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Top 6 Best Budget Tablets Under 200 Dollars | 2024 Edition

These are the best budget tablets under 200 Dollars that you can buy right now. We’ve reviewed all of them and these are our recommendations.

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What are the best tablets for under 200 US Dollars? Good tablets don’t have to be expensive, there are many cheap ones that offer a very good price-performance ratio. I’ve been reviewing tablets for more than 10 years and test pretty much every one that gets released. Here I’ve listed all that I can recommend in this price range.

First, I’ll give you a quick overview of my recommendations and further down you’ll find more detailed information about each device. The list is roughly sorted by price. At the top are the slightly better and at the bottom the slightly cheaper, but also slightly weaker ones.

Best Budget Tablets Under 200 Dollars: An Overview

Let’s start with a quick overview. Further down you can get more detailed information about each device.

  • Best tablet around $200: Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (at Amazon*). With a large 11-inch display and slightly better performance than other tablets on this list, the Tab A9+ could be a compelling choice for those who prioritize screen real estate and a bit more performance. Keep in mind it sits slightly above the $200 mark as well. We think you can snag it for under $200 during sales.
  • Good Alexa tablet without Play Store: Amazon Fire HD 10 2023 (at Amazon*). The Amazon Fire HD 10 2023 is a pretty good tablet for streaming and browsing. If you can live without the Google Play Store, this tablet offers fantastic value with great battery life and frequent Amazon updates along with USI 2 Pen support. Remember, you’ll need to sideload apps not available in Amazon’s App Store. 
  • Best Galaxy Tab A9+ alternative: Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE (at Amazon*). The Redmi Pad SE is a great option if you prefer a different interface than Samsung’s. The Redmi Pad SE packs a punch with its 11-inch FHD+ display, 90Hz refresh rate, and decent battery life. While the processor might not win marathons, it is a solid choice for casual users who want a tablet for entertainment and browsing purposes. 
  • Good Samsung tablet under 200 Dollars: Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (at Amazon*). The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 was the best tablet under 200 dollars until the A9+ was released. Now, it’s still a great choice if you can find it at a good price and I think it’s better you get the 64GB version instead of the standard 32GB.
  • Great small tablet under 200 Dollars: Lenovo Tab M9 (at Amazon*). The Lenovo Tab M9 offers a budget-friendly alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8. Packing a 9-inch HD display, an octa-core MediaTek Helio G80 processor, and 4GB of RAM, it tackles everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light gaming without major hiccups.
  • Best 60 Dollar tablet: Amazon Fire 7 (at Amazon*). The Amazon Fire 7 is considerably cheaper than 200 Dollars with an MSRP of just under 60 Dollars. I can only recommend it if you want to spend as little money as possible. It’s usable at this price, but plays in the lowest league in almost every aspect.

Best Budget Tablets Under $200: All Details

Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE design

Let’s take a closer look at the tablets in detail now.

Best tablet under $200: Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+

If you’re looking for a tablet that punches above its weight in terms of performance and display size, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ might be your perfect match. We reviewed the tablet and feel that it could be a great option for budget-conscious users seeking a powerful entertainment and productivity tablet.

Great Budget Pick
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
$219.99 $189.99

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is a good entry-level tablet whose processor performance has improved significantly compared to its predecessor. We also get a good 90Hz display, comparatively large storage options and up-to-date software. Samsung's long software updates are particularly great. It is a pity that the S Pen is not supported and the build quality could be better.

Pros:
  • Good 90Hz display
  • Improved hardware
  • Large storage options
  • Long software updates
  • Samsung DeX
Cons:
  • Weak build quality
  • No S Pen
  • Short battery life
Buy on Amazon Our Review
02/25/2024 07:03 pm GMT

The Galaxy Tab A9+ comes with an 11-inch FHD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the Tab A9+ packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor paired with 4GB to 8GB of RAM. While not a flagship-level chipset, this combination delivers surprisingly capable performance for day-to-day tasks. In our review, we found it good enough for casual gaming including Asphalt 9 and Shadow Fighter. It also includes a microSD card slot to expand the storage.

One of the biggest advantages of the Tab A9+ is its software support. Samsung is known for providing extended updates to its tablets, and the Tab A9+ is no exception. Running on Android 12 with One UI, you can expect regular security patches and software updates for years to come, ensuring your device stays protected and up-to-date.

The Tab A9+ features a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front-facing camera. Additionally, expandable storage with a microSD card slot ensures you have enough space for all your files and media.

While the Tab A9+ offers more for its price, there are a few things to consider. Like other Samsung tablets, it comes with its custom OneUI on top of Android, which might not be everyone’s preference. Additionally, while sales might bring it under $200, its official price tag sits slightly above the budget limit.

If you manage to purchase the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ at a discounted price, it can be an excellent value for money. It boasts a large display, powerful performance, and long-term software support that surpasses many other tablets in the sub-$200 price range. However, if you have a tight budget or prefer a stock Android experience, you might want to consider other options such as the Lenovo Tab M9 or Amazon Fire HD 10 2023. Keep in mind that the best tablet for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.

