Finding the best budget-friendly tablets for students in 2025 can be challenging. With so many models on the market, students need a device that balances performance, portability, and price. Whether for taking notes, attending online classes, or streaming lectures, a good tablet can make learning more efficient and enjoyable.
If you’re also on the hunt for affordable mobile gadgets, check out our guide on Best Budget Smartphones Under $300 (2025 Edition).
Best Budget-Friendly Tablets for Students in 2025
1. Apple iPad (9th Gen)
Display: 10.2-inch Retina
Processor: A13 Bionic chip
Storage: 64GB / 256GB
Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
Price: ~$329
👍 Pros:
Excellent app ecosystem for students
Great display for reading and video calls
👎 Cons:
Apple Pencil sold separately
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
Display: 10.5-inch TFT
Processor: Unisoc T618
Storage: 32GB / 64GB / 128GB
Battery Life: Up to 13 hours
Price: ~$229
👍 Pros:
Long-lasting battery life
Great for media and note-taking
👎 Cons:
Average camera quality
3. Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
Display: 10.6-inch 2K
Processor: MediaTek Helio G80
Storage: 64GB / 128GB
Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
Price: ~$189
👍 Pros:
High-resolution display
Affordable and lightweight
👎 Cons:
Limited high-end gaming performance
4. Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)
Display: 10.1-inch Full HD
Processor: Octa-core 2.0 GHz
Storage: 32GB / 64GB
Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
Price: ~$149
👍 Pros:
Very affordable
Great for reading and streaming
👎 Cons:
App selection limited to Amazon store
5. Microsoft Surface Go 3
Display: 10.5-inch PixelSense
Processor: Intel Pentium Gold / Core i3
Storage: 64GB / 128GB
Battery Life: Up to 11 hours
Price: ~$399
👍 Pros:
Runs full Windows 11
Perfect for assignments and multitasking
👎 Cons:
Keyboard sold separately
Comparison Table — Budget-Friendly Tablets for Students
| Tablet | Display | Battery Life | Storage Options | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPad (9th Gen) | 10.2″ | 10 hrs | 64/256 GB | $329 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 | 10.5″ | 13 hrs | 32–128 GB | $229 |
| Lenovo Tab M10 Plus | 10.6″ | 12 hrs | 64–128 GB | $189 |
| Amazon Fire HD 10 | 10.1″ | 12 hrs | 32–64 GB | $149 |
| Microsoft Surface Go 3 | 10.5″ | 11 hrs | 64–128 GB | $399 |
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Tablet for Students
When buying budget-friendly tablets for students, here are key factors to consider:
Display Quality: Look for Full HD or higher for reading clarity.
Battery Life: At least 8 hours for a full day of classes.
Weight & Portability: Under 1.5 lbs for easy carrying.
App Compatibility: Make sure it supports essential study apps.
Price vs. Performance: Don’t overspend for features you won’t use.
Extra Tips for Students Buying Budget-Friendly Tablets
When shopping for budget-friendly tablets for students, consider these final tips to make the most out of your purchase:
Look for Bundled Accessories: Many tablets under $200 come with free cases, stylus pens, or keyboard attachments, which can save you extra costs.
Check for Student Discounts: Some retailers and brands offer exclusive student pricing or seasonal back-to-school promotions.
Prioritize Warranty & Support: Choose brands that provide at least a 1-year warranty and easy service options.
Read User Reviews: Real-world feedback can reveal pros and cons that spec sheets don’t mention.
By following these tips, students can ensure their budget-friendly tablet lasts longer and serves them well throughout their studies.
Pros & Cons of Budget-Friendly Tablets for Students
Pros:
Affordable and accessible for most budgets
Great for online classes and note-taking
Lightweight and portable
Cons:
Limited gaming performance
Fewer premium features than high-end models
FAQ — Budget-Friendly Tablets for Students
Yes, most offer HD video calls and enough processing power for Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet.
Yes, if it supports a stylus like the Apple Pencil or Samsung S Pen.
At least 64GB is recommended, with cloud storage as backup.
Many support split-screen and multitasking, but performance varies by model.
Conclusion
In 2025, budget-friendly tablets for students offer the perfect mix of price, portability, and performance. Whether you prefer the Apple iPad for its ecosystem, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 for battery life, or the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus for its display, there’s an option for every budget.
➡️ Explore more tech buying guides at BudgetGearGuide.com