9 Best Tablets Under $300 in 2021 [Balanced Performance]

Are you planning to buy a tablet for under 300 dollars? Perhaps, you’re looking for a reliable mid-budget device that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. There are many options with different specifications available in this price range, but how do you find the one that’s perfect for your needs? Well, fret not, I’ll help you find just that.

Although you can’t expect a $300 tablet to perform like the flagships such as Apple iPad Pro or Surface Pro 7, but devices in this range are more than capable of performing day-to-day tasks. These tasks include web browsing, reading eBooks, taking notes (in school/college), watching movies/TV shows, etc. Not just that, a few of them can also handle advanced tasks such as gaming, drawing, or working with Cricut Design Space, etc.

One mistake that you might make is deciding the budget before knowing your requirements. For instance, you can’t get the best gaming experience on a $300 tablet. Similarly, a sub-$100 tablet is more than enough for reading books. It’s my advice that you ascertain all your needs before setting a budget.

9 Best Tablets Under $300 in 2021

There are many options available in the market, hence, finding the best tablet under 300 dollars can be quite challenging. Needless to say, purchasing the right one can lead to a better experience, and ending up with the wrong device can leave you unsatisfied.

The good thing is, I spent over 4 weeks testing 17 different tablets that are priced under $300. After extensive testings, I finalized the below listed 9 devices that provide the best possible performance and value in the mentioned price range. That said, let’s begin!

1. Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite

Let me start this discussion with an Android tablet. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a great fit for handling intensive tasks and multi-tasking. It comes with an S-Pen, so taking notes or drawing would be super handy on this device.

Processor & GPU

The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is powered by Samsung’s own Exynos 9611, the 10 nm process chipset with four Cortex-A73 cores and four Cortex-A53 cores. It is paired with a powerful Mali G72 MP3 GPU, which is a competent graphics processor. This means you can play some games or edit photos and videos too.

RAM, Storage, OS

The tablet features 4GB RAM, which is good for multitasking. It has an internal storage of 64GB SSD. The storage can be expanded up to 1TB with a MicroSD card slot. The tablet operates on Android 10, which gives your tablet more speed and improved performance.

Display Panel

The device has a 10.4-inch WUXGA+ TFT panel with a resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels and an aspect ratio of 5:3. It has no color distortions and can be practically viewed from any angle. However, it’s not a Super AMOLED display, so you’ll miss those deep blacks while watching movies/TV shows on this device.

Design & Connectivity

The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a sturdy tablet with a sleek design featuring Samsung’s best quality materials. It measures 0.28 x 6.07 x 9.63 inches and weighs 1.54 pounds. The tablet features a 3.5mm audio jack, a MicroSD card slot, a USB 2.0 Type-C port. It offers wireless connectivity with GPS, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth version 5.0.

Battery Life & Final Thoughts!

The device offers great battery life of up to 12 hours. So, you can use it all day long without worrying about the battery draining out. Overall, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a great tablet for Android lovers. Its functionality at below $300 price will indubitably leave you impressed.

2. Best from Apple: Apple iPad

The Apple iPad, launched in 2020, readily fits the bill if you are on the lookout for a top-shelf sub-$300 tablet. While it isn’t as powerful as the iPad Pro, it still excels in comparison with the 2018 variant of the iPad, which came equipped with a 9.7-inch screen and the reliable A10 Fusion chipset.

The 2020 model is a justified upgrade over the iPad 2018 as it comes with a bigger screen, two additional processing cores, and an additional chunk of RAM for handling multitasking better.

Processor & GPU

At the core, you have the A12 Bionic chipset, which is capable of reaching clock speeds of up to 2.5GHz.The hexa-core SoC is complemented by the 4-core graphics co-processor. As the processing setup is Apple’s proprietary vision, you can expect the same to be faster than any other standard android-powered tablet.

I used the tablet for stock trading and designing bumpers for my new campaign and the performances couldn’t have been any smoother.

