Your kids don't need an iPad for back to school: 7 alternatives that are just as good but much cheaper

With the cheapest iPad now retailing at 499 euros following a recent price hike, the cost of essential back-to-school technology is becoming a significant barrier for many families. Apple's popular tablet, while versatile, is moving out of reach for students who primarily need devices for educational tasks.

Fortunately, the market offers a range of compelling alternatives that provide the necessary functionality for students without the premium price tag. Several brands, including HONOR, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Samsung, and TCL, are offering tablets that can effectively meet the demands of academic work, from note-taking and research to accessing online learning platforms.

These alternative devices present a cost-effective solution for parents seeking to equip their children for the upcoming school year. By focusing on the core needs of a student, these tablets deliver comparable performance for educational purposes at a fraction of the cost of an iPad, making technology more accessible for back-to-school preparations.