Tablets offer a great balance of portability and functionality. Whether you need one for entertainment, browsing, or light work, there are plenty of options out there that won’t drain your wallet. If you’re looking for the best budget tablets in 2024, you’re in the right place.
We’ve put together a list of affordable tablets that still pack a punch in terms of performance, display quality, and battery life. These tablets won’t break the bank, but they will handle everyday tasks with ease.
What Makes a Tablet “Budget-Friendly”?
When we say “budget-friendly,” we mean tablets that cost under $300 but still provide solid performance. Budget tablets tend to have fewer features compared to premium models, but they should still get the job done for most basic tasks like web browsing, streaming videos, and light productivity.
These tablets usually come with smaller storage options, lower-resolution screens, or simpler processors. But with the right balance of features, they can be just as good for casual use.
Best Budget Tablets of 2024
1. Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023 Edition)
Key Features:
- Display: 10.1-inch Full HD (1920 x 1200)
- Processor: Octa-core 2.0 GHz
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 32GB or 64GB (Expandable via microSD)
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- Operating System: Fire OS
The Amazon Fire HD 10 is a favorite in the budget tablet category. With its 10.1-inch Full HD screen, it’s great for watching videos, browsing the web, or reading. The octa-core processor and 3GB of RAM provide smooth performance for most everyday tasks.
One downside is Fire OS, which limits access to some apps. However, if you mainly use Amazon services like Prime Video, Alexa, or Kindle, this tablet will serve you well.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Solid performance for everyday tasks
- Long battery life
- Amazon ecosystem integration (Prime Video, Alexa, etc.)
Cons:
- Limited app selection (Fire OS vs. Android or iOS)
- No Google services
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (2024)
Key Features:
- Display: 10.5-inch 1920 x 1200
- Processor: Unisoc Tiger T618
- RAM: 3GB or 4GB
- Storage: 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB (Expandable via microSD)
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- Operating System: Android 12
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 offers excellent value for money. With a 10.5-inch screen and good color accuracy, it’s great for watching shows or browsing. The Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset and up to 4GB of RAM provide smooth performance for light multitasking.
If you like Android’s app ecosystem, this tablet gives you full access to the Google Play Store, which is a big plus over Fire OS.
Pros:
- Runs Android, offering access to the Google Play Store
- Good display for the price
- Expandable storage
- Slim, lightweight design
Cons:
- Basic camera performance
- Performance can slow with heavy multitasking
3. Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
Key Features:
- Display: 10.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1200)
- Processor: MediaTek Helio P22T
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB (Expandable via microSD)
- Battery Life: Up to 9 hours
- Operating System: Android 12
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus offers solid performance with a 10.3-inch Full HD display, perfect for media consumption. Powered by the MediaTek Helio P22T, it handles everyday tasks like web browsing and video streaming without issue. Its 4GB of RAM ensures smooth performance for light multitasking.
The tablet’s build quality is excellent, and it includes a kids’ mode for families. For its price, it’s a reliable device for entertainment and productivity.
Pros:
- Good design and build quality
- Clear display for watching videos
- Kids mode for family use
- Expandable storage
Cons:
- Average battery life
- Performance may drop with demanding apps or multitasking
4. Nokia T20 Tablet
Key Features:
- Display: 10.4-inch 2000 x 1200
- Processor: Unisoc T610
- RAM: 3GB or 4GB
- Storage: 32GB or 64GB (Expandable via microSD)
- Battery Life: Up to 15 hours
- Operating System: Android 11
The Nokia T20 is a standout in the budget category, offering a premium design with solid performance. The 10.4-inch screen is sharp and bright enough for comfortable viewing. The tablet runs on a clean version of Android, free of bloatware, which means fewer distractions and regular software updates.
With impressive battery life (up to 15 hours), the T20 is perfect for all-day use, whether you’re watching movies or browsing the web.
