Best budget Android tablets

Top pick: Lenovo Idea Tab Plus — the sharpest screen of the affordable bunch and plenty of storage, so text stays crisp for reading and video looks good. It's the one I'd buy for everyday streaming, browsing and notes.

Who the others suit:

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (11-inch) — if you want a big-name tablet with a wide screen and cellular option; a pre-owned unit is the cheapest way in.
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE — a step up in screen and battery if you can stretch; refurbished brings it into budget territory.
• onn 8.1" Core Tablet — small, cheap and fine for a kid or a bedside reader.
• Samsung A11+ — only if you want Samsung's software on a tight budget; its display is the weakest here.

Skip the no-name 7-inch tablets unless it's a throwaway for a child.