RAM, Storage, and OS

Apple also brings in 3GB RAM that efficiently complements the chipset and ensures hassle-free multitasking. The storage at 32GB isn’t all that encouraging but still allows you to store a few files and documents with ease. Plus, it also shelters the iPadOS 14 as the operating platform of choice, which can be upgraded to iPadOS 14.6, if needed.

Display

The iPad 2020 showcases a 10.2-inch retina LCD screen, with an overall resolution of 1620 x 2160 pixels. While the brightness is at par with the iPad Air and even iPad Pro, it is the scratch-resistant front glass panel that carries Apple’s legacy forward.

Design & Connectivity

Coming to the aesthetics, the iPad assumes a pretty durable yet compact form factor, with the dimensions fixed at 9.87 x 6.85 x 0.30 inches. Also, the tablet weighs 1.08 pounds and is primarily made of aluminum.

Other design-specific elements include the USB 2.0 slot and the front-mounted fingerprint scanner. Plus, there is an 8MP rear camera in place followed by a standard 1.2MP selfie shooter.

Also, the iPad 2020 can be purchased in Gold, Silver, and Space gray shade, with the latter being my recommended pick. As far as connectivity is concerned, this tablet offers LTE-class wireless support, Bluetooth 4.2 standard, and GPS compatibility.

Battery Life and Final Thoughts!

Finally, it is the 10-hour battery backup that comes to the fore followed by the inclusion of the insanely powerful speakers, which is the differentiating trait when it comes to comparing the Apple iPad 2020 with other products on the list.

3. Best Windows Tablet: CHUWI Hi10 X

CHUWI is a popular brand in the tech market, and with the all-new CHUWI Hi10 X, it’s here to provide its loyal customers with a great affordable tablet PC.

Processor & GPU

The CHUWI Hi10 X is powered by the Intel Celeron N4120 processor, which clocks at a base speed of 1.1GHz. It boasts the integrated Intel UHD 600 graphics card with advanced ULV technology to enhance your gaming experience.

RAM, Storage, OS

It has 6GB RAM, which is absolutely wonderful. This means it enhances your multitasking experiences with zero glitches. Whether you’re navigating different windows programs or working on several tabs simultaneously, the device runs very smoothly.

The device has 128GB eMMC in-built memory, which can be further expanded by 128GB with a microSD slot. It also has a pre-installed Windows 10 OS, Cortana, and Edge browser, allowing you to switch between laptop and tablet mode.

Display Panel

The tablet boasts a 10.1-inch IPS display with an FHD resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. It has an aspect ratio of 16:10. The screen has great clarity, and the picture quality is crystal clear.

Camera Features

The 2-in-1 tablet has a 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera. Honestly, the picture quality isn’t great, so you might want to switch to your smartphone to capture your favorite moments and recording videos.

Design & Connectivity

This Windows-powered tablet has an ultra-thin outlook that you’ll absolutely fall in love with. It measures 13.7 x 8.7 x 2.56 inches and weighs only 1.15 pounds. It features dual USB Type-C ports, which are worth drooling over. It offers wireless connectivity with 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth version 5.0.

Battery Life & Final Thoughts!

This amazing tablet has an average battery life of 6-8 hours which means that you’ll have to charge your tablet once every few hours. Overall, the Chuwi Hi10 X is a good Windows tablet under $300 that provides you a 2-in-1 experience.

4. Best for Family Use: Lenovo Tab M10 Plus

If you are looking for a good tablet, not just for yourself, but for your family too, then your search ends here with the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus. It has got a dedicated Kids mode to consume child-friendly content. It also integrates eye-care protection technology to protect you from eye strain.

Processor & GPU

The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus is powered by the MediaTek Helio P22, an octa-core processor which clocks in at a base speed of 1.6GHz. The tablet boasts the IMG PowerVR GE8320 – an Integrated graphics card. This configuration allows its users to enjoy a brilliant and smooth display, with support for casual gaming.

