- HubPages»
- Technology
Best Tablets under $200 (2014 Update)
Best Tablets under $200: Android and Other Tablets
Prices on tablets have recently dropped quite a bit, and now you can buy a tablet for under $200 that works quite well. So if your buying price point is at or below 200 dollars, now might be just the right time to buy.
These tablets are a great way to surf the web, play games, watch videos, listen to music, read books, and more. I've selected these tablets based on features and customer reviews.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4
This tablet is currently one of the best choices for both adults and kids. As I write this, it has over 600 reviews and a 4.5 star rating. It has all of the features you'd expect and then more. These include:
Kids Mode
IR blaster (universal remote control)
microSD slot for adding memory
Android 4.4 Kit Kat OS
1.2 GHz quad-core processor
WXGA Display (1280x800 Resolution)
Two Cameras
I have a special place in my heart for Samsung. I know that sounds funny, but I find their Galaxy phones to be easy to use and my husband has a Samsung tablet that he also uses all of the time. One thing about Samsung is that they write their own software so their tablets have the Android operating system and then the Samsung enhancements over the top. Some people call this bloatware, but most of the time I find that their software actually offers genuine improvements to Android. In any case, their tablets consistently get high reviews and they tend to be reliable.
Also, Samsung makes deals with other companies so you often get free trials with their phones and tablets. This one says "Enjoy hundreds of dollars of premium apps and services and 50GB Dropbox space for 2 years" Having all that Dropbox space has proven useful for myself.
Kindle Fire HDX 7"
This is a tablet designed for HD video. The 7" screen has a resolution of 1920x1200, which is a pixel density of 323. That's more resolution than most other tablets in the same price range. Plus, it has dual speakers with Dolby Audio, so that you can experience good movie sound too. The fast quad core processor and the dual band antenna help to create a smooth experience all of the time.
It's great for novices because of its "Mayday" button. Maybe you've heard about it? If not, just know that you get fast customer service when you press it. The tech support agent can see your screen and walk you through how to do things. They can draw on your screen to show you exactly what to do. I can't tell you how many times I've been on the phone with someone who's having computer problems and they try to describe their screen to me... It just doesn't work out well.
Amazon has a huge selection of movies, books, and games that you can enjoy on your Kindle Fire HDX. Many movies and TV shows are included with Prime. For an extended kids selection, you can get unlimited Kindle FreeTime for just $2.99/month. It has parental controls and thousands of educational titles. Now there's even a Kids Edition Kindle Fire HD that comes with a protective case and a 2 year worry free guarantee. If it gets broken, Amazon replaces it for free.
Lenovo 8" Android Tablet
An extra inch of screen real estate makes the tablet feel significantly bigger. This Lenova tablet boasts a quad-core processor, long battery life, and a thin profile. It has front and back cameras, GPS, and a micro SD card slot.
Dell Venue 7" Android Tablet
This tablet has the same resolution screen as the Kindle Fire 7" HD and double the amound of RAM. That means it might be faster! It also has a Micro-SD card reader, so you can add a card for more storage. The processor is an Intel® Atom processor Z2560 (up to 2.0GHz Dual-Core). All in all, this had good specifications and only costs a little over $100 currently.
Microsoft Surface RT 32GB
Microsoft has really been discounting their tablets lately. If you prefer the Windows interface, you may want to keep an eye on the prices of their tablets.
That's All I Recommend
Because I want you to have a frustration-free experience!
I used to recommend other tablets on this page, but I've since removed them because of negative reviews. Too many tablets have issues... Tablets that freeze up, tablets with short battery life, tablets that work sometimes.... I don't want a tablet that works sometimes, and I'm sure you don't either.
A tablet should work all of the time. It should be about fun... Sitting back on the couch and relaxing. If a tablet can't tell where on the screen you touched and you end up hitting the back button because of mistakes, it's just not worth it.
Watch Out for Fake Reviews
When reading Amazon reviews, look to see if it says "Amazon Verified Purchase."
Also, if a review is very vague it might be fake. Look at the reviewer's profile to see if it looks suspicious.
Don't Miss.... - More Articles I Wrote
- Cheap Tablet Buying Guide
Tips on how to find the best deal on a tablet. Information about tablet features and bestselling tablets. - Is the Kindle Fire Right for You? About Amazon's New Tablet
Learn the pros and cons on Amazon's New Tablet. - Best Tablets under $100
Yes, there really are tablets that cheap! Check out these deals. Find tablets for sale that are under $100. Links to current Amazon products and Ebay auctions. - Best Tablets under $300
Android tablets and other tablets in the $200-$300 price range. These have 7"-10" touch screens, wifi, bluetooth, HD camera and camcorder, dual core processors, and many other features. - 5 Inch Tablets - Phone / Tablet Hybrids (Phablets)
This intermediate size tablet/phone combo is becoming popular! Samsung Galaxy Note was one of the first "phablets" to be made, but now more are coming out in 2012. These phablets usually have a pen-like stylus for handwriting on the tablet. Sometim - Tablets with Replaceable Batteries
Here are some tablets with user replaceable batteries (a rare feature!) and please participate in the debate about whether tablet batteries should be easily replaceable by the consumer.
