Best tablets for watching movies: Experience every detail like Roger Ebert would

My friend is a movie buff to say the least; he’s attending movie quizzes, premieres, and just like Roger Ebert, can critique any movie you throw at him. Years ago he had the dilemma whether he should invest in a tablet or stick with a smartphone for watching movies. Fast forward to today, he’s thankful he went the route of getting a tablet. It saved his phone’s battery and allowed him to make a distinction between the two devices. So if you’re after the best tablets for watching movies, too, I’m here to help you.

The tablet market has so many choices it can confuse anyone. I’ve looked at reviews and compared devices across budgets and platforms to show you which tablets make movies pop at home, on the couch, or while traveling.

1. Budget pick: Amazon Fire HD 10

Amazon Fire HD 10

10.1-inch Full HD display with 1920 x 1200 resolution

The Amazon Fire HD 10 goes for $139.99 with 32 GB, about $70 above the Amazon Fire HD 8, yet you gain a sharper screen, stronger speed, and more battery time.

My parents grew up watching everything on a 13-inch black-and-white TV, even classics like Pulp Fiction. That history makes me think many Gen X viewers care more about the story than screen quality, and I get that perspective. Still, as a Gen Z representative, I refuse to watch my favorite movies on a so-so screen. Just imagine Blade Runner 2049 with less screen sharpness. No thanks. The Fire HD 10 packs a 10-inch screen with a 1,920 by 1,200 pixel count and 224 ppi, which puts it at the top of the Fire line for sharpness.

Beyond its impressive display, the Fire HD 10 also excels in entertainment options. It supports streaming from Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and many other services. Amazon Prime members also get a bunch of movies and shows with no extra cost. I find Prime worth it since most titles on my Prime Video page come free with Prime. The app shows rental titles far less, and it keeps them in one row. I also scan for the Prime logo on each thumbnail to spot what I can watch right away.

On the downside, the Fire HD 10’s speakers aren’t impressive. You can still watch a TV show in a small room, and turning the volume all the way up cuts through some background noise, but the sound lacks depth. For a richer audio experience, you’ll want to connect wired or wireless headphones.

2. Android pick: Xiaomi REDMI Pad 2 PRO

Xiaomi REDMI Pad 2 PRO

12.1-inch 2.5K crystal-clear display with 2560 x 1600 resolution

A few points deserve critique with the Xiaomi REDMI Pad 2 Pro. The LCD screen has weak viewing angles and lacks punch for HDR. On trips, however, the screen works fine for solo use on a couch, in bed, or at a desk.

At 12 inches, the REDMI Pad 2 Pro has some heft, weighing 1.35 lbs and measuring 0.3 inches thick. Despite its size, it feels sturdy in hand without being bulky. I often work remotely while traveling across European capitals, and the 12.1-inch display is ideal for watching movies and handling light tasks on the go. Multitasking is simple, too. You can pull up the dock, run a second app in a floating window, or use split screen with a corner drag.

The REDMI Pad 2 Pro supports Dolby Vision and features four speakers with Dolby Atmos. Power comes from the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 Mobile Platform, paired with a massive 12,000 mAh battery.

I also appreciate the add-on accessories. Xiaomi knows how to enhance the tablet experience, and even at a price of $301.65, the REDMI Pad 2 Pro supports the optional REDMI Pad 2 Pro Keyboard. You can handle browsing, streaming, gaming, chatting, and backup office tasks with ease. For those seeking strong value without a four-figure price tag, the Xiaomi REDMI Pad 2 Pro is a smart choice that delivers excellent bang for your buck.

3. Best Android upgrade: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+

13.1-inch LCD with 2880 × 1800 resolution

Samsung makes the display the main draw of the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+. The tablet sports a 13.1-inch LCD screen with 2880 × 1800 resolution, 90 Hz motion, and brightness that reaches 800 nits. The 16:10 shape, which the Amazon Fire HD 10 also uses, lets movies and shows fill much of the display.

Instead of Samsung’s usual Dynamic AMOLED, the S10 FE+ uses an LCD panel. Even so, contrast is solid, colors remain vibrant, and the high resolution keeps images sharp across the large display. The screen also holds up well at wide viewing angles.

You miss a four-speaker setup from higher-tier Samsung tablets, yet the two speakers do the job. They push strong volume and can fill a small room. Dialogue and sound effects stay clear even with background noise.

At $549.99 (15% OFF), the Tab S10 FE Plus brings more than a huge screen. Samsung fits a battery past 10,000 mAh into the thin body, and it pays off. Video playback can reach near 19 to 20 hours on one charge.

Samsung also throws in the S Pen. You can jot notes, sketch ideas, mark up screenshots, or tweak documents. Some people even use the pen for media control or menu moves, which helps when hands deal with food or mess.

4. Apple iPad 11-inch (A16)

Apple iPad 11-inch (A16)

11-inch LED IPS display with 2360 x 1640 resolution

Yes, the Apple iPad 11-inch (A16) is the cheapest base model, but it handles all the usual iPad stuff—watching movies, playing games, reading, browsing—without fuss.

Apple sticks with its Liquid Retina display. The 11th-gen iPad uses an LED IPS screen with a 2360 x 1640 resolution. Many buyers say movies and TV shows look great, and web pages show punchy color. Others point out the glossy surface, which reflects light and makes use tough in bright scenes. Fingerprints show on the display.

The iPad A16 misses one feature. It doesn’t include Apple Intelligence or Stage Manager for multitasking. Does that make a difference? Probably not. For everyday use, the basic tools cover most needs.

Speakers sit on each short edge, so you get stereo sound when you hold the iPad in landscape. Whether you’re listening to the latest pop hits or catching up on your favorite TV show, the speakers do a fine job with sound. They reach 91 dB and can fill a small room.

Parting thoughts on the best tablets for watching movies

Whether you’re curled up at home or watching on the go, the tablets I’ve highlighted keep you immersed without draining your phone’s battery. If you’re like me and want your movies to look and sound their best, one of these picks will be worth your investment.