In a world where tablets have become essential for everything from streaming Netflix marathons to jotting down quick notes or browsing recipes in the kitchen, you don’t need to break the bank to get a reliable device. With the current date being, the budget tablet market is buzzing with fresh releases and Black Friday deals still lingering. We’ve scoured expert reviews from Trusted Reviews, and more to compile this list of the top five budget tablets available in the UK—all under £350. These picks prioritise value, balancing performance, battery life, and features for everyday use without the premium price tag.
Whether you’re after an iOS ecosystem powerhouse or an Android workhorse, there’s something here for you. Prices are approximate based on current UK retailer listings (e.g., Amazon, Currys, and John Lewis) and may fluctuate with sales.
1. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 64GB – The All-Rounder Winner
4.7 out of 5 Ratings
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Android Tablet, 64GB Storage, 4GB Ram, Large Display, Rich Sound, Graphite, 3 Year Extended Warranty (UK Version)
Contemporary style, captivating display: Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 features a sleek metal body in Graphite, Silver, and Navy, Complemented by a large, bright display for immersive entertainment, even in bright conditions.
Pros: Stunning screen, excellent app ecosystem, long software support.
Cons: No Apple Intelligence features (reserved for pricier models), base storage fills up fast.
Best for: Anyone wanting a future-proof tablet that feels premium.
2. OnePlus Pad Lite – The Android Powerhouse
4.4 out of 5 Ratings
Priced at just £249 for 128GB, the OnePlus Pad Lite is a 2025 standout in the sub-£300 category, earning raves from Trusted Reviews and Stuff for its clean OxygenOS skin and impressive battery life (up to 14 hours). The 11.4-inch 2.4K display with 144Hz refresh rate is buttery smooth for scrolling and videos, and the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chip keeps things snappy for casual gaming and productivity.
Pros: Vibrant display, bloatware-free software, expandable storage via microSD.
Cons: Cameras are basic (8MP front/rear), no stylus included.
Best for: Android fans seeking a sleek, versatile slate without ads.
3. Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 – The Value Media Champ
4.7 out of 5 Ratings
For under £170 (4G version around £200), the Redmi Pad 2 punches way above its weight, as highlighted by Tech Advisor and YouTube reviewers. Its 11-inch 90Hz IPS display and quad Dolby Atmos speakers make it a streaming beast, while the Snapdragon 680 processor and 8,000mAh battery (up to 16 hours) handle e-books and light browsing effortlessly. The premium metal build feels luxurious for the price.
Pros: Superb audio, long battery, affordable 4G option.
Cons: Only 4GB RAM in base model (upgrade to 6GB for £20 more), MIUI has some bloat.
Best for: Budget-conscious users focused on entertainment and portability.
4. Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) – The Streaming Steal
4.7 out of 5 Ratings
At £140 for 32GB (or £100 on sale), the Fire HD 10 is unbeatable for Amazon Prime loyalists, per PCMag UK and Expert Reviews. The 10.1-inch Full HD screen is great for binge-watching, and Alexa integration turns it into a smart display. With 13 hours of battery and a 3GHz octa-core processor, it’s zippy for basics—though sideloading Google apps requires a workaround.
Pros: Cheap, expandable storage up to 1TB, kid-proof durability.
Cons: Locked to Amazon’s app store (no native Google Play), ads on lock screen (removable for £15).
Best for: Casual users who live in the Amazon ecosystem.
5. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ – The Reliable Everyday Pick
4.5 out of 5 Ratings
Around £219 for 64GB, the Galaxy Tab A9+ gets nods from Tech Advisor and Tom’s Guide for its balanced specs, including an 11-inch 90Hz TFT display and Snapdragon 695 chip that’s solid for multitasking. Battery lasts 10-12 hours, and Samsung promises four years of updates—a rarity in budget Androids. Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos enhance media playback.
These tablets represent the cream of the crop, blending affordability with real-world usability. If your needs lean towards heavy productivity, stretch to the iPad; for pure media, grab the Fire HD 10. Check retailers for the latest deals—many are still discounted post-Black Friday. What will you use yours for?
