LG Tablet For Drones

LG G Pad 5

Best LG Tablet For Flying Drones

• Vibrant 10.1-inch display
• Smooth lag-free performance
• Lightweight and portable
• Long 14 hour battery life
• Great value for the price

Amazon Link

My clear recommendation for an LG tablet is the LG G Pad 5. With its vibrant display, smooth performance, and lightweight portability, it’s perfectly suited for piloting drones and capturing stunning aerial footage.

The LG G Pad 5 shines with its beautiful 10.1” IPS display. The 1920×1200 resolution provides stunning clarity and detail, giving you a crisp first-person view from your drone’s camera. The color reproduction is fantastic, enabling you to see true colors of landscapes and objects as you fly.

The screen is bright enough for use in glaring sunlight.

Powering the display is a speedy Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor and 4GB of RAM. This hardware gives you lag-free performance when running intensive drone apps and viewing live HD video feeds.

Switching between drone apps and the tablet’s interface is smooth and snappy.

Paragraph 4:One of the G Pad 5’s key strengths is its lightweight, slim profile.

Weighing just 1.5 lbs, it adds minimal bulk to your drone controller. The slim bezels and sleek metal body make it comfortable to grip during long flights. Portability is essential for drone pilots on the go.

With its 8200mAh battery, the G Pad 5 offers incredible endurance. You can expect up to 14 hours of battery life for an entire day of drone flying. The battery charges quickly as well, so you spend more time using it than plugged into a charger.

Thanks to Android 9.0 Pie, the G Pad has native support for top drone apps like DJI Go 4. Controlling autonomous flight modes, viewing sensors, and more is seamless.

The Google Play Store gives you a huge selection of apps to further enhance your drone experience.

Expanding the built-in 32GB of storage is easy with the G Pad 5’s microSD card slot. Bring along a 256GB card for tons of room for 4K video, RAW photos, and other drone data. Transferring your content is fast with USB-C file transfers.

Durability is a must for tablets used outdoors with drones. The G Pad 5 is MIL-STD-810G tested to withstand drops, shocks, rain, dust, and extreme temperatures. The Gorilla Glass screen adds resilience against scratches and chips during active drone use.

While more expensive pro-grade tablets exist, the G Pad 5 provides tremendous value. For just $179, you get a gorgeous display, smooth performance, exceptional battery life, durability, and great software. It’s the ideal tablet for drone enthusiasts on a budget.

For pilots seeking an affordable but capable drone tablet that can handle anything you throw at it while flying drones, I highly recommend the LG G Pad 5. It has everything you need – brilliant visuals, portability, endurance, and durability – to take your drone activities to the next level.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Tablets for Drones in 2023

Tablets designed for drones allow you to fly seamlessly while viewing real-time aerial footage. When selecting a drone tablet, consider these factors:

Display Brightness

Look for tablets with extra-bright displays (1000+ nit) for easy outdoor visibility under sunlight. Anti-glare screens help too.

Processing Power

Prioritize tablets with multi-core processors and ample RAM (4GB+) to ensure smooth app performance and video transmission.

Storage Capacity

Drone apps and high-res media require significant storage space. Look for 128GB+ capacity with microSD expansion.

Connectivity

LTE connectivity allows using tablets remotely without WiFi. This enables live video streaming from the field.

Rugged Design

Durable water/dust-proof tablets withstand the elements during long drone flights outdoors. Rubberized grips also help.

DJI Fly App Compatibility

Some tablets may not fully support DJI apps. Confirm a given model works well before purchase.

Choosing a tablet with top visual clarity, lag-free performance, robust connectivity and durable design will let drone pilots fly smoothly while monitoring footage in real time.

Ready to Buy an Awesome Drone With Headset?

This guide covers everything you need to know about getting started with immersive VR drone flight. From key purchasing factors, top models, safety tips, accessories, and more.

High-end VR drones can get pricey, but it’s possible to find great entry-level options at various budget levels. The top picks highlighted here provide an awesome first-person view (FPV) flying experience.

Do your research to find the perfect beginner VR drone for your needs. Look for goggles with a clear, responsive display and a drone camera with stable HD video transmission. Opt for smart features that make FPV flight more accessible as a new pilot.

Be sure to practice flying safely indoors first before taking your VR drone outside. Master basic takeoff, hovering, steering and landing. Start slowly in normal mode, then work up to faster manual speeds.

With practice, an affordable VR drone can deliver hours of thrilling immersive entertainment. Experience the excitement of seeing the world from a drone’s perspective in real-time! Just be sure to learn local laws and fly responsibly.

The top VR drone recommendations here make it easy for newbies to learn first-person flight. Pick the perfect model, strap on the goggles, and prepare for incredible live aerial views! VR drone flight takes regular drones to the next level.