10 Best Tablets Under $300 in 2021 [Balanced Performance + Budget]

Is your budget for your next tablet less than $300? 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?

You can’t expect a $300 tablet to perform like the flagship tablets like the Apple iPad, but devices in this budget range are capable of performing everyday tasks such as web browsing, reading eBooks, taking notes (in school/college), watching movies/tv shows, etc. Besides, a few of them are also capable of advanced tasks such as drawing, etc.

One mistake that most of us make is, we decide the budget before knowing our 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 our advice that you ascertain all your needs before setting a budget.

10 Best Tablets Under $300

There are plethora of tablet choices available in the market, finding the right tablet can be quite challenging. However, purchasing the right one can lead to better experience and ending up with a wrong device can keep you unsatisfied.

The good thing is, our team spent 13 weeks testing 43 tablets in the $300 price bracket and after extensive testing, we think that the below listed 10 devices provide the best possible performance in the mentioned price range.

1. Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab A

CPU	Octa-core
RAM	3GB
Storage	32GB Flash Memory
Display	10.1-inch TFT Capacitive Touch (1200×1920)
Battery	Up to 10 hours
Weight	0.2 pounds
OS	Android 9 Pie

If you’re an Android fan looking for a budget-friendly dream tablet, then you must check Samsung Galaxy Tab A. It is fit for multi-tasking whether it is for occasional gaming or taking notes. It is your sure shot to have a portable yet standard tablet in your bag.

It is powered by an Exynos 7904 14 nm chipset with two Cortex-A73 cores and six Cortex-A53 cores. The two cores clock in at a frequency of 1.8GHz, but the power saving peak is witnessed at 1.6GHz. It has a powerful Mali G71 MP2 GPU which is a competent GPU processor. However, it does not deliver smooth frame rates.

This Samsung tablet sports a 5MP front camera which clicks good shots in the daylight, but the pictures are grainy in the dark. Also, it can record 1080p FHD videos, just make sure to hold your hand steady as there is no image stabilization. It also has an 8MP rear camera which clicks pleasing pictures even in dim lighting conditions.

This model features 3GB RAM. This much RAM space is good enough for multitasking. It has an in-built memory of 32GB which can be expanded to up to 512GB with a MicroSD card slot. The tablet operates on Android 9 Pie which gives your tablet more speed and improved performance.

The device has a TFT capacitive touch with a resolution of 1200×1920 pixels, and an aspect ratio of 16:10. It has decent viewing angles, but you might notice that the brightness drops off at acute angles. That being said, it has no color distortions and can be practically viewed from any angle.

The Tab 10.1 is a sturdy tablet with a sleek design featuring Samsung’s best quality materials. It measures 0.3×5.88×9.65 inches and weighs just 0.2 pounds. The tablet features a 3.5 mm audio jack, a MicroSD card slot, a USB 2.0, and a USB Type-C port. It offers wireless connectivity with GPS, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth version 5.0.

The tablet has a great battery life of up to 10 hours. So, you can use it all day long without worrying about the battery draining out. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A is a great entry-level tablet for android lovers. Its functionality at such a great price will indubitably leave you impressed.

Note: This tablet works with electronic cutting machines like the Cricut.

2. Best for Reading: Amazon Fire HD 10

CPU	2.0GHz Mediatek MT-8183
RAM	2GB
Storage	32GB Flash Memory
Display	10.1-inch IPS FHD (1200×1920)
Battery	Up to 10 hours
Weight	0.5 pounds
OS	Amazon Fire OS 5.3

Amazon is known as the king of functionality at a great price in the tech market. With the Amazon Fire HD 10, it yet again proves why it’s loved by its customers.

The Fire HD 10 is powered by the Mediatek quad-core chipset which clocks in at a frequency of 1.8GHz. It boasts a PowerVR G6250 GPU processor which is comparable to Adreno 330 and can run high-end games pretty smoothly.

The tablet’s VGA front camera is of poor quality and will make you want to attend your Skype calls over your smartphone. The rear 2MP camera isn’t great either and produces grainy blotchy shots even in good lighting.

The tablet features a 2GB RAM space which is great for everyday tasks, but you might experience some glitches while multitasking. It has a 64GB in-built memory which can be expanded to up to 256GB with a MicroSD card slot. The tablet operates on Fire OS 5.3 which is based on Android 5.2 Lollipop. It’s outdated software, but that is tempered by its great fluidity, and the great entertainment built interface.

