A tablet can be a valuable addition to any parent’s arsenal, but you can’t just hand a toddler unfettered access to the World Wide Web. Instead, you can choose from a handful of slate PCs that keep children in mind, with thoughtfully curated kids’ content services, carefully designed restrictions, and thorough parental controls.
While there aren’t a ton of options geared entirely toward children, several manufacturers make excellent low-cost tablets that absolutely perform well enough for kids. Plus, producers like Google, Amazon, Apple, and third-party developers provide tools for monitoring screen time and even restrict permissions for voice assistants. There’s also a good selection of fitness trackers and Chromebooks for young folks that can encourage good exercise, learning, and browsing habits.
Top tablets your child will love
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro (2023)
An iterative but important update
Equipped with 3GB of RAM, upgraded cameras, and a major update to the Android-based Fire OS, the latest Amazon Fire HD Kids tablet takes the cake as the best child-focused tablet. Its relatively locked-down ecosystem gives parents more control than anything else.
- Streamlined parental control suite
- Rugged case and 1-year Amazon Kids+ subscription
- No integrated ads
- Less-than-stellar performance
- Somewhat limited app selection
Amazon’s dedicated Kids offerings deviate from its standard Fire tablets in a few ways, with an ultra-rugged case the most obvious. The Fire HD 10 Kids Pro comes with a dependable, tight-fitting cover that’s smaller and a touch less rugged than the standard Fire HD 10 Kids, but still easily stands up to what an older child would likely put it through.
Amazon doesn’t offer its usual ad-supported version for a discount (like it does with normal Fire tablets) to prevent at least a little of the brain rot and exposure that comes with OS-delivered advertisements. Plus, Amazon Kids tablets come with a one-year subscription to the carefully curated Amazon Kids+ service, which keeps questionable content far away from the device.
Is the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet great for up-and-coming online gamers or students needing to multitask to complete assignments? Not really, due largely to the middling overall performance. But Amazon’s parental controls beat most of the competition, and the somewhat restrictive Fire OS app selection helps out a lot, too. If you want to make sure your little minions aren’t getting up to no good on the internet, the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is a good choice.
Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE
A grown-up tablet at a stress-free price
This is a proper Android tablet with no kid-focused restrictions or features. But it combines solid specs and reliable performance with a relatively friendly price tag, perfect for a teen who’s ready for their own tech but still wants it on their parents’ dime.
- Snappy performance even with multiple apps open
- Can up the RAM to 8GB
- Perfect for teens
- Global versions lack some software features
One of the best budget-friendly tablets we’ve ever used, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE, boasts surprisingly great internal hardware for its cost. Its large internal storage, capable CPU, sizable RAM, and great-looking screen make it hard to believe it costs barely north of $200. If you’re buying a tablet for a teen and want it to be able to grow up with them, it’s hard to find a better option.
So why exactly, is the Redmi Pad SE so cheap, and why have you probably not heard of it before? For starters, we’re lucky it’s even available in North America, as the overwhelming majority of Xiaomi devices stay far away from the US, with many models exclusive to China and even more failing to make the jump across the pond from Europe. This is where the Pad SE falls somewhat short (albeit only slightly) since it’s a global-only version that lacks some minor features found in the device’s home country. Still, there’s plenty to love.
At this price range, you won’t get the fastest CPU, but as our review notes, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset performs admirably. Web browsing, streaming movies, and opening multiple windows won’t slow this tablet down. We also found that Xiaomi’s MIUI Pad 14 OS (based on Android 13) helps carry the load as well. And you don’t have to be shy with those graphic settings because the Redmi Pad SE can handle it. Another plus is that you can choose between 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB of RAM. Even if you choose 8GB, this tablet will only cost you $250.
Battery life is excellent here as well, courtesy of its 8000mAh battery. It’ll last you for hours, if not days, depending on your usage. We only wish that the charge time wouldn’t be so long. Still, that beefy battery life will come in handy on road trips.
Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE tablet review: Budget champion
Finally, an Android tablet under $250 that dismantles expectations
While this clearly isn’t in any way built or marketed specifically for kids to use, it’s an excellent way to get your hands on a highly capable tablet with low weight, a sleek form factor, and the hardware and software capability to ensure years of effective use.
