Choosing the best tablet for xCloud and Xbox gaming streaming shouldn’t be a very difficult task. To make your life easier, we’ve rounded up the best tablets on the market.
Project xCloud grants you access to lots of games in the cloud and the added feature of streaming your Xbox library from your home Xbox console.
Now, let’s dig into the specifics of the best tablets for Microsoft’s xCloud and Xbox Game streaming.
Best Tablets for Xbox Game Pass at a Glance
| No. | Item | |
| 1 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus (Editors’ Choice) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | Apple iPad Mini 6 (2021) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | Apple iPad Air (2022) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 7 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 8 | Lenovo Tab M10 Plus | Check Price on Amazon |
1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus (Editors’ Choice)
Right now, our absolute favorite Android tablet is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus, which also leads our list of the best tablets for xCloud.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus’ predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus was (heck, still is!) an excellent tablet. However, the Tab S8 Plus is slightly a cut above it and, of course, the rest (Android tablets, that is) out there.
Its internals are nothing to scoff at – Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, more than enough RAM (8GB or 12GB), 128GB or 256GB of storage, and Android 12 operating system.
Performance is on par with what the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch boasts. The sheer amount of power makes the Tab S8 Plus an appealing upgrade.
Samsung nailed it again with the Galaxy Tab S8 Plus’ display. It does keep the same 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate from the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus, which is not necessarily a bad thing. And it’s bright enough to make reading and watching videos a pure joy.
Just like the 2021 Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch, the Tab S8 Plus’ premium design will blow you away. It sports a flashy metallic finish.
Elsewhere, the AKG speakers with Dolby Atmos tuning on the Tab S8 Plus pump out clear sound. We are pleased with the balanced profile of the sound.
What’s more, using the Galaxy Tab S8’s S Pen is a pure joy. Samsung has reduced the S Pen’s latency making it faster just like a real pen.
There’s also the cameras. The rear holds a pair of 13MP and 6MP ultrawide sensors. Dominating the front is a 12MP ultrawide sensor, perfect for video calls.
Samsung’s class-leading tablet ranks very high for its battery performance. The 10,090 mAh battery tucked inside the Tab S8 Plus offers excellent endurance.
There’s very little to complain about with the Galaxy Tab S8 Plus, except for perhaps the price tag. If you want to save money, then the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus isn’t for you.
If you’ve been an iOS loyalist for years, it’s worth taking a look to see what else is out there.
Overall, this is a great piece of hardware that anyone should be proud to carry around. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus is highly recommended.
PROS
- Immersive Super AMOLED display
- Premium design
- Good cameras
- High-performing processor
- Good S Pen integration
- Large battery capacity
CONS
- Limited upgrade
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus Key Specifications
Display: 12.4-inch, Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ 1752 x 2800 pixels
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
OS: Android 12
RAM: 8GB/12GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Size: 11.22 x 7.28 x 0.22 inches (285 x 185 x 5.7 mm)
Weight: 1.26 pounds (572 g)
Rear Camera: 13MP, 6MP
Front Camera: 12MP
Battery: 10090 mAh
2. Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) 
The iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) is Apple’s top-of-the-line tablet as of 2023, featuring a powerful M2 chipset that gives it laptop-level performance. While some may argue that the M1 from the previous generation is more than enough for most tablet activities, the M2 ensures that this device is future-proof.
Apart from the M2, the iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) shares many similarities with its predecessor, the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021), such as its large 12.9-inch, 120Hz display that utilizes mini-LED technology for superior picture quality compared to smaller iPads. Despite packing all this tech, the tablet is surprisingly slim and lightweight.
Additionally, it features Face ID, capable cameras, and supports accessories like Apple’s Magic Keyboard and the Apple Pencil 2, which boasts hover-detection that makes it perfect for drawing.
As expected, the iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) comes with a hefty price tag, nevertheless, for those who want a tablet with unbeatable performance, this is the device to go for.
PROS
- Lightning-fast performance
- Exceptional display
- Slim and sleek build
- M2 chip
- Incredibly durable
- Good audio
CONS
- Pricey
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) Key Specifications
Display: 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD, 2048 x 2732 pixels
Chipset: Apple M2
OS: iPadOS 16
RAM: 8GB/16GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, hotspot
Size: 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm
Weight: 682 g (Wi-Fi), 685 g (5G)
Rear Camera: 12MP, 10MP, TOF 3D LiDAR scanner
Front Camera: 12MP
Battery: 40.88 Wh
3. Apple iPad Mini 6 (2021)
The Apple iPad mini 6 (2021) is an outstanding iPad with impressive specs.
Built on Apple’s speedy A15 Bionic processor and featuring 4GB of RAM, along with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen, it has specs that rival other flagships. The A15 Bionic processor that powers the 2021 iPad mini can handle everything you throw at it.
