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

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 makers through their own websites. If you want a tablet that works on a phone network without Wi-Fi, you'll buy it from a wireless carrier like Verizon or AT&T, though this usually costs more upfront. Each route has different prices, return policies, and what comes in the box.

The choice depends on whether you want to see the tablet in person before buying, how fast you need it, whether you want a warranty beyond the standard one, and whether you're willing to pay extra for cellular connectivity. A tablet bought at Best Buy can be returned within 15 days; one from Amazon has a 30-day window; one from Apple has 14 days. Carrier tablets often lock you into a contract or monthly payment plan.

Key Takeaways

  • Best Buy, Walmart, and Target let you hold the tablet and leave with it the same day, but their prices are usually the same as online.
  • Amazon and other online marketplaces often have faster shipping and a longer return window than physical stores.
  • Buying directly from Apple, Samsung, or another manufacturer's website gives you the full warranty and sometimes bundle deals, but you cannot return it in a store.
  • Carrier tablets from Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile include cellular service but cost more and may require a contract or monthly payment plan.
  • Refurbished and open-box tablets from retailers and resellers cost less but come with shorter warranties and no return period.

Big-box electronics and department stores

Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Costco all stock tablets in their physical locations. Best Buy carries the widest range — usually iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and Amazon Fire models — and staff can answer questions about specs. Walmart and Target carry fewer models but often have lower prices on the ones they stock. Costco requires a membership but sometimes has bundle deals with cases or screen protectors included.

The advantage is you can hold the tablet, check the screen, and take it home when ready. The disadvantage is the selection is smaller than online, and the price is usually the same as you'd pay on Amazon. Best Buy's return window is 15 days; Walmart and Target are 14 days. If you damage it or change your mind after that, you're stuck with it.

Online marketplaces and retailers

Amazon is the largest online seller of tablets. It stocks new tablets from every major brand, refurbished models at lower prices, and used tablets sold by third-party sellers. Shipping is usually two days with Prime membership, or five to seven days without. The return window is 30 days, which is longer than most physical stores. You can also buy from Best Buy's website, Walmart.com, and Target.com, though their online return policies are the same as in-store.

Other online retailers include B&H Photo (popular with people who want detailed specs and fast shipping), Newegg, and eBay. B&H ships quickly but does not have a physical location to return to. eBay connects you to individual sellers, so prices vary and return policies depend on the seller. Read the seller's return policy before you buy, because eBay does not enforce a standard window the way Amazon does.

Manufacturer websites

Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, and Amazon all sell tablets directly through their own websites. Buying from the manufacturer means you get the full one-year hardware warranty and sometimes bundle deals — for example, Apple often discounts AppleCare+ when you buy a new iPad. You can also customize some models, like choosing storage size or color, before checkout.

The downside is you cannot return a tablet to a physical store. You have to ship it back or arrange a pickup, which takes longer. Apple's return window is 14 days; Samsung's is 30 days; Amazon's is 30 days. Shipping is usually free, but if you need the tablet fast, a physical store is quicker. Manufacturer websites also sometimes run sales during holidays, so prices can be lower than usual.

Wireless carriers and cellular tablets

Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other carriers sell tablets that work on their cellular networks. You can walk into a store and buy one the same day, or order online. The tablet itself costs more than the Wi-Fi-only version — usually $100 to $200 extra — because it includes a modem. You also have to pay a monthly data plan, which ranges from $10 to $30 depending on how much data you use.

Many carriers offer payment plans that spread the cost over 24 or 36 months instead of charging the full price upfront. Some also require a contract. If you travel or need internet away from home and Wi-Fi, a cellular tablet is worth the extra cost. If you mostly use it at home or in places with Wi-Fi, a Wi-Fi-only tablet is cheaper. Carrier return windows are usually 14 days, but if you're locked into a contract, canceling early can cost you a penalty.

Refurbished and open-box tablets

Refurbished tablets are returned items that the manufacturer or retailer has cleaned, tested, and repackaged. They work like new but cost 20 to 40 percent less. Best Buy, Amazon, and manufacturer websites all sell refurbished models. Open-box tablets are items a customer bought, opened, and returned without using. They cost less than new but more than refurbished.

The catch is the warranty is shorter — usually 90 days instead of one year — and the return window is shorter or nonexistent. Some refurbished tablets come with a 30-day return window; others do not. Read the warranty and return policy before you buy. If something breaks after the warranty ends, you're paying out of pocket to fix it. Refurbished tablets are a good choice if you want to save money and do not mind the shorter warranty, but they are riskier than buying new.

What to check before you buy

Before you complete the purchase, confirm the storage size, color, and whether it includes Wi-Fi only or cellular. Check what comes in the box — some tablets come with a charger and cable; others do not. Look at the return policy and warranty for the specific retailer and model. If you're buying from a third-party seller on Amazon or eBay, read their feedback score and return policy.

Compare prices across at least two retailers, because the same tablet can cost different amounts depending on where you buy it. Check whether the retailer is running a sale or offering a bundle. If you're buying a cellular tablet, ask the carrier what the monthly data plan costs and whether there's a contract. Some carriers waive the set up fee if you buy in-store instead of online, so it's worth asking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Prices are usually the same, but online retailers sometimes run sales or offer free shipping that bring the total cost down. Check Amazon, Best Buy, and the manufacturer's website before you buy to compare. Refurbished tablets are always cheaper than new ones, whether you buy online or in-store.

Can I return a tablet if I open the box?

Yes. Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Amazon all allow returns of opened tablets within their return window — usually 14 to 30 days. Manufacturer websites also accept opened returns. Carrier stores and third-party sellers may have different policies, so check before you buy.

What warranty comes with a new tablet?

Most tablets come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty that covers hardware defects but not accidental damage or drops. AppleCare+ and similar extended warranties cost extra and cover accidents. Refurbished tablets usually come with a 90-day warranty instead of one year.

Should I buy a cellular tablet or a Wi-Fi-only tablet?

Buy cellular only if you need internet away from home and Wi-Fi regularly. The tablet costs $100 to $200 more upfront, and you pay a monthly data plan on top of that. If you mostly use it at home or in places with Wi-Fi, a Wi-Fi-only tablet is cheaper and simpler.

Where can I buy a tablet if I want to see it in person first?

Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and carrier stores all have tablets on display. Best Buy has the widest selection and staff who can answer questions. Costco also carries tablets but requires a membership. You can hold the tablet, check the screen, and ask questions before you buy.