In a world where staying connected and productive on the go is more crucial than ever, finding the perfect tablet doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you need a device for streaming your favorite shows, working on assignments, or keeping up with emails, the market is brimming with budget-friendly options that deliver impressive performance. In 2025, cheap tablets are not just about affordability; they offer advanced features, long-lasting battery life, and solid build quality.
We’ve carefully curated a list of the top 5 cheap tablets in 2025 to help you find the right fit for your needs. From the dependable Apple iPad (9th Generation) to the versatile Microsoft Surface Go 2, these tablets promise exceptional value without sacrificing essential features. Let’s dive into the details and see which tablet stands out as your perfect match!
Best Cheap Tablets in 2025: Affordable Tech for Every Need
1. Apple iPad (9th Generation) Review
The Apple iPad (9th Generation) continues to be a top contender in the budget tablet market, offering a robust combination of performance, display quality, and user experience at an affordable price. Equipped with Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, this tablet handles multitasking, gaming, and media streaming effortlessly. The 10.2-inch Retina display provides crisp visuals with True Tone technology, making reading and watching content enjoyable in different lighting conditions. With iPadOS, the tablet unlocks more productivity features, such as enhanced multitasking and compatibility with the Apple Pencil (1st generation), which is perfect for students, professionals, or creative users. Although the design hasn’t evolved much and still features a thicker bezel compared to newer models, it remains lightweight and easy to carry around. The solid battery life ensures you can use the device throughout the day without frequent recharges.
However, it’s not without its limitations. The base model comes with only 64GB of storage, which might not be sufficient for users who need to store a lot of apps or media files. Additionally, while the front camera has received a significant upgrade to a 12MP ultra-wide lens, the rear camera remains basic, suitable only for casual photography. Despite these drawbacks, the Apple iPad (9th Generation) remains a reliable choice for those looking for a high-quality yet affordable tablet.
Pros
- A13 Bionic chip for solid performance
- 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone
- Support for Apple Pencil (1st generation)
- Long-lasting battery life
- Great software experience with iPad
Cons
- Limited base storage (64GB)
- Outdated design with thick bezels
- Rear camera lacks versatility
Conclusion
The Apple iPad (9th Generation) stands as a fantastic budget-friendly tablet, ideal for everyday tasks, multimedia consumption, and light productivity work. While it doesn’t boast the most modern design or highest storage capacity, its performance and user experience make it a worthwhile investment for users seeking affordability without compromise on essential features.
2. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Review
The SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S6 Lite strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, making it a fantastic choice for users seeking a budget-friendly tablet with stylus support. Featuring a sleek and lightweight design, this tablet comes equipped with a 10.4-inch TFT display that delivers bright and vibrant colors, perfect for media consumption, drawing, and note-taking. The included S Pen is a standout feature, enhancing productivity and creativity without needing to make an additional purchase. Under the hood, the Exynos 9611 chipset provides decent performance for day-to-day tasks, although it may struggle with heavier applications and demanding multitasking. Running on One UI, which is based on Android, the interface is clean and user-friendly, with support for features like split-screen multitasking.
The tablet’s battery life is impressive, ensuring you can get through a full day of use without needing to recharge. However, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite has some limitations, such as a lack of fingerprint or face recognition for faster unlocking and a somewhat underwhelming camera performance. Still, for students, artists, or casual users, it offers exceptional value, especially considering the inclusion of the S Pen.
Pros
- S Pen included for note-taking and drawing
- Sleek and lightweight design
- Bright and vibrant 10.4-inch display
- Good battery life
- Clean and intuitive One UI interface
Cons
- Performance can lag with intensive use
- No biometric unlocking options
- Average camera quality
Conclusion
The SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S6 Lite offers a compelling package for users who need a tablet for drawing, writing, or everyday tasks, thanks to the included S Pen and a vibrant display. While it may not be the best option for power users, it stands out as an excellent mid-range device with great value for money.
