Tablet cheap: The Best Cheap Tablets for 2023

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The Best Cheap Tablets for 2023

Some tablets are pro-level laptop replacements, while others perform humbler duties. Inexpensive tablets can serve as entertainment platforms for kids, ebook readers, and alarm clocks. They can even work as digital signage. You don’t need to spend $300 or more to get a simple slate that fulfills those functions.

Check out our favorite models below and make sure to scroll to the end for some relevant buying advice.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)

Best for Big-Screen Streaming

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

Amazon’s most expensive tablet, the Fire HD 10, is still impressively affordable. Its internal hardware can comfortably run whatever games and apps you want, while its large, 10.1-inch screen is suitable for streaming video. A battery life of 12 hours and 48 minutes in testing also makes this slate a good travel companion. It even doubles as an Alexa smart display.

Who It’s For

If you don’t want to spend a ton of money on a large-screen tablet, the Fire HD 10 is a reasonable pick. No, it doesn’t offer access to as many apps as iPads or Android slates, but it doesn’t cost nearly as much either.

PROS

  • Fast processor for the price
  • Plenty of RAM
  • Acts as an Alexa smart display

CONS

  • Poor app selection
  • Very Amazon-centric interface

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Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) Review

Apple iPad (9th Generation, 2021)

Best iPad Value

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The 9th-gen iPad isn’t the latest version of Apple’s entry-level slate, but you can still get it new directly from Cupertino. Its specs aren’t outdated, either: a 10.2-inch retina display, an A13 Bionic chip, and 64GB of base storage are good starting points. It also works with the same accessories as the 10th-gen iPad, including the Smart Keyboard and the 1st-gen Apple Pencil.

Who It’s For

The 9th-gen iPad costs more than other entries on this list, but we can still comfortably recommend it if you want access to the App Store and iMessage for as little money as possible. The 10-gen iPad does offer advantages such as a larger screen with thinner bezels and a USB-C port (the older model sticks with Lightning), but those upgrades might not be worth the significant price jump to $449.

PROS

  • Powerful performance
  • Multi-year OS upgrades
  • Solid front-facing camera

CONS

  • Dated design
  • Tinny speakers

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Apple iPad (9th Generation, 2021) Review

Lenovo Tab P11 Plus

Best Affordable Android Tablet

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus’s pixel-dense 11-inch screen and peppy MediaTek G90T processor both stood out in testing. Battery life isn’t a strong point, but the tablet’s Dolby Atmos-tuned speakers and microSD card slot for extra storage help make up for that limitation. Simply put, this is the closest you can get to the base-model iPad on the Android side.

Who It’s For

If you want an affordable Android tablet that offers full access to the Google Play Store, this tablet is worth a look. You can certainly find cheaper alternatives, but they won’t perform nearly as well or be as enjoyable for consuming media.

PROS

  • Sharp display
  • Loud, clear speakers
  • Perky performance

CONS

  • Unimpressive cameras
  • No promise for OS updates after Android 12

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Lenovo Tab P11 Plus Review

Amazon Fire 7 (2022)

Lowest Cost Tablet

3.5 Good

Why We Picked It

Amazon’s Fire 7 is the cheapest tablet worth getting from a reputable brand. It can’t run the latest mobile games, but it’s perfectly suitable for reading books, watching videos, and performing other basic productivity tasks. The device is also quite light and compact, so it’s easy to slip into a backpack or handbag without much thought.

Who It’s For

If you are an extreme budget shopper or just want to see what it’s like to have a tablet, the Fire 7 is what you should get. It won’t keep up with an iPad or run as many apps, but streaming shows and movies are well within its wheelhouse.

PROS

  • More affordable than most tablets
  • Better specs and battery life than predecessor
  • Hands-free Alexa support
  • Expandable storage

CONS

  • Sluggish performance
  • Limited app selection
  • Low-resolution display
  • Poor cameras
  • Base models include ads on the lock screen

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Amazon Fire 7 (2022) Review

Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022 Release)

Best Fire Tablet for Most People

3.5 Good

Why We Picked It

Amazon graces the Fire HD 8 with some welcome upgrades over the Fire 7, including a larger, higher-resolution screen and double the RAM. This slate still won’t rival midrange and high-end tablets in performance, but it’s nonetheless capable enough to meet your entertainment needs.

Who It’s For

If you can, we recommend stretching your budget to get the Fire HD 8 over the Fire 7. It offers a more enjoyable experience for everything from reading novels to watching your favorite shows, and the extra RAM should mean less stuttering when you switch apps.

PROS

  • Vibrant screen
  • Good battery life
  • Lightweight

CONS

  • Sluggish performance
  • $10 more than the previous model
  • Limited app selection

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Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022 Release) Review

TCL Tab 10 5G

Best Affordable 5G Tablet

3.5 Good

Why We Picked It

TCL’s Tab 10 5G is one of the few affordable slates with 5G connectivity. Aside from that, it sports a large, 10.1-inch FHD+ display, offers respectable battery life, and includes a microSD card slot for more storage. The speakers are decent, as well.

