Modern tablets are very capable devices, combining great performance and features into a lightweight device that’s easy to carry around with you, but if you already have a phone and a laptop then it can be hard to justify paying a premium for one of the very best tablets. What you need is a cheap slate that can still handle all of the basics without letting you down, which is where this article comes in.
Almost all of the devices below cost under £300/$300 at launch (some have dropped in price since), yet offer a strong user experience in most key areas. Here at Tech Advisor however, we didn’t want to leave out Apple entirely, so we’ve included the cheapest iPad that’s worth buying.
Remember, while the 10 devices below are ranked, each has its own unique ‘Best’ award, so you might find that something lower down the list suits you best. At the bottom of the page, you’ll also find detailed buying advice.
Unfortunately, most of these devices aren’t available in the US, but we’ve indicated where that’s the case. If you decide that you want to save up a bit and opt for a more feature-packed device, you can check out our round-up of the best tablets overall.
Amazon Prime Day October tablet deals
- Honor Pad X7 – £71.99 (28% off)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 – £75.99 (49% off, non-Prime)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ – £120.99 (42% off, non-Prime)
- Lenovo Idea Tab – £149.99 (32% off)
- Apple iPad 11-inch – £284 (14% off)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra – £899 (31% off, non-Prime)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite – £259.99 (21% off, non-Prime)
It’s Amazon’s late-year Prime Day sale, also known as Big Deal Days, and we’ve searched for the best prices on tablets. They are thin on the ground this year and some of the best deals are actually available to anyone.
Best budget tablet reviews
1. Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 – Best Overall
Pros
- Sleek design
- Decent screen
- Excellent quad speakers
- Solid battery life
Cons
- Slow charging
- Basic cameras
- Software quirks
Price When Reviewed:
Unavailable in the US
Best Prices Today:
You might know Xiaomi’s Redmi line from the world of budget smartphones. But with the Redmi Pad 2, we’ve seen just how good its tablets can be.
Despite costing just £169 in the UK (sadly not available in the US), it offers plenty of compelling features. You can look forward to a premium-like design that feels a lot more expensive, a solid 11-inch, 90Hz display and a superb quad speaker system. Throw in decent performance and solid battery life, and you’ve got yourself an excellent all-rounder.
Compromises are inevitable at this price, and here they come in the form of just 18W charging, hit-and-miss Xiaomi software and basic cameras that don’t offer much.
But when you’re paying so little and getting so much, it’s easy to recommend the Redmi Pad 2 to pretty much everyone.
Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2?
Anyone looking for a solid budget tablet that gets almost all the basics right.
Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2: Further considerations
Look elsewhere if you care about top-tier software or fast charging.
Read our full
Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 review
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 – Best Software
Pros
- Slick, compact design
- Solid performance
- Impressive display
- Great value for money
Cons
- Slow charging
- Disappointing cameras
- Blurry scrolling at times
Best Prices Today:
If you’re on a budget or just need a cheap tablet, the Galaxy Tab A9 remains a great option.
It costs just £169 in the UK, yet it offers everything most people need from a cheap slate. That includes solid everyday performance, an attractive 8.7-inch display and solid battery life. With a design that could easily pass for a device twice the price and Samsung’s intuitive One UI software over Android, there’s a lot to like here.
However, it’s not all good news. The charging speeds and cameras both need work, while scrolling can feel slow and produce a ghosting effect. There’s also no 5G support, but 4G will be absolutely fine for most people.
While not perfect, Samsung’s focus on getting the basics right means this is a tablet that’s easy to recommend. Provided you’re happy with Android, it’s the budget tablet to beat. Bear in mind that the release of the rumoured Galaxy Tab A11 should be imminent, with Samsung skipping the Tab A10 altogether.
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9?
Anyone looking for a cheap tablet that combines solid hardware with excellent software.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9: Further considerations
Look elsewhere if you want a bigger screen or fast charging. A replacement is likely on the way soon.
