Depending on how long you’ve been editing photos, you may remember a time when darkrooms and foul-smelling chemicals were how any photo processing or even editing got done.
Thankfully this isn’t the dark ages anymore and unless you like doing that kind of thing, most photo editing is done digitally.
sponsored message
This means that if you’re looking to do some photo editing at home, the best way to do so is with a handy tablet and we want to help you buy your next one.
Join us won’t you, to take a look at the 10+ best tablets for photo editing and create results that would make Ansel Adams jealous.
Before we start though, let’s look at how you how to choose your next tablet for photo editing.
10+ Best Tablets for Photo Editing in 2022
- iPad Pro 12.9″ (2021) — The best tablet for photo editing overall (Editor’s Choice)
- Huion H430P — The best budget tablet for photo editing
- Wacom Intuos Pro Medium — The best value tablet for photo editing
- Microsoft Surface Pro 7 — The best Windows tablet for photo editing
- XP-Pen Deco 03 — The best tablet for photo editing without a screen
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ — The best Android tablet for photo editing
- XP-Pen Artist 15.6 — The best tablet for photo editing in Adobe Lightroom
- iPad Air (2019) — The best portable tablet for photo editing
- Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3 — The best heavy-duty tablet for photo editing
- Amazon Fire HD 10 — The best Amazon tablet for photo editing
- Microsoft Surface Go 3 — The best two-in-one tablet for photo editing
You may also be interested in our features on the best portable monitors, the best photo editing monitors and the best photo editing computers.
What is the best tablet for photo editing?
While there are a lot of different options to help you edit your photos like a pro, we have to admit that the iPad Pro 12.9” (2021) from Apple is the best tablet you can buy for photo editing. While not everyone loves the iPad, we encourage you to take a look at our top items below.
sponsored message
Looking for other tablets? Check out our list of the best drawing tablets with a screen, the best standalone tablets, or even the best drawing tablets for kids.
How to Choose the Best Tablet for Photo Editing to Fit Your Needs
Tablets these days are a dime a dozen, so figuring out exactly what to look for you to take your already amazing photos and make them gallery worth can be tough. Luckily, we like to go shopping and have done the hard work for you.
Display
Whether your tablet has a display or not, having a tablet that can render your photo accurately on whatever screen you choose is important. For tablets with a screen, pay attention to the color gamut (a wider color gamut is always better), the contrast ratio, and the brightness.
For tablets without a screen, make sure that the tablet is optimized for the touching you’ll be doing with a stylus so that you don’t run into issues with accidental touches or edits.
Processing Power
Having the right amount of processing power for any piece of technology you use is always important. Like video editing, photo editing requires a lot more power than other tasks. Whichever tablet you choose, you need to be sure that the processor is strong enough to edit your photos on your chosen photo editing software.
Storage
sponsored message
Any photo files, especially large hi-res files can take up a lot of room. You want to make sure you’re tablet not only comes with a lot of storage space or, if it can, the ability to expand its storage using a microSD card.
Operating System
The three main operating systems are iOS, Android, and Windows, so you must check for the OS before you buy according to your requirements. Operating systems like iOS and Android will allow you to run only software with mobile versions.
If you are choosing Windows tablets, then they can run Windows to help you work with the full desktop version of whichever software you like.
Processor
If you want to edit your photos, the software that helps in editing requires a lot of power, especially when you are working with high-resolution pictures, so you must check for a powerful CPU that can run the software and cope with large files.
Screen Size and Quality
It is best to work with a large screen that works best for photo editing software. The screen should be bright with an exceptional degree of color accuracy.
The key features to pay concentration to while buying a tablet for photo editing are screen size, brightness, color, and contrast ratio.
Battery Life
While photo editing, the device uses a lot of power so you must make sure that the tablet can work for at least 10 hours. Having poor battery performance may disturb your workflow, so battery performance is crucial.
App Availability
Tablets come with varying processors and operating systems, so you must make sure that the photo editing apps you want are available for your tablet.
For example, Photoshop runs only on Windows but not on iOS and Android. The Android version of this application is Photoshop Express which is more scaled-down. The mobile version for the M1 iPad is still available but lacks some key features.
However, if you are using Affinity, then it can run on both iOS and Windows which is impossible on Android.
