Since Apple released their iPad in 2010, there has been a surge in tablet popularity, even until now. No matter where we go, more often than not we see people carry around a tablet with them, whether it’s for work, entertainment, education, or merely as an accessory. While high-end tablets can be pretty expensive, there are actually plenty of affordable options that offer good performances for simple, everyday tasks. Today, we want to show you the top Best Buy tablets under 100 USD. We think these cheap tablets are perfect for those who want an affordable way to watch Netflix or other streaming services, read e-books on a portable screen, and play simple, casual games. Offering an excellent value for money, take a look at our picks below!
For more Best Buy gadgets, here are the best laptops under 500 USD from Best Buy and our favorite Best Buy instant print cameras!
Table of contents
Digiland Android 10.1-inch Tablet
6
Right off the bat, we were impressed by how manageable the Digiland Android 10.1-inch Tablet felt in hand. At just 540gr, it was surprisingly lightweight for a device that big. The slim profile also made it super comfortable to hold during long reading and browsing sessions. While the screen resolution is only 1280 x 800, it does get the job done for basic tasks, and we found the colors to be bold enough for casual use.
In addition to that, during our testing, the octa-core processor kept things running smoothly for everyday tasks. We noticed decent multitasking capabilities, acceptable light gaming performances, and no major lag during basic operations. Don’t worry, as this tablet also comes with full Google suite integration and Play Store access for apps and entertainment.
Pros
- It’s a surprisingly portable tablet for its size.
- This tablet comes ready with essential Google services.
- The 10.1-inch display is big and comfortable for reading and media consumption.
Cons
- The 1280 x 800 resolution is modest by today’s standards.
Buy on:
Amazon Fire 7 Kids
5
In a quick glance, the Amazon Fire 7 Kids may look like a toy, but it’s certainly not! This is a full-featured device that’s perfect for your little ones aged 3 to 7. We had this tablet before for our kids, and they loved it! One of the things that we liked the most is the 6-month Amazon Kids+ subscription, offering a vast library of ad-free content from top brands like Disney, Nickelodeon, and PBS Kids.
Moreover, we think the Parent Dashboard is a fantastic tool for managing screen time and content access. We could easily set educational goals and time limits, and filter content based on our kids’ age. The tablet’s performance is impressive, with a faster processor and more RAM than its predecessor. The battery life is also excellent, lasting up to 10 hours on a single charge.
For a more in-depth look, make sure to watch MadeForMums’ review!
Pros
- The 2-year worry-free guarantee is incredibly reassuring.
- The sturdy case protects the tablet from drops and bumps.
- It offers a free Amazon Kids+ subscription for 6 months.
Cons
- The 7-inch screen might be too small for some users, particularly older children.
Buy on:
Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet Is 50% Off Right Now on Amazon https://t.co/FiswIrp3To
— TV Guide (@TVGuide) October 28, 2024
Amazon Fire 7
4
The Amazon Fire 7, compared to the previous model, brings some welcome improvements to the table. We noticed the 30% faster quad-core processor makes a tangible difference in responsiveness compared to its predecessor, and the extended battery life – now up to 10 hours – is a significant upgrade, giving us about 40% more usage time between charges. During our testing, this proved sufficient for a full day of intermittent use.
When it comes to content consumption, the Fire 7 is perfectly capable of handling basic streaming needs. Popular services like Netflix and TikTok ran smoothly enough for casual viewing when we tested the tablet. Video calling capabilities through Zoom worked adequately in our tests, though the camera quality is basic at best. We also liked the Alexa integration, which we found particularly useful for hands-free tasks like updating shopping lists and setting reminders.
If you want to protect your precious tablet from scratches and bumps, check out these best travel cases for tablets!
Pros
- This is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for a basic tablet.
- It boasts the Amazon Kids feature for your children.
- It’s perfect for Amazon Prime members who primarily consume Amazon content.
Cons
- The absence of Google Play Store support means you’ll be restricted to Amazon’s App Store.
Buy on:
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro
3
Best for Kids. After testing the latest Fire HD 8 Kids Pro, it’s clear Amazon has made some meaningful upgrades to this family-friendly tablet. The standout improvement is the increased RAM – now at 3GB, which is 50% more than the 2022 model. During our testing, this boost in memory made a noticeable difference in responsiveness when switching between apps and games. Battery performance lives up to the promised 13-hour duration. In our real-world usage, we easily got through multiple days of moderate use without needing a recharge, making it perfect for road trips. (Psst! Take a look at these travel-friendly Best Buy tablets for sale, too!)
The included Amazon Kids+ subscription (free for 6 months) is a real deal, especially with its vast library of curated content. We particularly value the STEM-focused offerings like Math Claw and the multilingual books. For parents concerned about educational value, this is a major plus. Also, can we appreciate the bright, kid-proof case?
