Best Cheap Tablets iPad Samsung and Amazon Picks That Are Actually Worth Your Money

Here are our direct recommendations before we get into the details.There is no reason to buy the most expensive model here if a cheaper tablet already does everything you need.

The important part is knowing where it is worth saving money and where a cheaper model creates compromises you will notice every day.

Apple iPad 11-inch (A16): The Best Cheap Tablet Overall

The Apple iPad 11-inch with the A16 chip is our best cheap tablet overall.

It costs more than the cheapest Samsung and Amazon tablets, but it gives you a much stronger balance of performance, app quality and everyday usability.

The 11-inch Liquid Retina display gives you plenty of room for films, web pages, documents and games. USB-C makes charging and accessories straightforward, while the A16 chip gives the iPad more than enough performance for everyday tasks.

In normal use, that means you can move comfortably between browsing, streaming, social media, video calls, schoolwork and games without buying a Pro-level tablet.

iPadOS is another major reason we rate it highly. Apple's tablet app ecosystem remains one of the iPad's strongest advantages, particularly if you already use an iPhone or Mac.

The compromise is price.

If you only want a tablet for occasional Netflix and browsing, you do not need to spend this much. But if you want one affordable tablet that can cover entertainment, study and general everyday use, this is our strongest all-round pick.

Apple iPad 10th Generation: The Cheaper Modern iPad

The iPad 10th Generation is the best alternative when you want the modern iPad design but can get it for noticeably less than the A16 model.

You still get the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, USB-C, flat-sided design and landscape-positioned front camera.

Inside is Apple's A14 Bionic chip. It is older than the A16, but it remains capable for the tasks most people buying an affordable tablet actually need.

Netflix, YouTube, web browsing, email, schoolwork, video calls, social media and everyday games are all comfortably within its intended use.

The decision between the 10th Generation and A16 iPad mainly comes down to value.

If the price difference is small, buy the newer A16 iPad.

If the 10th Generation is available for a worthwhile saving, it remains an excellent cheaper modern iPad.

Older Refurbished iPads: The Best Cheap iPads for a Tighter Budget

The refurbished iPad 9th Generation is our first choice for buyers who want an affordable iPad without paying for the latest model.

Its A13 Bionic chip and 10.2-inch Retina display still make it a practical tablet for streaming, browsing, emails, schoolwork and everyday apps.

The iPad 8th and 7th Generation can take the price lower again.

However, this is where you need to think beyond the purchase price.

Older iPads have older processors and less remaining software life. Battery condition and storage also become increasingly important as you move further back through the generations.

For basic home use, a child or a secondary tablet, an older model can still make sense.

For heavier everyday use or a tablet you plan to keep for several years, the iPad 9th Generation is the stronger budget starting point.

You canbrowse Zextons iPads and tablets to compare the current new and refurbished options.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9: The Best Compact Cheap Android Tablet

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is our best compact cheap Android tablet.

Its 8.7-inch display makes it easy to carry, which is useful for travelling, reading, browsing and watching videos away from home.

The MediaTek Helio G99 processor gives the A9 enough performance for everyday apps, social media, streaming and lighter games. Storage options vary, and microSD support gives Android buyers an easy way to add more space later.

That expandable storage is a useful advantage over an iPad if you download lots of films, photos or other files.

The smaller display is the main compromise.

It works well for portability, but if films, split-screen use or documents are more important, buy the Galaxy Tab A9+ instead.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G: The Best Big-Screen Cheap Android Tablet

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is our best cheap Android tablet for buyers who want a larger screen.

Its 11-inch display gives you noticeably more room than the smaller A9, making it better suited to films, web browsing, documents and split-screen multitasking.

The 90Hz refresh rate also helps scrolling and navigation feel smoother.

For everyday Android use, the A9+ sits in a useful middle ground. It gives you a bigger, more comfortable experience without moving into Samsung's expensive flagship Galaxy Tab S range.

The choice between Samsung's two budget models is straightforward:

Choose the Galaxy Tab A9 if portability matters most. Choose the Galaxy Tab A9+ if you want more screen space.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite: The Best Cheap Tablet for Notes and Study

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is our best budget tablet for students and note-takers who want proper stylus support.

Its main advantage is the S Pen.

That makes handwritten notes, PDF annotation, diagrams and basic drawing much easier than on a standard budget tablet without a suitable stylus.

The 10.4-inch display also gives you enough room for study materials, video calls and split-screen work.

The important consideration is age. Different S6 Lite versions have been released over time, so check the exact model before buying rather than judging it only by the S6 Lite name.

If handwritten notes are not important to you, a newer Galaxy Tab A9 or A9+ may make more sense.

But for students who actually plan to use a stylus, the S6 Lite offers something the cheaper A-series tablets do not.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite: The Cheapest Samsung Tablet We Would Choose for Basic Use

The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is our ultra-budget Samsung pick for very basic tablet use.

