Battle of the dirt-cheap tablets: Amazon Fire HD 8 vs. Walmart Onn 8

The Amazon Fire HD 8 and Walmart Onn 8" tablets are two budget-friendly options for those looking for an affordable tablet. The Onn has a nicer first impression with its aluminum back and squared-off edges, but the Fire HD 8 is easier to hold for longer stretches due to its curved sides. The Onn's display is generally more vibrant, but it lacks Widevine L1 support, which means video streams from popular services like Netflix are capped at 480p resolution. The Fire HD 8, on the other hand, supports Widevine L1 and has no issues playing in 720p. Both tablets have low-resolution displays, basic 60Hz refresh rates, and lack formal water-resistance ratings. The Fire HD 8 has the edge when it comes to audio, with fuller and warmer sound, while the Onn's speakers are shrill and lack bass. Both tablets have entry-level processors and 3GB of RAM, making them suitable for light media consumption and casual gaming. The Onn runs stock Android 14, while the Fire HD 8 has a more customized version of the OS. The Fire HD 8 also has a slightly faster boot time and longer battery life, but the difference is minimal. Overall, the Fire HD 8 is the better option due to its Widevine L1 support and better audio, but the Onn's display and stock Android experience are notable advantages.