Good tablet without Play Store: Amazon Fire HD 10 2023

The latest Amazon Fire HD 10 2023 isn’t a flagship level tablet but it does good for its price. It stands out by offering a surprisingly good experience for budget-conscious users who want a regular tablet fit for streaming, browsing, and casual gaming. While not without its limitations, the Fire HD 10 2023 can be a true bargain, especially when its price dips below $100 during sales events like Black Friday and Prime Day.

Amazon Fire HD 10 2023
$139.99

The Amazon Fire HD 10 2023 Edition features pretty good 10-inch fullHD display, a rugged build, and active pen support. It's a great tablet if you're looking for something simple, that is not expensive, but good enough for watching movies, surfing the web, and using Amazon's services. Sadly, you've got to install the Google Play Store yourself.

Buy on Amazon Our Review
02/25/2024 03:48 pm GMT

At its regular price of $140, the Fire HD 10 2023 gives you a surprisingly solid display, decent battery life, and a durable build. The 10.1-inch Full HD display with a 10-hour battery life can easily let you binge your favorite series without running out of juice. Additionally, the Alexa integration can also help you control your smart home devices with your voice.

The Fire HD 10 2023 differs from the mainstream with Fire OS, a customized version of Android that lacks the Google Play Store. While Amazon’s Appstore includes popular options like Netflix and Microsoft apps, the selection stands dull in comparison to Google’s Play Store which offers a wide variety of apps. If you heavily rely on Google services or specific apps unavailable on the Amazon App Store, sideloading becomes necessary, adding a layer of complexity not everyone would love.

In our review, we found that the MediaTek MT8186 processor and 3GB of RAM on the Fire HD 10 2023 can handle basic tasks and casual games. However, don’t expect it to run demanding games or multitask heavily without experiencing lags. The tablet has front and rear cameras with 5 megapixels, which capture decent pictures in good lighting conditions, taking into account its affordable price. The quality of the images is satisfactory, and better for video chats compared to some pricier laptops. However, the camera’s performance is not ideal in low light conditions, resulting in unusable photos and videos.

In terms of audio experience, the tablet has two speakers that are okayish but not as great as those found on Samsung tablets. It also comes with USI 2.0 Pen support that isn’t the most precise or responsive. Compared to high-end pen experiences like the Apple Pencil or Samsung S Pen, there might be noticeable lag and a less natural writing feel.

If you’re a budget-conscious user who primarily wants a tablet for streaming, browsing, and light entertainment, the Fire HD 10 2023 can be an excellent choice, especially during sales. Remember, the “best” tablet depends on your personal needs and of course your budget.

Best A9+ alternative under $200: Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE

The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE is another great recommendation under the $200 mark. This budget tablet boasts an 11-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, ample RAM and storage, a sleek metal build, and up-to-date software. 

The display on the Redmi Pad SE is good enough for watching your favorite content or even casual gaming. We reviewed the tablet and it delivered an impressive 8.75-hour battery life on a single charge. We tested by looping an HD YouTube video on maximum brightness.

Affordable Media Tablet
Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE

The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE is an affordable tablet with an 11-inch 90Hz display and a Snapdragon 680 processor. While the hardware is sufficient for everyday tasks, it lacks the graphical power for demanding games. It's less suitable as a gaming tablet or for work, but due to its good display and solid speakers, it's a great and inexpensive entertainment tablet for Netflix and YouTube.

Buy on Amazon Our Review

The Redmi Pad SE packs a Snapdragon 680 processor and up to 8GB of RAM. This combo tackles everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and using basic apps with ease. Benchmark tests reveal impressive CPU performance, even rivaling pricier tablets. But don’t expect it to handle graphic-intensive heavy games and apps. You will face some stutters along the way. 

It’s a slim, lightweight, and comfortable to hold tablet. The inclusion of a microSD card slot and headphone jack adds to its appeal. Running the latest Android 13 with MIUI 14 on top, the Redmi Pad SE offers a familiar and user-friendly interface. Although Xiaomi can’t rival Samsung in terms of updates, we are still impressed by its regular updates and security patches. It’s way better than other manufacturers like Lenovo. 

The lack of active stylus support and an official keyboard cover limits its potential for being a work-friendly tablet. But for general usage, it’s a worthy buy.

Read: The Best Xiaomi Tablets You Can Buy

The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE is an exceptional entertainment tablet at its price point. With 90 Hz display, long battery life, and decent performance, it is great for streaming, browsing, and casual gaming. However, if you prioritize high-end graphics, and require pen/stylus support, other options might be a better fit. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8: Good Samsung tablet if you get 64GB version

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 was the best tablet for under 200 Dollars until the A9+ was released. It’s not a front-runner in any point, but good enough in almost every point. If you are looking for a tablet to surf the web, watch Netflix and YouTube, and play simple games, then the Galaxy Tab A8 is well suited for that. However, if you are looking for one with an active stylus and a good keyboard cover, you will have to spend over 200 Dollars.