There are actually a lot of tablets under $200. The ones on this page that are are all branded tablets, that is tablets from a company that's well known. You can also buy tablets that have no brand name or have an obscure brand name. However, if I'm going to spend $100-$200 on a tablet, I'd like to have good customer support, which is something you might not get with a no-name tablet.
I tried to pick out tablets that had good customer reviews and a good set of features for the price. However, I'd love to know if there's a tablet that you think I missed.
HTML Links are removed from comments.
Do you have any opinions on the best cheap tablet? - Let me know what you think.
Cheap, yes, under $100, under $200, It is good for your life.
Just searching for one to buy. Thanks for the info
Lots to learn before I get one for my husband.
My son loves his Google Nexus7 tablet and I live my Kindle Fire.
Thanks for drawing my attention to the fake reviews.
I'm a fan of Samsung products! I would like to have the Galaxy Tab2! The display looks great!
forgot acer iconia a 110 which is now at 175$ and is a quad core that is near to nexus performance except for the screen
I didn't find iPad, kind of weird firstly. Later keep an eye on title, under $200, hah
Nice pick!
I'm trying to find the best tablet for me to study with as I am also a full time worker I have to do slot of my work on my lunch breaks and need something that would be suitable for a uni student but that is also reasonably priced if any of u have suggestions please let me know ... I'm not very tech savvy and need help! :s thanks
I'm still gathering information on which to buy.....nice lens with good comparisons....
good ideas.
The best tablet is Blackberry Playbook 7, it is elegant and full feature
good compare ...
but some products are old version and comparing with different OS.
I preffered using android with min ROM for 1 GB and resolution 1024.
Any branded is ok.
I like the idea that you updated it, great idea
I personally love my Samsung Galaxy and thought this lens was informative.
Great list...i really like the Samsung Galaxy... In fact i am posting this comment on one :-)
I think Acer's tablet is best among all of these. Performance is far better than all of the other tablets.
Thank you for sharing this great list! I am about to buy tablets for my kids
Opps I missed the Under $200 bit in the title! LOL Disregard my last message! HA!
Can't forget the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 which is a awesome tablet too!
Great lens! I love the Nexus 7.
Great and very informative lens. I loved the way you put all the information and illustrations. It was interesting to read. Thank you.
I love Samsung stuff too. Great lens
Great lens. Google Nexus 7 fan and user over here.
nice lens thanks
Love the lens.
Good information Lens, thanks a lot!
Great Lens.. :D i like it
Thanks for the great comparison. You sold me on the Samsung. Unfortunately, they're sold out..
Great lens! Really helpful for those who can't afford to dish out high amounts for laptops!
- Author
@srikanth545: Here's a great article about how to make money on Squidoo: https://hubpages.com/community/squidtips
great.......... manage to buy one after earning from here... how can i earn
Google nexus is the best by far
Thanks for the review. I'm thinking about a tablet for my son this Xmas - but he wasn't too impressed with the Kindle Fire. Good to know the other options out there.
- Author
@anonymous: I recommend Kindle Fire HD or Google Nexus 7.
I am looking for a tablet with good memory, easy daily planner, video, and books. WiFi capability would also be good. somewhere around $200? thanks.
I certainly wouldn't mind getting one of these! Thanks for sharing!
Wow -- love this lens! I am fascinated by tablets...my sisters have the Playbook. I'm a Kindle creature. But it is great to see what I might be missing. I want one with a camera and Netflix capabilities and access to great books. This is great reading here.
Neatly packaged lens. Buying a tablet actually depends on it's functionality. if I'm going to spend $200 and cannot get a feature i desire, i better go for something priced higher.
Cool page with good information on Tablets.
nexus 7 of course!! i'd really like to have one. kudos to this lens for sharing a great deal of tablets!!
@jonnyquarts: nexus 7 even after the release of ipad mini. time to shine for android device!
definitely the nexus 7 is the best one here. but let's wait for the ipad mini, maybe it can get under 200 as well
- Author
@anonymous: Here's a list of American Sign Language apps for Android tablets:
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=asl&...
Those apps should work on the Nexus 7 as well as most of the other newer Android tablets.
If you know how to transfer the pictures to the computer, then it's just as easy to transfer from the computer to the tablet. Once you connect the tablet to the computer, you just drag and drop to put them on the tablet.
@anonymous: That might would be better, Terrie. No matter what tablet you decide on, I would strongly recommend that you get an Otter Box case for it. Those cases are expensive, but with your tablet in an Otter Box, it has a MUCH greater chance of surviving drops. Otterbox cases have even been known to keep devices that have been dropped out of a car window intact.