The device has a 10.1-inch IPS LCD with an FHD display of 1920×1200px. The pixel density offered is 224PPi with great color contrast and picture quality. It offers you a great viewing experience even under the glaring sunlight which is why it is best for reading enthusiasts.

However, this model has a chunky design with a plastic build and thick bezels. It measures 10.3×6.3×0.4 inches, and is super portable, weighing just 0.5 pounds. It has a USB 2.0 port, a MicroSD card slot and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The tablet offers wireless connectivity with 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi.

The Fire HD 10 has a great battery life of 8-10 hours that will last you all day long. Overall, this model is one of the best budget-friendly tablets you can buy for reading, note-taking and entertainment purposes.

3. Best with Stylus: CHUWI HI 10X

CPU	2.4GHz Quad-core
RAM	6GB
Storage	128GB Flash Memory
Display	10.1-inch IPS FHD (1200×1920)
Battery	6-8 hours
Weight	2,29 pounds
OS	Windows 10 OS

Chuwi is a popular brand in the tech market, and with the all-new Chuwi HI 10X, it’s here to provide its loyal customers with a great affordable tablet PC.

This model is powered by a quad-core Gemini Lake N4100 processor which clocks in at a speed of 2.4GHz. It boasts the 9th Gen UHD Graphics 600 with advanced ULV technology to enhance your gaming experience.

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

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 has 128GB in-built memory which can be further expanded by 128GB with a MicroSD card slot. It also has a preinstalled Windows 10 OS, Cortana and Edge browser which offers you the option to switch between laptop and tablet views.

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

The Chuwi HI 10X comes in with a 1204 pressure point stylus pen with better responsiveness and high accuracy. It’s a 2-in-1 tablet with a detachable keyboard that you will need to purchase separately. The stylus pen is typically ideal for creative professionals, art students, and you’ll love doodling around with it.

The tab has an ultra-thin outlook with a sleek design that you’ll absolutely fall in love with. It measures 13.4×8.3×2.2 inches and weighs just 2.29 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.

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 HI 10C is a good budget-friendly pick for users who want a laptop experience at the price of a tablet.

4. Best under 150: Lenovo Tab M10

CPU	2.0GHz Quad-core
RAM	2GB
Storage	16GB Flash Memory
Display	10.1-inch IPS HD (1280×800)
Battery	9 hours
Weight	1.06 pounds
OS	Android 9 Pie

If you are looking for a budget-friendly tablet, not just for yourself, but for your whole family, then your search ends here with the Lenovo Tab M10. It has average but notable features.

The M10 is powered by quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 429 which clocks in at a speed of 2.0GHz. The tablet boasts the Integrated Qualcomm Adreno 504 GPU processor. This configuration allows its users to enjoy a brilliant and smooth display, with powerful gaming experience.

The tablet has a 5MP rear camera which is good enough for clicking a few quick snaps, but not good enough for capturing your favorite moments of life. The video quality of the tablet is okay too but don’t have high expectations from it.

It has 2GB LPDDR3 RAM which is good enough, but you might experience some lagging. It also has an in-built memory of 16GB which can be expanded up to 256GB with a MicroSD card slot. Other option of this model offer you a 3GB RAM space with a 32GB in-built memory. The tablet is fueled by Android 9 Pie OS which is easier to use and has a lot of valuable features.

It features a 10.1-inch IPS display with an HD resolution of 1280×800px. The picture quality is crisp and the color contrast is great even in dim light. However, the screen becomes unreadable under the glaring sunlight. So, you might want to stay away from bright outdoor conditions.

The tablet has a durable plastic build but the screen is covered in glass. So, it might break easily. It measures 6.66×9.57×0.3 inches and weighs just 1.06 pounds. It is equipped with a MicroSD card slot, two pogo pins for charging, and a Micro-USB port. The device supports fast wireless connections with true 2.4GHz/5GHz WiFi Dual bands. 

The battery life lasts a whopping 9 hours. So you don’t need to worry about charging every few hours. Overall, the tablet is a solid buy and with the special kids’ feature, it can be the perfect budget-friendly tablet for your entire family.

