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Looking for a cheap tablet? Our top picks are under $400
Tablets are a handy tool, whether you're trying to keep up with your favorite shows, take notes on the go, or just want something smaller than a laptop. And, let's face it, they also make great educational tools for students -- or at the very least, a means to keep them entertained.
Some of the best tablets are downright expensive, and Apple's iPad Pro can easily push the $2,000 mark. But you don't have to spend a fortune to get a reliable and consistent tablet experience.
Whether you need a new tablet to gift or are looking to upgrade without spending a fortune, we've rounded up the best cheap tablets that range from Apple's iPad to Amazon's Fire HD 8-- each offers its own concessions in order to hit a certain price point.
Also:
- Don't know which iPad is right for you? We break down the different models
- Want a bigger screen? These are the best large tablets
- Don't want an iPad? Check out these top-quality Android tablets
- These rugged tablets can withstand just about anything
- Want a tablet for your kid? Our picks are not just for entertainment
- Great processor
- Lots of storage
- Decent screen size
- No Face ID option
Tech specs: Display: 10.2-inch Retina display | Processor: A13 Bionic | Storage: 64GB or 256GB | Biometrics: Touch ID | Colors: Silver, space gray | Cameras: 8MP rear, 1080p video, 12MP FaceTime camera with Center Stage | Weight: 1.07 pounds | Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.29 inches | Connections: 3.5mm headphone jack, Lightning port | Battery life: 10 hours
Apple's tried-and-true tablet, the base model iPad, is arguably the best cheap tablet. Full stop.
Not only does the standard $329 price tag cover the same features you'd expect from Apple's other tablets, like iPadOS updates for years and access to the App Store -- you also don't have to pay a premium as you do for the more expensive Pro and Air models.
Read the review: Apple iPad (2021) review: If it's not broke, don't fix it
The ninth-generation iPad was announced in fall 2021, and it includes an A13 Bionic processor plus more storage options. The base model offers double the storage, starting at 64GB. Or you can opt for 256GB of storage if you need the space. The entry-level iPad can be paired with Apple's Smart Keyboard and an Apple Pencil, converting it from a tablet to a 2-in-1 laptop.
Apple hasn't expanded its facial recognition hardware beyond the iPad Pro lineup quite yet, and now the ninth generation iPad is the only tablet left in the lineup with a home button and Touch ID.
- Very affordable
- MicroSD card expandable storage
- Battery life
- Performance isn't its best feature
- No access to Google apps or services
Tech specs: Display: 8-inch, 1280x800 display | Processor: Quad-core 2.0GHz | Storage: 32GB or 64GB | Memory: 3GB | Colors: Black | Cameras: 2MP front and rear | Weight: 0.78 pounds | Dimensions: 8.0 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches | Connections: 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C | Battery: 13 hours
Amazon's Fire HD 8 and HD 8 Plus are two of the best cheap tablets you'll find. The company recently redesigned the formerly square and hard-edged tablets, adding a more round design that looks and feels fantastic. Both tablets are affordable, with the standard HD 8 priced at $100 with the HD 8 Plus priced at $120.
What's the difference? Glad you asked. The HD 8 comes with 2GB of memory, while the HD 8 Plus comes with the same features as well as 3GB of memory, wireless charging support, and a faster-wired charger in the box.
To summarize, the extra $20 for the HD 8 Plus is well worth the investment.
The Fire HD 8 runs Amazon's Fire OS. This means it runs Android apps, but you're limited to apps that are available in Amazon's own Appstore. Like with most tablets in this price range, performance can be sluggish at times, but you'll have no issues shopping, browsing Facebook, or checking your email on the Fire HD 8 Plus.
- Large display
- MicroSD card expandable storage
- Long battery life
- Not the fastest tablet
- No access to Google apps or services
Tech specs: Display: 10.1-inch, 1920x1200 display | Processor: Octa-core 2.0GHz | Storage: 32GB or 64GB | Memory: 4GB | Colors: Black | Cameras: 2MP front, 5MP rear | Weight: 1.03 pounds | Dimensions: 9.73 x 6.53 x 0.36 inches | Connections: 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C | Battery: 12 hours
Amazon's recently updated Fire HD 10 and Fire HD 10 Plus are worthy contenders as cheap tablets. You have the option to get the standard Fire HD 10, or buy it as part of a productivity bundle that includes a keyboard and a one-year subscription to Microsoft 365 for $199.
Both Fire HD 10 models boast an octa-core processor, 4GB of memory, 32GB or 64GB of storage. They also include microSD card support up to 1TB.
Read the review: Amazon's Fire HD 10 Productivity Bundle review
The full HD display looks clear and provides plenty of space for gaming or watching movies. You'll get up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge.
Like the Fire HD 8, the Fire HD 10 runs Fire OS, so your app options are somewhat limited, but most of the big-name apps like Zoom, Facebook Messenger, and Spotify are available. If you're a heavy Google services user, you'll be disappointed by the lack of Google apps and services. And by lack of, I mean there are zero apps in Amazon's Appstore. You'll have to rely on third-party apps or the Silk browser instead.