10+ Best Tablets for Photo Editing in 2022
1. iPad Pro 12.9″ (2021) (Editor’s Choice)
The best tablet for photo editing overall
sponsored message
The biggest draw when it comes to the newest iPad Pro is the inclusion of Apple’s brand new M1 chip. This means that the already-impressive 8-core CPU is 50% faster than the last generation. The M1 chip also helps the 8-core GPU deliver graphics 40% faster as well.
This doesn’t mean that all of the incredible features stop at its chipset. With storage available up to 2TB, you can edit an entire digital photo album and still have space leftover.
While the version of Photoshop that the iPad uses doesn’t come with all the features that the full desktop version might, the iPad Pro from Apple is easily the best tablet for photo editing overall.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Incredible M1 chip | ➖ Accessories can be expensive |
| ➕ UP to 2TB of storage | ➖ No microSD slot |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Apple M1 chip for next-level performance
- Brilliant 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color
- TrueDepth camera system featuring Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage
- 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner for immersive AR
- Stay connected with ultrafast Wi-Fi
2. Huion H430P
The best budget tablet for photo editing
At first glance, you might be thinking that a tablet without a display cannot be a good choice to edit photos and we would have to argue that until you try the H430P from Huion, you’ll never believe us.
A great tablet at an affordable price, Huion provides you with a high-quality tablet that while the editing area may be smaller than you might like, the stylus provides enough sensitivity to make you a believer. If you’re just getting your feet wet in the world of photo editing, the H430P tablet from Huion is a great, affordable place to start.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Great budget-friendly price | ➖ Active area may be too small for some |
| ➕ Four keyboard shortcuts |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Huion H430P supports Linux(Ubuntu), MacOS 10.11 and above, Windows 7 and above, and Android 6.0 and above. It can easily connect to your PC, laptop via USB cable for both left and right handed users.
- Digital pen PW201 is battery-free, no need to be charged. 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity with 233pps report rate provides you responsive and natural drawing and handwriting experience with...
- 135g in weight,6.3mm in thickness,H430P graphics tablet is portable and compact. 4.8x3 inch active area offers perfect creative space for limited desktop areas.4 express keys on the top can be...
- Compared with computer mouse,it couldn't be easier to draw,edit photos,annotate document,take notes,write formulas and equations with a digital pen. H430P is ideal for collegers and teachers to...
- H430P pen tablet is compatible with most mainstream drawing softwares like Corel Painter, CorelDraw, Adobe Photoshop,Illustrator, SAI and so on. It also work with most softwares for education and...
3. Wacom Intuos Pro Medium
The best value tablet for photo editing
If the Apple iPad is the best photo editing tablet with a screen, the Intuos Pro Medium from Wacom is the best photo editing tablet without a screen, making it a tremendous value for any photo editor. With all of the features that photographers and retouchers are looking for when they edit photos and do color grading. The tablet’s surface is as rough as paper, giving it a great tactile feel.
Providing 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, the tablet comes with updated stylus technology that makes every edit you perform as accurate as possible while also providing built-in tilt support. The tablet provides not only Bluetooth connectivity but support for both macOS and Windows, supporting both sides of the aisle. Featuring multi-touch gestures, radial menus, easy-to-use side switches, and customizable shortcut keys, the Intuos Pro is a great value for anyone.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Wired or wireless connection | ➖ No screen |
| ➕ Multi-touch support | ➖ Drivers may change problems sometimes |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Built with high quality materials and designed to make the most of Pro Pen 2
- Wacom's finest creative pen tablet to date
- Pro Pen 2 - Designed as a natural extension of your hand
- Built-in Bluetooth connectivity and a sleek new design
- Quality materials and compact design give perfect drawing space - 8mm thick
4. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
The best Windows tablet for photo editing
Not everyone on the planet is a fan of Apple products for one reason or another, preferring to use Windows. Many see the Surface Pro 7 from Microsoft as the anti-iPad. With the processing power of a laptop, the Surface Pro 7 features a gorgeous 12.3-inch PixelSense display plus a battery life that outshines many of its competitors.