5. Best for Entertainment: Dragon Touch Max10

CPU	64-bit Quad-core
RAM	3GB
Storage	32GB Flash Memory
Display	10.1-inch IPS FHD (1920×1200)
Battery	10 hours
Weight	2.3 pounds
OS	Android 9 Pie

The Dragon Touch series of tablets is famous for its snappy performance at an affordable price. The Max10 Tablet is powered by a 64-bit Octa-Core CPU processor. This configuration provides you with the ultimate entertainment and gaming experience.

The tablet boasts an 8MP rear camera. Its camera is good enough to click some fast shots, but not good enough for actual photography purposes. The photos are okay in good lighting, however, they can grainy in dim light.

This model has a 3GB RAM space which is much needed for multitasking with zero glitches. It has an in-built 32GB memory which can be expanded up to 128GB with a MicroSD card slot. It is fueled by Android 9 Pie OS which is a smooth-running OS with valuable features.

The device has a 10.1-inch screen with an IPS display and G+G capacitive touch. It has an FHD resolution of 1920×1200px. The 16:20 aspect ratio gives you an immersive theater-like experience on a tablet screen. The picture quality is sharp, and the color contrast is impeccable too. You can also turn your entertainment laptop into your personal workstation with a detachable Bluetooth keyboard. However, it is not included in the price.

The tablet has a black durable plastic body with thick bezels. It measures 9.45×6.57×0.34 inches and weighs 2.3 pounds. It also has a USB Type-C port which is not usually seen at this price point. Furthermore, it has an in-built GPS system, and it supports dual 5G WiFi connections.

The Dragon Touch Max10’s battery lasts around for up to 10 hours. Overall, the tablet is a great budget-friendly buy for entertainment seekers, which can also be your personal work partner.

6. Best Chromebook: Asus Chromebook CT100

CPU	OP1 Hexa-core
RAM	4GB
Storage	32GB Flash Memory
Display	9.7-inch HD (2048×1536)
Battery	9 hours
Weight	1.1 pounds
OS	Chrome OS

Chromebooks have always excited their customers with power-packed performance and auto-backup capabilities with no extra software requirements. Will the Asus Chromebook CT100 live up to the mark? Let’s find out!

The tablet is powered by an ARM-based OP1 Hexa-core processor with dual-core Cortex-A72 and quad-core Cortex-A53 chipset. It has an ARM-based RockChip OP1 GPU processor for an enhanced gaming experience. This configuration makes your tablet ultra-fast.

The C100 model offers you a 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera which enables you to stay connected with your friends on the go. You can use the cameras to capture your assignments and study them on a large screen display.

This Chromebook has a 3GB DDR3 RAM space which is great for multitasking without any hassle. It also has a 32GB in-built memory which can be expanded with a MicroSD card slot.  Furthermore, the tablet is fueled by Chrome OS for a faster and smoother operating interface.

The device has a 9.7-inch screen with qxga HD display and a screen resolution of 2048×1536px. The picture quality is clear and it provides you a great real-time experience on a tablet screen.

Other than the great display, the tablet also offers a stylus pen that provides you with the power of effortless and natural writing. Now you can unleash your inner creative genius, with the Wacom EMR pen which is also battery-free!

The corners and edges of the tablet are protected by a rubber bump, and a 3D-textured finish to eliminate fingerprints and scratches. It can also pass the military-grade protection test so it’s great for people who are always on the go.

It measures 9.41×6.77×0.39 inches and weighs just 1.1 pounds.  The tablet also includes a USB Type-C port, an audio jack, and a MicroSD card slot. It offers wireless connectivity with 802.11 b/n/ac WiFi and Bluetooth connection.

Moreover, the battery will last you all day long for up to 9 hours. This budget-friendly Chromebook is designed primarily for students, and it sure passes the test!

7. Best for Kids: Lenovo Tab 4 Plus

CPU	64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon
RAM	2GB
Storage	16GB Flash Memory
Display	8.0-inch FHD (1920×1200)
Battery	20 hours
Weight	1.0 pounds
OS	Android 7.1 Nougat

Finding an affordable tablet that not only caters to your workflow needs, but also is a great entertainment package for your kids, can be quite daunting. But not anymore, because next on our list is Lenovo Tab 4 Plus.

Cheap tablets can often let you down with their system performance, but with the 64-bit Qualcomm  Snapdragon 625 chipset which clocks in at 2.0GHz. With the Integrated Qualcomm Adreno 506 processor you can live your gaming dream with your personal tablet.