Who It’s For

If Wi-Fi is not always an option where you use your tablet or you don’t want to deal with tethering via your phone, this TCL tablet keeps you online. It’s not as cheap as others on this list, but it still costs much less than competing 5G models.

PROS

  • Quality screen for the price
  • 5G support
  • Good performance and battery life
  • Decent stereo speakers
  • MicroSD support

CONS

  • Disappointing Android upgrade commitment
  • Only 32GB of built-in storage
  • Lackluster cameras

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TCL Tab 10 5G Review

Buying Guide: The Best Cheap Tablets for 2023

What to Look For in a Cheap Tablet

There are a lot of cheap tablets on the market. You can find them stacked up behind the counter at CVS and Walgreens or sold under dozens of different names on Amazon. We don’t recommend most of them: They tend to be slow, perform unreliably, have dim screens, and run old versions of Android that are full of security flaws.

When you’re shopping, keep an eye on screen resolution. An 8-inch, 1,280-by-800 display lets you watch 720p HD video and read magazines comfortably. The combination of this size and resolution works out to 189 pixels per inch (ppi), the minimum you should look for if you want to experience reasonably sharp pictures and text.

At $100 or less, there are a few inexpensive 10-inch tablets, but their screens generally have such a low pixel density that they look fuzzy and are difficult to read.

Apple iPad (2021) (Credit: Steven Winkelman)

Also, pay close attention to storage specs. Because Android often has trouble moving apps to microSD cards, we recommend at least 32GB of built-in storage for installing apps and storing multimedia. If you plan to play large games like Genshin Impact, you might need 64GB because that game takes up almost 32GB. Of course, a microSD card slot certainly can’t hurt, especially if you want to download movies to watch on long trips.

If possible, look for 4GB of RAM or more (we make an exception for the Fire Tablets). This will help you launch and run apps more smoothly, particularly if you have something else running in the background.

Battery life is another factor to keep in mind, though you can always extend the life of your tablet on the go with one of our favorite backup battery packs.

Does Amazon Make the Best Cheap Tablets?

The best sub-$100 tablets we’ve tested are from Amazon, which often subsidizes its devices with ads on the lock screen and promotions for Amazon content throughout the interface. They’re relatively reliable, however, and they get security updates (even if only sporadically). Further, they come with excellent customer support, differentiating them from their sub-$100 kin.

The 2022 model of the Fire 7 Tablet is the least expensive, decent-quality tablet on the market, at $59.99. Other models in this price range tend to have outdated versions of Android or are a complete roll of the dice in terms of quality assurance and support.

Amazon Fire 7 Tablet (2022) (Credit: Dave LeClair)

Amazon’s tablets aren’t only the best cheap options out there; they’re also the best kids’ tablets we’ve tested. They have a simplified interface, strong parental controls, and Kids+, which is basically a giant bucket of content for children. A Parent Dashboard lets you track what your offspring are doing and restrict their screen time. You can put multiple user profiles on the tablets, as well. Other Android tablets also let you set up restricted kids’ profiles and configure parental control settings, but Amazon’s options are more comprehensive.

The one caveat with Amazon’s tablets is that they use the Amazon Appstore, which doesn’t have all the apps in the Google Play Store. If you want complete Google Play coverage with unrestricted access to the best Android apps, you might need to look elsewhere. Yes, you can sideload apps on Fire tablets, but this comes with risks.

If these choices feel underwhelming, look at our picks for the best Android tablets overall.

Are There Cheap Tablets That Don’t Run Android?

If you want a quality Apple or Windows tablet under $200, you must dip into the used market. In that case, we suggest you first check out manufacturers’ certified refurbished sales or head to third-party sellers such as Gazelle, Glyde, and Swappa that buy used products and test them before reselling.

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The least expensive new iPad is the 2021 model, and at $329, it’s a great value. Now that the 2022 iPad is out, you might even be able to find the 2021 model for even less, especially used or refurbished. Over the past few years, Apple has made the iPad a decent replacement for a basic laptop, with accessories such as the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard adding value.

We wouldn’t call the iPad a cheap tablet, but there are some good reasons to invest in one. Most notably, you can stay current with software updates for at least several years. That’s much longer than almost all the budget tablets on our list. If you get an older, used iPad, it’s likely to get cut out of the software update cycle in a year or two.

You could also look at certified used devices at this price level in the Windows world. If your budget is a little more flexible, here’s our list of the best Windows tablets.

Finally, if budget buying feels too much like cutting corners, check out the best tablets we’ve tested. Just be prepared to spend a lot more.

