The 8 Best Tablets for Kids of 2023

Tablets offer kids a whole world of entertainment: They can explore games and books, do schoolwork, consume content, and connect with friends and family. With these educational and entertainment benefits, a tablet can be a helpful gadget for a child's developmentwhenused in moderation. If you choose to purchase a tablet for your child, there’s plenty to consider when making your pick.

When picking the right tablet for your child, it's important to keep the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) suggested guidelines for screen time in mind.Toddlers from 18 to 24 months can start to enjoy some screen time with an adult. Children ages 2 to 5 should be limited to one hour of supervised educational screen time a day, which includes computers, tablets, television, and gaming devices. And “consistent limits” on screen time are recommended for kids over 6. The AAP also suggests establishing screen-free zones, like the car or the dinner table, which should apply to all family members becausegood habits start with good examples, after all.

Whether you're introducing a tablet for the first time or are upgrading to a newer device for an older kid, consider durability, parental controls, age recommendation, and your kid’s particular needs when picking the best option for your family. When reviewing tablets for kids, we researched popular options from trusted brands with these criteria in mind and considered recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. A pediatric psychologist on ourReview Boardalso reviewed the contents of this article for accuracy and how to evaluate appropriate tablets for kids. We also spoke with Dr. Lyndsey Garbi, MD, a pediatrician and the co-founder and chief medical officer of Blueberry Pediatrics.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet at Amazon

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Best for Toddlers:

LeapFrog LeapTop Touch at Amazon

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Best for Middle Schoolers:

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 at Amazon

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Best for High Schoolers:

Apple iPad Air 2022 (5th Gen) at Amazon

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Best for Reading:

Amazon Kindle Kids (2022) at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Amazon Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet at Amazon

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Best Battery Life:

Lenovo Tab P11 Plus at Amazon

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Best Small:

Apple 2021 iPad Mini (Wi-Fi 64GB) at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.7

Amazon

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Pros

Long battery life
Parental controls
Kid-proof case

Cons

Limited app options
Pricey

Our top choice, the Fire HD 10, is Amazon's largest and fastest version of its popular kids' tablet. The 10.1-inch tablet has charging power that lasts for 12 hours, and its kid-proof case, built-in stand, built-in camera, and two-year guarantee make it pretty indestructible for little hands.

With the tablet comes a year-long subscription to Amazon Kids+, which offers thousands of age-appropriate movies, books, games, TV shows, and more that are all geared toward kids 3 to 12 years old. Caregivers can use the Amazon Parent Dashboard to give children access to apps like Netflix and Zoom if desired, while the easy-to-use parental controls manage up to four kids’ accounts and can limit access to the camera, web browsing, and in-app purchases, among other tablet functions.

This tablet is an excellent option for most families. Since it is an Amazon device, Google Play and Android apps are not available.

Price at time of publication: $200

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:8.2 x 10.6 x 1.1 inches |Wi-Fi Capability:Yes |Battery Life:12 hours |Age Recommendation:3 to 7 years old |Weight:25.2 ounces |Display:1920 x 1080 Pixels}

Amazon

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Pros

Budget-friendly
Has tablet and laptop modes
Helps develop important skills

Cons

No Wi-Fi capability
No headphone jack

This relatively basic educational tablet is a great introductory device for toddlers. With its five learning modes—the alphabet, numbers, messages, games, and music—the tablet helps little ones learn important skills in an engaging way. Plus, with role-playing activities like emailing Scout, they’ll develop communication and nurturing skills as well.

The tablet also functions as a laptop. To convert between the two modes, simply flip the screen up or down. Since it does not have Wi-Fi capabilities, parents need not worry about kid-proofing this device. Caregivers can also customize the battery-operated tablet to help their little ones learn to spell their own names.

