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Last Updated on January 14, 2024
If you’re on the hunt for the best tablet for AutoCAD, you’re in the right place.
AutoCAD is a must-have for a wide variety of industries, including but not limited to architecture, engineering, and more. While a home PC or laptop is a great choice for AutoCAD users, you just can’t beat the portability, versatility, and functionality of a tablet – and luckily enough, they’ve come a long way in recent years when it comes to performance.
Finding the best tablet for AutoCAD comes down to a few factors, which we’ll explore in depth later in our guide. But in short, it should be powerful enough to handle the software easily, have excellent battery life, be stylus compatible, and have a bright, high-resolution display. We’d also say it’s worth getting a tablet with at least 8GB of RAM so it won’t grind to a halt with more complex, larger files.
We’ve selected what we think are the best tablets for AutoCAD on the market today for a wide range of budgets so that you can kick off your search in the best way possible. We’ve also included our expert advice on what specs and features are worth factoring in before making your final selection.
Best tablets for AutoCAD at a glance
- Best tablet for AutoCAD overall – Apple iPad Pro with M2 chip
- Best Windows tablet for AutoCAD – Microsoft Surface Pro 9
- Best Android tablet for AutoCAD 0- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+
Best tablet for AutoCAD overall – Apple iPad Pro with M2 chip (4th Gen)
The latest iPad Pro ticks all the boxes when it comes to finding the best tablet for AutoCAD, and then some.
First off, yes, it will handle being used for AutoCAD with ease thanks to its powerful M2 chip. We’d even say this tablet would be a little overkill for the program itself, as it’s designed with even more demanding tasks in mind.
There are a few add-ons that take this tablet to a whole new level – the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil specifically. The keyboard comes with a built-in mount which ‘floats’ the iPad in whatever position you’d need. This makes it an excellent (and stylish) choice for those looking to use the iPad as their main computer, and we think the architects and designers out there will appreciate its minimalist aesthetic also.
The Apple Pencil has been vastly improved over the years, becoming more responsive than ever and an excellent tool for both design and taking notes.
If you’re planning on taking this tablet on the go, you’ll find that its all-day battery life is incredibly useful. Its stunning liquid retina display also packs a punch and is bright enough to be visible in day-time conditions or well-lit rooms – perfect if you’re working outside or in the field.
When it comes to price, sure, it’s pretty expensive – but if you’ve got the budget, and you’re going to use it for your main device we’d say it’s certainly worth the money.
The iPad Pro is arguably one of the best tablets on the market today. It comes with the insanely powerful M2 chip, designed to make short work of even the most demanding tasks.
Best Windows tablet for AutoCAD – Microsoft Surface Pro 9
If you want to stick to a Windows operating system, you’ll want to check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 for your AutoCAD needs.
First up, it has more than enough power and RAM to handle AutoCAD, and it has a tonne of screen real estate to work with, making it a solid alternative to the likes of the iPad Pro in our opinion.
Like the iPad, Microsoft has their stylus, the Surface Slim Pen, and keyboard attachment that can elevate the functionality of this tablet even further. The tablet itself even has a built-in kick-stand, so you can position it in the best way for whatever task you’re using it for.
In terms of portability, it features an impressive 19h battery life and weighs in at just under 2lbs – not bad considering the size of the tablet, and still light enough to travel with.
Overall, for a quality Windows tablet for AutoCAD, this is well up there with the best of the best. We’d recommend exploring some more of the Surface Pro line if you like what you see – especially the Surface Pro 7 if you want something more within the mid-range.
Best Android tablet for AutoCAD – Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+
If you’re interested in an Android tablet for AutoCAD we’d say you can’t go wrong with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+.
Again, thanks to its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and 12GB of RAM, this tablet can be used for AutoCAD easily. What’s more, if you’re working out in the field it also boasts an impressive IP68 rating, making it both water and dust resistant.
As with the other tablets we’ve picked out, Samsung too has its stylus, the S Pen, which makes taking notes by hand a breeze. It’s also handy if you want to sketch out a design on the go.
Battery life is impressive as expected, coming in at over 10,000 mAh. For perspective that’s two premium Samsung phones in one device. On top of that, you’ve got super fast charging, which while not unique to this tablet, is still a welcome addition.
Wifi 6E, a DeX Mode to give you a PC-like experience, and a stunning AMOLED screen for crisp, vibrant visuals – there’s really a lot to love about this tablet. As far as Android options go for AutoCAD, we think the Galaxy Tab S9+ is well worth considering.
A Buyer’s Guide to Tablets for AutoCAD
Storage
Now, storage honestly shouldn’t be a huge issue given how upgrades are both affordable and effortless by way of cloud technology. That being said, if you’re moving around from place to place without access to the internet, it does make sense to opt for a tablet that provides ample space, especially since AutoCAD projects can take up quite a significant amount of storage.
Battery Life
A good tablet is one that can both do what you want and last for as long as your work takes you. Now while most AutoCAD users will be working in the comfort of their office where power sockets are easily in reach, having a solid battery life will be a lifesaver on the off chance you are required to travel. 10-hours should be an ideal minimum regardless of what tablet you get which all options on our list will provide.
Screen Size
Nowhere is screen size more important than for AutoCAD users. It is only with a sufficient screen that you’ll be able to work and appreciate the finest and most minute details of whatever project you’re working on. That being said, some people prefer to work with smaller screens as that offers a little more control when it comes to drawing but this is a highly personal preference that you should consider before making any purchase.
Functionality
If you’re set on getting a tablet for and only for AutoCAD this shouldn’t apply to you as something like a drawing tablet (e.g. the Wacom) will work great for you. However, if you plan on doing all sorts of other things with your tablet from watching Netflix during your downtime to playing around with video and photo editing, a more versatile device like the iPad should be seriously considered.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run AutoCAD on an Android tablet?
In short – yes, in most cases. According to AutoDesk, it runs on iOS, Android, and Windows, but you’ll want to check if it works with the OS version you have on your tablet.
Editor’s pick
We think the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the best tablet for AutoCAD, thanks to its punchy specs, stunning display, and refined, sleek design. We’re also a big fan of the larger display, built-in kickstand, and impressive battery life. Overall, it’s a real winner for those wanting to use AutoCAD from home, on the go, or in the field.
