Summary
- The iPad 10 is an ideal streaming device due to its portability, sleek design, and versatility.
- All streaming apps work on the iPad, allowing for seamless viewing experiences, even when switching between devices.
- The iPad provides a more comfortable and flexible streaming experience compared to stationary TVs, making it a preferred choice for viewing content anywhere.
Figuring out your streaming setup can be a challenge. You may want a 70-inch TV with surround sound and place it perfectly in the corner of your room so it avoids sunlight. From there, you may want backlighting that illuminates to go along with your content. You also need a couch or some recliners to go with the TV, of course — you don’t want your guests sitting on the floor.
Too bad all of this costs a fair bit of money. If you want to have a great spot to watch TV or stream movies , it makes sense to invest in it. But, if you’re trying to work around a budget, it can be difficult to achieve what you want. I invested in an iPad a few years ago and use it for a ton of different things — from a baby monitor to regular work. That also means it’s with me during downtime, so it has become my preferred streaming companion.
I have TVs around my home, but I always end up coming back to streaming on my iPad 10. It may seem crazy because I do own smart TVs, but I have my reasons for wanting to watch things on my iPad.
Apple iPad 10
$300 $350 Save $50
The 10th generation iPad comes with some sleek new features, bringing it closer in line to the Air and Pro models. It includes a 2360×1640 Liquid Retina display and a A14 Bionic processor for smooth, powerful performance. It's the first base model iPad to switch to USB-C for charging, making it more efficient. Support for the first gen Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard Folio is also sweet.
Brand Apple Storage 64GB, 256GB CPU A14 Bionic Ports USB-C (up to 480Mb/s) Camera (Rear, Front) 12-megapixel wide Display type 10.9-inch, 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina Expand $300 at Walmart See at Amazon
It's ideal for travel streaming
The move from a TV to iPad is pivotal
Sure, I still use my TV to watch things at home — but I can’t exactly toss it in a backpack. Naturally, my phone would be the next choice for streaming on the go. But honestly, watching anything longer than a TikTok on a phone just isn’t it. The screen’s too small, the neck-craning is real, and it makes plane rides feel even longer.
What’s incredibly nice is that you can now use Bluetooth earbuds or headphones on a lot of flights, not requiring you to bring wired headphones for your iPad or seatback TV.
Since I usually have my iPad with me for work anyway, it’s become my go-to portable TV. The combo of a stellar 10-inch screen and the ability to download shows and movies from pretty much any streaming app is a lifesaver.
The portability works to my advantage
It basically makes the decision for me
Is it necessary to bring my iPad with me everywhere? Not really. But it’s portable enough that there’s really no reason not to. Sure, it’s not the lightest device out there, but it’s slim, sleek, and easy to slip into my laptop bag — right alongside my work computer. Even on busy days, it comes along for the ride.
I can comfortably hold it one-handed, whether I’m watching horizontally or vertically, and the touchscreen makes scrolling and tapping through shows just as easy said and done. The iPad’s design is kind of the whole point — it’s minimal, modern, and made to move with you. Honestly, it’s one of the best streaming sidekicks I’ve got.
All streaming apps work on this
This shouldn't be understated
It honestly doesn’t matter what streaming service I’m in the mood for — every single one works on the iPad. From the big names like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Paramount+, and Peacock to free platforms like Tubi and Pluto TV, each one is supported and a tap away. The best part is that everything stays in sync.
iPads aren’t the most lightweight devices on the market. However, for their size, they are slim and not difficult to tote.
This means I can watch something on a TV, pause it, and then pick it up in the same place on my iPad. You can do this on a laptop, but not all the streaming apps are available with desktop options. You can log in to the web browser versions of all the platforms, which is fine. But, for some of them, it’s harder to download content to watch offline if you’re using the web browser version. On the iPad, I get the best of both worlds — easy streaming and offline downloads, no workarounds necessary.
It's more multifunctional than a TV is
I can just do more things with the iPad
TVs have gotten smarter, I’ll give them that. They can take voice commands, flash a notification when your laundry’s done, or show you your security cam feed. But let’s be real: you’re not about to start doodling on your TV screen. However, that’s where the iPad shines. It’s in your hands, it moves with you, and it’s built for multitasking.
Newer smart TVs can offer Matter connectivity, which means they can connect to more devices. But an iPad offers HomeKit functionality as well as Matter, giving you more options on how to connect your devices in your smart home. So I can stream a show, dim the porch lights, and check the backyard camera — all without moving from the couch. Try doing that with a remote and a flatscreen.
It's more comfortable to sit with
Cozy up anywhere in the house with it
Sitting somewhere and looking up at a TV is usually the average person’s preferred way to stream. But, let’s say you have a ton of people over to watch one single TV. Some people aren’t going to get the best seat in the house. Someone’s always stuck off to the side or craning their neck from a weird angle. It’s not exactly the most comfortable setup, especially if you’re in it for the long haul.
That’s why I love watching on my iPad. I can lay in bed, sink into the couch, or just rest it on my chest using the tri-fold case like it’s a little movie theater just for me. I’ve used it on the bus, during a stretch on the yoga mat — you name it. A TV is stationary, and my iPad doesn’t have to be.
