Not sure which tablet is right for your needs? We’ve searched through dozens of different products to find the best tablets under $400 in 2020.
Want a highly portable device with a wide range of features for browsing the web, playing games, or even designing graphics?
A tablet is often a better way to go these days over a full laptop. If you’re willing to spend in the $300 – $400 range, you can find some truly high end devices with unbelievable display quality.
If you follow our review & buying guide, you’ll find the perfect device in no time!
We have two possible top choices, depending on whether you prefer the Android OS or want an Apple product with iOS instead.
Editor’s Choice
Huawei MediaPad M5
Why is it better?
- Very high end display
- Low price but excellent specs
Also Great
Apple iPad
Why is it better?
- Retina display
- Comfortable design and great build quality
Best Tablets Under $400 In 2020
Huawei MediaPad M5 – Best Android Pick
- Low price
- Excellent specs
- High quality display
- Pen not included
- Two speakers instead of the newer quad speaker design
Want a high performance tablet with a great screen and a very sleek design? The MatePad M5 is easily the best Android tablet under $400 on the market right now.
Key features & details
Huawei has been making waves in the laptop and tablet industries lately with slim and stylish options, which is exactly what you get with the MediaPad M5.
Despite being so thin and light, you get really high end specs here and the latest version of Android. That means you can run multiple apps at the same time with no stuttering or lag.
Best of all?
This model is actually the cheapest option in our lineup of contenders. Talk about a bargain buy!
The MatePad doesn’t skimp on screen quality, either. This unit’s 2k display is easily on par with Apple’s lauded retina quality screen technology.
You also get a curved edge for a significantly better viewing experience — with less eye strain — than many other models at this same price range.
Want an even better device? The MediaPad domes in a Pro version with a larger screen, four speakers, and an included pen, although that version bumps up above $400.
Hardware specifications for Huawei MediaPad M5
Processor Octa Core HiSilicon Kirin 960 2.1 GHz RAM 4GB Storage 64GB Graphics Mali G71 integrated Display 8.4” 2k curved edge touch screen display, 2560 x 1600 pixels resolution Operating System Android 8.0 Oreo Battery Life 10 hours Weight 0.68 lbs Other Features 13 mega pixel camera, fingerprint scanner
Lenovo Tab 4 Plus – Best 10 Inch Choice
- High battery life
- Great specs for the price
- Comes with Android 7.1 rather than Android 8
- Slightly lower quality display
Like a larger viewing area for sketching designs, writing notes, and playing with apps? Lenovo’s Tab 4 is easily one of the best 10 inch tablets under $400.
Key features & details
Not all buyers want a tiny tablet that can be held in one hand. Some prefer a larger 10 inch screen, and if that describes you, be sure to consider Lenovo’s Tab 4 Plus.
Despite the larger area, the Tab 4 is still a surprisingly light device at just around a pound.
Note that while this model’s has full HD for streaming 1080p video, it isn’t actually a 2k screen like our other two contenders.
With its dual front facing speakers, this unit is definitely geared towards streaming video without using headphones.
Like this size but prefer the Samsung design over Lenovo’s style? The Galaxy Tab S2 is another solid option that’s just slightly under 10 inches wide.
Hardware specifications for Lenovo Tab 4 Plus
Processor Qualcomm 625 2.0GHz RAM 4GB Storage 64GB Graphics Integrated graphics Display 10” HD touch screen display, 1920 x 1200 pixels resolution Operating System Android 7.1 Nougat Battery Life 14 hours Weight 1.05 lbs Other Features Front facing speakers
Apple iPad – Best Overall
- High quality screen
- Excellent build quality
- Lower resolution camera
- Highest price
Want the absolute best screen quality and build design in a tablet? The innovative iPad is still the reigning champ and the best overall tablet under $400 right now.
Key features & details
In terms of comfortable hand design and high quality construction, it doesn’t get much better than Apple’s flagship product — the iPad.
With a retina quality screen you’ll get crystal clear picture quality whether running iOS apps or streaming videos.
While the specs are a bit lower than the upgraded iPad Pro, most users will have very quick response times with nearly any app here.
In terms of overall usage and versatility, the iPad is one of the top tablets to look at no matter what amount you intend to spend.
Want a tablet that’s a little smaller and lighter? The iPad Mini 4 is also available for under $400.
