The top budget tablets: Affordable tablets for work and streaming

You might know Xiaomi’s Redmi line from the world of budget smartphones. But with the Redmi Pad 2, we’ve seen just how good its tablets can be.

Despite costing just £169 in the UK (sadly not available in the US), it offers plenty of compelling features. You can look forward to a premium-like design that feels a lot more expensive, a solid 11-inch, 90Hz display and a superb quad speaker system. Throw in decent performance and solid battery life, and you’ve got yourself an excellent all-rounder.

Compromises are inevitable at this price, and here they come in the form of just 18W charging, hit-and-miss Xiaomi software and basic cameras that don’t offer much.

But when you’re paying so little and getting so much, it’s easy to recommend the Redmi Pad 2 to pretty much everyone.

Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2?

Anyone looking for a solid budget tablet that gets almost all the basics right.

Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2: Further considerations

Look elsewhere if you care about top-tier software or fast charging. Expect our review for the Redmi Pad 2 Pro in due course.

Two years after one of our favourite budget tablets ever, Samsung has replaced the Galaxy Tab A9 with the Tab A11 (there was no A10) and you’d be forgiven for thinking I forgot to change the photo here.

The new model looks identical because Samsung has used the exact same chassis, though this means it’s still super compact and lightweight – and still stylish.

Much of the spec sheet is the same, too, but the Galaxy Tab A11 comes with a few upgrades in key areas as well as a price reduction, which is rare these days.

The screen now has a higher refresh rate (previously reserved for the + model) for smoother interactions, the front camera quality is better for video calls (though is still fairly basic) and you now get a whopping seven years of software support, including OS versions, which matches flagship devices.

Considering that cheap tablets this size are rare, we can forgive how similar the device is to its predecessor, thanks to the improvements and cheaper price.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11?

Anyone looking for a cheap tablet that’s highly portable.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11: Further considerations

Consider the higher spec model for double memory and storage, therefore, better performance over time. Look elsewhere, including the A11+, for a larger screen.

So we’re breaking the rules slightly with one, as Apple’s entry-level iPad carries a price tag of £329/$349 and upwards, which is above the £300/$300 limit we set for entries into this article. But the reason why this iPad gets a pass is that it can regularly be found at a price just below that.

At almost every major sale, we’ve seen significant discounts for the iPad (A16), so if you ever spot it at full price, it’s unlikely that you’ll have to wait for long before another discount appears.

What’s impressive is even at its full RRP, the iPad (A16) is something of a bargain given that you’re still getting the same core iPadOS experience that you can enjoy with the iPad Air and the iPad Pro, but for a lot less. This includes intuitive multitasking (something that’s only been improved with iPadOS 26), exclusive Apple apps and seamless connectivity with devices like your AirPods.

In fact, multitasking works so well on the iPad (A16) that if you want to use it as a productivity device, you can absolutely do that (within reason). The large 11-inch display works well for typing up documents or kicking back with a bit of Netflix, and the stereo speakers onboard carry a surprising amount of depth for a tablet of this size.

While the A16 chipset does a solid job with everyday performance, it is unable to run Apple Intelligence, and so the iPad won’t be privy to any of Apple’s AI-focused updates in the future. Still, given that Apple Intelligence has a long way to go before reaching the heights of Google Gemini or Galaxy AI, it doesn’t take away from everything that makes this iPad great.

Who should buy the iPad A16?

Apple users who want a simple tablet for productivity and entertainment.

iPad A16: Further considerations

It’s not compatible with Apple Intelligence or the Apple Pencil Pro.

We were already massively impressed with the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 when that came to market, as it completely showed up Samsung by offering more bang for your buck in pretty much every category. Well, that sentiment only continues with the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 Pro to the point where, if you’re thinking about picking up the entry-level iPad A16, it’s probably worth considering the Pad 2 Pro instead, so long as you don’t mind siding with team Android.

Easily the biggest upgrade here is the addition of an optional matte-finish display which acts as a coating to dispel reflections. It’s a great bit of tech, especially as it makes the tablet much easier to use when outdoors or in a cafe where there’s a lot of natural light pouring in, but the fact that you can get it on a tablet that’s this affordable is mindblowing. For context, you can only find it on Apple’s range by opting for the premium-level iPad Pro.

The matte display is also more conducive to digital notetaking and drawing, as using the included magnetic stylus feels more closely in line with using pen and paper. The one downside to having a matte display however is that it doesn’t appear as bright as a normal display, so you may find yourself cranking up the brightness more often than not to compensate.

Still, it’s a small downside when you consider that the tablet packs a massive 12,000mAh battery. With such a huge cell onboard, the Redmi Pad 2 Pro can work brilliantly as an all-day device. During a single charge you can browse the web, respond to emails, catch up on a few episodes of your favourite show and still have juice left in the tank.

Who should buy the Xiaomi Redi Pad 2 Pro?

If you’re likely to use a tablet outdoors more often than not.

Xiaomi Redi Pad 2 Pro: Further considerations

The matte display version, while great, isn’t as bright as other tablets.

Amazon has a lot of great affordable tablets within its Fire range, but if you’re a productivity user who needs a tablet that can ideally work as a laptop replacement on occasion then the Amazon Fire Max 11 is the easy one to go for. This tablet has been designed specifically with work in mind as there’s an optional stylus and keyboard case made for the Fire Max 11 which we recommend picking up in order to make the most out of it.

