These Cheap Tablets Straddle the Line Between Screen Real Estate and Portability

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These days, most affordable tablets are good enough for modest daily activities like web browsing, watching movies, reading e-books, and playing simple games. Expensive tablets are a viable option if you’re looking to replace a high-end laptop, since they often have more storage, faster processors, and better screen resolution. Cheaper tablets can compete with the best when it comes to certain features, like display quality and battery life, but often come with fewer frills than a device with a heftier price tag.

Keep in mind that cheaper models won’t be suited for demanding tasks like graphics-intensive gaming or heavy multitasking (think photo-editing while streaming YouTube videos, or video-editing while sending emails). But if you’re interested in a device that allows you to catch up on your favorite shows, entertain your kids on car rides, or simply provide more screen real estate than your phone, an affordable tablet will get the job done.

The Best Cheap Tablets

• Best Overall: 10.2-in. iPad (2021) Tablet

• Best Budget: Amazon Fire Fire HD 10 Tablet

• Best for Reading: Amazon Fire 8 HD Tablet

• Best for Android Fans: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite Tablet

• Best for Business Use: Lenovo Tab M10 Plus 3rd Gen Tablet

What to Consider

Operating System

Cheap tablets can act as an extension to your other devices. For instance, if you have an iPhone and an iPad, you can use the Handoff tool to start work on one device and pass to another nearby to pick up where you left off. Samsung offers app continuity, so you can switch between devices and apps without having to start from the beginning. If you’re a devoted Android or Apple user, consider purchasing from the same brand to take advantage of fun features.

App Selection

The Android, iOS, and Amazon app stores do not all have the same popular apps available for download, although there is some overlap. Apple-only apps aren’t available on Android devices, and Google doesn’t officially offer its Play Store on Kindle Fire tablets. (The Google Play Store is the stock Android app store, but many of the Android tablets we recommend also come with a store by the manufacturer downloaded, such as Samsung’s Galaxy Store.)

Generally speaking, Amazon’s app store is the most limited. Google and Apple’s app marketplaces are comparable, but keep in mind that if you have, say, an Apple Arcade subscription, you won’t be able to access it on an Android device. We recommend looking for your favorite apps on each store before you buy your tablet to ensure you’ll be able to use your new device for what you need—and remember that some apps aren’t compatible with tablets, so be sure to filter by “tablet” when you browse.

Screen Quality

If you plan on primarily using your tablet for reading and emailing, go for a tablet with a 7- or 8-inch screen, which is light enough to hold with one hand while you type or scroll with the other, and small enough to slip into a backpack when you’re on the go.

A bigger screen will make it easier to see minute details and small writing, and can be easier on the eyes—if you find yourself squinting to see your phone a lot, consider a bigger screen (and maybe an appointment with your optometrist). A few of our selections on this list offer screen sizes over 10 inches for optimal viewing.

In terms of screen resolution, most tablets typically feature around 1920x1080 pixels, also known as 1080p or Full HD. This offers the same decent picture we’ve come to expect from most displays like TVs and monitors. If you’re after even greater clarity, consider upgrading to a tablet with a 4K-capable screen—this resolution is ideal for watching sports, playing graphics-intensive games, and doing art, photo, or video work.

You should also pay attention to your screen’s pixel density, which is usually called pixels per inch, or PPI. This metric refers to the number of pixels per square inch of your screen, so it directly impacts how clear and crisp the display looks. On the whole, around 300 PPI is great, around 200 PPI is good, and less than that is liable to look a bit pixelated.

Battery Life

Battery life becomes paramount if you’re a frequent traveler or if you’re using your tablet for processor-intensive tasks. Some of our recommendations should last for 10 hours off a single charge, while others are in the 7-hour range.

To use your tablet as your daily driver, opt for a device with a battery life in the double digits, like the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus, which can last for up to 14 hours. And remember: Running games, streaming movies, and upping the screen brightness while outdoors will significantly cut down on battery life between charges. For long days, throw your tablet in Airplane Mode and lower the screen brightness to make the battery last as long as possible.