Price at time of publication: $28

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:10.04 x 6.06 x 1.26 inches |Wi-Fi Capability:No |Battery Life:Uses 3 AA batteries (included) |Age Recommendation:2 to 5 years old |Weight:1 pound |Display:Not listed}

Good to Know

Avoid letting your child use screens around bedtime. The light emitted from screens interferes with the sleep cycle and can lead to insomnia.

Amazon

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Pros

Slim, lightweight design
Connects with other Samsung devices
Comes with a two-month YouTube Premium subscription

Cons

Cover sold separately unless bundled

Tweens have unique needs when it comes to tech and gadgets. For this crowd, parents need a more advanced option that still has parental controls, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, which lets tweens play, read, watch, and listen on the go. This tablet has a durable metal frame, tons of storage, and a slim design that easily fits into a backpack. Plus, you can add a variety of apps to be ready for all the work yourmiddle schoolerwill bring home.

If you’re a Samsung family, you’ll appreciate this tablet’s ability to connect seamlessly with the brand’s other devices, so your kid can start watching a show on a Samsung smartphone and pick it up in the same spot on their tablet. Caregivers will also appreciate the parental controls, available through the Google Family Link app, which allow them to设置屏幕时间里美ts, filter content, and more. If a younger sibling is using the tablet, the Samsung Kids app provides a safe, family-friendly environment for kiddos to explore the device. Bonus: This tablet comes with two months of free YouTube Premium.

Price at time of publication: $160

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:4.91 x 0.31 x 8.37 inches |Wi-Fi Capability:Yes |Battery Life:Not listed (5,100 mAh battery) |Age Recommendation:Not listed |Weight:0.81 pounds |Display:1340 x 800 Pixels}

Amazon

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Pros

Liquid retina display
Top-notch front and back cameras
Touch ID for security

Cons

Expensive
Keyboard and pencil sold separately

While anyone parenting a high schooler may simply wantto see their teen succeed, students themselves will want a tablet that can do it all: play games, video chat with friends, type up homework, take photos, write, draw, sketch, and stay organized. The iPad Air can do all of those things and then some.

This advanced tablet is compatible with Apple keyboards (which attach magnetically and connect automatically) and with the second-generation Apple Pencil for easy drawing and sketching. These features essentially allow the iPad to morph into a laptop, so it’s useful for all that high school homework.

Available in five metallic colors, the iPad’s display is 10.9 inches (diagonally). The HD front and back cameras, video features, and stereo speakers will impress your high schooler, while the Touch ID feature offers additional privacy and security. (As with any aspect of your teen's life, be sure todiscuss boundariesbefore giving them handing over this tablet.) While it is a major investment, this iPad can work as an all-in-one tool for your high school student, and it may just get used by the rest of the family, too.

Price at time of publication: $599

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches |Wi-Fi Capability:Yes |Battery Life:10 hours |Age Recommendation:Not listed |Weight:1.02 pounds |Display:2360 x 1640 pixels}

Amazon

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Pros

Access to Audible and Amazon Kids+
Designed for reading
Long battery life

Cons

Only for reading
Audible membership not included

If your kid is an avid reader, they'll love the Kindle Kids. With no distraction from the internet, games, or any apps, this is the ultimate reading tablet.

This thin, lightweight tablet has adjustable backlighting for indoor or outdoor reading, and the high-resolution display is glare-free for sharper text and images. Since the battery isn’t powering tons of apps, it lasts for up to six weeks, not just days or hours. The tablet can help grow your kid’s reading skills with the Vocabulary Builder and Word Wise tools, and there’s also an option to read in OpenDyslexic, a font that may be helpful to some readers with dyslexia.

In addition to the device, your purchase will include one year of Amazon Kids+, allowing your bookworm to access thousands of books and audiobooks, including the full Harry Potter series. There’s also a Parent Dashboard that allows you to adjust age filters, add new books, view your kid’s reading progress, and set a bedtime. The included tablet cover is available in three fun designs: Ocean Explorer, Space Whale, and Unicorn Valley.

