One of the most widely used accounting software programs for small and medium-sized enterprises is QuickBooks, which provides a number of features to make financial administration easier. Whether you’re managing your finances on the go or in the office, using QuickBooks on a tablet can improve productivity and provide flexibility. To help you choose the best tablet for QuickBooks, we’ve compiled a list of top options that combine performance, portability, and excellent features.

Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 2023)

• Why It’s Great for QuickBooks: The iPad Pro is a powerhouse that delivers top-tier performance, making it one of the best tablets for QuickBooks users. Its large, high-resolution display and support for Apple’s M2 chip ensure that QuickBooks runs smoothly even with larger files and multiple tasks open.
• Key Features:
  • 9-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion and True Tone
  • Apple M2 chip for enhanced speed and responsiveness
  • Long-lasting battery life (up to 10 hours)
  • Supports Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard for enhanced productivity
  • iPadOS, offering seamless integration with QuickBooks and other apps
• Best for: Business owners who need top-level performance and prefer the iPad ecosystem.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9

• Why It’s Great for QuickBooks: The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is essentially a 2-in-1 laptop and tablet, which makes it a versatile choice for QuickBooks users. It runs full Windows 11, so you can access all the features of QuickBooks Desktop and online versions. With the Surface Pro 9, you get the full power of a laptop with the portability of a tablet.
• Key Features:
  • 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with a high resolution
  • Processors with Intel Core i5 or i7 for quick performance
  • 8GB to 32GB RAM options
  • Windows 11 compatibility, supporting QuickBooks Desktop and Cloud
  • 10 hours of battery life
• Best for: Users who prefer Windows over iOS and want a tablet that doubles as a laptop for more complex accounting tasks.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

• Why It’s Great for QuickBooks: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra provides an immersive experience with a large screen and top-of-the-line specs. It’s perfect for QuickBooks Online, and its powerful Snapdragon processor ensures that even resource-heavy tasks can be handled with ease. Plus, the S Pen support is great for taking notes or making annotations.
• Key Features:
  • 6-inch Super AMOLED display for vibrant visuals
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor for fast multitasking
  • S Pen included for note-taking or writing tasks
  • 8GB to 16GB of RAM
  • Android OS, which seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks Online
• Best for: Users looking for a large, immersive screen experience on Android and QuickBooks Online users.

Lenovo Tab P12 Pro

• Why It’s Great for QuickBooks: The Lenovo Tab P12 Pro is a solid choice for business professionals who need a reliable tablet for QuickBooks. Its impressive display, solid processing power, and long battery life make it a competitive option. It runs Android OS and is ideal for QuickBooks Online users who require a large screen for better workflow.
• Key Features:
  • 6-inch AMOLED display with a high resolution
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset for smooth performance
  • Up to 8GB of RAM
  • Android 12, compatible with QuickBooks Online and other productivity apps
  • 10+ hours of battery life
• Best for: Users who want a premium Android experience with good performance at a more affordable price than the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus

• Why It’s Great for QuickBooks: The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus is a budget-friendly tablet with a large screen, decent performance, and compatibility with QuickBooks Online through the browser or mobile app. While it doesn’t offer the same power as the premium tablets on this list, it’s a great option for business owners on a budget.
• Key Features:
  • 1-inch 1080p full HD display
  • Octa-core processor with 4GB RAM
  • Amazon Fire OS, which supports the QuickBooks Online mobile app
  • 12 hours of battery life
  • Budget-friendly price
• Best for: Budget-conscious users who need basic QuickBooks functionality on a larger tablet screen.

Google Pixel Tablet (2023)

• Why It’s Great for QuickBooks: The Google Pixel Tablet is a new addition to the tablet market, offering solid performance and smooth integration with Google services. It’s an excellent choice for QuickBooks Online users who want a simple, yet effective tablet that integrates well with the Google ecosystem. The tablet’s sleek design, combined with its powerful chip, ensures quick access to QuickBooks Online and other business apps.
• Key Features:
  • 95-inch LCD display with high resolution
  • Google Tensor G2 chip for responsive performance
  • 8GB of RAM for smooth multitasking
  • Android OS, offering full access to the QuickBooks Online app
  • 12 hours of battery life
  • Includes a charging dock, making it simple to utilize as a smart home appliance
• Best for: QuickBooks Online users who want a well-rounded tablet that integrates well with Google’s ecosystem and offers good performance for business tasks.

Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6

• Why It’s Great for QuickBooks: The Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 offers a large, high-resolution display and strong processing power, making it a great choice for QuickBooks users. While it runs on Huawei’s HarmonyOS (rather than Android or iOS), it still supports QuickBooks Online via the browser or app. The tablet’s performance and display quality make it a solid option for users who prioritize screen space and speed.
• Key Features:
  • 6-inch OLED display with excellent color accuracy
  • Huawei Kirin 9000E chipset for fast performance
  • 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage
  • HarmonyOS, which supports QuickBooks Online via the browser or app
  • 12 hours of battery life
  • Supports a stylus for note-taking and detailed work
• Best for: Users who want a high-quality Android alternative with a large screen and strong performance for QuickBooks Online.