Its 8.7-inch screen and compact body make it suitable for YouTube, Netflix, emails, light browsing, children or use as a secondary travel tablet.

Performance is modest compared with the newer Galaxy Tab A9.

That matters.

If you want to multitask regularly, play demanding games or keep the tablet as your main device for years, buy the A9 instead.

The A7 Lite makes most sense when the price is significantly lower and your needs are genuinely simple.

Amazon Fire HD 10: The Best Cheap Tablet for Streaming

The Amazon Fire HD 10 is our best cheap tablet for streaming and entertainment.

Its 10.1-inch Full HD display gives films and programmes enough space to be enjoyable without pushing the tablet into a much higher price bracket.

It works particularly well for Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, reading and general browsing.

The biggest compromise is Fire OS.

Amazon builds Fire tablets around its own services and Appstore rather than the standard Google Play experience found on Samsung Android tablets.

For an entertainment-focused user, that may not matter at all.

If you rely heavily on Google apps or want the flexibility of a conventional Android tablet, choose a Galaxy Tab instead.

For affordable films, programmes, reading and general entertainment, the Fire HD 10 is the model we recommend.

Amazon Fire Max 11: The Best Amazon Tablet for Work and Entertainment

The Fire Max 11 is our best Amazon tablet for buyers who want a larger screen and more flexibility than the Fire HD 10.

Its 11-inch display gives you more room for documents, web apps, email and split-screen use.

Keyboard and stylus support also make it more suitable for light productivity.

However, it still runs Fire OS.

That means the same software consideration applies: if Google Play and wider Android flexibility matter to you, a Samsung tablet is the better choice.

If you already use Amazon services and want a larger Fire tablet for both entertainment and lighter work, the Fire Max 11 is the strongest fit.

Amazon Fire HD 8: The Best Cheap Compact Fire Tablet

The Fire HD 8 is our pick when you want a recognised-brand tablet at a very low cost for simple tasks.

Its compact 8-inch design works particularly well for reading, travel, casual games and streaming.

It is not an iPad alternative for demanding work, nor is it meant to be.

The attraction is simplicity.

If you want a small device for entertainment and do not need advanced multitasking or a wide range of professional apps, the Fire HD 8 does the job without making you pay for features you will not use.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids: The Best Cheap Tablet for Children

The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids is our best cheap tablet for younger children.

The reason is not raw processor performance.

It combines the Fire HD 10 experience with a child-focused setup, protective case and parental controls.

Parents can manage profiles, screen time and content access without having to turn a standard adult tablet into a child-friendly device themselves.

For an older child who needs school apps or greater software flexibility, an iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab may be the better long-term option.

For younger children and family entertainment, the Fire HD 10 Kids is the most straightforward choice on this list.

Best Cheap Tablets by Budget: Under £100, £200 and £300

Price changes regularly, particularly between new and refurbished stock, so treat these as budget bands rather than fixed product prices.

Best Cheap Tablets Under £100

At this level, our first choices are basic Amazon Fire models or an older Samsung tablet when available at the right price.

Good options include:

• Amazon Fire HD 8

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite

• selected older refurbished tablets when available

Expect compromises in speed, display quality and long-term performance.

These tablets are best for streaming, reading, children and basic browsing rather than heavy multitasking.

Best Cheap Tablets Under £200

This is where the market becomes much more interesting.

Our strongest options include:

• Refurbished iPad 9th Generation

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A9

• Amazon Fire HD 10

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, when available within budget

For Apple buyers, the refurbished iPad 9th Generation is our standout choice.

For Android, choose the Galaxy Tab A9.

For entertainment at the lowest sensible cost, choose the Fire HD 10.

Best Cheap Tablets Under £300

A budget closer to £300 opens the door to tablets with fewer compromises.

Look at:

• Apple iPad 10th Generation

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+

• Amazon Fire Max 11

• newer or higher-tier refurbished tablets when available

At this level, think about how long you expect to keep the device rather than saving the final few pounds.

A tablet that stays useful for longer can offer better value than the cheapest model available today.

Which Cheap Tablet Should You Actually Buy?

The Apple iPad 11-inch A16 is our best cheap tablet overall.

It is the model we recommend when you want strong everyday performance, a good app ecosystem and a tablet that can comfortably cover entertainment, study and general use.

If that costs more than you want to spend, buy a refurbished iPad 9th Generation for the strongest affordable route into iPadOS.

For Android, the Galaxy Tab A9 is our best compact budget choice, while the Galaxy Tab A9+ is the better tablet if you want an 11-inch display.

Students who want handwritten notes should choose the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite.

For affordable streaming, choose the Amazon Fire HD 10.

For younger children, choose the Fire HD 10 Kids.

Those are our direct recommendations. The right one depends on what you plan to do with it, not which specification sheet has the biggest numbers.

