Top 10 Budget Tablets Worth Buying in 2025

Tablets in 2025 cover a wide range: small slates for reading, large screens for streaming, and capable mid-range machines that can replace a laptop for many people. If you don’t want to spend on a flagship iPad Pro or Galaxy Tab S-series, there are plenty of budget tablets that deliver excellent everyday performance, long battery life, and good displays — without breaking the bank. Below I’ve rounded up the top 10 budget tablets worth buying in 2025, explaining who each one is best for and its strongest tradeoffs. At the end, you’ll also find FAQs and a buying guide.

1. Apple iPad (2025, A16) — Best value iPad

Apple’s entry-level iPad in 2025 keeps delivering the single biggest advantage of buying an iPad: years of software support and smooth, consistent performance. The 2025 model with the A16-class chip pairs solid speed with the iPadOS ecosystem (apps, accessories, and long update lifecycles) at a price that undercuts premium iPads.

Who it’s for: buyers who want longevity, app quality, and a great display.
Main drawback: still pricier than the cheapest Android/Fire tablets.

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2. Amazon Fire HD 10 / Fire Max 11 — Best for streaming and families

Amazon’s Fire tablets remain the most budget-friendly way into a large tablet for media consumption, basic browsing, and kid-friendly use. The Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 give you bright screens, long battery life, and extremely low prices — plus Amazon’s ecosystem (Prime Video, Audible, Kindle).

Who it’s for: families, kids, and people who mainly stream.
Main drawback: app ecosystem is limited compared to iPadOS or Android.

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 (and A9+) — Best software experience on a budget Android

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A9 lineup is the one to watch if you want a reliable Android experience with regular updates. Expect decent screens, capable processors for daily use, and solid software polish. Samsung also offers longer OS/security update windows than many cheaper Android brands.

Who it’s for: Android users who want reliable software and support.
Main drawback: not ideal for high-end multitasking.

4. Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 / Xiaomi Pad series — Best overall budget Android

Xiaomi’s Redmi Pad 2 and related Xiaomi Pad models provide large, high-resolution displays, excellent battery life, and surprisingly strong mid-range processors — all at aggressive prices. They’re some of the best picks for streaming and browsing if you want the biggest possible screen for your money.

Who it’s for: media consumers and value hunters.
Main drawback: software updates can be inconsistent depending on the region.

5. Lenovo Idea Tab Pro — Best cheap Android for productivity-style use

The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro is a standout for those who want more than just a streaming device. With a larger screen, respectable performance, and optional keyboard support, it’s often recommended for students or light productivity tasks like note-taking and document editing.

Who it’s for: students and light productivity users.
Main drawback: not powerful enough for heavy multitasking.

6. OnePlus Pad Go / OnePlus Pad 3 (budget variants) — Best for design lovers

OnePlus has brought its sleek design into the tablet space, and the budget-friendly Pad Go (and some affordable variants of the Pad 3) offer smooth performance and attractive builds at mid-range prices. They’re ideal for users who care about premium design without paying premium prices.

Who it’s for: users who value design and smooth performance.
Main drawback: limited accessories and regional software differences.

7. Lenovo Tab M10 / Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite — Best ultra-cheap travel tablets

If your priority is the lowest possible cost for a portable device, these tablets are hard to beat. They’re light, compact, and cheap — perfect as a secondary travel device or for kids. They won’t win in performance, but they’re easy to replace if lost or damaged.

Who it’s for: buyers on a tight budget or those needing a travel device.
Main drawback: modest performance and fewer software updates.

8. Google Pixel Tablet 2 (discounted) — Best stock Android experience on a budget

Google’s Pixel Tablet 2 delivers a clean Android experience, smooth performance, and long software support. While its base price isn’t always “budget,” discounted units in 2025 bring it within reach for savvy shoppers.

Who it’s for: Android purists who want smooth updates.
Main drawback: full price is outside budget range, so best bought on sale.

9. Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024/2025 refresh) — Best pocketable cheap tablet

The Fire HD 8 is compact, lightweight, and very affordable. It’s excellent for reading, light browsing, or as a portable streaming device. Performance is basic, but for its price it’s a solid entry-level tablet.

Who it’s for: readers, kids, or those wanting a small, cheap tablet.
Main drawback: weaker performance and limited app availabilit

10. Refurbished Premium Tablets (iPad Air / Galaxy Tab S older gens) — Best “cheap flagship” option

Buying refurbished or previous-generation flagship tablets is one of the smartest strategies in 2025. Older iPad Airs, refurbished Galaxy Tab S8 or S9 units, or even slightly older iPads often outperform brand-new budget models while still being affordable.

Who it’s for: buyers who want flagship features at lower cost.
Main drawback: warranty and battery health may vary — check the seller carefully.

Quick Buying Guide for Budget Tablets in 2025

1. Purpose first: Streaming and reading need a good display and battery. Productivity requires faster processors and keyboard/stylus support.
2. Choose the right OS:
   • iPadOS = best app support and longevity.
   • Android = flexible and customizable.
   • Fire OS = cheapest but limited app store.
3. Battery life: Even cheap tablets can give 10–12 hours.
4. Accessories: Check keyboard/stylus compatibility before buying.
5. Updates: Apple, Samsung, and Google are strongest for long-term software support.

FAQs About Budget Tablets in 2025

Q1. What is the best budget tablet overall in 2025?
The Apple iPad (2025, A16) offers the best long-term value due to strong performance and years of iPadOS updates.

Q2. Which is the cheapest tablet worth buying?
Amazon’s Fire HD 8 is one of the most affordable yet still usable tablets for reading, streaming, and light browsing.

Q3. Which budget tablet is best for Android users?
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A9 balances performance, price, and long-term updates, making it the safest Android pick.

Q4. Are refurbished tablets worth it in 2025?
Yes — a refurbished iPad Air or Galaxy Tab S often outperforms new budget tablets and can be a smarter long-term buy.

Q5. Which budget tablet is best for kids?
Amazon Fire HD 10 or Fire Max 11 with Kids Edition bundles are excellent for parental controls and durability.

Q6. Can a budget tablet replace a laptop?
Not fully — but Lenovo’s Idea Tab Pro and Apple’s iPad (with a keyboard) can handle light productivity tasks like note-taking, browsing, and word processing.

Conclusion

The budget tablet market in 2025 is richer and more competitive than ever. Apple’s entry-level iPad remains the best long-term choice, while Amazon’s Fire series is unbeatable for ultra-low prices and family use. For Android fans, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A9 and Xiaomi’s Pad lineup deliver excellent value, while Lenovo’s Idea Tab Pro provides a balance of affordability and productivity features. Finally, refurbished premium tablets are a hidden gem for those who want flagship performance without the flagship price.

Ultimately, the best budget tablet depends on your needs — whether it’s streaming, studying, or light productivity. With the options listed above, you can find the right balance of performance, features, and price without overspending in 2025.