Steven Winkelman contributed to this story.

8 best cheap drawing tablets for 2023

If you’re accustomed to more traditional methods of drawing, taking the dive into digital drawing can be daunting. The drawing tablet market is flooded with options, and we know it’s tempting to go for the best of the best. You’ll discover, however, that starting out with a cheap drawing tablet does not mean compromising on quality!

We’ll walk you through the best budget-friendly drawing tablets to make sure you get the most bang for your buck. Starting out at a lower price point will take the pressure off, allowing you to give it a try without feeling guilty for spending lots of money.

We think that’s unlikely though, drawing tablets are great fun and a fantastic way to expand your creative repertoire. They give you much more freedom than traditional paper and pencil drawing.

Drawing tablets allow you to erase and redo your drawing without any consequences, move parts of the drawing, undo mistakes, and so much more. If you’re using image editing software alongside your drawing tablet such as Photoshop, you can draw layer by layer and edit these individually, something you can’t do with paper and pencil.

8 of the best cheap drawing tablets for 2023

Prices are updated regularly and are correct at the time of writing, but may change

1. XP-PEN G960S Graphics Tablet

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This drawing tablet is jam-packed with useful features. With 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, the lines and drawings you create will look even more natural. The joy of the stylus is that it doesn’t require batteries or charging! So you’ll never run out of steam with this kit.

Featuring a large working area, you’ll have plenty of space to get your creativity flowing. The tablet is compatible with most of the popular drawing software available and is compatible with both Windows and Mac.

More like this

Pros: Large working area
Cons: Cable can’t be unplugged from the tablet

  • Buy the XP-PEN G960S in the UK from XP-PEN (from £44.99)
  • Buy the XP-PEN G960S in the US from Walmart (from $48.99)

2.

WACOM One By Wacom CTL-472-N Graphics Tablet

  • Buy now from Currys

Wacom drawing tablets come in at a variety of price points each reflecting the features of the product. Choose from a basic drawing tablet (which does what it says on the tin) to professional-level drawing tablets.

For now, we’re looking at the budget-friendly WACOM One. It comes in under £40 making it the ideal beginner drawing tablet. It’s small in price but big in features. With 2048 levels of pressure, it’ll be sufficient for precision sketching.

The electromagnetic pen means it requires no batteries or charging, you can just plug your tablet in and start drawing. It’s as easy as that!

Pros: 2-year guarantee
Cons: Small size

  • Buy the Wacom One by Wacom CTL-472-N in the UK from Currys (from £35.99)
  • Buy the Wacom One by Wacom CTL-472-N in the US from Amazon from ($55. 75)

3. Huion Inspiroy h2060P Drawing Tablet

Huion is another brand that’s big on quality but won’t break the bank. They have a range of budget-friendly tablets many of which boast similar features to professional-level tablets.

The Huion has a generous 6.25×3.9 inches working area for Android phones and provides 10 x 6.25 inches for PC mode, so there’s plenty of space to get creative! With a pressure sensitivity of 8192 levels, you’ll certainly notice the detail in your drawings.

In the box, you’ll find your tablet along with eight spare pen nibs and a helpful holder to safely store your pen.

Pros: Compatible with Android devices
Cons: No warranty from manufacturer

  • Buy the Huion Inspiroy h2060P in the UK from Amazon (from £47.99)
  • Buy the Huion Inspiroy h2060P in the US from Walmart from $49.99

4. Huion Graphics Tablets INSPIROY Q11K

If you’re in the market for a wireless tablet at a low price, this one is for you! Designed by the trusted brand Huion this wireless tablet will connect to your PC via Bluetooth. This allows you freedom of movement with your tablet.

Without wires you can place your tablet anywhere, this is great if you prefer to have it on your lap whilst drawing.

Another pro to this tablet is that it has eight customisable buttons, so you can add the shortcuts which suit you.

Pros: Wireless connection to PC or Mac
Cons: Buttons on pen easily accidentally pressed

  • Buy the HUION INSPIROY Q11K in the UK from Amazon (from £63.98)
  • Buy the HUION INSPIROY Q11K in the US from NewEgg (from $79.99)

Find the best drawing tablet for beginners

If you’re new to digital art, choosing the right tablet can be a daunting decision! Explore Gathered’s best drawing tablets for beginners guide.

5. UGEE M708 V3 Drawing Tablet

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This excellent tablet offers a large working space of 10 x 6 inches, and 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. Although the price is only around £50, it matches up on spec with more expensive models.

The tablet works well with any popular drawing app such as Photoshop and will result in a smooth drawing experience with no lag.

