In the current market, many budget-friendly tablets are sufficiently equipped to handle basic daily tasks such as internet browsing, streaming movies, reading digital books, and engaging in simple gaming. For those considering a replacement for a high-performance laptop, premium tablets present a compelling choice, as they typically offer greater storage capacity, enhanced processing speeds, and superior screen resolution. While less expensive tablets can rival high-end models in specific aspects like display quality and battery longevity, they generally lack the additional features found in pricier alternatives.
It is important to note that lower-cost models may not be suitable for more demanding applications, such as graphics-heavy gaming or extensive multitasking (for instance, editing photos while streaming videos or editing videos while managing emails). However, if your goal is to enjoy your favorite series, keep children entertained during travel, or simply have a larger screen than your smartphone, an economical tablet will effectively meet your needs.
Best Cheap Tablets Reviews
1. Apple iPad (9th Generation)
Apple’s most affordable iPad may not be the lowest-priced option among the tablets listed, yet it stands out as the most suitable choice for the majority of users. Despite being an older generation model, it offers the exceptional build quality that is characteristic of Apple products, along with access to a wide array of applications available on the App Store.
The display is vibrant and visually appealing, while the six-core A13 Bionic processor provides sufficient speed to handle nearly all tasks, except for the most resource-intensive ones. Additionally, it comes with a substantial 64GB of storage and a commendable battery life.
2. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
The Tab A7 Lite is an excellent, versatile tablet that accommodates a wide range of budgets. Its 8.7-inch display offers an ideal compromise between sufficient screen size for comfortable viewing and portability. Furthermore, the battery performance is satisfactory, and the inclusion of facial recognition technology adds an extra layer of convenience. The device features a robust metal chassis, ensuring durability, and the USB-C port facilitates quicker charging compared to several other models in this category.
For those who already possess another Galaxy device, the tablet can be transformed into a personal entertainment center: you can begin streaming your preferred shows and movies on the tablet and seamlessly transfer them to your phone for continued viewing while on the move.
The tablet operates on a stock Android system, allowing users to download applications directly from the Google Play Store, a feature not available on Amazon’s Fire tablets. However, it is important to note that the processor in this model may exhibit slower performance.
3. ZONKO K105 Tablet
Equipped with the latest Android operating system and a 1.3GHz processor, this tablet represents an excellent budget-friendly option for both work-related applications and gaming, offering a seamless and convenient experience. The device features a responsive 10.1-inch display, perfect for enjoying HD movies. Multiple connectivity options ensure that you remain online and can easily share data.
The tablet’s memory is expandable via an SD card, and its 6000mAh battery provides between 6 to 8 hours of usage on a single charge. Google Play offers a wide array of both free and paid applications, including messaging, document processing, business tools, creative software, and entertainment options.
This economical device can enhance your productivity during office hours and make your daily commute more enjoyable.
4. Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet
The Fire HD 10 stands as the largest tablet within Amazon’s product range and is an excellent option for those who are deeply integrated into the company’s ecosystem. Accessing Amazon’s music and video streaming services is straightforward, and reading Kindle books or making purchases from the storefront is equally effortless.
This tablet features a large, vibrant display at a competitive price point. While the octa-core processor may appear impressive, its performance does not meet expectations, particularly when handling more demanding games; it tends to lag, likely due to the operating system’s limitations. However, it remains adequate for watching movies and browsing the internet.
For those seeking superior performance, it may be advisable to explore alternative devices beyond the Amazon lineup, although these options typically come at a higher cost. Nevertheless, for a budget-friendly choice that is ready for immediate use, the Fire HD 10 is a commendable selection.
5. Lenovo Tab M10 Plus
The Lenovo Tab M10 features a more vibrant display and a quicker processor compared to the Fire model. Additionally, unlike the Fire HD 10, the M10 provides complete access to the Google Play Store, allowing users to download a wide array of their preferred applications.
Equipped with four speakers, this device delivers a commendable audio experience for music and video playback without the need for headphones. The reading mode option enhances visual comfort during extended screen usage, making it an excellent choice for educational or professional purposes.
The M10 is constructed with a metal back, imparting a sophisticated, business-oriented appearance. Its sleek design and superior battery life surpass many alternatives on this list, ensuring prolonged usage between charges.
How we picked the best budget tablets
We have utilized, evaluated, and appreciated nearly all the tablets featured in this list, possessing extensive experience with both iPadOS and Android for tasks related to productivity and media consumption. Our selections are grounded in the fundamental belief that an excellent tablet experience can be achieved for $400 or less, without necessitating significant compromises.
In our considerations, we acknowledged the various motivations individuals have for purchasing a tablet, as well as the essential features that should not be sacrificed. This encompasses a high-quality display suitable for outdoor use and enjoyable for viewing content, alongside a sufficiently powerful processor capable of handling gaming and facilitating straightforward multitasking between applications, complemented by all-day battery life. Furthermore, we made our selections with an understanding that not all tablet operating systems are equal, nor do they offer the same range or quality of applications. We aimed to highlight any potential limitations posed by a tablet’s software.
