Tablet prices range from about $150 to $2,000 depending on brand, screen size, and processing power

A basic tablet for reading, email, and web browsing costs between $150 and $300. Mid-range tablets with faster processors and better screens run $300 to $700. High-end tablets with the largest screens, fastest chips, and premium builds cost $800 to $2,000. The price you pay depends on which brand you choose, how large the screen is, how much storage space you need, and whether you want cellular connectivity in addition to Wi-Fi.

Price also shifts based on whether you buy the current model or a previous year's version. Older models often drop $100 to $300 in price once a new generation launches. Refurbished tablets—devices that were returned and restored to working condition—typically cost 20 to 40 percent less than new ones, though they come with shorter warranties.

Key Takeaways

  • Budget tablets cost $150 to $300 and handle basic tasks like reading, email, and video streaming without lag.
  • Mid-range tablets between $300 and $700 offer faster performance and better screens for photo editing, gaming, and multitasking.
  • Premium tablets above $800 include the largest screens, fastest processors, and stylus support for drawing and note-taking.
  • Adding cellular connectivity (LTE or 5G) to any tablet adds $100 to $200 to the base price.
  • Previous-generation models and refurbished tablets can cut your cost by 20 to 40 percent compared to the newest versions.

Budget Tablets: $150 to $300

Entry-level tablets work well if you mainly read books, watch videos, check email, or browse the web. These devices have smaller screens (usually 7 to 8 inches), slower processors, and less storage. They run the same operating systems as expensive tablets—either Apple's iPadOS or Google's Android—so you can read the same apps, but they may load slightly slower or struggle if you run many apps at once.

Common budget models include the Amazon Fire tablets ($100 to $200), the iPad (base model, around $330), and Android tablets from Samsung, Lenovo, and other brands in the $150 to $250 range. These tablets often have single-speaker audio, lower screen brightness, and batteries that last 8 to 10 hours instead of 12 to 15. They are durable enough for daily use but less likely to feel premium in your hands.

Mid-Range Tablets: $300 to $700

Mid-range tablets offer a noticeable jump in speed, screen quality, and build. Screens are typically 10 to 11 inches, making them better for watching shows, editing photos, or working on documents. Processors are faster, so apps open when ready and multitasking feels smooth. Storage usually starts at 64GB or 128GB, compared to 32GB on budget models. Battery life often reaches 12 to 15 hours.

This range includes the iPad Air, Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, and Lenovo Tab P11 Pro. These tablets often have stereo speakers, higher screen brightness, and better color accuracy. If you plan to use a stylus for note-taking or drawing, mid-range tablets are where stylus support becomes standard. They feel more solid than budget models and hold their value better if you resell them later.

Premium Tablets: $800 to $2,000

High-end tablets are built for professionals, artists, and people who want the fastest performance and best screens available. Screens are 11 to 13 inches with high refresh rates (120Hz or higher), meaning scrolling and animations look incredibly smooth. Processors are the fastest available, so video editing, 3D design, and gaming run without any slowdown. Storage starts at 256GB and goes up to 2TB.

The iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra are the main premium options. These tablets include stylus support with pressure sensitivity for drawing and handwriting. They have multiple cameras, all-day battery life (15+ hours), and premium materials like aluminum frames and glass backs. Some include keyboard covers and styluses in the box, though these often cost extra. Premium tablets are designed to last 5 to 7 years with regular use.

Wi-Fi Only vs. Cellular Models

Every tablet comes in a Wi-Fi-only version and usually a cellular version. Wi-Fi models connect to the internet only when you are near a wireless network. Cellular models have a built-in modem that connects to your phone carrier's network (LTE or 5G), so you can use the internet anywhere you have cell service.

Cellular models cost $100 to $200 more than the same tablet in Wi-Fi only. You also pay a monthly fee to your carrier—usually $10 to $30 per month for a tablet data plan, or you can add the tablet to an existing phone plan. Choose Wi-Fi only if you mostly use your tablet at home or in places with free Wi-Fi. Choose cellular if you travel frequently or need internet access on the go.

Storage and Its Effect on Price

Tablets come in different storage sizes: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and sometimes 1TB or 2TB. More storage costs more money—usually $50 to $100 per storage tier. A 64GB model might cost $50 less than a 128GB model of the same tablet.

Think about what you will store. If you mainly stream videos and music, 64GB is enough. If you read movies for travel or store lots of photos, jump to 128GB or 256GB. Storage cannot be added later on most tablets (unlike phones), so buy more than you think you need. Cloud storage services like Google Drive, iCloud, and OneDrive let you store files online, but they require an internet connection to access them.

Where Prices Change Throughout the Year

Tablet prices drop when new models launch. If a company releases a new tablet in spring, the previous year's model often drops $100 to $300 in price. Prices also fall during major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school sales—discounts of 10 to 25 percent are common.

Refurbished tablets cost less upfront but come with shorter warranties (usually 90 days instead of one year). Certified refurbished models from the manufacturer are safer than third-party refurbished units. Outlet stores and the manufacturers' own websites often sell refurbished models at a discount. Used tablets from private sellers cost even less but have no warranty and you cannot verify their condition before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest tablet I can buy?

The Amazon Fire 7 costs around $60 to $100 and is the cheapest tablet available. It runs Amazon's Fire OS (based on Android) and works for reading, video, and basic web browsing. The iPad (base model) costs around $330 and is the cheapest Apple tablet. Both are solid choices for budget-conscious buyers.

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

No. A $300 to $500 tablet handles almost everything most people do—streaming, email, photo viewing, and document editing. Spend $800+ only if you need a stylus for drawing or note-taking, want the largest screen available, or plan to use it as a laptop replacement with a keyboard cover.

Is it worth buying last year's tablet model?

Yes, if the price drop is significant. Last year's iPad or Galaxy Tab performs almost identically to this year's model for most tasks. You save $100 to $300 and get the same apps and features. The only reason to buy the newest model is if you want the latest processor speed or newest screen technology.

How much extra does a stylus cost?

Styluses range from $30 to $150 depending on the brand and features. Apple Pencil costs $99 to $129. Samsung S Pen styluses cost $40 to $100. Some tablets include a stylus in the box; others sell it separately. Check the product listing to see what comes in the box.

Can I use a tablet instead of a laptop?

A tablet with a keyboard cover can replace a laptop for email, web browsing, document editing, and video calls. Tablets struggle with software that only runs on Windows or Mac, and typing on a tablet keyboard is slower than a laptop keyboard. If you do heavy writing, coding, or use specialized software, a laptop is still better.