Finding a cheap tablet for watching movies is actually a more complex task than most would think. This is because there are a number of features that matter and an inexpensive tablet may not have them all.
For example, for watching movies on a tablet you’ll need a long lasting battery and robust audio, which are two features most inexpensive tablets don’t usually have.
However, since technology and electronics are advancing so quickly, the Fire HD tablets are able to accomplish this as can the Lenovo and some of the more affordable Samsung models.
So, unless you plan on multi-tasking and running several apps at once, the best tablets for movies in this guide that are 720p and 1080p resolution capable will do just fine.
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- Related: What can you do with the Amazon Fire Tablet? (Fire HD)
- 1. Fire HD 8 Plus: Best Overall Cheap Tablet for Watching Movies
- 2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7: Best Cheap Premium Tablet for Watching Movies
- 3. iPad Air: Best Cheap iPad for Streaming Movies
- 4. Lenovo Tab M10 plus: Best inexpensive Android Tablet for Watching Movies
- 5. Microsoft Surface Go 2: Best Windows Tablet for Watching Movies Offline
- 6. VANKYO MatrixPad S30: Best Budget Tablet for Streaming Movies and TV Series
- 7. Amazon Fire HD 10: Best Affordable Tablet with Big Screen for Movies
- Choose a Larger Display when possible
- Choose a Tablet with Great Battery Life
- Make Sure the Tablet has Enough Storage
- Make Sure the Tablet has a Solid Performance Build
- Can I watch movies on tablet?
- What tablet is good for watching movies?
- How can I watch free movies on my tablet?
- Can a tablet be used as a TV?
- What resolution is the best for watching movies on a tablet?
Best budget Tablets for Watching Movies
Below is our list of the best low cost tablets for movies and general use. Shoot for 720p or 1080p playback on Netflix and other streaming apps as well as a battery long battery life and dolby speaker system.
1. Fire HD 8 Plus: Best Overall Cheap Tablet for Watching Movies
Watching movies and series on tablets has become very popular. That’s why Amazon created the Fire HD 8 Plus, a premium tablet with all the necessary features for video streaming.
You can also check out the evolved Fire HD model that has 64GB and 30% faster processing power.
Display: The Fire HD 8 Plus has an 8” display with 1280 x 800 resolution. Although this isn’t one of the biggest screens on the list, this display is great for watching your favorite series on 720p without any problem. Moreover, the Fire HD 8 Plus includes dual speakers and Dolby Atmos for a greater experience.
Processor: Performance-wise, the quad-core 2.0 GHz processor and the 3 GB of RAM are a great build for a budget tablet like the Fire HD 8 Plus. Thus, you can use this tablet for Netflix, Prime Video, Youtube, and many other streaming apps without lag.
Related: Best Tablets for Watching Youtube & Videos
When it comes to capacity, the Fire HD 8 Plus includes 32 GB of storage that is expandable by up to 1TB with a fast micro SD card. With this amount of expandable storage, you can download countless movies and series and watch them offline whenever you want.
Its battery life can last up to 12 hours of constant use. Plus, this tablet’s easy wireless charge makes it possible to watch videos, movies, or series while it charges.
Related: How to Use an Old Tablet as a Digital Picture Frame
When it comes to compatibility and accessories, this tablet includes a USB-C port you can use for charging and a 3.5mm headphone jack port for easy connection with accessories. Plus, it also has Bluetooth for wireless connection with other devices or headphones.
To sum up, the Fire HD 8 Plus is a fantastic budget choice, ideal for watching movies and series. It might lack a big screen, but the display’s vivid colors, the powerful build, and all its other characteristics will make it up for you.
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7: Best Cheap Premium Tablet for Watching Movies
Samsung and its products don’t need any introductions. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is one of the most premium yet affordable tablets you can find on the market. It has incredible features, and you’ll find it ideal for every streaming task.
Display: The huge LCD 10.4 inches display with 2000 x 1200 (WUXGA+) resolution is perfect for watching movies and series. If you add the quad-speaker system and the Dolby Atmos surround sound, this tablet is outstanding for streaming and listening to music.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor and the 3GB of Ram that the Tab A7 includes makes it ultra-fast. As a result, you can easily stream, multitask, or browse the web without facing any problems.
- See our post: Which is the Best Amazon Fire Tablet model? HD 8 vs 10
- Related Amazon Fire HD vs Samsung Tablet models (A8, A7, & S8) | Compared
Another impressive characteristic is the 64GB of storage. With this capacity, Samsung allows you to download many movies, series, or videos and watch them offline. Moreover, you can expand the storage up to 1TB with an SD card.