RAM, Storage, OS

It has 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, ensuring you don’t experience any lags. Moreover, you can expand the storage up to 256GB using a micro SD card slot present on the device. The tablet is running on Android 9 Pie OS, which is easier to use and has a lot of valuable features.

Display Panel

It features a 10.3-inch IPS display with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:10. The picture quality is crisp, and the color contrast is great, even in dim light. However, the screen becomes unreadable under the harsh sunlight. So, you might want to stay away from bright outdoor conditions.

Camera Features

The tablet has a 5MP front camera and an 8MP auto-focus rear camera which is good enough for clicking a few quick snaps. The video quality of the tablet is good too, but not as good as found in the Samsung tablets. So, don’t have high expectations from it in this department.

Design & Connectivity

The tablet has a durable plastic build. It measures 9.61 x 6.04 x 0.32 inches and weighs 1.50 pounds. It is equipped with an SD card slot, two docking connectors, a USB-C port, and a headphone jack. The device comes with Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a,b,g,n,ac wireless connections support.

Battery Life & Final Thoughts!

The battery lasts up to a maximum of 8 hours which is good enough in my opinion. Overall, this is the best tablet under $250. It comes with special kids features and can be the perfect choice for your kids or the entire family.

5. Best Cellular Model: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7

If you’re on the lookout for a budget-friendly Samsung tablet that comes with cellular support, then the next contestant on my list Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 will definitely interest you.

Processor & GPU

The Tab A7 is powered by the Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662, an octa-core processor which clocks at a base frequency of 1.8GHz. It boasts the Adreno 610 GPU, which is better than its predecessors but still not at par with the android smartphones. That said, the device can handle tasks like web browsing, stock trading, media streaming, etc., with relative ease.

RAM, Storage, OS

The tablet has 3GB RAM, which is good for handling everyday tasks. It has 32GB of internal storage but no worries as it also supports memory cards of up to 1TB. It runs on Android 10, coupled with Samsung’s own One UI, which provides an amazing, easy-to-use interface.

Display Panel

This Galaxy tab has a super bright WUXGA+ TFT 10.4-inch large screen panel with 2000 x 1200 pixels resolution. The picture quality is clear, and the colors on the screen are vivid. I enjoyed reading comics, watching movies and TV shows on the device.

Camera Features

The tablet has an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. The rear camera clicks good shots in abundant lighting, and the front camera gets does the job done when it comes to video conferencing.

Design & Connectivity

The device features a sophisticated metal design and measures 10 x 8 x 1.5 inches. It weighs over 1.65 pounds. It comes equipped with a headphone jack, a USB 2.0 Type-C port, and a microSD card slot. The tablet offers wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0.

Battery Life & Final Thoughts!

Overall, this is a great budget-friendly tablet with a solid performance, and will definitely feel like you’re using a premium range tablet. Its battery will last you for over 10 hours so that you can work with zero battery interruptions.

6. Best Chromebook Tablet: Lenovo Duet

Are you wondering whether top tech brands offer entertainment-friendly tablets at an affordable price? If yes, then let me present to you the Lenovo Chromebook Duet.

Processor & GPU

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is powered by a MediaTek Helio P60T, an 8-core processor which clocks in at a base frequency of 1.9GHz. It’s paired with‎ ARM G72 graphics card, which didn’t impress me while playing PUBG Mobile on this device. Apart from gaming, the overall system performance is smooth and snappy.

RAM, Storage, OS

The tablet has 4GB of RAM, which is effective for multitasking. It features 128GB eMMC storage space. It operates on Chrome OS which provides an improved user interface for studies and work.

Display Panel

The tablet comes with a 10.1-inch screen and a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. The screen offers a great viewing experience at different angles produces vivid colors. The color contrast is impeccable, and the picture quality is accurate too.

Camera Features

It boasts a 2MP front and an 8MP rear camera which is workable for recording videos and clicking pictures in daylight. However, like other tablets in this range, it doesn’t offer a camera flash.