If audiobooks are your kid's thing, the Kindle Kids also includes access to Audible (with a membership), so they can switch between reading and listening via speakers or headphones. While this tablet doesn’t connect to the internet, there’s really no match if your kid can't get enough of books or if you want to encourage more reading in your family.

Price at time of publication: $120

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:6.3 x 4.5 x 0.53 inches |Wi-Fi Capability:Yes |Battery Life:Up to 6 weeks |Age Recommendation:Age 7 and up |Weight:9.03 ounces |Display:300ppi}

What Our Editors Say

"My 8-year-old is a reluctant reader, and it takes some pushing to get him to practice. The parental controls and tracking features allow me to monitor his progress, set goals, and reward him when he reaches those goals. Also, the easy word-lookup feature helps him expand his vocabulary and strengthen his comprehension skills as he reads." —Latifah Miles, former Parenting Commerce Editor

4.6

Amazon Fire HD 7 Kids Tablet turned on displayed in front of a white background

Best Buy

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Pros

Budget-friendly option
Kid-proof case included
Comes with a free one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+

Cons

May be too small for some kids

Tablets can be expensive, and you may be hesitant to take the plunge and buy one if you aren’t sure how much your child will use it. This is where a more budget-friendly option comes in handy, like the Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet. At $110, it’s not cheap, but it’s more affordable than most other high-quality, full-featured tablets on the market. It’s designed specifically with kids in mind.

The tablet comes in a kid-proof case (available in multiple colors) with a built-in kickstand to withstand bumps and spills. For added protection, Amazon offers a two-year worry-free guarantee and will replace a broken tablet for free. It also comes with a year-long subscription to Amazon Kids+, a service with access to thousands of ad-free books, games, videos, apps, and other content. The Parent Dashboard lets caregivers filter content that isn’t age-appropriate, set educational goals and screen time limits, and give access to extra content from Netflix, Disney+, and Zoom.

Due to its size, the Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet is best suited to younger kiddos, and it’s a great budget-friendly starter option for children who are newer to owning electronics.

Price at time of publication: $110

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:6.4 x 7.9 x 1.1 inches |Wi-Fi Capability:Yes |Battery Life:10 hours |Age Recommendation:3 to 7 years old |Weight:15.1 ounces|Display:1024 x 600 pixels}

Amazon

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Pros

Long battery life
Four speakers with Dolby Atmos surround sound technology
Has Google Kids Space

Cons

Only one color option
Larger and heavier than other tablets

For families who are frequently on the go, needing to recharge electronic devices every few hours can be a pain. That’s why we appreciate the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus, which offers up to 15 hours of streaming time with a single battery charge. This Android tablet also features four speakers with Dolby Atmos surround sound technology for top-notch audio quality when listening to music or watching a movie.

In addition to long battery life and first-rate audio quality, this tablet has an impressive 128GB memory, Bluetooth capabilities, and facial recognition. Caregivers will appreciate that it has an independent kids’ account with Google Kids Space, which is a library of over 10,000 teacher-approved apps and games, and hundreds of free children’s books. This tablet is a touch larger and heavier than some of our other top picks, but if battery life is a priority or if you’re an Android family, we recommend it.

Price at time of publication: $250

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:‎ 10.17 x 6.42 x 0.3 inches |Wi-Fi Capability:Yes |Battery Life:15 hours |Age Recommendation:Not listed |Weight:1.08 pounds |Display:2000 x 1200 pixels}

Amazon

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Pros

Liquid retina display
High-quality camera
Not as expensive as other iPad models

Cons

Still an investment

With an 8.3-inch screen (diagonally), the iPad mini is a smaller tablet, making it great for little hands to hold. It has many of the same features as the larger iPad models, including a liquid retina display, high-quality front and back cameras, landscape stereo speakers, fast processing, and parental controls. The tablet is also available in multiple metallic colors.