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)
A great model for the casual user
Amazon’s Fire HD 8 offers exceptional value for a kid-friendly tablet. Despite its 2GB of RAM, it’s capable of running games and is durable enough to withstand drops and dings. Although it doesn’t match the speed of higher-end tablets and has a modest 2MP front and rear cameras, it’s perfect for media consumption and gaming.
- Sturdy casing and tough aluminosilicate glass screen
- Fast enough for most kid-friendly games
- Decent display for the price
- Only 2GB of RAM
Okay, there is a Fire HD 8 Kids, but frankly, the standard Fire HD 8 is a better value. The kids edition may provide you with a case, a 1-year subscription to Amazon Plus, and a 2-year warranty, but it’s about $50 more. We’re sure you can find a protective case under $20, and you’ll still have access to Amazon’s free parental controls.
Unless you can find the Fire HD 8 Kids on sale, we’d opt for the standard HD 8. More often than not, you’ll find the Kindle 8 discounted, but even at $100, it’s a good deal. It won’t be as fast as some of the more powerful picks, like the iPad 10th gen, but for $100, your kids get a competent little tablet perfect for media consumption.
The Fire HD 8 comes with 32 GB or 64 GB of storage, and if you need more, you can expand up to 1 TB with a microSD card. Unfortunately, you only get 2GB of RAM, but again, this tablet has a retail price of $100, so no shock there. But it should still handle tablet-minded games like Roblox, depending on the graphics quality settings. It’s also pretty durable. The screen is made from aluminosilicate glass, and according to Amazon, this HD 8 can handle its fair share of tumbles. We’d still recommend a case, though.
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) review: Only slightly better
After two years, the latest version of Amazon’s affordable tablet has finally arrived, but the improvements are minimal
While the front and rear cameras are below average at only 2MP with 720p video, your kids will enjoy using them for Zoom calls with friends and silly snapshots. Just don’t expect these cameras to perform well in lowlight situations. Is the Fire HD 8 perfect? No, but at this price, you’re not looking for perfection, you’re looking for value, and the HD 8 has this in spades.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
Big screen, low price
The Galaxy Tab A9+ by Samsung boasts a sizable 10.9-inch display and delivers an excellent balance between cost and capability. Despite its reasonable price, it efficiently handles most games, and the battery life is impressive. Its beautiful display and loud speakers make it an appealing and affordable option.
- Really loud Dolby Atmos speakers
- Excellent display for the price
- Can upgrade the RAM to 8GB
- Lackluster cameras
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A9+ sits about $230 below the S9 FE, yet still offers a large 10.9-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor may be slower, but it offers 4 to 8GB of RAM and expandable storage. Will it run at unbridled speeds? Of course not, but your kids will have no problem playing most video games on the A9+. And the A9+’s battery won’t last as long as the S9 FE, though you’ll still get close to 12 hours on a single charge, depending on the usage. And when it does die, it should charge back up in 3 hours. That’s pretty slow but not surprising at this price point.
We don’t usually pay much attention to speaker quality on tablets in this price range. Most of the time, they’re adequate at best, but we have to say we’re surprised by the A9+. It comes with four speakers with Dolby Atmos, and wow, they get loud. Music and movies sound great on the A9+, so parents, you may want to purchase some headphones for your kids — or earplugs for yourself.
Samsung had to skimp somewhere on this tablet, so we’re not shocked that the cameras aren’t the best. Both the front (5MP) and the rear (8MP) produce lackluster images and videos, but we doubt your kids will care as much as we do. However, they will appreciate this tablet’s bright screen and 16:10 ratio. The 1900 x1200 resolution produces brilliant and colorful images as long as you’re indoors. For only $220 (or less — it’s usually on sale), you really can’t go wrong with this midrange beauty.
Amazon Fire 7 Kids (2022)
Small screen for small hands
The Fire 7 Kids tablet combines portability with durability. It’s a compact size that fits little hands and has a sturdy, cushioned case built to withstand drops. And with a quad-core 2 GHz CPU, 2GB of RAM, and expandable storage up to 1TB via microSD, it’s optimized for movies and educational games, although less suited for high-demand apps.
