Best Tablets Under $500
Looking for a high-quality tablet and don’t want to break the bank? We’ve rounded up the best tablets under $500 that offer impressive performance, with large and small displays, and versatile features. Whether you need a tablet for work, entertainment, or creativity, these affordable options deliver great value and functionality, proving you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a premium experience.
List Of The 6 Best Tablets Under $500 in 2024
| Top Tablets | Rank |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 | Best Overall 🥇 |
| Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro | Runner Up 🥈 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Best Battery Life 🥉 |
| Apple iPad (10th gen) | Best Value 🎖️ |
| Google Pixel Tablet | Best Speakers 🎖️ |
| Apple iPad Mini (6th gen) | Smallest 🎖️ |
Best Overall
- High-Performance Display
- Powerful Processor
- S Pen Included
- DeX Mode
- Older Model
- No AMOLED Display
- Limited Internal Storage
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android OS |
| Screen Size | 11-inch (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels (~274 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB |
| RAM | 8GB, 12GB |
| Main Camera | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) |
| Battery | Li-Po 8000 mAh, Last up to 9 hours |
| Colors | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Released | 2022, Feb |
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is a high-performance tablet that delivers premium features at a more affordable price point, now that it’s an older model. Released in 2022, it offers top-tier specs like an 11-inch 120Hz display, the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, and support for 5G connectivity (in the 5G model). With its S Pen stylus, quad stereo speakers, and DeX mode for a desktop-like experience, this tablet is a versatile device for productivity, creativity, and entertainment. While newer Galaxy Tab S9 models are available, the Tab S8 remains a strong option for those seeking a high-end tablet under $500. Its lower price due to its age makes it a bargain for anyone looking for flagship-level performance without paying top dollar, and it continues to receive software updates.
With its 8,000mAh battery and 45W fast charging, the Galaxy Tab S8 is ideal for streaming, gaming, multitasking, or drawing, whether at home or on the go. Its slim and lightweight build, combined with Android 12 (upgradable to newer versions), makes it a future-proof choice for work and play.
Runner Up
- Stunning 12.4″ display
- Powerful chipset
- Exceptional camera system
- Long battery life and fast charging
- No cellular connectivity
- Heavier build
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android OS |
| Screen Size | 12.4-inch (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 2032 x 3048 pixels (~295 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| RAM | 8GB, 12GB, 16GB |
| Main Camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| Selfie Camera | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Battery | Li-Po 10000 mAh, Last up to 14 hours |
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green |
| Released | 2024, Feb |
The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro is a powerhouse tablet that stands out in the $500 price range. With its premium build featuring Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and a sleek aluminum frame, it combines durability with elegance. The 12.4-inch IPS LCD display supports 68 billion colors, 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10, and Dolby Vision, making it perfect for media consumption and productivity tasks as well. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, it delivers lightning-fast performance, whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or handling professional workloads. The standout feature is its impressive camera system—rare in tablets—boasting a 50 MP main camera capable of 4K video and a 32 MP front camera, perfect for crystal-clear video calls and selfies.
While it lacks cellular connectivity, its robust Wi-Fi 6 and 7 support ensure ultra-fast internet speeds. The inclusion of a massive 10,000 mAh battery with 120W wired fast charging means you won’t be tethered to an outlet for long, with full charges taking just 35 minutes. For the price it offers incredible value. Xiaomi is a bit less known brand as Apple or Samsung, but it won’t let you down.
Best Battery Life
- Large 12.4-inch display with 90Hz refresh rate
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- 5g connectivity
- Stylus support included, great for creativity and productivity tasks.
- IPS LCD panel
- Slower USB Type-C 2.0
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android OS |
| Screen Size | 12.4-inch (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels (~243 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB |
| RAM | 6GB, 8GB, 12GB |
| Main Camera | 8 MP, (wide + ultrawide) |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Battery | Li-Po 10090 mAh, Last up to 18 hours |
| Colors | Mint, Silver, Gray, Lavender |
| Released | 2023, October |
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a versatile tablet that delivers excellent value in the $500 price range, making it a great option for both productivity and entertainment. Its 12.4-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate offers smooth visuals, and the aluminum build gives it a premium feel, further enhanced by IP68 water and dust resistance—rare in tablets. Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset and running Android 13 with One UI 6, the tablet offers solid performance for everyday tasks like multitasking, note-taking, and media consumption. The inclusion of a stylus and microSD support for expanded storage adds significant versatility, making it ideal for students, professionals, and creative users alike.
Compared to other tablets in this price bracket, such as the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ stands out with its support for 5G connectivity and water resistance, making it more suitable for those who need a tablet for on-the-go usage in various environments. The large 10,090 mAh battery ensures all-day usage(it can last up to 18 hours!), while the dual 8 MP cameras and 12 MP ultrawide front camera make it a solid option for video calls, photography, and casual video recording. Use cases for the Tab S9 FE+ range from taking notes and sketching with the stylus to streaming movies, gaming, or working on the go with its robust 5G support. The big-screen and 90Hz refresh rate and incredible battery life make it one of the best tablets for movies. It offers a lot of value considering the price.
