The main places to buy tablets

You can buy tablets from electronics retailers, big-box stores, online marketplaces, manufacturer websites, and carriers that sell mobile devices. Each route has different prices, return policies, and stock levels. The choice depends on whether you want the newest model, a discount, or hands-on help before you buy.

Tablets are sold through so many channels that the same model often costs different amounts at different stores on the same day. Checking multiple places before you buy takes 10 minutes and can save you $50 to $200.

Key Takeaways

  • Electronics retailers like Best Buy and B&H Photo let you see tablets in person and return them easily, but prices are usually higher than online.
  • Amazon, Walmart, and Target often have lower prices and fast shipping, but you cannot touch the device before it arrives.
  • Manufacturer websites (Apple, Samsung, Lenovo) sometimes offer discounts or bundles, and you deal directly with the company if something goes wrong.
  • Carrier stores sell tablets that work with their networks, but the devices are often locked to that carrier and prices are marked up.
  • Refurbished tablets from certified sellers cost 20 to 40 percent less than new ones and usually come with a warranty.

Electronics retailers with in-store and online options

Best Buy stocks most major tablet brands and lets you hold them, compare screen sizes, and test the interface before you decide. You can buy in the store or online and pick it up the same day at many locations. Best Buy's return window is 15 days, and staff can help you set up the tablet and transfer data from an old device.

B&H Photo Video carries a wider range of models than Best Buy, including less common brands and international versions. Prices are often lower, and they ship quickly. B&H does not have physical stores outside New York, so you cannot see tablets in person unless you live near their Manhattan location.

Micro Center operates in about 25 states and has knowledgeable staff on the floor. Their prices are competitive, and they offer a 15-day return period. If you live near one, it is worth a visit to compare tablets side by side.

Online marketplaces and big-box stores

Amazon has the widest selection and often the lowest prices. You can read reviews from thousands of buyers, compare specs quickly, and return most tablets within 30 days. Amazon Prime members get free two-day shipping on many models. The downside is you do not see the tablet before it arrives, and if something is wrong, you have to arrange a return.

Walmart and Target both sell tablets online and in stores. Prices are usually lower than Best Buy, and both offer same-day pickup at most locations. Target's return window is 30 days, and Walmart's is 15 days for electronics. In-store staff can answer basic questions, but they usually cannot compare models in depth.

Costco carries a smaller selection of tablets, mostly from Apple and Samsung. Prices are competitive, and Costco's return policy is generous — you can return a tablet within 90 days if you change your mind. You need a membership to shop there.

Manufacturer websites and direct sales

Apple sells iPads directly from apple.com. You can customize storage and color, and Apple often runs trade-in programs where you get credit for an old tablet. AppleCare+ is available at purchase, which extends the warranty to two years and covers accidental damage. Shipping is free, and you can return iPads within 14 days.

Samsung sells Galaxy tablets from samsung.com. They frequently offer discounts on older models when new ones launch, and you can bundle a tablet with a case or keyboard at a lower total price. Samsung's return window is 15 days.

Lenovo, Microsoft, and Amazon also sell their own tablets directly. Buying from the manufacturer means you deal with them if there is a defect, and you sometimes get a longer warranty than you would at a retailer.

Carrier stores and mobile providers

Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other carriers sell tablets that work on their networks. Carrier stores are useful if you want a tablet with built-in cellular service and a monthly data plan. Prices are usually higher than at retailers, because the carrier is bundling the device with a contract or monthly service.

Tablets sold through carriers are often locked to that carrier, meaning you cannot switch to another provider without paying an unlock fee or waiting out a contract. If you plan to use the tablet on Wi-Fi only, buying from a carrier makes no sense — you will pay more for features you do not need.

Refurbished and secondhand options

Refurbished tablets cost 20 to 40 percent less than new ones and are often indistinguishable from new devices. A certified refurbished tablet has been tested, cleaned, and repaired by the manufacturer or a certified seller, and it comes with a warranty — usually 90 days to one year.

Apple, Samsung, and Amazon all sell certified refurbished tablets on their websites. Best Buy and B&H also stock refurbished models. The warranty is shorter than for new devices, but the price difference is large enough that it makes sense if you are on a budget.

Secondhand tablets from private sellers (eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist) are cheaper but riskier. You have no warranty, and you cannot verify the device's history or whether it has been stolen or blacklisted. If you go this route, meet in person, test the tablet thoroughly, and ask the seller to show proof of purchase.

Comparing prices and deciding where to buy

The same tablet model often costs different amounts at different stores. Before you buy, check the price at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and the manufacturer's website. Use a price-comparison tool like Google Shopping to see all prices at once.

Factor in shipping time, return policy, and whether you need to see the tablet in person. If you want to return it easily, Best Buy and Target have longer windows and more locations. If price is your main concern, Amazon and Walmart usually win. If you want support and setup help, a physical store like Best Buy is worth the extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to buy a tablet from an online marketplace?

Yes, if you buy from an established seller with good reviews. Amazon, Walmart, and Target all may provide that you can return a tablet if it arrives damaged or not as described. Check the seller's return policy before you buy, especially if you are purchasing from a third-party seller on Amazon.

Should I buy a tablet directly from the manufacturer or from a retailer?

Both are safe. Manufacturer websites sometimes offer discounts or bundles that retailers do not, and you deal directly with the company if something goes wrong. Retailers like Best Buy often have lower prices and faster shipping. Compare prices at both before you decide.

What is the difference between a refurbished tablet and a new one?

A refurbished tablet has been used, returned, and restored to working condition by the manufacturer or a certified seller. It works like new but costs less and comes with a shorter warranty. Certified refurbished tablets are tested and reliable; uncertified secondhand tablets have no may provide.

Can I return a tablet if I change my mind?

Most retailers allow returns within 14 to 30 days if the tablet is unopened or in original condition. Best Buy gives 15 days, Target gives 30 days, and Amazon gives 30 days for Prime members. Check the return policy of the store where you buy before you complete the purchase.

Do I need to buy a tablet from a carrier, or can I buy it elsewhere?

You can buy a tablet anywhere and use it on Wi-Fi. If you want cellular service, you can buy a Wi-Fi-only tablet from any retailer and add a data plan later, or buy a cellular tablet from a carrier. Cellular tablets from carriers are usually more expensive because the carrier is subsidizing the device cost.