The Tab A7 has a massive, long-lasting battery, perfect for all the tasks you have in mind. It quickly charges via a USB-C cable. It also includes a jack port and Bluetooth for headphones and AirPods connection.
Summing up, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is a unique tablet with a premium look and all the necessary features. Watching movies and videos on this tablet will be a top-tier experience when it comes to budget devices.
3. iPad Air: Best Cheap iPad for Streaming Movies
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Apple is the most popular brand in the electronic world. That’s why iPads are always a top pick when it comes to buying a tablet. The iPad Air is one of the greatest tablets that Apple has ever created, as it contains all the brand’s world-class features at a reasonable price.
Display: The unique 10.9-inch Liquid Retina with the 1640×2360 resolution makes this tablet outstanding for watching movies and videos at 1080p. Considering that it also includes wide stereo audio, the iPad Air is ideal for watching movies and series.
If you are looking for a powerful tablet that can deal with any task, this is simply the best choice. The A14 Bionic chip with Neural Engine and the 4GB of RAM transform this tablet into an absolute monster.
When it comes to capacity, the iPad Air includes 64GB of storage. With so much storage, you can save many movies and series episodes. Plus, you can download data and keep your photos and videos without any hesitation.
Related: Best Wireless Drawing Tablets: Our Top Picks
The iPad Air couldn’t lack in any aspect, let alone battery life. This tablet provides up to 10-hour battery life. However, when it runs out of battery, you can quickly charge it via the USB-C port.
The iPad Air, like most of Apple’s products, doesn’t include the standard jack port. However, you can simply connect your headphones or AirPods via Bluetooth.
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In a few words, the iPad Air has everything you are looking for from a tablet, especially when watching movies. Thus, this is a great affordable tablet that will leave you satisfied.
4. Lenovo Tab M10 plus: Best inexpensive Android Tablet for Watching Movies
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Lenovo is another great manufacturer in the technological world. In fact, the brand managed for its products to be highly reliable and, in many cases, faster than more expensive devices. The Tab M10 Plus is one of the latest Lenovo tablets and includes impressive characteristics.
Display: The 10.3-inch Full HD screen with TDDI technology is perfect for everyday tasks. If you add the dual side speakers and the Dolby Atmos system, you can watch movies and series to the fullest.
Processor: The Octa-core powerful processor 2.3GHz and the 4GB of RAM make this tablet a smart choice as a multi-purpose tablet. With the Tab M10 plus and its outstanding performance, you can watch movies and videos with no lags.
The Tab M10 plus has great capacity too. The 64GB of storage allows you to download and save movies, series, videos, and many apps. Plus, you can quickly expand it via an SD card for more downloading.
On the flip side, the battery life can last up to 7 hours of video playback and 8 hours of web browsing. That’s probably the only aspect where you can understand why this is a budget choice. However, the Tab M10 plus, in combination with the other features, still remains a top budget pick.
See: Lenovo Flex Vs Yoga: Which is better? (Comparison)
About the compatibility, the Tab M10 plus has a USB-C port via which you can quickly charge it. It also includes a jack port and Bluetooth for connecting headphones and AirPods. That’s perfect for watching movies without bothering others around you. Overall, the Lenovo Tab M10 plus is a reliable, fast tablet that comes along at a great price.
5. Microsoft Surface Go 2: Best Windows Tablet for Watching Movies Offline
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is one of the most premium tablets on the market. Microsoft has done a remarkable job with this tablet. It includes world-class characteristics that you’ll find really efficient and helpful.
The Surface Go 2 has a fantastic 10.5-inch display with 1920 x 1280 resolution, perfect for watching movies and videos. Moreover, the spectacular audio system creates an excellent experience when it comes to streaming.
The Surface Go 2 is available with either an 8th Gen Intel Pentium Gold processor or a Core M3 processor. Both are very fast and reliable. In combination with the 8GB of RAM, this tablet is ideal for watching movies and running apps with no lags.
When it comes to storage, this tablet includes a 128GB SSD. With that amount of storage, you can save or download in the tablet everything you desire. With this SSD and the fast processor, you can watch movies and run apps like Lightroom smoothly.
See our post: Apple Pencil 2 vs Surface Pen: Which is Better for Drawing & Note Taking?
Battery life is around 10 hours of constant use. Great enough for anything you have in mind. Additionally, you can easily charge it via the USB-C port. It also includes a jack port and Bluetooth for connecting with headphones or other devices.
See: How to Turn your iPad into a Laptop [Complete Guide]
To sum up, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a premium tablet that you’ll find essential in many ways. You can do nearly everything with it, without any struggle.
