Onn tablets offer decent performance for the price, but they work best for basic tasks like streaming and browsing

Onn is Walmart's house brand of tablets. They cost between $80 and $200, which makes them among the cheapest tablets you can buy new. For that price, you get a device that handles video streaming, web browsing, email, and light gaming without lag. The trade-off is that Onn tablets use older processors, have smaller storage, and receive fewer software updates than Samsung or Apple tablets at the same price point.

Whether an Onn tablet is right for you depends on what you plan to do with it. If you want to watch Netflix in bed, read books, or check email, an Onn tablet works fine. If you need something for photo editing, demanding games, or work that requires fast performance, you will notice slowdowns. Onn tablets also tend to have dimmer screens and weaker speakers than competitors, which matters if you watch a lot of video.

Key Takeaways

  • Onn tablets cost $80 to $200 and run Android, making them the cheapest new tablets available.
  • They handle streaming, browsing, and email well but slow down with heavy apps, photo editing, or demanding games.
  • The screen brightness and speaker quality are noticeably weaker than Samsung Galaxy Tab or iPad models at similar prices.
  • Onn tablets receive fewer Android updates than other brands, so security patches may arrive later.
  • Battery life is typically 8 to 10 hours, which is average for budget tablets.

Performance and processor speed

Onn tablets use MediaTek or Qualcomm processors from the budget tier—chips designed to keep costs low rather than deliver speed. The most recent Onn models use processors like the MediaTek Helio G99, which is two to three years behind what you get in a Samsung Galaxy Tab A or iPad. This means apps open a bit slower, multitasking can stutter, and games with high graphics settings will not run smoothly.

For everyday tasks—opening email, scrolling social media, watching video—you will not notice the difference. The processor is fast enough. The problem shows up when you try to do two things at once, edit photos in Lightroom, or play a game like Genshin Impact. The tablet will lag or the app may crash. If you only use one app at a time and do not play demanding games, the processor is fine.

RAM on Onn tablets ranges from 3 GB to 4 GB on older models and up to 8 GB on newer ones. This is less than the 6 GB to 12 GB you get on Samsung or iPad competitors. Less RAM means the tablet closes background apps more often, so you may have to reload an app you were just using.

Screen quality and brightness

Onn tablets have LCD screens with 1280 × 800 or 1920 × 1200 resolution, depending on the model size. The resolution is adequate for reading text and watching video, but the screen is noticeably dimmer than Samsung or iPad screens. If you watch video in a bright room or outdoors, you will have trouble seeing the picture. The colors are also less vibrant—not wrong, just muted compared to other tablets.

The screen refresh rate is 60 Hz on all Onn models, which is standard. A 90 Hz or 120 Hz screen (found on pricier tablets) makes scrolling feel smoother, but 60 Hz is not a dealbreaker for most people. The real issue is brightness. If you spend a lot of time watching video or reading in daylight, a brighter screen is worth paying more for.

Storage and expandability

Onn tablets come with 32 GB or 64 GB of storage. After the operating system takes up space, you have roughly 20 GB to 50 GB left for apps and files. That is enough for streaming apps, email, and a few games, but not for storing a large photo library or video collection. If you plan to read movies or store hundreds of photos, you will run out of space quickly.

Some Onn models have a microSD card slot, which lets you add up to 256 GB or 512 GB of extra storage. Check the specs before you buy—not all models include this. If the model you want does not have a card slot and you need more space, you will have to delete apps or files to make room, or buy a model with more built-in storage.

Software updates and security

Onn tablets ship with Android, usually a version that is one or two years old. Walmart promises two years of major Android updates and three years of security patches on newer models, but older Onn tablets may get fewer updates. This means your tablet will eventually stop receiving security fixes, which is a real concern if you use it for banking or shopping.

Compare this to Samsung tablets, which typically receive three to four years of updates, and iPads, which receive five to six years. If you keep a tablet for more than three years, an Onn tablet will be more vulnerable to security threats. For a device you plan to use for two years or less, this is less of a problem.

Battery life and charging

Onn tablets have batteries that last 8 to 10 hours of mixed use—streaming, browsing, and email. This is average for budget tablets and enough for a full day if you use it a few hours at a time. If you watch video continuously, expect closer to 8 hours. If you mostly browse and email, you may get closer to 10 hours.

Charging takes 3 to 4 hours with the included charger, which is slow compared to newer Samsung or iPad models. Onn tablets do not support fast charging. If you need to charge quickly between uses, this will frustrate you.

Who should buy an Onn tablet

An Onn tablet makes sense if you want a cheap device for a specific, straightforward task. A parent buying a tablet for a child to watch videos and play light games will be happy with an Onn. Someone who wants a second device for streaming in the bedroom or kitchen will not be disappointed. A student who needs a tablet for reading textbooks and taking notes can use an Onn without problems.

An Onn tablet is a poor choice if you plan to use it as your main computer, edit photos or video, play demanding games, or keep it for more than three years. If you can spend $50 to $100 more, a Samsung Galaxy Tab A or a refurbished iPad will give you better performance, a brighter screen, longer software support, and a better resale value.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will an Onn tablet last before it becomes too slow?

Most Onn tablets remain usable for two to three years. After that, the processor struggles with newer apps, and security updates stop arriving. If you plan to keep a tablet longer than three years, spending more on a Samsung or iPad is a better investment.

Can I use an Onn tablet for schoolwork?

Yes, if the schoolwork is reading, note-taking, and light document editing. Onn tablets handle Google Docs, Microsoft Office apps, and PDF readers without problems. They struggle with video editing, graphic design, or running multiple heavy apps at once.

Is the camera good enough for video calls?

Onn tablets have basic front and rear cameras. The front camera is adequate for Zoom or FaceTime calls in good lighting, but the image quality is grainy compared to other tablets. If video calls are important, a better tablet is worth the extra cost.

What is the difference between an Onn tablet and a Samsung Galaxy Tab A?

A Galaxy Tab A costs $50 to $100 more but has a faster processor, brighter screen, better speakers, and longer software support. The Galaxy Tab A is faster and will last longer, but an Onn tablet is fine if you only need basic streaming and browsing.

Do Onn tablets work with a stylus or keyboard?

Most Onn tablets do not come with or support a stylus. Some newer models may work with a basic stylus, but it is not may provide. Bluetooth keyboards work with all Onn tablets, but you have to buy one separately. If you need stylus support, check the specific model before buying.