The best-rugged tablets can not only take a beating without skipping a beat, but they can do so while providing a solid experience for both work and play. If you're in the market for one, that's probably because you need to use a tablet in an environment where a normal one would get damaged too quickly.
These rugged tablets have been built to withstand abuse from extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, drops, and hard knocks while still doing everything you need out of a tablet. And they've been diligently tested to ensure they can handle anything you throw at them.
Essentially, these are the perfect tool for anyone working in the field, busy environments, or extreme situations. And they can do more than a typical or rugged smartphone (opens in new tab), not to mention survive where a regular tablet can't.
Of course, you'll have to pay a little more for one of these devices when compared to typical tablets. But, since you won't get a new one every time something happens, you'll save money in the long run.
While you won't get a rugged tablet as slim and light as the iPad Air 2 (opens in new tab), it doesn't mean you should lug around a chunky and unwieldy tablet. If you think a conventional tablet like that might be better for your work, check out our list of the best tablets (opens in new tab).
So, to help you find the best-rugged tablet, we've put together this list of the top shock and drop-proof tablets on the market today.
Secretly, this is a rugged tablet I’ve been waiting for, for a long time. One that supports the latest version of Android, can make calls, is waterproof, has a big battery, has two speakers, and doesn’t cost the Earth. Oukitel delivers all this with the RT1 and yes, although there are some corners cut, we still believe it is the best value-for-money rugged tablet out there. Don’t expect it to be a speed champion though or to be able to connect to your wired headphones. The Mediatek Helio P22 processor that powers it is adequate only for light tasks - think playing Spotify, scanning barcodes in a warehouse, and Google Maps for gig operators - which should cater to most users. Anything more will make it grind to an atrocious halt. Overall, this IP6869 K-rated tablet is a must-buy if you’re looking for an affordable yet capable outdoor companion.
Read the full review: Oukitel RT1 (opens in new tab)
The Panasonic Toughbook A3 is a great tablet for outdoor work with lots of protection, a screen that's well suited to use in bright daylight, and many customization options for field workers.
The tablet works well in busy environments, too, with loudspeakers to be heard over the din, and there's also enough tech inside for it to be a useful tablet for a range of functions.
You can buy the Panasonic Toughbook A3 at Panasonic's website (opens in new tab).
Read the full review: Panasonic Toughbook A3 (opens in new tab)
The best-rugged tablet you can buy right now is the Getac UX10, from Getac which is known for its well-protected and versatile devices.
The Getac UX10 is a fairly customizable rugged tablet, as you can pick from a variety of Intel Core CPU options, and there are a variety of accessories you can pick up to tailor the UX10 to a variety of work situations. This makes it fairly versatile, and along with its decent screen specs, rugged protection, and various high-storage options, the device is great for working out in the field.
Getac doesn't publish a price for the UX10, but you can request a quote for the device at the Getac website by clicking here (opens in new tab).
Not all rugged tablets are designed to withstand temperatures, knocks, dust, or water; some are meant to protect from the most destructive force of all: kids. The Lenovo 10e Chromebook is designed to be great as a learning tool for children.
The tablet is fairly big and well-protected, and its processor, memory, and storage are all designed for the kinds of tools a child will be using, so there's not plenty of storage space or processing power, but it's enough for schoolwork and learning. You can also buy an optional keyboard to turn the device into a pseudo-laptop.
We've also featured the best rugged smartphones (opens in new tab) and the best rugged laptops (opens in new tab)
