Enjoy Prime Day 2021 with a new tablet for your media consumption needs
Finding a good price on a quality tablet can be tough these days, so we've compiled a roundup of the best Prime Day deals on tablets to help save you some money. Tablets are great devices for leisurely enjoying videos, games, or reading, but they can also double as portable productivity machines.
There are a number of great options in the "tablet" space, from Amazon's Fire tablets to Android tablet options from the likes of Samsung and Lenovo. We've also seen some fantastic deals on Apple iPads and yes, even Chromebook/Chrome OS tablets (they exist!). Don't forget that one of the top audiences for tablets are children, so we've included the best kids tablet deals too. Whichever top manufacturer you like, and whatever OS you prefer, chances are there will be a great deal on the perfect tablet for you during Prime Day 2021.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet
I know that it may seem strange to put a Chromebook device as our top pick for the best Prime Day tablet deal, but we love this device. It hasn't been easy to find, but we're starting to see more consistent discounts on it at Amazon and Best Buy.
Best Tablet Deals Available Now- Amazon Fire Tablets: Up to $75 off
- Apple iPads: Save up to $99
- Lenovo Tablets: Save $10
- Samsung Tablets: Save $118
- Kids Tablets: Up to $120 off
- Chromebook Tablets: Starting at $199
- Which to buy?
It should come as no surprise that some of the best Prime Day tablet deals are for Amazon's own first-party Fire tablets. Fire tablets are already an insane value and are arguably among the most popular tablets sold today (after Apple's iPads). Fire tablets run Fire OS, a forked version of Android that focuses heavily on Amazon products and services. Not only will you get a great portal to hands-free Alexa, Prime Video, Amazon Music Unlimited, and Audible, but you can play thousands of games and access many of the top Android apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify. There's also the added benefit of being able to pair up your new Fire tablet with one of the other great Prime Day Amazon device deals.
While Fire tablets are also available in kid versions (see further below), the "regular" tablets come in a 7-inch, 8-inch, and 10.1-inch versions, with the larger-sized models sporting HD resolution. Amazon also recently announced an updated version of its popular Fire HD 10 tablet called the Fire HD 10 (2021), which can also be bundled with a Bluetooth keyboard for productivity nerds. When paired with a wireless charging dock accessory in Show Mode, it makes an excellent alternative to a smart screen like an Echo Show or Google Nest Home device.
Fire 7 | 20% off with trade-in at Amazon
This value tablet features hands-free Alexa and has all the great apps and services you'd expect from Amazon. It's available in traditional black, plum, sage, or twilight blue variants. While it's not on sale just yet, we'll no doubt be seeing a Prime Day deal on it this year. If you don't want to wait until then, trade-in an eligible tablet to get 20% off this tablet as well as an Amazon gift card equivalent to the value of your trade-in.
Fire HD 10 (2021) | Buy 2, save $75 at Amazon
With its full 1080p HD screen and Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, the Fire HD 10 is like a little TV in your hands! This tablet was just updated for 2021 with 50% more RAM than the previous generation. Add two to your cart to save $75 instantly at Amazon.
Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) | Save $50 at Amazon
The new Fire HD 10 Plus has arrived for those who need to stay productive on the go. In addition to getting 32GB of storage and updated specs, this tablet includes a 12-month subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal, along with an all-new detachable Bluetooth keyboard case.
Best Apple iPad DealsApple's iPads are far and away the most popular and acclaimed tablets on the market today. The devices run a version of iOS called iPadOS that should be very familiar to iPhone and Mac users. iPads come in several different sizes and at several different price points for different kinds of consumers.
Whether you're an on-the-go professional who needs the advanced capabilities of the iPad Pro line, or you just want something compact that ties into all of your apps and Apple services like the iPad Mini, there is an iPad for you. Even the entry-level 10.2-inch iPad is a great value that can outperform just about any Android tablet around. All iPads also now support smart keyboards, Bluetooth keyboards, mouse and trackpad input, and a version of the Apple Pencil stylus.
Apple iPad 10.2 (2020) | $30 off at Amazon
This entry-level iPad is no bargain basement tablet. It bosts Apple's powerful A12 Bionic chip with Neural Engine, which is more than capable of handling most tablet needs. It also works with the Apple Pencil and smart keyboard.
