Best Tablets for Kids Based In 2024

Parents often hesitate to invest hundreds of dollars in a device that their children might put through the wringer.

However, finding safe and budget-friendly entertainment options for kids shouldn’t be difficult. 

Tablets have emerged as a practical solution for keeping children engaged during lengthy car trips while working or when they need a moment to themselves.

Fortunately, you don’t need to break the bank to find an excellent tablet for children.

Affordable options provide rich educational content, entertainment, and parental controls to manage screen time and ensure balanced tech use. 

According toTabletmonkey’s evaluations, the Apple iPad stands out as the best overall choice for kids, earning recommendations from parents and experts.

Best Kids' Tablets to Consider in 2024

1. Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

If you’re looking for a reliable Android tablet with full Google support for your child, the Galaxy Tab A8 is a top choice.

Mo Mulla, a parenting expert and creator of Parental Questions, shared that the Galaxy Tab A8 is an excellent option for parents seeking a device to entertain and educate their children while they're away. 

Mulla praises Samsung Kids, which is accessible from any Samsung tablet.

This feature allows parents to manage their child's access to specific contacts and apps, provides engaging learning activities to prevent mindless scrolling, and includes interactive content with Samsung-specific animated characters. 

“The content is specifically designed for children and includes a variety of educational apps and games to keep them entertained and active during playtime,” he said.

Although the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 may not offer top-tier performance, it effectively supports your favorite apps, casual gaming, and streaming movies and shows.

Its expandable storage always ensures ample space for downloads and additional content.

A Best Buy customer remarked on the value of the Galaxy Tab A8, especially when compared to more expensive options: “If you’re looking to avoid spending over $300 on an iPad for your child, this is a cost-effective alternative.”

Specification:

• Display: 10.5 inches  

• Resolution: 1920 x 1200  

• Processor: Octa Core Unisoc T618  

• Storage: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, microSD up to 1TB  

• Cameras: 8MP rear, 5MP front camera  

• Weight: 1.12lbs 

• Dimensions: 9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 inches  

• Connections: 3.5mm headphone jack, USB 2.0  

• Battery life: 7,040mAh (About 6 hours)

2. Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet

For older children (ages 6-12), the new Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet is an excellent choice.

This latest model boasts a 25% increase in speed, improved 5-megapixel cameras, and an extended battery life of 13 hours compared to the previous 12 hours.

The 10.1-inch display offers a larger screen area without significantly increasing the cost, now featuring a sharper 1080p Full HD resolution for a brighter viewing experience. 

The tablet includes a durable protective case, a two-year worry-free guarantee, and a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+.

The tablet also has a slim, kid-proof case and age-appropriate filters for children aged 6-12. Despite these enhancements, it is priced at $190, which is $10 less than the previous generation.

A Best Buy customer review highlights, “Once you figure out how to use Amazon Kids to download apps, it works excellently.

My five-year-old loves it. It's quite durable, especially with the slimmer case than the older version.”

Specification:

• Display: 10.1-inch 1080p Full HD display 

• Processor: Octa-core 2.0 GHz  

• Storage: 32 (expandable by up to 1 TB)  

• Memory: 3GB  Colors: Happy Day, Mint, and Nebula  

• Cameras: 5 MP front and rear-facing cameras with 1080p HD video recording  

• Weight: 23.21 oz 

• Dimensions: 7.5 x 10.1 x 0.7 inches (with kid-friendly case)  

• Connections: 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C 2.0  

• Battery life: 13 hours

3. Apple iPad (9th generation)

Apple’s standard iPad model is an excellent choice for kids. It offers all the essential features in the more expensive iPad Pro and iPad Air models but in a more affordable, lightweight design with a 10.2-inch True Tone display.

While a newer iPad model is available, the 9th generation remains a strong contender with nearly identical features at a lower price of $330, making it a better option than the $449 newer model for a device that will endure heavy use. 

Education and early learning specialists recommend the 9th-gen iPad as a kid-friendly and practical choice.

Troy Portillo, Director of Operations at Studypool, an online learning platform, notes that for younger children, the standard iPad is more than sufficient: 

“There's no need to invest in the pricier iPad Air or iPad Pro. The standard iPad provides all the essential security features and excellent customer support Apple is known for.

It also allows parents to monitor their child's online activity, set screen time limits, and apply parental controls to specific apps.”

Apple’s Family Sharing feature lets parents customize their child’s iPad experience by managing screen time, receiving notifications about app purchases, and setting reminders for family events.

As highlighted by a recent Best Buy customer review, 

“The iPad is incredibly user-friendly. The kids enjoy it immensely. It’s packed with educational apps and games, perfect for car trips and downtime.”

Specification:

• Display: 10.2-inch with True Tone

• Processor: A13 Bionic chip

• Storage: 64GB or 256GB

• Biometrics: Touch ID

• Colors: Silver and space grey

• Cameras: 8MP f/2.4 back, 12MP Ultra Wide f/2.4 front

• Weight: 1.08 pounds

• Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x .29 inches

• Connections: USB-C, Smart Connector

• Battery life: Up to 10 hours

4. Lenovo Tab P11 Plus

The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus offers an appealing balance of features and affordability.

