The Best Budget Tablets for Students: Because Broke Doesn’t Mean Basic

Let’s be real—being a student often means perfecting the art of surviving on a budget. Ramen for dinner? Done. Streaming on your roommate’s Netflix account? Of course. Textbooks? Well... who really buys those anymore? But when it comes to tech, you do need a solid device to keep up with lectures, notes, and the occasional YouTube deep dive on "how to pass an exam you didn’t study for."

Enter budget tablets: the student’s best friend. Whether you're taking notes, reading PDFs, or pretending to be productive while scrolling TikTok, here are the best budget tablets that won’t make your wallet cry.

1. Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023 Edition) – The "Too Good for the Price" Pick

💰 Price: Around $150

Amazon’s Fire HD 10 is basically the MVP of budget tablets. With a 10.1-inch full HD display and surprisingly good performance for the price, it’s perfect for reading, streaming, and light productivity. The Fire OS takes some getting used to (Google Play Store isn’t native, but you can work around that), and it’s best for casual use rather than hardcore multitasking. Still, for less than the cost of a single overpriced college textbook, this tablet is a steal.

Pros:

  • Super affordable

  • Long battery life (up to 12 hours!)

  • Alexa integration (great for setting alarms you’ll ignore)

Cons:

  • No Google Play Store out of the box (but there's a workaround)

  • Limited app selection compared to iOS or Android

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 – The "Balanced and Reliable" Pick

💰 Price: Around $200-$250

If you want something that doesn’t feel like a budget tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a solid contender. It has a sleek design, a decent 10.5-inch display, and runs Android, so you have access to the full range of apps. Plus, Samsung’s DeX mode lets you turn your tablet into a mini laptop (if you squint hard enough). It’s great for students who need a little more power without jumping into premium pricing.

Pros:

  • Runs full Android (Google Play Store included)

  • Good build quality

  • Samsung ecosystem perks (if you already have a Galaxy phone)

Cons:

  • Performance can be sluggish with too many apps open

  • Storage is limited unless you get a microSD card

3. Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) – The "All-Rounder" Pick

💰 Price: Around $180-$220

Lenovo has quietly been making some of the best budget tablets out there, and the M10 Plus (3rd Gen) is no exception. With a 10.6-inch 2K display, it's great for reading and watching videos. Performance is decent, though don’t expect it to replace a laptop. For students who need a tablet for note-taking, reading, and a bit of Netflix, this is a fantastic option.

Pros:

  • Beautiful 2K display

  • Dolby Atmos speakers (for immersive procrastination... I mean studying)

  • Supports Lenovo’s Precision Pen 2 for digital note-taking

Cons:

  • Not the fastest processor

  • Limited software support compared to premium tablets

4. Apple iPad (9th Gen) – The "If You Can Stretch Your Budget" Pick

💰 Price: Around $250-$300 (if you catch a deal)

Okay, okay—technically, this isn’t super budget, but hear me out. If you can push your budget a little, the 9th Gen iPad is a no-brainer. It has a powerful A13 Bionic chip, Apple Pencil support (first-gen), and a stunning Retina display. This is hands-down the best tablet for students who need performance, longevity, and access to a massive app ecosystem. Plus, iPads hold their value well, so you can sell it later and put that money toward even more ramen.

Pros:

  • Blazing fast for the price

  • Best app selection (hello, Notability and GoodNotes!)

  • Long-term software updates

Cons:

  • Apple Pencil and keyboard are separate purchases (aka more money)

  • Base storage is only 64GB (get the 256GB if you can)

5. Microsoft Surface Go 3 – The "Mini Laptop in Disguise" Pick

💰 Price: Around $350 (with keyboard sold separately)

Alright, this one pushes the budget definition a little, but if you’re looking for a tablet that can function as a laptop replacement, the Surface Go 3 is a strong candidate. It runs Windows 11, meaning you can use full desktop apps like Microsoft Office. Pair it with a keyboard, and it’s basically a tiny laptop. Perfect for students who need something ultra-portable but functional for serious work.

Pros:

  • Runs full Windows 11

  • Supports Surface Pen (great for digital notes)

  • Kickstand = instant mini laptop mode

Cons:

  • Entry-level model is underpowered

  • Keyboard and accessories add to the price

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

  • If you just need a tablet for reading, streaming, and casual note-taking, go for the Amazon Fire HD 10.

  • If you want an affordable all-rounder with a solid Android experience, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is your best bet.

  • If you love a great screen and media experience, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus is a winner.

  • If you can stretch your budget and want longevity, grab the Apple iPad 9th Gen.

  • If you need a tablet that doubles as a mini laptop, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is worth considering.

At the end of the day, a good budget tablet should make your life easier, not drain your savings account. So choose wisely, study smart (or at least look like you are), and may your battery life last through every boring lecture! 📚🎉

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