Tablets have not completely replaced laptops for most people, leading to reluctance in investing in premium-priced tablets. However, there are budget-friendly options available in the market. In this article, we will review and rank the top 10 budget tablets that you can purchase.
The budget tablet market is dominated by Android and Amazon Fire tablets, all priced under £300/$300. While Apple’s iPad models are not as affordable, we have included the most budget-friendly option available at the time of writing.
Our team at Tech Advisor has been providing tablet reviews and buying advice since the introduction of the original iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab in 2010. We have witnessed the evolution of tablet hardware and software over the years, testing each new tablet extensively to provide the best buying advice to our readers, including budget devices.
Best Budget Tablets 2024
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 – Best overall
- Pros: Slick design, solid performance, impressive display, great value for money
- Cons: Slow charging, disappointing cameras, blurry scrolling, not available in the US
If you are looking for a budget-friendly tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is an excellent choice. Priced at just £169, it offers solid performance, an attractive display, and good battery life. While it has some drawbacks like slow charging and average cameras, its overall value makes it a recommended option.
- Apple iPad 10.2in (2021) – Best cheap iPad
- Pros: Best selection of tablet-optimized apps, large bright display, support for Apple Pencil
- Cons: Dated design, more expensive than other budget tablets
The 9th-gen regular iPad from Apple remains a great tablet option, especially with its wide range of tablet-optimized apps and reliable performance. It may be slightly pricier than other budget tablets, but it offers the best all-around experience among budget-friendly iPads.
- Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE – Excellent Android option
- Pros: Lightweight design, excellent audio, 90Hz display, great battery life
- Cons: Slow charging, limited OS updates, some bloatware, not available in the US
The Redmi Pad SE from Xiaomi offers a good overall tablet experience at a budget-friendly price. With a sleek design, impressive display, and decent performance, it is a recommended choice despite some drawbacks.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ – Great large tablet
- Pros: Excellent performance, premium design, great speakers, intuitive software
- Cons: Slow charging, disappointing camera, underwhelming battery life, not available in the US
The Tab A9+ from Samsung is a step up from the regular model, offering a larger display, improved performance, and 5G support. While it has some shortcomings like battery life and camera quality, it is a competitive option in the budget tablet market.
- Lenovo Tab Plus – Best for entertainment
- Pros: Great screen and speakers, built-in kickstand, superb battery life, durable design
- Cons: Underwhelming performance, limited OS updates
The Lenovo Tab Plus is an ideal choice for entertainment purposes, with its high-quality display, impressive speakers, and long battery life. However, its performance may not be suitable for productivity or gaming tasks.
- Oppo Pad Air – Strong all-rounder
- Pros: Premium design, large high-res display, decent performance, lightweight build
- Cons: No fingerprint reader, 60Hz refresh rate, average camera performance, not available in the US
The Oppo Pad Air offers a premium design and display, along with decent performance at a budget-friendly price. While it has some limitations like camera quality and refresh rate, it is a compelling option for those looking for an all-around tablet.
- Nokia T21 – Best Android software
- Pros: Sharp colorful screen, sleek design, long battery life, near-stock Android
- Cons: Middling performance, dimmer display than T20, charger not included
The Nokia T21 provides a smooth Android experience with its near-stock software and vibrant display. While it may lack in performance and some features, it is a recommended choice for those prioritizing software experience.
- Amazon Fire Max 11 – Affordable productivity option
- Pros: Nice screen, optional keyboard and stylus, great handwriting recognition, good performance
- Cons: Limited apps, no Google, only 64GB base storage
The Amazon Fire Max 11 offers a productive experience with its optional accessories, good performance, and decent display. While it may have limitations in app selection and storage, it is a suitable option for those heavily invested in Amazon services.
- Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) – Great for the basics
- Pros: Stylish design, good performance, nice screen
- Cons: Limited apps, slow charging, basic cameras
The 2023 model of the Fire HD 10 provides a reliable tablet experience with its design, performance, and display. While it may have limitations in app availability and camera quality, it is a solid choice for basic tablet usage.
- Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) – Best value tablet
- Pros: Compact form-factor, hands-free Alexa, decent battery life
- Cons: Entry-level performance, limited apps, more expensive than previous generations
The Amazon Fire HD 8 offers good value for money with its compact design, Alexa integration, and decent battery life. While it may lack in performance and app selection, it remains a budget-friendly option for basic tablet needs.
Budget Tablet Buying Guide
- What screen size do I need?
- Consider the screen size based on your usage and portability needs. Look for IPS or OLED screens for better colors and viewing angles.
- How much storage do I need?
- Opt for at least 64GB of storage, with microSD expandability if needed.
- What about cameras?
- Budget tablet cameras may not offer the best quality, but check reviews for camera performance.
- Which processor is best?
- Look beyond clock speeds and RAM numbers, and read reviews for real-world performance.
- What tablet software is best?
- Choose between Android and iPadOS based on app availability and ecosystem preferences.
In conclusion, budget tablets offer a cost-effective solution for basic tablet needs. With a wide range of options available, it’s important to consider factors like screen size, storage, camera quality, processor, and software when choosing the best budget tablet for your requirements.
- Choose between Android and iPadOS based on app availability and ecosystem preferences.