Easily one of the best photo editing tablets available, the Surface Pro 7 features the latest multicore processors, which is very fancy language meaning there are no limitations on the software that you use, unlike Apple’s tablet. To add to the Surface Pro 7’s abundant features, Microsoft offers many different accessories including an illuminated keyboard and an accurate pressure-sensitive stylus. While they are sold separately, as a whole, it provides photo editors with everything they need to do high-quality photo editing.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Long battery life | ➖ Accessories aren’t budget-friendly |
| ➕ High precision | ➖ |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Next-gen, best-in-class laptop with the versatility of a studio and tablet, so you can type, touch, draw, write, work, and play more naturally
- Faster than Surface Pro 6, with a 10th Gen Intel Core Processor – redefining what’s possible in a thin and light computer. Wireless : Wi-Fi 6: 802.11ax compatible. Bluetooth Wireless 5.0...
- More ways to connect, with both USB-C and USB-A ports for connecting to displays, docking stations and more, as well as accessory charging
- Standout design that won’t weigh you down — ultra-slim and light Surface Pro 7 starts at just 1.70 pounds.Aspect ratio: 3:2
- All-day battery life upto 10.5 hours, plus the ability to go from empty to full faster — about 80% in just over an hour
5. XP-Pen Deco 03
The best tablet for photo editing without a screen
More and more photo editors and designers have come to discover the benefit of using drawing tablets without a screen and one of the best out there is the Deco 03 from XP-PEN. With an editing surface that is slightly bigger and more affordable than many similarly sized, higher-end drawing tablets.
With a convenient design that provides six customizable buttons and a roller for quick zooming as well as changing the size of whatever brush you might be using. While the roller is generally designed to be used by digital artists, the shortcut keys are more useable by professionals like photo editors.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Great, ergonomically-designed stylus | ➖ Durability could be better |
| ➕ Large active area |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- A Beloved Multi-function Red Dial Design! Utilize our multi-function dial by rotating its front and side. Easy to control with no friction. Latest Multi-function Pen Holder. It can keep your pen, pen...
- The Deco 03 features both wired and wireless USB capability: Simply plug the included USB receiver into your computer to draw wirelessly, or connect the Deco 03 to your computer with the included USB...
- 10 x 5.62 inch working area: so you get more space to create or get work done. Report Rate Max: 266 RPS, to make lines flow smoother and perform better, working faster and efficiently
- Our stylus technology provides 8192 levels of instant pen pressure sensitivity―Providing you with groundbreaking control and fluidity to expand your creative output. No charging required
- 6 fully customizable express keys create a highly ergonomic and convenient work platform. Features Type-C input design, easy to plug in and out. The Deco 03’s thickness is only 8mm! Designed for...
6. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+
The best Android tablet for photo editing
While Windows and macOS may get a lot of attention, those in the know realize that the Android platform is more than simply for a phone. Nowhere is this more apparent than on the Galaxy Tab S7+ from Samsung. Easily the best Android-based tablet for photo editing, in terms of power, it’s like having a laptop in your hand which results in the tablet is a great tool for photo-editing and productivity overall.
With an included stylus, the S-Pen, starting on all of your editing projects becomes much easier from the start. Designed with a beautiful, 12.4-inch screen that features a 120Hz refresh rate that makes using the tablet enjoyable and smooth whether you’re doing a quick edit or going through a long editing session. While it may cost a bit extra, picking up the Samsung Book Cover Keyboard is a great option, especially if you’re fond of using hotkeys.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Beautiful, high-quality screen | ➖ Android apps aren’t always optimized for tablets |
| ➕ S-Pen included |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- PC PERFORMANCE. TABLET PORTABILITY: Transform your tablet into a PC experience with DeX mode and the optional keyboard with expanded trackpad (Keyboard sold separately)
- REDESIGNED S PEN INCLUDED: With improved 9ms pen latency, the redesigned S Pen can control presentations and take notes effortlessly
- ENTERTAINMENT, UPGRADED: Experience cinematic viewing with larger edge-to-edge displays, TFT LCD screen,** and AKG quad speakers with Dolby Atmos surround sound
- CHARGE FAST, POWER FOR HOURS: Go for hours on a single charge and back to 100% with the fast-charging USB-C port
- SYNC AND SEND FROM ANY SPACE: With One UI 3.1, you can copy text or an image from your phone and paste it on your tablet, and vice versa
7. XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro
The best tablet for photo editing in Adobe Lightroom
It can be tough for any new photo editor to pick a tablet solely based on the name of the brand that a tablet has on it. That’s why choosing a tablet that not only stands on its own when compared to the other options out there is so important and that’s why we like the Artist 15.6 Pro from XP-Pen so much.
