Best Tablets for Off-Road GPS
Please note: Tablets must have cellular capabilities to see your GPS location with onX Offroad. However, an active cellular plan is not required—though data plans are recommended for the full-feature experience. Tablets not equipped with cellular capabilities/GPS radio can still access onX Offroad maps, but users cannot see their location while navigating.
The right tablet can be the perfect addition to an off-roading excursion. Coupled with GPS, tablets can work wonders to give off-roaders dependable navigation through the most challenging trails and terrain. Some of the advantages tablets have over a regular GPS include multi-functionality, low cost, and maps that are easy to update. Finding the best GPS tablet for off-roading can be exciting yet challenging. Qualities such as weight, battery life, storage, and speed are just some factors to consider. This article is intended to help off-roaders find the right tablet and explain why the devices are at their best with the onX Offroad app.
The Best Tablets for Off-Roading
Here are some of the best tablets for off-road GPS navigation based on durability, battery life, picture quality, and speed.
Apple iPad Pro 12.9-Inch
Although at the high end of the price scale of tablets, the large size and robust hardware of the iPad Pro make it an excellent choice for off-road navigation, especially when paired with a rugged case for protection and a GPS app like onX Offroad. The iPad Pro’s brilliant 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 2732 x 2048 screen resolution and ultra-fast M2 chip make viewing map details quick and easy. Other key features include 5G cellular service capabilities, 12MP wide and 10MP ultra-wide cameras, up to 2TB of storage capacity, and all-day battery life that means less charging (and worry) on long days in the backcountry. Apple also makes an 11-inch version of the iPad Pro with a standard Liquid Retina display instead of the XDR, which drops the price by $400.00.
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro
This rugged Android tablet is designed for outdoor use thanks to its water and dust resistance, durable construction, and helpful accessories. The Galaxy Tab’s robust design is built to MIL-STD-810H standards to withstand shock, vibration, dust, sand, and drops. Additionally, an IP68 rating protects the device from water spray and submersion in water up to five feet for up to 30 minutes. The responsive 10.1-inch touchscreen works in wet or damp conditions, even with gloves on, and a long-lasting battery keeps you moving down the trail without disruptions.
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus
The Tab M10 Plus offers affordable performance with an octa-core CPU, all-day battery life, and a 10.6-inch 2K IPS display, making it suitable for moderate off-road navigation. The model comes loaded with Android 12 OS, includes forward and user-facing 8MP cameras, and a claimed battery life of up to 14 hours of web browsing. At under $200, it’s hard to find a tablet with the same level of quality and value as the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus.
SxS Rugged Tablets Sasquatch
Purpose-built for off-road vehicles, the Sasquatch line combines commercial-grade durability with the flexibility and functionality of Android OS that offers everything you need to plan and create interactive off-road experiences. SxS claims its 10-inch hi-res LCD screen has been designed to be four times brighter than Apple and Samsung tablets for better viewability in bright conditions. Quickly plan, track, and map out your route with a rugged IP67-protected tablet made to withstand harsh off-road conditions. The brand also offers a 7-inch model, with both versions offering users the option to choose their mapping application, including onX Offroad.
Apple iPad Air
The iPad Air combines performance and portability at a lower price than iPad Pro models, which makes it a solid choice for off-road navigation. Apple added the M1 chip to the iPad Air model, and in combination with an 8-core CPU, it claims 60 percent faster performance and up to two times faster graphics than previous generations. With Apple’s class-leading 10.9-inch liquid retina display, all-day battery life, and 5G wireless network access, you have one of the most powerful mapping and navigation tools available.
Panasonic TOUGHBOOK A3
The TOUGHBOOK from Panasonic is an Android-powered tablet with a 10.1″ outdoor-viewable display, a powerful octa-core processor, and 4G LTE support that is popular with the military and domestic first responders. With a five-foot drop rating, MIL-STD-810H standards, and IP65 certification for dust and water resistance, the TOUGHBOOK is purpose-built to tackle rugged conditions. At the higher end of the price scale, the TOUGHBOOK A3 might not be for everyone, but as one of the most durable tablets on the market, it makes an excellent option for those serious about off-road adventure.
onX Offroad on Your Tablet
The onX Offroad App is for off-roaders who want to get the most out of their time behind the wheel. Some of the reasons to add onX Offroad to your tablet include:
Store Maps for Offline Use
No need to worry about whether or not your trail will have service. onX Offroad allows you to save maps on your tablet. These maps feature interactive land and trail data. The tablet’s internal GPS lets you see your location on saved maps.
Get Information on Public and Private Land
You will have access to landowner information from all over the country. The app will show you public and private land. Information includes private landowner names and boundaries. Those with an onX Offroad Elite subscription will also see acreage.
Customize with Markups
Don’t worry about not being able to share newly discovered trails with friends. You can add Waypoints and mark campsites. You can also add lines to create routes you want to remember and return to.
Access Thousands of Off-Road Trails
You can find information such as open and close dates. Find out if a trail is right for you with photos and difficulty ratings.
onX Offroad is $34.99 per year for Premium and $99.99 per year for Elite. You can start a free trial for seven days. This trial includes Elite features.
Experience Off-road with the Right Tablet
Built for the ever-changing nature of the trails, the right tablet makes a great addition to the off-roading experience. Yet, off-roaders know that every tablet needs the right app. onX Offroad is the perfect way to get the most out of your tablet. Having essential trail information and the ability to save trails at your fingertips are just some reasons to consider the app. The right tablet combined with the onX Offroad App improves time on the trails.