Which budget tablet is best?
If you’re looking for a tablet that won’t break the bank, it’s worth considering a top-rated budget model. Many tablets in this price range boast premium features and construction, meaning you don’t need to compromise on quality. Some budget tablets have expandable memory options, top-notch speakers, or are well-suited for photography and recording. Perhaps the strongest feature in these tablets is their impressive battery life, which can last as long as 18 hours.
Ready to make a wallet-friendly tech purchase? Keep reading our buying guide for tips on comparing budget tablets, most of which cost under $200. We’re including our top pick, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A 8-Inch Tablet, which is popular for its slim design and seamless user experience.
What to know before you buy a budget tablet
Size
To find the most suitable tablet for your needs, choose a size that falls in line with its intended use. If you need a tablet for travel, aim for slender, lightweight models that fit into carry-on bags or purses. For everyday media enjoyment, you might want a larger tablet, especially one with a big screen and a decent sound system.
Screen resolution
While full HD is the standard resolution for most tablets, some manufacturers remain competitive with budget tablets, while their resolutions are subpar. It’s not a big deal if you intend to use your tablet as an e-reader or to browse online. If you’re interested in watching media, however, aim for 1080p resolution.
Battery life
Battery life is a top feature to compare among tablets $200 and under. Luckily, most models in this price bracket average eight hours of use on a full charge, which is plenty for the average person. Those closer to the $200 mark can have 10 to 12 hours of battery life, while some push almost 16 hours.
What to look for in budget tablet
Operating system (OS)
For the most part, budget tablets run on some version of Android OS, though some run on Windows 10 or 11. If you’re a fan of iOS and are considering an iPad, be warned that it’s probably a much older refurbished model.
Storage
If you’re planning on using your tablet for media, make sure it has ample storage to hold movies and music. Some tablets even have expandable memory, in which case you can utilize memory cards to boost your tablet’s overall storage capacity.
Apps
Maximize your tablet use by downloading as many apps as your heart desires. For tablets running Android, you have an impressive selection from the Google Play app store. If the tablet runs on Windows 10, you can find apps on the Microsoft Store, though the selection is smaller.
How much you can expect to spend on a budget tablet
While you can find tablets between $80-$200, you get what you pay for in this bracket. Those priced below $140 tend to be from lesser-known manufacturers and aren’t always reliable. If possible, stick to $170 and above to get the best quality and bang for your buck.
Budget tablet FAQ
What’s the case selection like for budget tablets?
A. You can find quite a range of cases for tablets from well-known manufacturers, though it might be harder to find an assortment for tablets by less popular ones. There are some universal cases that fit multiple tablets, so check the case’s compatibility chart to choose the right one.
I mostly want to read and browse the web. Should I get a budget tablet or an e-reader?
A. It’s probably more cost-effective to pick up a budget tablet. Some users feel it’s much easier to browse online with a tablet than an e-reader. If you may want to use your tablet in other ways down the line, you then have the option to download apps.
What are the best budget tablets to buy?
Top budget tablet
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A 8-Inch Tablet
What you need to know: This is a reliable, lightweight tablet with a top-quality camera featuring 720 HD recording.
What you’ll love: It offers dual-band Wi-Fi and an eight-hour battery life. It is expandable up to 128GB and runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop.
What you should consider: Some consumers wish camera quality was a bit better.
Top budget tablet for the money
What you need to know: This budget-friendly tablet has an expandable memory of up to 1 terabyte.
What you’ll love: It has a 13-hour battery life and 3 gigabytes of RAM.
What you should consider: It has a low camera resolution.
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This is a premium tablet with impressive speakers and a versatile form factor.
What you’ll love: It offers 1080p full HD resolution and an immersive speaker system.
What you should consider: It’s slightly over $200, but it’s well worth it for so many premium features.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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