The new iPad still rules the roost as the best tablet in the world, but with prices starting at £399 and rising all the way to £659, it's clearly priced in a bracket way above many people's budget.

Because Apple offers its leading devices at sky-high prices, those wanting a more affordable tablet experience will have to look elsewhere, since iOS is not an option. The main port of call is Android - unless you think the iPad Mini will end up coming in at less than £300.

The Google developed operating system now adorns a multitude of tablets, from those priced at the same lofty heights of Apple's offerings, to those that can be picked up for £100 at your local supermarket – although we'd advise against purchasing most of these, and instead check out the superior options below.

If you can't quite hack the lower offerings, and you've managed to scrape together enough money to indulge in a pricier tablet experience, then take a gander at the following:

For those of you who are still with us, well done. To reward you for your loyalty, here are some top tablets for under £300.

1. Google Nexus 7

Google Nexus 7

Price: from £159
OS: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
Review score: 4.5/5

With a quad-core processor, beefy 12-core GPU, 7-inch HD IPS display and being the first device to run Android Jelly Bean, the Google Nexus 7 is quite simply the best budget tablet out there.

The 8GB version is available for just £159, while the 16GB model will only set you back £199. It's quite possibly the bargain of the century.

There are a few shortcomings – such as no 3G support for on-the-go data, no microSD card slot, meaning you're stuck with 16GB at most, and no rear camera – although these are all things that can be easily overlooked at this startlingly attractive price.

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9

Price: from £249.99
OS: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
Review score: 4.5/5

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 is a funny little thing. It's essentially the same as its older brother, the Galaxy Tab 10.1, but with an 8.9-inch screen.

It's slightly thinner and lighter, and consequently more convenient for anyone wanting to stuff it in a bag, while the internal components are basically the same.

It's ideal for anyone who thinks 10.1 inches is just slightly too big for a tablet, but also finds 7-inch options a tad too small. A decent screen, and premium features make it a great option.

3. Acer Iconia Tab A510

Acer Iconia A510

Price: from £299
OS: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
Review score: 4/5

For your financial outlay, the Acer Iconia Tab A510 represents a shrewd investment, especially for people willing to accept a few minor flaws.

There are cheaper tablets out there running Ice Cream Sandwich, but these budget offerings do not offer the sheer power of the quad-core Tegra 3 platform, and the lightning-fast Android 4.0 experience.