The main places to buy a tablet
You can buy a tablet from electronics retailers, big-box stores, online marketplaces, carrier stores, and secondhand sellers. Each route has different prices, return policies, and inventory. The best choice depends on whether you want the newest model, the lowest price, or the ability to see and hold the device before buying.
Most people start at one of three places: a major electronics retailer like Best Buy, a general online marketplace like Amazon, or the manufacturer's own website. Each has trade-offs. Electronics retailers let you test the tablet in person and take it home the same day, but prices are usually higher. Online marketplaces offer lower prices and fast shipping, but you cannot touch the device first. Manufacturer websites often have the full range of models and current promotions, but shipping takes longer.
Key Takeaways
- Electronics retailers like Best Buy and Costco let you see and handle tablets before buying, with same-day pickup available at many locations.
- Online marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart.com usually have lower prices and faster shipping than physical stores, but you cannot inspect the tablet first.
- Manufacturer websites (Apple, Samsung, Lenovo) often have exclusive deals and the full range of current models, though shipping takes five to ten business days.
- Carrier stores sell tablets bundled with data plans, which can lower the upfront cost but locks you into a contract.
- Secondhand tablets from eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Swappa cost less but require checking the device's condition and battery health yourself.
Electronics retailers and big-box stores
Best Buy, Costco, Target, and Walmart all stock tablets in their physical stores. You can walk in, hold the device, ask staff questions, and leave with it the same day. Best Buy typically has the widest selection and staff trained on tablets, while Costco and Walmart focus on popular models at lower prices. Target falls in the middle for selection and pricing.
Prices at these stores are usually higher than online, but return policies are generous—most allow returns within 14 to 30 days. If you have a membership (Costco requires one), you may see lower prices than non-members pay elsewhere. Check the store's website before visiting to confirm the model you want is in stock, since popular tablets sell out quickly.
Online marketplaces
Amazon, Walmart.com, and eBay offer the widest selection and often the lowest prices. Shipping is usually two to three days with Prime or free shipping, though some sellers charge more for faster delivery. You can read customer reviews and compare prices across sellers in seconds.
The downside is you cannot see or touch the tablet before it arrives. Check the seller's return policy—Amazon's is 30 days for most items, but third-party sellers vary. Look for sellers with high ratings and read reviews that mention build quality and whether the device arrived as described. If you are buying from a third-party seller rather than Amazon directly, confirm the tablet comes sealed and new, not refurbished, unless you specifically want a refurbished model at a lower price.
Manufacturer websites
Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, and other tablet makers sell directly from their own websites. You get the full current lineup, often with the latest promotions or trade-in offers. Buying from the manufacturer means you know the device is new and covered by the full warranty.
Shipping typically takes five to ten business days, which is slower than Amazon or retail stores. Prices are usually the same as or slightly higher than big retailers, though manufacturer websites sometimes run exclusive sales. If you want to customize your tablet (add storage, choose a color, or bundle it with a case), the manufacturer's site is often the easiest place to do that.
Carrier stores and bundled plans
Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other wireless carriers sell tablets in their stores and online. They often bundle the tablet with a data plan, which can lower the upfront cost. For example, you might pay $200 for a tablet that costs $400 elsewhere, but you commit to paying for data service for 24 months.
This route makes sense only if you plan to use the tablet's cellular connection regularly and want to avoid a large upfront payment. Read the contract carefully—you are responsible for the full cost of the data plan even if you stop using the tablet. Carrier return policies are usually 14 days, shorter than retail stores.
Secondhand and refurbished tablets
eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Swappa, and Craigslist have used tablets at 30 to 50 percent off retail prices. Refurbished tablets sold by retailers or manufacturers are also cheaper and come with a limited warranty, though they may show minor cosmetic wear.
When buying secondhand, ask the seller about battery health—older tablets may have batteries that no longer hold a full charge. Request photos of the device from multiple angles and ask whether it powers on and runs smoothly. Meet in person if possible so you can test it. Avoid deals that seem too cheap; stolen or blacklisted tablets may stop working after you buy them. Swappa and eBay offer buyer protection if the device does not match the description, but Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist do not, so you take on more risk.
Comparing price and timing across retailers
| Retailer Type | Price Range | Availability | Return Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics retailers (Best Buy, Target) | Standard to high | Same-day pickup | 14–30 days |
| Online marketplaces (Amazon, Walmart.com) | Low to standard | 2–3 days shipping | 30 days |
| Manufacturer websites | Standard | 5–10 days shipping | 14–30 days |
| Carrier stores | Low upfront (contract) | Same-day or 2–3 days | 14 days |
| Secondhand (eBay, Facebook Marketplace) | Low | Varies (local pickup or shipping) | Varies or none |
What to check before you buy
Before completing your purchase, confirm the tablet model, storage size, and color are exactly what you want. Check whether the price includes a charger and cable—some retailers sell these separately. Look at the warranty: new tablets usually come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty, while refurbished and secondhand devices may have shorter or no warranty.
If you are buying online, read the return policy and shipping cost. Some sellers offer free returns; others charge a restocking fee. For secondhand purchases, ask whether the device is locked to a carrier or account—a locked tablet may not work with your carrier or may require the previous owner's password to set up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy a tablet online or in a store?
Online marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart.com usually have lower prices than physical retailers. However, you pay for convenience with physical stores—same-day pickup and the ability to see the device first. If price is your main concern, compare the same model across three to five sites before buying.
Should I buy a new or refurbished tablet?
New tablets come with a full warranty and are may provide to have a healthy battery. Refurbished tablets cost 20 to 40 percent less and are usually tested and cleaned by the manufacturer or retailer, but they may show minor wear and come with a shorter warranty. Refurbished is a good choice if you want to save money and do not mind cosmetic imperfections.
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, Amazon, and Walmart have 30-day return windows. Carrier stores are shorter at 14 days. Check the specific retailer's policy before buying, and keep your receipt and original packaging.
What is the difference between buying from a carrier store and buying unlocked?
Carrier tablets come with a data plan contract and may be locked to that carrier's network. Unlocked tablets from retailers or manufacturers work with any carrier. Unlocked tablets cost more upfront but give you flexibility to switch carriers or use the tablet without a plan.
Is it safe to buy a used tablet from Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist?
It is safe if you meet in person, test the device before handing over money, and confirm it powers on and runs smoothly. Ask the seller about the device's history and whether it is locked to an account. Avoid shipping payments through these platforms, as you have no buyer protection if the tablet does not arrive or does not work.