Picture this: it’s 2023, and a whopping 70% of children between the ages of 6 and 12 have access to a tablet. Gone are the days when screen time was just Saturday morning cartoons. Tablets are revolutionizing the way kids learn, play, and even socialize. Intrigued? So were we.
As parents, caregivers, or educators, navigating the labyrinthine world of kids’ tablets is no child’s play. With options ranging from educational tablets loaded with pre-installed learning apps to more versatile devices that can adapt as a child grows, the market is as varied as it is expansive. Add features like parental controls, interactive touchscreens, and durable designs to the mix, and you’ve got a veritable smorgasbord of choices.
So, let’s cut to the chase. In this labyrinth of options, which one takes the crown as the best-rated kids’ tablet? Strap in as we embark on this investigative journey to find that elusive blend of education, entertainment, and ease of use that makes a tablet genuinely ideal for the pint-sized demographic.
The Best Rated Kids Tablets: Top Picks for Parents
Best Overall Kids Tablet
In the realm of kids’ tablets, one reigns supreme: let’s talk about the iPad Mini. Yeah, I hear you, it’s not a “kids tablet” per se, but hear me out. With its A15 Bionic chip, this little dynamo packs enough power to run educational software effortlessly and keep your kid enthralled with interactive learning. Not to mention, the App Store’s cornucopia of child-friendly, educational apps.
Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation): with A15 Bionic chip, 8.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 64GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life – Space Gray
$464.50 in stock
1 used from $346.49
Sure, tablets like the Amazon Fire Kids Pro make compelling arguments with their rugged designs and warranty features. However, they often lack the iPad Mini’s sheer performance power and high-quality display, not to mention the endless versatility of iOS.
Running on iPadOS, this tablet becomes a valuable learning tool. Kids can explore a world of educational apps, engage in creative activities, and connect with their peers online. iPad Mini comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, and offers access to a wealth of kid-friendly content on the App Store.
For an enhanced educational experience, consider Apple Pencil (2nd generation), which transforms the iPad Mini into a versatile tool for drawing, note-taking, and more. Protect your child’s iPad Mini with slim Smart Folio covers, available in five colors (accessories sold separately).
Why It’s Perfect for Kids:
The Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation) offers a world of possibilities for kids. Its compact size is ideal for small hands, and its powerful performance ensures smooth and engaging experiences with educational apps, games, and creative tools. The tablet’s vibrant display and kid-friendly features make it a top choice for young learners.
Pros:
- Child-Friendly Design
- Smooth Performance
- Impressive Liquid Retina Display
- Access to Educational Apps and Content
- All-Day Battery Life
- Compatibility with Apple Pencil for Creativity
Cons:
- Accessories like Apple Pencil and Smart Folio are sold separately
The Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation) is a versatile and powerful tablet that brings the full iPad experience to kids in a compact and child-friendly package. Whether they’re learning, creating, or playing, it offers a seamless and immersive experience for young minds to explore and grow.
Best Kids Tablets for Different Ages
Toddlers: LeapFrog LeapPad Ultimate
For the tiny tots who are just starting to interact with technology, LeapFrog LeapPad Ultimate is a gem. With a stylus that helps improve motor skills and a strong lineup of pre-installed educational apps, it’s learning made fun.
The LeapPad Ultimate Learning Tablet & Stylus (8GB) is designed to withstand the active nature of young learners, featuring a shatter-safe screen and a rugged frame with an energy-absorbing bumper. It’s perfect for hands-on exploration and play.
LeapFrog LeapPad Ultimate Ready for School Tablet, Pink
$127.53 in stock
With access to over 1,000 learning games, videos, and eBooks, the LeapPad Ultimate tablet focuses on key areas such as reading, music, problem-solving, creativity, and more. It offers a personalized learning experience through Just-for-Me technology, which adapts content based on a child’s progress and keeps them challenged as they grow.
Why It’s Perfect for Toddlers:
The LeapFrog LeapPad Ultimate Ready for School Tablet is the ideal companion for young learners. It combines fun and education with a durable design, making it perfect for kids aged 3-6. The tablet’s interactive features, vast library of content, and personalized learning technology ensure that children are prepared for school while having a great time.
