Best Tablets Under $800 in 2026: 4 Picks Compared on Specs
The Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2) takes the best overall spot under $800, offering 512GB of storage, the most in this list, and a current design. It stands out for users who need generous internal space. We selected it based on a direct comparison of the stated specifications across all four tablets in this price range, with a focus on display size, storage, connectivity, and included accessories.
4 picks from 4 tablets that match this guide with a price we can quote today. All prices are live and show when they were read.
Our picks in brief
| # | Pick | Tablet | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best overall | Apple iPad Air 11-inch | $899.00 (as of 11/02/2026 04:37 PST - Details) |
| 2 | Best for large-screen productivity | Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ 13.1” 128GB WiFi Android Tablet + Book Cover | $802.59 (as of 11/02/2026 00:54 PST - Details) |
| 3 | Best for built-in cellular | Apple iPad Pro | $770.62 (as of 11/02/2026 04:37 PST - Details) |
| 4 | Best for 5G connectivity | Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite 5G LTE-Tdd & LTE-Fdd 128 Gb 27.7 |
Find your match
- For large-screen entertainment: You want a big display for movies, reading, and casual browsing, and you don't mind a larger body. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ delivers a 13.1-inch screen and includes a keyboard. See pick 2
- For maximum storage: You keep lots of apps, games, and offline files and need room to grow. The Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2) has 512GB, the most storage in this group. See pick 1
- For built-in cellular: You're often away from Wi-Fi and need to stay connected without a hotspot. The Apple iPad Pro 10.5-inch comes with both Wi-Fi and cellular. See pick 3
- For 5G connectivity: You want the fastest mobile network speeds on your tablet. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite 5G brings 5G support and 128GB of storage. See pick 4
4 picks, up close
1 Best overall
Apple iPad Air 11-inch
- Screen size
- 10 to 11.9 in
- Storage
- 512 GB or more
$899.00 (as of 11/02/2026 04:37 PST - Details)
Outside this guide's budget at today's price.
This iPad Air offers the largest storage capacity in the group at 512GB, along with an 11-inch Liquid Retina display and a current M2 chip. It stands above the others for users who need room for apps, media, and large files without relying on cloud storage.
Pros
- 512GB storage, the most in this list
- M2 chip, a current processor
- 12MP front and back cameras
- 11-inch Liquid Retina display
Cons
- No cellular option stated
- Screen is smaller than the Samsung FE+
- No bundled keyboard or stylus
Good fit if
- People who keep many apps and offline media
- Those already in the Apple ecosystem
Skip if
- You need built-in cellular connectivity
- You want the largest screen possible
Verdict: The Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2) is the best all-around pick under $800 for its generous storage and current hardware.
2 Best for large-screen productivity
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ 13.1” 128GB WiFi Android Tablet + Book Cover
- Screen size
- 12 in or more
- Storage
- 128 GB
- Operating system
- Android
- Pen included
- Yes
- Keyboard included
- Yes
$802.59 (as of 11/02/2026 00:54 PST - Details)
Outside this guide's budget at today's price.
This Samsung tablet has the largest display in the pool at 13.1 inches and includes a Book Cover Keyboard in the box, making it a strong choice for typing and multitasking. Its 128GB storage is modest but workable for most users, and it supports stylus input.
Pros
- 13.1-inch screen, the largest here
- Bundled Book Cover Keyboard
- Stylus support stated
- Android operating system
Cons
- 128GB storage, less than the iPad Air
- No cellular option stated
- Large size may be less portable
Good fit if
- Users who need a keyboard for notes or work
- People who prefer Android's open-source interface
Skip if
- You require more than 128GB storage
- You need a compact tablet
Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ is the top choice for anyone who wants a big screen and a keyboard in the package.
3 Best for built-in cellular
Apple iPad Pro
- Screen size
- 10 to 11.9 in
- Storage
- 64 GB
- Cellular
- Yes
$770.62 (as of 11/02/2026 04:37 PST - Details)
This older iPad Pro includes both Wi-Fi and cellular, letting you stay connected outside the home. It has a 10.5-inch display and 64GB of storage, which is the least in this group, but its cellular capability is a distinct advantage for travelers.
Pros
- Built-in Wi-Fi + Cellular
- 10.5-inch display
- Apple tablet with a broad app ecosystem
Cons
- 64GB is the smallest storage here
- Previous model, not the latest design
- No bundled keyboard or stylus
Good fit if
- Travelers who need constant internet access
- Users who want an Apple tablet with cellular without a hotspot
Skip if
- You need a lot of storage for games or video
- You want the newest hardware
Verdict: The iPad Pro 10.5-inch is the best option here if built-in cellular is your top priority.
4 Best for 5G connectivity
This Samsung tablet is the only one in the pool with 5G support, making it the fastest option for mobile data on the go. The 10.9-inch screen and 128GB storage provide a balanced combination for streaming and browsing, though bundled accessories are not mentioned.