- Comes with a sturdy, easy-to-hold case
- 2-year no-questions-asked replacement warranty
- Small size is ideal for toddlers and little kids
- Underwhelming display
If you really want an Amazon Fire Kids tablet but don’t want to spend a ton, the Fire 7 Kids tablet is your best bet. It is particularly ideal for toddlers. The tablet is small enough for them to hold and comes with a cushy but sturdy case that’s ready for countless drops. You’ll also get 12 months of Kids+ with access to countless books, apps, videos, and games. And there’s the 2-year warranty where Amazon promises to replace the tablet if it breaks. These are great perks, but it does come at a cost. The retail price of the Fire 7 Kids will set you back $110. However, you can usually snag one for much less during a sale.
Running on a quad-core 2 GHz CPU, it’s definitely the slowest of the Fires. There’s only 2GB of RAM, and the base model only has 16 GB of storage. That said, you can expand the storage up to 1 TB via microSD. Movies, as well as games for toddlers and young children, will run fine, but the Fire 7 Kids is not suited for games like Roblox and Animal Jam.
The 1,024-by-600-pixel is also lackluster, though younger kids won’t mind. The Fire 7 Kids’ primary selling points are its size and durability. As long as you’re not using this outside or in an overly bright environment, your little one will enjoy hours of learning and playing on this compact, toddler-friendly tablet.
Apple iPad (2022)
A powerful tablet at an approachable price
The 10th Gen iPad delivers strong performance for the price, catering to older kids looking for a multifunctional tablet. It boasts a long battery life, high-quality cameras, and a vibrant display. The tablet also serves well for academic tasks when paired with accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio. Whether it’s for work or play, the 10th Gen iPad shouldn’t disappoint.
- Retina display is great for artists and gamers alike
- Long battery life and fast charging time
- No M1 but runs apps smoothly, including demanding games
- Only compatible with the First Gen Apple Pencil
There are certainly more powerful iPads on the market, but the 10th Gen iPad is an excellent midrange option for Apple fans. While the A14 Bionic chip is a far cry from the M1, this tablet will run smoothly for all but the most demanding apps. Honestly, we’ve yet to find an app that’ll lag on here, so feel free to turn up the graphics quality settings to high while playing Roblox.
It goes without saying, but the 10th Gen iPad is a great drawing tablet as well. Whether your preteen is getting into more sophisticated drawing apps like Adobe Illustrator or just likes to doodle, the iPad’s sensitivity and response time guarantee a user-friendly experience. But remember, this is Apple, so you’ll have to buy the Apple Pencil. (This tablet is only compatible with the First Gen Apple Pencil.)
Thanks to its speedy processor, the iPad works nicely as a makeshift laptop. Pair it with the Magic Keyboard Folio, and your kid can use it to type up their next English Lit essay. The battery is also pretty impressive and lasts a whole school day with one charge. The front and rear 12MP cameras are even pretty great, capable of capturing sharp video and images. We especially like the landscape mode of the ultra-wide front camera. It’s great for family video calls and virtual classrooms.
Apple iPad (2022) review: It just works
Despite Apple’s restrictions, the iPad is still one of the best values in tablets
But perhaps the best feature of this iPad is its beautiful 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display. Sure, it won’t look as brilliant as the iPad Pro, but for the price, it’s to be expected. Movies and games should look bright and colorful. Contrast is good, too, so long as you’re not using the tablet outdoors in direct sunlight. Who does that anyway?
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
S Pen included
Outside of Apple, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is the next best midrange choice for kids seeking an artist-friendly tablet. Its standout feature, the included S Pen, offers precision and a natural feel for drawing enthusiasts. This tablet is highly durable and long-lasting, thanks to its sturdy build and impressive IP68 rating. And with up to 18 hours of battery life, it’s the perfect companion for all your adventures.
- 90Hz refresh rate offers a smoother display than the iPad’s 60Hz
- iP68 rating ensures durability against water and dust
- Long battery life lasts up to 18 hours on a single charge
- Display has slightly fewer pixels than the iPad
If you’d prefer to stay away from the Apple ecosystem, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is a worthy alternative for artists and doodlers. While the iPad did win out against the larger S9 FE+, we still think the S9 FE is an excellent tablet. For one, the S9 FE is plenty fast due to the Exynos chipset. It can handle multiple tabs at once without skipping a beat. Games, drawing apps, and word processors run smoothly as well. We’d say the refresh rate has a part to play in this, too, as the display runs at a smoother 90Hz compared to the iPad’s 60Hz.
