Tablets have become versatile, convenient tools for a variety of tasks, from entertainment and gaming to work and study. As technology continues to evolve, it’s easier than ever to find a tablet that suits your needs without breaking the bank. In 2025, the market is flooded with affordable options offering impressive performance, decent displays, and good battery life.
In 2025, there are plenty of affordable tablets to choose from that deliver solid performance for the price. Whether you’re looking for a tablet for light browsing, streaming, or note-taking, there’s a budget-friendly option for you. Devices like the Fire HD 10 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 offer great value, while the Apple iPad 9th Gen refurbished model delivers a premium experience at a lower price point. Make sure to assess your needs carefully, from performance to display quality, to find the best tablet for your budget.
Here are the 10 best cheap tablets for 2025, each with its pros and cons to help you make an informed decision:
1. Amazon Fire HD 10 (2025 Edition)
4.5 out of 5 ratings
Price: $149.99 on Amazon
The Amazon Fire HD 10 remains a top pick for anyone looking for a budget-friendly tablet. Amazon’s tablet offers great value for money, with a vibrant 10.1-inch Full HD display and decent performance.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Alexa integration
- Up to 12 hours of battery life
- Good for media consumption and light tasks
Cons:
- Limited app selection due to Amazon’s Fire OS
- No Google Play Store access (requires sideloading apps)
- Performance is sluggish with more demanding apps
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (2025)
4.4 out of 5 ratings
Immersive Entertainment for the Whole Family: Enjoy vibrant visuals on the expansive 11-inch display, enhanced by a fluid 90Hz refresh rate, perfect for movies, gaming, and family fun. Experience cinematic audio with quad speakers and Dolby Atmos, delivering rich, room-filling sound. Plus, power through your entertainment with a boosted chipset, 8GB RAM, and ample 128GB storage, expandable via microSD.
Pros:
- High-quality display for the price
- Expandable storage via microSD card
- Decent performance for light apps and media
- Slim and lightweight design
Cons:
- Mediocre performance for heavy multitasking
- No fingerprint sensor
- Limited software updates
3. Lenovo Tab M11 (3rd Gen)
4.5 out of 5 Ratings
Versatile Powerhouse: The Lenovo Tab M11 delivers seamless multitasking with its MediaTek Helio G88 processor, vibrant 11″ WUXGA display (1920×1200), and ample 128GB SSD storage, perfect for work or entertainment on the go.
Pros:
- Large Full HD display
- Kid-friendly mode with parental controls
- Solid build quality
- Decent battery life (up to 8 hours)
Cons:
- Can struggle with more demanding tasks
- Software updates are slow
- No fast charging
4. Premium Pick: Apple iPad 9th Gen (2025)
4.8 out 5 ratings
Price: $220.00 on Amazon (Refurbished)
While new iPads can be expensive, the 9th-generation iPad is often available at affordable prices when refurbished. It brings excellent performance, a sharp Retina display, and the iPadOS ecosystem.
Pros:
- Powerful A13 Bionic chip
- Access to the full App Store
- Excellent display and performance for the price
- Long-term software support from Apple
Cons:
- Battery life is average
- Only 64GB base storage
- Heavier than other tablets in this price range
5. Huawei MatePad 11 (2025)
Price: $249.99
The Huawei MatePad 11 offers a premium experience for an affordable price. With an 11-inch 2K display, it delivers great visual quality, and its performance is more than capable for daily tasks.
Pros:
- Impressive 2K display
- Powerful Snapdragon 865 chipset
- Harmonious sound quality
- Decent battery life
Cons:
- Limited app ecosystem due to Huawei’s app restrictions
- No Google Play Store
- Heavier than some competitors
6. Editor’s Pick: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2025)
4.5 out of 5 ratings
Price: $249.99 on Amazon
If you’re looking for a budget tablet that supports an S Pen, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is an excellent option. It’s perfect for students and professionals who like to take notes and sketch on the go.
