Top 7 Best Budget Tablets for Note-Taking in 2025 – Affordable & Capable Picks
In 2025, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a solid tablet for taking notes—whether you’re a student, remote worker, or digital creative. The tablet market has expanded with excellent budget options that support stylus input, digital handwriting, and productivity apps.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 7 best budget tablets for note-taking in 2025, with a focus on performance, stylus support, battery life, and real-world usability—all under $300.
Contents
📝 Quick Comparison Table – Best Tablets for Note-Taking
| Tablet | Stylus Support | Display | OS | Battery Life | Est. Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ | Yes (S Pen*) | 11″ LCD | Android 14 | Up to 12 hrs | $229 |
| Lenovo Tab M10 Plus Gen 3 | Yes (Lenovo Pen) | 10.6″ FHD | Android 13 | 10–12 hrs | $179 |
| Amazon Fire Max 11 | Yes (Basic Stylus) | 11″ FHD+ | Fire OS | 14 hrs | $199 |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | Yes (Smart Pen) | 11″ 2.8K | Android 13 | 12 hrs | $289 |
| Apple iPad 9th Gen (Refurb.) | Yes (1st Gen Apple Pencil) | 10.2″ Retina | iPadOS | 10 hrs | ~$270 (Renewed) |
| TCL TabMAX 10.4 | Yes (Stylus Included) | 10.4″ FHD | Android 12 | 8–10 hrs | $179 |
| Nokia T21 | Yes (Capacitive) | 10.4″ 2K | Android 12 | 10 hrs | $239 |
🔍 1. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
Display: 11″ 90Hz LCD
Stylus: S Pen (not included)
Why it’s great: Smooth performance for notes & YouTube multitasking
Best for: Android lovers needing reliability under $250
✍️ 2. Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
File name: lenovo-tab-m10-plus.jpg | Alt: Lenovo Tab M10 Plus with stylus | Title: Lenovo Tab M10 Plus Gen 3
Stylus: Lenovo Precision Pen 2 (sold separately)
Perks: Reading Mode, Eye Care, Dolby Atmos
Why it’s great: Balanced features for education and casual use
🔥 3. Amazon Fire Max 11
Stylus Support: Yes (Basic stylus, not pressure-sensitive)
Performance: Great for Amazon ecosystem, lightweight note apps
Limitation: Limited app store unless sideloaded
📚 4. Xiaomi Pad 6
Stylus: Xiaomi Smart Pen (Gen 2)
Why it’s great: Near-flagship display and power, great for note-heavy users
Best for: Visual thinkers and light productivity
🍎 5. Apple iPad 9th Gen (Refurbished)
Stylus: Apple Pencil 1st Gen
Why it’s great: Still one of the best experiences with Notes & GoodNotes apps
Refurbished option: Great value if under $270
✨ 6. TCL TabMAX 10.4
Bonus: Stylus usually included in box
Best for: Basic note-taking and Zoom meetings
Battery: Solid 8–10 hrs on average use
📖 7. Nokia T21
OS: Clean Android, 2 years of updates
Stylus: Universal capacitive pens work well
Why it’s great: Underrated gem with solid audio and display
🧠 Final Thoughts
If you’re a student, casual writer, or just want a digital notebook without spending iPad Pro money, these budget tablets get the job done. Our top overall pick? Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ for its display and brand reliability. But if you’re deep into iOS or want the best stylus feel, a refurbished iPad 9th Gen is hard to beat.
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❓ FAQ
Q: Can these budget tablets replace a notebook for school?
Yes, especially models with stylus support like the Galaxy Tab A9+ or iPad 9th Gen.
Q: Are refurbished iPads safe to buy?
Yes, especially from Apple-certified or Amazon Renewed sources.
Q: Can I use these tablets for digital drawing too?
Some models like Xiaomi Pad 6 and iPad 9th Gen support basic drawing apps, but aren’t on par with Pro models.