The Top 5 Tablets Under $500 in 2025

Alright, fellow tech enthusiasts and bargain hunters! It's June 2025, and the tablet market is as competitive as ever, even in the sub-$500 category. Gone are the days when a cheap tablet meant sacrificing everything. Today, you can snag some truly impressive devices that offer excellent value, solid performance, and features that cater to a wide range of needs.

As a reviewer, I've put in the hours, tested the latest contenders, and sifted through countless specs to bring you my top 5 picks for the best tablets under $500 in 2025. Whether you're a student looking for a note-taking companion, a creative on a budget, or just someone who wants a reliable device for casual Browse and media consumption, there's something here for you!

Let's dive in!

1. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+

Why it's a top pick: Samsung continues to dominate the Android tablet space, and the Galaxy Tab A9+ is a testament to their ability to deliver strong value in the budget segment. Released in late 2024 and still incredibly relevant in 2025, it hits a sweet spot for many users.

Key Features & Performance:

• Display: The 11-inch LCD display with a 1920 x 1200 resolution is a significant step up from its predecessors. Crucially, it boasts a 90Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations feel noticeably smoother than the standard 60Hz found on many budget tablets. While it's not an OLED, the colours are vibrant, and the brightness is adequate for indoor use.
• Processor: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, the Tab A9+ offers respectable performance for its price point. It handles everyday tasks like web Browse, social media, and video streaming with ease. Light gaming is also a good experience, though don't expect to run the most graphically intensive titles on ultra settings.
• RAM & Storage: Available in configurations typically starting from 4GB RAM/64GB storage, with an option for 8GB RAM/128GB storage. I highly recommend opting for the 8GB RAM variant if your budget allows, as it significantly enhances multitasking capabilities. There's also microSD card support for expandable storage up to 1TB, which is a huge plus.
• Audio: Samsung equipped this tablet with a quad-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos support, and it genuinely punches above its weight. The sound is clear and surprisingly full, making it excellent for media consumption. It even retains a headphone jack, a welcome feature.
• Software: Running Android 13 with Samsung's One UI skin, the software experience is familiar and well-optimized. Samsung's commitment to software updates is a strong point, promising extended support.
• Battery Life: The 7,040mAh battery provides solid endurance, easily getting you through a full day of mixed usage. Fast charging support helps top it up quickly.

Who it's for: Students, casual users, and media consumers looking for a well-rounded Android tablet with a smooth display, good sound, and reliable performance without breaking the bank.

2. Xiaomi Pad 6

Why it's a top pick: If performance is high on your list and you can occasionally find it on sale within our budget, the Xiaomi Pad 6 remains a powerhouse that punches far above its price. It’s an absolute gem for those who want a premium feel and strong specs without the premium price tag.

Key Features & Performance:

• Display: The 11-inch IPS LCD display is stunning, featuring a sharp 2.8K (2880 x 1800) resolution and an impressive 144Hz refresh rate. This makes everything from scrolling through websites to playing supported games incredibly fluid and immersive. It also supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision for excellent media consumption.
• Processor: This is where the Xiaomi Pad 6 truly shines. It's powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G chipset, a flagship-tier processor from a couple of years ago that still holds up exceptionally well in 2025. This means superior performance for gaming, demanding apps, and seamless multitasking.
• RAM & Storage: Configurations typically range from 6GB/128GB to 8GB/256GB with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, ensuring fast app loading and smooth operation. Note that there's no microSD card slot, so choose your storage wisely.
• Audio: Four speakers with Dolby Atmos support deliver a fantastic audio experience, easily filling a room with rich, clear sound.
• Build Quality: With an aluminum unibody design, the Pad 6 feels incredibly premium and robust, comparable to much more expensive tablets.
• Battery & Charging: An 8840mAh battery provides excellent battery life, complemented by 33W wired fast charging.
• Software: Runs MIUI Pad 14 based on Android 13, offering a feature-rich and customizable experience.

Who it's for: Users who prioritize raw performance for gaming, heavy multitasking, and media consumption, and appreciate a premium build quality. Keep an eye out for sales, as its typical retail price can hover just above the $500 mark, but deals frequently bring it into contention.

3. OnePlus Pad Go

Why it's a top pick: OnePlus brings its "fast and smooth" philosophy to the budget tablet segment with the OnePlus Pad Go. It's an excellent choice for entertainment and casual use, boasting a unique aspect ratio and solid overall experience.