Read our full
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 review
3. Apple iPad 10.2in (2021) – Best iPad
Pros
- Best selection of tablet-optimised apps
- Large, bright 10.2in display
- Support for Apple Pencil
Cons
- Dated design
- More expensive than other budget tablets
Price When Reviewed:
$329 (64GB) | $479 (256GB)
Although it’s no longer officially sold by Apple, the 9th-gen regular iPad remains a great tablet and one that you can still pick up at many retailers at a much cheaper price than when it launched back in 2021.
The iPad experience is a premium one, no matter the model you opt for, with iPadOS offering a suite of tablet-focused features and functionality that make it easy to use, even if you’ve never used an iPad before. It also has the widest and highest-quality selection of tablet-optimised apps of all the devices here.
Even in 2025, Apple’s A13 Bionic is a capable chip that ensures the iPad can comfortably run the vast majority of apps on the App Store. The 10.2-inch display is a joy to use, especially with Apple’s True Tone tech (for automatically adjusting colour balance based on your environment) and support for the first-gen Apple Pencil.
So, yes, while the iPad is a more premium entry-level tablet than those from Amazon and Android manufacturers, it still boasts the best all-around experience of them all.
Who should buy the Apple iPad 10.2in (2021)?
Anyone on a budget who knows they still want an iPad instead of Android.
Apple iPad 10.2in (2021): Further considerations
Look elsewhere if you want a modern device with up-to-date specs.
Read our full
Apple iPad 10.2in (2021) review
4. OnePlus Pad Lite – Best Battery Life
Pros
- Smooth 90Hz display
- Excellent battery life
- Clean, bloat-free OxygenOS
- Useful multitasking features
Cons
- No fingerprint scanner or Micro-SD expansion
- Screen could be brighter
- Awkward speaker placement
Price When Reviewed:
Not available in the US
Best Prices Today:
After three generations of mid-range tablets, OnePlus launched its first budget slate in 2025, and it’s a real contender.
The Pad Lite nails most of the fundamentals of a great tablet: an attractive 11-inch display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, slick software that’s set up for multitasking and superb battery life from the 9340mAh cell. You also get solid performance from the MediaTek Helio G100 chipset, all wrapped up in an impressively premium design.
However, as impressive as that display is, limited brightness can make outdoor visibility a challenge. Annoying speaker placement means you’re often blocking the impressive sound quality, while common features such as support for Micro-SD storage expansion and a fingerprint sensor are missing. The latter means you’re relying on the much less secure face unlock to get into your device.
Given how affordable it is, the OnePlus Pad Lite is definitely worth considering. But other options here are likely to suit most people better.
Who should buy the OnePlus Pad Lite?
Anyone who uses their tablet almost exclusively inside and wants brilliant battery life.
OnePlus Pad Lite: Further considerations
Look elsewhere if you need top-tier performance or good outdoor visibility.
Read our full
OnePlus Pad Lite review
5. Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE – Best Design
Pros
- Lightweight and refined design
- Excellent audio
- 90Hz display
- Great battery life
Cons
- Slow charging
- Only two major OS updates
- Some bloatware
Best Prices Today:
For just £199 (not available in the US), the Redmi Pad SE offers a very good all-around tablet experience.
That starts with the design, which looks the part and is clearly inspired by more expensive tablets. The 11-inch, Full HD LCD display also holds its own, especially with a 90Hz refresh rate.
Don’t expect amazing performance from the Snapdragon 680 chipset, but it is powerful enough for day-to-day usage, even with just 4GB of RAM.
An already-generous 128GB of storage is expandable via microSD, while punchy audio and two-day battery life are both better than you might expect.
Inevitable compromises come in the form of slow charging, annoying additions to Xiaomi’s MIUI software and only two years of Android version updates. But with three years of security updates, it’s still easy to recommend.
Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE?
