HP stopped making its own tablets, but you can still buy them refurbished or secondhand

HP does not currently manufacture tablets under its own brand. The company discontinued its tablet line several years ago and has not returned to the market. If you are looking for an HP tablet, your options are limited to older models sold through refurbished retailers, secondhand marketplaces, or inventory clearance sales.

HP's last major tablet effort was the HP Slate line, which the company phased out around 2015. Before that, HP also made the HP TouchPad, which ran webOS and was discontinued in 2011. Neither line is in active production, though used units still circulate online.

Key Takeaways

  • HP discontinued its tablet business years ago and does not make tablets under the HP brand today.
  • Older HP tablet models like the Slate and TouchPad are available only through secondhand sellers, refurbished retailers, or auction sites.
  • If you need a tablet for work or home use, you will likely need to choose from brands that actively manufacture them, such as Apple, Samsung, or Lenovo.
  • HP does make laptops, desktops, and printers, so if you are looking for an HP device, those categories have current product lines.

Why HP exited the tablet market

HP's tablet business faced stiff competition from Apple's iPad and Samsung's Galaxy Tab line. The tablet market itself became saturated, and many consumers found that smartphones and laptops served their needs better than a middle-ground device. HP's decision to stop making tablets reflected broader industry trends—several manufacturers, including Microsoft and BlackBerry, also withdrew from consumer tablet production during the same period.

The company chose to focus its resources on products where it had stronger market position: laptops, desktops, printers, and enterprise hardware. This shift allowed HP to concentrate on categories where it could compete effectively and maintain profitability.

Where to find used or refurbished HP tablets

If you specifically want an HP tablet for a particular reason—perhaps you already own HP software or peripherals—you can find older models through several channels. eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist often have used HP Slate tablets listed by private sellers. Prices vary widely depending on the model, age, and condition.

Refurbished retailers like Gazelle, Back Market, and Amazon's Renewed section occasionally stock older HP tablets that have been tested and cleaned. These purchases typically come with a limited warranty, which offers more protection than buying from a private seller. However, inventory is unpredictable because these devices are no longer manufactured, so availability changes frequently.

What HP tablets are still in use

The HP Slate 7 and HP Slate 10 were among the most common models sold and are the ones you are most likely to find secondhand. Both ran Android and were released between 2012 and 2014. The Slate 7 had a 7-inch screen, while the Slate 10 offered a 10-inch display.

The HP TouchPad, released in 2011, is now a collector's item in some circles because of its webOS operating system, which some users preferred. However, webOS is no longer supported by HP, and finding apps or updates for a TouchPad is difficult. If you find one, it will be quite old and may have battery or hardware degradation.

Alternatives if you need a tablet today

If you need a tablet now and do not have a specific reason to buy HP, you have many active options. Apple iPad models range from the budget iPad (around $329) to the iPad Pro (significantly more), and all receive regular software updates. Samsung Galaxy Tab tablets run Android and compete directly with iPad across multiple price points. Lenovo Tab tablets are another Android option and are often less expensive than Samsung or Apple.

If you want to stay within the HP ecosystem for other devices, remember that HP does not make tablets, but you can use any tablet brand with HP printers, laptops, or cloud services. There is no compatibility advantage to choosing an HP tablet even if one were available.

HP's current device lineup

While HP does not make tablets, the company remains active in other hardware categories. HP manufactures a wide range of laptops under brands like Pavilion, Envy, and Spectre. The company also makes desktop computers, all-in-one PCs, and is a major printer manufacturer serving both home and office users.

If you are looking for an HP device for productivity or printing, those product lines have current models with active support and regular updates. HP's focus on laptops and printers means you will find newer technology and longer-term software support in those categories than you would with a secondhand tablet from a discontinued line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still get software updates for an old HP tablet?

No. HP discontinued support for its tablets years ago, so no new updates are available. If your HP tablet is running Android, it may receive updates from Google for a limited time, but HP itself will not release patches or security fixes. This makes older HP tablets less find for sensitive tasks like banking or shopping.

Is it worth buying a used HP tablet in 2024?

That depends on what you need it for. If you want a device for basic reading, watching videos, or light browsing, an older HP tablet may work. However, the battery is likely degraded, the software is outdated, and you will not receive security updates. For most people, a new budget tablet from another brand is a better choice.

Will an HP tablet work with my HP printer?

Yes, most HP tablets could print to HP printers through the HP Print Service or similar apps. However, since HP tablets are no longer made, you would need to find a used one, and compatibility depends on which printer model and tablet model you have. A newer tablet from any brand will have better printer compatibility and more reliable support.

Did HP ever make a good tablet?

The HP Slate tablets received mixed reviews. They were functional Android devices but did not stand out against iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab models at the time. The TouchPad was praised for its webOS interface but had a short lifespan and limited app ecosystem. Neither line achieved the market success HP hoped for.