Best Budget Tablets

• 🥇 Apple iPad 10th Gen – Best Overall
• 🥈 Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus – Largest Screen
• 🥉 Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE – Most Popular Samsung Pick
• 🎖️ Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) – Best With Keyboard
• 🎖️ Xiaomi Pad 6 – Alternative Pick

Tablets are not the cheapest gadgets out there. Some devices can get quite pricey depending on the brand, OS, size, and other features. Considering how expensive most things are nowadays, you’re probably looking for ways to cut costs, even if that means getting a lower-performing tablet.

But how do you choose the best tablets without spending a fortune? Believe it or not, you can even find devices from the most popular brands that will not force you to break the bank.

Top Picks – Quick Overview

Top 5 Budget Tablet Comparison

Tablet Model	Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+	Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE	iPad 10th Gen	Xiaomi Pad 6	Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
OS	Android	Android	iPadOS	MIUI Pad	Android
Release Year	2023	2023	2022	2023	2024
Screen Size	12.4-inch	10.9-inch	10.9-inch	11.0-inch	10.4-inch
Display Quality	1600 x 2560	1440 x 2304	1640 x 2360	1800 x 2880	1200 x 2000
Processor	Exynos 1380	Exynos 1380	Apple A14 Bionic	Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G	Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G and Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G
Battery Life	Up to 15+ hours	Up to 15+ hours	Up to 10 hours and 57 minutes	Up to 10+ hours	Up to 12 hours
Max Storage	256GB	256GB	256GB	256GB	128GB
Cellular Connectivity	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes

What Are Budget Tablets?

Budget tablets, while not as powerful as their high-end counterparts, offer a variety of features that make them suitable for everyday tasks. These tablets provide smooth web browsing, allowing users to read articles, research information, and shop online effortlessly. They are also excellent for streaming videos on platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+, thanks to their decent screen resolutions and battery life, making them perfect for binge-watching favorite shows and movies.

In terms of communication, budget tablets handle email and messaging apps efficiently, supporting major providers like Gmail and Outlook, as well as communication platforms such as WhatsApp, Skype, and Zoom. They keep you connected on social media, enabling you to interact with friends and family on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. For those who enjoy reading, these tablets transform into portable libraries with apps like Kindle and Google Play Books, ideal for e-books and magazines. Though they may not be suited for high-end gaming, budget tablets can still run casual games smoothly, providing entertainment without lag.

These devices also cater to productivity needs, supporting office suite apps like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace for creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Some even support stylus input, useful for note-taking and sketching. Basic cameras on budget tablets suffice for casual photography, video chats, and document scanning. Additionally, they serve educational purposes well, accessing online courses and educational apps like Khan Academy and Coursera, making learning engaging and accessible.

Music and podcast enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite tunes and shows using apps like Spotify and Apple Music, often with decent audio quality and Bluetooth headphone support. Budget tablets also function as control hubs for smart home devices, managing lights, thermostats, and security cameras through various apps. For travel, they provide reliable navigation with apps like Google Maps and Waze, offering real-time traffic updates and directions. Overall, budget tablets are versatile, cost-effective solutions for a wide range of everyday tasks.

Best Budget Tablets For Specific Needs

Finding the perfect tablet can be challenging with so many options available. Whether you’re looking for a device to enhance your movie-watching experience, assist with note-taking, provide a seamless gaming platform, or entertain your kids, there’s a tablet tailored to meet your specific needs. In this section, we’ll explore the best tablets for various categories, helping you make an informed decision based on your unique requirements.

Best Budget Android Tablet

The best budget Android tablet is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. Though it might be considered mid-range by some, it offers exceptional value and performance for its price. With a large 12.4-inch IPS LCD display featuring a 90Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1600 x 2560 pixels, it provides a vibrant and smooth visual experience, ideal for both media consumption and productivity. Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset, coupled with options of 6GB, 8GB, or 12GB of RAM, this tablet handles multitasking with ease. It runs on Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, ensuring access to the latest features and security updates.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is perfect for a variety of tasks. Its dual 8 MP main cameras and 12 MP ultrawide selfie camera offer good photo and video quality, including 4K video recording. The tablet also supports a stylus, making it great for note-taking and drawing. Its robust 10,090 mAh battery supports 45W fast charging, providing long-lasting usage. The device is IP68 dust/water resistant, making it durable for everyday use.