Key Features & Performance:

• Display: The 11.35-inch display with a 2.4K (2408 x 1720) resolution offers a slightly unusual 7:5 aspect ratio, which is fantastic for reading and Browse as it fits more content vertically. It also features a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals and TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue light for eye comfort.
• Processor: Powered by the MediaTek Helio G99, the Pad Go delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks, streaming, and casual gaming. It's efficient and capable for its intended audience.
• RAM & Storage: Comes with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage, expandable by up to 1TB via microSD, which is generous for the price.
• Audio: Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos and OnePlus's "Omnibearing Sound Field" create an immersive audio experience, great for movies and music.
• Battery & Charging: An 8000mAh battery ensures long hours of use, and 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging means less downtime.
• Design: Features a distinctive two-tone design that looks stylish and stands out from the crowd.
• Connectivity: LTE support is often available, making it a great option for on-the-go connectivity without relying solely on Wi-Fi.

Who it's for: Users primarily focused on entertainment, reading, and casual use, who appreciate a unique display aspect ratio, strong battery life, and often bundled LTE connectivity.

4. Lenovo Tab P11 (3rd Gen / Pro - 2025 variant)

Why it's a top pick: Lenovo consistently delivers strong contenders in the mid-range tablet market, and their P11 series continues to evolve with great screens and productivity features that make them attractive for students and professionals alike. Keep an eye out for the latest iterations (e.g., "Idea Tab Pro 2025" or "Tab P12" depending on market naming).

Key Features & Performance (based on latest available information for 2025 budget models):

• Display: Lenovo's strength often lies in its displays. Expect an 11-inch to 12.7-inch IPS LCD panel with at least 2K (2000x1200 or 2944x1840) resolution and often a 90Hz or even 144Hz refresh rate, providing crisp visuals and smooth scrolling. Many models come with TÜV Rheinland eye protection certification.
• Processor: Depending on the specific variant, you'll find MediaTek Dimensity (e.g., Dimensity 8300) or Qualcomm Snapdragon (e.g., Snapdragon 662/680) processors. The Dimensity 8300 in particular offers excellent performance for demanding tasks and gaming, putting it closer to the Xiaomi Pad 6 in raw power if you find a model with it.
• RAM & Storage: Typically ranging from 4GB to 8GB of RAM, with 128GB or 256GB of storage, usually expandable via microSD.
• Audio: Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos are a common feature, providing a rich and immersive audio experience.
• Productivity Features: Lenovo often bundles or offers optional accessories like a stylus (e.g., Lenovo Tab Pen Plus) and keyboard covers, making these tablets highly versatile for note-taking, drawing, and light productivity tasks.
• Battery Life: Good battery life, usually in the 7500mAh to 10200mAh range, ensuring extended usage.

Who it's for: Students, light productivity users, and media enthusiasts who value a large, high-quality display, strong audio, and the option for pen and keyboard support for a more versatile experience.

5. Redmi Pad 2 / Redmi Pad SE

Why it's a top pick: Xiaomi's sub-brand Redmi has carved out a niche for incredibly affordable tablets that deliver solid fundamental experiences. The Redmi Pad 2 (or its sibling, the Redmi Pad SE, depending on regional availability and release cycles) is a prime example, often coming in well under the $500 mark. The Redmi Pad 2 was just released in June 2025.

Key Features & Performance:

• Display: An 11-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) display with a 90Hz refresh rate is a consistent highlight, providing a smooth visual experience for its price. Brightness is generally good for indoor use (up to 600 nits).
• Processor: Typically powered by efficient MediaTek Helio G100-Ultra or Snapdragon 6-series chipsets. These are perfectly capable for everyday Browse, streaming, and casual games.
• RAM & Storage: Configurations usually start from 4GB RAM/128GB storage, going up to 6GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB. Expandable storage via microSD card is supported up to 2TB.
• Audio: Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos are a pleasant surprise at this price point, offering good stereo separation and volume for media consumption. It also retains a 3.5mm headphone jack.
• Build: Features a sturdy metal unibody design.
• Battery Life: A large 9000mAh battery ensures long usage times, making them great for extended reading or streaming sessions, with 18W fast charging support.
• Software: Ships with Android 15 and Xiaomi's HyperOS 2.
• Connectivity: Offers Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.3. Cellular (4G LTE) models are also available.
• Accessories: Supports the Redmi Smart Pen for writing and sketching, and a cover for protection and stand functionality.

Who it's for: Budget-conscious users, families, and those needing a reliable tablet for basic tasks, media consumption, and light gaming. It's an excellent value proposition that covers the essentials very well.

Disclaimer: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by region and retailer. Information is accurate as of June 2025. Always check the latest specifications and user reviews before making a purchase.