Start your online business · Side hustles · 2 min read
How to Choose a Tablet for Writing a Novel
Short answer
The best tablet for novel writing is the one with a good physical keyboard and the writing app you already use. iPads and Android tablets with keyboard cases suit most writers, Windows 2-in-1s suit people who need full desktop software, and e-ink tablets suit drafting and editing without distractions.
Writers ask for a list of "best tablets" but the honest answer depends on how you write. Models change every year, so this guide focuses on the features that matter rather than a ranking that will be stale in months.
The five things that matter
1. The keyboard
A novel is 60,000 to 100,000 words or more. You will want a physical keyboard with full-size keys and decent travel. Test it on a lap, not just a desk; some keyboard cases flex badly.
2. The writing app
Check your app first:
- Scrivener has a dedicated iPad and iPhone version that syncs with the desktop app through Dropbox.
- Microsoft Word runs on iPad, Android and Windows.
- Google Docs works in any modern browser and has mobile apps.
- Ulysses and several Markdown editors are Apple-only.
If your app does not exist on a platform, that platform is out.
3. Screen size
Around 11 inches is a common sweet spot: big enough for a page of text and a sidebar, small enough to carry. Smaller screens make split-view research cramped.
4. Distraction control
Focus modes on iPadOS and Android can silence notifications. Some writers prefer devices that cannot do much else, which is the appeal of e-ink.
5. Battery and backup
All-day battery matters if you write in cafés or on trains. Whatever you buy, make sure the manuscript syncs to cloud storage automatically.
The main options
| Type | Good for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| iPad with keyboard case | Wide app choice, Scrivener, long battery | Keyboard cases add cost |
| Android tablet with keyboard | Lower prices, Google Docs, Word | App quality varies |
| Windows 2-in-1 | Full desktop software | Heavier, shorter battery on some models |
| E-ink writing tablet | Distraction-free drafting, handwritten notes | Slow refresh, limited apps |
| Chromebook detachable | Google Docs, low cost | Fewer offline writing apps |
Do you need a tablet at all?
Many writers are happier with an inexpensive laptop. Tablets win on portability and battery, but if you only write at a desk, a laptop or even a dedicated keyboard and monitor may be better value. Try typing a full chapter on any device before committing.
Accessories worth budgeting for
- Keyboard case or Bluetooth keyboard: the single most important accessory.
- Stand: raises the screen to a more comfortable height when using a separate keyboard.
- Stylus: helpful for editing printouts as PDFs or handwritten notes, less so for drafting.
- Cloud storage: automatic backup of your manuscript.
- Protective case: tablets travel a lot.
Turning writing into income
If you are writing to earn as well as to create, look at our guides on how to start a blog from scratch, selling an ebook on Shopify and sites for freelance writers.
Frequently asked questions
Can you write a whole novel on a tablet?
Yes, as long as you pair it with a physical keyboard. Typing tens of thousands of words on a glass screen is slow and tiring.
Do I need Scrivener or Microsoft Word on a tablet?
Only if your workflow depends on them. Scrivener has an iPad app; Word runs on iPad, Android and Windows. Google Docs works everywhere with a browser.
Are e-ink tablets good for writing?
They are easy on the eyes and distraction-free, and some pair with keyboards, but the screen refreshes slowly compared with LCD or OLED displays. Many writers use them for handwritten notes and editing rather than fast drafting.
Platform features, prices and policies change. Check the official help pages linked above before you act on a detail that matters to your store.