Reasons To Buy

• High-quality 12.4-inch IPS LCD display with 90Hz refresh rate for smooth and vibrant visuals.
• Powerful Exynos 1380 chipset with up to 12GB of RAM for efficient multitasking.
• Stylus support for note-taking and drawing.
• Long-lasting 10,090 mAh battery with 45W fast charging.
• IP68 dust/water resistance for added durability.
• Dual 8 MP main cameras and 12 MP ultrawide selfie camera with 4K video recording.

Reasons To Avoid

• Higher price point, on the upper end of the budget category.
• No 3.5mm headphone jack, which may be inconvenient for wired audio users.
• Heavy weight of 627g, making it cumbersome to hold for extended periods.

Best Budget Apple Tablet

The best budget Apple tablet is the iPad 10th Gen 2022. This iPad offers a balanced mix of performance and features at an affordable price. It sports a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1640 x 2360 pixels, providing clear and vibrant visuals. Powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chip, it ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. The tablet runs on iPadOS, ensuring access to the latest software updates, features and apps.

The iPad 10th Gen is equipped with a 12 MP wide main camera capable of 4K video recording and a 12 MP ultrawide front camera, perfect for video calls and selfies. It offers robust connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and optional 5G, ensuring fast internet and data transfer speeds. With a weight of just 477 grams for the Wi-Fi model, it is highly portable and easy to handle. The tablet also supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, making it suitable for note-taking and creative tasks.

Reasons To Buy

• High-quality Display: The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD offers crisp and vibrant visuals, ideal for media consumption and productivity.
• Powerful Performance: The Apple A14 Bionic chip provides smooth and efficient performance for everyday tasks and multitasking.
• Camera Capabilities: 12 MP main and front cameras with 4K video recording and ultrawide selfie capabilities ensure excellent photo and video quality.
• Stylus Support: Compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, making it great for note-taking and drawing.
• Portability: Lightweight at 477 grams, making it easy to carry around.

Reasons To Avoid

• No Expandable Storage: Lacks a microSD card slot, limiting storage to the internal 64GB or 256GB options.
• No 3.5mm Jack: Absence of a headphone jack may be inconvenient for users who prefer wired headphones.
• Limited Stylus Compatibility: Only supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, which lacks some features of the newer models.
• Non-Laminated Display: The tablet is equipped with a non-laminated display, unlike other iPads that are equipped with laminated displays.

Best Budget Tablet For Watching Movies

The Xiaomi Pad 6 is an excellent budget option for movie enthusiasts, offering a compelling mix of screen quality, audio performance, and battery life. Released in April 2023, this tablet boasts an 11.0-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1800 x 2880 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals. The display supports 1 billion colors, a 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10, and Dolby Vision, ensuring a premium viewing experience with rich colors and smooth motion. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, the screen is both durable and visually stunning.

Audio quality is another strong point for the Xiaomi Pad 6. Equipped with four stereo speakers, it provides a rich and immersive sound experience, enhanced by 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio. This makes it perfect for enjoying movies with clear dialogue and dynamic soundtracks. The tablet’s 8840 mAh battery ensures long viewing sessions, with an active use score of 10 hours, and supports 33W wired charging for quick recharges. Although it lacks cellular connectivity, its Wi-Fi 6 support ensures fast and reliable streaming.

If you are looking for a tablet specifically for streaming, we suggest viewing this article.

Reasons To Buy

• Excellent Display Quality: The 11.0-inch IPS LCD with 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10, and Dolby Vision provides sharp, vibrant, and smooth visuals, perfect for watching movies.
• Immersive Audio: Four stereo speakers with Hi-Res audio deliver a rich and dynamic sound experience.
• Long Battery Life: The 8840 mAh battery supports extended viewing sessions, with nearly 10 hours of active use.
• Durable Build: Glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, along with an aluminum frame and back, ensures durability.

Reasons To Avoid

• No Cellular Connectivity: Lacks cellular support, limiting use to Wi-Fi networks for streaming and internet access.
• No Expandable Storage: Absence of a microSD card slot means storage is limited to internal options (128GB or 256GB).
• No 3.5mm Jack: The tablet does not include a headphone jack, which may be inconvenient for those who prefer wired headphones.
• Limited Camera Use: While sufficient for basic photography and video calls, the 13 MP main and 8 MP front cameras are not standout features for this device.
• Price: It is relatively high for a budget category, though it offers substantial value for its features.