Anyone looking for a budget tablet with a premium design and great battery life.
Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE: Further considerations
Look elsewhere if you need great performance or intuitive software.
Read our full
Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE review
6. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ – Best Big Screen Samsung
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Premium design
- Great quad speakers
- Intuitive software
Cons
- Slow charging
- Disappointing camera
- Underwhelming battery life
Best Prices Today:
Samsung’s 2023 budget tablets were so good that we had to include both models. At £239, the Tab A9+ is significantly more expensive than the regular model, but it introduces several upgrades.
The big one is the larger 11-inch display, which delivers great visuals and a 90Hz refresh rate. Performance from the Snapdragon 695 is a noticeable improvement, and it introduces 5G support. You also get the same slick design, impressive speakers and Samsung’s intuitive One UI skin over Android.
You also get a much larger battery than the regular Tab A9, but overall battery life is a little disappointing. The charging speeds and cameras could also be improved.
At this higher price point, those shortcomings are more significant, but there’s no doubt that the Tab A9+ is a great tablet that compares favourably to most of the competition. If you do think that the A9+ is the tablet for you, it might be worth holding off until the rumoured Galaxy Tab A11+ is unveiled and you know for sure how it stacks up against its predecessor.
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+?
Anyone looking for a big-screen budget tablet with great software.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+: Further considerations
Look elsewhere if you care about great battery life or fast charging. A new model should be out soon.
Read our full
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ review
7. Lenovo Tab Plus – Best for Entertainment
Pros
- Great screen and speakers
- Useful built-in kickstand
- Superb battery life
- Durable yet sleek design
Cons
- Underwhelming performance
- Only two major OS updates
Best Prices Today:
If you’re buying a budget tablet just for consuming content, as many people are, the Lenovo Tab Plus is a fine choice.
It excels at the fundamentals of a great video-watching experience, with a high-quality display (90H, FHD+, LCD) delivering rich colours and impressive brightness. It’s ably supported by eight JBL speakers, which deliver very solid audio across a range of scenarios.
Alongside a built-in kickstand for hands-free viewing and strong battery life, the appeal of the Tab Plus is there for all to see.
Unfortunately, the performance is compromised to the extent that it can’t go any higher in this list. And while general performance is good, software support is frustratingly limited.
Overall, the Lenovo Tab Plus is a compelling choice for entertainment, but best avoided if productivity or gaming are priorities for you.
Who should buy the Lenovo Tab Plus?
Anyone looking for a budget tablet that excels at watching TV and movies.
Lenovo Tab Plus: Further considerations
Look elsewhere if you need a device for productivity or gaming.
Read our full
Lenovo Tab Plus review
8. Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro (2024) – Best for Kids
Pros
- Attractive, slim design
- Decent display
- Good child-friendly features
- Affordable price
Cons
- Poor performance
- Software takes some getting used to
- Disappointing cameras
Price When Reviewed:
From $149.99
Best Prices Today:
$64.99
$139.99
The Fire HD 8 Kids Pro adds a few child-friendly features to the familiar Amazon Fire tablet experience.
These include a commitment to durability, with an included protective case (available in several designs) and a two-year replacement guarantee. On the device itself, you also get robust parental control features to keep an eye on what your child (it’s designed for ages 6-12) is up to and set limits.
However, to get the most out of it, you’ll need a subscription to Amazon Kids+, which offers access to a range of shows and games from the likes of Disney, Harry Potter, Marvel and Nickelodeon. After a free first year, it costs at least £4.99/$5.99 per month.
Elsewhere, all the usual Fire tablet limitations apply here, including a basic display, limited performance and a low-quality camera.
However, as you’re buying this for a young child, none of it matters too much. The Fire HD 8 Kids Pro performs well as a child-friendly tablet, which makes it easy to recommend.
Who should buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro?
Anyone looking for a simple tablet that’s suitable for young children.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro: Further considerations
Look elsewhere for a ‘proper’ Android operating system.
