Best Tablets Under $250: Top Picks for 2024

Tablets are a great balance between the portability of smartphones and the power of laptops, making them perfect for work, study, and entertainment. But finding a quality tablet that fits within a budget can be a challenge. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best tablets available under $250, offering a combination of performance, features, and affordability.

Apple iPad 9th Gen (10.2-inch)

Price: Around $249

Key Features

10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone: Delivers vibrant colors and a high-resolution experience, with True Tone technology adjusting the display based on your environment for a more natural viewing experience.
A13 Bionic chip: Offers a responsive and seamless experience while delivering quick and effective performance for daily chores like surfing and gaming.
8MP rear camera, 12MP front camera with Center Stage: While the front camera has Center Stage, which moves the lens to keep you in the frame during video calls, the back camera is best for casual photography.
Up to 256GB storage option: Offers ample space for apps, photos, videos, and documents, catering to various storage needs.
Runs iPadOS: Provides access to a wide range of apps through the App Store, along with a user-friendly interface and excellent multitasking capabilities.

Pros

Solid performance with the A13 Bionic chip: Ensures smooth operation for a variety of tasks, including gaming and multitasking, making it one of the best performers in its price range.
Access to the Apple ecosystem: Smooth interaction with other Apple products, including Macs and iPhones, to provide a unified experience for services like iCloud, iMessage, and Apple services.
Excellent screen for media consumption: The sharp and vibrant display makes this iPad perfect for watching videos, editing photos, or browsing the web.
Reliable software updates for several years: Because of Apple’s dedication to providing long-term software support, your device will always have the newest security fixes and features.

Cons

Basic camera features compared to other devices in the same price range: While the cameras are functional for casual use, they are not as high-end as some other tablets in this price bracket.
No USB-C port, uses the older Lightning connector: The Lightning port can be a drawback for those who prefer the faster data transfer and universal compatibility offered by USB-C.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5-inch)

Price: Around $179

Key Features

10.5-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200: A crisp and clear display that’s great for watching videos, browsing, and gaming, with good color reproduction and an immersive screen experience.
Unisoc T618 processor: A mid-range chipset that provides smooth performance for daily tasks, though it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking.
3GB RAM with 32GB/64GB storage options (expandable via microSD): Perfect for customers who keep a lot of media or programs, it has expandable storage and enough memory.
Android 11 with One UI: Android 11 offers a clean, user-friendly interface, while Samsung’s One UI enhances customization and accessibility.

Pros

Affordable, offering good value for money: With its low price point, the Tab A8 offers great value, especially for users looking for a budget-friendly tablet for everyday use.
Solid display for streaming and browsing: The high-resolution screen makes this tablet a good option for media consumption, offering bright and vibrant visuals for video streaming and browsing.
Expandable storage via microSD card: Users can save more information without worrying about running out of space thanks to the possibility to extend storage using a microSD card.
Long-lasting battery life: The tablet is ideal for travel or prolonged use sessions because of its enormous battery capacity, which guarantees that you can use it for lengthy periods of time without needing to recharge.

Cons

Limited performance for heavy multitasking or gaming: While suitable for basic tasks, the performance may struggle when handling demanding apps, multitasking, or high-end games.
The camera quality isn’t exceptional: The cameras on the Tab A8 are adequate for video calls and basic photography, but they’re not ideal for those who prioritize high-quality photos or advanced camera features.

Lenovo Tab P11

Price: Around $229

Key Features

11-inch 2K IPS display (2000 x 1200 resolution): Offers sharp and vibrant visuals, making it ideal for streaming, browsing, and productivity tasks with clear, high-quality images.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor: Provides efficient performance for day-to-day activities such as browsing, video streaming, and light multitasking.
4GB RAM with 64GB storage (expandable via microSD): Sufficient memory for smooth operation and expandable storage allows users to store more apps, media, and files.
Android 10 with Lenovo’s ZUI interface: The clean Android experience is enhanced by Lenovo’s ZUI interface, offering customization options and added features for better usability.

Pros

High-resolution display perfect for media and productivity: The 2K resolution display makes it a great choice for media consumption, as well as productivity tasks like document editing or spreadsheet work.
Decent performance for day-to-day tasks: The Snapdragon 662 chipset and 4GB of RAM provide enough power for general usage such as browsing, emailing, and light gaming.
Kids mode and productivity features make it family-friendly: The built-in Kids Mode offers parental controls, and the device supports various productivity tools, making it a great choice for families.
Supports a keyboard attachment (sold separately): The tablet can be transformed into a productivity device with the optional keyboard attachment, making it a versatile tool for work or school.

