10 Best Budget Tablets 2025 in the United States

The Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly device for leisure activities. Its vibrant 10.1” Full HD display ensures an enjoyable viewing experience for streaming, reading, or gaming. Powered by an octa-core processor and 3 GB of RAM, the tablet offers a 25% boost in performance over its predecessor, allowing for smoother multitasking and app performance.

With 32 GB of internal storage and the option to expand up to 1 TB via a micro-SD card, users can easily store a significant amount of content, although some apps must be installed on internal storage. The battery life is commendable, providing up to 13 hours of use on a single charge, making it ideal for long binge-watching sessions or extensive reading periods. The lightweight and durable design, reinforced with aluminosilicate glass, makes it a sturdy companion for both adults and children.

Additionally, the tablet supports Alexa for hands-free assistance and offers robust parental controls for family use. However, it's worth noting that the 5 MP front and rear cameras are quite basic and may not satisfy users looking for high-quality photography or video recording. Moreover, the tablet runs on Fire OS, which, while user-friendly, limits access to certain apps available on other operating systems like Android or iOS. Despite these drawbacks, the Fire HD 10 stands out for its sustainable design, boasting 12% recycled materials and eco-friendly packaging, making it an environmentally conscious choice. This tablet is well-suited for users who prioritize entertainment and basic everyday tasks within a budget-friendly framework.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ offers a solid option for those seeking a budget-friendly tablet with some noteworthy features. The 11-inch display with a 1920 x 1200 resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate provides a bright and engaging screen, great for watching videos, playing games, or general use. The quad-speaker system with Dolby Atmos delivers a commendable audio experience which is uncommon at this price point.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset paired with 4GB RAM ensures smooth performance for daily tasks, though it may struggle with more demanding apps, and multitasking capabilities are enhanced with the multi-window feature. Storage-wise, the base model comes with 64GB, which is expandable up to 1TB, offering ample space for apps, media, and files. Running on Android, the device is up-to-date and user-friendly. The slim and light design makes it portable and suitable for on-the-go usage, and its durability adds to its appeal.

However, the camera setup, while functional, is basic and may not satisfy users seeking high-quality photography. The tablet is also praised for its family-friendly features with the Samsung Kids app, making it a safe option for children. The Quick Share feature and Smart View for casting content to a Samsung TV are convenient add-ons. The build quality is robust, and the tablet is well-suited for general use, light entertainment, and educational purposes, especially for families and budget-conscious users.

The Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly option for everyday entertainment. With its 8-inch HD display, the tablet is well-suited for streaming videos, playing casual games, and browsing the web. Its lightweight and durable design make it convenient to carry around, perfect for on-the-go use.

One of the standout features is its battery life, lasting up to 13 hours, ensuring you can enjoy content throughout the day without frequent recharging. The inclusion of 3GB of RAM offers improved performance over previous models, making multitasking smoother. Furthermore, the ability to expand storage by up to 1TB through a microSD card slot is a significant plus, especially for users who download lots of apps or media.

On the downside, the Fire HD 8 runs on Amazon's proprietary app store, which means that popular apps available on Google Play may not be supported. This could limit some users looking for specific applications. Additionally, while the 5MP rear-facing camera is decent for casual photography, it is not intended for high-quality pictures, making it less appealing for users who prioritize camera performance. The tablet also features Alexa integration, allowing you to control smart home devices, make video calls, and more, which can enhance user experience. However, the reliance on Alexa may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those who prefer a more traditional tablet interface.

The Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet is an excellent option for casual users interested in streaming and basic applications, offering good performance for its price. However, those needing access to a wider array of apps or superior camera capabilities might want to consider other options.