Best Entry Level Tablets for First Time Owners

So you're thinking about getting your first tablet? Awesome! Whether it's for binge-watching shows, taking notes in class, or just browsing the web without pulling out your phone every five minutes — an entry-level tablet can be a total game-changer. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one without overspending?

Luckily, I’ve tested and compared the top budget-friendly tablets over the past year — from Amazon’s ever-popular Fire series to Lenovo’s underrated M10 lineup. My goal? Help first-time owners find the best value without sacrificing performance.

What Makes a Great Entry-Level Tablet?

You don’t need flagship specs to get real use out of a tablet. But there are a few non-negotiables: decent battery life (at least 8 hours), smooth multitasking, and access to major apps like Netflix, Zoom, and Google Classroom. Most importantly — it should feel responsive, not sluggish.

After hands-on testing and analyzing user reviews from over 5,000 customers (via Consumer Reports and Amazon ratings), here are the top picks in 2024:

The Verdict: Who Should Buy What?

If you’re all about entertainment and want something simple for the whole family, the Amazon Fire HD 10 is still king. At $99.99, it offers the longest battery life and tight integration with Prime Video and Kindle. Just know that its Fire OS limits app availability compared to full Android or iPadOS.

For students or parents looking for a learning companion, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus stands out. It runs clean Android, supports Google Play, and comes with optional stylus support — perfect for note-taking. Plus, its speakers are surprisingly loud.

And yes, the base iPad is expensive for “entry-level,” but if you plan to keep your tablet for 5+ years (and care about software updates), Apple’s ecosystem wins long-term.

Bottom line? You don’t need to spend big to get great. Focus on how you’ll actually use it — not the brand name.