The main places to buy a tablet
You can buy a tablet from big-box electronics retailers, manufacturer websites, online marketplaces, wireless carriers, and secondhand sellers. Each route has different prices, return policies, and stock. The best choice depends on whether you want the newest model, the lowest price, or the fastest delivery.
New tablets are sold at Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Amazon, Apple Stores, Samsung's website, and carrier stores like Verizon and AT&T. Used and refurbished tablets come from eBay, Facebook Marketplace, local classifieds, and certified refurbisher programs run by the manufacturers themselves.
Prices vary by location and seller. A tablet that costs $299 at Best Buy might be $279 on Amazon or $250 refurbished from the manufacturer. Shipping times range from same-day at some retailers to two weeks from international sellers.
Key Takeaways
- Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Amazon stock most major tablet brands and models in one place, with return windows of 14 to 30 days.
- Manufacturer websites like Apple.com and Samsung.com often have exclusive colors or configurations and sometimes offer student or trade-in discounts.
- Wireless carriers sell tablets bundled with data plans, which can lower the upfront cost but lock you into a contract.
- Refurbished tablets from manufacturer programs cost 15 to 30 percent less than new and come with the same warranty as new devices.
- Secondhand marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace have the lowest prices but require you to inspect the device and handle disputes yourself.
Big-box retailers: Best Buy, Walmart, and Target
Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all carry tablets from Apple, Samsung, Amazon, and other brands. Best Buy typically stocks the widest range of models and has staff who can answer questions about specs. Walmart and Target focus on popular models at lower price points.
Return windows are 15 days at Walmart, 30 days at Target, and 15 days at Best Buy for most tablets. All three allow returns in-store or by mail. If you buy in a store, you can inspect the device before leaving and return it the same day if something is wrong.
Prices at these retailers are usually competitive with Amazon, though sales and clearance stock vary by location. Check the store's website to see if a model is in stock nearby before you drive there.
Online marketplaces: Amazon and eBay
Amazon stocks tablets from every major brand and ships most models within two days if you have Prime membership. eBay sells both new and used tablets from individual sellers and resellers. Amazon's return window is 30 days; eBay's varies by seller but is usually 14 to 30 days.
Amazon prices are often lower than retail stores because the company has lower overhead. eBay prices can be significantly lower on used models, but you are buying from a stranger and have less protection if the device arrives damaged or does not work.
On Amazon, look for tablets sold by Amazon itself rather than third-party sellers when possible — Amazon's return policy is more straightforward. On eBay, check the seller's rating, read the item description carefully, and ask questions before bidding. Many eBay sellers offer "like new" or "very good" condition ratings that are reliable if the seller has high feedback.
Manufacturer websites: Apple, Samsung, and Amazon
Apple.com, Samsung.com, and Amazon.com (for Fire tablets) sell directly from the manufacturer. These sites often have exclusive colors, storage sizes, or accessories you cannot find elsewhere. Some offer student discounts, trade-in credit toward a new device, or financing options.
Return windows are 14 days at Apple and Samsung, and 30 days for Fire tablets. Shipping is usually free and takes three to five business days. If you are trading in an old tablet, the manufacturer will deduct its value from the price of the new one — you mail the old device in a prepaid box after your new one arrives.
Manufacturer websites are the best choice if you want a specific color or storage size, or if you have an older tablet to trade in. They are also the safest place to buy if you are concerned about counterfeit devices, since you are buying directly from the source.
Wireless carriers: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile
Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile sell tablets bundled with cellular data plans. The tablet itself may cost less upfront — sometimes $0 to $100 — but you pay for the data plan every month, usually $10 to $30 depending on how much data you use.
Return windows are 14 days at Verizon and AT&T, and 20 days at T-Mobile. If you return the tablet, you can cancel the data plan without penalty during the return window. After that, you are locked into a contract.
Carrier stores are worth considering only if you already use that carrier and want cellular data on your tablet. The total cost over two years is usually higher than buying the tablet outright and using Wi-Fi only. If you do buy from a carrier, ask about early termination fees before signing.
Refurbished tablets from manufacturers and certified resellers
Apple, Samsung, and Amazon all sell refurbished tablets on their websites at 15 to 30 percent below the new price. A refurbished device has been returned, inspected, cleaned, and tested by the manufacturer. It comes with the same one-year warranty as a new device.
Refurbished tablets are indistinguishable from new ones in performance. The only difference is cosmetic — the box may be plain, or the device may have minor scratches on the back. If you do not care about unboxing experience or a pristine exterior, refurbished is the best value.
Look for refurbished stock on the manufacturer's website under "Refurbished" or "Open Box." Stock changes frequently, so if you do not see the model you want, check back in a few days. Certified refurbisher programs like Back Market also sell refurbished tablets from multiple brands with their own warranty on top of the manufacturer's.
Secondhand tablets: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local classifieds
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local classifieds like Nextdoor have used tablets from private sellers. Prices are the lowest of any option — often 40 to 60 percent below new — because you are buying from someone who no longer needs the device.
The risk is higher. You cannot return a device bought secondhand, and if it breaks the day after you buy it, you have no recourse. You also cannot verify that the device is not stolen or locked to someone else's account until you try to use it.
If you buy secondhand, meet in person in a public place, bring someone with you, and test the device before handing over money. Check that the tablet turns on, that the screen works, and that you can log in with your own account. Ask the seller why they are selling and how long they owned it. If the price seems too low, it probably is.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a new and refurbished tablet?
A refurbished tablet was returned by a previous buyer, inspected and cleaned by the manufacturer, and tested to work like new. It has the same warranty as a new device but costs 15 to 30 percent less. The only difference is cosmetic — the box may be plain or the device may have minor scratches.
Should I buy a tablet from a wireless carrier?
Only if you already use that carrier and want cellular data on your tablet. The upfront cost is lower, but the monthly data plan adds up over time. If you only use Wi-Fi, buying the tablet outright from a retailer or manufacturer is cheaper.
Is it safe to buy a used tablet on Facebook Marketplace?
It is safe if you meet in person, test the device before paying, and verify that you can log in with your own account. Ask the seller why they are selling and how long they owned it. Do not send money before seeing the device in person.
Where do I get the best price on a tablet?
Refurbished tablets from manufacturers cost 15 to 30 percent less than new. Used tablets on Facebook Marketplace or eBay cost even less, but you have no warranty. New tablets are cheapest on Amazon or during sales at Best Buy, Walmart, and Target.
Can I return a tablet if I change my mind?
Yes, if you bought it from a retailer or manufacturer. Return windows are 14 to 30 days depending on where you bought it. Tablets bought secondhand from private sellers cannot be returned.