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Zone 1 Zone 2 ATEX

Alternatives Guide · July 2026

ecom Tab-Ex Alternatives
Every ATEX Tablet, Compared

The ecom Tab-Ex series is the market leader in ATEX certified tablets. But it’s not the only option. Here are all certified alternatives — with honest pros and cons for each.

Why Consider Tab-Ex Alternatives?

The Tab-Ex 03 DZ2 is an excellent device — we rank it highly in our best tablets guide. But there are legitimate reasons to look elsewhere:

  • You need Windows. The Tab-Ex is Android-only. If SAP GUI, SCADA clients, or legacy .exe apps are required, you need the Aegex 10 IS or Bartec Agile X IS.
  • Budget is tight. At ~€3,200, the Tab-Ex is mid-range. The i.safe IS930.1 starts at ~€2,400 with Zone 1 certification.
  • You need a compact tablet. The Tab-Ex is 10.1″. The i.safe IS930.1 is 8″ — better for one-handed field use.
  • Zone 2 is sufficient. If your area classification only requires Zone 2, devices like the Getac F110-Ex or Zebra XPAD L10 IS offer powerful alternatives at different price points.
  • Vendor diversification. Some procurement policies require multi-vendor strategies to avoid dependency on a single supplier.

All Alternatives at a Glance

Tablet Zone OS Display Weight Price Best For
ecom Tab-Ex 03 DZ21/21Android 1310.1″690g~€3,200Market leader, Samsung ecosystem
i.safe IS930.11/21Android 128.0″570g~€2,400Compact & budget Zone 1
Aegex 10 IS1/21Windows 10/1110.1″850g~€4,500Windows in Zone 1 (only option)
Bartec Agile X IS1/21Windows 10 IoT10.1″1,050g~€4,200Windows + Bartec ecosystem
Getac F110-Ex2Windows 1111.6″1,400g~€3,800Large screen, Zone 2 Windows
Zebra XPAD L10 IS2Android/Win10.1″1,100g~€3,500Enterprise MDM, dual-OS option

Blue row = the product being compared against. Prices approximate, July 2026.

1. i.safe MOBILE IS930.1

Best budget Zone 1 alternative. The IS930.1 is the most affordable Zone 1 tablet at ~€2,400 — roughly 25% cheaper than the Tab-Ex. The trade-off is a smaller 8″ screen (which some field workers actually prefer for portability) and Android 12 instead of 13. Gas Group IIC, IP68, dual-certified ATEX + IECEx.

Full comparison: Tab-Ex 03 vs IS930.1 →

2. Aegex 10 IS

The only Zone 1 Windows tablet at 10.1″. If your field operations depend on SAP GUI, PI ProcessBook, SCADA HMI, or any legacy Windows application, the Aegex is the only Zone 1 option at this screen size. You pay a premium (~€4,500) and accept more weight (850g) and lower IP rating (IP65), but there is no Android workaround for .exe dependencies.

Full comparison: Tab-Ex 03 vs Aegex 10 →

3. Bartec Agile X IS

Windows Zone 1 with a Bartec ecosystem. Similar Windows proposition to the Aegex but from Bartec, which also manufactures the Pixavi smartphone and various Ex accessories. At ~€4,200 it’s slightly cheaper than the Aegex, but heavier at 1,050g. Strong in European chemical and pharma sectors. Sunlight-readable Gorilla Glass display is a standout feature.

Full comparison: Tab-Ex 03 vs Bartec Agile X →

4. Getac F110-Ex

Large-screen Windows, Zone 2 only. The 11.6″ display is the biggest in this list, and full Windows 11 makes it effectively a rugged laptop in tablet form. However, it’s only certified for Zone 2 — it cannot enter Zone 1 areas. At 1.4kg it’s also the heaviest option. Best for vehicle-mounted or desk-bound use where the larger screen improves productivity and Zone 2 classification is sufficient.

5. Zebra XPAD L10 IS

Enterprise MDM powerhouse, Zone 2. Zebra’s enterprise ecosystem (Workforce Connect, VisibilityIQ) is unmatched for fleet management. Available in both Android and Windows variants. Zone 2 only. The Zebra is the strongest choice for organisations already invested in Zebra’s handheld scanner and printer ecosystem.

Quick Decision Guide

Need Zone 1 + Android? → Tab-Ex 03 DZ2 (large screen) or IS930.1 (compact/budget)

Need Zone 1 + Windows? → Aegex 10 IS or Bartec Agile X IS

Zone 2 is enough + want large screen? → Getac F110-Ex

Zone 2 + Zebra enterprise ecosystem? → Zebra XPAD L10 IS

Lowest price with Zone 1? → i.safe IS930.1