We have a dirty little secret for you: (*whispers* ) you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get one of the best tablets of 2021. Oh, how quickly we forget that last year’s tablets used to be the cream of the crop. Just because a new generation of tablets is out, that doesn’t mean that the 2020 generation should automatically be shunned. In fact, when shopping for cheap tablets, you should do exactly the opposite.
Going with a budget tablet often means choosing an older model, but there’s really nothing wrong with that. Here’s why:
- Older tablets still have a great battery life
- Many come with 32GB of storage or more
- And the obvious one — you can save some serious coin
Pro Tip: the best cheap tablets usually come with either 32GB or 64GB of storage, and the price difference can be as little as $10. Spend the extra money, as you’ll want as much space for apps as possible (these things fill up quicker than you think).
If you are looking for a laptop alternative to take with you on road trips, cross country flights, or to keep the kids entertained when you need a break, going with a budget tablet is not only economical, it’s just plain smart. So don’t dip into your savings to buy a new tablet (especially if you only want to stream content or surf the web), instead, go with one of the five best budget tablets below.
1. Amazon Fire HD 10
BEST OVERALL
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get premium features like Alexa hands-free voice commands and a 1080p display. This newly updated Amazon tablet is great for watching your favorite shows and surfing the web, especially with the 2.0 GHz octa-core processor that is faster than both the HD 8 and 7. And you can get 12-hours of use before it needs a recharge. For only $150, it’s a pretty . . . ahem . . . fire deal.
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A
RUNNER UP
When you want a little more battery life and full on Android OS capabilities, the Galaxy Tab A is a solid choice. It comes with 32GB of storage that can be expanded to 512GB with a micro SD card, which is quite impressive when you consider the price tag. Equally as impressive is the 13-hour battery life, which is better than many newer premium laptops. The Galaxy Tab A is proof that there are good tablets for budget prices available. If you’re looking for the best budget tablets under $150, Samsung is the best Amazon Fire alternative on the market right now.
3. Amazon Fire HD 7
BEST $50 TABLET
This tablet is only $50. That’s right, for only $50 you can get a tablet with Alexa hands-free navigation and 32GB storage (same as Lenovo Tab 4 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A). Of course, it sports a bit less processing power, and the 7-hour battery life is on the low-end, but it will still get you through a healthy (or unhealthy) dose of binging your favorite shows. And it’s worth repeating: it’s only $50.
4. Lenovo Tab M10 Plus
BEST FAMILY TABLET
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus has a large 10.1-inch screen that’s perfect for surfing the web, using your favorite apps and watching movies and TV. The Tab M10 Plus also stereo speakers that are powered by Dolby technology. This tablet also has a handy kid’s mode, which makes it easy to create a diversion when you need a break. For families who are looking for one of the best Android tablets that is still cheap, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus is the answer.
5. Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus
HONORABLE MENTION
You can save yourself about $40 when you go with the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus over the HD 10. Sure, you get a two inch smaller screen and a little less performance, but the 10-hour battery life and octa-core CPU is still impressive. And the fact that you still get Alexa hands-free navigation makes the deal that much more enticing. While it may cost $20 more than the standard HD 8, you’re getting a faster CPU and ability to charge wirelessly here, which can be a huge quality-of-life boost. So if you want to save a little more money on a budget tablet, there’s nothing wrong with going for the smaller HD 8 Plus.
