Best Budget Tablets for Reading, Note-Taking, and Studying
If you’re a student, you know how valuable it is to have a tablet. It saves you from carrying heavy books, makes note-taking so much easier, and is perfect for reading, researching, or even attending online classes. The best part? You don’t need to spend $1,000+ to get a tablet that actually works for studying.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the best budget tablets for students that are perfect for reading, note-taking, and studying — all while being affordable and portable.
Why Students Should Consider a Tablet
- Lightweight & portable → Carry it anywhere, unlike heavy textbooks.
- Perfect for note-taking → Digital notes are easier to organize.
- Reading-friendly → Great for eBooks, PDFs, and research articles.
- Affordable alternatives to laptops → Many budget tablets support keyboards and stylus pens.
1. Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023 Edition)
One of the most affordable tablets for students who mainly want reading and light studying.
Why it’s great for students:
- Large 10.1-inch screen, perfect for eBooks and PDFs.
- Affordable price (often under $150).
- Long battery life — up to 12 hours.
Pair it with the Fire HD keyboard case for a mini laptop experience.
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
A fantastic budget-friendly Android tablet with solid performance for schoolwork.
Why it’s great for students:
- 10.5-inch display with slim bezels for easy reading.
- Great for note-taking with apps like OneNote or Google Keep.
- Affordable, usually around $200.
Add a Bluetooth stylus for smooth handwriting notes.
3. Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (Gen 3)
This tablet offers strong performance for the price and is excellent for multitasking.
Why it’s great for students:
- Crisp 2K display that makes reading easier on the eyes.
- Lightweight and slim design for carrying around campus.
- Affordable and reliable for both reading and video calls.
If you read at night, the eye-care reading mode is a lifesaver.
4. Apple iPad (9th Generation)
While slightly higher in price, the iPad is a classic for students who want versatility.
Why it’s great for students:
- Compatible with Apple Pencil for seamless note-taking.
- Runs powerful apps like Notability, GoodNotes, and Procreate.
- Reliable ecosystem with strong performance.
If you can stretch your budget a bit, this iPad is one of the best long-term investments.
5. Microsoft Surface Go 3
Perfect for students who want a tablet that doubles as a laptop.
Why it’s great for students:
- Runs full Windows 11, meaning you can use Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Works with a detachable keyboard and Surface Pen.
- Lightweight and portable for studying on the go.
Think of it as a mini laptop + tablet combo.
Accessories That Make Tablets Even Better for Students
- Stylus Pen → For handwriting notes and sketching diagrams.
- Bluetooth Keyboard → Turns your tablet into a mini laptop.
- Protective Case → Keeps your device safe in your backpack.
- Cloud Storage Apps (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox) → Never lose your notes.
Key Takeaways
- Tablets are an affordable way to study smarter and lighter.
- The Amazon Fire HD 10 is best for budget readers, while the iPad 9th Gen is the most versatile for note-taking and studying.
- Adding accessories like a stylus or keyboard makes tablets way more powerful for students.
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✨ The right tablet can make studying less stressful, more organized, and even enjoyable.