The tablet features a 5MP front camera and an 8MP rear camera. The cameras are perfectly capable of clicking decent shots, and recording  FHD 1080p videos. However, I would still recommend you to use your smartphone camera as your first choice.

The tablet has a 2GB RAM DDR3. It is good enough for multitasking, but better options are available in the market at this price. It has a 16GB in-built memory which can be expanded with a MicroSD card slot. The tablet is fueled by the Android 7.1 Nougat OS with security fixes and the latest features.

You’ll have a gala time watching your favorite shows on Netflix with the 8-inch screen sporting a full HD display of 1920×1200 pixels. The color contrast and picture quality are impeccable, and you won’t be able to stop calling movie nights with your all-new Lenovo tablet.

The Lenovo Tab 4 Plus has rounded corners and a stylish black matte finish which you’ll absolutely love showing off. It measures 4.84×8.29×0.27 inches, and weighs just 1 pound! Mind blowingly awesome right? The tablet also sports a USB Type-C port, and an adapter along with it. It offers wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi.

This model has an unbelievable battery life of 20 hours that will keep you going all day long! It is a great purchase for students who are always on the run and are on the hunt for a great budget-friendly high-quality tablet.

The device is a spectacular tablet but if you want a cheaper version of the same, then you must try out the . This affordable tablet uses Snapdragon 425 which is an entry-level ARM-based CPU processor. It also boasts the Adreno 308 GPU chipset, which although being more outdated than the Adreno 506, is still able to support mid-range gaming.

The LCD display resolution for this one is only 800×1280 pixels. But, if portability is your top priority, then you should definitely go for the lighter Lenovo Tab 4 which weighs just 0.6 pounds.

8. Best Battery Life: Lenovo Yoga Tab 3

CPU	1.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon
RAM	2GB
Storage	16GB eMMC
Display	8-inch IPS Display (1280×800)
Battery	Up to 18 hours
Weight	1.03 pounds
OS	Android v5.1 Lollipop

Are you wondering whether top tech brands offer premium quality tablets at an affordable price? If yes, then let us present to you the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3.

The Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon APQ8009 processor which clocks in at a frequency of 1.3GHz, and integrated graphics for a blockbuster performance and enhanced gaming experience.

It boasts an 8MP rear camera which is perfect for clicking shots and recording videos. Lenovo’s 180-degree rotating camera is mind-blowing, and it eliminates the need of carrying around a low-quality camera for recording your favorite moments.

The tablet has a 2GB RAM space which is much needed for multitasking. It also has a 16 GB in-built memory which can be expanded up to 128GB with a MicroSD card slot. It operates on Android v5.1 Lollipop OS which provides an improved user interface.

The Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 has an 8-inch screen with an IPS display and screen resolution of 1280×800 pixels. The screen offers a great viewing experience at different angles and a bright screen display with vivid colors. The color contrast is impeccable, and the picture quality is accurate too. Our only issue is with its screen brightness being only 317 nits.

The device boasts a plastic build with a chunky look. It measures 8.26×5.74×0.13 inches and weighs just 1.04 pounds. It sports a Micro USB, MicroSD card slot, and an audio jack. The tab offers wireless connectivity with 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth version 4.0.

The Yoga Tab 3 has an unbelievable battery life of upto 18 hours. Overall, this Lenovo tablet offers you solid performance, and incredible battery life at a great asking price. The tablet also gets an added brownie point from us for featuring a mind-blowing 180-degree rotating camera.

9. Best with Fingerprint Sensor: Huawei+Harman Kardon MediaPad M3

CPU	Hlsilicon Kirin 950 Octa-Core
RAM	4GB
Storage	32GB eMMC
Display	8.4-inch IPS Display (2560×2160)
Battery	Up to 9 hours
Weight	0.7 pounds
OS	Android 6.0 Marshmallow+Huawei Emotion UI 4.1

Do you want the feel of an Apple iPad but in an android device? If yes, then the MediaPad M3 is perfect for you.

The MediaPad M3 is powered by Huawei’s own HISilicon Kirin 950 Octa-Core processor which shows a breezy performance with zero lags. It boasts a Mali-T880 MP4 which clocks in at 900 MHz and is great for an enhanced gaming experience, but it lags behind the Adreno series of GPU processors.

