The cheapest places to buy tablets are warehouse clubs, online retailers, and refurbished marketplaces — but the best choice depends on whether you want new or used, and whether you need it today or can wait for shipping.

New tablets cost less at Costco, Sam's Club, and Best Buy than at most other retailers, because they buy in bulk and accept lower margins. Online, Amazon and Walmart often undercut physical stores on the same models. If you can accept a tablet that has been returned, refurbished, or used, you can save 20 to 40 percent — refurbished models from manufacturer websites (Apple, Samsung, Lenovo) carry warranties and are usually the safest bet. Used tablets from Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or local classifieds cost the least but carry no may provide.

The trade-off is always between price, condition, and risk. A new budget tablet from a warehouse club is more expensive than a used flagship model, but you get a warranty and know the battery is fresh. A refurbished tablet from the manufacturer costs more than a used one from a stranger, but the seller stands behind it if something fails in the first year.

Key Takeaways

  • Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club sell new tablets at prices 10 to 15 percent lower than standard retail, but you must be a member.
  • Amazon and Walmart online often have the lowest prices on new tablets, with free or low-cost shipping and return windows of 30 days or more.
  • Refurbished tablets from manufacturer websites (Apple, Samsung, Lenovo) cost 20 to 30 percent less than new and come with a one-year warranty.
  • Used tablets from local classifieds or Facebook Marketplace are cheapest but have no warranty, so inspect the device and battery health in person before paying.
  • Budget tablet brands like Amazon Fire, Lenovo Tab, and Samsung Galaxy Tab A cost less upfront than iPad or premium Android models.

Warehouse Clubs: Bulk Pricing Without the Markup

Costco and Sam's Club negotiate directly with manufacturers and pass the savings to members. A tablet that costs $299 at Best Buy might be $259 at Costco. The catch is membership: Costco Gold Star costs $65 per year, Sam's Club Plus costs $110 per year. If you already belong, the tablet savings alone may pay for itself in one purchase.

Both clubs stock current-year models from Apple, Samsung, and Amazon. Return policies are generous — Costco takes back electronics within 90 days, Sam's Club within 90 days as well. Neither charges a restocking fee. The downside is selection: you see what the warehouse has in stock that week, not every model or color available elsewhere.

Online Retailers: Price Matching and Fast Shipping

Amazon and Walmart compete on price and will often match or beat warehouse club prices without requiring membership. Both offer free shipping on orders over a threshold ($35 for Walmart+, free for Prime members on Amazon). Return windows are 30 days standard, longer during the holiday season.

Best Buy's website sometimes undercuts its physical stores and runs frequent sales on tablets. Target and Costco also sell online with shipping or in-store pickup. The advantage of online shopping is you can compare prices across all three in minutes and see customer reviews. The disadvantage is you wait for delivery — usually 2 to 5 business days — and cannot inspect the tablet before it arrives.

Refurbished Tablets: Certified Second-Hand at a Discount

A refurbished tablet is one that was returned, tested, cleaned, and repackaged by the manufacturer or a certified reseller. It is not new, but it is not used either — it has been through quality control. Apple, Samsung, and Lenovo all sell refurbished models directly on their websites at 15 to 30 percent discounts. These carry the same one-year warranty as new devices.

Refurbished tablets from manufacturer websites are safer than those from third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay, because the maker stands behind them. If the battery fails within a year, you can return it. Third-party refurbished sellers vary widely in quality and warranty length — read the listing carefully and check the seller's return policy before buying.

Refurbished is a good middle ground if you want to save money but do not want to gamble on a used device with no recourse. The battery is usually not original, but it is tested and rated for normal use.

Used Tablets: Lowest Price, Highest Risk

Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and local classifieds have used tablets at 40 to 60 percent below retail. You pay cash, take the device home, and own it — no return window, no warranty. This works well if you know what to look for and can test the tablet in person.

Before meeting a seller, ask for photos of the screen (look for cracks or dead pixels), the back (check for dents or water damage), and the battery health. On iPad, you can check battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. On Android, use an app like Accubattery. A battery below 80 percent capacity is aging and may need replacement soon, which costs $50 to $100.

Meet in a public place, bring someone with you, and test the tablet fully — open apps, check the camera, try the speakers, connect to Wi-Fi. If the seller will not let you test it, walk away. Used tablets have no comeback if something fails the day after you buy it.

Budget Tablet Brands: New and Affordable

If you want a new tablet at the lowest price, skip the flagship models and buy a budget brand. Amazon Fire tablets cost $60 to $150 and run Amazon's version of Android. Lenovo Tab M series tablets cost $100 to $200. Samsung Galaxy Tab A models cost $150 to $250. These are not as fast or polished as iPad or Samsung's premium Galaxy Tab S, but they handle email, video, and web browsing without lag.

Budget tablets have smaller screens (7 to 10 inches), less RAM, and slower processors than premium models. They are fine for reading, streaming, and light work. If you need a tablet for drawing, video editing, or gaming, you will want a more powerful model — but those cost more, so buy used or refurbished if budget is tight.

Timing Your Purchase: Sales and Seasonal Discounts

Tablet prices drop during Black Friday (late November), Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving), and back-to-school season (July and August). Amazon Prime Day (mid-July) also has tablet deals. If you can wait, these windows offer 15 to 25 percent discounts on current models.

New tablet models usually launch in spring (iPad) or fall (Samsung, Amazon). When a new model arrives, the previous year's version drops in price. If you do not need the latest features, buying last year's model a few months after launch saves money without sacrificing performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to buy a used tablet from a stranger online?

It depends on the platform and your caution. eBay and Facebook Marketplace have buyer protection if the seller misrepresents the item, but you have to file a claim and wait. Meeting in person and testing the device first is safer than shipping. Always ask for battery health, check for physical damage, and do not send money before you inspect it.

What is the difference between refurbished and renewed on Amazon?

Amazon uses "Renewed" for third-party refurbished items that meet Amazon's standards but may not be from the original manufacturer. They come with a 90-day return window but not always a full warranty. Manufacturer refurbished (from Apple, Samsung, etc.) is usually safer because the maker backs it for a year.

Can I return a tablet bought at a warehouse club if I change my mind?

Yes. Costco takes back electronics within 90 days for any reason. Sam's Club does the same. Best Buy allows 15 days for most electronics. Online retailers like Amazon and Walmart allow 30 days. Check the return policy before you buy, especially if you are unsure about the model.

Should I buy a tablet with a cracked screen if it is very cheap?

Only if you plan to replace the screen yourself or accept the damage. Screen repair costs $100 to $300 depending on the tablet model. If the price is low enough that repair cost plus purchase price is still less than a new budget tablet, it might make sense — but factor in the time and hassle of repair.

Do refurbished tablets have new batteries?

Usually, but not always. Manufacturer refurbished tablets have batteries tested to hold at least 80 percent capacity. The battery may be original or replacement — the listing does not always say. If battery life matters to you, ask the seller before buying, or buy from a manufacturer directly where the policy is clear.