What sets the iPad mini apart is its small footprint, ideal for your elementary schooler or middle schooler to read, play, and draw on. It also comes in handy for caregivers, who may want to use it to play music or refer to recipes while cooking without taking up much precious counter space.

The iPad mini is still an investment, but it’s more affordable than the larger iPad Air. While we wouldn’t recommend it for a high schooler who uses their tablet to do schoolwork, if you’re looking for an introductory iPad for a younger kiddo or a device that is easy to throw in your bag and carry around, this is a high-quality option.

Price at time of publication: $499

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Dimensions:‎7.69 x 5.31 x 0.25 inches |Wi-Fi Capability:Yes |Battery Life:10 hours |Age Recommendation:Not listed |Weight:1.32 pounds |Display:2266 x 1488 pixels}

What to Look For in Tablets for Kids

To select the best tablets for kids, we spoke withDr. Lyndsey Garbi, MD儿科医生和客人的联合创始人和首席营销官eberry Pediatrics, to discuss healthy screen time use, internet safety, tablet durability, and more. We also consulted guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization on appropriate screen time limits for different age groups. Additionally, we researched top products from trusted brands to see if they met our criteria.

Durability

Most kids are rough on stuff, so look for a tablet that’s built to withstand spills, drops, bumps, and everything else kids can do to electronic devices. When picking a tablet, make sure “that it is durable,” says Dr. Garbi. “Put a cover on it to prevent it from breaking if thrown on the ground (because kids will do that).“

A tablet that comes with a tumble-resistant case included, like theAmazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet, is ideal and can save you money down the line. Also, consider what kind of warranty a tablet offers. Some come with years of protection—even a free replacement—in case the tablet can’t keep up with your kid.

Parental Controls

For caregivers and parents,technology can present unique challengesnow more than ever. You want to control what your kid does and sees online, but also keep in mind healthy boundaries and your own comfort when it comes to manipulating parental controls. Some tablets have built-in controls or offer simple ways for parents to select just what their kids can access, especially tablets designed particularly for kids, like theAmazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet. Some other devices require a bit of digging to figure out how to restrict certain content or may need you to download an app to set up parental controls. Consider both the age of your kids and your own technological knowledge when choosing a tablet.

Age Recommendation

While tablets that are designed specifically for young children are likely to have age-appropriate features right out of the box, tablets with more capabilities may offer additional options and can grow with your child. However, when choosing a tablet with a more open-ended age recommendation (like theApple iPad Air), remember that this type of tablet will likely have more internet access and the ability to download a variety of apps. This means that you'll likely need to spend more time setting parental controls and adjusting them as your child gets older.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time should a child spend on a tablet?

The appropriate amount of screen time is “different for every family,” depending on kids’ ages and interests, Dr. Garbi tells Verywell Family. For children ages 2 and 5, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends approximately one hour of screen time on weekdays and three hours over the course of the weekend.For children ages 6 and over, the AAP urges caregivers to set healthy screen time limits.

When navigating screen time, keep in mind kids’ other developmental needs. “Parents should optimize the time kids spend interacting with their friends and themselves at home,” says Dr. Garbi. “[Kids] should be active and outdoors. Downtime when a child may be ‘bored’ is a wonderful time for them to have the chance to fill time with [activities that promote] their imaginative and critical thinking skills.” Great alternatives to screen time includeSTEM (or STEAM) activities, imaginative play,board games, sports, and more.
At what age should a child start using a tablet?

There is no particular age at which kidsshouldstart using a tablet, Dr. Garbi says. “They won't be left behind if they don't start when others do. Screen time use for FaceTime [video calls] with family is a nice reason to use a tablet when young.”

For school-aged children, there is evidence that access to learning through a smartphone or tablet can improve learning outcomes across a range of subjects, including language and STEM.However, the age at which you introduce a tablet as a learning tool is important.

While there is no recommended age at which a child should start using a tablet, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends against screen time entirely for children under age 2.On the other hand, the AAP suggests a limited amount of screen time may be appropriate for 18-month-olds, provided they are watching educational material alongside a caregiver.
How can I help kids stay safe on the internet?