Best Budget Tablet With Pen

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is an ideal choice for note-taking, drawing, and sketching, offering a comprehensive set of features tailored for creative tasks. Released in October 2023, this tablet comes with the S Pen included in the price, providing precise input and a natural writing experience. The tablet boasts a spacious 10.9-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1440 x 2304 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio, offering ample space for jotting down notes or sketching detailed illustrations. With a refresh rate of 90Hz, the screen ensures smooth pen strokes and minimal latency, enhancing the overall drawing experience.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE also excels in battery life, with a massive 8000 mAh battery that offers over 15 hours of usage on a single charge. This extended battery life ensures that users can stay productive and creative for extended periods without worrying about running out of power. Additionally, the tablet’s IP68 dust and water resistance make it durable and reliable for use in various environments.

You might be interested in seeing other tablets that work with Pens and are considered the best in the category. You can view them here.

Reasons To Buy

• Included S Pen: The tablet comes with the S Pen included in the price, providing precise input and a natural writing experience.
• Spacious Display: The 10.9-inch IPS LCD display offers ample space for note-taking, drawing, and sketching, with vibrant colors and crisp details.
• Smooth Performance: Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset and up to 8GB of RAM, the tablet delivers smooth performance for multitasking and creative tasks.
• Extended Battery Life: With over 15 hours of battery life on a single charge, users can stay productive and creative without interruptions.
• Durable Build: IP68 dust and water resistance ensure durability and reliability for use in various environments.

Reasons To Avoid

• Higher Price: Higher end of the budget category for some users.
• No 3.5mm Jack: The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack may be inconvenient for users who prefer wired headphones.
• Limited Availability of Accessories: Some accessories, such as additional S Pens or protective cases, may have limited availability compared to more popular tablet models.

Best Budget Tablet With Keyboard

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) is a versatile option for those seeking a budget-friendly tablet that can function like a 2-in-1 laptop when paired with a keyboard. Although the keyboard is not included in the price and must be purchased separately, it transforms the tablet into a productive device suitable for typing documents, browsing, and other tasks typically performed on a laptop. The tablet features a 10.4-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 1200 x 2000 pixels, providing clear and vibrant visuals. Its slim profile, measuring just 7 mm in thickness and weighing around 467 grams, makes it highly portable and easy to carry around.

Powered by an octa-core processor (4×2.4 GHz & 4×2.0 GHz) and available with up to 128GB of internal storage and 4GB of RAM, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite offers sufficient processing power for multitasking and running various applications smoothly. The inclusion of the Samsung DeX feature enhances its functionality, enabling a desktop-like experience when connected to a keyboard and monitor. Additionally, the tablet supports stylus input, making it a handy tool for note-taking and drawing. With a battery capacity of 7040 mAh, it ensures long hours of usage and supports 15W wired charging for quick recharges.

You might like to check other tablets that are compatible with keyboards.

Reasons To Buy

• Versatile 2-in-1 Functionality: When paired with a keyboard (sold separately), it functions like a laptop, making it ideal for productivity tasks.
• Portable Design: Slim and lightweight, it is easy to carry around and use on the go.
• Good Display Quality: The 10.4-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 1200 x 2000 pixels offers clear and vibrant visuals.
• Decent Performance: Equipped with an octa-core processor and up to 128GB of internal storage, it handles multitasking and various applications smoothly.
• Samsung DeX Support: Enhances productivity by providing a desktop-like experience when connected to a keyboard and monitor.
• Stylus Support: Ideal for note-taking, drawing, and other creative tasks.

Reasons To Avoid

• Keyboard Not Included: The keyboard must be purchased separately, adding to the overall cost.
• Limited Internal Storage Options: Maximum internal storage is 128GB, which may not be sufficient for heavy users.
• Moderate Charging Speed: The 15W wired charging is slower compared to some competitors, leading to longer charging times.

Best Budget Tablets For Students

When selecting a budget tablet for students, several factors come into play to ensure it meets educational needs effectively. A good tablet should have a responsive and vibrant display for reading and taking notes, sufficient processing power to handle multitasking between apps, a long battery life to last through classes and study sessions, and compatibility with essential educational apps. Additionally, support for a stylus and keyboard can greatly enhance productivity for note-taking and typing assignments.

Here are some top budget tablet recommendations for students: iPad 10th gen, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE/FE+, Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite and Xiaomi pad 6.

Ultimately, the best tablet for students depends on individual preferences, study programs, and the operating system you are comfortable with.

Tablets are getting very popular among students, often replacing laptops, you might be interested in viewing the best tablets for students article, where you can find more details.

Best Budget Tablet For Gaming

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers seeking a powerful and versatile tablet. Released in October 2023, this tablet offers a combination of size, screen quality, and processing power that caters to gaming enthusiasts.

