Smart tech plays a huge role in our lives these days, and with your little one getting older, you might be thinking that it's time to start shopping for the best tablets for kids.
It's only natural to worry if your child really needs a tablet and have concerns that it might have a negative effect on them at such a young age. But when monitored, an-age appropriate tablet can not only keep your little one entertained, but tablets for kids can also be used for educational purposes too. There are so many apps for your toddler too, which can benefit their development, especially as they get older and start getting ready for school.
Best tablets for kids at a glance:
• Best children's tablet overall: All-new Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet, £149.99
• Best Amazon Fire children's tablet: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet, £199.99
• Best affordable children's tablet: Kids Tablet Veidoo Android Tablet, £56.99
• Best tablet for older children: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet, £199.99
• Best tablet for the family: Google Pixel Tablet, £599
With a wide range of tablets aimed at children these days, you can choose between a less expensive but still sturdy model or a more high-tech tablet that will last them for several years. Regardless though, a children's tablet should be tough or at least be compatible with a child-proof tablet cover to prevent any damage.
Best tablets for kids
Best children's tablet overall
Designed with children in mind, thanks to the included bump-proof case, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet is very easy for young children to use. It offers a range of free apps and comes with a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, so your little one will be entertained with advert-free books, games, videos and apps. Parents particularly liked the protective cover to "protect it from drops and spills".
You can have a peace of mind with parental controls to help prevent any potential (and often unwanted) in-app purchases without permission thanks to the easy-to-use Parent Dashboard. This allows you to control what your child can access and you can have four separate profiles, which is ideal if you have children of different ages using the same tablet. This has the added bonus of meaning the tablet will grow with your child, providing access to more apps and content as they get older. Parents though the parent controls were particularly helpful, with one reviewer saying that she likes “that I can set screen times for different categories of apps, and set the tablet to stop working at a chosen time every day”.
While reviewers praised the battery life, noting that it “easily lasts a day with use”, some felt the tablet can eventually start to “run a little slow sometimes if the storage is nearly full”. It also has a 2-year guarantee and comes in three colours, so if you have multiple tablets to avoid arguments between children, you’ll easily know whose is whose!
Pros
- Comes with a sturdy case to protect it from bumps
- Adjustable age filters and parental controls
- Can load four profiles so children of all ages can see the content that's appropriate for their age
- Three colours to choose from
- Suitable for ages 3–7
- Good battery life
Cons
- Sometimes a little slow if loaded with lots of apps
Best children's tablet with sturdy design
This tablet is available in two colours and is perfect for keeping the little ones entertained safely without the higher price tag of some other tablets. The case of the PRITOM Kids Tablet is nice and sturdy and made from soft silicone so it’s nice to hold but also has a stand for ease. Alongside access to apps, it has a front and rear facing camera so budding photographers can click away. A clever night light feature allows you to adjust the screen to protect children's eyes.
While you can download apps or programs from Google Play, it also comes several pre-installed kid-friendly apps for the children to play with. You can set up Parental Controls, including filtering content by age, setting screen time limits, choosing the content they see and blocking inappropriate websites and apps. Parent praised the “age-appropriate games installed, and screen quality is really good”.
Some parents felt the battery life could be better, though one noted that this isn’t an issue as “once the battery ran out that’s their screen time for the day gone”. On the whole people felt it was a good option at a lower price point than most and “great quality for the price”.
Pros
- Parental controls allow you to limit screen time and choose age appropriate content
- Suitable for ages 2-12 years
- Includes a sturdy case with a stand
Cons
- Battery runs down quickly so may need charging more than others
Best Amazon Fire children's tablet
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Designed with children in mind, this children's tablet comes with a kid-proof case to prevent accidental breakages, a kickstand for comfortable watching, and parental controls. As with the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet in our number one slot, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet includes one year of Amazon Kids+ and offers access to lots of learning games that feel like fun as well as apps like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer Kids.
While the content is the same, our mum tester, Gabby thought “the 10.1inch screen and the 32Gb of memory was a massive improvement from (her daughter’s) previous 7in 16GB Fire kids tablet”. Another reviewer agreed that the larger screen was a plus, saying “I’ve bought smaller versions in the past but the bigger version is much better for watching things on and navigating around the screen”.
Parents liked the “dual camera which can easily be switched between rear and front-facing camera”, and the larger 32GB memory which allowed the “quick download of a few movies from Disney ready for a long car journey.” It’s got an impressive battery life of 13 hours, which reviewers noted was “great for children who want it and want it now!”.
Read our full Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet review.
