The cheapest places to buy tablets depend on what you're buying and when

The lowest tablet prices usually come from warehouse clubs, online marketplaces, and retailers running clearance sales—but the best option for you depends on whether you want a new model, a previous-generation device, or a refurbished unit. New tablets cost less at Costco, Sam's Club, and Amazon during holiday sales (November through December and Prime Day in July). Previous-generation models and open-box returns sell cheapest at Best Buy's clearance section and Walmart. Refurbished tablets—devices returned to the manufacturer, tested, and resold with a warranty—cost 20 to 40 percent less than new and are available directly from Apple, Samsung, and Amazon's Renewed program.

Timing matters more than location. A tablet that costs $400 in September might drop to $320 in October when the new model launches, then fall further to $250 during Black Friday. Waiting two to three months after a new release usually saves you $50 to $150, but if you need a tablet right now, warehouse clubs and Amazon often have better prices than Best Buy or Target on the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club sell new tablets at lower markups than regular retailers, especially during holiday months.
  • Refurbished tablets from official manufacturer programs cost 20 to 40 percent less than new models and come with a warranty.
  • Previous-generation tablets drop in price when new models launch, usually by $50 to $150 within a few weeks.
  • Amazon Prime Day (July) and Black Friday (November) are the two biggest sale periods for tablets across all retailers.
  • Best Buy's clearance section and Walmart's online inventory change daily, so checking multiple times per week can reveal sudden price drops.

Warehouse clubs offer the lowest everyday prices on new tablets

Costco and Sam's Club buy tablets in bulk and pass savings to members. A new iPad that retails for $329 at Apple often sells for $299 at Costco, and Samsung tablets are typically $30 to $50 cheaper than at Best Buy. Both clubs stock current-generation models from Apple, Samsung, and Amazon, and both accept returns within 90 days if you change your mind.

Membership costs $60 per year at Costco and $50 to $110 per year at Sam's Club depending on the tier, so the savings need to cover that cost. If you're buying one tablet, the discount might not justify membership. If you buy groceries, household items, or other electronics there, membership pays for itself quickly. Costco also offers a 2 percent cash-back reward on most purchases through its Costco Anywhere Visa card, which can add another $6 to $8 back on a $300 tablet.

Refurbished tablets from manufacturers cost significantly less

A refurbished tablet is a device that was returned to the manufacturer (usually within 30 days of purchase), tested to may support it works like new, and resold with a warranty. Apple's refurbished iPad store lists models at 15 percent off the new price—an iPad Air that costs $599 new sells for $509 refurbished. Samsung's refurbished program offers similar discounts. Amazon's Renewed program includes tablets from multiple brands, all tested and backed by a 90-day return window.

The catch is selection. Refurbished inventory changes daily and popular models sell out quickly. You cannot choose the color or storage size—you get what is in stock. If you are flexible on those details and can wait a few days if your first choice is unavailable, refurbished is the cheapest route to a working tablet with a real warranty. Avoid third-party refurbished sellers on Amazon or eBay unless they have at least 10,000 reviews and a 98 percent rating; many sell devices with hidden damage or missing parts.

Previous-generation tablets drop in price when new models launch

Tablet manufacturers release new models on a yearly or 18-month cycle. When a new iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab launches, retailers discount the previous generation by 15 to 25 percent within two weeks. An iPad that cost $329 six months earlier might drop to $249 once the new model is announced. This is the second-cheapest way to buy a new tablet (after refurbished) and you get the full manufacturer warranty.

The trade-off is that the older model may not receive software updates for as long as the new one. Check the manufacturer's support page to see how many more years of updates the previous generation will receive. For most people, a tablet that gets three to five more years of updates is fine, especially if you save $80 to $150. Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon all mark down previous-generation stock heavily, so check all three before buying.

Online marketplaces and clearance sections require frequent checking

Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy update their tablet inventory and prices daily. Best Buy's clearance section (accessible online by filtering for "clearance" in the tablet category) includes open-box returns, display models, and overstocked items at 20 to 50 percent off. These are not refurbished—they are new tablets that were returned unopened or used briefly in-store. They come with the original warranty.

The downside is unpredictability. A $200 tablet might appear in clearance for one day, then disappear. If you check only once a week, you will miss most deals. Set up price alerts on Amazon and Walmart for specific tablet models you are interested in, and check Best Buy's clearance section two or three times per week. Signing up for retailer email newsletters also alerts you when a tablet you are watching drops in price.

Holiday sales and seasonal promotions offer the deepest discounts

Black Friday (late November) and Cyber Monday (the Monday after) are the biggest tablet sale events of the year. Most retailers discount tablets by $50 to $150, and bundle deals (tablet plus case, screen protector, or stylus) are common. Amazon Prime Day in July is the second-largest sale event, with discounts of $40 to $100 on most models. Back-to-school sales in August also feature tablet discounts, especially on iPad and Samsung models marketed to students.

Plan ahead if you can. If you do not need a tablet until December, waiting for Black Friday almost always saves money. If you need one in August, back-to-school sales are worth checking. Sign up for price alerts in September so you know what the regular price is, then you can spot a real discount when the sale starts. Avoid buying on the first day of a sale—many retailers extend deals through the entire week or month, so you have time to compare prices across stores.

Carrier stores and trade-in programs offer discounts for specific buyers

If you have a phone plan with Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, those carriers sell tablets at discounts when you add a data plan. The discount is usually $50 to $100 off the tablet price, but you pay for a monthly data plan ($10 to $25 per month depending on the carrier and plan). This is cheaper than buying the tablet outright only if you plan to use cellular data regularly; if you will use Wi-Fi only, buy from a retailer instead.

Apple and Samsung also offer trade-in credit when you buy a new tablet and turn in an old one. Apple gives $50 to $200 depending on the model and condition of your old iPad. Samsung's trade-in program works similarly. The credit applies when ready at checkout, so a $329 iPad becomes $279 if your old tablet is worth $50. Check the trade-in value of your current device on the manufacturer's website before you shop, so you know what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to buy refurbished tablets?

Yes, if you buy directly from the manufacturer or from Amazon's Renewed program. These tablets are tested, cleaned, and backed by a warranty. Avoid third-party sellers unless they have thousands of reviews and a 98 percent rating. Manufacturer refurbished is safer than third-party because the original maker stands behind the device.

When is the worst time to buy a tablet?

The week a new model launches is usually the worst time, because retailers have not yet discounted the old model and the new one is at full price. Wait two to three weeks after launch for prices to drop. Avoid buying in May through August unless there is a specific sale, because discounts are smallest during those months.

Do I need a warehouse club membership to get the best price?

No. Refurbished tablets from manufacturers and previous-generation models on sale often cost the same or less than warehouse club prices. Membership is worth it only if you shop there regularly for other items. If you buy one tablet and nothing else, refurbished or a clearance model will save you more than membership costs.

Can I return a tablet if I buy it on sale?

Yes, but return windows vary. Costco allows 90-day returns on tablets. Best Buy allows 15 days for clearance items. Amazon allows 30 days for most tablets. Refurbished tablets from manufacturers allow 90 days. Check the return policy before you buy, especially if you are unsure about the model.

Should I wait for a sale or buy now?

If you need the tablet within the next month, buy now—prices do not change much week to week. If you can wait two to three months, waiting for a seasonal sale (back-to-school, Prime Day, or Black Friday) will save $50 to $150. If you need it in the next week, check Best Buy clearance and Amazon Renewed for when ready discounts.