Aside from its super fast processor, the screen stands out, too. Text looks sharp on the screen as do photos and videos.
Storage is a bit restrictive. Available internal storage includes 64GB and 256GB only. If that’s your main concern, you should probably lean toward the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch which comes in 128GB, 256 GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
As far as sound goes, what comes out of the tablet speakers is actually decent.
Gaming aside, you can write, draw, annotate PDFS, and take notes with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation). The Apple Pencil 2 attaches magnetically to the iPad mini 6.
Apple says the 19.3Wh battery in the iPad mini 6 provides an all-day battery life, however, in truth, the battery will last up to 10 hours on a single charge.
On the negative side, the 2021 iPad mini has no headphone jack. That’s slightly painful.
You’ll be hard-pressed to be disappointed with the iPad mini 6 performance. Overall, this is an exceptional iPad you can take anywhere and one of the best tablets for Xbox Game Pass.
PROS
- Exceptional display
- Super-fast performance
- Beautiful design
- Light and portable
- Compatible with Apple Pencil 2
- Very good webcam
- Long battery life
- USB-C charging
CONS
- No multiuser support
- No headphone jack
Apple iPad Mini 6 (2021) Key Specifications
Display: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, 1488 x 2266 pixels
Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic
OS: iPadOS 15
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB/256GB
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot
Size: 7.69 x 5.31 x 0.25 in (195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3 mm)
Weight: 0.65 pounds (293 g)
Rear Camera: 12MP
Front Camera: 12MP
Battery: 19.3 Wh
4. Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
The Apple iPad Pro 2021 is stacked with so much power. Packed with Apple’s powerful M1 chipset and 8GB of RAM, the iPad Pro blazes through apps, browser tabs, games and videos without any sign of slowdown.
You can opt for the model with 16GB of RAM. For xCloud, the 8GB RAM variant is pretty OK.
But before you get swept up by all that power, let’s not forget that beautiful new Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display. The 2021 iPad Pro’s gorgeous display is on the level of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus. Pictures look more intense, expressive and realistic.
As for audio, you’d be equally impressed. The iPad Pro’s audio is respectable.
New for the iPad Pro is a USB-C port with USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 support. This means you can connect compatible devices and accessories effortlessly.
As you would expect, the iPad Pro isn’t filled with the kind of bloatware that manufacturers usually lade cheap tablets and phones with.
Elsewhere, it offers a ton of storage. Available internal storage includes 128GB, 256 GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
Apple isn’t skimping on the battery with the iPad Pro; the 40.88 Wh cell offers excellent endurance.
Sure, the iPad Pro 2021 12.9-inch is still a bit out of range for some people, price-wise. However, it gives a lot.
On the negative side, the colour options are a bit restrictive. Like its predecessors, the iPad Pros 2021 come in Silver and Space Gray colour options.
For all of this, the iPad Pro 2021 is one of the best tablets for Xbox Game Pass.
PROS
- Outstanding display
- Super-fast performance
- Slim build
- Durable
- Incredible battery life
- Good audio
- USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 support
CONS
- Limited colour options
- Pricey
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) Key Specifications
Display: 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR Mini LED display, 2048 x 2732 pixels
Chipset: Apple M1
OS: iPadOS 14.5.1
RAM: 8GB/16GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot
Size: 11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 in (280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm)
Weight: 1.50 pounds (682g)
Rear Camera: 12MP, 10MP
Front Camera: 12MP
Battery: 40.88 Wh
5. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is juiced up with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage.
Performing like a pricier machine without skimping on build quality or features, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 8 delivers excellent value.
Like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and Tab S8 Plus, one of the main appeals of the Tab S8 is its performance. In fact, the speedy performance of the Galaxy Tab S8 firmly shoves it up the class ladder.
The Tab S8’s 11-inch thin-film transistor display is impressive.
At 11 inches and 1.1 pounds, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is a lightweight and easy travel companion. The tablet comes in three colour options – Graphite, Silver or Pink Gold.
An A+ for the Tab S8’s S Pen which feels like a real pen while writing.
The speakers on the Tab S8 are not your typical tin cans. They deliver dramatically superior sound.
We are always happy to see a headphone jack on phones, tablets, and laptops — there’s simply no excuse to leave it off the spec sheet. Sadly, there is no headphone jack on the Galaxy Tab S8.
Samsung packed in a reasonable 8,000 mAh of battery capacity into the Tab S8’s chassis.
The one flaw with this tablet, though, is the absence of an in-screen fingerprint reader. It’s a shame, but not a dealbreaker.
The Galaxy Tab S8 (as well as the Tab S8 Ultra and Tab S8 Plus) still beats the heck out of any Android tablet on the market.
