Best Black Friday tablet deals 2021: Deals are still around

If you’re desperate for a new tablet whether for work, school, or entertainment purposes, the Black Friday tablet deals still remaining are your best chance. With the best tablet Black Friday deals, you can purchase a tier above what you would normally get or go for devices with bigger capacities. You just have to be patient when going through retailers’ Black Friday offers to find the best deal for your new tablet.

The best Black Friday deals will cover all of the most popular tablet manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, and Amazon. The biggest deals are likely to hit today though, so if you see a deal on a device you want, make sure to jump on it while stock is available. There’s surely an offer out there for a tablet with the right price and features that are perfect for you.

Black Friday is over and the Black Friday tablet deals are now drawing to a close — check out these Cyber Monday tablet deals instead.

Best Black Friday tablet deals 2021

• Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet 32GB — <strong>$45</strong>, was $90
• Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet 32GB — <strong>$75</strong>, was $150
• Samsung Galaxy Tab A (2019) — $100, was $150
• Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet 32GB — $120, was $200
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite — $330, was $350
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 — $499, was $650
• Apple iPad Air 64GB — $594, was $599
• Microsoft Surface Pro 7 — $700, was $900
• Apple 11-inch iPad Pro 256GB — $849, was $899
• Get a $100 Apple gift card with any iPad purchase from Apple

Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet 32GB — $45, was $90

Why buy:

• Cheap and cheerful
• Good battery life
• Integrated into Amazon’s services
• Good small tablet for basic needs

The budget tablet market is a tough one to buy into, but Amazon’s Fire HD range is probably the king of this section of the market. Ultra-cheap and great if you’re looking for a basic tablet, the Fire HD 8 has issues, but at $45, it’s hard not to see it as a real bargain. Newly imbued with a USB-C port and a stronger processor, the Fire HD 8 is the best choice if you want a tablet for basic browsing, some e-book reading, and watching videos.

However, don’t expect much more out of it than just those features. The processor won’t hold up to much other than even basic games, performance can be sluggish even during everyday browsing, and it doesn’t have access to the Google Play Store (instead, it uses Amazon’s Appstore). The display isn’t great either, even though the eight-inch display means it’s extremely portable. But, even with those downsides, it’s durable, works very well if you’re willing to have some patience, and at this incredibly low price, it’s a great sofa-sitter for idle swiping.

Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet 32GB — $75, was $150

Why buy:

• Large screen
• Better processing power than smaller variants
• Integration into Amazon services and Alexa
• Extremely good value

If the Fire HD 8 is a little too small, then look to its slightly larger cousin: The Fire HD 10. A 10.1-inch screen means there’s a lot more to see here, and those two extra inches make a serious difference in everyday usability. It’s the perfect smart home control center if you use Amazon’s Alexa a lot, and the faster processor should mean it’ll handle games better than previous generations. There’s also a split-screen mode in FireOS now, so you can actually take advantage of the larger display.

It’s not going to be the equal of most other tablets on this list, of course. It’s never going to be an iPad, but if you’re happy to overlook the sluggish and sometimes laggy performance, and the lack of Google’s Play Store, then this is a very difficult larger tablet to pass up.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A (2019) — $100, was $150

Why buy:

• Affordable but reliable with 2GB of RAM
• 8-inch display is great for basic functions
• 32GB internal storage and expandable memory
• Long battery life of up to 13 hours

For an affordable tablet that’s perfect for basic functions such as browsing the internet, checking social media, and watching streaming content, you should go for the Samsung Galaxy Tab A. The Android-powered tablet features an eight-inch display with 1280 x 800 resolution for a good look at whatever’s on the screen, as well as a quad-core processor for fast performance and power efficiency, with 2GB of RAM providing the capability to run demanding apps smoothly. The tablet also comes with an 8MP rear camera for taking clear pictures and a 2MP front camera for attending online classes or joining virtual meetings. It comes with internal storage of 32GB, and if that’s not enough for your apps and files, you can expand the tablet’s memory through its microSD card slot. Samsung promises up to 13 hours of usage on a single charge, which should be more than enough to get you through the day.