Pros:
- Premium design and feel
- Clean Android experience
- Excellent battery life
- Expandable storage
Cons:
- Mediocre cameras for photos or video calls
- Performance struggles with gaming or intensive apps
5. Huawei MatePad T10s
Key Features:
- Display: 10.1-inch 1920 x 1200
- Processor: Kirin 710A
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 32GB or 64GB (Expandable via microSD)
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- Operating System: HarmonyOS
The Huawei MatePad T10s combines a good display with reliable performance. It’s powered by the Kirin 710A chipset, which can handle everyday tasks like streaming and browsing with ease. The tablet’s 10.1-inch screen offers great resolution for its price, making it an excellent choice for watching movies or working on documents.
HarmonyOS provides a streamlined experience, though it doesn’t have access to Google services. If you’re okay with Huawei’s AppGallery, the MatePad T10s offers excellent value.
Pros:
- Solid performance for the price
- High-quality display
- Good battery life
- Expandable storage
Cons:
- No Google Play Store (requires workarounds for apps)
- App availability is limited
6. Dragon Touch Notepad K10
Key Features:
- Display: 10-inch 1280 x 800
- Processor: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
- RAM: 2GB
- Storage: 32GB (Expandable via microSD)
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
- Operating System: Android 10
For those on an extremely tight budget, the Dragon Touch Notepad K10 is one of the most affordable options. The tablet features a 10-inch screen and basic specs, with 2GB of RAM and a quad-core processor. While it won’t blow you away in terms of speed or display quality, it’s still a solid option for basic tasks like web browsing, reading, or light streaming.
While it may not be as powerful as other budget tablets, its price makes it a great choice for those who just need something for casual use.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Decent display for the price
- Expandable storage
Cons:
- Low resolution (1280 x 800)
- Limited RAM and processing power
- Shorter battery life
Key Features to Look for in Budget Tablets
When shopping for a budget tablet, here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:
Display Quality
A good display is essential. Look for tablets with at least Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. Larger screens (10 inches or more) offer better viewing experiences, especially for streaming or browsing.
Performance (Processor & RAM)
Even on a budget, try to find a tablet with a decent processor and at least 3GB of RAM. These specs ensure your tablet can handle basic tasks without lagging.
Battery Life
You’ll want a tablet with enough battery life to get you through the day. Most budget tablets have 8-12 hours of battery life, which should be more than enough for casual use.
Storage Options
32GB or 64GB of storage is standard on budget tablets. Look for a model that offers expandable storage through a microSD card, so you don’t run out of space.
Operating System
Most budget tablets run on Android, but some use custom operating systems like Fire OS or HarmonyOS. Android tablets give you access to the full Google Play Store, while others may limit app selection.
Conclusion
Choosing a budget tablet in 2024 doesn’t mean you have to settle for poor performance. Tablets like the Amazon Fire HD 10, Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, and Nokia T20 offer a great combination of value, performance, and battery life without breaking the bank. Whether you’re streaming, browsing, or reading, these tablets will meet your needs at a fraction of the cost of premium devices.
When choosing the right tablet, think about how you’ll use it most. Whether it’s for entertainment, productivity, or family use, there’s a budget-friendly option out there that fits your needs.
FAQs
Q: Which tablet is best for streaming on a budget?
A: The Amazon Fire HD 10 is great for streaming, especially if you use Amazon services like Prime Video.
Q: Can budget tablets handle light gaming?
A: Yes, budget tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 and Lenovo Tab M10 Plus can handle casual games, but they may struggle with more demanding titles.
Q: Do budget tablets support expandable storage?
A: Most budget tablets, including the Amazon Fire HD 10, Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, and Nokia T20, have expandable storage via microSD cards.
Q: Which budget tablet has the best battery life?
A: The Nokia T20 offers up to 15 hours of battery life, making it a top contender for long-lasting power.
Q: Can I use a budget tablet for work?
A: Budget tablets can handle light work tasks like email, web browsing, and document editing. For heavier productivity, you may want to invest in a higher-end tablet.