- 11-inch, 2K display enhances the ChromeOS experience
- Kickstand and keyboard included
- 2-in-1 factor
- Speakers are lackluster
- Outdated and bland design
Tech specs: Display: 10.9-inch, 2K (2,000x1,200), IPS, touchscreen display (400 nits) | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 | Storage: 64GB or 128GB | Memory: 4GB | Cameras: 5MP front, 8MP rear | Weight: 1.14 pounds | Dimensions: 10.16 x 6.48 x 0.31 inches | Connections: 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, pogo-pin (for detachable keyboard) | Battery: 12 hours
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 recently came out and is an affordable tablet with a display that's meant to be detached from its body. Lenovo made two notable upgrades with this 2022 model: a larger 11-inch display and an additional USB-C port. The former is a mere inch more than its predecessor, but still noticeable and great for entertainment, web surfing, and basic work.
The 2-in-1 concept of this Chromebook remains as compact and portable as ever. You can expect an included kickstand and keyboard to come with this tablet, making it turn into a portable work companion rather than just simply a tablet.
Read the review: Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 review: One of the best budget Chromebooks just got even better
The Duet 3's panel has a 2,000 by 1,200 resolution -- Lenovo calls it 2K -- which is a pleasure to look at. It also has built-in Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 and 4GB of RAM. All this means you can expect a simplified user experience that will get the job done with essential browser tasks like video playing and multi-window browsing, since after all, this is a cheap tablet.
- Great display
- MicroSD card expandable storage
- Up to 15 hours on a single charge
- Keyboard not included
Tech specs: Display: 11-inch, 2,000x1,200 2K display | Processor: MediaTek Helio G90T | Storage: 64GB or 128GB | Memory: 4GB or 6GB | Colors: Slate grey | Cameras: 8MP front and 13MP rear | Weight: 1.1 pounds | Dimensions: 10.2 x 6.4 x 0.3 inches | Connections: USB-C, microSD | Battery: Up to 15 hours
Another best cheap tablet is the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus, which looks a lot like the Chromebook Duet, only bigger and more powerful. It doesn't come with a keyboard attachment like the Duet, but you can pick one up to expand its capabilities into more of a laptop replacement for $72.
ZDNET has been testing the P11 Plus for some time, and, overall, the tablet has impressed. It's incredibly thin, and the display looks amazing. Android runs smoothly on it, free of any hiccups or lag.
Read the review: Lenovo Tab P11 Plus review: The budget Android tablet to beat
If you're looking for a tablet to share with your kids, there's a dedicated Google Kids Space app on the P11 Plus that makes it easy to hand the tablet to your child and not worry about what they're accessing. It relies on Google's Family Link parental controls, giving them access to age-appropriate apps and games.
The construction is solid, and the performance is reliable. If you're looking for an affordable Android tablet, the P11 Plus is worth considering.
- MicroSD card expandable storage
- Affordable
- Performance could be better
Tech specs: Display: 8.7-inch, 1,340x800 display | Processor: MediaTek MT8768N | Storage: 32GB or 64GB | Memory: 3GB or 4GB | Colors: Gray | Cameras: 2MP front and 8MP rear | Weight: 0.81 pounds | Dimensions: 8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 inches | Connections: 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C | Battery: All day
Samsung's tablet lineup spans all aspects of price and capability. However, the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a good mixture of affordability and usefulness. It's powered by Android 11, with Samsung's own twist on the mobile operating system.
The lightweight design and small display make it portable enough to take anywhere, especially if you're using it to keep your kids entertained with educational apps. Plus, the Tab A7 Lite has a metal frame for added ruggedness.
It won't be the fastest tablet out of this group, but it should have better performance than the Fire HD 8 lineup, with the added bonus of access to Google's app and services.
- MicroSD card expandable storage
- Solid design
- Sluggish performance
- Bundled 10W charger doesn't support fast charging
Tech specs: Display: 10.4-inch, 1,200x2,000 display | Processor: T610 Octa-core processor | Storage: 64GB | Memory: 4GB | Colors: Ocean Blue | Cameras: 5MP front and 8MP rear | Weight: 1.04 pounds | Dimensions: 9.75 x 6.2 x 0.3 inches | Connections: 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C | Battery: 8,200mAh
Nokia's T20 tablet is a recent addition to the Android tablet market. At $250, it's affordable, and the hardware feels great to hold. The 10.4-inch display is good enough for watching Netflix or online shopping, and the battery life should get you through most of the day.
It comes with Android 11 out of the box, and Nokia promises three years of monthly security updates and two years of OS updates -- meaning it should get Android 12 and Android 13, eventually. There's a dedicated Google Kids Space that features content specifically for young children, keeping them from accessing your apps while using the tablet.
Read the review: Nokia T20, hands on: A good-value 10.4-inch Android tablet
- More affordable than the S8 Plus
- Expandable storage
- Good battery life
- Display could be better
Tech specs: Display: 12.4-inch, 2560x1600 display | Processor: Qualcomm SM7325 | Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | Memory: 4GB, 6GB, 8GB | Colors: Black, silver, green, pink | Cameras: 8MP rear, 5MP front camera | Weight: 1.34 pounds | Dimensions: 7.28 x 11.21 x 0.25 inches | Connections: USB-C | Battery: 12 hours
If you want to spend less on a big tablet, Samsung's "FE" series of devices are designed with Samsung fans in mind. The company took the best features of its high-end devices, trimmed them down, and released a more affordable product.