Best Value For Money
- iPadOS updates offer long-term software support
- Good Display
- Lightweight, sleek aluminum design makes it portable.
- Multiple Colors
- Base model only has 64GB of storage with no expandable memory option.
- Lacks advanced display features like ProMotion or OLED.
- Non-Laminated Display
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | iPad OS |
| Screen Size | 10.9-inch (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Main Camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) |
| Battery | Li-Po 7606 mAh, Last up to 10 hours |
| Colors | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow |
| Released | 2022, October |
The Apple iPad 10th Gen is a solid mid-range tablet that offers great performance and versatility for its price point, making it one of the best tablets available under $500. Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, the same one used in the iPhone 12, this tablet can handle a variety of tasks like browsing, media consumption, and even light gaming or creative work. It features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with sharp resolution, offering vivid colors and clear visuals, perfect for watching videos or working on documents. With iPadOS 16.1, upgradable to iPadOS 18, you get access to a smooth user experience and long-term software support.
For users who value design and portability, the iPad 10th Gen is built with a sleek aluminum body, weighing just over 477g, and its slim profile makes it comfortable to carry. However, there are some limitations. It only supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil USB-C, which feels a bit dated compared to newer stylus options, and the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack may be inconvenient for those who still prefer wired headphones. Additionally, the base model with 64GB storage might feel limiting if you plan to store a lot of media or apps, and there’s no microSD expansion. Despite these downsides, the iPad 10th Gen is an excellent choice for students, casual users, and professionals looking for a reliable tablet without splurging on higher-end models.
Best Speakers
- Charging speaker dock enhances its versatility as a smart home hub.
- Good for Google ecosystem integration (smart home, apps, etc.).
- No cellular connectivity, limiting usage on the go.
- No support for GPS, NFC, or radio.
- The 15W charging is relatively slow compared to other devices.
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android OS |
| Screen Size | 10.95-inch (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels (~276 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Main Camera | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide) |
| Selfie Camera | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide) |
| Battery | Li-Po 7020 mAh, Last up to 12 hours |
| Colors | Porcelain, Hazel, Rose |
| Released | 2023, May |
The Google Pixel Tablet, released in 2023, is a versatile Android tablet from Google that balances performance and affordability, making it a strong contender for those looking for a tablet under 500 dollars. It’s powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chipset, providing solid performance for everyday tasks such as browsing, streaming, and light multitasking. The 10.95-inch IPS LCD display offers a crisp and clear viewing experience, ideal for watching videos or casual use. One of its biggest selling points is its integration with Google’s ecosystem and the inclusion of a charging speaker dock, which enhances its role as a smart home hub, making it a great choice for families or casual users who want a tablet that doubles as a smart display.
While it performs well for general use, the Google Pixel Tablet lacks cellular connectivity and doesn’t support features like GPS or NFC, which could be a drawback for users looking for more advanced functionality. Its 8MP cameras are sufficient for video calls but not impressive for photography. This tablet is ideal for families, casual users, or anyone heavily invested in Google services. However, it may not be the best choice for power users or those looking for a tablet with high-end camera or gaming capabilities.
Smallest
- Compact size makes it extremely portable.
- Powerful A15 Bionic chip ensures smooth performance.
- Supports the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil for creative and productivity tasks.
- 64GB base model may not be enough for users with large storage needs.
- Small screen size may not be ideal for all productivity tasks.
- Higher price compared to other compact tablets in its class.
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | iPad OS |
| Screen Size | 8.3-inch (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1488 x 2266 pixels (~327 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Main Camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) |
| Battery | Li-Po 6000 mAh, Last up to 10-hours |
| Colors | Space Gray, Pink, Purple, Starlight |
| Released | 2021, Sep |
The Apple iPad Mini (6th Gen) is a powerful and compact tablet, making it an excellent choice for those seeking portability without sacrificing performance. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, it delivers impressive speed and responsiveness, perfect for tasks like gaming, reading, note-taking, or light content creation. Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display is sharp and vibrant, making it ideal for media consumption and productivity on the go. It’s one of the best 8-inch tablets available till the date. It’s stylus support with the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil enhances its functionality, allowing users to sketch, take notes, or annotate documents with ease.
Despite its compact size, there are some limitations. The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack might be inconvenient for users who still prefer wired headphones, and the 64GB base model can feel restrictive if you’re storing large files or apps. Additionally, while its size makes it highly portable, it may not be the best choice for those who prefer larger screens for productivity or multimedia use. The iPad Mini (6th Gen) is perfect for students, travelers, or professionals looking for a portable yet powerful device.
