10 Best Tablets Under $300 – 2021

TOP PICK
Newest Dell Inspiron 3000 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop PC/Tablet, 11.6 LED-Backlit Touchscreen, 7th Gen AMD A6-9220e 2.5GHz Processor, 4GB DDR4, 32GB SSD, Bluetooth, WiFi, MaxxAudio, Windows 10
ASUS ZenPad 3S 10 9.7" (2048x1536), 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, 5MP Front / 8MP Rear Camera, Android 6.0, Tablet, Glacier Silver (Z500M-C1-SL)
Apple iPad Air 2, 16 GB, Space Gray (Renewed)
Huawei MediaPad M5 Pro Tablet with 10.8" 2.5D Display, Octa Core, Quick Charge, Quad Harman Kardon-Tuned Speakers, WiFi Only, 4GB+64GB, Champagne Gold (US Warranty)
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 128 GB Wifi Tablet Black (2019)
BLW's Score
95
93
93
92
91
MSRP
$399.77
Price not available
$136.00
$215.00
$499.99
Display
HD (1366 x 768)
9.7" 2K (2048 x 1536)
9.7" Retina (2048x1536 )
8.4" QHD (2560 x 1600)
10.1" WUXGA (1920x1200)
OS
Windows 10
Android 6.0 Marshmallow
iOS
Android 8.0 Oreo
Android 9 Pie
Processor
AMD A6-9220e
Mediatek MT8175 2.1 GHz
A8X 64 bit Chip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 1.4 GHz
Samsung 1.8 GHz
RAM
4GB
4GB
2GB
4GB
3GB
Storage
32GB
64GB
16GB
64GB
128GB
Graphics
Radeon R4
IMG GX6250 Graphics
M8 Motion Processor
Mali-G71
Samsung Integrated
Weight
3.2 pounds
0.95 lbs
1.03 pounds
0.7 pounds
0.25 pounds
Battery Capacity
3950 mAh
5900 mAh
8800 mAh
5100 mAh
7300 mAh
TOP PICK
Newest Dell Inspiron 3000 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop PC/Tablet, 11.6 LED-Backlit Touchscreen, 7th Gen AMD A6-9220e 2.5GHz Processor, 4GB DDR4, 32GB SSD, Bluetooth, WiFi, MaxxAudio, Windows 10
BLW's Score
95
MSRP
$399.77
More Information
Display
HD (1366 x 768)
OS
Windows 10
Processor
AMD A6-9220e
RAM
4GB
Storage
32GB
Graphics
Radeon R4
Weight
3.2 pounds
Battery Capacity
3950 mAh
ASUS ZenPad 3S 10 9.7" (2048x1536), 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, 5MP Front / 8MP Rear Camera, Android 6.0, Tablet, Glacier Silver (Z500M-C1-SL)
BLW's Score
93
MSRP
Price not available
More Information
Display
9.7" 2K (2048 x 1536)
OS
Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Processor
Mediatek MT8175 2.1 GHz
RAM
4GB
Storage
64GB
Graphics
IMG GX6250 Graphics
Weight
0.95 lbs
Battery Capacity
5900 mAh
Apple iPad Air 2, 16 GB, Space Gray (Renewed)
BLW's Score
93
MSRP
$136.00
More Information
Display
9.7" Retina (2048x1536 )
OS
iOS
Processor
A8X 64 bit Chip
RAM
2GB
Storage
16GB
Graphics
M8 Motion Processor
Weight
1.03 pounds
Battery Capacity
8800 mAh
Huawei MediaPad M5 Pro Tablet with 10.8" 2.5D Display, Octa Core, Quick Charge, Quad Harman Kardon-Tuned Speakers, WiFi Only, 4GB+64GB, Champagne Gold (US Warranty)
BLW's Score
92
MSRP
$215.00
More Information
Display
8.4" QHD (2560 x 1600)
OS
Android 8.0 Oreo
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 1.4 GHz
RAM
4GB
Storage
64GB
Graphics
Mali-G71
Weight
0.7 pounds
Battery Capacity
5100 mAh
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 128 GB Wifi Tablet Black (2019)
BLW's Score
91
MSRP
$499.99
More Information
Display
10.1" WUXGA (1920x1200)
OS
Android 9 Pie
Processor
Samsung 1.8 GHz
RAM
3GB
Storage
128GB
Graphics
Samsung Integrated
Weight
0.25 pounds
Battery Capacity
7300 mAh

Note: Our comparison table only shows our top 5 picks. You can find the other recommendations within this article.

There was a time when we would be more than happy to get a suspense novel on our birthday. But a decade and innumerable technological advancements hence, kids wouldn’t settle for anything less than the latest gadget babies or best tablets plying the market sphere.