6. VANKYO MatrixPad S30: Best Budget Tablet for Streaming Movies and TV Series
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
VANKYO might not be one of the most well-known brands, but its products are very reliable, and they’re budgeted. The VANKYO MatrixPad S30 makes the difference among most VANKYO tablets due to its unique features.
Update: Tablets with similar tech specs as the matrix pad that run on android also tend to work well.
Display: Starting with the display, the MatrixPad S30 has a 10.1” Full HD screen with 1920 x 1200 resolution. In combination with the dual box speakers, this tablet gives you a more realistic view and sound when watching movies.
Processor: The Octa-core 1.6GHz processor with 3GB of RAM allows you to use this tablet for many tasks like watching TV series and browsing the web. It might struggle to run demanding apps smoothly (unlike iPads or Samsung devices), but it’s perfect for everyday tasks.
The MatrixPad S30 includes 32GB of storage that is good for saving movies and TV series. However, if it doesn’t seem enough to you, you can expand it up to 512GB with an SD card. So, you will be able to download many movies and apps. You can also see the Best Tablets with SD Card slot (expandable storage)
Battery: When it comes to battery life, this tablet has a long-lasting battery great for many hours of use. However, if it runs out of battery, you can easily charge it through the USB-C port.
Last but not least, the MatrixPad S30 includes a jack port and Bluetooth. So, you can connect your headphones without any problems and in no time. In a few words, the VANKYO MatrixPad S30 is both a budget and a reliable choice. So, take the step of faith, and this tablet will reward you.
7. Amazon Fire HD 10: Best Affordable Tablet with Big Screen for Movies
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Similar to the the Fire HD 8 and 8 plus models, the Fire HD 10 tablet is another incredibly affordable tablet for watching movies. It’s large screen shows that Amazon pays a lot of attention as this is something many have been wanting.
Amazon devices are becoming more well designed so that you won’t be disappointed with either price or quality.. The Fire HD 10 has many excellent characteristics to look up to.
Display: The outstanding 10.1-inch Full HD display is an impressive feature this tablet includes. In addition, the dual speaker and the Dolby Atmos system make this tablet perfect for watching videos, movies, and series.
Processor: The 2GHz octa-core processor makes this tablet fast enough for browsing the web or watching a movie. However, the 2GB of RAM reveals that the Fire HD 10 isn’t the best choice for multitasking. Though, it’s ideal for simple tasks.
It comes along with 32GB of storage, allowing you to download anything you want without any hesitation. Moreover, as if that’s not enough, you can expand its capacity up to 1TB through an SD card.
Also see: The 10 Largest Android Tablets that are 11 inches or bigger
The Fire HD 10 includes a long-lasting battery. You can easily use it for up to 12 hours before it needs recharging. When that time comes, you can charge it via the USB-C port. Additionally, this tablet has a jack port and Bluetooth for easier connection with headphones.
As far as IPTV, the Samsung or Lenovo tablets may be more ideal instead due to the android operating system.
Overall, the Fire HD 10 is a safe choice for everyday tasks and even works well for watching movies in the car. If you’re on a tight budget but want a big screen for watching movies, then this tablet will suit your needs.
How to Choose the Best Cheap Tablets for Watching Shows, Movies and Series
What kind of tablet should you choose when you’re strictly watching movies, tv shows, and films? Below I’ll cover everything from the display to the battery life you’ll need.
One thing that is overlooked is the audio – keep in mind you may want accessories depending on the type of tablet you choose. For example if you’re using an iPad, the AirPods pair well for private listening, but so do many other options.
Choose a Larger Display when possible
When it comes to choosing a tablet, especially for watching movies or series, then you should firstly consider the display. It would help if you had a satisfying display size. In this way, your eyes won’t hurt after an hour or two. For this reason, a 7-inch tablet isn’t a smart choice for watching movies. On the flip side, tablets with an 8-inch display have a good display size, but those with a 10-inch screen are perfect.
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The display is important when watching a movie on a tablet (especially if it’s an android tablet), because it affects the overall viewing experience. A high-quality display with a high resolution and accurate color reproduction can make the movie more immersive and enjoyable.
On the other hand, a poor-quality display with a low resolution and inaccurate colors can make the movie difficult to watch and less enjoyable. I personally can notice this on the very inexpensive, lesser known branded tablets that are under $50.
Keep in mind: The display size and aspect ratio also play a role in how the movie is experienced by the viewer – you won’t have to worry too much about this if you are getting a Samsung or iPad since these typically work well with most movies. In general, you’ll want something large – A larger display or a display with a wider aspect ratio can enhance the sense of immersion and make the movie more cinematic.