Design & Connectivity

The device boasts a plastic build with a built-in stand at the back. It measures 19 x 10 x 0.78 inches and weighs about 1 pound. It sports a microSD card slot, an audio jack, and a USB-C port for charging. The tab offers wireless connectivity with 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi and the older Bluetooth (Version 4.2).

Battery Life & Final Thoughts!

Overall, this is one of the best 10-inch tablets to buy under 300 dollars. It offers you good performance and a decent battery life of up to 8 hours. The tablet also gets an added brownie point from me for featuring a unique kickstand making it a suitable tablet for media consumption.

7. Best with 2K Display: CHUWI HiPad Plus

The recently released CHUWI HiPad Plus is one of the better tablets in the retail space that you can get for under 300 dollars. Personally, I would recommend this tablet if you are more inclined towards clicking high-quality pictures without having to turn to your smartphone.

I even compared the HiPad Plus with the slightly cheaper HiPad X and identified the former to be a better all-around device, courtesy of the bigger screen and better shooters. 

Processor & GPU

At the core, the HiPad Plus houses the MediaTek MT8183, best known for the higher TDP value, Octa-Core architecture, 2GHz of maximum clock speed. The existing configuration allows you to run most streaming, audio, and designing apps with ease. 

Working in tandem with the processor is the Mali-G72 graphics coprocessor, capable of handling image and visual quality to perfection. 

RAM, Storage, and OS

Assisting the processing setup is 4GB RAM. This processing ally is good enough for managing multi-tab browsing, music production apps, video editing tasks, and other activities without system lags. The 128GB of eMMC storage support is anything but sluggish. You can always consider upgrading the same by an additional 512 GB with the micro-SD card in play.

CHUWI introduces the Android 10 OS with a responsive and interactive UI and a host of reliable applications, pre-installed to make life easier for the professional in you. 

Display Panel

When it comes to the display configuration, there aren’t many sub-$300 tablets as impactful as the HiPad Plus. While the 11-inch 2K screen exhibits top-of-the-line visuals, the IPS display takes productivity further with the 100 percent sRGB color gamut, best suited for designers and video editors, alike. 

Camera Features

Coming to the ramparts is the 13MP rear shooter with flash support. You also get access to a standard 5MP front camera for connecting professionally over video calls and clicking that random selfie. 

Design & Connectivity

From a structural perspective, the 1.10-pound HiPad Plus is quite durable. The CNC-crafted chassis adds to the strength whereas the dimensions in 9.84 x 7.09 x 0.28 inches validate the sleekness of the profile. 

Plus, this tablet also sports a Type-C port, OTG support, Bluetooth 5.0, and dual-band wireless connectivity, leading towards improved productivity. 

Battery Life & Final Thoughts

Coming to the battery life, you get 15 hours of steady backup, which qualifies the CHUWI HiPad Plus as one of the better tablets for the mentioned price point. Also, it is the all-inclusive specs sheet that separates it from the rest of the list.

8. Best with Stylus: Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite

Do you want the feel of using an Apple iPad but on an Android device? If yes, then the ultra-slim Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite is a perfect option for you. It comes with a stylus pen that is typically ideal for creative professionals and art students, and you’ll love doodling around with it.

Processor & GPU

The MediaPad M5 Lite is powered by Huawei’s own HISilicon Kirin 659, an octa-core processor which shows a breezy performance with zero lags. It boasts a Mali-T830 MP2 GPU that works fine but definitely lags behind the Adreno series of graphics processors.

RAM, Storage, OS

The tablet offers 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage. You can also expand the storage up to 256GB with a microSD card slot. The tablet operates on EMUI 8.0 based on Android 8 Oreo with an interesting interface and great usability.

Display Panel

Huawei sports a 10.1-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. It has a pixel density of 224 PPI which is at par with what smartphones have to offer.