And in case you are confused about what to gift your sister on her upcoming birthday then we have got it all sorted for you. Our today’s article on ten best tablets under 300 dollars is meant especially for those who wish to reap the benefits of optimum functionality without letting their wallets bleed.

A budget of 300 dollars can help you get your hands on a decent tablet having minimum 1 to 2 GB of RAM, 16 to 32 GB internal storage, 7 to 10-inch display, good camera quality, fast processor and unbridled connectivity in the form of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

10 Best Tablets under $300 - 2018

We have given a short description of each product by highlighting their main features so that it becomes easier for you to make the call. Apart from the design and software aspects which surely deserve utmost importance we have also conducted a thorough check up of generic customer reviews so that you derive complete benefit out of every single penny spent.

In case you are wary about getting the latest technical specifications in your 300$ model then be rest assured that massive improvements in the technological paradigm has made even the most distant possibilities seem like a beautiful reality.

Such tablets can keep you entertained on the go while making it a cakewalk to drift through your daily requirements. The daily upgrades happening in the spectrum of hardware and software are easily compatible with the functioning of these devices.

Our Top Picks for Best Tablets under $300

1. Dell Inspiron 3000 2-in-1

Dell Inspiron i3000 Review

Specs:

  • AMD A6-9220e 2.5GHz processor
  • 32GB SSD
  • 4GB RAM

Why settle for just a tablet when you can have a tablet and a very portable notebook computer, combined into one sleek device. If that sounds good to you, you’ll want to seriously consider the Dell Inspiron 3000.

Powered by 2.5GHz processor with 4GB RAM, a 7th generation AMD A6-9220e and 32GB of onboard storage the Inspiron 3000 makes sure that you can indulge in web surfing, video playback and hardcore gaming without having to experience those painfully long performance lags.

Its HD camera with two digital microphones makes sure that you can capture all those precious moments which life has in store through high-resolution photos having zero shutter delay.

Another benefit of the 2-in-1 design is that you don’t need to spend money on a stand, case or a bluetooth keyboard. The 360º hinge gives you a lot of flexibility in how you use the device.

Those benefits combined with the ultra-low budget price makes this a great choice for someone who wants portability, flexibility and doesn’t want to spend much.

However, be aware that for laptops, this is a relatively low-end machine.  You won’t be playing anything other than basic games, for example, but it should handle day-to-day computing tasks very well.

2. ASUS ZenPad 3S 10, Z500M Tablet

ASUS ZenPad 3S 1

Specs:

  • Mediatek MT8176 2.1 GHz processor
  • 32/64GB storage
  • 4GB RAM

The elegantly designed Z500M Tablet made of premium quality aluminium brings along the beautiful admixture of sleekness and strength. Its magnificent 9.7-inch 2K IPS display powered by VisualMaster technology, supports wide angle viewing of up to 178 degrees without missing its mark on the fine detailing part.

The stunning display gets beautifully complimented by a super thin bezel measuring just 0.21 inch. Such an engineering brilliance imparts a 78% screen-to-body ratio to the ASUS ZenPad 3S 10 which is the perfect base for curving out a visual extravaganza.

ASUS VisualMaster technology helps with fine tuning of hardware and software enhancements to optimize display quality and bring along realistic viewing experience. ASUS Tru2Life technology delivers optimum contrast which makes the images spring to life.

Its SonicMaster 3.0 technology helps the Z500M Tablet surpass its peers in terms of technological strides with enhanced quality, effect and volume. Immersive listening gets paved by its dual five-magnet speakers driven by NXP Smart AMP.

With the solid backing of 4GB RAM,  a super-fast hexa-core processor, and IMG GX6250 graphics, the ASUS ZenPad 3S 10 h can break all barriers while its 5900mAh battery helps the system maintain its juice for long hours. Its 8MP PixelMaster camera reveals the true beauty of pictures powered by the innovative pixel-merging technology.

3. Apple iPad Air 2

Apple iPad

Specs:

  • A8X processor
  • 16GB storage
  • 2GB RAM

Since its debut in 2010, the Apple iPad range has slowly evolved into the most “it” gadget of the millennium. This model beautifully balances out top-notch performance inside a premium metallic unibody design having elegantly chamfered edges.

Rather than stunning with its specializations on pen and paper the Apple warrior takes out its peers with much sass in the real world through superbly operating applications and games. Powered by A8X processor with 64-bit architecture.

Apple offering can handle multitasking like a pro. Whether it is video editing or hardcore gaming or running powerful applications, the iPad can suffice it all and much more without breaking any sweat.

Its 2Gb of RAM makes it easy to toggle between running applications without encountering any system downtime. Its 9.7 inch screen featuring Retina display technology helps with those long and strenuous hours in front of the machine without implicating any harm on your eyes.

