While the best Android tablets cost well above $800, you can find a lot of great value devices below $500 and at an even lower $300 mark. These devices are capable of running all the best, most optimized tablet apps, including the likes of YouTube, Kindle, social media apps, and even games. Of course, if you’re looking for something that can take things to a whole new level, you might be interested in more powerful tablets.
Whether you’re after a compact tablet or one with a large screen, we’ve got you covered. We’ve collected some of the best hybrids and unique devices that match the cheap price criteria that can be purchased today for under $300.
Top budget Android tablets right now
Best overall
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
Samsung releases yet another winner
$150 $220 Save $70
The Galaxy Tab S Series gets most of the attention, but the Tab A9+ solidifies the company’s place in the budget-friendly tablet space. Not only does it perform admirably for something so cheap, but it also delivers the much-talked-about Android experience no other tablet manufacturer can mimic. There’s even a 5G-enabled model.
- Doesn’t feel cheap
- Great performance and speakers
- 5G model available
- No IP rating or S Pen support
- Battery life could be better
Months after its release in other markets worldwide, the Galaxy Tab A9+ finally hit US shelves in January 2024. A far cry from the company’s world-beating S-series flagship tablets, the Galaxy Tab A9+ still provides a characteristic Samsung experience, including a better-than-expected fit and finish, pretty good performance, and a streamlined, user-friendly software setup. Priced just over $200, it’s an excellent deal that, unsurprisingly, marks one of today’s best entry-level tablets.
Samsung’s affordable 11-inch offering improves upon the Tab A8 in every way, with a Snapdragon 695 system-on-a-chip, and up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The great performance even allowed Samsung to make it the first A-series tablet with Samsung Dex support.
There’s also an optional 5G-enabled model, although that one costs a little more and only comes in the 4GB/64GB variant. That does negate the future-proofing of the more powerful hardware somewhat, but no other 5G tablet offers this kind of carrier support, software implementation, or performance, even with just 4GB of RAM. However, if you can live without 5G, we highly recommend buying the 8GB variant, as you’ll notice the improved performance.
Read our review
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ review: ‘Good enough’ is still pretty good
A midrange tablet that neither stands out in any one area nor falls completely flat — it’s just kinda there
As much as anything, a class-leading four-year Android update promise indicates that the A9+ is one of today’s best cheap slates. Its hardware should hold up fine through that period, and Samsung’s OneUI is well known to be one of the most intuitive and tablet-friendly on the market. If you want iPad-level longevity on an Android device and at a lower cost, you can’t go wrong with the Tab A9+.
Premium pick
Xiaomi Redmi Pad Pro
Great tablet, great performance
$213 $235 Save $22
The Redmi Pad Pro is an excellent tablet, even if it isn’t as pro as the name suggests with its Snapdragon 7s Gen 2. It is an amazing $325 tablet with a high-resolution 120Hz IPS display, Android 14, and more.
- High-resolution Dolby Vision-enabled display
- Exceptional battery life
- Capable software with 2 full Android updates
- Great performance and audio for the price
- Doesn’t match flagship performance
- The (awesome) accessories cost a lot
The Xiaomi Redmi Pad Pro is a fantastic tablet, not just for the money, but in general. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 isn’t a powerhouse, but it’s better than most chipsets in this price bracket and performs well when paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage, which can be expanded with a MicroSD card.
The display is a 12.1-inch IPS rather than an OLED, but it makes up for that in other ways. The display is bright for a tablet in this segment at over 600 nits, and it’s sharp thanks to its 2560 x 1600 resolution. It’s responsive, too, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate.
Read our review
Xiaomi Redmi Pad Pro review: The new king of midrange tablets
The versatile slate can do anything but high-res 3D gaming
This display also has Dolby Vision certification, and when you combine that with a quad-speaker setup that sounds like it’s from a much more expensive device, you get a tablet that’s perfect for media consumption.