Pros: 12-month warranty
Cons: Connection is micro USB (as opposed to newer USB-C)

Video review of the UGEE M708 V3 Drawing Tablet
  • Buy the UGEE M708 V3 in the UK from Amazon (from £47.59)
  • Buy the UGEE M708 V3 in the US from Walmart (from $46. 99)

6. GAOMON S620 OSU Signature Graphics Tablet

Coming in at the lowest price on the list at under £30, this tablet is incredible value for money! Compatible with Windows & Mac & Android, this is a great, versatile first drawing tablet. It does have a small working area of just 6×4 inches, however, this works well if you want to travel with your tablet.

As an extra bonus, the kit includes a glove so that you can rest your hand on the tablet without interfering with your drawing.

Pros: 8192 pressure levels
Cons: Small working area

  • Buy the GAOMON S620 OSU graphics tablet in the UK from Amazon (from £24.99)
  • Buy the GAOMON S620 OSU graphics tablet in the US from Walmart (from $61.99)

7. GAOMON PD1161 11.6″ IPS HD Graphics Tablet with Screen

If you want a screen on your drawing tablet, naturally it will be a little more pricy. However, this nifty tablet from Gaomon is under £200. It’s one of the cheapest drawing tablets with a screen on the market. This doesn’t mean compromise though, it’s certainly favoured by shoppers.

This tablet is packed with features. You’ll have an HD screen in ​​1920x1080p, eight shortcut keys and 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, plus a battery-free stylus.

Considering drawing tablets with screens can quickly skyrocket in price, this one is a fantastic way to get started.

Pros: Cheap drawing tablet with screen
Cons: Wired

  • Buy the GAOMON PD1161 graphic tablet in the UK from Amazon (from £189.99)
  • Buy the GAOMON PD1161 graphics tablet in the US from Walmart (from $324.95)

8. XP-PEN Deco Pro SW Drawing Tablet 9″ x 5″ Wireless Graphic Tablet

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This one is for you if you want to go pro but keep it cheap! This glorious tablet from XP-Pen is just over £100, making it the ideal choice if you want to treat yourself that little bit more.

You’ll find this tablet gives you a smooth drawing experience with up to 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and a 60-degree tilt function, showcasing every subtle detail.

The tablet has eight customizable shortcut keys and two innovative dial wheels on its left, which can be tailored to your preferences (great for changing brush sizes).

Pros: Wireless
Cons: Costly for a beginner tablet

  • Buy the XP-PEN Deco Pro SW drawing tablet in the UK from XP-PEN (from £129.99)
  • Buy the XP-PEN Deco Pro SW drawing tablet in the US from Walmart (from $99.99)

Cheap drawing tablets can equal high-quality

Just because these drawing tablets are cheap, it doesn’t mean you’ll lose out on quality. As you’ll see the majority of low-cost tablets have sufficient features to keep any beginner busy.

You don’t need to break the bank in order to try digital drawing. It’s always sensible to choose the cheaper option if you’re brand new to digital drawing and would like to get a feel for it.

Looking to step up your digital drawing?

If you’re already well-versed in drawing tablets and digital art, it’s time to upgrade! Take a look at the big boys of drawing tablets with our ultimate guide to the best drawing tablets for 2023.

Tablets Lenovo – cheap and cheerful

Competitors are on the alert. Disrupt sales of low-cost tablets Samsung Galaxy Tab4 are called novelties from Lenovo. Bright colors, affordable price – what else do you need for happiness? Let’s find out!

Lenovo now has 4 more models in its inventory. There are also 4 color variations: familiar to the user black and white, as well as trendy red and yellow. The first digit in the name means the diagonal of the display, get acquainted:

A7-30 and A7-50

The first is a budget option with the simplest characteristics: a display (respectively 7 inches) with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels, 4 x 1.3 GHz MediaTek MT8382 processor, 8 GB of ROM, cameras of 2 and 0.3 MP and a battery with a capacity of 3500 mAh The device works on Android 4.2 for reasons unknown to us.
Model A7-50 differs from its counterpart with an improved HD-display. This tablet, according to the manufacturer, should appeal to those who use electronic devices to read and watch movies. Both 7-inch gadgets support 3G.

A8 and A10

And this pair has identical content, but different displays – 8 inches, 1208 x 800 dots and 10.1 inches, 1280 x 800, respectively. Beneath the bright plastic casing of the A-tablets is a Mediatek MTK 8121/MTK 8382 quad-core 1.3GHz processor, 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. The main camera shoots with a resolution of 5 megapixels, the front one – 2. The models also differ in battery: a large display requires more energy – the A10 has a 6340 mAh battery, while the A8 has a 4200 mAh battery.

The highlight of the A-family is Dolby® stereo speakers placed on the front side – even the lower 7-inch tablets have them. The novelties will go on sale this quarter, the price of the A7-50 in Europe will be $166, the A-8 will cost 233 US banknotes, and for a 10-inch device they will ask for $50 more.

Tags
  • Android operating system
  • Lenovo smartphones

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