There’s no telling when Best Buy’s offer will end, so if you want to purchase the Samsung Galaxy Tab A with an 8-inch screen, 32GB internal storage, and 2GB of RAM for just $100, you shouldn’t hesitate. The retailer, which slashed $50 off the tablet’s original price of $150 among its Samsung Galaxy Tab deals, might not have enough stock of the tablet to meet demand, so you should click that Buy Now button as soon as you can.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet 32GB — $120, was $200

Why buy:

• Extremely tough with a great warranty to boot
• Big screen
• Excellent value
• One year of Amazon Kids+ included with purchase

Kids love smart devices too, and the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids is a great choice for kids in the three to seven age bracket. It’s very much a real tablet, not one of the LeapFrog tablets they’ll have grown out of, but the tough case means it’ll be able to take the falls and tumbles likely to occur when in a child’s grip. A two-year worry-free warranty means quick and easy replacements with no questions asked, and the year of Amazon Kids+ gives access to over 20,000 books, apps, games, and more.

All the same problems that plague the other Fire HD tablets still apply, of course. Performance is limited, there’s no Google Play Store, and the display isn’t the best around. But, it has strong parental control options, is very strong, and should be able to provide entertainment and education in equal measure for years to come. It’s probably the best tablet for younger kids and well worth grabbing at this price.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite — $300, was $430

Why buy:

• Comes with the S Pen
• Slim metal build
• Good battery life
• Samsung Dex for desktop-like experience on the move

Filling the midrange slot is the Samsung Galaxy S6 Lite. Essentially a slightly pared-down version of Samsung’s flagship tablet range, the S6 Lite has everything you need, as long as it’s not being used as a hotshot workhorse. The Exynos 9611 is a strong enough processor for most tasks (and games, of course), and while the combination of 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage as standard is a little low, it’s good enough for most everyday tasks. The included S Pen is also a big bonus and means you can scribble or doodle away to your heart’s content.

Samsung claims battery life lasts a solid 12 hours, which is good, though we haven’t been able to test this ourselves. Samsung Dex is another big draw and allows you to use your tablet and a monitor to create a desktop-like experience, perfect for getting work done on the go. All-in-all, while not as premium as the tab S6 or Tab S7, the Tab S6 Lite is a good little tablet with a lot to offer — and it’s even better at this price.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 — $499, was $650

Why buy:

• Use it as a PC with Samsung’s DeX mode
• Great entertainment provider
• S Pen unlocks more functionality
• Expandable memory

For an Android tablet that can function as well as a PC, you should try the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. You can transform it into a PC through Samsung’s DeX mode, though you’ll need to purchase the optional keyboard if you want to do this. It’s also a perfectly capable tablet, with an 11-inch display and AKG quad speakers with Dolby Atmos surround sound, making it a great device for watching streaming content. For cameras, the tablet comes with wide 13MP and ultrawide 5MP cameras on the back and an 8MP camera on the front. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 also features the redesigned S Pen, which will unlock more functionality such as jotting down notes and controlling presentations. The tablet comes with 128GB of internal storage, but that’s expandable through its microSD card slot.

If you need a reliable tablet for work or school, you can’t go wrong with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. Amazon is selling the 128GB version of the tablet at $151 off, making it more affordable at just $499 compared with its original price of $650. It’s unclear for how long this deal will be available though, so to make sure you purchase the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 for this special price, you should click that Buy Now button as soon as possible.

Apple iPad Air (2020) — $594, was $599

Why buy:

• Liquid Retina display is immersive
• Quick performance with the A14 Bionic chip
• Touch ID provides extra layer of security
• Compatibility with Apple Pencil 2

Apple’s fourth-generation iPad Air holds the top spot in our roundup for the best tablets with the help of its immersive 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display — which shows bright colors and clear details — and Apple’s A14 Bionic chip — which enables quick performance even when multitasking between apps. The tablet has a 12MP camera on the back to take pictures and a 7MP camera at the front for video calls. For security and convenience, the 2020 iPad Air features Apple’s Touch ID fingerprint recognition system, which protects the tablet from intruders while also providing an extra layer of security when using Apple Pay. In terms of battery, the 2020 iPad Air can last for up to 10 hours on a single charge, which should be more than enough time for you to find a power source to plug it in. For accessories, the tablet is compatible with the Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and second-generation Apple Pencil.

If you don’t own an iPad yet, or if you’re planning to upgrade, you should take advantage of Amazon’s Black Friday iPad deals for the Wi-Fi, 64GB version of the fourth-generation iPad Air. The tablet’s price is down to $570 after a $29 discount to its original price of $599. If you’re already looking forward to using the iPad Air, you shouldn’t hesitate to click that Buy Now button, as the deal could disappear at any moment.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 — $700, was $900

Why buy:

• Functions as both tablet and laptop
• Slim profile makes it portable
• Long battery life and fast-charging
• Connectivity with USB-C ports

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a fine tablet with its 12.3-inch PixelSense touchscreen and powerful performance. It’s equipped with the 10th-generation Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB storage. As a two-in-one device, it quickly transforms into a laptop with the Type Cover (which unfortunately isn’t included), which doubles as a keyboard and as protection for the device’s display. The two-in-one device is just 7mm thin, so it’s easy to carry with you when you’re on the go, and Microsoft promises up to 13 hours of battery life on a single charge. When the tablet needs charging, its battery can go from empty to 80% in about an hour, so it won’t be out of commission for long. The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 also comes with a pair of USB-C ports, so you can connect it to accessories such as displays and docking stations while also allowing you to charge your other devices.