Best value
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)
Great for fans of the Amazon ecosystem
If you’re already invested in Amazon’s constantly expanding network of content and services, the 2023 Fire HD 10 is the best way to take advantage of it. It won’t win any awards for performance or display quality, but it’s perfect for watching shows and movies, or keeping up with friends, family, and social media.
- Cheap for the size
- Improved video calls
- One of the most durable
- Limited Amazon Fire OS
- Will receive no major Android updates
Amazon’s 2023 10-inch tablet doesn’t break any new ground, but it comes with a much-needed FireOS update now based on Android 11. It isn’t the most versatile operating system, but natively supports a decent amount of apps, and sideloading the Google Play Store adds a considerable amount of utility at a relatively low difficulty.
Amazon also added USI stylus support for the newest Fire HD 10, making it an excellent value for artists looking for an affordable digital sketchpad. Stylus support also helps productivity, making the Fire HD 10 more versatile in the classroom and office.
It’s obviously no powerhouse when it comes to processing power, but the streamlined, low-overhead platform leads to a smoother experience than almost anything else this affordable. Add in the respectable resolution, brightness, and battery life, and you end up with a worthwhile tablet great for browsing, streaming music and movies, and keeping up with social media. Obviously, keep your expectations in line — it won’t stand up to any kind of intensive multitasking or demanding games — but it’s durable, reliable, and easy to use.
Read our review
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) review: Still the best for the budget-minded
It’s still the best value in tablets, but Android manufacturers are catching up
If you’re looking for a children’s tablet, the Fire HD 10 Kids version adds more than just a case. It includes software that gives parents granular control over what their children see, reducing the internet to educational games and resources. When they become older, Amazon offers a less restrictive version, allowing kids to research topics for school without being exposed to the broader internet.
Budget performance
Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE
Seriously impressive specs for the price
Despite its limited US launch, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE packs an incredible hardware punch at a wallet-friendly price. Driven by a reasonably capable SoC and up to 8GB of RAM, it performs better than its closest competitors and sports a smooth, good-looking display.
- Up to 8GB of RAM
- High peak brightness and contrast
- Headphone jack included
- Subpar eMMC internal storage
- Slow 10W charging
For under $250, the Redmi Pad SE boasts a level of performance few others can compete with. The Snapdragon 680 tackles most people’s tablet use cases with ease, and 128GB and up to 8GB of RAM don’t hurt, either. Interestingly, the higher-spec models often even come at similar — and in some cases lower — prices.
It doesn’t just run well, it looks great, too. The overall fit and finish exceed most other tablets in this price range, and the 90Hz display sports a measured peak brightness and contrast around 460 nits and 1600:1, respectively. It also reproduced colors more accurately than most competitors.
It’s a well-rounded device, with excellent battery life and an Android skin that, while not quite stock, is relatively light and doesn’t have much of a learning curve. Speaking of software, Xiaomi promises two years of Android versions (culminating in Android 15) and three years of security updates, which is as good as or better than all non-Samsung alternatives.
Read our review
Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE tablet review: Budget champion
Finally, an Android tablet under $250 that dismantles expectations
The speakers sound a little weak, there’s no fingerprint reader, and it charges slowly, but those few drawbacks don’t leave much of a negative mark. All told, the Redmi Pad SE remains a solid contender for best budget tablet, only barely edged out by the Galaxy A9+.
Best for travel
TCL Tab 10 NXTPAPER 5G
Tablet and e-reader in one
The TCL Tab 10 NXTPAPER 5G makes for a trusty travel companion, thanks to its ideal 10-inch size and multiple display modes. It’s equally great for watching shows and reading and has excellent battery life, so you won’t have to worry about constant charging. But if you’re lazing around in the sun with sunglasses while using this tablet, be warned that it may take a while to find the right angle.
