Updated October 9, 2026. The 2023 picks on the old version of this page — Amazon Fire 7, Alcatel Joy Tab 2, ASUS ZenPad 10 — are previous-generation tablets. Do not buy from that list in 2026.
For movies on a budget in October 2026, compare current models in the store, not a frozen price from this article:
- Amazon Fire HD 8 — still the usual cheap streaming tablet. Check that the storage is enough after apps. Fire OS is a limited Android, which is fine for Netflix, Prime Video, and Max.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 — a current budget Android tablet with wider app support than a Fire tablet.
- Lenovo Tab in the current M or P budget line — compare the screen resolution with the Samsung before you pay more.
For video, prefer a 1080p-class screen, at least 64 GB if you download movies, and a current Android or Fire OS security update. Prices move every month, so the dollar amounts in any older section of this site are not shelf prices. Read the return window. A tablet that cannot install the streaming app you actually use is not a deal.