Pros:
- Durable and Kid-Friendly Design
- Access to a Wide Range of Educational Content
- Just-for-Me Learning Technology
- Kid-Safe Web Browser
- Dual Cameras for Creative Exploration
Cons:
- None reported
Prepare your child for school with the LeapFrog LeapPad Ultimate Ready for School Tablet in Pink. It’s a fun and educational tool that engages young minds and sets them on the path to successful learning.
Preschoolers: Amazon Fire Kids Pro
Let’s face it; preschoolers can be mini tornados. The Amazon Fire Kids Pro is built to withstand drops, spills, and all sorts of chaos. It also offers a decent range of age-appropriate content.
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet, 10.1", 1080p Full HD, ages 6–12, 32 GB, (2021 release), named "Best Tablet for Big Kids" by Good Housekeeping, Doodle
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet is designed for children aged 6 to 12, providing a powerful and safe digital environment for learning and entertainment.
This tablet features impressive specs, including an octa-core processor, 3 GB of RAM, a 10.1″ Full HD display, dual cameras, a USB-C (2.0) port, and up to 1 TB of expandable storage. The screen is made with strengthened aluminosilicate glass for added durability.
Why it’s Perfect for Preschoolers:
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet offers a high-performance, kid-friendly device that combines learning and entertainment. With Amazon Kids+ and parental controls, parents can ensure their children have access to age-appropriate content while having peace of mind about online safety.
Pros:
- Powerful Performance and High-Quality Display
- Amazon Kids+ Subscription with a Wide Range of Content
- Parental Controls for Content Approval
- Safe Web Browsing
- Voice and Video Calling Features
- 2-Year Worry-Free Guarantee
Cons:
- None reported
Elementary School Kids: Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition
Why this one? Simple. Parental controls are easy to use but hard to bypass, and the tablet grows with the child, thanks to its expandable storage and adaptable UI.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition 8 is designed for children’s exploration and learning. It comes with Samsung Kids, offering access to over 10,000 hours of kid-friendly activities featuring beloved characters.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition 8, 32GB Wifi Tablet Silver (2019) - SM-T290NZSKXAR (Renewed)
With this tablet, parents can rest easy knowing their children are interacting with trusted content. You can set time limits and monitor their activities to ensure a safe and educational experience.
The tablet includes a durable bumper case to protect against bumps and drops, making it safe for little hands. With up to 13 hours of battery life on a full charge, kids can enjoy browsing, playing educational games, or watching movies without frequent recharging.
Why it’s Perfect for Elementary School Kids:
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition 8 is perfect for children as it provides a wide range of educational and entertaining content in a safe and durable package. Parents can have peace of mind knowing their kids are engaged with trusted material while being able to manage their screen time.
Pros:
- Access to Extensive Kid-Friendly Content
- Parental Controls for Safety and Monitoring
- Durable Bumper Case Included
- Long Battery Life for Extended Use
Cons:
- None
Best Kids Tablets for Different Budgets
Budget-Friendly: Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet
The Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet is designed for children aged 3-7 and comes with a 2-year worry-free guarantee. It offers a 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, providing access to a wide range of ad-free books, games, videos, apps, and Alexa skills from popular brands like Disney, Nickelodeon, and PBS Kids.
Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet (2022) - ages 3-7. 2 year worry-free guarantee, 10-hr battery, ad-free content, parental controls, durable high-res screen, kid-proof case with kickstand, 16 GB, Blue
Parental controls are hassle-free, allowing parents to use the Parent Dashboard to filter content based on their child’s age, set educational goals, and time limits, and grant access to additional services like Netflix and Disney+.
The tablet boasts enhanced performance, with a 30% faster quad-core processor compared to the previous generation and 2GB of RAM (double that of the previous model).
It offers either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, with the option to add up to 1TB of expandable storage via a microSD card. The tablet includes a sturdy Kid-Proof case designed to protect against drops and bumps.
Pros
- Worry-Free Guarantee for 2 Years
- Access to Amazon Kids+ Content Library
- Easy-to-Use Parental Controls
- Enhanced Performance
- Expandable Storage
- Durable Kid-Proof Case
Cons:
- Limited Color Options
Mid-Range: Amazon Fire Kids Pro
With prices hovering around the $200 mark, it’s a balance between cost and performance.
High-End: iPad Mini
If you’ve got the cash to splash, nothing beats the new iPad Mini, period.
Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation) vs. Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro
The Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation) and the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro are two of the most popular kids’ tablets on the market. Both tablets offer a variety of kid-friendly features, including parental controls, access to educational apps and videos, and durable designs. However, there are some key differences between the two tablets.
The iPad Mini is more expensive than the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro, but it also offers a more powerful performance and a higher-quality display. The iPad Mini also has access to a wider range of apps and games, including popular titles like Minecraft and Roblox.
The Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is a good option for parents on a budget. It offers a good performance and a decent range of age-appropriate content. The Fire HD 10 Kids Pro also comes with a 2-year worry-free guarantee, which is a nice bonus.
Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation) vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition 8
The Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation) and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition 8 are two other popular kids’ tablets that offer a variety of kid-friendly features. Both tablets have powerful performances, high-quality displays, and access to a wide range of apps and games. However, there are some key differences between the two tablets.
The iPad Mini is more expensive than the Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition 8, but it also offers a longer battery life and a more durable design. The iPad Mini also has access to a wider range of educational apps.
The Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition 8 is a good option for parents who are looking for a kid’s tablet with a long battery life and a durable design. It also comes with Samsung Kids, which offers access to a variety of kid-friendly activities.
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition 8
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition 8 are two good options for parents who are looking for a kid’s tablet with a variety of kid-friendly features. Both tablets have powerful performances, high-quality displays, and access to a wide range of apps and games. However, there are some key differences between the two tablets.
The Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is more affordable than the Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition 8. It also comes with a 2-year worry-free guarantee. The Fire HD 10 Kids Pro also has access to Amazon Kids+, which offers a wider range of kid-friendly content than Samsung Kids.
The Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition 8 has a longer battery life and a more durable design than the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro. It also comes with a stylus, which can be useful for creative activities and note-taking.
Tips for Choosing the Best Kids Tablet
Consider your child’s age and interests:
What kind of activities does your child enjoy doing on a tablet? Do they like to play games, watch videos, read books, or learn new things? Choose a tablet with features and content that are appropriate for your child’s age and interests.
Look for a durable tablet:
Kids can be rough on their devices, so it’s important to choose a tablet that is durable enough to withstand drops, bumps, and spills. Some tablets come with kid-proof cases that can help to protect them from damage.
Consider the screen size and resolution:
Kids’ tablets come in a variety of screen sizes, from 7 inches to 10 inches. Choose a screen size that is comfortable for your child to hold and use. The resolution of the screen is also important, as it will affect the quality of the images and videos that your child sees.
Make sure the tablet has parental controls:
Parental controls allow you to restrict what content your child can access on the tablet. This is important for keeping your child safe online and for preventing them from spending too much time on the tablet.
Choose a tablet with a long battery life:
Kids love to use their tablets, so it’s important to choose one with a long battery life. This will ensure that your child can use their tablet all day without having to worry about it running out of battery.
Consider the price:
Kids tablets can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Choose a tablet that fits your budget and that has the features that you need.
Your Questions Answered
What age is appropriate for a kid to have a tablet?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, kids as young as 2 start interacting with tablets, often under strict parental supervision.
Are there parental controls available on kids’ tablets?
Absolutely, most reputable brands offer robust parental controls that allow you to restrict content, set screen time, and even monitor usage.
Do kids’ tablets come with pre-loaded educational apps?
Yes, many tablets designed for children have a range of educational apps and games pre-loaded. Make sure to double-check the quality and relevance of these apps.
Is it easy to add or remove apps?
For sure. Adding or removing apps is typically a breeze. However, some tablets might require a parent’s authorization to do so, which is actually a great safety feature.
Can I set screen time limitations?
Most certainly. Nearly all modern kids’ tablets allow you to set daily or weekly screen time limits.
Can my child access the internet unsupervised?
That depends on the parental controls you set. Most tablets allow you to restrict or entirely disable internet access.
Conclusion
The best kids’ tablet for you will depend on your child’s needs and budget. Consider the following factors when making your decision: durability, content, parental controls, and performance.
If you are looking for the best overall kids tablet, the Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation) is a good option. It offers a powerful performance, high-quality display, and access to a vast library of educational and entertaining content. However, it is also the most expensive tablet on this list.
If you are on a budget, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro and the Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet are good options. They offer a variety of kid-friendly features and are affordable.
If you are looking for a kid’s tablet with a long battery life and a durable design, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition 8 is a good option. It also comes with Samsung Kids, which offers access to a variety of kid-friendly activities.