Dual speakers located at the system base hits all the right chords to produce music which surely won’t give your ears any reason to complain. Its 16GB of onboard storage seems to be the only defect with the otherwise exceptional tablet but given the below 300 dollars price rage, this is one of the best in the price range.

4. Huawei MediaPad M5

Huawei m5 Tablet

Specs:

  • Kirin 960 processor
  • 64GB Storage
  • 4GB RAM

Huawei had always been in news for building too-good-to-be-true hardware and its MediaPad M3 stands true to its brand image with its aluminum and glass exterior with radiates a classy aura from every single edge.

Structurally engineered with a slightly curved back and flat sides, the M5 is easy to grip. Its side bezels are super-slim whereas the top and bottom ones are thick enough to house a fingerprint sensor and a 8 MP front facing camera.

The fingerprint sensor doubles up as a multipurpose home key thus enhancing the tablet’s security especially while fostering online transactions. Its 8.4-inch IPS display supporting maximum screen resolution of 2560×1600 paves the way for sharp picture quality which is perfect for watching graphic-rich contents and playing high end games.

The tablet display comes with an eye comfort mode that filters out the harmful blue light. The Huawei model creates an auditory sound stage by delivering a theatre like experience which is sure to mesmerize all audiophiles out there.

Sound engineering honchos AKG and Harman Kardon join hands with Huawei to bring along a complete joyride with its immersive audio-visual experience. Powered by 4GB RAM and HiSilicon Kirin 960 octa-core processor, the MediaPad can handle everything from 3D gaming to daily mobile tablet tasks in a hassle free manner.

5. Samsung Galaxy Tab A

Samsung Galaxy Tab A

Specs:

  • Exynos 1.8 GHz processor
  • 128GB Storage
  • 3GB RAM

Samsung never fails to bring something new to the table with every single product upgradation and new product launch. Its latest Galaxy Tab A also stays true to this innovation brigade with its wide basket of offering which has something for everyone starting from corporates like yourselves to your adolescent son back home.

Samsung’s Smart Switch options brings along a new era of file transfer at lightning fast speed from your old device to the new Samsung tablet. Struck with a boring official Skype call with the latest cricket match running on ESPN?

Well with the multitasking window of the Galaxy Tab, you can manage it all beautifully by opening both side by side.

Its Quick Connect feature aids in screen mirroring across a Samsung smart TV of 2015 and later batches so that you get to take the final call even with your wife cribbing over watching the latest gossip show which unfortunately clashes with the soccer final.

Its microSDTM card expands the system memory from 128GB to 512GB within an instant which is more than sufficient for storing a lifetime of memories. The vibrant 10.1 inch screen of the Samsung model can be your perfect entertainment hub with its life like and colour accurate graphics.

Its Exynos  chipset with 1.8GHz Octa-core processor boosts up the battery life to a solid thirteen hours irrespective of continuous Netflix streaming and gameplay.

6. Lenovo Tab 4 Plus

Lenovo Tab 4 Plus

Specs:

  • Qualcomm MSM8953 2.0 GHz processor
  • 64GB Storage
  • 4GB RAM

With more and more tablet manufacturing companies trying to benefit from the popularity of the Apple brand by tweaking a few things here and there without crossing the budget periphery, Lenovo Tab 4 Plus stands out with its individuality which has helped them create a dedicated user base for a long time now.

Its add on kids package with features such as blue-light screen filter, shock-resistant bumper and fun 3M stickers is sure to keep those little bugs hooked onto the screen while you proceed with the household chores.

Its jaw-dropping display spread across 10.1 inch brings out the brilliance in everything starting from intense gaming scenes to serene landscape pictures. The full HD screen featuring IPS LCD display supports maximum screen resolution of 1920×1200 pixels which makes the screen light up like a visual masterpiece.

The screen colour packs in a solid punch and the contrast also delights with its brilliance. The in-built finger print scanner can be used to bring back the system back from its sleep mode without typing in the system password. The tablet allows for using more than one user profiles each having their own space and social media account in the tablet. 

7. Apple iPad

Apple iPad mini 2

Specs:

  • Apple A5 processor
  • 32GB Storage
  • 9.7″ Retina Display

The Apple iPad brings along a revolutionary new design which gets full points in the functionality sphere without going overboard with the price tag. Rather than the boxy rectangular form of its predecessors, the iPad features much thinner bezels paving the path for a much more streamlined look.

Its featherlight structure makes it easy to grasp on tightly to the tablet’s aluminum casing. It is tough for naked eye to detect major changes in this model when compared to its predecessor but it is actually much more thick and heavy due to the significant additions in the form of a higher-resolution Retina display and larger battery.