Read our full
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro review
9. Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) – Best under £100/$100
Pros
- Good battery life
- Handy Micro-SD slot
- Clean design
- Compact and comfortable
Cons
- Limited performance
- Nearly unusable camera
Price When Reviewed:
From $99.99 | From £114.99 without ads
Best Prices Today:
$54.99
$54.99
When you buy a Fire tablet, you have to be aware of the compromises that come with it. When it comes to the latest Fire HD 8, that’s the basic performance and a rear camera you should pretty much never use, plus the usual limited app selection from the Amazon Appstore.
However, as a device for the basics, there are reasons to recommend it. The 8-inch display is decent for the price, battery life is strong, and the storage (starting at 32GB) can easily be expanded via a Micro-SD card.
It makes the Fire HD 8 an ideal device for watching TV and movies, casual gaming and reading e-books – especially via Amazon’s Kindle app. The software experience is also fairly user-friendly, though I’d highly recommend paying the extra £10/$15 to remove ads.
Another positive is the compact, lightweight design, which means you can take the Fire HD 8 almost anywhere with you.
Who should buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024)?
Anyone looking for a compact tablet that’s suitable for young children or basic use.
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024): Further considerations
Look elsewhere if you want more than basic specs or access to a full app store.
Read our full
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) review
10. Amazon Fire Max 11 – Best for Productivity
Pros
- Nice screen
- Optional keyboard and stylus
- Great handwriting recognition
- Good performance
Cons
- Limited apps
- No Google
- Only 64GB base storage
Price When Reviewed:
From $229.99
Best Prices Today:
$139.99
$139.99
It might be the most expensive tablet Amazon makes, but it’s still very affordable and within the price cap we set for budget tablets. Though that changes if you want to add the keyboard case that’s sold separately.
The stylus is also an extra purchase, but it delivers a realistic pen experience with very good handwriting recognition. You will have to deal with 64GB of storage unless you spend more, and the usual caveat of not having access to the Google Play Store, though.
However, those primarily using Amazon services will get on just fine – the Max 11 offers a nice 2K screen, solid performance and decent battery life.  Â
Who should buy the Amazon Fire Max 11?
Anyone looking for a full productivity setup on a budget.
Amazon Fire Max 11: Further considerations
Look elsewhere if you want access to the full Google Play app store.
Read our full
Amazon Fire Max 11 review
Other budget tablets tested
Although the entries in this list make for great options for anyone shopping around the budget end of the market, if you want to try and stretch the value of your money even further, it’s worth considering previous-generation offerings from the bigger brands within this space. For example, while the base-model iPad from 2021 features here, you’ll also be able to get the 2019 iPad (which isn’t that much different) for even less if you shop around. We’ve also seen older iPad Minis go for just a fraction of what they cost at launch.
The same logic can be applied to older Samsung tablets as their value tends to drop more sharply than it does with Apple iPads. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a little too old now but the A9 models are about to become previous gen. Depending on how thorough your search is (and how far you can stretch your budget), you may even find previous-gen flagship-level Galaxy Tabs for around the £400/$400 mark, especially if they’re refurbished. Just make sure you check how long they will be supported with software updates and security patches first.
Given that Xiaomi has quite a few tablets in this list already, there just wasn’t any room to include the Xiaomi Poco Pad, but it’s a great alternative to consider if you need a solid entertainment tablet that can last the course of a long-haul flight. The massive 10,000mAh battery paves the way for up to 16-hours of video playback, and it’s only made even better thanks to the huge 12.1-inch IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
On a similar note, if you are willing to expand your budget slightly beyond the £300/$300 cut-off of this list, the excellent Xiaomi Pad 7 doesn’t cost all that much more (and it can often be found at a discount during sales events). It boasts a premium-level build that you would more commonly associate with pricier options, and it’s backed by great performance that lets you indulge in a spot of gaming when you don’t feel like watching something.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Budget tablet news that could affect your buying decision
At the time of writing (September 2025), the release of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 and A11+ is imminent, according to rumours. Not only does this mean that Samsung has decided to skip the Galaxy Tab A10 entirely, but it also means that Samsung fans should probably hold off on buying the A9 until we know exactly what upgrades are set to appear with these new models. At the very least, once they are unveiled, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see price cuts for the Tab A9 shortly afterwards.