The keyboard in particular feels nice and tactile, so if you want to draft up some reports in Google Docs or shoot off some emails in Outlook, you can do that here. Of course, because this is a tablet, it can also work better as an entertainment device than a typical laptop. You’ve got quick access to streaming apps like Disney+ and Netflix, and the stereo speakers do a great job of projecting audio, so you don’t immediately need to reach for a pair of headphones if you’re watching something at home.

The 11-inch 2K screen is also a joy to use, as it’s wide enough to let documents sprawl out, but the detail from that resolution also means that you’re getting a great reading experience too. Throw in the fact that the battery can last for up to 14 hours at a time and it’s hard to argue with the Fire Max 11 as a whole, especially when you can usually pick it up massively reduced during any of Amazon’s Prime Day sales events.

The one area where the Max 11 does fall behind its closest competitors is in app support. Because all Fire tablets use Amazon’s own-brand Fire OS, you don’t have access to the Google Play Store which means that you can’t natively install key Google apps like Docs, Drive or Gmail. Instead, you’ll have to access them via the built-in web browser. It’s definitely a trade-off, but when you consider that the Fire Max 11, with all its accessories, is cheaper than buying an iPad with an Apple keyboard and Apple Pencil, it’s worth considering as an alternative.

Who should buy the Amazon Fire Max 11?

Productivity users who are tied to a budget.

Amazon Fire Max 11: Further considerations

Without the Google Play Store, you’re limited in the type of apps you can download.

The Galaxy Tab A11+ is an underwhelming update which adds very little to the overall experience. But the Tab A9+ was already such a solid device that its successor is undoubtedly worthy of inclusion.

Essentially, the upgrades boil down to improved performance, slightly better battery life and more storage, making it a more well-rounded device.

Of course, the main selling point compared to the regular Tab A11 is its larger 11-inch LCD display, which is a real highlight. When combined with impressive audio from the quad speaker system, it’s ideal for watching movies and TV.

The familiar design still does the job, while Samsung’s One UI 8 software is well-suited to tablets. A seven-year software update promise means the Tab A11+ is future-proofed, too.

A fingerprint sensor is one upgrade I’d have loved to see, but there are no real dealbreakers here. The Tab A11+ is a reliable budget slate that should stand the test of time.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+?

Anyone looking for a big-screen budget tablet with great software.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+: Further considerations

The regular Tab A11 is cheaper and still offers everything most people need in a budget Samsung tablet.

If you’re buying a budget tablet just for consuming content, as many people are, the Lenovo Tab Plus is a fine choice.

It excels at the fundamentals of a great video-watching experience, with a high-quality display (90H, FHD+, LCD) delivering rich colours and impressive brightness. It’s ably supported by eight JBL speakers, which deliver very solid audio across a range of scenarios.

Alongside a built-in kickstand for hands-free viewing and strong battery life, the appeal of the Tab Plus is there for all to see.

Unfortunately, the performance is compromised to the extent that it can’t go any higher in this list. And while general performance is good, software support is frustratingly limited.

Overall, the Lenovo Tab Plus is a compelling choice for entertainment, but best avoided if productivity or gaming are priorities for you.

Who should buy the Lenovo Tab Plus?

Anyone looking for a budget tablet that excels at watching TV and movies.

Lenovo Tab Plus: Further considerations

Look elsewhere if you need a device for productivity or gaming.

The Fire HD 8 Kids Pro adds a few child-friendly features to the familiar Amazon Fire tablet experience.

These include a commitment to durability, with an included protective case (available in several designs) and a two-year replacement guarantee. On the device itself, you also get robust parental control features to keep an eye on what your child (it’s designed for ages 6-12) is up to and set limits.

However, to get the most out of it, you’ll need a subscription to Amazon Kids+, which offers access to a range of shows and games from the likes of Disney, Harry Potter, Marvel and Nickelodeon. After a free first year, it costs at least £4.99/$5.99 per month.

Elsewhere, all the usual Fire tablet limitations apply here, including a basic display, limited performance and a low-quality camera.

However, as you’re buying this for a young child, none of it matters too much. The Fire HD 8 Kids Pro performs well as a child-friendly tablet, which makes it easy to recommend.

Who should buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro?

Anyone looking for a simple tablet that’s suitable for young children.

Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro: Further considerations

Look elsewhere for a ‘proper’ Android operating system.

When you buy a Fire tablet, you have to be aware of the compromises that come with it. When it comes to the latest Fire HD 8, that’s the basic performance and a rear camera you should pretty much never use, plus the usual limited app selection from the Amazon Appstore.

However, as a device for the basics, there are reasons to recommend it. The 8-inch display is decent for the price, battery life is strong, and the storage (starting at 32GB) can easily be expanded via a Micro-SD card.

It makes the Fire HD 8 an ideal device for watching TV and movies, casual gaming and reading e-books – especially via Amazon’s Kindle app. The software experience is also fairly user-friendly, though I’d highly recommend paying the extra £10/$15 to remove ads.

Another positive is the compact, lightweight design, which means you can take the Fire HD 8 almost anywhere with you.

Who should buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024)?

Anyone looking for a compact tablet that’s suitable for young children or basic use.

Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024): Further considerations

Look elsewhere if you want more than basic specs or access to a full app store.