- Fantastic nano-etched display
- Great black-and-white mode
- Superb battery life
- Details not as sharp
- Not ideal with polarized sunglasses
If you prefer a mix of usual tablet functions and the feel of reading an extremely skinny book, set your eyes on the TCL Tab 10 NXTPAPER 5G. Its unique, nano-etched NXTPAPER 3.0 technology gives its display a paper-like quality, meaning it can be used as a nifty e-reader or regular tablet by simply switching between its three display modes (including black and white ink, color ink, and full color).
Whether you want to read, do some doodles using the TCL stylus, or watch videos online, the TCL Tab 10 can do it all on the fly. Even better, its compact, 10-inch size makes it ideal for travel, and it has enough battery to last more than a few days without needing a charge — especially in its black-and-white mode. Speaking of, its anti-glare screen makes it easily viewable in direct sunlight, so read away when you’re lounging in the sun.
Read our review
The TCL Tab 10 NXTPAPER 5G lets you go off the grid while staying on it
A textured display takes this 5G tablet to the NXT level
For those that use polarized sunglasses, however, don’t expect to see what’s on-screen when held vertically. It’s a minor flaw for specific scenarios, but this tablet also doesn’t offer the sharpest details, so don’t expect high-quality visuals, either. Otherwise, with its long-lasting battery life, a solid processor for general tablet tasks, and brilliant e-reader qualities, you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck with the TCL Tab 10 NXTPAPER 5G.
Budget alternative
Blackview Tab 70 Wi-Fi
One of the cheapest Android tablets thus far
The BlackView Tab 70 is an excellent budget alternative for those looking for a basic tablet. It’s perfectly capable for general browsing and catching up on your favorite TV shows, and it has enough space to store your favorite apps. The battery can also last a while, and it has a 3.5mm headphone jack that let’s you connect your wired earbuds.
- It’s affordable
- It’s excellent for browsing and using basic apps
- Decent battery life
- Slow performance
- Slow charging
The BlackView Tab 70 is a solid budget tablet for the price, and it’s perfectly capable of running your favorite apps. It’s powered by a quad-core chipset, and while it only has 4GB of RAM, it’s ideal for browsing the internet and using social media. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, so whether you want to listen to media with a wire or wirelessly, you’ll have options.
The tablet boasts a 10.1-inch IPS LCD with a 60Hz refresh rate. There isn’t anything that would stand out about this device, and we found that the touchscreen can sometimes be slow to respond. That said, it’s great for reading, consuming media, and doing tasks that would otherwise not require too much computing power.
The battery can last roughly a full day on a single charge, and we were able to reach 7 hours of screen-on-time while watching videos, which is respectable when the tablet costs this much. It’s worth noting that the screen doesn’t have a Widevine L1 certification, so you won’t be able to watch Netflix and other streaming services in HD. That said, it’s still great when viewed from a distance, and it’s bright enough for outdoor use.
Read our review
Blackview Tab 70 Wi-Fi review: Exactly what you’d expect from a $100 slate
Basic functionality with worrying inconsistencies
The other thing that’s worth mentioning is that it’s not exactly a speedster. It’ll get the job done for general tasks, and there’s enough storage to store your favorite apps and some media, but it won’t blow you away. The charging isn’t particularly fast either, but if all you need is a simple and cost-effective tablet when you need a bigger screen, the BlackView Tab 70 will do a decent job.
Bookworm’s choice
Nook 9-inch Lenovo Tablet
The Nook 9-inch Lenovo Tablet is a strange device, but it’s an excellent option for a select number of users, thanks to the Nook interface that lets you easily buy and read books. The reading mode does an excellent job of reducing eye strain as well, and overall, this is a decent package for $150
- Reading mode mutes colors to reduce eye strain
- Purchase Nook books directly on device
- Includes 3.5mm jack and onboard speakers
- Display is so-so
- Android OS is already two gens behind
The Nook 9-inch Lenovo Tablet is a niche device, but it’s a useful little tablet for the right person. The MediaTek Helio G80 isn’t going to win any races, but it’s enough to allow this device to fulfill its intended purpose: reading.