Apple iPad Mini (2019) | $30 off at Amazon
Long a fan-favorite, the latest iPad Mini also features the powerful A12 Bionic chip like the iPad 10.2. It's perfect for watching videos, reading books, or jotting down notes and pictures with the Apple Pencil.
Apple iPad Air (2020) | $49 off at Amazon
The 2020 iPad Air introduced a long-overdue redesign, bringing it more in line with the iPad Pro family. This updated iPad Air includes support for Apple's Magic Keyboard, along with the latest Apple Pencil. Any chance to save a few bucks on an iPad is great, and the iPad Air is arguably the most value-friendly option in the lineup.
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) | $49 off at Amazon
This is the cream of all tablets, but it's so worth its hefty price tag. Its A12Z Bionic chip can put many laptops (including Apple's) to shame, and its 120hz ProMotion, True Tone display, is a sight to behold.
Best Lenovo Tablet DealsLenovo may not be the first name you think of when considering a tablet, but these devices should be near the top of your list, especially if you want a well-made Android tablet. The Smart Tab line is affordable, and even offers versions that can connect to smart speaker docs and respond to hands-free Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant commands.
The other kind of tablet that Lenovo makes is a Chromebook, but because that runs a different operating system (Chrome OS, with Android app support), we've included it in a separate section below.
Lenovo Smart Tab M10 Plus | $10 off at Amazon
This larger tablet has improved specs over the M8, such as a faster processor and a full HD screen. It is available with a speaker doc that can also turn it into a smart display compatible with Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant.
Lenovo Smart Tab | $33 off at Amazon
With the Lenovo Smart Tab, you're getting a 10.1-inch FHD display, along with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. But the biggest benefit of this Smart Tab is the built-in adjustable stand that can even be used to hang on the wall if you want to.
Best Samsung Tablet DealsSamsung has earned a reputation for making amazing smartphones, but it's also known for making some of the best-performing and best-looking Android tablets. Like its smartphones, the company produces tablets in a wide range of sizes, styles, and price points. It even makes kid-specific tablets (covered in another section below)!
Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e | $40 off at Amazon
This "budget" tablet is no slouch at performance, with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It can get up to 15 hours of battery life, but it isn't compatible with the S Pen. It also comes with four months of YouTube Premium and YouTube Music, courtesy of Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite | $70 off at Amazon
If you want to experience the magic of Samsung's S Pen at an affordable price, this is the tablet for you. It's got a large 10.1-inch screen but is remarkably thin and light.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 | $160 off at Amazon
While no longer the newest flagship, this premium Android tablet still looks and performs like a king. You can get it with up to 8GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 855, which is more than enough for most tasks. Plus, it works great with Samsung's external keyboard case and S Pen. Right now the 256GB model is $160 off at Amazon for a limited time.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 | $100 off at Amazon
The newest Galaxy Tab S from Samsung builds on the successes of the S6 line, with a redesigned S Pen and enhanced Dex mode for ultimate productivity. Bixby voice can now launch apps on your command.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ | $150 off at Amazon
The Galaxy Tab S7+ delivers laptop performance in a thin and light tablet. It features an 11-inch Super AMOLED screen, a redesigned S Pen, and fast charging capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 | $41 off at Amazon
Take the best design elements of the Galaxy Tab S7 and put it in a 7-inch form-factor and that's what you get the Galaxy Tab A7. The device comes in either 32GB or 64GB storage options, along with three colors to choose from. All of these models are on sale, saving you at least $41.
Best Kids Tablet DealsIf you're thinking about picking up a tablet for the kids this Prime Day, you're probably just thinking about an Amazon Fire Tablet Kids Edition, and that's great, but did you know that several other companies make quality kids tablets? Some devices from companies like Samsung run a version of Android, while others may run proprietary software. Regardless, all feature age-appropriate apps and content and are designed to appeal to young ones and take just about any abuse they can dish out.
Amazon Fire 7 Kids Pro tablet | 20% off with trade-in at Amazon
This small tablet is affordable, portable, and it comes with a built-in stand in its case. Plus, Amazon includes a year of Amazon Kids+ for free. With the 2-year replacement guarantee, you can return this tablet for a new one no matter what happens to it with no questions asked. Trade in an eligible tablet today to save 20% on its purchase.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition | 20% off with trade-in at Amazon
Upgrade to the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition for USB-C, an HD-quality screen, and up to 1TB in storage. Today's deal saves you nearly $85 when you add two to your cart at Amazon.
