Tablets can be easily loaded with apps and educational content, so it’s clear why children — and their parents — gravitate to them. Not only can kids listen to music, watch movies, read books and play educational games, but they can learn the basics of using a computer and even learn how to code on a kid tablet. Even better, many of these devices are preloaded with entertaining and educational apps that can keep Junior occupied while you’re working, making dinner or just needing a little time to yourself.
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When you’re searching for the best kids’ tablet, it’s important to consider affordability, battery life, durability and life span before buying one, especially if you’re shopping for younger kids. Since children tend to be a little clumsier and exceptionally sticky, it’s a good idea to invest in a device with sturdy construction or a durable kid-proof case that can protect a delicate glass screen against any scratches or drops; a rubberized bumper case of some kind usually does the trick. Most kids don’t need top-of-the-line features, either.
With that in mind, it may be best to avoid pricey premium tablets like the Microsoft Surface Pro, iPad Mini or Apple iPad Pro for young children. (It would be a particular type of heartbreak to watch an iPad Pro shatter on the ground, which it can do, even with a protective case.) Many kid-friendly tablets offer robust parental control options that let parents monitor their screen time and the content kids can access. Whether you’re buying a children’s tablet for an older child, a younger kid or a little one, you’re sure to find a great tablet among our picks for the best tablet for kids.
Read more: The 4 best phones to get your kid in 2021
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition (Update: Unavailable)
Amazon
The Fire HD 10 Kids Edition is the kids’ tablet version of the Amazon Fire HD 10, with the largest display in the lineup of Amazon tablet options. Just like its 7- and 8-inch screen size siblings, this Fire tablet features a ton of parental control options and a rubberized bumper case to protect the device against drops. This 10-inch Amazon Fire tablet also includes a two-year “no questions asked” replacement warranty and a one-year subscription to FreeTime Unlimited, a content library that gives kids access to plenty of books, games, app options and age-appropriate kid friendly content whether you’re purchasing this Fire HD tablet for a younger child or older kid. This tablet is currently out of stock.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition
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The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is 2 inches smaller and $60 cheaper than the 10-inch version of the kids’ tablet, but it includes the same bundle of parental controls, rubberized bumper case to protect the device, two-year worry-free replacement warranty and one-year subscription to FreeTime Unlimited. You can add a microSD card for additional storage. Compared with the Kids Edition of the Fire 7 tablet, the HD 8 Kids tablet is $40 more, but it’s got a higher-resolution screen, faster performance and more storage, making it a worthwhile upgrade.
Amazon Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet
Amazon
Priced at $100, the Amazon Fire 7 is the most budget-friendly “learning tablet” option out of the lineup of Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablets. This Kids Edition tablet does a decent job at most tasks and apps and includes the same bundle of parental controls, padded tablet case, two-year warranty and one-year subscription to Amazon FreeTime Unlimited.
Apple iPad (9.7-inch, 2018)
When it comes to tablets, Apple’s iPad definitely has the more recognizable name, and in-app purchases are easy on an iPad. However, handing over an iPad with endless app options to young kids can be a nerve-wracking experience considering that high iPad price tag. But compared with Amazon’s Kids Edition tablets, an iPad has more versatility in adapting to a growing kid’s changing needs in a tablet. The 2018 entry-level iPad offers all the benefits and smooth performance of an iPad at a more affordable price than a new iPad Pro or iPad Mini.
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