3. Lenovo Tab M10 Plus 3rd Gen Review
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus 3rd Gen is a well-rounded budget tablet designed for those who value multimedia and reading. Its standout feature is the 10.6-inch 2K IPS display, which provides sharp and clear visuals, ideal for streaming movies or reading eBooks. The tablet comes equipped with a MediaTek Helio G80 processor, offering decent performance for basic tasks like browsing, streaming, and running everyday apps. The build quality is impressive, with a sleek metal design that feels premium despite its low price point. Running on Android 12, the interface is clean, and the tablet supports Google Kids Space, making it a family-friendly option.
However, it lacks some key features, such as stylus support and high-end performance for gaming or heavy multitasking. The cameras are also quite basic, which is to be expected in this price range, and the battery life, while adequate, doesn’t stand out compared to some competitors. Overall, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus 3rd Gen is a solid choice for media consumption and casual use.
Pros
- 10.6-inch 2K IPS display
- Premium metal build
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Android 12 with a family-friendly mode
- Affordable price
Cons
- No stylus support
- Basic camera quality
- Average battery life
Conclusion
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus 3rd Gen is an affordable and well-built tablet perfect for entertainment and casual use. It delivers a great display and a sleek design but lacks some advanced features, making it best suited for media enthusiasts and families looking for a budget-friendly device.
4. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A7 Lite Review
The SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is one of the most affordable options in SAMSUNG’s tablet lineup, offering basic functionality wrapped in a compact and lightweight design. With an 8.7-inch screen, it’s easy to hold with one hand, making it a great option for reading, streaming, or browsing on the go. The tablet is powered by a MediaTek Helio P22T processor, which is sufficient for light tasks and simple apps but may struggle with demanding games or multitasking. The design features a sturdy metal frame, providing a premium feel despite the budget price. It runs on One UI Core, a streamlined version of SAMSUNG’s software, which keeps things simple and intuitive.
The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite’s battery life is decent, lasting for several hours of continuous use. However, the screen resolution is relatively low compared to larger tablets, and the camera performance is limited to basic needs. Still, it shines as a compact and affordable device suitable for everyday activities.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Sturdy metal frame
- Easy to use and navigate
- Affordable price point
- Good battery life for its size
Cons
- Low screen resolution
- Limited performance capabilities
- Basic cameras
Conclusion
The SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is perfect for users seeking a small, portable tablet for everyday use, especially for light tasks like reading or streaming. While it lacks the power and display quality of more expensive models, it excels in portability and simplicity at a low cost.
5. New Microsoft Surface Go 2 Review
The New Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a versatile and compact tablet that doubles as a productivity powerhouse. With its 10.5-inch PixelSense display, the tablet delivers excellent clarity and touch responsiveness, making it ideal for both entertainment and work. Running on Windows 11, it offers the full desktop experience in a portable form factor, and when paired with the optional Type Cover keyboard, it can function as a lightweight laptop replacement. The Intel Pentium Gold or Intel Core M3 processors provide smooth performance for everyday tasks like browsing, office work, and media consumption, though it may struggle with more intensive applications.
One of the Surface Go 2’s key strengths is its excellent build quality, with a sleek magnesium body that feels robust. It also features a built-in kickstand, allowing for comfortable use in various positions. However, the device’s battery life is average, and the base model’s 64GB eMMC storage might be a limitation for some users. Despite these downsides, the Surface Go 2 stands out for its flexibility and ability to handle both work and play seamlessly.
Pros
- High-quality 10.5-inch PixelSense display
- Runs full Windows 11 for desktop functionality
- Sleek and durable magnesium build
- Versatile kickstand for different viewing angles
- Optional keyboard for a laptop-like experience
Cons
- Average battery life
- Limited storage in the base model
- Performance isn’t suited for heavy workloads
Conclusion
The New Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a fantastic choice for users who need a compact device capable of light productivity tasks and entertainment. While it has some limitations in performance and storage, it makes up for it with the flexibility of running Windows 11 and a solid design. It’s a great tablet for students and professionals who need a portable and versatile tool.
Final Recommendations:
- Best for Productivity: New Microsoft Surface Go 2
- Best for Drawing/Note-taking: SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
- Best for Media Consumption: Apple iPad (9th Generation)
- Best for Portability: SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
- Best All-Around Value: Lenovo Tab M10 Plus 3rd Gen
Think about how you’ll use the tablet most often and choose the one that best meets those needs. If you have any more questions or need additional guidance, feel free to ask!