Its 11-inch 2K display delivers impressive visuals, and its battery life is particularly notable, with Lenovo claiming up to 15 hours of video playback, a claim supported by Tabletmonkey’s tests.

The tablet runs on Android 11 right out of the box.

A Best Buy reviewer highlighted that the Tab P11 Plus exceeded their expectations for battery life compared to other tablets.

However, it’s worth noting that the Tab P11 Plus does not include a headphone jack, so you’ll need to purchase Bluetooth headphones if you want to keep your child’s audio private.

Specification:

• Display: 11-inch display  

• Processor: MediaTek Helio G90T  

• Storage: 64GB or 128GB  

• Memory: 4GB or 6GB  

• Colors: Slate grey  

• Cameras: 8MP front and 13MP rear  

• Weight: 1.1lbs  

• Dimensions: 10.2 by 6.4 by 0.3 inches  

• Connections: USB-C, microSD  

• Battery life:  Up to 15 hours

5. Amazon Kindle Kids

While tablets are often used for entertainment, they may only sometimes offer the most enriching experiences.

For a more brain-stimulating alternative, consider the Kindle Kids e-reader. 

Designed for children aged 3-12, this device provides a focused reading experience with an Amazon Kids+ subscription that includes access to a wide range of books and audiobooks suitable for young readers.

Parents can monitor their child's reading progress using Amazon's Parent Dashboard, adjust age-appropriate book filters, add new titles to their child's library, and set bedtime restrictions for each profile. 

The Kindle Kids e-reader also features Vocabulary Builder and Word Wise to help children develop reading skills and tackle more complex texts.

To accommodate the unpredictable nature of kids, the Kindle Kids comes with a two-year worry-free guarantee, ensuring a free replacement if the device is damaged.

An Amazon customer shared their experience: 

“I bought this for my 11-year-old son for Christmas, and he’s read 11 books in just one month!

It’s smaller than the standard Kindle, but it’s a perfect size for kids and has a great selection of books appropriate for his age.”

Specification:

• Display: 300 ppi high-resolution, glare-free display  

• Storage: 16GB  Weight: 9.03 ounces  

• Dimensions: 6.3 x 4.5 x 0.53 inches  

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth  

• Battery life: Up to 6 weeks

6. Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet

The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet is designed for younger children, making it a great choice for ages 3 to 7. It features a vibrant, durable case that protects against drops and bumps and includes an adjustable stand for hands-free use.

The tablet comes with a complimentary one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ and Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, offering access to a wide range of ad-free books, movies, games, and educational content suitable for kids.

Diaz, who purchased the tablet for her children, describes it as a well-constructed, entry-level device with a robust kid-proof cover and adequate parental controls. 

“Its 13-hour battery life reduces the need for frequent charging, and the durable case and screen help ensure the tablet remains intact over time,” she notes. 

Amazon also provides a two-year worry-free guarantee to cover any potential damage from active use.

An Amazon customer praised the tablet's build quality: 

“The sturdy design and reinforced edges stand out. It’s clear that the tablet is made with kids in mind, and its durability reassures me that it can handle the everyday drops and bumps of young users.”

Specification:

• Display: 8-inch display  

• Processor: Hexa-core 2.0 Ghz  

• Storage: 32GB or 64GB (expandable by up to 1 TB)  

• Memory: 2GB  

• Colors: Blue, purple, Disney Mickey Mouse, or Disney princess  

• Cameras: 2 MP front and rear-facing cameras with 720p HD video recording  

• Weight: 18.3 ounces  

• Dimensions: 8.7 x 7.1 x 1.1 inches 

• Connections: 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C port  

• Battery life: 13 hours

What is the top alternative to kids' tablets?

The Apple iPad remains the top choice for a kids' tablet, providing exceptional performance, battery life, a wide range of apps, and extensive accessory compatibility.

It’s ideal for children needing a dependable device for school, gaming, or streaming.

However, if you’re looking for an Android option or a more budget-friendly choice, several excellent alternatives are available.

Best kids' tablet	Price	Where to buy	Processor	Storage	Colors	Cameras	Battery life	Protective case	Operating system
Apple iPad 9th generation	$330	Apple, Best Buy, Walmart	A13 Bionic chip	64GB or 256GB	Silver, space grey	8MP f/2.4 back, 12MP Ultra Wide f/2.4 front	Up to 10 hours	Available	iPadOS
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet	$190	Amazon	Octa-core 2.0 GHz	32GB (expandable up to 1TB)	Happy Day, Mint, Nebula	5 MP front and rear-facing cameras with 1080p HD video recording	13 hours	Included	Fire OS
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8	$230	Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart	Octa Core Unisoc T618	32GB, 64GB, 128GB, microSD up to 1TB	N/A	8MP rear, 5MP front camera	About 6 hours	N/A	Android
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet	$150	Amazon, Best Buy	Hexa-core 2.0 GHz	32GB or 64GB	Blue, Disney Mickey Mouse, Disney Princess, Purple	2 MP front and rear-facing cameras	Up to 13 hours	Included	Fire OS
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus	$270	Amazon, Best Buy, Lenovo	MediaTek Helio G90T	64GB or 128G	Slate grey	8MP front and 13MP rear	Up to 15 hours	Available for purchase separately	Android 11
Amazon Kindle Kids	$120	Apple, Best Buy	N/A	16GB	Ocean Explorer, Space Whale, Unicorn Valley	N/A	Up to 6 weeks	Included	N/A

How to Choose the Perfect Tablet for Your Child?

