Fire HD 10 vs iPad vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+: which budget tablet is best?
By EmbroidHub Editorial Team · Updated · How we compare
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For watching shows, reading, video calls and homework, you do not need an expensive tablet. These three are the most popular affordable tablets in the US, and the Fire HD 10 in particular gets some of Amazon's deepest discounts of the year.
Quick picks
- Streaming and reading on a budget: Amazon Fire HD 10Check price on Amazon
- Best tablet overall: Apple iPad (11-inch, A16)Check price on Amazon
- Android and Google apps: Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+Check price on Amazon
Side-by-side comparison
| Product | Best for | Price tier | Screen | App store | microSD slot | Best for | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Fire HD 10 | Streaming and reading on a budget | Budget | 10.1 in, 1080p | Amazon Appstore | Yes | Video, reading, kids | See on Amazon |
| Apple iPad (11-inch, A16) | Best tablet overall | Premium | 11 in Liquid Retina | Apple App Store | No | School, apps, long-term use | See on Amazon |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ | Android and Google apps | Budget | 11 in, 90 Hz | Google Play | Yes | Google apps, streaming | See on Amazon |
#1 · Streaming and reading on a budget · Budget
Amazon Fire HD 10
A 10.1-inch 1080p tablet that is often discounted below $100. It is great for Prime Video, Netflix, Kindle books and Alexa, and has a microSD slot for extra storage. Apps come from the Amazon Appstore, not Google Play.
What we like
- Lowest price, frequent deals
- Full HD 10.1-inch screen
- microSD slot
Keep in mind
- No Google Play Store
- Slower than iPad
- Screen
- 10.1 in, 1080p
- App store
- Amazon Appstore
- microSD slot
- Yes
- Best for
- Video, reading, kids
#2 · Best tablet overall · Premium
Apple iPad (11-inch, A16)
The standard iPad is fast, gets software updates for many years and has the best selection of tablet apps and games. It starts at 128 GB and works with Apple Pencil and keyboards for schoolwork.
What we like
- Fast and smooth
- Best tablet apps
- Long software support
- 128 GB to start
Keep in mind
- Costs much more
- No microSD slot
- Screen
- 11 in Liquid Retina
- App store
- Apple App Store
- microSD slot
- No
- Best for
- School, apps, long-term use
#3 · Android and Google apps · Budget
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
An 11-inch Android tablet with a smooth 90 Hz screen, Google Play Store and a microSD slot. A good middle ground if you want Google apps (YouTube, Gmail, Chrome) without paying iPad prices.
What we like
- Google Play Store
- Smooth 90 Hz screen
- microSD slot
Keep in mind
- Less powerful than iPad
- Screen
- 11 in, 90 Hz
- App store
- Google Play
- microSD slot
- Yes
- Best for
- Google apps, streaming
Which tablet for kids?
Amazon's Fire Kids editions add a kid-proof case, a 2-year worry-free guarantee and a year of Amazon Kids+. For older kids doing homework, an iPad or Galaxy Tab with Google apps is more flexible.
Our verdict
Get the Fire HD 10 for the best value for video and reading, the iPad if you can spend more for speed and apps, and the Galaxy Tab A9+ if you want Google Play on a budget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install Google Play on a Fire tablet?
Not officially. Fire tablets use the Amazon Appstore, which has most streaming apps but not Google's own apps like YouTube's main app or Gmail.
When is the Fire HD 10 cheapest?
Prime Day, the October Prime event and Black Friday week usually bring the lowest prices, often around half off.
Specs and features come from the manufacturers and can change between versions. Prices change often on Amazon, so check the current price and the exact model before you buy.