This affordable Android tablet has a large 12.4-inch display, a snappy processor, as well as multiple storage and memory options. The device, which comes in various colors, also has a 5G version available if you want to use it while on the go.
Some standout features include face recognition technology, two stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, and multi-device connectivity. It also has a great battery life that will last you through at least 12 hours.
The 12.4-inch display is more than suitable for streaming or playing games, and it also comes with an S Pen, which adds even more to its affordability.
What is the best cheap tablet?
The iPad (ninth generation) base model is the best cheap tablet. Although it is the most expensive tablet on our list, it is also the most capable, with a beautiful display, long battery life, and a strong processor.
Tablet | Price | Screen size | Storage |
iPad 9th gen | $329 | 10.2 inches | Up to 256GB |
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus | $140 | 8 inches | Up to 64GB |
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus | $180 | 10.1 inches | Up to 64GB |
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 | $379 | 10.9 inches | Up to 128GB |
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus | $258 | 11 inches | Up to 128GB |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite | $129 | 8.7 inches | Up to 64GB |
Nokia T20 | $180 | 10.4 inches | 64GB |
Samsung Galaxy S7 FE | $400 | 12.4 inches | Up to 256GB |
Which cheap tablet is right for you?
This is always the hardest question to answer, but I'll give it a shot. It comes down to what you plan on using the tablet for.
If you're already heavily invested in Apple's ecosystem of products and services, the 9th gen iPad makes the most sense for the best cheap tablet. It also quickly adds up, becoming the most expensive yet cheap laptop on our list.
However, if you prefer Android, the best cheap tablet option might be P11 Plus or the Galaxy Tab A7. At more than double the price of the A7, the P11 Plus offers a solid experience with a screen that's hard to match at this level.
Amazon's Fire tablets are the slowest out of the group, but they're also very affordable and offer a different experience altogether. These cheap tablets are often what I end up recommending to parents who want to help their kids learn or simply keep them entertained, especially while traveling.
Choose this cheap tablet... | If you need... |
iPad 9th gen | An affordable and well-rounded cheap tablet |
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus | An Amazon tablet that gives the most features for your money |
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus | The best Fire tablet money can buy |
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 | A Chrome-based cheap tablet that doubles as a laptop |
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus | A cheap tablet for children |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite | An affordable tablet for Samsung brand loyalists |
Nokia T20 | A reliable, 10-inch cheap tablet |
Samsung Galaxy S7 FE | A large-screen cheap tablet for $400 |
How did we choose these best cheap tablets?
When looking for the best cheap tablets, we first narrowed down the list by looking at prices at the bottom third of the tablet market. That means anything roughly $350 to $400 or less. Once we had a price point, we started reading reviews and tapping into our personal experience.
Using the input from all of those factors, we were able to whittle down the list to what you see here. Indeed, there are other cheap tablets than what's currently on this list. But when it comes to the low-end, entry-level market for most tech, you get what you pay for. And most of the time, the downfall of cheap tech is its slow performance.
What brand is best for tablets?
The best cheap tablets come from brands like Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, and Lenovo, among others.
Are cheap tablets good for students?
That really depends on the kind of classwork your students will be doing. Younger children may benefit from using a tablet over a traditional laptop. With intuitive touch controls, it will be easier for them to navigate through menus and apps required to attend virtual classes or to turn in assignments. Older students will be doing more intensive coursework, and tablets aren't best suited for things like word processing or making spreadsheets.
Art students are the ones who will benefit most from using a tablet for classes since they can draw, sketch, and digitally paint similar to how they would with a physical pen and paper. Plus, there are some amazing art apps out there (ProCreate, Adobe Creative Cloud) to take full advantage of a tablet's processing power and screen resolution.
How much storage do I need in my tablet?
You'll want at least 8GB of storage, but thankfully, many new tablet models come with much more than that. A basic 9th generation iPad starts at 64GB while the Amazon Fire 10 Plus starts with 32GB. This gives you more than enough storage for apps, photos, and music without making your new tablet sluggish.
The best cheap tablet options on this list all have great storage capacities.
Are tablets cheaper than laptops?
Generally speaking, a tablet is going to be much more affordable than a traditional laptop. For basic home use, like web browsing or streaming video and music, you can pick one up for just a few hundred dollars. But if you want something more specialized, like for content creation or graphic design, the price significantly increases.
What is the cheapest iPad?
The cheapest iPad you can get is the standard 9th-generation iPad. On Apple's website, it retails for $329. That's almost $200 less than the iPad mini and over $450 less than the iPad Pro.
Are there alternative cheap tablets to consider?
There are plenty of other cheap tablets to consider, including the ones below. Also, if the tablet you want is out of your price range, you can always wait for sales events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday for deals on discounted tablets.