To ensure that a child stays safe when using the internet and electronic devices, “Limit their access to apps, stay involved in what they are using, and use features that give you control over these parameters,” Dr. Garbi advises. Many kids’ tablets come with parental controls already built in, and many other tablets offer parental controls or the option to download a related app.
How should I approach setting screen time limits?

This is specific to each kid, Dr. Garbi says. “You can use screen time as a reward for finishing all chores or tasks,” she suggests. She also proposes giving children a set amount of screen time for the day and letting them choose how and when they want to use it.

You may also want to set screen time limits with mealtime and bedtime in mind. “In general, kids shouldn't use screens an hour before going to bed or while eating,” Dr. Garbi says.
How does tablet use affect a kid's eyesight and posture?

According to Dr. Garbi, “studies have shown that screen time may cause eye fatigue, blurriness, and dry eyes.” To combat these potential symptoms, she recommends taking frequent screen breaks, remembering to blink, and positioning screens appropriately.

When it comes to protecting a child’s eyesight, “Some experts recommend the 1/2/10 rule—1 foot for mobile devices, 2 feet for tablets and laptops, and 10 feet for TVs,” Dr. Garbi notes. “The American Optometric Association recommends the 20/20/20 rule: Look away from the screen every 20 minutes, then focus on an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.”

Tablet use “certainly puts strain on different muscular groups of the body,” says Dr. Garbi. “If your child is complaining of muscle pain or is displaying poor posture, study how they engage with screens to see if changes need to be made.”
What are the risks of introducing a tablet too soon?

If introduced too soon, a tablet may hinder rather than help your child’s development. According to a 2019 Canadian study that tracked screen time in correlation with the developmental milestones of children at ages 2, 3, and 5, spending time in front of an electronic device was shown to have a detrimental effect on language and social skills.This is thought to be because toddlers and young children learn best through social interactions with other children and adults, such as talking and playing.

Another study found that toddlers who frequently use electronic media—such as smartphones and tablets—were at a heightened risk of suffering from emotional and behavioral problems by the time they turned 5.

当介绍平板电脑和其他电子井斜ces to your toddler, ensure that you are following screen time recommendations from your child’s pediatrician or reputable organizations like the AAP and WHO. Make sure to purchase an age-appropriate tablet for your toddler, such as theLeapFrog 2-in-1 LeapTop Touch, which is designed for kids ages 2 to 5.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Poltonis a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She's a mom of a 9-year-old son, 6-year-old son, and 2-year old daughter. She was given a Kindle when her first son was born and has never looked back. The joy of reading one-handed in a dark room has forever changed her life. Her kids sneer at her app-free Kindle and prefer the lights, sounds, and games of an iPad. To each their own.

Phoebe SklanskyVer华体会体育吧ywell家族的商业副编辑。作为a commerce writer and avid shopper herself, she enjoys helping readers find the best products for their unique needs. Prior to joining the Verywell Family team, Phoebe Sklansky was a freelance writer for multiple home and entertainment outlets. She holds a B.A. from Vanderbilt University. When she’s not at her desk, you can find her taking a walk on the West Side Highway, catching up on reality TV, or attempting to cook in her countertop-less kitchen.

Best Overall

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet

Best for Toddlers

LeapFrog 2-in-1 LeapTop Touch

Good to Know

Best for Middle Schoolers

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite 8.7” Tablet

Best for High Schoolers

Apple iPad Air 2022 (5th Gen)

Best for Reading

Amazon Kindle Kids (2022)

What Our Editors Say

Best Budget

Amazon Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet

Best Battery Life

Lenovo Tab P11 Plus

Best Small

Apple 2021 iPad Mini (Wi-Fi 64GB)

What to Look For in Tablets for Kids

Durability

Parental Controls

Age Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Verywell Family