PROS
- Impressive performance
- Beautiful 120Hz display
- Good design
- Excellent S Pen integration
CONS
- No in-screen fingerprint reader
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Key Specifications
Display: 11-inch, TFT 120Hz, HDR10+ 1600 x 2560 pixels
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
OS: Android 12
RAM: 8GB/12GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Size: 9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 inches (253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm)
Weight: 1.10 pounds (503 g)
Rear Camera: 13MP, 6MP
Front Camera: 12MP
Battery: 8000 mAh
6. Apple iPad Air (2022) 
The Apple iPad Air is for anyone who needs an iPad Pro-like performance from a portable tablet at a fraction of the price. It is a fit for casual users and creators alike.
Its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina multi-touch display looks fine, especially in its color reproduction. You can use the Air comfortably in either portrait or landscape orientations.
The best part of the 2022 iPad Air, however, is its performance. It is fast thanks to the Apple M1 chipset tucked inside it. This tablet delivers at all times. You can watch videos, play games, and read on the Air 2022 with zero performance lag.
Like the 2021 iPad Mini, storage is a bit restrictive. The base model ships with 64GB of storage. Though, there is a variant with 256GB of storage, and we recommend this. If you need more storage, your best bet is the iPad Pro 2021 which comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
It’s worth noting, as well, that the 2022 iPad Air ships with the outstanding Apple Pencil 2 which attaches magnetically and charges wirelessly. This makes the Air 2022 an ideal pick for writing, drawing, and taking notes without a hitch.
Audio quality from the Air’s two speakers is just ok, while admittedly lacking bass and the staggering audio performance iPad Pro users enjoy.
Then there’s the cameras. The tablet boasts a 12MP rear camera and 12MP ultra-wide selfie camera. One thing Apple’s added to this 2002 Air is the Centre Stage feature which automatically pans the camera to keep everyone in centre view during a video call.
What else should we include? Well, the responsive Touch ID built into the power button is an A+ in our book. How about the Face ID feature? Well, there isn’t one really.
Again, the 2022 iPad Air is 5G compatible.
Plus, it features a remarkable battery life and debatably one of the best we’ve ever come across. The Air 2022 will stay powered up for an entire workday and more.
Oh, and for the record, the 2022 iPad Air has no headphone jack. Not a deal breaker, but worth bearing in mind.
Overall, this is the best tablet for just about everyone. Its performance and price tag make it easy to pull the trigger on a purchase order. Highly recommended.
PROS
- Super-fast M1 processor
- Colorful display
- Thin and portable
- Good design
- Compatible with Apple Pencil 2
- Good speakers
- 5G connectivity
- Long battery life
CONS
- Storage is restrictive
- Expensive peripherals
Apple iPad Air (2022) Key Specifications
Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, 1640 x 2360 pixels
Chipset: Apple M1
OS: iPadOS 15.4
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 64GB/256GB
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot
Size: 9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24 in (247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm)
Weight: 1.02 pounds (462 g)
Rear Camera: 12MP
Front Camera: 12MP
Battery: 28.6 Wh
Notable Mentions
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and Lenovo Tab M10 Plus are good tablets for Xbox Game Pass worth mentioning.
7. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
PROS
- Beautiful 120Hz display
- Excellent battery life
- Good design
- Fast performance
- Thin and Portable
CONS
- DeX-mode could be improved
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Key Specifications
Display: 11-inch, IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 1600 x 2560 pixels
Chipset: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865+
OS: Android 10
RAM: 6GB/8GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Size: 9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 inches (253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm)
Weight: 1.10 pounds (498 g)
Rear Camera: 13MP, 5MP
Front Camera: 8MP
Battery: 8000 mAh
8. Lenovo Tab M10 Plus
PROS
- Decent performance
- Good value for money
- Good for light tasks
- Very good display
- Reasonable price
CONS
- No fast charging feature
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus Key Specifications
Display: 10.3-inch, IPS touchscreen, 1920 x 1200 pixels
Chipset: Octa-Core processor
OS: Android 9 Pie
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 32GB (expandable by up to 128 GB)
Connectivity: Dual-band WiFi (802.11 a/c/b/g/n)
Size: 9.61 x 6.04 x 0.32 inches (244.1 x 153.4 x 8.1 mm)
Weight: 1.5 pounds (680 g)
Rear Camera: 8MP
Front Camera: 5MP
| No. | Item | |
| 1 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus (Editors’ Choice) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | Apple iPad Mini 6 (2021) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | Apple iPad Air (2022) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 7 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 8 | Lenovo Tab M10 Plus | Check Price on Amazon |
Bottom Line
We’ve looked at the best tablets for Project xCloud in greater depth. These tablets are a great pick for anyone who needs robust, fast, and responsive tablets that work at all times. All of our recommendations are worth considering and are highly recommended.