For versatility in functioning as both a tablet and a laptop, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a solid choice for your next device. You can purchase it as a device only for a decent discount. It’s unclear when the deal will end, so if you don’t want to miss this offer for the Microsoft Surface Pro 7, don’t hold back — click that Buy Now button immediately.

Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021) — $849, was $899

Why buy:

• Powered by Apple’s M1 chip
• 11-inch Liquid Retina display
• Security from Face ID
• USB 4 port with Thunderbolt 3 support

The fifth-generation iPad Pro is an extremely powerful tablet, as it runs on Apple’s M1 chip for incredible performance. This is the same chip that’s found in Apple’s latest MacBooks and desktop computers, so it’s a definite upgrade from the mobile-focused, A-series processors of previous generations of the tablet. That performance is given justice on the tablet’s 11-inch Liquid Retina display, which works great when you’re editing high-brightness and high-contrast photos and videos. When you’re watching streaming content, the entertainment experience is supported by the four-speaker audio system. It also comes with Apple’s Face ID facial recognition system for authentication when trying to access the iPad Pro, as well as when paying through Apple Pay. The tablet also features a USB 4 port with Thunderbolt 3 support, for compatibility with a wider range of accessories.

For unparalleled performance among tablets, you should go for the fifth-generation iPad Pro. There’s no telling how long this offer will last on Amazon, so you should hurry to click that Buy Now button if you want to purchase the 2021 iPad Pro for cheaper than usual.

Should you shop Black Friday tablet deals now?

With retailers suffering from supply issues because of the global microchip shortage, it’s highly recommended that you take advantage of the best Black Friday tablet deals when you see them. That’s because there is a chance stocks will disappear early into Black Friday, and retailers may not get more units until after the holidays.

What usually happens is that the best Black Friday tablet deals you can get now don’t change much after the big day, so there’s no sense in waiting for lower prices that may not happen when you’re risking the chance you’ll miss out on the tablet you want because of supply constraints.

Typically, Cyber Monday deals tend to be the same as Black Friday tablet deals or at least very similar. They’re useful if you somehow missed out on checking the Black Friday deals or you truly can’t decide, but we don’t advise relying on them this year. That’s because stock is very limited right now because of global shortages, so if you wait, you might miss out on the deal you most wanted. Or, by waiting, you might find delivery times pushed back by a lot, meaning you don’t get your new tablet in time for the holidays.

Remember: If you order on Black Friday weekend and change your mind because a better deal comes along, you can always cancel your order or return the item if you want. It’s unlikely you’ll find the product cheaper on Cyber Monday while still getting delivery in time for the holidays, but it’s always worth considering as a backup plan.

How to get the best Black Friday tablet deals

Buying the best Black Friday tablet deals comes down to one very simple thing: You need to be prepared. That means you ideally need to know what you’re looking for before you head to the best retailers to buy your new tablet. It’s also vital that you consider what your budget is. It’s possible to spend a little or a lot on a new tablet and you don’t want to overspend. You also don’t want to underspend because you didn’t realize that spending a little more could have got you something awesome for your needs.

Once you’ve figured out your budget, check out our look at the best tablets. Our guide has some fantastic insight into what to look for. It includes the iPad Air, Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, and much more. If you have things narrowed down to an operating system, check out our look at the best iPad as well as the best Android tablets to delve further into the respective systems. Generally, the best option is to go with the operating system your smartphone already uses, so you’re used to how it works.

Alternatively, if you know you’re specifically looking for the best tablets for kids, we have that covered, too. Finally, if you’re on a tight budget and looking for a bargain, check out our look at the best tablets under $100.

Whatever you decide, check the specifications of each tablet. It’s important to consider storage needs in particular. Most Android tablets allow you to expand the storage via microSD cards, but it’s not possible to increase the storage of an iPad once you’ve bought it. It’s always good to plan ahead and future-proof your purchase by spending a little more to get the best hardware. Also, consider if you need a big screen or if a smaller, more portable one will do the job for you.