Buying guide for Best tablets under $200
It’s true that high-end tablets are usually fairly expensive, but you may be surprised to learn that you can buy a decent device for $200 or less. While these tablets aren’t designed for multitasking and productivity, they definitely have their uses.
Tablets in the $200-and-under range are geared toward fulfilling simple functions on the go. For instance, a more affordable tablet is the perfect choice for a dedicated portable Netflix player or for a device for reading online while traveling. They are also ideal for kids.
If you’re looking for an affordable and functional tablet, our guide outlines everything you need to consider before you buy.
Key considerations
Size
Your tablet’s size should be determined by how you intend to use it. For instance, you will want a smaller tablet if you prefer a lighter and slimmer device that will take up less space in your travel bag. On the other hand, a larger tablet is simply more fun to watch videos and play games on, and a bigger screen makes reading ebooks and browsing your favorite websites and social media easier on your eyes.
Screen resolution
Although full HD is the standard resolution for the average tablet, one of the ways that tablet manufacturers are able to cut costs below $200 is to incorporate a more mediocre screen resolution. If you plan on using your tablet primarily for watching videos or playing games, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than 1080p resolution.
On the other hand, if the tablet is going to be a simple ebook, web, and social media browsing device, a lesser resolution may not be a deal breaker for you.
Battery life
Since a tablet is designed for traveling, it is extremely important that you select a model that features a battery that will last all day. This means that you should not purchase a tablet with a battery life of less than eight hours. The good news is that there are still many tablets in the $200-and-under range that deliver between 10 and 12 hours of use between charges, so finding one with a good battery life shouldn’t be too difficult.
Features
Even the most affordable tablets should provide a decent screen resolution, give you a longer battery life between charges, and come in a convenient size, but those are just the basics of comparing tablets. Tablets also have several unique features that you should consider before you decide on the best device for you.
Operating system
In this price range, the vast majority of tablets will run some version of Android as the operating system. You may find the occasional Windows 10 tablet for $200 or less, but be wary of iPads in this price range. A tablet running iOS for under $200 is probably going to be a refurbished older model that is likely to underperform when compared to a brand-new tablet.
Storage
The more memory a tablet has, the more apps, videos, games, and other digital content you will be able to load onto your device at once. Keep an eye out for tablets with expandable memory as well, so you can have the option to insert a memory card to greatly increase your storage space if needed.
Apps
Perhaps the best thing about most budget tablets running Android is that this operating system is attached to the Google Play app store, which offers a gigantic assortment of free and premium apps.
Note that the Microsoft Store available on tablets running Windows 10 features fewer apps than Google Play, but there is still a huge variety of quality apps on this platform.
Tablet prices
Prices for budget tablets under $200 vary widely, but if $200 is your limit, do yourself a favor by planning to pay around that mark for the best tablet available within your budget.
You may find tablets for $100 or less, but the cheaper you go, the more tablet manufacturers cut corners with less memory, lower resolutions, and fewer bonus features overall.
If the tablet does not meet or surpass your needs, you probably won’t be pleased with your purchase in the long run.
Tips
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If you’re primarily interested in using a tablet to read ebooks, consider buying a dedicated e-reader instead. An e-reader may not have the expanded features that a tablet does, but you can buy a great model for $50 or less.
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We recommend setting up a dedicated kids’ mode app before handing your tablet over to your child, especially since mature content may slip through the cracks on popular video apps like YouTube.
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We suggest creating several profiles since you might need to quickly sign out and share your tablet with friends or family.
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Whether you connect to the internet via WiFi or your cellular carrier, we strongly suggest buying a tablet capable of connecting to WiFi either way.
FAQ
Q. Are tablets under $200 good for playing games?
A. That depends on the sorts of games you want to play. Most tablets offered for less than $200 will be able to play simple games like Candy Crush Soda Saga, Pokémon Go, and Plants vs. Zombies without any problems. But don’t be surprised if larger and more processor-intensive video games like LEGO Star Wars or Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee lag, stutter, or aren’t playable at all on a budget tablet.
Q. How do I find a tablet under $200 that’s good for kids?
A. An affordable tablet is an excellent way for children to play simple games, stream family-friendly videos, and learn with educational apps. If you’re hunting for a tablet worthy of your kid, think about size, durability, and parental controls.
A smaller tablet is easier for smaller hands to firmly grip and carry the device. A tablet that offers the protection of a durable drop-proof case is a must-have for younger children. For kids using a device with access to the web, parental controls are essential. Not only will this feature exclusively allow content suitable for your child’s age range, but with superior parental control options, you can track your child’s usage and set strict time limits.
Q. How much memory should my tablet have?
A. Although we consider tablets with 8GB to 16GB of memory to be on the low side, it won’t matter too much to light users who intend to use their budget tablets primarily as e-readers or web-browsing devices.
