The main places to buy a tablet

You can buy a tablet from big-box electronics retailers, online marketplaces, carrier stores, and directly from manufacturers. The choice depends on whether you want to see the device in person, compare prices quickly, or get a specific model with a warranty that matters to you.

Best Buy stocks tablets from Apple, Samsung, Amazon, and others. You can handle them before buying, and staff can answer basic questions about specs. Return policies are typically 15 days. Walmart and Target carry a smaller selection but often match online prices if you ask. Both let you order online and pick up the same day at many locations.

Amazon has the widest range of models and brands, including older versions and budget options. Prices shift often. Returns are straightforward if you use Prime, but shipping times vary by item. eBay works if you want used or refurbished tablets, but you are buying from individual sellers — check their ratings and return policy before committing.

Key Takeaways

  • Electronics retailers like Best Buy let you hold a tablet before buying, while online stores like Amazon offer more models and often lower prices.
  • Carrier stores (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) sell tablets with cellular service built in, but you will pay a monthly bill in addition to the device cost.
  • Manufacturer websites (Apple, Samsung) sometimes offer exclusive colors or bundles, and their return windows are often longer than retail stores.
  • Refurbished tablets from official sources cost less than new ones and come with a warranty, making them a middle ground between used and full price.
  • Price varies by retailer and timing — comparing the same model across three stores before buying can save $50 to $150.

Buying directly from the manufacturer

Apple sells iPads at apple.com with a one-year warranty and a 14-day return window. You can customize storage and color before checkout. Samsung's website (samsung.com) offers Galaxy tablets with similar terms. Both sites sometimes bundle accessories or offer trade-in credit if you turn in an old device.

Manufacturer sites are useful if you want a specific configuration or color that retail stores do not stock. Shipping usually takes 3 to 7 business days. If you have a problem with the tablet, dealing with the maker directly can be simpler than going through a retailer.

Carrier stores and cellular tablets

Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile sell tablets with built-in cellular service. The device cost is often lower than buying it outright, but you sign up for a monthly data plan — usually $15 to $35 per month depending on how much data you use. You can cancel the plan anytime, though some carriers charge an early termination fee.

Carrier tablets are worth considering if you need internet on the go and do not want to carry a phone hotspot. The downside is the monthly bill adds up over time. If you only need cellular occasionally, buying a regular tablet and using your phone's hotspot is usually cheaper.

Refurbished and used tablets

Refurbished tablets are devices that were returned, repaired, and resold. They cost 20 to 40 percent less than new ones and typically come with a warranty of 90 days to one year. Best Buy, Amazon, and manufacturer websites all sell refurbished models. The device works like new, but the box may be plain and the battery has some wear.

Used tablets from private sellers (on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist) are cheaper still, but there is no warranty and no way to know the battery health or whether the device has been repaired. If you go this route, meet in person, ask to power it on, and check that the screen has no cracks and the buttons respond.

Price comparison and timing

Tablet prices drop during back-to-school season (July to September), Black Friday (November), and after new models launch. If you are not in a rush, waiting for one of these windows can cut $100 or more off the cost.

Use price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) or Google Shopping to watch a specific model and get notified when the price falls. Comparing the same tablet across Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and the manufacturer's site takes 10 minutes and often reveals a $30 to $100 difference.

What to check before you buy

Confirm the storage size, color, and whether it includes cellular service — these details change the price and what you can do with the tablet. Check the return window: Best Buy is 15 days, Amazon is 30 days with Prime, and manufacturer sites are usually 14 days. If you think you might return it, buy from the place with the longest window.

Look at the warranty. New tablets come with one year of hardware coverage. Refurbished ones may have 90 days to one year. If you drop it or spill on it, the standard warranty does not cover that — some retailers sell accidental damage plans for $50 to $150, which may or may not be worth it depending on how careful you are.

International and grey-market tablets

Tablets sold outside the United States sometimes appear on Amazon or eBay at lower prices. These are called grey-market devices — they are real, but not intended for the US market. The risk is that the warranty may not work in the US, software updates might be delayed, and customer support could be difficult.

Unless the price difference is very large, stick with tablets sold by authorized US retailers. The peace of mind is worth the extra $20 to $50.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to buy a tablet online or in a store?

Online is usually cheaper, especially on Amazon and manufacturer websites. Big-box stores like Best Buy and Walmart will often match online prices if you ask, so it is worth checking in person before ordering.

Can I return a tablet if I change my mind?

Yes, but the window is short — typically 14 to 30 days depending on where you buy. Amazon Prime members get 30 days; Best Buy gives 15 days; manufacturer sites usually offer 14 days. Check the return policy before you buy.

Should I buy a refurbished tablet or a new one?

Refurbished tablets work like new and cost 20 to 40 percent less. They come with a warranty, usually 90 days to one year. If you want the lowest price and do not mind a plain box, refurbished is a solid choice.

What is the difference between a tablet with cellular and one without?

A cellular tablet has a SIM card slot and connects to a carrier's network. You pay a monthly data bill ($15 to $35) but can use the internet anywhere. A regular tablet only works on WiFi. If you already have a phone hotspot, a WiFi-only tablet is cheaper overall.

Do I need to buy a case and screen protector at the same time?

No. Many retailers bundle them, but you can buy them separately later and often for less. Wait until you have the tablet in hand to see what protection you actually need.