best budget tablets for students

Hey there, students, future leaders and knowledge seekers. In today’s fast-paced world, a great tablet isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s practically a must-have. Whether you’re juggling notes in a lecture, diving deep into research, attending online classes, or just kicking back with a well-deserved break, you need a device that can keep up without draining your wallet.

That’s exactly why we’ve done the legwork for you. We’ve combed through the market to bring you a hand-picked list of the best budget tablets for students. Our main goals? Making sure they’re affordable, but also that they boast incredible battery life to power you through those marathon study sessions. Let’s not forget, they must include features that genuinely make learning easier for you.

So, luckily, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a solid tablet that’ll be your academic sidekick. Ready to find your next study buddy? Let’s jump into our top picks, designed to give you the most bang for your buck and keep you charged up for success!

 

7 Best Budget Tablets for Students

 

 

1 – Apple iPad 10th Gen (2022)

★ ★ ★ ★

 

As of right now, you can still snag the iPad 10.9 (2022) from various retailers, but it won’t be on shelves for much longer. So, if you’re reading this and can’t track one down, don’t sweat it! Just go for the iPad A16 (2025) instead – it’s our current top pick for most people looking for an iPad.

But back to the iPad 10.9 (2022). This tablet truly shines for everyday use. It boasts a bright and generously sized 10.9-inch display, a super lightweight aluminum design, and the capable A14 Bionic chipset under the hood. Throw in some decent stereo speakers, and you’ve got a device that’s perfectly suited for streaming your favorite shows, Browse the web, and tackling mild productivity tasks.

It’s a fantastic all-rounder that feels much more premium than many other tablets in its price bracket. Of course, because it’s an Apple device, you’ll still pay a bit of a premium compared to some Android options, even with its current discounted price.

During our testing, the iPad 10.9 (2022) consistently gave us about 10 hours of battery life with constant use, and stretched to almost 22 hours when used casually. While it doesn’t have Face ID, it’s hard to find fault with how effortlessly this device performs, especially for a tablet in this price range.

The best part? This iPad is compatible with iPadOS 18 and will continue to receive software updates, including iPadOS 26, until at least 2027. If you’re looking to mess around with the new Apple Intelligence, you’d need to go for pricier options like the iPad mini (2024) or iPad Air 11 (2025). But for budget-conscious buyers, picking up the iPad 10.9 (2022) at a lower price from third-party retailers makes it a really smart move.

 

 

2 – Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+

★ ★ ★ ★

 

For its price, this tablet is a really strong contender, offering a surprisingly compelling package. When it comes to your everyday tasks – things like managing emails, working on documents, or just browsing the web – the Tab A9+ handles them without a hitch.

This tablet looks sleek, includes a vibrant 11-inch screen, and delivers solid performance thanks to its Snapdragon chip. It’s a fantastic Android option, plus, you can often find some sweet deals on it.

Samsung has done a great job with its software to make sure things run smoothly. It’s also a fantastic device for streaming all your favorite shows and movies, giving you a clear and vibrant viewing experience.

And if you’re into gaming, it can even manage more demanding titles pretty well, which is a nice bonus for a budget-friendly tablet. Plus, for those who need to stay connected on the go, there’s even a 5G-compatible version available.

Now, it’s not perfect – the battery life could be a bit better, and the base storage might feel a little tight for some. But honestly, those minor points don’t stop the Galaxy Tab A9+ from being among one of the best Android tablets. It truly offers a lot of value for your money and is a great tablet for students.

 

 

3 – Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)

★ ★ ★

 

This is one of those Android tablets that’s priced really well, and while its performance isn’t going to blow you away, it gets the job done for the cost. Tablets like this are perfect for the kids or for anyone keeping a close eye on their budget.

Lenovo consistently nails the balance between affordability and useful features. The Tab M10 Plus offers a good screen, reliable performance for all your student tasks, and it’s built tough. It’s a versatile Android tablet that handles a wide range of educational apps like a champ.

Now, it’s true, the Tab M10 Plus Gen 3 doesn’t have a ton of standout features, and its performance is just “okay.” But here’s where it shines: if you mostly use a tablet for streaming videos or reading e-books, it’s an ideal choice. And a big bonus? It boasts a long battery life (up to 10 hours), so you can enjoy your content without constantly hunting for an outlet.

If you’re thinking about alternatives, you can check out the other tablets on the list. But because of its long battery life and the low price, it’s perfect for students and those with a budget. 

 

 

4 – Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE

★ ★ ★ ★

 

Looking for an affordable Android tablet that competes with entry-level iPads, then let’s look at the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE. Just under US$300, this solid tablet features good performance and good build quality, all whilst providing an excellent Android experience.  

It’s is definitely worth considering, looking at how affordable it is compared to other premium tablets. When you think about it, it’s a bit difficult to believe that you can get a solidly built tablet with an aluminum enclosure, a high refresh display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, up to 8GB RAM, and expandable storage, all alongside at least two OS updates. While that all looks good on paper — err, on-screen — it also works well in practice.

This is one tablet you will enjoy using as much as I have. That’s why I see not problem in recommending it especially to students and budget-conscious users. The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE is a midsize tablet that’s great for casual use, with no issues running apps side by side, great for streaming movies, and playing games. Sure, there’s still space for improvement — I wish it had some kind of fingerprint scanner and that the audio speakers would deliver better sound — but for a fair price, this tablet has great value, making it a winner.

 

 

5 – Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3

★ ★ ★

 

If you’re someone who needs a device that’s a bit of a hybrid – part tablet, part laptop – the Chromebook Duet 3 is incredible. It runs on ChromeOS, which is super efficient, and it often comes with a detachable keyboard, making it perfect for typing essays and keeping your assignments organized. .