Hardware specifications for Apple iPad Processor A10 Fusion Quad-core 2.34 GHz RAM 2GB Storage 32GB Graphics PowerVR Series7XT Plus Display 9.7 inch touch screen retina display Operating System iOS Battery Life 10 hours Weight 1.03 lbs Other Features Fingerprint scanner
Microsoft Surface Go – Best Windows Choice
If you want to have a mini computer in your hands without spending too much, then Microsoft Surface Go is the best tablet under $400 for you!
Key features & details
The Microsoft Surface Go gives you laptop performance with the portability of a tablet. A long battery life and stunning touchscreen.
This sleek and slim new Surface Go tablet comes with a powerful Intel Pentium Gold Processor, 10-inch PixelSense display with touchscreen making it perfect for browsing.
The Microsoft Surface Go runs on the latest Windows laptop operating system, perfect for work, school and entertainment use.
Hardware specifications for Microsoft Surface Go
Processor Intel Pentium Gold RAM 4GB Storage 64GB Graphics Intel 8032 Display 10 inch touch screen 1800×1200 pixels Operating System Windows 10 S Battery Life up to 9 hours Weight 1.15 lbs Other Features 8MP rear camera
Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e – Best Smart tablet
If you are looking for a power packed, super fast portable android tablet then the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e has all these features and it is a best tablet under $400!
Key features & details
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e is a compact lightweight magnificent Android tablet. It comes with a big bright screen that enriches every type of color for which Samsung is known for.
Bixby Assistant smartly connects your device to your smart products, like home lights, control TV, smart doors, thermostat and everything that has the word smart on it.
It comes with a 10.5-inch Super AMOLED wide display which helps you to enjoy your favorite movies and games, powered by a Snapdragon chipset to boost your high-end activities with ease.
Hardware specifications for Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon RAM 4GB Storage 64GB Graphics Qualcomm Adreno 616 Display 10.5 inch touch screen 2560×1600 pixels Operating System Android 9 Pie Battery Life up to 15 hours Weight 0.23 lbs Other Features 13MP rear camera
Apple iPad Pro (Pre-owned) – Best Value
This iPad is not just larger it also lets you be more creative and more productive so if you don’t mind using a pre-owned Apple tablet then this tablet is for you and it’s just under $400!
Key features & details
Apple iPad Pro has ample internal storage of 32GB to store much of your data. The widescreen installed with LED-backlit LCD along with a multi-touch screen coated into the scratch resistant glass backed by IPS technology to view everything as bright and through their true colors.
The tablet’s robust dual-core 2,25GHz processor along with Apple A9x chipset to make sure you do not hit any sluggishness when using the Apple iPad Pro tablet on its maximum.
Hardware specifications for Apple iPad Pro
Processor PowerVR Series 7 RAM 2GB Storage 32GB Graphics Apple A9x Display 9.7 inch touch screen 3264×2448 pixels IPS display Operating System iOS Battery Life up to 10 hours Weight 1.6 lbs Other Features 12MP rear camera
Asus ChromeBook – Best Productivity
If you want something that can work smarter and more productively then you should go for ASUS chromebook which is one of the best tablets under 0!
Key features & details
Powered with vigorous built-in security and it updates automatically. With tons of apps, it provides a learning platform and enhances your creativity.
It has a solid design as its all four exterior edges and corners are protected by a tough rubber bumper, which keeps it safe from any physical shock.
It comes with 9.7-inches Qxga touchscreen display along with an OP1 Hexa-Core Dual arm Cortex-A72, Quad Cortex-A53 processor. Powered by 4GB of RAM and 32Gb eMMC which is made for K-12 education.
Hardware specifications for Asus Chromebook
Processor OP1 Hexa-Core Dual arm Cortex-A72 RAM 4GB Storage 32GB Graphics Rockchip OP1 Display 9.7 inch touch screen 1536×2048 pixels IPS display Operating System ChromeOS Battery Life up to 9 hours Weight 1.1 lbs Other Features Stylus
Apple iPad Mini – Best iPad
If you want a device that is very thin and sleek with robust performance then Apple iPad mini is for you, it is powered with A12 bionic chip that is designed and engineered to deliver incredible performance which is why this iPad holds a position in the list of best tablets under $400!
Key features & details
This powerful iPad mini can run most of the powerful apps so easily, with a retina display with stunning color that allows you to read anything anywhere.
