The Apple iPad can be a bit expensive for tablet buyers with a tight budget. The cheapest version of the iPad retails at $499. If you are looking for a less expensive tablet, consider these models that offer great bang for the buck.

1. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0

This model is available at $249, which is about half the price of the iPad. The screen size is seven inches, and it operates on Android. The unit weighs only 345 grams. The display is crystal clear because of the 1,024 by 600 pixels screen resolution. The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 stands out for its many multimedia features such as Video Recording, Microphone, HD Playback, and GPS Navigation.

The 1 GHz dual core processor makes it easy to perform multitasking at fast speeds. However, the available RAM is only 1 GB, which can be a drawback. Storage capacity is ample at 8 GB which means you can store lots of images, and music and video files. Two autofocus cameras are offered, one each at the front and rear. The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 also provides Bluetooth connectivity.

2. Hisense Sero 7 pro

The Hisense Sero 7 pro is available for $149 which is below average for a tablet. The screen size is seven inches, and it runs on Android 4.2, Jelly Bean. The unit is a bit hefty at 640 grams. The images are sharp on the LCD screen thanks to the 1,280 by 800 pixels resolution. You can utilize multimedia features such as Video Recording, HD Playback, Graphics Accelerator, and GPS Navigation.

The battery life is above average at around 10 hours. The processor speed is quite fast at 1.3 GHz. Storage capacity is ample at 8 GB. The unit hosts a front camera of 2 megapixel and a rear camera of 5 megapixel. The Sero 7 Pro also offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

3. ASUS MeMO Pad HD 7

The ASUS MeMO Pad HD 7 also retails at $149. The screen size is 7 inches, and the unit runs on Android 4.2, Jelly Bean. This tablet is pretty light at 299 grams. The LCD screen offers images of great sharpness and clarity thanks to the 1,920 by 1,080 pixels resolution and pixel density of 216 pixels-per-inch (PPI).

The battery life is about 10 hours on average depending on usage. The clock speed of the processor is 1.2 GHz. The unit has 1 GB of RAM.  Storage space is above average at 16 GB. A highlight of the MeMO Pad HD 7 is its ability to record videos at the highest quality of 1080p HD. This model also offers Wi-Fi and bluetooth connectivity.

4. Amazon Kindle Fire HD

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD retails at $199. Its screen size is 7 inches, and the operating system version is Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich. The unit weighs 454 grams. The HD LCD screen offers sharp images because of the 1,280 by 800 pixels resolution. This tablet uses a mini HDMI port to support another display.

The Kindle Fire HD offers 11 hours of battery life which is above average for a tablet. The clock speed of the processor is 1.2 GHz, and available RAM is 1 GB. Internal storage space is 8 GB. However, this model does not host a memory card slot which means you cannot use an external card to increase storage. The Kindle Fire HD offers only a front camera.

5. Barnes & Noble NOOK HD

The Barnes & Noble Nook HD is the cheapest tablet on our list at $129. This unit runs on Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich. It weighs only 318 grams. The LCD screen offers above average sharpness thanks to the 1,440 by 900 pixels resolution and pixel density of 243 pixels-per-inch (PPI).

Battery life is average at about 10 hours. The clock speed of the processor is above average at 1.3 GHz. Storage capacity is 8 GB. You can increase storage space by using a microSD card. This tablet offers Wi-Fi connectivity.