The tablet has 4GB RAM space for multitasking and has a 32GB in-built memory. You can also expand the storage with a MicroSD card slot. The tablet operates on Android 6.0 Marshmallow with an interesting interface and great usability.

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. So, you better stick to your smartphone or a professional camera for photography.

This model sports an 8.7-inch screen with an IPS display and a resolution of 2560×1600 resolution. It has a pixel density of 359 PPI which is at par with what smartphones have to offer. It’s definitely a shining star when it comes to displaying quality!

The MediaPad M3 also has a fingerprint sensor that response, accurately to a multitude of gestures. This feature enhances the overall operating experience and is only seen in premium range tablets.

The tablet feels comfortable in your hand and has chamfered edges with an aluminum body which gives it a stylish feel. It measures 8.5×0.3×4.9 inches and weighs just 0.7 pounds. It also has an audio jack, MicroSD card slot and a MicroUSB port for charging. The tab offers wireless connectivity with high-speed WiFi and Bluetooth. 

The tablet has an average battery life of 9 hours. Overall, the MediaPad M3 is a great addition to your daily life that will definitely make your everyday tasks easier, and more efficient.

10. Best Samsung Option: Samsung Galaxy Tab S2

CPU	Exynos Octa-Core 5433
RAM	4GB
Storage	32GB eMMC
Display	8.4-inch IPS Display (2560×1600)
Battery	Up to 12 hours
Weight	0.86 pounds
OS	Android 6.0 Marshmallow

If you’re on the lookout for a budget-friendly Samsung tablet which is great at multitasking, then the next contestant on our list Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 will definitely interest you.

The Tab S2 is powered by the Exynos octa-core 5433 processor which combines the power of one 1.9GHz quad-core processor with a 1.3GHz quad-core processor. It boasts the Adreno 510 GPU which is better than its predecessors, but still not at par with the android smartphones.

The tablet has an 8MP rear camera and a 2.1MP front camera. The rear camera clicks good enough shots in abundant lighting, but you might want to stay away from the front camera for video conferencing. Its 2.1MP front camera is rather noisy, and you should avoid it as much as possible.

The tablet has a 4GB RAM space which is good enough for efficient multitasking. It also has a 32GB in-built storage option which can be expanded by a MicroSD card slot. It is fueled by Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS, coupled with Samsung’s own user interface, which provides an amazing user interface.

This Galaxy tab has a super bright 8.4-inch AMOLED display with an HD resolution of 2048×1536 pixels. The picture quality is clear, and the colors on the screen are vivid. Furthermore, the tablet features a 4:3 aspect ratio which adds to the theater-like experience.

The device is definitely lighter and more stylish than its predecessors due to its metal and plastic built. It measures 9m33×6.65×0.22 inches and weighs just over 0.8 pounds. It has a headphone jack, a MicroUSB port, and a MicroSD card slot. The tablet offers wireless connectivity with 802.11 a/b/g WiFi and Bluetooth.

Samsung tablets don’t usually have a great battery life, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 definitely breaks the record. Its battery will last you for over 12 hours so you can do your work with zero battery interruptions. Overall, this model is a great budget-friendly tablet with a solid performance, and will definitely feel like you’re using a premium range tablet.

However, if you’re looking for a better bargain, then you must try out the Galaxy Tab 4. It is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 which balances power and performance. The Adreno 305 is an outdated processor compared to the Mali-T760 MP6 GPU chipset. So, you will only be able to enjoy low-range games. It is fueled by the Android 4.4 KitKat OS.

Furthermore, the 3MP rear camera doesn’t click the sharpest shots. It offers a 1.5GB RAM which doesn’t support multitasking, as well as the 3GB RAM of the Tab S2, does. The Galaxy Tab 4 offers a larger screen size of 10.1-inches but a lower screen resolution of only 800×1280 pixels. Moreover, the Galaxy Tab 4 is a slightly lighter model and weighs just 0.6 pounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Verdict

$300 budget for a tablet is neither too high nor too less, you can’t expect a device in this price range to run high-end games like Fortnite, PUBG, but you surely can perform most of your everyday tasks and even a few advanced tasks.

The key to purchasing the right device lies in figuring out your requirements before searching for options. Once you are clear about your needs, you just have to check if either of the above-listed options are good at handling them.

While we’ve tried to make sure that this list has the best-rated options only, we still could’ve missed a few options. In case you think there’s a tablet that’s worth being included in this list, comment below or contact us with details.