The Best Inexpensive Tablets
Tablets offer a happy medium between computers and smartphones, and they're a boon for mobile streaming, gaming, and work. But many of the latest models are quite pricey. Fortunately, there are still a number of inexpensive tablets out there that will help you stay plugged in without breaking the bank. We've researched the best models on the market right now, so whether you need more battery life, more memory, more processing power, or anything in between, we're sure you'll find a tablet that's right for you here.
What to Look For
You want to make sure your choice has a good display for your needs, whether you plan to use it primarily for reading, surfing the web, or online learning. It should also have enough RAM to provide a frustration-free experience and plenty of battery life so that it can last through workdays and day trips alike. Amazon’s Fire HD 8 Plus tablet is our top choice because it balances these considerations quite well, especially for those of us who prefer to use our tablets for ebooks. But if you want something with a big display for streaming, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better value than the Dragon Touch NotePad K10 tablet, with its large display and convenient HDMI port. Check out our reviews below to learn more about our favorite options and why they stood out to us.
Fire HD 8 Plus Tablet, 64 GB
High performance, low price
This is a smaller tablet that’s perfect for reading. It has an 8-inch HD display, 64GB of memory, and a slot for a MicroSD card that can add as much as 1TB of extra memory. The battery can last 12 hours on a full charge, and the 2.0GHz processor and 3GB of RAM deliver speedy multitasking. Better yet, it’s sleek and durable, so you can worry less about delicate tech. This is the perfect inexpensive tablet that provides everything we look for at a bargain price.
Pros:
- It charges via USB-C, which also contributes to fast data transfers.
- The 3GB of RAM is a significant boost to speed when running games and streaming.
- Given the wealth of features you get in this tablet, we’re amazed at how affordable it is.
Cons:
- The cheaper version has ads on the lock screen, though you can upgrade to an ad-free version for a slightly higher price.
Dragon Touch Notepad K10 Tablet
Visual splendor
This tablet has a 10.1-inch IPS display with a full HD resolution. It has a sizeable 32GB of expandable memory storage that is great for large amounts of music and video. It can stream Netflix, YouTube, and plenty of other content with its 5GHz-compatible WiFi receiver. We especially love the micro HDMI jack, which lets you connect it to other devices. It also supports Google Play apps thanks to its Android operating system. This is perfect for streaming video and keeping you connected on the go.
Pros:
- You can expand the storage with a micro SD card as large as 128GB.
- We love that we can plug this tablet into our big screen and watch movies via HDMI.
- The 2GB of RAM and powerful processor make for a fluid user experience, especially when it comes to videos and web surfing.
Cons:
- The large size makes it a little unwieldy for less power-intensive tasks like casual reading.
Veidoo 7-inch Android Kids Tablet
Childproof your tech
Tablets can serve as terrific learning resources for children. Unfortunately, trusting your kid to care for their new device is another matter altogether. If you want to enhance your child’s education with a tablet without worrying about them breaking it, we recommend Veidoo’s kids tablet, which has plenty of parental controls and a robust silicone case. Indeed, the case offers excellent protection against inevitable dings and drops. It also has a helpful handle, making it easier for little hands to carry.
Pros:
- The display is bright and colorful.
- This is one of the most affordable tablets on the market.
- It’s perfect for streaming videos and playing casual kid games.
- The parental controls are easy to use, and you can protect administrative privileges with a password.
- The case has an adjustable kickstand, making it perfect for watching videos while eating snacks and meals.
Cons:
- With all the pre-loaded content and parental controls to tweak, setting it up can take a long time.
JUSYEA J10 10-Inch Tablet
All the extras
Tablets are computers, but they rarely come with all the hardware that we use with our PCs. However, the J10 tablet from JUSYEA includes everything you need to click, type, and listen. With the Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, you can surf the web and write emails without wires to tangle up your workspace. This bundle also comes with earbuds, a protective case, a stylus, and a USB-C charger. Most importantly, the hardware is excellent, and the 10-inch screen offers clarity and color.
Pros:
- Considering all the accessories, it’s an excellent value for the price.
- With a whopping 4GB of RAM, this tablet offers incredible performance.
- The battery lasts many hours on a full charge, even with high brightness.
- The 10-inch display features an HD screen with an IPS panel for vivid colors.
Cons:
- The memory is only expandable up to 128GB, so you may have to swap big files (like HD videos) in and out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an IPS display?
IPS displays are better viewed from any angle, while the older TN displays would be obscured if viewed from an angle. The IPS displays are also known for their eye-catching color.
How much RAM do you need?
Unlike tablets, desktop PCs and laptops usually come with more re-installed RAM. However, with inexpensive tablets that are used primarily for reading, streaming, and apps, around 2GB of RAM should cover just about all your needs.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.