Camera Features

The device sports an 8MP camera both at the front and the back. However, tablets are not usually designed for photography. Hence, this tablet offers no stabilization, fancy gimmicks, and no flash. The quality of the camera is good considering the $300 budget.

Design & Connectivity

The tablet feels comfortable and has 2.5D curved edges with a metal unibody that gives it a stylish feel. It measures 9.58 x 6.39 x 0.3 inches and weighs just 1.01 pounds. It also has an audio jack, a microSD slot, and a USB-C port for charging. The tab offers wireless connectivity with high-speed WiFi and Bluetooth.

Battery Life & Final Thoughts!

The tablet has an excellent battery life of up to 11 hours. Overall, the MediaPad M5 Lite is an excellent addition to your daily life that will make your everyday tasks more accessible and more efficient.

9. Best Tablet PC: Fusion 5 FWIN232 Pro

The Fusion 5 FWIN232 Pro is one of the best Windows-powered tablets to invest in, provided you are interested in a tablet PC for your professional commitments. Also, I was being way too adventurous and eventually ended up comparing the FWIN232 Pro with the dated FWIN232+, only to further validate my decision to review the former.

The FWIN232 Pro fared better in terms of multitasking performance with 2GB of additional RAM allotted to it by Fusion 5.

Processor & GPU

Fusion 5 persists with an entry-level Intel Cherry Trail chipset that is capable of handling MS Office apps, games like Minecraft, and even basic designing tasks with ease. Also, the Intel HD graphics coprocessor ensures excellent visual performances, despite being an integrated unit.

RAM, Storage, and OS

The FWIN232 Pro from Fusion 5 features 4GB of system memory, which is good enough for gaming, designing, and streaming. However, it is the 128GB storage space that justifies the price tag as the allotment is usually more than the SSD or eMMC space featured by a standard Chromebook.

As far as the operating system is concerned, you get Windows 10 in S Mode, right out of the box, which is a power-efficient edition with improved battery support.

Display

When it comes to the display, there is a 10.1-inch screen to work with. While the HD screen with an overall resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels might be off-putting for certain gamers, it certainly lives up to the expectations if you plan on using the FWIN232 Pro as a tablet PC.

Design & Connectivity

Coming to the design and aesthetics, the plastic-clad FWIN232 Pro measures 10.24 x 6.85 x 0.43 inches to be exact! While the thickness might be one of the deal-breakers, the 1.54-pound tablet is one of the few products on the list to support multimode operability.

This tablet also throws in a 5MP rear shooter followed by a basic 2MP camera unit at the front. Apart from the snappers, Fusion 5 brings home other physical elements, including the micro-HDMI port and a dual speaker setup for video calls on Zoom, Skype, etc.

Also, the FWIN232 Pro comes in silver and features an extended gamut of connectivity-specific traits like the USB 3.0 slot, dual-band wireless support, and BT 4.0.

Battery Life and Final Thoughts!

The Fusion 5 FWIN232 Pro is one of the few 10-inch Windows-powered tablets on the market that can be purchased for less than 300 dollars. However, if you are still looking for reasons to prioritize this over other products on the list, try experiencing the 10-hour extended battery backup in real-time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

Choosing a tablet with a fixed budget gives you the liberty to focus on the purpose of purchasing it. Once that is clear, you can go through my extensive list and map the requirements. Here are my quick recommendations:

• If you want the overall best Android tablet under $300, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is my go-to recommendation. It also includes a stylus pen for notetaking and drawing.
• If you’re an iPhone user and looking to add another device to your Apple ecosystem, then the Apple iPad (8th Gen) is a good option. It’s priced at $299 and provides you a buttery smooth performance.
• If you want a tablet that makes you feel like using a laptop, you should consider Windows-powered CHUWI Hi10 X.
• Lastly, if you need a normal tablet for your kids or senior family members, the Lenovo Tab M10 FHD Plus is a great choice. Its eye-protection technology and kids-specific features will blow your mind.