With its beautiful 15.6-inch screen that’s not only lightweight, but also offers pressure and tilt sensitivity, and includes a battery-free stylus, the Artist tablet is one of the best options out there. While it may have one or two things that keep it from truly competing with the big guns in the digital tablet space, anyone looking for a great tablet to use with Adobe Lightroom will not be disappointed.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Affordable | ➖ Can have pressure and tilt issues |
| ➕ Eight shortcut keys and red dial | ➖ Could use a color calibration |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- [High Performance] - Artist 15.6 Pro drawing tablet supports 60 degrees of tilt function and provide 1920*1080 high resolution, with up to 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, the PA2 Battery-free...
- [Full-laminated Technology] - XP-PEN Artist15.6 Pro drawing tablet is adopting full-laminated technology, seamlessly combines the glass and the screen, to create a distraction-free working environment...
- [Optimized Workflow] - The innovative Red Dial interface breaks through the traditional pen display design for optimal efficiency. It fits comfortably in your hand and can be programmed to zoom in and...
- [Sleek and smart designed] - The XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro Drawing tablet features a slim 11mm profile, and with an easily accessible smart screen-brightness button, you can easily adjust it to your...
- [Compatibility] - The XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro graphic screen is compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7(32/64bit), Mac OS X 10.10 or later, and works with major graphics software like Photoshop, Painter,...
8. iPad Air (2020)
The best portable tablet for photo editing
It’s a no-brainer to pick the iPad Pro from Apple as our best tablet for photo editing but it does have a downside. It’s not exactly the most portable option. That award goes to iPad Air (2020). While it doesn’t bring anything to the table as groundbreaking as its bigger brother’s M1 chip, the newest version of the iPad Air takes many of the features of the Pro’s last version and makes them it’s own.
Powered by the A14 chipset, the iPad Air offers users incredible power, making sure that any task you ask of it, can be handled with ease. While, like many other Apple iPads, the use of a full version of Photoshop can be limiting, having access to Apple’s wide array of apps on the App Store means that there are great photo editing apps just waiting for you to find so you can edit your favorite photos just about anywhere
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ All-screen design | ➖ More expensive than last-gen |
| ➕ Tons of power | ➖ Feels like the storage is limited |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Stunning 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and P3 wide color
- A14 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- Touch ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay
- 12MP back camera, 7MP FaceTime HD front camera
- Available in Silver, Space Gray, Rose Gold, Green, and Sky Blue
9. Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3
The best heavy-duty tablet for photo editing
Not every great photo is taken in someone’s backyard or studio. When you’re taking pictures in the elements, having a tablet to do some photo editing right there is important and the Galaxy Tab Active3 from Samsung is up to the task.
With an IP68 water-resistant rating as well as being drop-proof up to four and a half feet, the tablet also includes a replaceable battery. Even better, like other Samsung tablets, the Active3 also comes with an S-Pen saving you money. The overall build is designed so you can use the touch screen, even with gloves on. The Galaxy Tab Active3 gives you the tools to do your photo editing anywhere you need to.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Water-resistant | ➖ The overall speed could be better |
| ➕ Drop-proof |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- UNLOCKED ON THE GO —Compatible with Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile Networks
- MILITARY-GRADE DESIGN (MIL STD 810H, IP68 S Pen + Anti Shock): Conquer the elements and don’t sweat the accidents. Dust, dirt, sand and water won’t get in your way with the IP681 rated Galaxy Tab...
- LONG-LASTING, FAST-CHARGING and REPLACEABLE BATTERY plus NO BATTERY MODE: Power through any project thanks to a long-lasting battery that won’t stop until your day does. Need to work even longer,...
- WIRELESS DeX: Do more with a single device. With Samsung Wireless DeX, you can boost productivity and use your Galaxy Tab Active3 like a PC — that way you save money and your team can bring...
- ENHANCED TOUCH CAPABILITY : The gloves don’t have to come off, so your team stays safe and dry while they get more done. With enhanced touch capabilities settings, they can take advantage of an...
