📚 Best Tablets for Students in 2025 Under $500

🏆 Top Picks for Students

📝 Detailed Reviews

1. Apple iPad 2022 (10th Gen)

• Why it’s great for students: Offers a reliable A14 Bionic chip, a 10.2-inch Retina display, and full iPadOS support, making it ideal for note-taking, research, and multimedia consumption.
• Stylus Support: Compatible with the 1st Gen Apple Pencil.
• Keyboard Compatibility: Works with the Smart Keyboard and Magic Keyboard Folio.
• Price: Approximately $349.

2. OnePlus Pad 2

• Why it’s great for students: Features a 12.4-inch display, powerful performance, and a sleek design. It’s a solid Android alternative to the iPad.
• Stylus Support: Supports the OnePlus Stylo.
• Keyboard Compatibility: Compatible with the OnePlus Magnetic Keyboard ($39).
• Price: Around $499.

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+

• Why it’s great for students: Budget-friendly with a 10.5-inch display, suitable for reading, browsing, and light productivity tasks.
• Stylus Support: Yes.
• Keyboard Compatibility: Yes.
• Price: Starting at $179.

4. Lenovo Tab M11

• Why it’s great for students: Offers a solid 11-inch display and decent performance for everyday tasks.
• Stylus Support: No.
• Keyboard Compatibility: Optional.
• Price: Approximately $199.

5. Google Pixel Tablet

• Why it’s great for students: Integrates well with Google services and offers a clean Android experience.
• Stylus Support: Yes.
• Keyboard Compatibility: Yes.
• Price: Around $499.

💡 Tips for Choosing the Right Tablet

• Operating System Preference: Consider whether you prefer iPadOS, Android, or ChromeOS based on your existing devices and software ecosystem.
• Stylus and Keyboard Support: If you plan to take notes or do extensive writing, ensure the tablet supports a stylus and has keyboard compatibility.
• Portability: Choose a tablet size that fits your lifestyle—smaller tablets are more portable, while larger ones offer more screen real estate.
• Battery Life: Look for tablets with long battery life to get through a full day of classes and study sessions.

🛍️ Where to Buy

• Amazon: Offers a wide selection of tablets with competitive prices.
• Best Buy: Provides in-store demonstrations and student discounts.
• Walmart: Carries budget-friendly options with convenient pickup options.
• Official Brand Stores: Check Apple, OnePlus, Samsung, and Lenovo websites for student deals and bundles.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Choosing the right tablet under $500 depends on your specific needs and preferences. The Apple iPad 2022 offers a balanced mix of performance and ecosystem integration. The OnePlus Pad 2 provides a compelling Android alternative with robust features. For budget-conscious students, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ and Lenovo Tab M11 are excellent choices. The Google Pixel Tablet stands out for those deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem.