The 5 best tablets for kids in 2024
There are plenty of affordable tablets that offer parental controls; pre-installed, age-appropriate content and more. But that doesn't make every tablet is the same.
Which tablet you choose for your child should depend on their age and what you want them to do with the device -- whether it's accessing educational content, playing games, streaming music, watching TV shows and movies, reading e-books or listening to audiobooks. Whichever model you choose, be sure to activate parental controls to make sure that only the right content gets to your child. These same controls can also limit screen time, and the times of day a tablet can be used.
Our picks for the best tablets for kids in 2024
Our in-house tech experts have curated the perfect list of five tablets most suitable for children under 12. If you already use an Android phone, we recommend an Android tablet. Likewise, if you're an iPhone user, consider one of the lower-cost iPads for your child. However, we like that Amazon Fire tablets for kids can be easily managed by an adult using either an iOS or Android smartphone.
- Best tablet for kids 3 to 7: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids
- Best tablet for kids 6 to 12: Amazon Fire 8 Kids Pro
- Best Apple iPad for kids 6 and up: Apple iPad (9th Generation)
- Best Android tablet for kids 6 and up: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
- Best budget Android tablet for kids 6 and up: TCL Tab 8
Best tablet for kids 3 to 7: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids (2023 Edition)
Age Appropriateness: 3 to 7 | Display Size: 10.1-inch touchscreen | Screen Resolution: 1080p | Storage: 32GB (expandable with microSD memory card) | Parental Controls: Yes | Average Battery Life: Up to 13 hours | Operating System: Proprietary version of Android | Dimensions: 8.2 x 0.6 x 1.1 inches (with case) | Weight: 25.2 ounces | Port: USB Type-C | Case/Cover Included: Yes | Special Feature(s): Comes with a one year subscription to Amazon Kids+ and a 2 year "worry-free" guarantee
All of the Amazon Fire tablets for kids have three key features we love. Each comes with a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, which offers thousands of age-appropriate videos, shows, games, songs, e-books, and even some educational content. And it's created by top brands, like Disney, Lego, Marvel, Audible and National Geographic. After a year, the service can be continued for $4.99 per month.
Amazon Fire tablets for kids, including this 2023 edition of the Fire HD 10 Kids, come with a durable case in a choice of colors and patterns. And for two years, the tablet is protected by a guarantee, so if the tablet is damaged, you can replace it for free.
This is the 11th generation of the Amazon Fire 10 Kids tablet. It features a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. And like all tablets designed for young people, this one has parental controls that can be managed using any Internet-connected smartphone. Between these controls and the Amazon Kids+ service, the young user will be shielded from inappropriate content. The tablet also limits video calls -- using the 5MP front-facing camera -- to pre-approved people. Battery life is up to 13 hours, so it can keep a child entertained during long car or airplane trips.
Best tablet for kids 6 to 12: Amazon Fire 8 Kids Pro
Age Appropriateness: 6 to 12 | Display Size: 8-inch touchscreen | Screen Resolution: 1,080 x 800 pixels | Storage: 32GB (expandable with microSD memory card) | Parental Controls: Yes | Average Battery Life: Up to 12 hours | Operating System: Proprietary version of Android | Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.4 x 0.7 inches (with case) | Weight: 17.9 ounces | Port: USB Type-C | Case/Cover Included: Yes | Special Feature(s): Comes with a one year subscription to Amazon Kids+ and a 2 year "worry-free" guarantee
Released in 2022, the Amazon Fire 8 Kids Pro offers a vibrant, 8-inch touchscreen. It too comes with a durable case available in a choice of colors. Like the Fire HD 10 Kids above, this Fire 8 Kids Pro comes with a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ and a two year guarantee.
The battery lasts up to 12 hours. The internal storage (which starts with 32GB) can be expanded up to 1TB using an optional microSD memory card. This means dozens of movies can be stored within the tablet, so when no internet is available, your little one can still have plenty to do.
Access to parental controls is easy, thanks to an app via your iOS or Android phone. Since this tablet caters to a slightly older audience (as well as young kids), it does offer the ability to surf the web, but with controls that can block inappropriate content. Parents can pre-approve additional apps. Kids can make video calls with the tablet's 2MP (720p) front-facing camera, but only communicate with pre-approved contacts. It's also possible to take and share photos using the front- or rear-facing cameras, but again, only with pre-approved people.
Best Apple iPad for kids 6 and up: Apple iPad (9th Generation)
Age Appropriateness: 6 & up | Display Size: 10.2-inch Retina touchscreen | Screen Resolution: 2,160 x 1,620 pixels | Storage: 64GB or 256GB | Parental Controls: Yes | Average Battery Life: Up to 10 hours | Operating System: iOS 17 | Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.29 inches | Weight: 1.07 pounds | Port: USB Type-C | Case/Cover Included: No | Special Feature(s): Millions of apps available from the App Store, Wi-Fi + Cellular option, works with Apple Pencil (stylus) and/or a Bluetooth keyboard
Like all of the tablets in Apple's iPad line, the iPad (9th Generation) comes with a collection of preinstalled apps and access to the App Store (which offers millions more optional apps to expand the tablet's functionality). With Wi-Fi, the tablet can stream videos or music. While this version of the iPad offers slightly older technology, it still runs the current version of the iOS 17 operating system and offers the same core functionality as other iPad models.
