On this page
The Euros 2024 took over the summer, and for many fans, catching every minute meant streaming matches at the barbecue, on the train, or even while hiding from the family. If you relied on a small phone or a slow, old laptop, you missed out. The best solution for on-the-go sport is a high-quality tablet, and the refurbished market in 2024 offered incredible deals on devices with brilliant screens and powerful speakers.
The quick verdict
For streaming live football, a refurbished tablet beats a small phone or a slow laptop. Serious fans should choose an M1 or M2 iPad Pro for its display, speakers and smooth 4K streaming, Android users the Galaxy Tab S9 series for its AMOLED screens and quad speakers, and anyone wanting the best value the M1 iPad Air. Look for a bright screen, long battery life and good speakers.
Refurbished tablets for the Euros at a glance
| Tablet | Standout feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro (M1 or M2) | Liquid Retina XDR or OLED display, top speakers | Serious football fans |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series | Dynamic AMOLED 2X and AKG-tuned quad speakers | Android users wanting a cinematic screen |
| iPad Air (5th Gen / M1) | M1 speed and Liquid Retina display | Best price and performance balance |
Here are the top-rated refurbished tablets we recommended in 2024 that were perfect for keeping up with all the tournament action, ensuring you never missed a moment of glory.
The Three Key Specs for Streaming Sport
Watching live sport demands three things from your device. Our top picks excel in all of them:
- Display Quality: You need a large, bright screen with a high resolution (ideally 120Hz refresh rate, if possible) to handle fast-paced action without blur and to combat summer glare outdoors.
- Battery Life: Matches run for hours, often with extra time, and you don't want to be tethered to a socket. Long-lasting battery power is essential for portability.
- Audio Performance: The roar of the crowd and the commentator's analysis are part of the experience. Good built-in speakers are vital, especially quad-speaker setups.
The Envirofone Top-Rated Tablets for 2024 Viewing
Based on performance and customer reviews on the refurbished market, these tablets were the clear winners for streaming the Euros:
- Refurbished Apple iPad Pro (M1 or M2 Chip): Unbeatable for the ultimate streaming experience. While expensive new, a refurbished M1 or M2 iPad Pro offered a stunning Liquid Retina XDR or OLED display and the best speakers in the business. The power of the M-series chip guaranteed perfectly smooth 4K streaming, making this the choice for the serious football fan.
- Refurbished Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Series: The flagship Android challenger. The S9 Ultra, S9 Plus, and standard S9 all featured beautiful Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays - perfect for deep blacks and vibrant team colours. They also boasted excellent AKG-tuned quad-speakers, and the generous screen sizes (especially the 14.6-inch Ultra) made the match feel truly cinematic.
- Refurbished iPad Air (5th Gen / M1): The best blend of price and performance. Featuring the powerful M1 chip, the iPad Air was significantly cheaper than the Pro but delivered phenomenal speed and a beautiful Liquid Retina display. It was the ideal portable streaming powerhouse for catching matches when travelling or commuting.
Score a Great Deal: The Refurbished Advantage
Why pay full price when you can get a pristine, powerful tablet that handled the Euros perfectly? Choosing to buy a quality refurbished tablet from Envirofone guarantees you a fully tested device with a warranty, giving you that
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in a tablet for watching sport?
A tablet for live sport needs a large, bright, high-resolution screen, ideally with a 120Hz refresh rate, long battery life for matches that run into extra time, and good built-in speakers, ideally a quad-speaker setup.
Is a refurbished iPad Pro good for streaming football?
A refurbished M1 or M2 iPad Pro was described as unbeatable for streaming. The iPad Pro offers a Liquid Retina XDR or OLED display, excellent speakers and M-series power for perfectly smooth 4K streaming.
Which Android tablet is best for watching matches?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series, including the S9, S9 Plus and S9 Ultra, has Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays and AKG-tuned quad speakers. The 14.6-inch S9 Ultra makes matches feel especially cinematic.
Is the iPad Air a good alternative to the iPad Pro?
The M1 iPad Air was significantly cheaper than the iPad Pro but still delivered phenomenal speed and a beautiful Liquid Retina display, making the iPad Air ideal for streaming matches while travelling or commuting.