Great Value
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 64GB
$279.99 $191.98

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a cheap entry-level tablet that should get long software updates. It offers a good performance for its price, a metal body, and four good speakers. Sadly, the battery life is not the best and it does not support an active pen.

Buy on Amazon Our Review
02/25/2024 06:58 pm GMT

With the A8, we get a 10.5-inch display that has a FullHD resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. Colors and contrast are okay and the pixel density is also okay. It’s nice that it’s fully laminated. There are four solid speakers on the sides and since it has a Widevine level of L1, you can watch Netflix in HD resolution.

You cannot play demanding games with the highest graphics settings because the Unisoc Tiger T618 SoC is too weak for that. It is supported by 3GB or 4GB of RAM and you can choose 32GB, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. The performance of the T618 is enough to play games like PUBG Mobile with HD graphics.

Despite being so cheap, the chassis is mostly made of metal. We get a USB C 2.0 port and a MicroSD card reader, but features like a fingerprint reader are missing.

Read: How To Move Android Apps To SD Cards

It was released with Android 11 originally, but Samsung has already released an update to Android 12. I am pretty sure that it will get Android 13 as well. Updates are one of Samsung’s strengths and a reason why the A8 tops this list.

Great small tablet: Lenovo Tab M9

Priced around $160, the Lenovo Tab M9 is a great buy for users seeking a solid performer without spending a lot. The Tab M9 offers a slightly smaller 9-inch IPS display with 400 nits brightness and 1340 x 800 pixel resolution. If you are looking for a reading-friendly tablet under $200, the Tab M9 features a reading mode with a grayscale option, making long reading sessions easier on your eyes.

Great Small Tablet
Lenovo Tab M9
$149.99 $117.99

The Lenovo Tab M9 is better than other up-to-date and widely available 8-inch Android tablets on the market right now. Sure, with 9 inches, it's a bit bigger, but not much. It's fast enough, the display is quite bright and the battery lasts long. Sadly, there's no high-end competitor running Android right now.

Buy on Amazon Our Review
02/25/2024 07:38 pm GMT

Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G80 processor, paired with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, easily handles browsing, streaming, and basic apps. Even casual gaming is possible, during our review, the Tab M9 easily tackled titles like World of Tanks at relatively high settings. But demanding games like Apex Legends will require lowering the graphics settings for smooth performance. Overall, the Tab M9 delivers decent performance for its price, but keep in mind that it might not be the best for power users.

Running clean Android 12 with an expected upgrade to Android 13, the Tab M9 offers a familiar and user-friendly experience. Lenovo is not the best OEM when it comes to rolling out timely major updates though, but you can expect security patches to be quite regular.

Read: How To Play PC Games on Android Tablets

The tablet is packed in a light and thin metal body with plastic accents and weighs 344g. Connectivity options include a USB-C 2.0 port, a microSD card slot for storage expansion, and a headphone jack. You won’t get any fingerprint reader, but there is a facial recognition feature that might not be the most reliable due to the single sensor. Best to fall back on basic password options like PIN or pattern on this one. You get an 8MP rear camera on this one alongside a 2MP front camera.

One area where the Tab M9 truly shines is battery life. In our video playback battery test, it clocked 9 hours on a single charge which is great for a tablet under $200. 

For the price tag, the Lenovo Tab M9 offers a great package. Its decent display, performance, solid build, and stock Android experience make it a strong contender in the budget 8-inch tablet segment. For casual users seeking a reliable and budget-friendly entertainment tablet, the Tab M9 is one of the best tablets under $200.

Amazon Fire 7: Best 60 Dollar tablet

The Amazon Fire 7 is the cheapest tablet that I can reasonably recommend. It’s exciting only if you want to save as much money as possible. You have to do without all premium features and it plays in the lowest league in every aspect. Nevertheless, it is actually usable.

Amazon Fire 7

The Amazon Fire 7 2022 edition is a very affordable tablet and its performance and battery life has improved a lot compared to its predecessor and the pricier Fire HD 8. Considering how cheap it is, it is a solid tablet. But only when factoring in its cheap price. Don't expect any top performance, a laminated screen, or features like a fingerprint scanner. Even the Google Play Store is missing out of the box.

Buy on Amazon Our Review

With 7 inches, the Fire 7 is a bit smaller than the realme Pad mini and the resolution is even lower at 1024 x 600 pixels. It is also a pity that it is not laminated – just like the Apple iPad 10. Many can live with it there and that will also be the case here. It is still a drawback in my opinion.

It is not suitable as a gaming tablet because the performance of the MediaTek MT8168A quad-core processor is quite weak. In addition, there is only 2GB of RAM and you can choose between 16GB and 32GB of internal storage. Interestingly, you can still play games like PUBG Mobile with HD graphics.

As with the Amazon Fire HD 10, the Fire 7 is an Android tablet, but Amazon’s version and not Google’s version of Android is preinstalled. Thus, the Google Play Store and Google apps like Gmail, YouTube and Chrome are missing ex-factory. However, those who want to can install the Play Store themselves and then it behaves like other Android tablets. Otherwise, apps can be installed via the Amazon App Store.

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