Best rugged tablet in 2024 – our top picks
If you are looking for the best rugged tablet for your next outdoor adventure, then we have you covered right here.
Now, if you’re someone who works in harsh conditions, loves the outdoors, or if you’re simply looking for a heavy-duty tablet, there are a few rough-and-tough devices available on the market. These rugged tablets usually have military-grade durability, which safeguards them against drops, shocks, and harsh weather conditions. To add to that, they have high IP ratings, so these devices can withstand accidental splashes.
At the moment, there are quite a few rugged tablets that you can choose from. Most of them have a solid IP rating and military-grade protection, so your basic aim of “rugged” is fulfilled. Plus, you can look for additional features like bright displays for viewing under bright lights or a removal battery.
With that being said, to make shopping easier for you, we have rounded up some of the best rugged tablets available on the market.
Products at a Glance
How we picked
For this guide, we have researched several tablets, then we compared them, and selected the ones we thought were good for the outdoor life. The tablets have been chosen based on performance, durability, battery life, IP rating, and more. Plus, we are always on the lookout for new products to add to our lists, so check back in for newer updates.
Product Reviews
- 12-inch display
- IP68 and MIL-STD ratings
- 12th Gen Intel Core processor
- Slightly heavier
If you want a rugged tablet that delivers powerful performance, then you should check out the Dell Latitude Rugged Extreme 7230 tablet.
To start with, the tablet is MIL-STD-810H certified, which means it should be able to handle drops, shocks, extreme temperatures, and even hazardous environments. Plus, the device also has an IP68 rating, which ensures dust and water resistance – so it can handle accidental splashes as well as accidental submersion.
The Dell tablet sports a 12-inch screen that has 1,200 nits brightness, which should make this device suitable for outdoor use or bright workplaces. Plus, this touchscreen works with gloves, which should come in handy.
On the inside, the Dell tablet is equipped with a 12th Gen Intel Core processor, which, much like some of the best Windows tablets, should be able to handle demanding tasks with ease.
As far as portability is concerned, the tablet weighs about 4.8 pounds, which makes it slightly less portable than regular tablets. However, considering that it’s rugged and quite durable, we can cut it some slack here.
- 10.36-inch 2.4K display
- Android 13
- Long battery life
- Mediocre processor
If you are in the market for a rugged tablet within a reasonable budget, then you should check out the Blackview 2.4K Rugged tablet.
To begin with, the Blackview tablet comes with an IP68 rating, which makes it water and dustproof. Plus, it is also MIL-STD-810G certified, which means it can withstand drops, shocks, and extreme temperatures.
Coming to the display, the tablet comes with a 10.36-inch screen and 2.4K resolution, so you can expect clear, high-resolution visuals. Plus, the tablet offers an IPS display, which, along with 400 nits of brightness, should make it suitable for use in well-lit environments.
As far as performance is concerned, the tablet comes equipped with an Octa-core MediaTek processor, which promises to handle most of your tasks – be it streaming videos or running productivity apps. Another thing to note here is that the tablet runs Android 13, which is one of the latest Android versions – so you can use the most advanced features.
Now, if you want a portable device, then you’d be happy to know that this tablet only weighs 2.15 pounds, which is light for a rugged tablet. Plus, you get a massive 22,000mAh battery that promises to deliver 24-hour video playback.
- 10.1-inch FHD display
- IP68 rating and military-grade durability
- Removable battery
- Not 5G
If you are looking for an Android tablet that is rugged and comes with a reasonable price tag, then you should look at the Samsung Galaxy TabActive4 Pro. In fact, this is one of the best waterproof tablets that you can buy at the moment.
The Samsung tablet comes with an IP68 rating, which should keep the dust away and protect the device from accidental spills and submersion. To add to that, you also get a MIL-STD-810H certification, so you are protected against drops, shocks, extreme temperatures, and even vibrations.
Further, the tablet offers a 10.1-inch Full HD display, so you can expect clear visuals, even in direct sunlight. Plus, much like some of the other options on this list, this tablet also has a glove-friendly touchscreen, so you can use it without having to take off your gloves.
As far as productivity is concerned, this Samsung tablet is compatible with the S-Pen, so you can use the stylus pen for taking notes or doodling. Further, you can also use Samsung DeX mode, which can mimic the desktop experience for you.
Coming to the battery, the tablet comes equipped with a big 7,600mAh battery that charges quickly, which should keep you powered throughout the entire day. Plus, this is a removable and replaceable battery – a feature that can come in handy.
How to pick the best rugged tablet for 2024
Here are a few things to keep in mind when getting a new rugged tablet –
IP rating
An IP rating indicates how much water or dust the device can withstand. For example, an IP68 rating tells you that the device is completely protected against dust, and the ‘8’ shows that it can withstand accidental submersion in water. Most rugged tablets on the market have an IP68 rating, which means they are quite tough.
Support for peripherals
To make working easier for you, you can look for rugged tablets that offer support for peripherals like stylus or keyboards. For instance, the Samsung TabActive 4 Pro supports S-Pen, which makes it easy for the user to take notes on the tablet. The same tablet also offers support for detachable keyboards, making it easier for you to type.
Battery life
Now, to make the most out of your tablet, it should at least have a battery life of 8 to 10 hours. Rugged tablets usually come with a battery life of more than 12 hours and have even longer battery standby time. For example, the Samsung TabActive 4 Pro offers a massive 7,600 mAh battery that can power through a day easily with moderate usage.
Our Verdict
If you want an absolutely rugged tablet with heavy-duty protection, then we’d recommend considering the Dell Latitude 7320 tablet. The device offers military-grade durability as well as an IP68 rating, which makes it a tough device. Plus, it offers powerful performance, a bright display, and a long battery life, which makes it suitable for fieldwork.