Tablets are synonymous with the iPad, but they’re not your only option. Samsung and Microsoft have been making slates to rival Apple for a few years now, and plenty more Android phone makers are also getting on board .
That means there’s loads of choice in 2022, ranging from basic entertainment devices to full-blown laptop replacements. You’ll also notice plenty of variation in price, from under £100/$100 to well over 10 times that.
As well as having more options, the other benefit to consumers are the range of tablet deals on offer. Prime Day deals have now expired, but there are plenty of other great offers available in the US and UK right now. Here are the best we’ve found.
What are the best tablets?
Since their entry onto the market, Apple’s iPads have served as the metre stick by which almost all other tablets are measured. From design to functionality and beyond, Apple’s high prices are often justified by a lack of competition, something that only a handful of brands (namely Samsung and Microsoft) ever seem to challenge.
That’s reflected in our current top five tablets:
- Apple iPad Air (2022)
- Apple iPad Air (2020)
- Apple iPad Mini (2021)
- Apple iPad 10.2in (2021)
- Apple iPad Pro 12.9in (2021)
However, an iPad won’t be the best option for everyone. Check out our rankings of the best tablets and best cheap tablets for great alternatives, while the best 2-in-1 laptops includes some slates with detachable keyboards.
Where to find the best deals on tablets (including iPads)
You occasionally see the odd bit of money off an iPad, so look at retailers like Currys and Argos in the UK or brands like Best Buy and Walmart in the US. Official Apple discounts on its products are extremely rare, although you will find cheaper iPads on its Refurbished Store all year round. It’s also worth considering official resellers such KRCS, which typically offer good value for money.
Android tablets are far more likely to be sold at more competitive prices, given their generally lower RRPs in the first place – though even high-ticket Samsung tablets can also get a good price cut – so keep your eyes peeled to this page.
There are, of course, 2-in-1 tablets that run on more robust hardware and software, such as Microsoft’s Surface line, which runs Windows. Though slightly pricey, we have an entire article dedicated to Microsoft Surface deals, which goes through the newest models, accessories, usual prices, and, of course, where to find the best deals – including how to spot deals on refurbished devices and find student discounts.
Amazon’s Fire tablets all have low prices to begin with, but still get frequent discounts. They’re only usually good for the basics, but they deliver excellent value for money.
Here are a few of the best places to check for US tablet bargains:
In the UK, check out the following:
If you find that you’re missing out on Amazon’s Lightning deals, which run for just a few hours and offer limited stock, we’d recommend signing up for Amazon’s 30-day free trial of Prime, which will get you access to deals 30 minutes before everyone else and exclusive access to Prime Day savings. Plus, you’ll get free next-day delivery, access to the Prime Video streaming service and more.
Sign up for Prime now to take advantage.
Best tablet deals in the US
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 (128GB)
This is a big saving on the cheapest Surface Pro 8 model, meaning you can buy a keyboard cover, mouse and stylus and still pay less than the original price.
There’s also $273 off the 256GB model at Amazon.
Apple 12.9in iPad Pro (2021, 1TB, renewed)
Apple’s first iPad Pro to sport its dedicated M1 chipset. This refurbished 12.9in model is available with a sizeable $230 off on Amazon.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE (256GB)
2021’s Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE, with 256GB storage and an included S Pen stylus, can currently be snapped up with an impressive 30% discount in this excellent Amazon deal.
Apple 11in iPad Pro (2021, 128GB)
This is a great deal on Apple’s latest premium slate. A saving of $100 on the usual asking price brings this 11in WiFi-only model with 128GB of storage under $700.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ (128GB)
The Mystic Navy model of Samsung’s flagship 2020 tablet with 128GB of storage is now available with a hefty 33% discount at Amazon.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (128GB)
The impressive Tab A8 is only a few months old, but Amazon’s useful discount already saves you 25% on the RRP. You can also get smaller savings on the 32GB and 64GB model.
Apple 10.2in iPad (2021, 256GB, Wi-Fi)
Save $50 on the latest regular iPad. It’s a great affordable slate that’s perfect for web browsing or video calls.
Best tablet deals in the UK
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 (512GB)
Surface Pro 8 discounts aren’t as big as they were around Prime Day, but there are still some decent deals available. £200 off this mid-spec model is joined by £78 off the cheapest configuration at Amazon.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
The still-new Galaxy Tab S8 already has a big saving of over $125, making it a great chance to get Samsung’s flagship tablet.
Apple 12.9in iPad Pro (2020, 1TB)
Nab a not-insignificant reduction on the top 1TB storage version of the iPad Pro 12.9in from 2020. This isn’t a Prime-only deal, so all Amazon customers can buy it, we just don’t know how long it’ll be available at this price.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
The budget Galaxy Tab A8 is even cheaper. It boasts a great display, impressive speakers and great battery life, none of which are guaranteed at this price.
Microsoft Surface Go 3 (i3, 128GB)
This excellent deal drops the top-spec Surface Go 3 to its lowest price yet. It’s the model we’d recommend to most people, but there are savings across the range.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
There’s a solid £81 off the 64GB Tab S7 FE with LTE connectivity, getting you a great tablet for on the go. You can also find similar savings on other models.
Microsoft Surface Go 2
If you don’t mind slightly older hardware, the Surface Go 2 remains a great portable PC. The top-spec Wi-Fi version is currently available with a useful £120 discount, or you can save £144 on an LTE model.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 (128GB, cellular)
This 4G model of the Tab S7 is a powerhouse, delivering flagship performance via a stunning display. It’s available with a useful discount right now, too.
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro (128GB) w/ keyboard + stylus
Lenovo’s Tab P11 Pro is a promising multimedia slate with a premium design and a stunning display. This model comes complete with both the Keyboard Pack and Precision Pen to expand its capabilities. Check out our Tab P11 Pro review to see how we found the whole kit and to decide whether this discounted Amazon price is right for you.
Apple 10.2in iPad (2021)
This 64GB model of the latest regular iPad is available with a modest discount at Amazon, but that’s actually the lowest price it’s ever been.
Tablet deals for students
Another great resource to help you snag UK deals is the Student Beans page. The Tech and Mobile section can help you save up to 25% on big brands such as Apple (10% off for students), Huawei, Dell, Lenovo and many more. See all tech student deals here.
Want more deals? We have a rundown of the best worth checking out across all of tech too.
Author: Anyron Copeman, Senior Staff Writer
As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.