The display is perfectly adequate for reading books. However, its sharpness isn’t the best, and it’s more noticeable when reading comics, watching videos, or using other Android apps. It’s not awful, but it could be better, although it’s aided by a good reading mode that reduces eye strain.
Read our review
Nook 9-inch Lenovo Tablet review: Not over, not under, just achieving
Nook’s $150 new LCD tablet, made by Lenovo, stays firmly in its lane
If you want something that will primarily be a reading device that you’ll occasionally push into service for media playback, then you can do a lot worse for $150.
Great cellular option
T-Mobile Revvl Tab 5G
Awesome value when its free
The T-Mobile Revvl Tab 5G is a decent buy at its full retail price, but this tablet often goes on sale when adding a new line of service. If you are looking for a basic but good tablet and want it to have cell service, then the Revvl Tab 5G is a great buy, especially if you can get it for free.
- Good display
- Decent build quality
- Great battery life
- Slow charging
- Don’t expect many updates
When shopping for a tablet, a T-Mobile branded device is likely not near the top of your list, but the Revvl Tab 5G is a great alternative when the conditions are right. At $200, this tablet is priced right but doesn’t do enough to stand out from the other great tablets on this list.
Where the Revvl Tab 5G truly excels is with its value proposition. T-Mobile frequently runs promotions for this tablet, effectively giving it away with a new line of service. If you are already in the market for a tablet and need it to have cell service, then the Revvl Tab 5G is an awesome buy.
The Revvl Tab 5G is equipped with a Dimensity 700 processor, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a 10.36-inch 2000 x 1200 LCD panel. This tablet isn’t going to win any performance awards, but it is more than adequate to take on the daily basics. The display is also pleasing to look at thanks to its overall resolution, but it isn’t very color accurate. Even still, it’s more than enough to stream your favorite shows or browse the web.
Read our review
T-Mobile Revvl Tab 5G review: Free doesn’t always mean bad
It’s not a showstopper, but the Revvl Tab gets the job done
You also won’t have to worry about it dying on you very often. The 7,040mAh battery will get you over 10 hours of use per charge, which is great because its 15W charger means it takes hours to charge. The Revvl Tab 5G runs a near-stock version of Android 13, but don’t expect it to get many updates throughout its life.
The Revvl Tab 5G connects to T-Mobiles Ultra Capacity 5G network to bring you network connectivity wherever you can get a signal. This is particularly great for people who operate in the field, or for all you road warriors out there.
Which cheap Android tablet should you buy?
While there are many great Android tablets available under $300, not many of them made a cut on our list. We primarily focused on devices we’ve tested and know work well under light to medium loads. Display quality, performance, and overall features also played a crucial factor, enabling us to create a list you saw above.
For those who want an excellent all-rounder with little to no sacrifices in a compact form factor, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ ticks all the boxes. It’s one of the best Samsung-made tablets on the market, featuring a large 11-inch display, a powerful-enough Snapdragon 695 chipset, and four years of software updates. You can do most things on this tablet, enabling you to surf the web, use your favorite apps, and even play a few non-demanding games.
If you want to take things a bit further, you could also consider the Xiaomi Redmi Pad Pro. It has an even larger 12.1-inch IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and the powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset that lets you jump between your favorite apps with ease. While it’s not a flagship-grade chip, it’s still plenty capable of handling most everyday tasks, and it has a beautiful display that makes it a no-brainer for media consumption.
And, of course, we can’t forget about the trusted Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet. It remains a fantastic option for those on a budget, offering a compact form factor, ideal for consuming videos, photos, and even books. It’s not great for gaming, but general browsing and social media apps will run fast and efficiently without any major hiccups.
Best overall
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
$150 $220 Save $70
The 11-inch A9+ offers all the performance most tablet users need, while running on Samsung’s vaunted OneUI and promising four years of full Android updates. Considering its performance, usability, and premium build quality, nothing tops it in this price range.
