Over the years, the best tablets have become nifty tools for keeping up with your favorite shows, taking notes, and leafing through the digital pages of a mind-bending thriller. These functions and others come packed into these mobile devices, making them a lovely go-to for children or keeping adults entertained during downtime. Many high-end tablets with all the bells and whistles can be expensive, but if you’re working on a budget, you can still find a great tablet with excellent features and consistent performance.
TL;DR - The Best Budget Tablets at a Glance
The best budget tablets deliver a well-rounded experience with enough power to flip between apps with ease, and each has unique functions that will appeal to different users for a reasonable price.
1. Apple iPad 9th Generation (2021)
The Best Budget Tablet
Standing above the best budget tablets you can buy in 2023, the 9th generation Apple iPad comes wrapped with everything older models could pull off with new flourishes. It has the Apple A13 Bionic chip to provide quick performance on its color-popping 10.2-inch screen, complemented by iPadOS 15 for easy multitasking through apps.
New features like True Tone will adjust the display to a room’s color temperature for easy viewing, and Center Stage aims to keep a user in focus during video calls. Also, 1st generation Apple Pencils are compatible if you have one. This iPad is flexible and powerful, easily one of the best budget tablets for creatives and regular enjoyers.
2. Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus
The Best Budget Amazon Fire Tablet
If you’re into streaming, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus is the perfect budget tablet that comfortably runs shows, games, and apps on its large 10.1-inch screen. It offers a beefy 13-hour battery life, fast processing speed, and can function as an Alexa smart display.
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus is heavily Amazon-centric, meaning your choice of apps won’t be as vast as an Apple iPad’s. Though, if you’re hunting for a solid tablet suitable for streaming and keeping you entertained during travel, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus is a fantastic tablet option.
3. reMarkable 2
The Best Budget Tablet for Reading and Writing
Unlike the rest on this list, the reMarkable 2’s big selling point is a tablet centered entirely on writing and reading. With the Marker stylus that comes with it, you can jot down notes or mark passages of a novel on its large 10.3-inch screen, which features unique technology to simulate an authentic writing experience on paper. The reMarkable 2 also sports an attractive slim frame and minimalistic design.
Documents will sync to the cloud for later reading on your iPhone or PC, and the tablet’s impressive up to two weeks battery life is three times longer than its past model. While you won’t be able to boot up exciting games and streaming apps on the reMarkable 2, it perfectly fulfills a niche for avid readers and writers looking for the best budget tablet to buy.
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5
The Best Budget iPad Tablet Alternative
A much cheaper alternative to the 9th generation Apple iPad is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, featuring a 10.5-inch LCD screen. From streaming to video chatting with family, this budget-friendly tablet is a solid all-rounder starting at $229. It uses Google’s flexible Android operating system and packs long battery life.
Unfortunately, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 has a rather bulky frame, and performance can snag and dip between apps. That said, it’s still a solid budget tablet with an HD screen for general viewing and browsing if you’re not concerned about performance and looks.
What to Look for in a Budget Tablet
There are many cheap tablets with various functions and different sizes. The best of the bunch should offer respectable performance, good battery life, and a large enough screen. From there, decide what features you want if you like to play games or watch movies.
Battery Life
Without a doubt, battery life is the first thing you should be mindful of when purchasing. Budget tablets can have a poor battery life or drain too quickly when using apps. It can be annoying if you’re hoping to spend many hours on your tablet during a rainy day, so make sure to buy one that fits a suitable battery life for you.
Performance
Most tablets aren’t juiced-up powerhouses with fast processors, but you should at least purchase one that isn’t prone to stuttering and often becomes unresponsive during tasks. Performance can make or break your viewing experience. Consider our budget tablet picks above and other recent additions with better parts and feature improvements when purchasing.
