It's tempting to go for the most expensive tablet on the market, but for most people, a cheaper option is more than sufficient. In fact, there are many excellent tablets available at a fraction of the price that offer the same basic features and performance.
What to Look for in a Cheap Tablet
Before we dive into our list of the best cheap tablets, let's first talk about what you should look for when making your purchase. You'll want to consider a few key factors, including:
- Screen Size: Do you need a tablet for reading, watching movies, or browsing the web? If so, a larger screen size will be more comfortable. If you need a tablet for taking notes or drawing, a smaller screen size may be more manageable.
- Processor: The processor is the "brain" of your tablet, and a faster processor will lead to better performance. If you're planning to use your tablet for gaming or demanding apps, you'll want to choose a tablet with a powerful processor.
- RAM: RAM is the "memory" of your tablet, and more RAM means your tablet can handle more apps and multitasking without slowing down. If you're planning to use your tablet for multitasking, you'll want to choose a tablet with at least 2GB of RAM.
- Storage: How much storage do you need? If you're planning to download lots of apps, games, or movies, you'll want to choose a tablet with more storage.
- Battery Life: How long do you need your tablet to last on a single charge? If you're planning to use your tablet for long periods of time, you'll want to choose a tablet with a long battery life.
- Camera: Do you need a tablet with a good camera? If you're planning to use your tablet for video calls or taking photos, you'll want to choose a tablet with a decent camera.
- Operating System: There are two main operating systems for tablets: Android and iPadOS. Android is more open and customizable, while iPadOS is known for its sleek interface and integration with other Apple devices.
- Price: Of course, price is a major factor to consider. How much are you willing to spend on a tablet? There are many great tablets available at a variety of price points.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cheap Tablets in 2024
With those factors in mind, let's take a look at some of our top picks for the best cheap tablets in 2024.
1. Amazon Fire HD 10
The Amazon Fire HD 10 is a great value tablet that's perfect for casual users. It features a 10.1-inch display, a fast processor, and a long battery life. It's also very affordable, making it a great option for budget-minded shoppers.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Large 10.1-inch display
- Fast processor
- Long battery life
- Access to Amazon's vast library of content
Cons:
- Not as powerful as some other tablets
- Limited app selection compared to Android or iOS
- No Google Play Store
Key Features:
- Display: 10.1-inch, 1920 x 1200 resolution
- Processor: Octa-core 2.0 GHz
- RAM: 2GB
- Storage: 32GB or 64GB
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- Operating System: Fire OS
Price: Starting at $149
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a great option for those who want a solid tablet with a good screen and a long battery life. It features a 10.5-inch display, a powerful processor, and a long battery life. It's also very affordable, making it a great option for budget-minded shoppers.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Large 10.5-inch display
- Powerful processor
- Long battery life
- Access to the Google Play Store
Cons:
- Not as powerful as some other tablets
- No stylus support
- The camera is only average
Key Features:
- Display: 10.5-inch, 1920 x 1200 resolution
- Processor: Unisoc Tiger T618
- RAM: 3GB or 4GB
- Storage: 32GB or 64GB
- Battery Life: Up to 15 hours
- Operating System: Android
Price: Starting at $199
3. Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) is a solid tablet that's perfect for casual users. It features a 10.3-inch display, a fast processor, and a long battery life. It's also very affordable, making it a great option for budget-minded shoppers.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Large 10.3-inch display
- Fast processor
- Long battery life
- Access to the Google Play Store
Cons:
- Not as powerful as some other tablets
- No stylus support
- The camera is only average
Key Features:
- Display: 10.3-inch, 1920 x 1200 resolution
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G80
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Operating System: Android
Price: Starting at $229
4. TCL NxtPaper Max 10
The TCL NxtPaper Max 10 is a unique tablet that's perfect for those who want a tablet that's easy on the eyes. It features a 10.36-inch display that's designed to mimic the look and feel of paper. It also has a built-in e-reader mode for reading ebooks and documents.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Large 10.36-inch display
- Eye-friendly display
- Built-in e-reader mode
- Access to the Google Play Store
Cons:
- Not as powerful as some other tablets
- The camera is only average
- Battery life is average
Key Features:
- Display: 10.36-inch, 2000 x 1200 resolution
- Processor: MediaTek Kompanio 828
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
- Operating System: Android
Price: Starting at $249
5. Apple iPad (9th Generation)
The Apple iPad (9th Generation) is the cheapest iPad you can buy. It's not the most powerful iPad, but it's still a great option for those who want an iPad with a good screen and a long battery life. It's also very affordable, making it a great option for budget-minded shoppers.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Great display
- Powerful processor for its price
- Long battery life
- Access to the App Store
Cons:
- No Face ID
- The camera is only average
- No support for Apple Pencil
Key Features:
- Display: 10.2-inch, 2160 x 1620 resolution
- Processor: Apple A13 Bionic
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 64GB or 256GB
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Operating System: iPadOS
Price: Starting at $299
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Cheap Tablet
Now that you've chosen the perfect tablet, here are some tips for getting the most out of your purchase:
- Get a Case: A case will help protect your tablet from scratches and drops.
- Download Useful Apps: There are many great free apps available that can help you get the most out of your tablet.
- Use a Keyboard: A keyboard can make it easier to type and navigate your tablet.
- Back Up Your Data: Make sure you're backing up your tablet's data regularly.
- Keep Your Tablet Updated: Make sure you're keeping your tablet updated with the latest software updates.
FAQs
Q: What is the best cheap tablet for streaming movies?
A: The Amazon Fire HD 10 is a great choice for streaming movies, thanks to its large display and access to Amazon's vast library of content.
Q: What is the best cheap tablet for drawing?
A: The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a good option for drawing, although it doesn't have stylus support. If you're looking for a tablet with stylus support, you'll need to spend a bit more.
Q: What is the best cheap tablet for gaming?
A: The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) is a good choice for gaming, thanks to its fast processor. However, keep in mind that it's not as powerful as some other tablets.
Q: What is the best cheap tablet for students?
A: The TCL NxtPaper Max 10 is a good option for students, thanks to its eye-friendly display and built-in e-reader mode.
Q: What is the best cheap tablet for kids?
A: The Amazon Fire HD 10 is a good option for kids, thanks to its durable design and access to Amazon's Kids+ content.
Conclusion
Choosing the best cheap tablet for your needs can be overwhelming. However, by considering your budget and needs, you can find a tablet that is both affordable and meets your requirements. Whether you're looking for a tablet for streaming movies, reading ebooks, or just browsing the web, there's a cheap tablet out there that's perfect for you.