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition | Buy 2, save 30% at Amazon
This tablet is the most expensive Fire Tablet available, but it's great for families with multiple children and/or those who like to watch videos together. You can save $120 instantly when you buy two in the same order at Amazon.
Leapfrog Epic Academic Edition | $25 off at Amazon
This device is better suited for younger children (3-8 years old). It comes with over 20 educational apps and a three-month subscription to LeapFrog Academy, which consists of interactive learning guides.
Vankyo MatrixPad Z1 Kids | $12 off with coupon at Amazon
Amazon and Samsung aren't the only games in town when it comes to kid-friendly Android tablets. Vankyo's smaller-sized kids' tablet comes with pre-loaded, unlimited children's content, and a sturdy bumper case.
Vankyo MatrixPad S8 Kids | 29% off with coupon at Amazon
This is a slightly larger version of the previous tablet with all of the same software and hardware features from the smaller model. These are a great alternative to Amazon's Fire tablets, especially when you consider that their kids' software is free.
Best Chromebook / Chrome OS Tablet DealsYou may have gotten to this point in the article and become very confused. While Chrome OS on a tablet form factor has not always been the best user experience, Google and manufacturers have been putting in a lot of work over the past few years to make it not only usable but enjoyable.
The best two examples of this work are the incredibly affordable Lenovo Chromebook Duet and the Google Pixel Slate. Both are optimized to work with keyboard and stylus devices, and both are capable of running both Android and Linux apps. The Chromebook Duet ships with a kickstand case and keyboard in the box, while peripherals for the Pixel Slate are an additional expense.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet | $239 at Amazon
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is not only our top tablet pick, but it is one of our top-recommended Chromebooks overall. It ships with a built-in kickstand case and keyboard and has a gorgeous 10.1-inch display. Just click New and Used to see the discounted new listings shipped from Amazon.
Acer Chromebook Spin 311 | $100 off at Walmart
Save $100 on the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 today at Walmart. This model features an 11.6-inch HD Touch IPS display with a MediaTek MT8183C Octa-Core processor, 4GB RAM, and 32GB storage. It offers up to 15 hours of battery life on a single charge and has access to the Google Play Store, too.
Which tablet should you buy?There are so many great tablets available to choose from at different price points, in different sizes, and from different manufacturers. You can find great deals during Prime Day on iPads, Fire tablets, and Android tablets from manufacturers like Lenovo and Samsung. There are also deals to be had on Chrome OS tablets and convertible Chromebooks if you would rather go that route.
Typically when comparing phones, we recommend that you pick the best phone for the ecosystem you primarily use, but that rule of thumb doesn't necessarily apply here for tablets. Android users can feel secure in their Android identity if they buy an iPad, and iPhone users can get a lot of value and utility from a Chrome OS or Fire tablet.
My top Prime Day 2021 tablet deal recommendations per OS would be the iPad 10.2 for Apple, the new Fire HD 10 for Amazon, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 for Android. Oh, and don't forget our top overall pick, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet!
Prime Day 2021 Tablet deals I'm most excited aboutThe Lenovo Chromebook Duet has proven to be one of the best tablet offerings of the past year, so we'll be thrilled to see it discounted a bit for Prime Day. Whether you want to use it for work or play, it has all of the power and features you could ask for at an impressive price.
We're also usually impressed by Amazon's deals for its own Fire Tablets, and it'll be interesting to see just how low they drop during the event - specifically for the Fire HD 8, 8 Plus, and 10. Fire Tablets aren't the most amazing Android tablets on the market, but they work well and are affordable for most families. If you need a quality slate for checking Twitter or watching YouTube, these fit the bill perfectly.
What were the best Prime Day 2020 Tablet deals?Prime Day 2020 was delayed a bit, but it still brought plenty of excellent offers once it arrived in October. Along with deals like $50 off the latest iPad mini and $100 off the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, Amazon offered exclusive discounts like $70 off its Fire HD 10 tablet and $40 off the Fire 7 Kids Edition.
Samsung's Galaxy Tab S7 got a massive $95 price cut during Prime Day 2020 as well, so perhaps we can expect it to dip even lower this time around.