When planning a trip, consider any downtime you might have at the airport or during long car rides. A practical tablet that allows you to entertain yourself becomes essential, especially if it is designed for casual gaming. A Steam Deck is also a great choice for a better gaming experience, but which is better depends on what else you want to do in your downtime outside of gaming and what types of games you like to play.
Tablets can be a mixed bag on the hardware front, but high-end models like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and Apple iPad Pro can handle all types of games, including demanding titles like “Wuthering Waves,” “Genshin Impact” and “Resident Evil 4.” Tablets make great travel companions because they’re usually easy to carry (they fit in a small pouch), usually lightweight, and sometimes come with nice accessories like a stylus.
On the other hand, a premium tablet in 2026 might be overkill, especially since it can cost upwards of $1,200 depending on storage configuration – far more than a Steam Deck. The higher price may make people worry about losing or stealing it, especially considering the amount of personal data you might store there. A Steam Deck is still expensive, but if it’s lost, you can log out of your account remotely through a web browser or another Steam client, which could give a worried traveler some peace of mind. If you want gaming flexibility while you travel, the Steam Deck is the superior option.
Steam Deck is the most versatile choice for gaming
While high-end tablets are great, the Steam Deck is also great for moving around. Additionally, if you’re using a tablet, you’re probably using Android or iOS, so you’re locked into what library you own based on that storefront – cloud gaming services, like xCloud and GeForce Now, may give you more options, but it ultimately depends on your internet connection.
Steam Deck runs on SteamOS, a flexible Linux distribution; you can technically run multiple non-Steam libraries through different SteamOS apps, like Heroic Games Launcher. Unfortunately, you can’t run iOS apps on SteamOS, but you can run Android apps with a Waydroid container. Keep in mind that some free titles can also be cross-played in your Steam library, usually those from live services with compatible anti-cheat software (Zenless Zone Zero, Marvel Rivals). When it comes to offline and controller support, the Steam Deck really shines.
Be aware that with offline support, some games require an initial internet connection to start if you use third-party launchers to access them; For most titles out of live service, you can play offline after setup. Once you’ve done that, you should be able to launch any Steam game and then use cloud saves once you’ve re-established a network connection. As for controllers, the Steam Deck already has one integrated into the sides. Android tablets or iPads usually require external accessories or add-ons, which is extra baggage to carry around. Plus, you get a free ready-made case when you buy a Steam Deck, so you’re already ready to travel.
