The main places to buy tablets are big-box electronics stores, online marketplaces, manufacturer websites, and carrier stores if you want cellular service

You can buy a tablet from Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Apple's website, Samsung's website, or directly from your phone carrier if you want one with built-in cellular. Each route has different return policies, warranty options, and pricing. Some stores offer discounts on older models when new ones launch; others match competitor prices. Carrier stores bundle tablets with phone plans, which can lower the upfront cost but locks you into a contract.

The choice depends on whether you want to see the device in person, need it quickly, or are looking for the lowest price. Online stores usually have more models in stock and ship within days. Physical stores let you hold the tablet and test the screen before buying, but selection is often smaller.

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon and Best Buy stock the widest range of tablets from all major brands and typically ship within two business days.
  • Apple, Samsung, and other manufacturers sell directly from their websites, often with the same price as retailers but sometimes with exclusive bundles or trade-in offers.
  • Walmart and Target carry popular models at competitive prices but usually have fewer options than online stores.
  • Phone carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) sell tablets with cellular service built in, often with discounts if you add them to an existing plan.
  • Return windows vary: Amazon and Best Buy allow 15 to 30 days; manufacturer sites often match that; carriers may have shorter windows if you set up service.

Amazon and other online marketplaces

Amazon carries tablets from Apple, Samsung, Amazon's own Fire line, Lenovo, and others. You can filter by price, screen size, storage, and operating system. Most items ship within two business days with Prime membership; without it, shipping takes five to seven days. Amazon's return window is 30 days for most tablets, and you can return to any Amazon locker or arrange a pickup at home.

eBay also sells new and used tablets, often at lower prices than retail, but you are buying from individual sellers rather than Amazon itself. Check the seller's rating and return policy before buying. Walmart.com and Target.com both ship tablets to your home or let you pick them up in store the same day in many areas.

Best Buy and physical electronics stores

Best Buy stocks current iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and Amazon Fire models in most locations. You can hold the tablet, test the screen brightness and responsiveness, and ask staff questions about features. Best Buy's return window is 15 days for most tablets, and you can return in store or by mail. They also offer Geek Squad setup and technical support if you need help configuring the device.

Best Buy price-matches Amazon, Walmart, and Target, so if you find a lower price online, you can show it in store and they will match it. This makes Best Buy useful if you want to buy in person but not pay more than online prices.

Manufacturer websites

Apple.com, Samsung.com, and Lenovo.com sell directly to consumers. Buying from the manufacturer often gives you the same price as retailers, but you may find exclusive bundles — for example, Apple sometimes includes a free Apple Pencil with iPad purchases during certain periods. Manufacturer sites also let you customize storage and color options before ordering.

Return policies on manufacturer websites typically match retailer policies: 14 to 30 days. Warranty coverage is the same whether you buy from the manufacturer or a retailer, so there is no advantage there. The main reason to buy directly is if you want a specific configuration that retailers do not stock, or if the manufacturer is running a promotion.

Phone carriers and cellular tablets

Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other carriers sell tablets with built-in cellular service. If you want to use your tablet on a cellular network instead of just Wi-Fi, you must buy from a carrier or buy a Wi-Fi tablet and add a separate data plan later. Carriers often discount the tablet price if you add it to an existing phone plan — sometimes by $100 to $200 — but you pay a monthly data fee, usually $10 to $30 depending on the plan.

Carrier return windows are often shorter than retailers: typically 14 days instead of 30. If you set up service on the tablet, some carriers charge a restocking fee if you return it. Ask about the return policy before you buy, especially if you are not sure whether you will keep the device.

Refurbished and open-box tablets

Best Buy, Amazon, and manufacturer websites all sell refurbished tablets — devices that were returned, tested, cleaned, and repackaged. These cost 10 to 30 percent less than new tablets and come with the same warranty. Refurbished tablets are a good option if you want to save money and do not mind that the device is not brand new in the box.

Open-box tablets are items that were returned unopened or barely used. Best Buy and some retailers sell these at a discount, usually 5 to 15 percent off. Open-box items may not include all original accessories, so check the listing before buying. Both refurbished and open-box tablets have the same return window as new devices.

Timing your purchase and finding discounts

Tablet prices drop when new models launch. If you do not need the latest version, waiting a few weeks after a new release can save you money on the previous generation. Apple releases new iPads in spring and fall; Samsung releases Galaxy Tabs throughout the year. Amazon's Fire tablets go on sale during Prime Day (mid-July) and Black Friday (late November).

Best Buy and Amazon both run sales around major holidays: Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Manufacturer websites sometimes offer trade-in discounts if you have an old tablet to exchange. Check the store's website a week before a holiday to see if a sale is coming, or sign up for price alerts on Amazon to get notified when a specific model drops in price.

What to check before you buy

Before purchasing, confirm the tablet's operating system (iPad runs iOS, most others run Android), screen size, storage capacity, and whether it has cellular service. Check the return policy and warranty length — most tablets come with a one-year manufacturer warranty that covers defects, not accidental damage. If you want protection against drops or spills, you will need to buy a separate protection plan or insurance.

Read the product listing carefully to see what is included in the box. Some tablets come with a stylus or keyboard; others do not. If the listing does not say, the tablet probably does not include those accessories, and you will need to buy them separately. Look at the storage options: 64 GB is enough for most people, but if you store a lot of videos or games, 128 GB or higher is better.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online stores like Amazon usually have lower prices because they have lower overhead costs. Best Buy price-matches online retailers, so you can get the same price in store if you show them a lower online price. Carrier stores are usually more expensive unless you are bundling the tablet with a phone plan discount.

Can I return a tablet if I change my mind?

Yes. Amazon and manufacturer websites allow 30 days; Best Buy allows 15 days; carriers allow 14 days. You must return it in original or near-original condition. If you have activated cellular service on a carrier tablet, some carriers charge a restocking fee. Check the return policy before you buy.

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

A refurbished tablet was returned, tested, cleaned, and repackaged. It works like new and comes with the same warranty, but costs 10 to 30 percent less. The box may not be original, and some accessories might be missing. If you want to save money and do not mind a used-but-tested device, refurbished is a good choice.

Should I buy a tablet with cellular service or just Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi-only tablets are cheaper upfront and have no monthly bill. Cellular tablets cost more and require a monthly data plan ($10 to $30). Buy cellular only if you need internet away from home and do not have a phone hotspot to share. Most people use Wi-Fi and their phone's hotspot instead.

Do I need to buy a protection plan or insurance?

Manufacturer warranties cover defects for one year but not accidental damage. Protection plans and insurance cost extra and cover drops, spills, and other accidents. Whether to buy one depends on how carefully you use devices and whether you can afford to replace the tablet if it breaks. Many people skip it and use a protective case instead.