The main places to buy a tablet are big-box electronics retailers, manufacturer websites, online marketplaces, and secondhand sellers
You can buy a new tablet at Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Amazon — all of which stock multiple brands and models. You can also buy directly from the manufacturer: Apple's website for iPads, Samsung's site for Galaxy tablets, and similar direct stores for other brands. If you want to spend less, secondhand tablets from eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Swappa, and local classified sites are common, though you take on the risk of hidden damage or battery wear.
The choice between these routes depends on what matters to you: price, selection, return policy, or the ability to see and touch the device before you buy. Each has real trade-offs in cost, convenience, and protection.
Key Takeaways
- Big-box retailers like Best Buy and Walmart let you handle the tablet in person and return it easily, but their selection is smaller than online stores.
- Manufacturer websites and Amazon offer the widest range of models and colors, often with the same return window as physical stores.
- Secondhand tablets cost 30 to 50 percent less than new ones but come with no warranty and the risk that the battery or screen has degraded.
- Carrier stores (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) sell tablets with cellular plans built in, which costs more upfront but locks in your data pricing.
- Price matching at Best Buy and Walmart means you can often get online prices in the store if you find a lower price elsewhere.
New tablets at big-box retailers
Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all carry tablets from Apple, Samsung, Amazon, and sometimes Lenovo or Microsoft. Best Buy typically stocks the widest range — usually current-year models in multiple storage sizes and colors. Walmart and Target carry fewer options but often have lower prices on popular models like the iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab.
The advantage of shopping in person is that you can hold the tablet, test the screen, and see the size relative to your hands. You can also walk out with it the same day. Return policies are usually 15 to 30 days, which gives you time to test it at home and send it back if it does not work for you.
Both Best Buy and Walmart will match prices you find online, so if you see a lower price on Amazon or the manufacturer's site, you can show them on your phone and get the discount in the store. This removes the main reason to buy online instead of in person.
Buying directly from manufacturers
Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, and Amazon all sell tablets through their own websites. Buying from the manufacturer means you get the full range of colors and storage options, often including models that big-box stores do not stock. You also deal directly with the company if something goes wrong, which can be simpler than going through a retailer's customer service.
Manufacturer websites usually offer the same 14 to 30 day return window as retailers. Some also offer extended warranties or trade-in programs — Apple's trade-in program, for example, gives you a credit toward a new iPad if you send in an old one. Samsung and Microsoft have similar programs.
Shipping is usually free on manufacturer sites, and delivery takes 3 to 7 business days depending on your location. If you want the tablet quickly, this is slower than buying in a store, but faster than waiting for a secondhand device to be shipped from a private seller.
Amazon and other online marketplaces
Amazon carries tablets from every major brand and often has lower prices than manufacturer websites, especially on older models or during sales. You can also see customer reviews, which help you understand real-world performance and durability. Shipping is usually 1 to 2 days with Prime membership, or 5 to 7 days without it.
Amazon's return policy is 30 days for most tablets, and returns are free. If the tablet arrives damaged or does not work, you can start a return through your account without calling anyone. This makes Amazon a low-risk way to buy online.
Other online marketplaces like Newegg and B&H Photo also sell tablets, often at competitive prices. B&H is known for fast shipping and good customer service, while Newegg sometimes has sales on older models. All three have return policies similar to Amazon's.
Secondhand tablets from private sellers
eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Swappa, and Craigslist all have used tablets for sale, usually at 30 to 50 percent below the new price. A two-year-old iPad or Galaxy Tab that cost $400 new might sell for $200 to $250. This is the cheapest way to buy, but it comes with real risks.
The main risk is battery wear. Tablet batteries degrade over time, and a used tablet might hold a charge for only 4 to 6 hours instead of the original 10 to 12. You cannot see this until you own it. Swappa is the safest secondhand option because it inspects devices before listing them and offers a 30-day return window, but prices are higher than Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
If you buy from Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, meet the seller in person, test the tablet while you are there, and ask for the original charger and cable. Do not send money before you see the device. There is no protection if the seller disappears or the tablet stops working a week later.
Carrier stores and cellular tablets
Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all sell tablets with built-in cellular service. These tablets cost more upfront — usually $50 to $100 more than the Wi-Fi-only version — but you get mobile data included. This is useful if you want to use the tablet away from home without a phone hotspot.
Carrier plans for tablets typically cost $10 to $25 per month for data, depending on how much you use. You sign a contract or month-to-month agreement. The tablet itself is often discounted if you commit to a two-year plan, which can offset the higher upfront cost.
Carrier stores have the same return policies as other retailers — usually 14 to 30 days — but canceling the data plan early may come with an early termination fee. If you are not sure you will use cellular data long-term, buying a Wi-Fi-only tablet and using your phone's hotspot is usually cheaper.
Comparing price, selection, and risk across options
The table below shows how each buying route stacks up on the factors that matter most: what you pay, how many models you can choose from, how long you have to return it, and what could go wrong.
| Where to Buy | Price Range | Selection | Return Window | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Buy / Walmart / Target | Full price | Limited (current models only) | 15–30 days | Low — in-person inspection, straightforward returns |
| Manufacturer website | Full price | Full (all colors and storage) | 14–30 days | Low — direct support, straightforward returns |
| Amazon | Full to discounted | Full (all brands and models) | 30 days | Low — customer reviews, free returns |
| Swappa (secondhand) | 30–50% off | Varies (older models common) | 30 days | Medium — inspected devices, but battery wear possible |
| Facebook Marketplace / Craigslist | 30–50% off | Varies (older models common) | None | High — no inspection, no returns, meet in person |
If you want the lowest price and do not mind some risk, Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist will save you the most money. If you want protection and do not want to meet a stranger, Swappa or Amazon are better choices. If you want to see the tablet before you buy it, a big-box retailer is your best option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy a tablet online or in a store?
Prices are usually the same or very close. Best Buy and Walmart match online prices, so there is no advantage to buying on Amazon unless you want to avoid leaving home. Secondhand tablets are cheaper, but you lose the warranty and return protection.
What should I check when buying a used tablet in person?
Test the screen for dead pixels or cracks, check that the battery charges and holds a charge for at least an hour, and make sure all buttons and the camera work. Ask the seller why they are selling it and how old it is. If they seem evasive or the price is unusually low, walk away.
Can I return a tablet if I change my mind?
Yes, most retailers and manufacturer websites have 14 to 30 day return windows with no questions asked. Amazon is 30 days. Secondhand tablets sold on Swappa have a 30-day return window, but private sellers on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist do not offer returns.
Should I buy a cellular tablet or just use Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi-only tablets are cheaper upfront and have no monthly bill. Cellular tablets cost more and lock you into a monthly plan, but they work anywhere without a phone hotspot. If you mostly use your tablet at home or with your phone nearby, Wi-Fi is the better choice.
What is the difference between buying from Best Buy and Amazon?
Best Buy lets you see the tablet in person and take it home the same day, but has fewer models in stock. Amazon has every model and color, lower prices sometimes, and free returns, but you wait 1 to 7 days for delivery. Both have 30-day returns.