Top tablets for kids, as rated by parents.
Top tablets for kids, as rated by parents.
The Best Tablets for Kids: Keeping Them Entertained and Educated
As parents, we often rely on tablets to keep our children entertained during long car rides, when we need a break, or when we want to get some work done. With the back-to-school season approaching, finding a reliable kids’ tablet becomes even more essential. The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to get a decent tablet for your child.
According to Rebecca Mannis, PhD, a learning specialist at Ivy Prep Learning Center, tablets and technology are now part of our daily lives, just like books, food, and seat belts. As parents, we set the tone for consumption and usage. With that in mind, it’s crucial to find a device that offers not only entertainment options but also plenty of educational content and parental controls.
Apple iPad (9th generation): The Best Kids’ Tablet Overall
Our top pick for the best kids’ tablet is the Apple iPad (9th generation). This tried-and-true tablet provides a solid performance, long battery life, ample app support, and a range of features that make it a perfect choice for kids. It may be a bit expensive, but it offers great value for the money.
The Apple iPad (9th generation) features a 10.2-inch display with True Tone technology, an A13 Bionic chip, and storage options of 64GB or 256GB. It also includes Touch ID for biometric authentication and comes in silver and space grey colors. With an 8MP back camera and a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera, your child can explore their creativity through photography and video calls.
What sets the 9th generation iPad apart is its compatibility with Apple’s Family Sharing feature. Through this, parents can monitor their children’s activity online, limit screen time, control app usage, and even set reminders for family events. With its powerful performance and extensive parental controls, the Apple iPad (9th generation) is an excellent investment in your child’s education and entertainment.
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet: The Best Kids’ Tablet with a Large Display
For older kids aged 6-12, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet is a fantastic option. With its 10.1-inch display, this tablet offers a larger screen without significantly increasing the overall cost. The Kids Pro edition comes with a protective case, a two-year worry-free guarantee, and a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+.
The Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet features a 1080p display, an octa-core processor, and up to 12 hours of battery life. While its performance may not match up to an iPad, it surpasses the Fire 7 or 8 tablets. With access to over 20,000 apps, games, videos, and books, this tablet provides a wide range of entertainment options for your child.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8: The Best Samsung Kids’ Tablet
If you prefer an Android tablet with full Google support, then the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is the right choice for your child. This tablet offers a 10.5-inch display, expandable storage, and a great tablet experience for simple entertainment.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 comes with Samsung Kids, a kid-friendly interface that lets parents give their children access to specific contacts and apps. It also provides learning challenges to encourage active engagement and interaction with Samsung-specific animated characters. With its kid-friendly content and educational apps, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 keeps your child entertained and informed.
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus: The Best Kids’ Tablet for Battery Life
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is an attractive and affordable tablet with a long battery life. Its 11-inch 2K display delivers an excellent visual experience, while the powerful battery keeps your child entertained for hours. Running on Android 11, this tablet features a MediaTek Helio G90T processor, storage options of 64GB or 128GB, and up to 15 hours of battery life.
Although the Tab P11 Plus lacks a headphone jack, it makes up for it with its stunning display and remarkable value. With a fingerprint scanner for added security, this tablet ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for your child.
Choosing the Right Tablet for Your Kid
When selecting a tablet for your child, consider your budget and the specific needs of your child. Here are our recommendations based on different preferences:
- Apple iPad 9th generation: The best all-around tablet that offers excellent performance, battery life, app availability, and accessory support.
- Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Edition: Perfect for ages 6-12, with a larger display, advanced parental controls, and access to a wide range of content.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A8: An Android tablet with Samsung Kids, offering a kid-friendly interface, parental controls, and a variety of educational apps and games.
- Lenovo Tab P11 Plus: A tablet with long battery life, a premium design, and a vivid display. It also comes with a fingerprint scanner for added security.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a comparison of these tablets’ key features in the table below:
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How We Chose These Tablets for Kids
We consulted experts and researched tablets from renowned brands to select the best options for kids. We considered factors such as durability, ease of use, parental controls, and cost. Ensuring that the tablets we recommend offer a positive user experience and child-friendly features was a top priority.
What Features to Look for in a Tablet for Kids
When purchasing a tablet for kids, several factors should be considered. According to Tim Dikun, COO and VP of Product at Teaching.com and a father himself, key features to prioritize include granular parental controls, durability, ease of use, and cost.
A tablet should have parental controls that allow you to block or unlock specific apps and set time limits. Durability is crucial for withstanding the wear and tear of children’s use, so investing in a kid-proof case is highly recommended.
Tablets and Screen Time: What Parents Should Know
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen exposure for children, with no consistent screen exposure before 18 months, and one hour per day for ages 2 through 5. It is essential to be aware of the policies of your child’s school and reinforce those rules at home.
Rebecca Mannis, PhD, advises parents to switch up how their child reads to maximize their literacy skills. While tablets are great for reading, incorporating physical books can offer a different learning experience. Balancing online and print reading can have a positive impact on your child’s literacy development.
FAQs
Can my kids use YouTube on Amazon’s Fire tablets?
Officially, the YouTube app is not available on Amazon’s Fire tablets. However, you can access YouTube through Amazon’s Silk browser to enjoy video content.
Are there alternative tablets for kids worth considering?
Yes, there are several other tablets on the market that cater to kids’ needs. When looking for an alternative, ensure it offers parental controls, long battery life, ease of use, and a fair price. Consider the specific requirements and preferences of your child.
In Conclusion
When it comes to selecting the best tablet for your child, the Apple iPad (9th generation) stands out as the top choice. However, taking into account different preferences and budget considerations, there are fantastic alternatives like the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet, Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, and Lenovo Tab P11 Plus. By considering factors such as durability, ease of use, parental controls, and cost, you can make an informed decision that meets your child’s needs. Use our guide as a resource to find the perfect tablet that will keep your child entertained and educated for years to come.