It can shoot HD videos and pictures, you can also add fun to your content by using Apple Pencil.
You’ll get this incredible iPad in 64GB and 256GB with slight change in price. Overall this iPad could suffice anything a powerful tablet could do.
Hardware specifications for Apple iPad mini
Processor A12 bionic chip RAM 3GB Storage 32GB Graphics M12 coprocessor Display 9.7 inch touch screen True tone retina display Operating System iOS Battery Life up to 10 hours Weight 1.25 lbs Other Features Apple Pencil, Touch ID fingerprint sensor
Microsoft Surface Pro – Best Write And Draw tablet
If you’re looking for something that can replace your heavyweight laptop the this stunning Microsoft Surface Pro is definitely for you, this tablet is among the best tablets under $400 with a computer-like performance.
Key features & details
Microsoft Surface Pro is a 2 in1 ultraportable tablet as well as a personal computer with unique and astonishing features that converts this top notch machine from tablet to pc and pc to tablet.
Microsoft Surface Pro is so powerful that it can meet the requirement of creative professionals, talented students and everyone who wants to do something extraordinary.
Hardware specifications for Microsoft Surface Pro Processor Intel Core m3 RAM 4GB Storage 128GB Graphics 1GB Intel HD Graphics 620 Display 12.3 inch touch screen 2736×1824 pixels Operating System Windows 10 Professional Battery Life up to 13 hours Weight 1.69 lbs Other Features 8Mp rear webcam, SSD
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 – Tablet with Projector
If you’re looking for a tablet that can give you utmost entertainment and can replace your TV then this tablet is your perfect match in this list of best tablets under $400!
Key features & details
With a built in projector the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 is your ultimate entertainment device. The four kickstand positions give you the ease of viewing your favorite movies or any media anywhere you want.
It comes with faux leather and it has the best voice control features that would give you an ease in using the tablet. Also you can transform this tablet into a kid’s tablet by just turning on the Lenovo Kid’s pack application.
It comes with a big screen that is optimized for entertainment. The crystal clear display will amaze you, thanks to its dazzling 8-inch HD display with a 1280×800 resolution.
Hardware specifications for Lenovo Yoga Tab 3
Processor Intel Atom x 5-Z8500 Quad-Core RAM 4GB Storage 64GB Graphics Dedicated Intel Graphics Display 10.1-inch 2560×1200 resolution Operating System Android 6.0 Marshmallow Battery Life up to 18 hours Weight 1.47 lbs Other Features 13MP 180 degrees rotating camera, Built in projector
Picking The Best Tablets Under $400 In 2020
Speed & Power
At this price point, you should expect much better performance than cheaper models when bumping up to the $300 – $400 range.
As the price goes up, so should the internal hardware specs that control how quickly apps load.
For the best overall experience, we recommend sticking with a 4GB RAM model that has at least 64GB of internal storage capacity for Android units.
You can get away with less than that with the iPad, but in most other cases we wouldn’t recommend a 2GB model if you are going to spend this amount of money.
Vibrant Display
If there’s one component you shouldn’t overlook when buying a new tablet, it’s the quality of the screen!
It may seem obvious, but since you will spend 100% of your tablet time staring at the screen, you absolutely want the best quality possible.
Not only does this give you a better viewing experience, but it also reduces eye strain and lets you watch videos or browse the web longer.
At this price range, we recommend a bare minimum of 1920 x 100 pixels resolution. You can find models with 2k displays here though, and those are much higher quality with crisper, more vibrant colors.
Build Quality
You should always consider the build quality of any tablet you ought to buy, the build quality of any device is crucial to its overall quality.
If you plan on buying a tablet for $400 then look for a tablet that has been built with quality so that it could justify your bucks.
All our picks are quality built but not tablets are created equal so pick what is in your interest and we’ve done that for you already.
Just remember that the quality of a tablet speaks of what you can expect from it. The better the quality the longer it will serve its purpose.
Additional Features
Tablets are more than just their RAM and CPU type — make sure to pay attention to what extra bells and whistles you can find before you buy!
Due to their portability and versatility, a tablet can easily become the go-to device for any type of user, but not all tablets include the same base features.
While all of our picks have dual speaker setups, there are a few other options to look at that may make one model a better choice.
We recommend looking for tablets that include extras like a built-in stylus/pen, higher resolution cameras, SIM card slots, or additional storage capacity right out of the box.