This tablet is a definite upgrade from its predecessor, the original Duet. It runs on ChromeOS, which is super efficient, and it often comes with a detachable keyboard, making it perfect for typing essays and keeping your assignments organized. This one boasts excellent battery life, frequently lasting over 10 hours on a single charge.

It comes with a boosted display, which is much better, with an upgraded resolution it makes everything you look at just pop. This is a big deal for reading and studying, video streaming, or web browsing.

Then they’ve added a second USB-C port, which is super useful. It means you can now plug it in for power and connect a USB hub at the same time. So, if you’ve got a favorite keyboard and mouse (or any other accessories), you can use them without constantly swapping cables. This added flexibility is one of the main reasons one of our editors even picked this Chromebook over an Android tablet!

If you’re in the market for a surprisingly good Chrome tablet that costs under US$400 and can easily transform into a Chromebook when you need to get some serious typing done, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is a solid choice. It’s a reliable little workhorse that won’t let you down.

 

 

6 – Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024)

★ ★ ★ ★

 

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a really solid contender against the iPad, and frankly, it might just be the best non-premium tablet Samsung has ever released. 

The Tab S6 Lite has some real strengths that make it shine. For starters, it comes with the S Pen included, which is a huge bonus if you love taking notes by hand or getting a little creative with your tablet. You also get a good amount of software customization options, letting you tweak things to your liking. And let’s not forget its design – it feels pretty robust and looks good, definitely punching above its weight class in terms of build quality.

However, it’s not entirely perfect. You might run into a few performance hiccups here and there. Nothing major that will stop you in your tracks, but it’s worth noting that it’s not going to be as buttery smooth as a top-tier tablet. These minor stutters could affect your overall experience if you’re pushing it with very demanding apps or heavy multitasking.

Despite that small catch, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite offers a fantastic balance of features, design, and value, making it a truly well-rounded option.

 

 

7 – Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

★ ★ ★ ★

 

If the Tab A9 or the A9+ is not within your budget radar, then the Galaxy Tab A8 is the better alternative in 2025. And honestly, that makes it a pretty compelling option for anyone looking to save some cash.

Think of the Galaxy Tab A8 as Samsung’s answer to Apple’s more affordable iPad options. If you’re after an Android-powered tablet that can genuinely rival an iPad, this one (or its newer A9 sibling) should definitely be on your radar.

With Google’s Android operating system giving you tons of flexibility and a nice, big HD display, the 10.5-inch Tab A8 is a real winner for kicking back with movies or just casually Browse the web. We found that this tablet also delivers a long battery life, so you can easily dive into a movie marathon without constantly checking for an outlet. Just a heads-up though, it can take a little while to fully charge up.

Now, it’s not the most powerful tablet out there – if you’re looking for top-tier performance, Apple’s iPad 10.9 (2022) still has the edge in our books. But for everyday media consumption and using basic apps around the house, the Galaxy Tab A8 is a really solid choice.

If you’re willing to stretch your budget a bit, but not quite into “Ultra” tablet territory, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus is another excellent option to consider. Also, we’re expecting an even newer version of the Galaxy Tab A – probably the Galaxy Tab A10 – to launch in the first half of 2025. So, if you’re not in a huge rush, waiting a few more months before pulling the trigger on the Galaxy Tab A8 might just pay off.

 

 

Why Buy Affordable Tablets?

You might be thinking, “Shouldn’t I just save up for a premium expensive tablet instead?” While the premium tablets are great, there are some really compelling reasons why going for an affordable option, especially as a student, just makes sense:

Smart for the Wallet: Let’s face it, tablets are expensive, even for students. Spending less on a tablet means more money for textbooks, tuition, or even just some much-needed coffee to keep you up. You can get a highly capable device without feeling the pinch.

Less Stress, More Learning: There’s something liberating about not constantly worrying about a super expensive gadget. If it takes a tumble (accidents happen), or gets misplaced, the financial hit isn’t as severe. This lets you focus on your studies, not on coddling your tech.

Perfectly Capable for Student Needs: For most academic tasks – reading textbooks, taking notes, researching online, attending video calls, and organizing your schedule – a budget tablet does the job well. You don’t really need the absolute latest processor or an ultra-fancy camera for schoolwork.

Portable Power: Affordable tablets are typically lightweight and easy to carry, fitting perfectly into a backpack alongside your books. Plus many offer exceptional battery life, meaning you’re not tethered to a power outlet during a long day of classes and study groups.

Gateway to the Digital World: For many, an affordable tablet is an excellent entry point into digital learning tools. It opens up access to countless educational apps, e-books, and other online resources, enhancing your learning without a huge upfront investment.

So, while the premium gadgets have their place, a well-chosen budget tablet can be the smartest, most practical tool for navigating student life.

 

 

Final thoughts

So there you have it. Finding the best budget tablets for students doesn’t have to be a headache. As you’ve seen, there are some truly fantastic options out there that deliver great performance, solid features, and most importantly, battery life that will actually last through your toughest study sessions. You don’t need to empty your savings account to get a reliable tool that will genuinely boost your academic game.

Whether you lean towards Apple’s iPads, Samsung’s versatile Android experience, or the no-frills practicality a Chromebook hybrid, there’s a tablet on this list that’s just right for your needs and your budget. These devices prove that affordability doesn’t mean compromising on the essentials.

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge, it’s time to make your move. Which of these best budget tablets for students caught your eye? Leave me a comment here below and share your thoughts. And if you wanna find out more, then click on the red button corresponding to the tablet you’re interested in. That’s all from me. Until next time 😀