The best tablets for car journeys

Times have inevitably changed since the days of the twentieth-century car journey. No longer do passengers expect to be entertained by cows, road signs, and amusing number plates. Today, car passengers demand connectivity at all times and require a screen for entertainment.

Beam or baulk as you wish, that is the reality of today’s car journeys.

For those who do want a device that is great for providing entertainment for passengers during a long drive, we have put together this guide to some of the most appropriate tablets for the task. Whether you’re on a budget or after the absolute pinnacle, our recommendations cover many bases.

What tablet is best for you?

There are a few things to consider here. One of the most obvious is size. There is considerable debate over which screen size is best and that debate will remain until the end of time. But for the traveller, one doesn’t need to go for anything beyond 11 or so inches – there is not much to be gained from a large screen. If anything, it’s less helpful because it makes the tablet bulkier.

Do you want cellular data? If you do expect to pay a bit more (the iPad Pro with cellular is over £100 more than the model with just Wi-Fi, for example), but if it’s just Wi-Fi connectivity you want (check out our guide to getting mobile Wi-Fi for your car), then a standard tablet will have you covered.

Given that the tasks you have in mind for your travel tablet will most likely be entertainment-oriented, features such as screen resolution are important when watching films and shows. You might want to consider battery life too, though this is less important because you can charge the tablet while in the car.

The best tablets for car journeys

Read next:

The best aftermarket sat navs recommended by CAR

The best wireless car chargers

The best dual dash cam bundles

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