Pros
- Kid-proof case with stand allows you to stand it up rather than holding it
- A larger screen which is better for watching films and navigating around
- Parental controls allow you to set limits on content and screen time
- Three colours to choose from
Cons
- Limited range of colours
- Uses a different charger to other Amazon products
Best affordable children's tablet
This powerful Android tablet for children boasts 32GB of memory, with an in-built iWawa app that gives you plenty of control over access and screen time, as well as the option to download other apps from Google Play. With up to 6 hours of battery life, it should provide entertainment for a long car journey.
While parents were impressed with the large 10.1 inch screen, said the “battery life is great” and praised the parental controls, some reviewers reported issues with the longevity of the tablet.
Though it has a child-proof casing and claims to be shock-proof, some reviewers felt it could be more cushioned and protective.
Pros
- Easy to use for little ones
- Large 10.1 inch screen for better viewing
- 32GB of memory for storing multiple apps
- Parental controls let you choose the content and age restrictions
- Two colours to choose from
Cons
- The case could be more cushioned and protective
Best lite children's tablet
This children's tablet is incredibly child friendly with many safety features already pre-installed, including the ability to set screen-time limits, prevent unwanted app downloads and allow safe internet use. It is preloaded with 40 learning apps and games which children seem to enjoy, with one parent saying “on the part of my child, there is a clear thumbs up, a purchase recommendation from me.”
It has a 7 Inch touch screen that “fits comfortably in children's hands and can be operated intuitively and safely”, and a 16 GB memory which is less than others we reviewed. Some reviewers felt the battery life could be improved.
Pros
- 40 preinstalled apps and games
- Parent controls allow you limit screen limit
- Easy to use and smaller for little hands
Cons
- Reviewers felt the battery life could be better
Best tablet for older children
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This children's tablet is the perfect in-between for school-age children where they can feel like they have a more grown-up device whilst parental controls are still enabled. With a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, they'll have access to thousands of apps and games, audiobooks, and videos. They can also use the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet to make voice and video calls and browse the web safely and securely.
The parental controls are popular with users, and our mum tester, Gabby, “liked that I could download the Amazon kids app on my phone, where I could add time limits to enable and disable specific features like web browsers where certain websites can be blocked. The time limits work wonders on school nights when trying to negotiate a balance of screen time and school work."
Speed was a key factor in many parents’ 5* reviews and our mum tester Gabby also picked this feature out as a particular highlight, saying “we were also so impressed that a 2-hour movie downloaded in just a few minutes”.
Read our full Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet review.
Pros
- 10.1-inch screen with 1080p Full HD display
- Children can request apps pending parent approval
- A Parental Controls app allows you to control settings from your phone
- Four colours to choose from
Cons
- Some reviewers questioned whether you could get YouTube Kids on an Amazon Fire tablet
Best Apple iPad for kids
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While an iPad might feel a little extravagant for kids, this 9th generation iPad, which is not the most current, has lots of kid friendly features and is great for older children. It has 64GB memory storage which is double that of many of the tablets on our list, as well as a 10.2 inch screen and excellent camera. This iPad has a lot of the features of more expensive models, but costs less and is lightweight, plus it has the same great Apple safety controls of more expensive models if you want to monitor your child's screen time.
It's ideal for older children and teens who might want to be creative, with a superb 12MP ultra wide front camera and a 8MP wide camera on the back to capture images sharply. It can also be combined with a smart keyboard and Apple pencil so could be helpful as a homework tool. It also has 10 hours of battery life so won't let your little one down when they are in the middle of their favourite game and reviewers appreciated the how long the battery lasts and how quickly it charges, with one saying “they charge quickly which is fantastic, the kids don’t have to wait long before they’re up and running again”.
Pros
- Access to Apple's apps and safety features
- Good battery life and charges quickly
- Large screen and excellent display
- Ideal for older children and young teens
- The camera is better than any others we reviewed
Cons
- Maybe not as robust as other models designed for children
Best tablet for the family
www.johnlewis.com
This is a great tablet for families so it’s likely you’ll appreciate it just as much as your little one, making it better value for money. It is the first tablet with a charging speaker dock, meaning it can double as a hub for your smart home. Reviewers liked this versatility and the fact the “tablet can be docked and still be used as it charges”. The 10.9 inch screen and display of 1600 x 2560 pixels meant reviewers described it as ‘crystal clear”, and our tester Maria said "the 10.95-inch screen is honestly big enough for our little family of four to watch it together" . The audio also gained good feedback, with the additional speaker dock improving the audio of the tablet.
It has an impressive battery life of up to 11 hours and 128GB storage so you shouldn’t need to worry about it slowing down or running out of battery while your little one is using it. Operating on Android, it's great for online safety and you can set controls to monitor screen time as well as individual profiles for family members. Reviewers appreciated the peace of mind this brought, and our mum tester, Maria, appreciated the versatility, which allowed her to "have my adult profile, which I can password protect to keep things like my banking apps safe. I also have a kids' profile for my son".