Size and Screen Quality: The Galaxy Tab A9+ features an 11.0-inch TFT LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate ensures smoother visuals, reducing lag and enhancing the overall gaming experience. The screen has a resolution of 1200 x 1920 pixels, providing clear and vibrant graphics with a 16:10 aspect ratio, ideal for immersive gaming sessions.

Processor: Powered by the Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and an octa-core CPU (2×2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6×1.8 GHz Kryo 660 Silver), the Galaxy Tab A9+ delivers robust performance. The Adreno 619 GPU further enhances its gaming capabilities, allowing it to handle graphic-intensive games with ease. The tablet comes in two memory configurations: 64GB with 4GB RAM and 128GB with 8GB RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample storage for games.

Popular Games: The tablet is well-suited for popular Android games like Candy Crush, Among Us, Monopoly, Minecraft, etc. Its hardware ensures these games run smoothly, providing an enjoyable gaming experience.

You might be interested in looking at some of the most popular tablets for gaming – here.

Reasons To Buy

• High Refresh Rate Display: The 90Hz screen offers smooth and responsive gameplay.
• Large Screen Size: The 11.0-inch display is ideal for immersive gaming experiences.
• Good Audio: Stereo speakers enhance the gaming experience with clear and loud audio.
• Expandable Storage: microSDXC slot allows for additional storage to keep more games and media.

Reasons To Avoid

• Lower Pixel Density: With a pixel density of approximately 206 ppi, the display is less sharp compared to some higher-end tablets.
• Limited Charging Speed: 15W wired charging is relatively slow, meaning longer downtime when recharging the battery.
• Processor: The Snapdragon 695 5G chipset handles low demanding and medium demanding apps, but struggles with high demanding apps.

Best Budget Tablet For Kids

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is an excellent choice for a budget-friendly kids’ tablet, providing a perfect blend of durability, functionality, and parental control features.

Display and Screen Size: The Galaxy Tab A9 features an 8.7-inch TFT LCD display, offering a comfortable size for kids to hold and use. With a resolution of 800 x 1340 pixels, it delivers clear and bright visuals, making it suitable for watching videos, playing games, and using educational apps.

Battery Life: Equipped with a 5100 mAh non-removable battery, the Tab A9 ensures long hours of use, which is great for keeping kids entertained and engaged throughout the day. The 15W wired charging allows for quick recharges when needed.

Parental Controls: Samsung includes robust parental control features. Parents can manage screen time, monitor app usage, and set content restrictions, ensuring a safe and controlled digital environment for children.

Educational and Entertainment Apps: The Galaxy Tab A9 is compatible with a wide range of educational apps, making it an ideal tool for learning. Kids can access interactive books, learning games, and educational videos. For entertainment, the tablet supports popular games, streaming services, and other fun apps.

Durability: Built with a glass front and a durable aluminum back and frame, the Galaxy Tab A9 can withstand the rigors of daily use by children. Its compact size and lightweight design (332g) make it easy for kids to carry around.

Reasons To Buy

• Kid-Friendly Size: The 8.7-inch screen is perfect for small hands and easy to handle.
• Long Battery Life: The 5100 mAh battery ensures extended use without frequent recharges.
• Robust Parental Controls: Samsung’s parental control features provide a safe and monitored experience for kids.
• Affordable Price: It offers great value for money.
• Expandable Storage: The microSDXC slot allows for additional storage, accommodating more apps and media.

Reasons To Avoid

• Low Resolution: The 800 x 1340 pixel resolution is not as sharp as higher-end tablets.
• Basic Camera: The 2 MP selfie camera and 8 MP rear camera are adequate but not exceptional.
• Limited Processing Power: The Mediatek Helio G99 chipset is suitable for basic tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications.

What Do Budget Tablets Don’t Have That Premium Tablets Do?

Buying a budget tablet means you might have to make some sacrifices. For instance, cheaper tablets have a lower build quality, and the storage options are more limited, giving you less storage space. The display might also be smaller or have a lower resolution, which affects the image. 

The audio may suffer as the devices use low-quality speakers to cut costs, and the same applies to the cameras. Sometimes, budget tablets have no more than 4GB or 8GB RAM, which might not be enough for highly performant tasks. The processor is also weaker, leading to worse performance as compared to premium tablets. Last, but not least, not all budget tablets are compatible with a stylus pen, so they’re unsuitable for drawing or taking notes.

FAQ’s