Cons

Limited Android app support for tablet-optimized apps: While the tablet runs Android, it doesn’t always support apps optimized for larger screens, which can hinder the overall user experience.
Performance struggles with resource-heavy apps: While suitable for basic tasks, the tablet may lag or struggle with more demanding apps, including advanced games or intensive productivity tools.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021)

Price: Around $179

Key Features

10.1-inch Full HD display: Provides a clear and sharp display for watching videos, reading, and browsing, delivering good resolution for a budget tablet.
3GB RAM, 32GB or 64GB storage (expandable via microSD): Offers enough memory for light multitasking and the ability to expand storage for media, apps, and documents.
Amazon’s Fire OS with access to apps from the Amazon Appstore: Fire OS is designed to work seamlessly with Amazon services, including Alexa and Prime Video, but limits access to Google Play Store apps.
Wireless charging support: Allows for convenient charging without the need for plugging in, offering added flexibility and ease of use.

Pros

Affordable with decent performance for basic tasks: A budget-friendly option with enough power to handle everyday activities like web browsing, reading, and video streaming.
Excellent for consuming Amazon Prime content: This tablet is perfect for people who are heavily involved in the Amazon ecosystem because it provides simple access to Amazon Prime Video, Prime Reading, and other Amazon services.
Supports Alexa for voice-controlled convenience: Users may check the weather, play music, and operate smart home appliances hands-free thanks to integration with Alexa.

Cons

Limited access to the full range of Android apps (lacks Google Play Store): While you can access apps from the Amazon Appstore, the lack of Google Play Store means you miss out on a large selection of Android apps.
Performance not on par with higher-end tablets: Although it performs well for basic tasks, it lags behind more premium tablets when it comes to speed, app responsiveness, and multitasking.

Microsoft Surface Go 3

Price: Starts around $249 (base model)

Key Features

10.5-inch PixelSense display (1920 x 1280): Offers clear and bright visuals with a high-resolution touch screen that is perfect for work and entertainment.
Intel Pentium Gold or Core i3 processor: The base model comes with the Intel Pentium Gold processor, while the upgraded version offers a Core i3 processor for better performance.
4GB RAM with 64GB or 128GB storage: Adequate for general use, though heavier workloads may require additional memory or storage options.
Runs Windows 11: Provides a full Windows experience, allowing you to run desktop apps, access Microsoft Office, and use any software compatible with Windows.

Pros

Full Windows experience with the ability to run desktop apps: Unlike many tablets, the Surface Go 3 runs a complete version of Windows, making it suitable for professional or work-related tasks that require full desktop applications.
Lightweight and compact design: This tablet is perfect for professionals who are constantly on the road because it is incredibly portable and easy to carry around, weighing little over a pound.
Supports the Surface Pen (sold separately): With the Surface Pen, you can take great notes and be creative by writing and drawing precisely on the high-quality screen.
Great for productivity and work-related tasks: With its full desktop experience, portability, and productivity tools, the Surface Go 3 is designed for users who need to get work done while traveling or at home.

Cons

The base model’s performance is limited (especially with the Pentium processor): The Pentium Gold version can struggle with demanding tasks, and users may experience slower speeds with heavy multitasking or resource-intensive applications.
Storage and RAM options are minimal for heavy tasks: With only 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage on the base model, this tablet may not be suitable for power users or those with heavy storage needs.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite

Price: Around $249

Key Features

10.4-inch display with 2000 x 1200 resolution: Delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, making it great for watching media and light gaming.
Exynos 9611 processor: A solid mid-range processor that handles general tasks well, though it may fall short with resource-heavy apps.
4GB RAM with 64GB storage (expandable via microSD): Provides enough memory for multitasking and an expandable storage option to store more apps, media, and files.
Android 10 with One UI: Samsung’s One UI enhances the Android experience with added customization options, smoother navigation, and better multitasking support.

Pros

Comes with an S Pen stylus, which is great for note-taking and drawing: The included S Pen is a major advantage for students, professionals, and creatives, offering precision for writing, drawing, and annotating documents.
Solid performance for the price: This tablet is a fantastic choice for daily activities like surfing, streaming videos, and light gaming because of its Exynos engine and 4GB of RAM, which offer sufficient power for casual use.
High-quality display with vivid colors: The 10.4-inch screen delivers bright, sharp, and colorful visuals, making it an excellent choice for media consumption, including videos and photos.

