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
Description
Designed with children in mind, thanks to the 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 helps to prevent any potential (and often unwanted) in-app purchases without parents' permission. It also has a 2-year guarantee.
One review said: "I bought the Fire HD 8 Kids tablet as a present for my 'just turned 4' granddaughter. My first impression out of the box was that it is brightly coloured, sturdily made - ideally made for a young child. It needs to be set up by an adult initially (of course), but that proved to be fairly easy if you have basic understanding of today's technology.
It comes with a year's subscription to Amazon Kids+ with thousands of advert-free books, games, videos and apps from Disney, Nickelodeon, Peppa Pig etc. There are lovely educational games plus videos etc. etc. Without any real previous experience, other than her Dad's phone perhaps, she was, within minutes, flicking and moving things around the screen, playing games and watching videos etc. In short, she loves it!! A good purchase and ideal present for toddlers."
Pros
- Comes with sturdy case
- Adjustable age filters
- Three colours to choose from
- Suitable for ages 3–7
Cons
- Sometimes a little slow
Best children's tablet with sturdy design
Description
This tablet is available in two colours and is perfect for keeping the little ones entertained safely. The case of the PRITOM Kids Tablet is nice and sturdy, and there are also several pre-installed kid-friendly apps for the children to play with. It also has a clever night light feature to adjust the screen, to protect children's eyes.
One review said: "Bought this for my 4-year-old, and she is so pleased with it. Age-appropriate games installed, and screen quality is really good. So far, really impressed."
Pros
- Parental control
- Suitable for ages 2-12 years
Cons
- Battery runs down quickly
Best Amazon Fire children's tablet
www.johnlewis.com
Description
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. Not to mention, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet includes one year of Amazon Kids+ too. Kids can have access to lots of learning games that feel like fun as well as apps like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer Kids.
One mum, Gabby, said: "Having upgraded from one of the original Amazon fire kids tablets, the 10.1inch screen and the 32Gb of memory was a massive improvement from her previous 7in 16GB Fire kids tablet, which has become sluggish and was always out of memory – very frustrating for a child to understand. No more crashing and room for lots more games! I liked how I was able to download additional apps such as Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube and allow access to these on the kids profile."
Read our full Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet review.
Pros
- Kid-Proof Case with kickstand
- Three colours to choose from
Cons
- Very limited when not connected to WiFi
Best affordable children's tablet
Description
A powerful Android tablet for children, with a robust shock-proof child-proof casing that should protect against being thrown down the stairs. The in-built iWawa app gives you plenty of control over access and screen time, and the carry handle makes the Kids Tablet Veidoo Android Tablet easy to take on the go.
One review said: "Bought this for my 3 year old son and it keeps him busy, he loves it. I loved that it also carries a year replacement warranty, and it's also an age appropriate product. Comes with a very engaging pre installed app and Google play is also pre installed. Battery life is great. It would be nice if the silicon case has more cushion to it. Notwithstanding it a good product nonetheless."
Pros
- Easy to use for little ones
- Handy carry handle
- Two colours to choose from
Cons
- The battery doesn't last as long as others
Best lite children's tablet
Description
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 safe internet use. The Kurio Lite 2 Kids Tablet is lightweight and easy for young children to hold and use.
One reviewer said: "After several days of use, the following conclusion remains for me: a beautiful, handy and lightweight 7-inch tablet that fits comfortably in children's hands and can be operated intuitively and safely. With the Kurio Tab 2, children with and without tablet experience are doing a lot of things right. On the part of my child, there is a clear thumbs up, a purchase recommendation from me."
Pros
- Preinstalled apps and games
- Time limit
- Easy to use
Cons
- Some think the RAM is too low
Best tablet for older children
www.argos.co.uk
Description
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.
Mum, Gabby, said: "The tablet claims to have 12 hours battery life, and in the two weeks we have had it, I think I have only charged it twice, even after a 2-and-a-half-hour car journey where my daughter had it on constantly there was hardly any movement on the battery life. I really 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."
Read our full Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet review.
Pros
- 10-inch screen
- Children can request apps pending parent approval
- Four colours to choose from
Cons
- The case is a bit thinner
Best Apple iPad for kids
www.very.co.uk
Description
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, as well as a 10.2 inch screen and excellent camera. 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. 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.
One reviewer said: "I would recommend this tablet for anyone who needs an iPad which does the basics well and handles everyday tasks easily. It is nothing special however this is to be expected for a product with this price tag. It does everything you need it to do well such as watching videos or browsing the Internet. The screen is also nice and bright, and also a good size (10.2 inches). Overall, if you are looking for a tablet on a budget or want something which integrates into the Apple ecosystem this is a great choice"
Pros
- Access to Apple's apps and safety features
- Good battery life
- Large screen
Cons
- Maybe not as robust as other models designed for children
Best tablet for the family
www.johnlewis.com
Description
This is a great tablet for families and you will appreciate it just as much as your little one. It is the first tablet with a charging speaker dock, and can double as a hub for your smart home. It has an impressive battery life of up to 11 hours and a 10.9 inch screen, as well as 128GB storage. Operating on Android, it is great for online safety and you can set controls to monitor screen time as well as individual profiles for family members.
One reviewer said: "I absolutely love this tablet. It is so easy to navigate and the picture and sound quality is phenomenal. I love the fact the tablet can be docked and still be used as it charges and the speaker quality is fantastic. It is lightweight enough to take on holiday and the battery life is brilliant too which is great for the children. I love how you can set up separate profiles too and set up children's profiles so you know they are safe and protected whilst using the tablet. So so happy with this product and it also looks very stylish too."
Read our full Google Pixel Tablet review
Pros
- Comes with charging speaker dock
- Can set up individual profiles for added control
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.