@anonymous: Thank you, RBENL99, but I had someone suggest the Nexus 7 , what does anybody think; really don't have the monies to put out for an iPad and just in case she drops it I would rather it be a little less expensive till we see if this is a good fit, thank you
@anonymous: i don't know if you could download pictures directly from your camera on a cheaper tablet. The iPad has a memory card reader and a tool that lets you download you pictures with a usb cable. This tool and the memory card reader can be purchased from Apple's website.There are several signing apps available on the iPad as well.
was thinking to purchase one tablet for my reading and extra entertainment.. thanks for helping me by this lens.. now i have to just compare few and get the best one from them :)
Does anyone know which tablet would be good for special needs adult where I could put signing apps on and also pictures from her camera on an not teck savvy have virgin mobile wifi thank you terrie
O, thanks. Need one new one..
I like Acer Iconia 7" Tablet!
the tablets are really at affordable prices thanks for the useful imformation
Samsung is the best, great lens
super lens
Thank you! I've been looking to buy a tablet for awhile...this is a great start :-).
Nice. Very in depth.
@anonymous: They just came out with the Kindle Fire HD. It has a front-facing camera for skype video calls, and it also has 16 gibabytes of storage in stead of 8. The best part is that they kept the price at $199.
now this is some solid stuff and I have to agree with you Samsung is the real deal here :) Great Lens
I think the Nexus 7 is the best, can't wait till it comes to Lithuania :) I will buy it 100%
That samsung galaxy tablet looks nice... nice lens too!
This lens is very relevant to my girl's interests... haha. Great lens :)
Nice lens, thanks
Good lens; I was looking at the iPad but might reconsider now...x
great lens, nice selection
nice collection.....
love it....
- Author
@robotr73: I'm not sure I understand... Are you thinking of using an FTP program on a tablet to upload to a website?
How about a question? I'd like a tablet where I could load up a whole bunch of jpg graphics and pages I've banged out, so I can sneak away at lunch for a bit (even just to my car) and upload a few pages. What would people recommend for that?
This is a great list. I'm stoked to try out the Google Nexus 7.
I wish they could make a Kindle Fire with camera for less than 200 dollars.
I want iPad using Windows OS. :))
- Author
@IMKZRNU2: Me too! I wonder if it will cause Amazon to drop the price on their Kindle Fire... I also wonder which media store - Amazon or Google Play - will end up being the best one to buy from.
I am excited for Google's Nexus 7!
These are look pretty decent for the price, but for me, it's worth spending the extra cash on the iPad 3.
Cool info. Nioce Lens!
sweet collection you have put together here man. thumbs up!
Nice collection ! Thanks for sharing.
yes, i love the samsung too. it may be a bit more ex, but worth it
Great tips! I want an iPad 9 (those WILL be very cool in five years!!!)
Great info Lens, thanks!
Low price. Thanks for this lens
I haven't tried any, except for the playbook, which I really like.
Not a bad price for what you get.
Hmm...opazam, da me je tehnoloski razvoj popolnoma prehitel :)
Anyway, good and informative lens!
Vabim tudi v FB skupino Squidoo Slovenia!
Tam zbiramo svoje vtise in ideje uporabniki iz SLO. Pa lajkamo drug drugemu lece in podobno...
Good advice on looking at the reviews on Amazon.
Very good lens. I'm about to be on the market to buy a tablet and this lens is very helpful! I'm going to save this lens.
Really Good Lens . . . . nuff said.
excellent detailing for tablets, very useful for making final decision
I just have a regular kindle keyboard, not very great. I am looking forward to getting one of those samsung galaxies or the blackberry playbook ASAP. Thank you so much for creating this great lens.
I have a Kindle and I love it. I have a netbook which I find more useful than the tablet but now that some tablets have keyboards and other features I like, I may just go for it.
I always think that cheap tablets only come from non branded, thank for the great information on cheap tablet.
I have a Kindle Fire and I LOVE it!
Great Lens, i didn't know there were some as cheap as this ones, i want one.
Haha - I couldn't help but consider the irony of purchasing a Nook through Amazon... Anyway, nice lens with comparisons!
I didn't know you could even buy a tablet under $200.00, let alone $100.00. Thanks for letting us know.
Like the Blackberry Playbook. Good prices right now. I'm sold on it if it gets Android apps.
The new Galaxy Note is a great phone/tablet for travelling! Thanks for all of this information. This is a great article that seems to be updated frequently with the latest information about tablets.
Cool, thanks for the info
Gave you your 100th like! Congrats!
Great source for info on tablets!
@Alice4Thought. Well, you will have to weigh out the pros and the cons. For example, customer service and support for the tablets, the quality build for the tablet, specs, and Google Play accessibility... I bought the Archos 70b Internet Tablet and I feel like I got my money's worth. Although an important note worth mentioning is that I upgraded the firmware from the Archos website. However, from the reviews that I've read, you can also make a strong case for the Playbook. In either case, I think at this price point they are solid buys. :)
136