Both of our mum testers, Maria and Stephanie, felt it could be improved with a child-friendly case as it made it more risky to take out of the house, with Stephanie saying "since the case doesn’t have a screen cover, I personally don’t like to take it out and about too much".
Read our full Google Pixel Tablet review
Pros
- Comes with charging speaker dock
- Can set up individual profiles for added control and versatility
- A larger screen than others makes it great for watching films
- Has 128BG of storage so plenty of space for films and apps
- Can be used as a home hub, speaker, and tablet
Cons
- No kid proof cover available
What to look for in the best tablets for kids
When choosing a tablet for your children, make sure to find one with a sturdy, shock-proof, and child proof case. You don't want to invest in pricey technology and then find it being flung off the sofa and breaking on day one.
Always check what parental controls there are; you'll find that some tablets for kids give you control over how long they are used, as well as restricting access to sites and apps, plus several filter websites to only show certain vetted sites.
Also, have a look at what size screen you want to buy; you might think that a bigger screen will be better as it's easier to see, but will it be tricky for little hands to hold?
Of course, choosing a tablet that's appropriate to the age of your child will ensure they get the most out of their device.
Which is the right tablet for your kid?
It really depends on what your child needs and what best suits your family. There are so many tablets out there which are great for adults and kids, but they come in at different prices and have many different features. Some tablets are great to grow with your child and will entertain and educate them for years, while some are aimed at the younger years. Also consider battery life, there is nothing more frustrating for your child (and you!) if the tablet needs to constantly be charged. Also, you know your child best and if you think they need some controls to limit screen time then consider the features each tablet has with regards online safety and parental controls.
Should young children have screen time?
As parents we know how hard it is to avoid screen time completely. Not only do little ones want to have time on their devices, to wind down and rest after school, but also we sometimes need to get things done and screen time gives us a chance to do that. Tablets are also useful for homework and they can be both educational and entertaining.
It is fine for children to have screen time but maybe consider setting a few parental controls to ensure your little one is both safe online and also that they still have time to play with toys, do jigsaws, read kids’ books, and go outside.
Whether you choose Apple or Android, your kid's tablet should have an option to add controls. Apple suggest creating an Apple ID for your child to set aged-based controls limiting the content they can access. Also consider keeping track of usage, setting time limits, not forgetting setting a bedtime to make sure your little one has screen free time before they sleep.
Also consider the physical impact of screens on children’s eyes and ensure your little one has enough distance from the screen regularly. Apple has now introduced new Vision Health features, including Screen Distance on Family Sharing which automatically sets a screen distance for children under 13 and will block the screen if they use it too closely for too long.
How to make screen time educational and fun?
Obviously, tablets have to be fun too. It can’t be all controls and limits, but there are lot of ways children can learn using their tablets and also be entertained. Consider streaming services such as Disney+ where they can watch films and TV shows when they need to have a rest after a busy day, or on a long journey. There are lots of educational apps for toddlers, which include interactive games supporting development with maths and shape and colour recognition, plus something like the Apple Pencil is a great tool to both entertain and educate. Tablets give kids independence to learn and play, while at the same time providing parents with an opportunity to monitor and limit what they see and do.
How did we choose the best kids tablets?
When looking at the best kids’ tablets, we considered:
Durability: We all know how rough children can be with their toys, but when it’s a tablet which has cost a lot, we don’t want it to easily get damaged. We considered if they have kid-friendly cases, or are at least compatible with a suitable case, and also checked the guarantee.
How easy they are to use: Sometimes kids know how to use technology better than adults, but still, they need something that is simple and straight forward. Younger children especially will get frustrated if the tablet is too complicated and they can’t use it independently.
Online safety: It is important to ensure children are safe online and also that their screen time is limited, therefore tablets with parental controls are brilliant for kids.
Cost: Tablets can be expensive, and when you are buying one for a three year old, that can be a worry! Little ones will not appreciate how much they cost and will be as rough with a tablet as they are with a teddy.
Battery life: There is nothing worse than a frustrated toddler! A tablet with reliable battery life is important for everyone's sanity. If your little one uses a tablet to entertain themselves on long car journeys, you don't want it running out of battery half way through. Also, older children won't need excuses not to do their homework if they use their tablet, so a good battery life is key.
Ultimately, the best tablets for kids work for your family and give you the benefit of education and entertainment, while maintaining control and not breaking the bank.
Find out more about how we test and what considerations we take into account in our testing process.
Laura Healy is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mum-of-two girls and loves writing about all things parenting, she is particularly interested in the toddler years and eco-friendly baby products, as well as children’s literature. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and has published short stories in the UK and Ireland, as well as previously writing freelance for her local paper.