Comparing the Best $500 Tablets
| Tablet | OS | Size | Resolution | Max Storage | Max Battery | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 | Android OS | 11-inches | 1600 x 2560 | 256GB | ~9h | ★★★★★ |
| Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro | Android OS | 12.4-inches | 2032 x 3048 | 1TB | ~14h | ★★★★★ |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Android OS | 12.4-inches | 1600 x 2560 | 256GB | ~18h! | ★★★★☆ |
| Apple iPad (10th gen) | iPad OS | 10.9-inches | 1640 x 2360 | 256GB | ~10h | ★★★★☆ |
| Google Pixel Tablet | Android OS | 10.95-inches | 1600 x 2560 | 256GB | ~12h | ★★★★☆ |
| Apple iPad Mini (6th gen) | iPad OS | 8.3-inches | 1488 x 2266 | 256GB | ~10h | ★★★★☆ |
What To Expect From These Tablets?
A tablet in this price($400-499) range offers a solid mix of features without breaking the bank, they are for people that are looking for high-end device, but don’t require heavy processing power.
- Display: Typically around 10-12 inches with Full HD resolution, great for streaming and general use.
- Performance: Equipped with mid-range processors and 3-8GB of RAM, enough for everyday tasks and light multitasking.
- Battery Life: Expect around 8-10 hours of use on a single charge.
- Storage: 64GB-128GB, often with microSD card support for expansion.
- Build Quality: Durable with metal or high-quality plastic, though not as sleek as premium models.
- Camera: Basic, with 8MP-12MP rear and 5MP-7MP front cameras, good enough for casual use and video calls.
- Software: Runs either Android or iPadOS depending on the model.
- Extra Features: Some offer stylus and keyboard support, though usually sold separately, except for Samsung, which have Stylus pens included in price.
In summary, you’ll get a well-rounded tablet perfect for media, browsing, reading, note-taking and light productivity, but it won’t have the high-end features of pricier models.
What You Might Miss Out On
- Top-tier cameras or premium display tech (e.g., OLED, HDR10+).
- Flagship-level processors or more than 128GB storage in base models.
- Advanced multitasking features (found in premium iPad Pros, Galaxy Tab S8, etc.).
How We Tested
When reviewing these tablets, we carefully considered several key factors to ensure we have listed the best possible tablets in this price range:
- Price: We we made sure these tablets are under $500.
- Size: We looked at portability and screen size to find the ideal balance for different needs.
- Operating System: We assessed the strengths and limitations of Android and iPadOS.
- Resolution: Screen clarity and display quality were important in evaluating the user experience.
- Storage & RAM: We checked whether the tablets offer enough storage and memory for multitasking and apps.
- Brand: We reviewed the reliability and reputation of each brand.
- Support Time: We considered how long the device will receive software updates and security updates.
- Accessories: We checked compatibility with accessories like styluses and keyboards.
- Cameras: We evaluated the camera quality for both casual use and video calls.
- Extra Features: We also considered other features like battery life, speakers, and connectivity options.
When Is It Worth Spending More Than $500 On a Tablet?
It’s worth spending more than $500 on a tablet if you need top-tier performance, advanced features, or plan to use the device for professional work – creative tasks, photo editing, data processing. Premium tablets often come with faster processors, more RAM, and better multitasking capabilities, making them ideal for tasks like video editing, graphic design, or gaming. Additionally, high-end tablets typically offer superior displays (like OLED with higher resolutions), better cameras, and longer support for software updates.
If you’re looking for a device that can replace a laptop or handle more intensive workloads, a pricier tablet may be worth the investment. You’ll also get access to features like advanced stylus support, keyboard attachments, and better integration with ecosystems like Apple’s iPad Pro line or Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S series. For casual use, though, a tablet under $500 is sufficient for most.
Other Alternatives
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Well, perhaps you should try different price range.
Cheaper Alternatives
$500 is a lot of money for a tablet if you plan to use it only casually. Here are some more affordable tablets like Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) that’s one of the best tablets under $300. And OnePlus Pad (1st gen) that you can also get under 300 dollars.
More Premium Alternatives
If you are willing to pay a little more than $500, the selection widers. You can look at Apple iPad Air, Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series, OnePlus Pad 2, etc.
FAQ’s
Yes, Apple offers two iPad models under $500. The iPad (10th Gen) and iPad Mini (6th Gen).
Some tablets in this price range come with stylus support or include a stylus in the box. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ comes with the S Pen, while the iPad supports the Apple Pencil, though the pencil is sold separately.
Yes, most tablets in this price range, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ and iPad (10th Gen), have high-quality displays and decent speakers, making them great for watching movies and streaming content. You’ll get a sharp, clear picture and good sound quality for entertainment purposes.