Released in 2021, this iPad model offers a 10.2-inch Retina touchscreen that can be used to handwrite or draw right on the tablet's display. The Apple Pencil (1st Gen) stylus is sold separately.
This tablet is more suitable for older kids and tweens because of its enhanced capabilities; yes parental controls are available, but they need to be activated and then managed by an adult. Otherwise, there are no limits to what can be accessed using this tablet, especially when it's connected to the internet. This iPad supports Apple's Family Sharing feature and works with all Apple services, including iCloud, Apple Arcade, Apple Books, Apple TV+, Apple Fitness+ and Apple Music.
While the iPad is more powerful than the Amazon Fire tablets for kids, it does not come with a durable case, and AppleCare+ (which protects the tablet if it gets damaged) costs extra. If you're shopping for a tablet that's more suitable for a teenager or high school age student, we recommend the Apple iPad (10th Generation) instead. It offers newer and more advanced technology, but has a slightly higher price tag.
Best Android tablet for kids 6 and up: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
Age Appropriateness: 6 & up | Display Size: 8.7-inch WXGA+ touchscreen | Screen Resolution: 1,340 x 800 pixels | Storage: 64GB (up to 1TB with microSD card) | Parental Controls: Yes | Average Battery Life: Up to 10 hours | Operating System: Android 11 | Dimensions: 8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 inches | Weight: 0.81 pounds | Port: USB Type-C | Case/Cover Included: No | Special Feature(s): Sturdy metal housing, access to the Samsung Kids service.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a full-featured Android-based tablet, but it relies on older technology and is nowhere near as powerful as the company's top-of-the-line (and much more expensive) Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. This tablet offers an 8.7-inch touchscreen display. Battery life is up to 10 hours. That said, the tablet is lightweight and very powerful. It runs the Android 11 operating system and offers full access to the Google Play Store, where many optional apps are available.
The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is an affordable option for anyone, not just kids. To take advantage of parental controls, an adult will need to combine the integrated features with optional apps, like Bark for Android (which costs between $5 and $14 per month).
This tablet comes with your choice of either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage -- not much. But it's expandable to up to 1TB with an optional microSD memory card. Like most tablets that are not designed specifically for kids, this one does not come with a case or an extended guarantee against accidental damage. These are available, but cost extra.
If you're giving this tablet to a child, we highly recommend subscribing to the optional Samsung Kids service. Like Amazon Kids+, this is a subscription-based, safe environment for a child to explore and connect with the world. It includes unlimited access to family-friendly activities designed to entertain and educate. The subscription cost is $8 per month or $60 per year.
Best budget Android tablet for kids 6 and up: TCL Tab 8
Age Appropriateness: 6 & Up | Display Size: 8-inch touchscreen | Screen Resolution: 1,280 x 800 pixels | Storage: 32GB (expandable to 512GB with microSD memory card) | Parental Controls: Yes | Average Battery Life: Up to 8 hours | Operating System: Android 11 | Dimensions: 7.76 x 4.61 x 0.35 inches | Weight: 10.9 ounces | Port: USB Type-C | Case/Cover Included: No | Special Feature(s): A good choice for on-the-go entertainment
The TCL Tab 8 offers basic functionality using the Android 11 operating system. You get an 8-inch touchscreen (with 1,280 x 800 pixel resolution) that can display up to 16 million colors. Battery life is up to 8 hours.
The lightweight TCL Tab 8 tablet (released in early-2022 as a budget option) can handle basic online gaming, streaming video or audio content. It runs a vast selection of Android apps (available from the Google Play Store). While the tablet comes with just 32GB of internal storage, this can be expanded up to 512GB using an optional microSD memory card.
This tablet can be used by children on its own, but we recommend investing in a durable (child-friendly) case, sold separately. Also, keep in mind that a protection plan will cost extra, though at this price point, you may want to skip it.
Why we recommend the Amazon Fire tablets for kids
While any tablet can be used by a child, Amazon Fire for kids tablets are designed specifically for little ones. They come with a durable case, a two-year warranty and a one year subscription to Amazon Kids+. Similar features on other tablets would cost a lot extra. The Amazon Fire tablets for kids also have integrated security tools (again, something many other tablets charge extra for).
We also appreciate the powerful parental controls. They can easily be managed using a parent or guardian's smartphone and do not require an extra subscription. We don't recommend these tablets for anyone over the age of 12, but for younger people, they provide the functionality, security, battery life and durability that parents will appreciate, along with content a child will enjoy. Keep in mind, the Amazon Fire tablets for kids are not toys. They're functional tablets that offer a wide range of optional apps and functionality.
Like any tech equipment you give to your child, especially equipment that connects to the internet, we can't stress strongly enough the importance parental controls. Don't simply hand over a tablet to a child without setting ground rules and making sure the parental controls are adjusted to a level you're comfortable with.
We believe the Amazon Fire tablets for kids (not to be confused with the regular Amazon Fire tablets) offer the best balance of security, privacy and parental control features, along with quality content available through Amazon Kids+.