Selecting the ideal tablet for your child involves a few key considerations. Start by establishing a budget to guide your choices.

Once you know your spending limit, you can narrow down the options. Next, decide if you prefer a tablet from a particular brand.

Choose this kids' tablet.	If you want…
Apple iPad 9th generation	The ideal all-around tablet for your child, offering top-notch performance, battery life, a wide range of apps, and extensive accessory compatibility.
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro	An excellent choice for children aged 6-12, featuring a large screen, built-in stand, robust parental controls, and access to over 20,000 apps, games, videos, and books.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8	An Android tablet equipped with Samsung Kids, providing a kid-friendly interface, parental controls, and tools to manage screen time and monitor usage.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids	Designed for kids aged 3-7, this tablet includes a durable, kid-proof case and delivers up to 13 hours of battery life.
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus	A tablet with exceptional battery longevity, boasting a premium design, vibrant display, and up to 12 hours of battery life per charge. It also includes a fingerprint scanner for enhanced security.
Amazon Kindle Kids	A tablet tailored for reading, featuring a wide selection of kid-friendly books, audiobooks, and a useful Parent Dashboard.

Key Considerations for Choosing a Kids' Tablet

Before purchasing a kids' tablet, keep the following factors in mind:

1. Durability: A tablet needs to withstand rough handling by children. If the tablet isn’t built to be rugged, consider investing in a durable, kid-proof case.

2. Ease of Use: Choose a tablet that is user-friendly for kids. Look for features like large screens, intuitive interfaces, and pre-installed apps that are easy for children to navigate.

3. Parental Controls: Ensuring your child’s safety and privacy is crucial. Evaluate the tablet’s parental control options, such as screen-time limits, app restrictions, and content filtering.

4. Cost: Tablets vary widely in price. Determine your budget and prioritize the most important features for your needs.

Tim Dikun, COO and VP of Product at Teaching.com advises looking for detailed parental controls.

For example, Amazon's FreeTime app provides comprehensive management options, allowing parents to set educational goals, limit gaming time, and control app access based on specific criteria.

FAQs

How We Evaluate Kids' Tablets?

At Tabletmonkeys, we conduct hands-on evaluations of various tablets, including those designed for children. Our testing process includes gathering insights from parents, consulting with parenting experts, and reviewing user feedback. We assess key factors such as durability, battery life, user interface, and parental control features. We regularly update our recommendations to reflect the latest and most suitable tablets for kids.

What Parents Should Know About Tablets and Screen Time

Rebecca Mannis, PhD, a learning specialist at Ivy Prep Learning Center, emphasizes the American Academy of Pediatrics' guidelines for screen time. These recommendations suggest no screen exposure before 18 months, a maximum of one hour per day for children aged 2 to 5, and limiting screen time to two hours per day for children over 5.

Mannis also notes the importance of understanding the screen time policies of preschools and primary schools to align with family values and reinforce rules at home. While tablets can aid early reading development, it's crucial to balance digital reading with traditional books to enhance literacy skills. “Studies show that the brain processes online reading differently,” she explains. “So, alternating between digital and print books can help improve reading proficiency.”

Can Kids Use YouTube on Amazon's Fire Tablets?

Officially, no. Amazon’s Fire tablets use a customized version of Android called Fire OS, which does not support Google apps. Although the official YouTube app isn’t available, you can access YouTube through Amazon's Silk browser.

How Much Storage is Enough for a Kids' Tablet?

For adequate storage to handle apps, photos, videos, and downloadable content, especially on long trips, a tablet with at least 32 GB of storage is recommended. This amount provides ample space for media and app storage.

Which Tablet Brand is Best for Kids?

The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro stands out among the options available. As the latest Fire 10 Kids series model, it offers improved speed, higher quality, and extended battery life. Despite the limitations of Amazon’s app store, it remains a top choice for keeping children entertained during travel.

Are Kids' Tablets the Same as Regular Tablets?

While many regular tablets can be customized with parental controls, kids' tablets are specifically designed with safety, durability, and age-appropriate content in mind. They typically come with robust parental controls, protective cases, and warranties tailored to handle rough use.

What Alternative Tablets for Kids Are Worth Considering?

Several tablets on the market are suitable for kids. When evaluating alternatives, look for features such as parental controls, long battery life, and user-friendly design.