Cons

Performance struggles with demanding apps: While the Tab S6 Lite is great for light tasks, it may not perform well with resource-heavy applications or high-end games.
Cameras are not the best for photo quality: The tablet’s cameras are decent for video calls and casual photos, but they are not great for high-quality photography or capturing detailed images.

Tablet Comparison: Key Features and Price Ranges

To help you make an informed decision, here’s a quick comparison of the tablets under $250. The table below outlines their key features, performance capabilities, and price ranges. This will make it simple for you to evaluate the possibilities according to your requirements and financial constraints.

Tablet Model	Display Size	Key Features	Price Range
Apple iPad 9th Gen	10.2-inch	A13 Bionic chip, 12MP front camera, Retina display	Around $249
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8	10.5-inch	Unisoc T618 processor, 1920 x 1200 resolution, expandable storage	Around $179
Lenovo Tab P11	11-inch	2K display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, expandable storage	Around $229
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus	10.1-inch	Fire OS, wireless charging, access to Amazon Appstore	Around $179
Microsoft Surface Go 3	10.5-inch	Intel Pentium Gold or Core i3, Windows 11, supports Surface Pen	Starts around $249
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite	10.4-inch	Exynos 9611, includes S Pen, 2000 x 1200 resolution	Around $249

Key Considerations When Buying a Tablet Under $250

When choosing a tablet in this price range, consider the following:

Display Quality: A good display is essential for watching videos, browsing, and working on documents. Look for a Full HD (1080p) or higher resolution.
Performance: Tablets in this price range may not have the processing power of high-end devices, but most can handle everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light productivity.
Operating System: Depending on your preferences, you can choose from Android, iPadOS, or Windows. Each system offers different strengths, especially in terms of apps and ecosystem integration.
Battery Life: A long battery life is crucial for portability, so check reviews to see how well the tablet performs during extended use.
Storage and Expandability: Look for tablets that offer expandable storage or have sufficient built-in storage for your needs.

Conclusion

Tablets under $250 offer a perfect mix of performance, features, and affordability. Whether you’re seeking a device for media consumption, productivity, or casual use, the options listed here provide excellent value for budget-conscious buyers. Choose the one that aligns with your needs and enjoy the versatility of a tablet without overspending.

Key Takeaways:

Affordable options for a variety of uses: Budget tablets can be used for media consumption, work, productivity, and casual browsing.
Solid performance at an accessible price point: Many of these devices offer great value by balancing decent hardware and performance for everyday tasks.
Versatility for both personal and professional use: Whether you need a tablet for entertainment, work, or education, there are several great choices available under $250.
Smart choices for budget-conscious consumers: Tablets in this price range provide impressive features without breaking the bank, making them a smart investment.

FAQs

What are the best tablets under $250 for media consumption?

Tablets like the Apple iPad 9th Gen and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 are great for media consumption. The iPad offers a vibrant Retina display, while the Galaxy Tab A8 features a solid LCD screen with good resolution, both of which are ideal for watching videos, streaming, and browsing.

Can I use a tablet under $250 for productivity and work-related tasks?

Yes, tablets like the Microsoft Surface Go 3 and Lenovo Tab P11 are excellent choices for productivity. The Surface Go 3 runs Windows 11, allowing you to use desktop apps, while the Lenovo Tab P11 offers a 2K display and decent performance for day-to-day work tasks.

Are these budget tablets good for gaming?

Tablets under $250, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite and Lenovo Tab P11, can handle light gaming. However, for more demanding games, the performance may not be as smooth. If gaming is a priority, you might want to look for tablets with more powerful processors and higher RAM configurations.

Do budget tablets support stylus or pen input?

Yes, several budget tablets offer stylus support. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite comes with an S Pen, ideal for note-taking and drawing. Similarly, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 supports the Surface Pen (sold separately), making it a versatile option for those who need stylus functionality.

How long do tablets under $250 typically last in terms of performance and software updates?

Tablets in this price range are generally reliable for several years, especially for casual tasks. However, the longevity of performance can vary depending on the model and its hardware. The Apple iPad 9th Gen offers reliable software updates for several years, while other devices may not receive updates as frequently. For the best longevity, consider tablets with robust processors and operating systems like iPadOS or Android with long-term support.