Cheap iPad vs Cheap Android vs Amazon Fire: Which Should You Buy?

The operating system can matter just as much as the hardware.

Choose a Cheap iPad If:

• you already use an iPhone or Mac;

• you want access to Apple's iPad app ecosystem;

• smooth everyday performance matters;

• you plan to keep the tablet for several years;

• or you are happy buying refurbished to lower the cost.

Our top Apple choices are the iPad 11-inch A16, iPad 10th Generation and refurbished iPad 9th Generation, depending on budget.

Choose a Cheap Samsung Android Tablet If:

• you prefer Android;

• Google Play matters;

• you want expandable microSD storage;

• you like having more choice across sizes and prices;

• or you want an affordable large-screen tablet.

Choose the Galaxy Tab A9 for portability, the A9+ for a larger screen, and the S6 Lite if handwritten notes are important.

Choose an Amazon Fire Tablet If:

• streaming and reading are your main priorities;

• you already use Amazon services;

• keeping the purchase price low matters;

• or you are buying for a younger child.

Choose the Fire HD 10 for streaming, Fire HD 8 for compact basic use, Fire Max 11 for a larger experience, and Fire HD 10 Kids for children.

How to Choose the Best Cheap Tablet

A cheap tablet is only good value if it does what you need.

Screen Size and Quality

Smaller 8- to 9-inch tablets such as the Fire HD 8 and Galaxy Tab A9 are easier to carry.

Larger 10- to 11-inch models such as the iPad, Galaxy Tab A9+ and Fire HD 10 give you more room for films, documents and multitasking.

Choose based on how you will use the tablet rather than assuming bigger is always better.

Performance

You do not need flagship performance for Netflix and web browsing.

For more demanding apps, frequent multitasking or gaming, avoid buying at the absolute bottom of the market simply to save money.

Apple's recent and previous-generation iPads remain strong here, while Samsung's A9 family covers everyday Android use well.

Battery Life

Battery capacity alone does not tell you how long a tablet will last in real use.

Display size, processor, software, brightness and how you use the device all affect battery life.

For a refurbished tablet, battery condition matters as well as the original specification.

Storage and Expansion

If you mainly stream, you may not need huge amounts of local storage.

Games, downloaded films and large apps need more.

Samsung and Amazon tablets commonly offer microSD expansion, while iPads do not. With an iPad, choose enough storage when you buy because you cannot add a memory card later.

Software and Apps

Check the apps you actually use before choosing a tablet.

iPadOS offers Apple's tablet ecosystem.

Samsung tablets give you Android and Google Play.

Amazon Fire tablets use Fire OS and Amazon's Appstore, which is more limited if you rely heavily on Google's ecosystem.

Stylus and Keyboard Support

Students should think about accessories before buying.

If handwritten notes matter, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite's S Pen support gives it a clear advantage in the budget market.

Compatible iPads can also work well with Apple Pencil, while larger tablets with keyboard support can be useful for emails and light document work.

New Cheap Tablet or Refurbished Tablet?

Do not automatically assume new is better value.

A new budget tablet gives you current entry-level hardware.

A refurbished tablet can sometimes give you a stronger iPad or Samsung model for a similar budget.

When comparing refurbished tablets, check:

• the exact generation;

• condition;

• battery information;

• storage;

• warranty;

• software suitability;

• and how long you realistically plan to keep it.

At Zextons, we sell both brand-new and refurbished tablets, so you can compare the two approaches rather than being forced into one.

You canbrowse all iPads and tablets at Zextons to see the models currently available. The live category currently covers Apple, Samsung and Amazon devices across work, study and entertainment use cases.

Why Buy a Cheap Tablet From Zextons?

At Zextons, we test the tablets we sell because a specification sheet does not tell you everything about whether a device is suitable for everyday use.

Our range includes Apple iPads, Samsung Galaxy Tabs and Amazon Fire tablets, with both new and refurbished options available depending on current stock.

That gives you the option to compare a newer budget tablet against a refurbished model that may offer better hardware for the same type of budget.

We also publish the relevant product information so you can compare storage, condition and other details before deciding.

Rather than buying the cheapest tablet simply because it has a low price, our advice is to choose the least expensive model that comfortably does everything you need it to do.

Final Verdict: What Is the Best Cheap Tablet?

The Apple iPad 11-inch A16 is our best cheap tablet overall for buyers who want the strongest all-round experience.

For less money, the refurbished iPad 9th Generation is our best affordable iPad.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is our best compact cheap Android tablet, and the Galaxy Tab A9+ is our best big-screen budget Android tablet.

Students and note-takers should choose the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, while the Amazon Fire HD 10 is our best cheap tablet for streaming.

For younger children, our pick is the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids.

Do not buy a tablet just because it is the cheapest one on the page.

Buy the cheapest tablet that gives you the screen, performance, apps and useful life you actually need.