Quick Comparison of the Best Tablets for QuickBooks

To help you make a more informed decision, here’s a quick comparison of the tablets we’ve discussed. The table below provides a side-by-side look at key features, performance specifications, and price ranges for each tablet.

How to Choose the Best Tablet for QuickBooks

When selecting a tablet for QuickBooks, consider the following factors to make the best choice for your business:

• Operating System: QuickBooks is available for both Windows (Desktop) and Mac (Online), with mobile apps for Android and iOS. Ensure the tablet you choose supports the version of QuickBooks you need (Desktop or Online).
• Display Size: Larger displays (10 inches or more) make working on QuickBooks easier by offering more screen real estate for financial data, reports, and graphs. A larger screen ensures more comfortable navigation and better visibility of data.
• Performance: Tablets with powerful processors (e.g., M2, Snapdragon 8) and sufficient RAM (at least 8GB) can handle QuickBooks without lag, especially when multitasking. Strong performance allows for smoother navigation, faster data entry, and quicker report generation.
• Battery Life: You won’t have to worry about frequently charging your tablet when using QuickBooks on the go thanks to a lengthy battery life. Look for tablets with 10-12 hours of battery life for extended use throughout the day.
• Storage and Expandability: Depending on your needs, ensure the tablet has enough storage or the ability to expand storage (e.g., via SD cards). A tablet with expandable storage or cloud storage options ensures you don’t run out of space for storing large QuickBooks files.
• Portability and Weight: If you frequently carry your tablet between meetings or workspaces, consider its portability. Tablets with a lightweight design and slim profile, such as the iPad Air or Samsung Galaxy Tab, are easy to carry around without added bulk.
• Connectivity: Ensure your tablet has fast Wi-Fi connectivity for accessing QuickBooks Online and syncing data across devices. Tablets with LTE or 5G support are beneficial for on-the-go access without relying on Wi-Fi.
• Price and Value: Tablets range in price, so balance performance with budget. Premium models like the iPad Pro offer high-end specs, while more affordable options like the Amazon Fire HD 10 provide solid QuickBooks support at a lower cost.
• Security Features: To safeguard your QuickBooks data, look for tablets with biometric security capabilities like facial recognition or fingerprint scanners. These features help ensure secure login and data protection, especially when working in shared or public spaces.
• User Interface and App Integration: Ensure the tablet has a smooth user interface and supports the latest software updates. QuickBooks Online and other third-party apps will work better with tablets that integrate well with your business tools and offer easy navigation.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tablet for QuickBooks is essential for ensuring efficient and effective accounting management. With the wide variety of tablets available, it’s important to consider key factors like operating system compatibility, display size, performance, and battery life to find the best option for your business needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Operating System Compatibility: Ensure the tablet supports the version of QuickBooks you need, whether it’s QuickBooks Online (for iOS/Android) or QuickBooks Desktop (for Windows/macOS).
• Display Size: Larger screens (10 inches or more) improve your experience by providing more space for financial data, reports, and graphs.
• Performance: For seamless performance, choose tablets with strong processors and at least 8GB of RAM, particularly when juggling big files.
• Battery Life: Long battery life (10-12 hours) is crucial for uninterrupted work, especially for mobile professionals.
• Storage and Expandability: Ensure the tablet has adequate storage or expansion options for large QuickBooks files and data backups.
• Portability: If you intend to use the tablet on the go, take size and weight into account; select lightweight versions for convenient portability.
• Security Features: Look for biometric security options to protect your sensitive financial data.
• Value: Balance performance and budget by considering both premium and affordable tablet options that fit your QuickBooks needs.

FAQs

What type of tablet is best for QuickBooks Online?

For QuickBooks Online, tablets running Android or iOS (such as iPads or Android devices) are ideal since the app is compatible with both operating systems. Ensure the tablet supports the latest version of QuickBooks Online’s mobile app for seamless functionality and performance.

Can I use QuickBooks Desktop on a tablet?

Yes, but only on tablets running Windows. QuickBooks Desktop is not available for macOS or mobile devices. Tablets like the Microsoft Surface Pro or Lenovo ThinkPad X1 running Windows can support QuickBooks Desktop for a full desktop experience.

How much storage do I need on my tablet for QuickBooks?

For QuickBooks Online, 32GB to 64GB of storage is sufficient for most users, especially with cloud-based data storage. If you plan to store QuickBooks Desktop files or large data sets locally, consider a tablet with 128GB or more of internal storage or expandable storage options like microSD cards.

What should I look for in terms of battery life when using QuickBooks on a tablet?

Look for a tablet with at least 10-12 hours of battery life to ensure you can work on QuickBooks without frequent recharges. Longer battery life is especially important for those who work on the go or attend meetings away from power outlets.

Do I need a keyboard for using QuickBooks on a tablet?

While not essential, a detachable keyboard or a keyboard case can significantly enhance your productivity when using QuickBooks, especially for entering invoices, managing reports, or performing other accounting tasks. Tablets like the Microsoft Surface Pro and iPad Pro offer keyboard compatibility for a laptop-like experience.