Pros
- This tablet offers an improved performance with 50% more RAM than the previous generation.
- It’s backed with a 2-year worry-free guarantee.
- Parents can monitor their children using the comprehensive parental controls.
Cons
- Kids+ subscription requires additional payment after 6 months.
Buy on:
Amazon Fire HD 8
2
Best Value for Money. The Amazon Fire HD 8 is one of those cheap Best Buy tablets that does its job perfectly. It’s not meant to be a monster tablet, but for simple everyday tasks, it should be more than enough. The battery life is truly all-day. When we tested it, we were able to stream videos, play games, and browse the web for almost 12 hours on a single charge.
“If you don’t care about crystal-clear display and simply want a tablet for media consumption, you’ll love the Fire HD 8.”
WOW Travel
What about the storage? The 32GB of storage is plenty for most users, but if you need more, you can add up to 1TB of expandable storage. This makes it great for storing books, movies, music, and other digital content. Moreover, the Appstore has a wide variety of apps, including popular ones like Hulu, Instagram, TikTok, and more. While we couldn’t use Google Play, the Amazon Appstore had most of the apps we needed.
Need more convincing? Watch this review by Best Buy Canada!
Pros
- It’s one of the most budget-friendly tablets on the market.
- This tablet offers impressive battery life of up to 13 hours, depending on usage.
- It supports micro-SD cards for additional storage.
Cons
- While suitable for basic tasks, it may struggle with demanding apps and games.
Buy on:
Amazon Fire HD 10
1
Best Large-Screen Tablet. Cheap and reliable, the Amazon Fire HD 10 deserves its flowers. The first thing that we noticed when we first got it was its impressive 10.1″ Full HD display, which delivered crisp visuals and vibrant colors whether we were streaming our favorite shows or diving into e-books. The 25% performance boost over its predecessor was also noticeable – apps launched faster, and switching between tasks felt more fluid thanks to the 3GB of RAM.
What really caught our attention was the battery life. In our testing, the claimed 13-hour battery held up well during regular use, making it perfect for long binge-watching sessions and extended reading time. The tablet’s durability impressed us too. The aluminosilicate glass screen felt sturdy, and the brand claims it’s 2.7 times more durable than the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8. Despite its robust construction, we felt it was remarkably lightweight and comfortable to hold.
For more information about this tablet, read what trustedreviews.com has to say!
Pros
- Despite being affordable, this tablet still boasts a sharp 1080p display.
- The build quality is one of the most durable in its price range.
- The storage is expandable up to 1 TB with a micro-SD card.
Cons
- It comes with lock screen ads, which are only removable for a fee.
Buy on:
Our Verdict!
To help you pick the most suitable budget tablet, we’ve categorized some of the Best Buy tablets under 100 USD above based on the following. Give them another look!
- Best Large-Screen Tablet: Amazon Fire HD 10
- Best Value for Money: Amazon Fire HD 8
- Best for Kids: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro
How To Choose The Best Tablets under 100 USD
When choosing a tablet under 100 USD, there are several important things you should carefully consider, which include:
Operating system
The first crucial decision is the operating system. Amazon Fire OS (as you can see from the list above) is a budget-friendly option, tailored for Amazon services and content. However, it has a limited app selection and less versatility. Android tablets offer a wider range of affordable options and a vast app selection, but the cheaper ones may lack the polish and performance of the higher-end options.
Screen size and resolution
The screen size and resolution are important considerations, too. A larger screen is ideal for media consumption, while a smaller screen is more portable. The resolution determines the image clarity, with higher resolutions offering sharper images but potentially draining the battery faster.
Storage
The amount of storage needed depends on the intended usage, such as storing apps, media, and files. Thankfully, many cheap Best Buy tablets, like the Amazon tablets, are expandable through micro-SD cards. They allow for additional storage as needed.
Why use a tablet instead of a phone?
Tablets offer a larger screen for better media consumption and productivity tasks, making them ideal for activities like reading, watching videos, and browsing the web. While phones are more portable, tablets provide a more immersive experience for these activities.
How much should I spend on a tablet?
The amount you should spend on a tablet depends on your needs and budget. For basic tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and watching videos, Best Buy tablets under 100 USD should suffice. If you need a tablet for more demanding tasks like creative work, gaming, or productivity, consider investing in a mid-range or high-end tablet priced between 300 to 800 USD or more.
Is it cheaper to buy a phone or tablet?
In general, tablets tend to be more affordable than phones, especially when comparing models with similar specifications. However, the price gap can fluctuate based on factors like brand, model, and the specific features offered.