Best Portability for Tablets

If your day away from your desk, the last thing you need is a bulky laptop slowing you down or one you need to plug everywhere you go. You might also be looking to lighten up your mobile toolkit, maybe even eliminate the need to carry a bag for a tablet or netbook altogether.

This list is all about lightweight, compact tablets with long battery life without consideration for cost-effectiveness. If you're strapped for cash, scroll down to the budget section for options at below-average prices.

Easiest to Carry US$290 - US$490

Here are the smallest, lightest and longest-lasting tablets I have on file with absolutely no regards for price:

Easiest to Carry under $300

Need something cheaper? No worries; here are the most portable tablets priced below average.

There might be some overlap with the list above, but everything down here is considered a budget-friendly tablet.

  • #4, Tablets (under $450)
    Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8-inch

    Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8-inch from US$160;
    ~$290 with accessories

    Device Ratings

    by Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck1.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4.5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage2.5/5
    Portability4.5/5
    Autonomy1.5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck0/5
    Versatility for the Price4.5/5
    Power0/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability5/5
    Autonomy3/5

    by Small Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck5/5
    Versatility for the Price5/5
    Power1.5/5
    Storage5/5
    Portability3.5/5
    Autonomy5/5
    Specs
    Processor: Qualcom Snapdragon 429
    Graphics: Qualcom Adreno 504
    Memory: 2.00 GB
    Storage: 32.00 GB
    Screen Size: 8"
    Screen Resolution: 1280×800
    Dimensions: 21.00 x 12.44 x 0.80 cm
    Weight: 0.345 kg

    Pricing Accuracy

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
  • #2, Tablets (under $450)
    Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet (2019) Guillaume's pick; 27 times!

    Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet (2019) from US$160;
    ~$290 with accessories

    Device Ratings

    by Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck3/5
    Versatility for the Price4.5/5
    Power1.5/5
    Storage2.5/5
    Portability3.5/5
    Autonomy4/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck0.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4.5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability4.5/5
    Autonomy4.5/5

    by Large Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck2/5
    Versatility for the Price4.5/5
    Power1/5
    Storage1.5/5
    Portability4.5/5
    Autonomy3.5/5
    Specs
    Processor: MediaTek MT8183
    Graphics: ARM Mali-G72
    Memory: 2.00 GB
    Storage: 32.00 GB
    Screen Size: 10.1"
    Screen Resolution: 1920×1200
    Dimensions: 26.20 x 15.90 x 0.98 cm
    Weight: 0.504 kg

    Pricing Accuracy

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×

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Had a specific budget in mind?

The typical price for tablets is $369.99 but you can set a budget below:

Looking for something else?

Tablets can also be compared based on the following characteristics:

I also have portability ranking for:

This list fluctuates constantly as I add new devices, retire old ones or when they go on sale so go ahead: bookmark this page and come back often.