10. Amazon Fire HD 10
The best Amazon tablet for photo editing
We know that seeing the Fire HD 10 tablet from Amazon may be a surprising choice to see on our list but hear us out. The Fire HD 10 is a great, affordable tablet that is a great option for light photo editing work as well as being just lightweight and portable enough for you to showcase your work.
With storage options of 32 or 64GB available, you can expand the memory up to 256GB thanks to the MicroSD slot on the tablet. As a member of Amazon’s line of products, it comes with the company’s proprietary Alexa voice-assistant system. While this means that any apps outside of Amazon’s system, like Google apps, aren’t available, the ever-growing stable of options provides you with quality apps for lightweight photo editing.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Incredibly affordable | ➖ Apps can be limited |
| ➕ Quality hardware |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Fast and responsive - powerful octa-core processor and 3 GB RAM. 50% more RAM than previous generation.
- Long-lasting 12-hour battery and 32 or 64 GB internal storage. Add up to 1 TB with microSD (sold separately).
- Brighter display - Vivid 10.1" 1080p Full HD display is 10% brighter than previous generation, with more than 2 million pixels.
- Enjoy your favorite apps like Netflix, Facebook, Hulu, Instagram, TikTok, and more through Amazon’s Appstore (Google Play not supported. Subscription for some apps required).
- Stay connected - Download apps like Zoom, or ask Alexa to make video calls to friends and family.
11. Microsoft Surface Go 3
The best two-in-one tablet for photo editing
Screen size: 10.51 Inches | Resolution: 1920×1280 Pixels | CPU: Intel Core processor | Storage: 64GB, 128GB | OS: Windows 11
If you are searching for the most portable surface touchscreen tablet, Microsoft Surface Go 3 is an ideal choice that is perfect for your everyday tasks, homework, and play. It helps in note-taking, sketching, and touch with Windows 11. The device is two-in-one as it adds value that can replace both your tablet and laptop.
It comes with LTE Advanced1 to help you with hassle-free connectivity. It also comes with a battery that lasts up to 11 hours it also offers Fast Charging. It also includes 1080p HD cameras, plus dual Studio Mics.
With portable Microsoft Surface Go 3, you can go anywhere with this tablet that has laptop productivity with a high-res 10.5” 220ppi touchscreen, adjustable Kickstand, Surface Pen, and Type Cover.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Runs Windows 11 | ➖ Pen and keyboard costs extra |
| ➕ Great battery life | |
| ➕ Compatible with Surface Pen |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- The most portable Surface touchscreen 2-in-1. Perfect for your everyday tasks, homework, and play.
- Go-anywhere tablet with laptop productivity for the whole family. Starting at just 1.2 pounds,(4) with high-res 10.5” 220ppi touchscreen, adjustable Kickstand, Surface Pen, and Type Cover.
- All-day battery life. Get up to 11 hours (1) of on-the-go power, plus Fast Charging to take you from low to full when you do need to plug in.
- The new, more intuitive Windows. Work, play, and create in the way most natural to you with Windows 11.
- Plug in the accessories you use today with included USB-C port, headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.0, and MicroSDXC Card Reader.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best choice for the best Android tablet for photo editing?
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ is the best choice for the Android tablet for photo editing.
What are the features of Wacom Intuos Pro Medium?
Wacom Intuos Pro Medium has features such as Multi-touch support, Comfortable for both wireless or wired connection, pressure sensitivity of 8,192 level and supports both macOS and Windows.
Which is the best Windows tablet for photo editing?
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is the best windows tablet for photo editing.
Which are the best photo editing tablets?
The best photo editing tablets are iPad Pro 12.9″ (2021), Huion H430P, Wacom Intuos Pro Medium, Microsoft Surface Pro 7, XP-Pen Deco 03, Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+, XP-Pen Artist 15.6, iPad Air (2019), Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3, Amazon Fire HD 10.
What is the recommended GB I need for photo editing?
A minimum of 12 GB DDR4 2400MHZ is required for photo editing. It is recommended to have 16 – 64 GB DDR4 2400MHZ.
10+ Best Tablets for Photo Editing in 2022
Editing your photos, regardless of whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional can be a tough process without the right tools. Our list of the 10+ tablets for photo editing presents you with many different options, each of them a high-quality choice for any skill level. NO matter which you choose, any of these tablets will handle any task you ask of them.