The main places to buy tablets are big-box electronics retailers, online marketplaces, manufacturer websites, and carriers that sell cellular models

You can walk into a Best Buy or Walmart and buy a tablet the same day, or order one online from Amazon and have it arrive in two days. You can also buy directly from Apple, Samsung, or other manufacturers through their websites. If you want a tablet with cellular service built in, carriers like Verizon and AT&T sell them alongside phones. Each route has different prices, return policies, and warranty options, so the best choice depends on whether you want to see the device in person, need it quickly, or are looking for the lowest price.

The choice also depends on how long you plan to keep the tablet and whether you need extra protection. A refurbished tablet from Best Buy costs less but comes with a shorter warranty. A new tablet from the manufacturer costs the same as a retailer but includes their full customer support. Cellular tablets lock you into a carrier contract, while Wi-Fi models give you complete freedom to switch providers or use a mobile hotspot instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Costco let you hold and compare tablets before buying, and most offer same-day or next-day pickup.
  • Amazon and other online retailers usually have lower prices and wider selection, but you cannot test the tablet before it arrives.
  • Buying directly from Apple, Samsung, or other manufacturers gives you their full warranty and return policy, though prices are typically the same as elsewhere.
  • Cellular tablets from Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile often come with carrier contracts or payment plans that lock you into service for 24 months.
  • Refurbished and open-box tablets from retailers and marketplaces cost less but come with shorter warranties or no warranty at all.

Big-box retailers where you can see tablets in person

Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Costco all stock tablets on their shelves and let you pick one up the same day or within hours through in-store pickup. Best Buy carries the widest range — iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Amazon Fire, and others — and staff can answer questions about specs. Walmart and Target stock fewer models but usually have lower prices. Costco requires a membership but often has the best deals on popular models like the iPad.

Return policies at these stores vary. Best Buy gives you 15 days to return an opened tablet. Walmart and Target allow 30 days. Costco allows 90 days, which is the longest window. If you buy in-store and the price drops within a week or two, most of these retailers will price-match or refund the difference — ask at the register about their current policy. Warranties are usually limited to the manufacturer's coverage unless you pay extra for a protection plan.

Online marketplaces with fast shipping and lower prices

Amazon is the largest online tablet seller and typically has the lowest prices, especially during sales events. You can filter by brand, screen size, storage, and price, and read reviews from other buyers. Amazon Prime members get free two-day shipping on most tablets, and some models ship the next day. Amazon's return window is 30 days for most items. Other online retailers like Newegg, B&H Photo, and Adorama also sell tablets, often with similar prices and shipping speeds.

The trade-off with online buying is that you cannot hold the tablet or test the screen before it arrives. If the model you want has hundreds of reviews, read the negative ones carefully — they often mention screen quality, battery life, or software issues that specs alone do not show. Check the seller's return policy before you buy, because some third-party sellers on Amazon have shorter return windows than Amazon itself. Compare the final cost including shipping to what you would pay at a local store.

Manufacturer websites for full warranty coverage

Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, and other tablet makers sell directly through their own websites. Prices are usually the same as retailers, but buying from the manufacturer gives you their full warranty and customer support. Apple's standard warranty covers hardware defects for one year and accidental damage for an additional fee through AppleCare+. Samsung offers a one-year limited warranty and extended protection plans. Microsoft's Surface tablets come with a one-year limited warranty.

Manufacturer websites also let you customize some models — choose storage size, color, and sometimes add a keyboard or stylus. Shipping is usually free, and return windows are often longer than at retailers. If you plan to keep the tablet for several years and want the best support, buying from the manufacturer is worth the extra step, even if the price is the same. You also avoid dealing with third-party sellers or retailer restocking fees.

Cellular tablets from phone carriers

Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other carriers sell tablets with built-in cellular service. These tablets can connect to the internet anywhere you have cell signal, not just Wi-Fi. Carriers typically require a two-year service contract or a monthly payment plan for the tablet itself, separate from the data plan. Prices are often higher than Wi-Fi-only models because you are also paying for the cellular hardware.

Before buying a cellular tablet from a carrier, understand the full cost: the tablet price plus the monthly data fee for 24 months. A $400 tablet with a $20 monthly data plan costs $880 over two years. You can often buy a Wi-Fi tablet for less and use a mobile hotspot from your phone instead, which may be cheaper. Carriers' return policies are usually 14 to 30 days, and you may face early termination fees if you cancel the service contract.

Refurbished and open-box tablets for lower prices

Refurbished tablets are returned or display models that have been cleaned, tested, and repackaged. Open-box tablets are items customers returned unopened or barely used. Both cost 10 to 30 percent less than new. Best Buy, Amazon, and manufacturer websites all sell refurbished models. Manufacturer refurbished tablets usually come with a one-year warranty. Retailer refurbished models may have shorter warranties — sometimes 90 days or less.

The risk is lower warranty coverage and no way to know how the previous owner treated the device. Check the warranty length and return policy before buying. If a refurbished tablet costs $250 and comes with only a 90-day warranty, and a new one costs $350 with a one-year warranty, the extra $100 may be worth the peace of mind. Read the product listing carefully — it should state whether the battery has been replaced and what condition the case is in.

Comparing prices across retailers before you buy

The same tablet model often costs different amounts at different stores. Use a price comparison tool like Google Shopping, or check Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and the manufacturer's website side by side. Write down the exact model number — iPad Air 11-inch 256GB Wi-Fi, for example — because similar-sounding models have different prices. Factor in shipping costs and return policies, not just the sticker price.

Sales and discounts change weekly. If you are not in a hurry, waiting for a holiday sale or back-to-school event can save $50 to $150 on popular models. Sign up for price alerts on Amazon or use a browser extension that tracks price drops. If you find a lower price at another retailer within a few days of buying, most stores will price-match or let you return and rebuy at the lower price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a tablet if I open the box but do not use it?

Yes, most retailers allow returns of opened tablets within their return window — usually 15 to 30 days. Best Buy and Walmart may charge a restocking fee of 10 to 15 percent if the tablet has been used, but unopened returns are free. Check the store's policy before you buy, because some online sellers have stricter rules.

What is the difference between Wi-Fi and cellular tablets?

Wi-Fi tablets connect to the internet only through wireless networks. Cellular tablets have a SIM card slot and can connect to the internet through a phone carrier's network anywhere you have signal. Cellular tablets cost $100 to $200 more upfront and require a monthly data plan. Most people use a Wi-Fi tablet and a mobile hotspot from their phone instead.

Is it safe to buy a tablet from a third-party seller on Amazon?

Third-party sellers on Amazon vary in reliability. Check their rating and read recent reviews before buying. Amazon's A-to-Z may provide protects you if the item does not arrive or is not as described, but some third-party sellers have shorter return windows than Amazon itself. Buying from Amazon directly or from the manufacturer is safer if you are unsure.

Should I buy a protection plan or warranty when I buy a tablet?

Manufacturer warranties cover hardware defects for one year. Protection plans add accidental damage coverage for an extra $50 to $150. If you are careful with devices, you may not need it. If you have kids or use the tablet in risky places, a protection plan can save you money if the screen breaks.

Where can I find the best deals on tablets?

Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart usually have the lowest prices on current models. Costco often has the best deals if you have a membership. Refurbished tablets from the manufacturer or Best Buy cost 10 to 30 percent less. Wait for holiday sales in November and December or back-to-school sales in August for the biggest discounts on popular models.