If you are able to stretch your budget beyond the current crowd and into the lower mid-range, it might also be worth holding off purchasing anything until we know more about the recently revealed Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite. Pricing has yet to be announced, but given that the tablet seems to be aimed as a student-friendly productivity device, it could end up being a great value pick.
Moving away from Samsung, we now have word that in 2026, Amazon will be sunsetting its Fire OS overlay and adopting a more pared-back version of Android. It’s hard to know how drastic this change will be until Amazon pulls back the curtain and we get review units in for testing, but it’s worth bearing in mind if you’re considering buying an Amazon tablet in the foreseeable future.
Can I get a better budget tablet deal?
By their very nature, budget tablets are already reasonably priced for those who don’t want to spend too much, but if you want your money to go even further then you can use the deals widgets above that accompany each entry in this list. All of these widgets are able to scour the web for the best prices across all major retailers, saving you from the drudgery of doing all the research yourself.
If you can delay your purchase for a little bit however then you’ll be able to nab an even better deal during one of the year’s biggest sales events. Those who have followed our coverage of tablet deals will already know that Prime Day and Prime Big Deal Days are two amazing opportunities for Amazon Prime subscribers to save big on budget tablets, especially Amazon’s own-brand Fire tablets which go for just a fraction of their original price.
For those who aren’t signed up to Prime, your best chance to save is during the Black Friday sale which takes place at the end of November each year. Practically every retailer tries to get in on the action here, so you’ll see the likes of Amazon, Currys, John Lewis and more aggressively reduce their prices in order to outdo one another, which just makes it a great time for consumers.
How we test budget tablets
In the case of every tablet that we review, whether it comes with a budget price tag or it’s aimed at the higher end of the market, our experts use the device as their own for at least a week to determine how it performs in everyday use, across tasks such as streaming video, gaming and web browsing. We also put each tablet through a series of industry standard tests involving Geekbench, PCMark and GFXBench, so that you can know right away how much power is available and what strain the battery can be placed under.
Read more about how we test tablets.
Why you should trust Tech Advisor for tablet reviews and buying advice
As one of the oldest consumer tech websites in the UK, Tech Advisor is committed to providing unbiased and thoroughly researched reviews that let you know right away whether a device is worth your hard-earned cash. We’ve covered the breadth of tablets from the launch of the first iPad to the latest laptop-like iPad Pros, so you can rely on our expertise to help you with your buying decision.
Who curated this article?Â
This buying guide was put together by Anyron Copeman, Mobile Editor of Tech Advisor. While Anyron has reviewed more budget tablets than any of us can realistically remember, he has also reviewed countless top-tier tablets, so he knows whether or not a more affordable option is going above and beyond to offer high-end specs at a reasonable price.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
How to choose the best budget tablet
When it comes to buying a budget tablet, just like buying one of the best budget phones, you need to recognise that there’s going to be some compromise involved in order to keep the cost down. While this means that you won’t be picking up a tablet that can go toe-to-toe with the super powerful iPad Pro, most budget tablets nowadays do excel in at least one or two areas – you just need to decide which features you care about the most.
For instance, if you want a tablet for streaming films and TV shows or downloading and watching them offline as you travel then you’re going to want two things: a great screen and solid battery life to back it up. It’s still quite rare for budget tablets to have OLED displays, but IPS panels do the trick just fine, offering up lots of colour for content on the move, while a larger battery cell (around 8000mAh or above) will have you set for plenty of hours of entertainment.