The Retina Display feature of the Apple clan is very popular and this iPad delights customers with 3.1-million-pixel Retina display which reproduces color rich content.

Apple’s  A10 Fusion chip built on 64-bit desktop-class architecture having advanced quad-core graphics beats at the heart of this tablet.

Expect more than four times the processing throughput and eight times graphics power with the A10 chip compared to the traditional A5 ones. The iPad also increases the system memory which makes it more effective for multitasking.

8. Microsoft Surface 3 Tablet

Microsoft Surface 3 Tablet

Specs:

  • Atom x7-Z8700 1.6 GHz processor
  • 64GB Storage
  • 4GB RAM

This tablet coming straight out of Microsoft’s workshop both looks and feels like a standard modestly powered laptop. Rather than relying on Intel’s Core i-series CPUs, the Surface 3 tablet uses the latest version of Intel’s Atom CPU.

This new kid on the block previously known as Cherry Trail is blazing fast and can even play 4K video like a master. You are bound to sail smoothly across HD video streaming and casual web-surfing provided pre-loaded apps or Windows-optimized programs like Internet Explorer 11 are kept in the Windows 8 tile interface.

Its 10.8 inch Full HD widescreen display is surely one of the largest available in the market of below 300 dollar tablets. Weighing at 1.37 pounds this bulky baby packs in 4GB of RAM and the super powerful Quad-Core Intel Atom Processor under its hood.

Its SSD storage of 64GB can be expanded further through the microSD card slot. You can even establish easy connectivity with keyboard and USB mouse through its micro HDMI and USB 3.0 slots for eased out functionality. 

9. LG G Pad F

LG Electronics G Pad II 8-Inch Tablet

Specs:

  • Snapdragon Quad-Core 1.2 GHz processor
  • 16GB Storage
  • 1GB RAM

This LG G Pad F is a great option when you can’t rely only on WiFi to stay connected. The unlocked GSM feature means you can use it with any compatible cellular provider even when WiFi is not available. Being unlocked, you can use different providers when you travel. This can save significant amounts of money by eliminating roaming charges.

The 8″ tablet display has a resolution of 1280 x 800, which is not especially high resolution. However, it’s bright and clear. The IPS display can also be read at almost any angle.

The quad-core Snapdragon processor with 1GB of RAM provides good performance and the 16GB of built-in eMMC storage is sufficient. However, if that’s not enough you can extend the data storage capacity with a microSD memory card.

One somewhat unique feature of this table is the full-size USB port. This makes it easier to share data or stream videos from an external devices. It can also be used to connect an external keyboard.

These features and the 5MP (back) and 2MP (front) cameras make this a strong competitor in the under $300 price range. We highly recommend it if you need a device with GSM connectivity that’s not locked to a specific provider.

10. ASUS T102HA-C4-GR

ASUS T102HA-C4-GR Transformer Mini

Specs:

  • Intel Atom x5-Z8350 1.44 GHz
  • 64GB Storage
  • 4GB RAM

The Asus Transformer stands out as a valiant example of the proverb – pocket sized powerhouse. Its grey magnesium lid comes embedded with the company logo and features a pull-out kick stand which can be adjustable as per preference.

The front portion welcomes with a 10.1 inch display having maximum screen resolution of 1280×800 with a thick bezel running through its circumference. Given its super portability and ground breaking versatility, it merges as a top pick of the budget tablets list.

Perfect for those who are always on the go, it can last for one whole day to keep your entertainment quotient high powered by its 2-cell polymer batteries. The Transformer offers limited connectivity options in the form of a USB 3.0 port, headphone jack, a micro-USB port and a micro HDMI output slot in the left and a microSD card slot at the top.

Considering its small size, the dual speakers from Realtek Audio located on the tablet side pump up the beats real high to easily fill in a medium sized room. The deadly combination of 1.44-GHz Intel Atom x5-Z8350 CPU with Burst Technology up to 1.92 GHz, 128GB of flash storage and 4GB of RAM makes multitasking seem like child’s play. 

Conclusion

The below $300 market for tablets is getting all the more spiced up with each passing day as tech nerds keep on adding hard to resist options.

Sometimes even if you have the budget of availing the premium class ones it is advisable to settle for those promising to meet all your requirements even without crossing the pricing barrier.

So what are you waiting for, activate your online shopping cart or visit your nearest retailer to bring that shiny little thing home.

​Resources

Android Authority

Arm

Intel

​Wikipedia

About the Author Marcus

Marcus has a graduate degree in computer engineering and has many years of experience in cutting-edge technology research and development in both startups and Fortune 500 corporations. In his free time, he enjoys RTS gaming.

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