Let’s face it: Apple’s tablets seem to get all the attention when it comes to tablets (and understandably so). However, you don’t necessarily need to spend $1,000 on an iPad Pro or even $350 on an entry-level model if all you need is a cheap entertainment device to watch The boysread or burn through your latest audiobook. The latest from Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet will get the job done for a lot less — especially since it’s currently on sale for Amazon Prime subscribers for a historic low price of $74.99 ($65 off) on the ad-supported base configuration.
The 2023 Fire HD 10 isn’t going to blow you away with an OLED screen or a laundry list of premium features, though it is a step up from some of Amazon’s low-end models. The budget tablet packs a modest octa-core processor, support for up to 1TB of microSD card storage, and 3GB of RAM, the latter of which should allow for ample tab runs and some light multitasking should you need it. On the outside, you’ll find a 10.1-inch 1920 x 1200 display that’s surprisingly sharp for the price (as long as you’re out of direct sunlight), as well as a USB-C port for charging and a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio. The Alexa device is also compatible with Amazon’s detachable keyboard cover ($49.99) and stylus ($34.99), though I’d argue neither of these will transform this budget tablet into a productivity machine.
Like all Fire tablets, the Fire HD 10’s biggest drawbacks are that you have to spend an extra $15 to remove lock screen ads and that you’re locked into Amazon’s own App Store — which is sorely lacking compared to the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. Then again, if all you want to do is stream Prime Video content or read, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more capable tablet at the price.