Pros:
- S Pen included
- Decent display (10.4-inch)
- Solid build quality
- Good performance for the price
Cons:
- Limited processing power for heavy apps
- No AMOLED display
- Only 4GB of RAM
7. Best Budget Pick: Fire HD 8 Plus (2025 Edition)
4.5 out of 5 ratings
Smaller and more affordable than the Fire HD 10, the Fire HD 8 Plus is perfect for basic tasks. It’s ideal for reading, light gaming, and media consumption at an extremely low price point.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- 3GB RAM for better multitasking than other Fire tablets
- Lightweight and portable
- Alexa integration
Cons:
- Limited app selection due to Fire OS
- Average display quality
- Performance struggles with multitasking
8. Lenovo Tab P12
4.7 out of 5 ratings
Price: $229.99 on Amazon
Unlock Your Potential: Lenovo Tab P12. Experience stunning 3K visuals, perfect for both detailed note-taking and immersive gaming. Unwind with expansive entertainment on a 12.7-inch LCD, enhanced by Dolby Atmos quad speakers and 1080p streaming. Power through tasks and games with Wi-Fi 6, a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage. Capture every moment with a 13MP ultra-wide front camera, AI face tracking, and an RGB sensor.
Pros:
- Sharp 2K display
- Android operating system with access to Google Play
- Solid performance for most tasks
- Decent speakers
Cons:
- No fingerprint sensor
- Mediocre camera quality
- Lacks full 4GB of RAM for heavy multitasking
9. Best Cheap: Dragon Touch Max 10
Dragon Touch Max 10 is an affordable tablet with a large 10.1-inch display and decent specs, aimed at users who want a budget option for browsing, watching videos, and using apps.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Large display for watching movies
- Good battery life (up to 8 hours)
- Runs Android OS
Cons:
- Slow performance with heavy apps
- Build quality feels cheap
- Low-quality camera
10. Amazon Fire 7 tablet (newest model)
Your personal entertainment hub, wherever you are. This 7″ tablet packs a punch with a quad-core processor and 2 GB RAM, offering seamless performance for books, movies, and shows. Choose 16 or 32 GB of built-in storage, and expand it up to 1 TB with a micro-SD card (sold separately). Dive into your favorite content with apps like Kindle, Netflix, and Spotify from the Amazon Appstore (subscription fees may apply, Google Play not supported). Enjoy up to 10 hours of entertainment on a single charge, perfect for home or travel.
Pros:
- Extremely budget-friendly
- 10-inch HD display
- Simple, user-friendly interface
- Long battery life (up to 10 hours)
Cons:
- Slow processor
- Poor display quality
- Limited app compatibility
Conclusion:
Selecting a cheap tablet involves balancing your needs with your budget. Here’s a breakdown of key factors to consider:
1. Determine Your Needs:
- Primary Use:
- Are you primarily using it for reading, watching videos, browsing the web, or more demanding tasks like gaming or productivity?
- Simple tasks require less powerful (and thus, cheaper) tablets.
- Screen Size:
- Smaller tablets (7-8 inches) are more portable, while larger ones (10 inches or more) are better for media consumption.
- Storage:
- Consider how much storage you’ll need for apps, files, and media. Check if the tablet has expandable storage via a microSD card slot.
- Connectivity:
- Do you need Wi-Fi only, or cellular connectivity (4G/5G)? Cellular models are typically more expensive.
- Operating System:
- Amazon Fire OS: Affordable, good for media consumption, but limited app selection compared to Android.
- Android: Offers a wider range of apps and customization options.
- iPadOS: Generally more expensive, but provides a smooth user experience and a vast app ecosystem.
2. Key Specifications to Consider:
- Processor (CPU):
- A faster processor ensures smoother performance, especially for multitasking and demanding apps.
- RAM:
- 2GB of RAM is generally sufficient for basic tasks, but 3GB or 4GB is recommended for smoother performance.
- Display Resolution:
- A higher resolution display provides sharper images and videos.
- Battery Life:
- Look for a tablet with a battery life that meets your needs.
- Build Quality:
- Consider the tablet’s build quality and durability, especially if you plan to travel with it.
3. Budget-Friendly Tablet Options:
- Amazon Fire Tablets:
- Known for their affordability, especially during sales.
- Ideal for media consumption and basic tasks.
- Keep in mind the limitations of Fire OS.
- Entry-Level Android Tablets:
- Brands like Lenovo, Samsung, and TCL offer budget-friendly Android tablets.
- Look for models with decent specifications and good user reviews.
4. Tips for Finding Deals:
- Compare Prices:
- Check prices from multiple retailers before making a purchase.
- Look for Sales and Discounts:
- Take advantage of sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day.
- Consider Refurbished Tablets:
- Refurbished tablets can offer significant savings. Ensure they come with a warranty.
- Read Reviews:
- Before purchasing, read customer and expert reviews to get an idea of the tablet’s performance and reliability.
By carefully considering your needs and doing your research, you can find a cheap tablet that provides excellent value for your money.