Choose a Tablet with Great Battery Life
If you take a tablet primarily for movies and TV shows, then one important factor is the battery. Watching videos and series all the time usually makes the tablet run out of battery. So, you can choose the one with the larger amount of mAb because it’s going to last the most.
Battery life is important when watching a movie on a tablet because it determines the amount of time you can watch a movie before needing to recharge the device. (You’ll want a minimum of 3 hours in most cases).
If the battery life is shorter than 3 hours, you may need to stop watching the movie to charge the device again, which many users consider very inconvenient.
Make Sure the Tablet has Enough Storage
If you want to download and watch movies offline, then you need a tablet that has the necessary space. A tablet with 32GB of storage might work for you, but one with 64GB is always a better choice. Either way, you can easily expand the storage if there is an SD port.
See our post: Best Budget Tablets with a Good Camera
If you’re watching movies that are on a USB drive and you aren’t streaming, then you may want to consider whether or not you want more storage because there’s also cloud storage available on devices such as the iPad. For example, you can use iCloud to store files, or Google Drive, and then download them to your tablet and watch the movie.
If this is the route, you were taking, then you may not require a ton of storage on your tablet; just make sure you understand how everything works as we explained.
Make Sure the Tablet has a Solid Performance Build
It’s true that when it comes to performance, you don’t need the best CPU or RAM for watching movies and series. However, as you probably use it for more tasks than that, you should choose one with at least a decent build. That’s why you should go for 3GB of RAM and above, and it needs to be at least Quad-Core.
As long as your tablet can run basic apps and is made from a major name brand such as a Apple, Samsung, (or even Lenovo)… then the tablet should be able to handle watching movies without a problem.
Which cheap tablets are good for watching movies and reading books?
When it comes to getting a cheap tablet for both movies and reading books, the Amazon fire tablet models work well due to their screen size, quality, battery life and price point.
Moreover, the fire HD models are compatible with the appropriate apps compared to other tablets of its price range. For example you can use YouTube or Netflix on this tablet for watching movies or open the kindle books app for reading.
Related: Fire HD vs Kindle Paperwhite: Which is Better for Reading?
This is one of the most affordable price points for accomplishing both of these tasks in addition to general use. Alternatively, the Lenovo tablet M models work well and are very cheap.
They work well because they run Android; which has different apps on it available that the fireOs doesn’t natively, such as google apps. The Lenovo models also have different advanced privacy features and a robust audio playback.
If you are using the tablet for more (such as reading a PDF) then you can see our post: 10 Best Tablets for Reading PDF files.
FAQ
Can I watch movies on tablet?
The primary purpose of tablets is to make your life easier. Watching a movie on your phone isn’t the best choice and carrying around your laptop all the time for streaming is difficult. That’s why watching movies on a tablet is a great choice. Tablets are compact, lightweight, and their screens are great for watching series and shows.
What tablet is good for watching movies?
Choosing a tablet for watching movies and series might get tricky. However, if you look at our list above, you’ll see it’s easier than you thought. You should select the one with the bigger display, the most long-lasting battery, and a solid performance system.
How can I watch free movies on my tablet?
A lot of people wonder if they can watch movies online for free. YouTube is one choice, but you may not find the film you want there. That’s why there are platforms like Netflix and Prime Video by Amazon. You will need to pay for memberships but those platforms are really worth it.
Can a tablet be used as a TV?
If you want to watch TV from your tablet, of course, you can. However, to do so, you need to have an internet connection all the time. If you do, all you have to do is download a specific app from the App Store or Google Play Store. There are numerous TV apps available for tablets, and most of them are totally free.
What resolution is the best for watching movies on a tablet?
Watching movies and series on a tablet is like watching them on TV. That’s why you need the best possible resolution. Of course, the best one you can get is Full HD (1080p). There are many great tablets with Full HD displays, even budgeted ones. So, choose a tablet with the best resolution possible as it’s essential for enjoying movies.
Bottom Line
For watching movies on the best possible tablet and at an affordable price, you’ll need to consider the resolution, brightness, sound quality (louder the better), and battery capacity. Additionally battery charge speed matters as well.
Many of the cheaper tablets for watching movies lack a loud sound system, however there are alternatives and work around to this.Just be sure to consider a headphone or bluetooth speaker system if sound is a priority and your tablet doesn’t have it.
For watching movies you’ll want to be able to run most of the streaming apps and the operating systems on tablets that have a large selection of these movie apps are the iOS, windows, Android, and FireOS.