Pros
- 5G cellular connectivity
- 128GB storage
- 10.9-inch screen
- 6GB RAM (listed in product name)
Cons
- No bundled keyboard or stylus
- Screen smaller than the Samsung FE+
- Operating system not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- Travelers who need the fastest mobile data
- Users who want a lightweight tablet with 5G
Skip if
- You want a larger display or pen support
- You need to confirm the operating system before buying
Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite 5G is the best pick for fast on-the-go connectivity under $800.
How they compare
| # | Tablet | Screen size | Storage | Operating system | Cellular | Pen included | Keyboard included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple iPad Air 11-inch | 10 to 11.9 in | 512 GB or more | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 2 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ 13.1” 128GB WiFi Android Tablet + Book Cover | 12 in or more | 128 GB | Android | not stated | Yes | Yes |
| 3 | Apple iPad Pro | 10 to 11.9 in | 64 GB | not stated | Yes | not stated | not stated |
| 4 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite 5G LTE-Tdd & LTE-Fdd 128 Gb 27.7 | not stated | 128 GB | not stated | Yes | not stated | not stated |
Our selection method
We started with a pool of four tablets priced under $800 from a curated catalog. We compared each model's listed specifications, including screen size, storage, operating system, connectivity, and bundled accessories. Prices shown are live and read from the store listings at the time of writing. We did not test any of these devices; all picks are based on the sellers' stated specifications and the manufacturers' published information.
What matters when choosing
Screen size and portability
Screen size directly affects how you use the tablet. A larger display, like the 13.1-inch on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+, is great for watching videos, reading, or working with split-screen apps, but it also makes the device heavier and bulkier. Smaller screens around 10 to 11 inches are easier to hold for long periods and fit more comfortably in a bag. Consider whether you will use the tablet mostly at home on a desk or while commuting and traveling.
Storage capacity: how much is enough
Storage determines how many apps, games, photos, and downloaded videos you can keep on the device. The four tablets in this list range from 64GB on the iPad Pro 10.5 to 512GB on the iPad Air. If you regularly capture 4K video or download large games, aim for at least 128GB, and consider cloud storage options if you need more. For most casual users, 128GB is a comfortable starting point, but power users should favor the 512GB iPad Air.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi only vs. cellular
All tablets in this range support Wi-Fi, but only two include cellular options: the iPad Pro 10.5 and the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite 5G. If you need to stay connected in places without reliable Wi-Fi, a built-in SIM slot saves you from hunting for hotspots. The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite adds 5G, which offers faster speeds where the network is available. If you rarely leave your home network, you can save money by choosing a Wi-Fi-only model, but note that none of the picks here are strictly Wi-Fi-only; the two Samsung options are cellular-enabled.
Keyboard and stylus support
If you plan to take notes or do light productivity work, consider whether the tablet includes a keyboard or stylus. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ bundles a Book Cover Keyboard and supports a stylus, making it the only pick ready for typing out of the box. The other three tablets do not list a bundled keyboard or stylus, so you would need to purchase those separately if you need them. Check whether the tablet's operating system offers good handwriting or keyboard support before deciding.
Operating system and ecosystem
Your choice of operating system affects the apps you can run and how the tablet works with your other devices. The two Samsung tablets run Android, an open-source platform with deep integration with Google services and a wide range of third-party apps. The two Apple tablets run iPadOS, which offers a large premium app catalog and tight integration with iPhone and Mac devices. If you already use an iPhone, an iPad will likely feel more familiar; if you prefer Google services or want more customization, Android may be the better fit.
Questions
What is the best tablet under $800 for watching movies?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ has the largest screen at 13.1 inches, making it the top choice for immersive video playback. Its bundled keyboard is a bonus for occasional typing. If you prefer a smaller and lighter tablet, the iPad Air 11-inch offers a sharp Liquid Retina display, though you may want to use external speakers for better audio.
How much storage do I need on a tablet under $800?
For most users, 128GB is sufficient for apps, photos, and a moderate media library. If you plan to download large games, edit videos, or keep years of photos offline, consider the 512GB iPad Air. The 64GB iPad Pro 10.5 will fill up quickly if you install many apps, so use cloud storage regularly and offload files to free space.
Is a cellular tablet worth it under $800?
If you frequently travel or work in places with unreliable Wi-Fi, a cellular model like the iPad Pro 10.5 or the 5G-equipped Galaxy Tab S10 Lite provides direct internet access without hunting for hotspots. Keep in mind that cellular plans add a monthly cost. If you mostly use the tablet at home, you can rely on Wi-Fi and choose a model without a SIM slot, though all picks in this list include some form of cellular.
Can I use a keyboard with any of these tablets?
Only the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ includes a Book Cover Keyboard in the box, so it is ready for typing immediately. The other three tablets do not list a bundled keyboard, but you can often connect a Bluetooth keyboard or use a keyboard folio sold separately. Check compatibility with the specific model before purchasing a third-party keyboard.
How do I protect my child's privacy when using a tablet?
If the tablet is for a child under 13, parents should be aware of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which gives parents control over what information websites and online services can collect from kids. Both Android and iOS offer parental controls that restrict app downloads, in-app purchases, and content access. For more guidance, see the Federal Trade Commission's resources on children's privacy and COPPA compliance.
Change log
- : First published.