Best tablet to use with Zwift?

I need to get a tablet to use with Zwift. What’s the best low cost option with least faff? Ideally I’d be looking for something that could be used out of the box without having to download extra software etc.

Am using a wahoo kikr snap, Garmin HRM pro, & wahoo cadence.

Anyone got some reliable go to’s? It doesn’t have to do much else other than zwift, maybe occasional Netflix etc but doesn’t need massive capacity!

No idea if it’s the best and probably not low cost but I’m using an iPad and “it just works”.

I’ve used a mini and a standard iPad - both several years old - and they both work great.

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Thanks, currently using an iPad as well but won’t have access to that soon. May go second hand iPad, but new is a bit out of budget! Agre, it just worked with zero faff!

I would stick with the iPad and get one that is no more than a few years old. Maybe the 8th gen 2020 model or newer? Older will work as well if newer is beyond budget. The iPad Mini doesn’t get the custom workout creation feature so if you care about that I would get one of the full size models. Example:

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My wife uses the Samsung S6 lite. Plus I use it for running. It works great.
I recommend casting to a bigger screen

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Hi,

I checked this post, and I want to contribute, please make sure that the device that you purchase reaches at least the minimal requirements to run Zwift, you might find this article Supported Devices to Run Zwift useful for this.

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We just got the Zwift Ride. I continue to use my laptop for Zwifting, but my wife uses her tablet. She has a SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A8, 10.5" Tablet 32GB (Wi-Fi) and it seems to work just fine.

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If I were to purchase a laptop, I’d choose a gaming one. However, just for the fun of it, I asked AI to suggest the most cost-effective options that meet the minimum requirements to run Zwift.

When looking for a cost-effective laptop to run Zwift, it’s important to prioritize good CPU and GPU performance, sufficient RAM, and a decent display. Here’s a list of options that strike a good balance between performance and price:

1. Acer Aspire 5 (A515-56-73AP)

  • Processor: Intel Core i7-1165G7
  • Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics (integrated, works well with Zwift)
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 512GB SSD
  • Display: 15.6" Full HD (1920x1080)
  • Price: Around $600
  • Why it’s good: This laptop offers a great balance of power for Zwift at an affordable price. It can handle the game on moderate settings well.

2. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (15ADA6)

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
  • Graphics: Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 256GB SSD
  • Display: 15.6" Full HD
  • Price: Around $450
  • Why it’s good: Offers solid performance for the price, especially for those on a tighter budget. It can handle Zwift at lower settings with smooth performance.

3. HP Pavilion x360 (14-dw1024nr)

  • Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7
  • Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 512GB SSD
  • Display: 14" Full HD Touchscreen
  • Price: Around $650
  • Why it’s good: A versatile option with a touchscreen, offering a solid gaming experience and portability. The Intel Iris Xe graphics can handle Zwift quite effectively at moderate settings.

4. ASUS VivoBook 15

  • Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7
  • Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 512GB SSD
  • Display: 15.6" Full HD
  • Price: Around $500
  • Why it’s good: A very affordable option with a good display and decent power for running Zwift. It’s a great budget option if you’re looking to keep costs low while still playing smoothly.

5. Dell Inspiron 14 5000

  • Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7
  • Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 256GB SSD
  • Display: 14" Full HD
  • Price: Around $600
  • Why it’s good: Known for being reliable, the Inspiron series provides solid performance for Zwift and multitasking, at a reasonable price.

Minimum Specs for Zwift:

  • CPU: Intel Core i5 (or equivalent) or AMD Ryzen 5
  • GPU: Integrated Intel Iris Xe or dedicated NVIDIA/AMD graphics
  • RAM: At least 8GB
  • Storage: 256GB SSD or more
  • Display: 1080p (Full HD) for a better visual experience

These options provide good performance for Zwift without breaking the bank, and they are capable of handling other tasks as well. Keep an eye out for sales to get the best deal!

Out of curiosity, why a tablet? Are you planning to use it for other purposes, also? I ask because I wonder if Apple TV might be an option. You won’t able to pair all three of your devices directly, but can use the Companion app as a bridge (or maybe skip the cadence sensor).

The gaming laptops are much more expensive than what is needed. If a desktop PC is an option, you can put one together for around $250 - $300 with used parts and get ultra graphics and much better performance than the integrated graphics of those $500 - $650 laptops.

I often see posts about making a PC for a couple hundred dollars but is the cost of Windows included in that? From what I can see, you still have to pay for a Windows license unless you upgrade from an earlier version.

What’s the scoop here?

The used PC will already have a license, you shouldnt have to worry about the cost of windows.

You don’t need to license Windows to run Zwift, and there are many inexpensive sources of Windows license keys.

Heres one for $65, put in a used graphics card like a 1050 ti for another $80 or so and you have ultra graphics. Might need a few other odds and ends like wifi if you cant hard wire it, bluetooth dongle, keyboard/mouse… there you go for less than an Apple TV

I’m thinking of repurposing a system that was a Hackintosh so it’s never had Windows.

I’ve just started using a Lenovo Tab M11. Works well, pairs easily, runs Netflix etc.

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Thanks, a tablet is what I need for the area I have available to turbo in. I watch whatever I’m us using to distract me on my laptop, then tablet rests on a music stand. It works perfectly in the space I use, so I’m looking for another tablet

Also, I don’t have funds to burn on an Apple TV that i don’t need just to turbo train from it!

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Since you have a laptop, if Zwift runs well on it, you could also consider getting a tablet sized portable monitor to put on the music stand and cable it to the laptop. Those are cheaper than tablets. That also assumes the laptop has some kind of external video port you can use, which it most likely does. You would perhaps still need to reach the laptop if you need to access game controls, but as a display that would work.

In addition to this, my iPad has suddenly stopped picking up the hrm (Garmin). I’ve done a software update, re installed Zwift, nd tried with two different hrm’s (pro and whichever the blue one is!) and zippo!

Just to repeat, I really am looking for a tablet, there are lots of reasons for this!