Tablet prices range from around $150 to $2,000 depending on the brand, screen size, storage capacity, and whether you choose a basic model or one with advanced features

The price you pay depends mostly on four things: which company makes it, how much storage it has, what size screen you want, and whether you add cellular connectivity. A basic iPad starts around $329, while Samsung's entry-level tablets begin near $150. High-end models from Apple or Samsung with large screens and maximum storage can reach $1,500 or more. The cheapest tablets are often from Amazon or lesser-known brands, while the most expensive are typically Apple's iPad Pro line.

Storage capacity makes a real difference in price. A 64GB model costs less than the same tablet with 256GB or 512GB. If you only plan to stream video and use apps, 64GB or 128GB is usually enough. If you store photos, videos, or large files, you'll want more storage—and you'll pay $100 to $300 extra for it. Cellular models (ones that work on phone networks without Wi-Fi) add $100 to $200 to the price compared to Wi-Fi-only versions.

Key Takeaways

  • Budget tablets from Amazon and other brands start around $150, while name-brand tablets from Apple or Samsung begin near $300.
  • Storage capacity is the single biggest price driver after brand—doubling your storage typically costs $100 to $200 more.
  • Adding cellular connectivity (the ability to use phone networks) adds $100 to $200 to any tablet's price.
  • Screen size matters: larger screens cost more, with 12-inch and 13-inch models running $200 to $400 more than 10-inch versions.

How brand affects what you pay

Apple's iPad line dominates the market and commands higher prices. The standard iPad starts around $329 for the base model, while iPad Air models run $599 to $799, and iPad Pro models start at $999 and climb to $2,000 or more. You pay for the brand name, the build quality, and access to Apple's ecosystem of apps and services.

Samsung tablets offer more variety at different price points. Their Galaxy Tab A series (entry-level) starts around $150 to $250. The Galaxy Tab S series (mid-range to premium) runs $400 to $900 depending on size and features. Amazon's Fire tablets are among the cheapest options, starting at $100 to $150, though they run Amazon's own software rather than standard Android. Other brands like Lenovo, Microsoft, and OnePlus offer tablets between $200 and $600, often with good value for the price.

What storage capacity costs

Most tablets come in three or four storage sizes. A 64GB model is the cheapest option, usually the base price you see advertised. Jumping to 128GB or 256GB adds $50 to $150 depending on the brand. The largest options—512GB or 1TB—add another $100 to $300 on top of that.

Think about what you actually need before paying for extra storage. If you use cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud), stream all your music and video, and don't keep many photos on the device, 64GB works fine. If you read movies for travel, keep thousands of photos, or work with large design files, 256GB or more makes sense. Many people regret buying too little storage because you cannot easily add more later—there are no memory card slots on most modern tablets.

Screen size and its impact on price

Tablets come in three main sizes: around 8 inches (small and portable), 10 to 11 inches (the most common), and 12 to 13 inches (large, closer to a laptop). Smaller tablets cost less—an 8-inch tablet might run $150 to $300. The standard 10 to 11-inch size is the sweet spot for price and usability, ranging from $300 to $800. Large 12 to 13-inch tablets cost $400 to $2,000 because they use bigger, more expensive screens and more powerful components.

The size you choose depends on what you'll use it for. If you want something to hold in one hand and carry easily, go smaller and expect to pay less. If you plan to read, watch video, or do creative work, a 10 to 11-inch screen is usually worth the extra cost. The largest tablets are really for people who want a portable device that works almost like a laptop.

Wi-Fi versus cellular models

Every tablet comes in a Wi-Fi-only version, which connects to the internet only through home or public Wi-Fi networks. Most also come in a cellular version, which has a built-in modem and can connect to phone networks (4G or 5G) the same way a phone does. The cellular version costs $100 to $200 more upfront.

You only need cellular if you want internet access away from Wi-Fi—in a car, at a coffee shop, or while traveling. Cellular models also require a monthly data plan from a phone carrier, which costs $10 to $50 per month depending on how much data you use. If you mostly use your tablet at home or in places with Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi-only model saves you money both upfront and every month.

Where prices vary by retailer

The same tablet model can have different prices at different stores. Apple's official prices are usually fixed, but Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers sometimes run sales or bundle tablets with accessories. Older models drop in price when new ones come out—last year's iPad might cost $100 to $200 less than the current version.

Refurbished tablets (used devices that have been cleaned and tested) cost 20 to 40 percent less than new ones and usually come with a warranty. If you buy from a reputable seller like the manufacturer's refurbished store or a major retailer's certified refurbished section, you get a safe deal. Avoid extremely cheap tablets from unknown sellers—the savings often disappear when the device fails or has problems.

Budget tablets versus premium models

A budget tablet ($150 to $300) handles basic tasks well: browsing the web, checking email, reading, watching video, and using common apps. The screen is smaller, the processor is slower, and the build feels less premium, but it works. These are good choices if you want something straightforward and do not need the latest features.

Mid-range tablets ($400 to $700) offer better screens, faster processors, and longer battery life. They handle multitasking, photo editing, and gaming without lag. Premium tablets ($800 and up) have the best screens, fastest processors, and most storage. They are built to last longer and work with professional apps. Most people find a mid-range tablet offers the best balance of price and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest tablet I can buy?

Amazon Fire tablets start around $100 to $150 for the base model. They work well for reading, video, and basic apps, though they run Amazon's software rather than standard Android or iOS. If you want a name-brand tablet, Samsung's Galaxy Tab A series starts around $150 to $200.

Do I need to spend $1,000 on a tablet?

No. Most people are happy with a tablet in the $300 to $600 range. Spend $1,000 or more only if you need a very large screen, maximum storage, or plan to use professional apps like video editing or design software. For everyday use, a mid-range tablet does everything you need.

Is it worth buying an older tablet model to save money?

Yes, if it is only one or two generations old. Last year's iPad or Galaxy Tab often costs $100 to $300 less and works nearly as well. Avoid tablets more than three or four years old—they may not receive software updates and the battery degrades over time. Buy from a reputable seller and check the warranty.

Does adding a keyboard or stylus change the total cost?

Yes. A keyboard case adds $50 to $200, and a stylus (pen) adds $50 to $150, depending on the brand and quality. If you plan to use your tablet for work or creative tasks, budget for these accessories on top of the tablet price itself.

Why do iPad prices stay high while other tablets drop?

Apple controls both the hardware and software, which lets them maintain prices longer. They also have strong brand loyalty and a large ecosystem of apps and services. Samsung and other brands compete more on price, so their older models drop faster. If you want the lowest price, non-Apple tablets usually offer better value.