Processor

The processor, or CPU, of your tablet will determine how fast it runs and what types of apps are compatible, so knowing the specs of your device can help you decide if it’s up to the task. Generally speaking, an octa-core processor, which has eight internal cores, is faster and more powerful than a dual-core or quad-core processor. If you only need to read books or casually browse the web, a tablet that comes with two or four cores can suit your needs. If you want to play intense games or do graphic design, a higher-end CPU will be a necessity.

Storage Space

Even the cheapest tablets come with 16 gigabytes of memory, which is sufficient for browsing the web and reading ebooks—but just barely enough to hold a decent range of apps and a handful of TV shows. Remember that your tablet’s operating system takes up a big chunk of this storage amount. If you want to download lots of games or movies, consider a tablet with 32 to 64 GB. Some tablets have a memory card slot, but you’ll have to purchase this separately. Apple tablets don’t have any options for expanded memory, save for cloud storage.

Generations

Newer models of tablets come with a jump in price, but that doesn’t mean an older version of the same device can’t perform just as well. The 9th generation of the Apple iPad, and our best overall pick, is cost-effective, familiar, and can do almost just as much as its more expensive sibling, the iPad Pro. It has the same A13 Bionic processor as the iPhone 11, and while it’s not the most current tablet that the brand offers, it is still fast enough for all your to-dos.

A good rule of thumb: If you want the latest and greatest, shop for the most current version of the tablet you choose. If you’re okay with some limitations and want to save cash, opt for an older model.

How We Selected

There are plenty of options from reputable brands and big tech players like Amazon, Samsung, and more. These names are liable to provide regular software updates for several generations of products, too, which can help minimize pesky bugs, glitches, and security flaws. We’ve chosen to include brands that are reliable, affordable, and well-received so that you get the best value for your money, and so you don’t find yourself replacing your tablet in a year.

Every tablet on this list is suitable for browsing the web, emailing, reading e-books, and playing simple games, and some are capable of more. In addition to our own experience with a bunch of these models, we considered user reviews and customer reviews of top contenders. Finally, we looked at screen size, memory, battery life, and price when compiling our final list of recommendations.

How We Selected

There are plenty of options from reputable brands and big tech players like Amazon, Samsung, and more. These names are liable to provide regular software updates for several generations of products, too, which can help minimize pesky bugs, glitches, and security flaws. We’ve chosen to include brands that are reliable, affordable, and well-received so that you get the best value for your money, and so you don’t find yourself replacing your tablet in a year.

Every tablet on this list is suitable for browsing the web, emailing, reading e-books, and playing simple games, and some are capable of more. In addition to our own experience with a bunch of these models, we considered user reviews and customer reviews of top contenders. Finally, we looked at screen size, memory, battery life, and price when compiling our final list of recommendations.

10.2-in. iPad (2021) Affordable Tablet

Apple’s cheapest iPad isn’t quite the rock-bottom price of some of the other tablets on this list, but it’s far and away the best tablet for most people. Though it’s an older generation model, you will get the incredible build quality common to Apple products and access to the vast variety of App Store apps.

The display is bright and beautiful, and the six-core A13 Bionic processor is fast enough to zip through all but the most demanding of tasks. It also features a hefty 64GB of storage and a decent amount of battery life.

Fire HD 10 (2023 Release) Affordable Tablet

The Fire HD 10 is the biggest tablet in Amazon’s line and a great choice if you’re already heavily invested in the company’s ecosystem. It’s easy to access Amazon’s music and video streaming services. And of course, reading Kindle books and making purchases from the storefront is a breeze as well.

The HD 10 offers a big, bright screen for a reasonable price. The octa-core processor sounds impressive, but in this case, it doesn’t perform as well as we’d like—it quickly gets bogged down when you try more demanding games, likely due to the clunkiness of the operating system, but it’s fine for watching movies and browsing the web.

If you’re looking for top performance, we recommend checking out alternative devices that are outside of the Amazon line (though they are often more expensive). That said, for a truly inexpensive option that’ll be ready to go out of the box, it’s a decent choice.

Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Affordable Tablet

A big step up in terms of looks and price, the Tab S6 distinguishes itself in a crowded field because it’s packaged with a stylus, which is handy for making sketches and taking quick notes. In our use, we found the stylus to be too small for long writing sessions, but it’s a lot of fun for short annotations.

The rest of the tablet boasts an excellent screen and a speedy processor. The rear camera is also great for documenting memories thanks to the autofocus, and the front camera offers a quality picture for video calls.

For its price, the S6 Lite provides plenty of power, though it’s not quite as responsive as its iPad equivalents. Still, if you’re looking for a powerful budget Android, look no further.

Galaxy Tab A7 Lite Cheap Tablet

The Tab A7 Lite is a great, all-around tablet that suits most budgets. Its 8.7-inch screen size strikes a perfect balance between being big enough to not feel cramped while remaining fairly portable. Additionally, battery life is decent, while facial recognition is also a welcome bonus. The chassis is made with sturdy metal for durability, and the USB-C port allows for faster charging than some of the other models on this list.

If you already own another Galaxy device, you can convert your tablet into your own entertainment hub: Start streaming your favorite shows and movies on your tablet, then send to your phone to finish later while you’re on the go.

The stock Android operating system means you can download apps directly from the Google Play Store, something you can’t do with Amazon’s Fire tablets. One thing to keep in mind is that the processor in this model is a little slow.

Tab M10 Plus 3rd Gen Inexpensive Tablet

The Lenovo Tab M10 has a sharper screen and faster processor than the Fire, and unlike the Fire HD 10, the M10 gives you full access to the Google Play store. This means you can download a huge variety of your favorite apps.

The device comes with four speakers, so you get a decent range of audio when playing music and videos sans headphones. The reading mode setting will make long amounts of screen time easy on the eyes, so this is a great device for school or business needs.

The M10 has a metal rear housing, which gives it a premium, business-like feel. It’s sleek and offers higher battery life than other options on this list, so it’ll last you longer in between charges.

Galaxy Tab A8 Cheap Tablet

The Tab A8 offers a wide display with sharp colors and a clear picture, and the device comes in at a reasonable price for the segment. The screen’s quality is excellent and vibrant, and the tablet comes with four speakers, which makes it a great option for streaming.

It has a speedy processor, which makes a big difference when trying to run complex apps, and the battery life will last you for up to 9 hours (though reviewers say it's slow to charge with the included cable).

Expert Sascha Brodsky on Keyboards, Data Plans, and the Newest Surface Pro From Microsoft

Does it make sense to buy a tablet keyboard?

It depends on what you’ll use your tablet for. If you use it mainly for emailing and reading books, you really don’t need one. But if you plan to use your tablet to work on large documents or to browse the web often, a keyboard can provide a laptop experience.

There are two main types of tablet keyboards: those meant to work as covers for your tablet, and those intended to reside primarily on your desk and look more like a standard keyboard. Look for one that offers a decent-sized keyboard but that doesn’t turn your tablet into something cumbersome.

Do I need a data plan, or is Wi-Fi sufficient?

Most low-end tablets do not have the ability to use wireless LTE data. But that doesn’t mean the tablet you want isn’t available in a version that does; you’ll just have to pay a little extra.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7, for example, is available with four LTE data plan options — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and US Cellular — for around $50. A data plan can be incredibly useful if you tend to use your tablet outside of Wi-Fi range.

In a pinch, if you do need to get data on the go but don’t have a built-in data plan for your tablet, check with your cellular carrier to see if you have the option to set up a hotspot on your phone.

What is your favorite tablet purchase?

I’m a longtime fan of the tablet, so I got in at the beginning when Apple introduced its Newton Messagepad in 1992. The Newton, which had a dim black-and-white screen and ran on disposable batteries, was unlike any computer ever made back then.

It was an exciting experience to try out using a stylus instead of a keyboard to input information. I absolutely loved the Newton even though it was never a commercial success, and trying it out for the first time was a great experience.

But the tablet I have on my radar now is Microsoft’s latest Surface Pro 9, which has a 13-inch touch screen, up to 19 hours of battery life, a fast processor, and Microsoft’s built-in Kickstand. It starts at $999, but can run into the thousands, depending on how you configure it.

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