If you’re more concerned with having a tablet that’s better suited for gaming or even a spot of productivity such as sending emails or arranging your schedule, then you’ll want to focus more on the processor that’s included, and use the comparative charts of our benchmarking tests to see which budget tablets are able to take on a higher strain.
If in doubt, click through to our full reviews of each tablet to find out more.
Budget tablet buying guide
1.
What screen size do I need?
That depends on what you’re planning to use it for. If portability is a top priority, consider something around 8- to 9-inch, which means it should be light enough to take anywhere with you.
For mainly at-home usage, consider something bigger. At least 10-inch will ensure there’s plenty of room for full-size video or video calling that everyone can comfortably see.
But if you’re planning on using a tablet for serious work, an even larger screen will probably suit you better. Above 12-inch means it’s a comparable size to many laptops and makes it capable of genuine multitasking.
Look for an IPS screen (or better yet, an OLED screen), as this technology is almost guaranteed to offer superior colours and viewing angles versus a basic TN display. IPS panels usually offer decent brightness and contrast, too.
Resolution isn’t as important as you might think. Pixel density is a better guide: you need fewer pixels on a smaller screen and vice versa. Look for at least 220 pixels per inch (often abbreviated to ‘ppi’ or ‘dpi’) to keep things looking crisp.
2.
How much storage do I need?
Most budget tablets have limited storage, though some offer the flexibility of expansion via a microSD card. Make sure you check this before you buy.
Without it, you’ll want at least 64GB (this should be the bare minimum available now anyway). Most people will be better off with either 128- or 256GB, with 512GB and higher reserved for people who store a lot of files locally.
Just remember, a few GB of that storage is taken up by important system files that can’t be deleted, so the actual usable total will be slightly less.
3.
How good do the cameras need to be?
For most tablet manufacturers, rear cameras simply aren’t a priority. People aren’t going to be going around taking photos like they would with a smartphone – instead, you really just want something for document scanning and the occasional quick snap.
However, some budget tablets don’t even ensure that, so it’s worth checking.
The front-facing lens is much more important, given its use for video calling. While a higher megapixel count is often better, try to also find a sensor that can capture video at Full HD (1080p) or higher, which will ensure crisp footage.
For more guidance, we have a camera section in each of our tablet reviews.
4.
Which processor should I look for?
Flagship processors such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite and MediaTek Dimensity 9400 are generally the most capable, but you won’t find those on budget tablets.
Instead, for each device you’re considering, look at which other phones or tablets are already using it. If it’s new, see where it sits within the company’s lineup – if it’s the least powerful it makes, there may be cause for concern.
In general, it’s best to look for a processor made by either Qualcomm, MediaTek, Google or Apple, which are known to be generally reliable.
But don’t pay too much attention to clock speeds (in GHz) or even RAM. It’s easy to be fooled into believing a tablet will (or won’t) perform well, based on numbers alone.
Read our reviews to find out how each tablet handles in the real world.
5.
What tablet software is best?
Across the 10 devices in this article, three different operating systems are represented.
The most popular is Android, and there are lots of budget Android tablets to choose from. However, each manufacturer offers a slightly different take on Android, so it’s worth researching these to see which one you prefer.
Also, the fact that a tablet is running Android doesn’t automatically make it good. There are plenty of relatively unknown brands out there which offer a sub-par experience.
While based on Android, Amazon’s Fire OS is fundamentally different. It’s a much simpler software that’s built around Amazon’s own apps. Plenty of third-party apps are available, but the Amazon Appstore has a fraction of the selection on the Google Play Store.
Last, but very much not least, is iPadOS. It’s only available on Apple’s iPad, though there are only minor tweaks compared to iOS, which runs on the iPhone. iPadOS uses Apple’s own App Store instead and is the best option if you’re invested in the Apple ecosystem or you want an easy-to-use tablet.