We also like the cameras, though the S9 FE’s 8MP rear camera was a bit sharper. Will your kids notice the difference? Probably not. They probably won’t even use it much. Besides, the 12MP front camera is more than adequate for video chats and selfies.
Where the S9 FE shines with the included S Pen. We love that you can store (and charge) the S Pen on the S9 FE’s magnetic strip, something the iPad doesn’t offer. What’s more, the S9 FE’s pressure sensitivity feels natural and, most importantly, accurate. Kids will love drawing and coloring on this — it’s likely the brightest tablet on our list. The iPad contains a few more pixels, but it’s not a deal-breaker.
But here’s the clincher — the S9 FE has an iP68 rating. If you’re going to spend this much on a tablet, it’s nice to know that it’ll survive a day at the pool with your kids. Whether they drop it in the sand or the sink, the S9 FE is ready. A case is still recommended, but it’s nice to have that assurance. And let’s not forget that the S9 FE will run for 18 hours on just one charge, ideal for plane rides and road trips.
Acer Iconia Tab M10
An affordable competitor
The Acer Iconia Tab M10 emerges as a versatile tablet that, while not specifically marketed for children, serves as a solid pick. It shares similarities with the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro, but the Tab M10 distinguishes itself by offering broader app access, more storage, and faster performance. It’s lightweight and provides a good balance of durability and usability.
- Broad app ecosystem with Android 12
- More storage and RAM compared to Fire HD 10 Kids Pro
- Lightweight and durable design
- Battery life not as good as Fire HD 10 Kids Pro
From doorbells to tablets, Amazon has its sticky fingers in everything these days. So when Acer comes around with something like the Iconia Tab M10, it has our attention. And while it’s not explicitly sold as a kid tablet, you could certainly use it as one.
If you look at the specs, the Iconia Tab M10 is not terribly different from the top pick, the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro. Both sport a 10.1-inch screen with 1080p resolution and a 16:10 ratio. They also use the same Octa-Core processor and include a MicroSD slot. Heck, they both even come with a protective case, though the Tab M10’s case is much less kid-like, a subtle difference tweens will probably dig. But there are also some differences.
First off, the Tab M10 runs on Android 12, which means you’ll have a wider range of apps and services compared to Amazon’s Fire OS. The Fire OS is indeed Android-based, but it’s tuned to work within the Amazon ecosystem. That means no Google Play Store, by the way. However, the Tab M10 gives you full access to things like Google Kids Space, which is arguably better for older children in terms of UI and freedom of use. That said, you can still monitor your child’s activities via the Family Link App.
Another plus for the Tab M10 is that it provides 128GB of onboard storage along with 4GB of RAM. And that extra gigabyte of RAM will likely help with gaming and general app performance. Considering the M10 is $10 less than the retail price of the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro, that’s a pretty impressive upgrade.
Design-wise, the Tab M10 features a slimmer body without sacrificing durability. Its metal chassis may be tough, but it’s lightweight, too, at only 0.95 pounds. In comparison, the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro weighs 1.45 pounds. However, it’s worth noting that the Kids Pro has a heftier battery that lasts 13 hours, compared to the Tab M10’s 9.5 hours. That’s quite the difference, but it’s not a horrible trade-off considering the Tab M10’s price.
What kind of tablet does your child need?
Picking the right tablet for a child poses some age-specific questions. The youngest humans, with their small hands and tendency to destroy stuff, would be well-served by one of Amazon’s Fire Kids tablets. Older kids will do better with the 10-inch Fire HD Kids Pro, which includes a sleeker case in addition to slightly better hardware.
Also, the Amazon Fire 7 Kids is a good choice for toddlers and the least expensive Fire Kids tablet we’d ever consider buying. While it has its faults, it’s quite decent at what it’s meant to do (which is streaming, basic browsing, and toddler-oriented games). However, the regular old Fire HD 8 wins the best value pick because it sports a good display and just enough processing power to run the most fun apps and games. It’s durable but not indestructible, so we’d definitely purchase a case.
If we’re talking about a teenager who’s a little more responsible with electronics, the options open up dramatically. The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE, currently the reigning champion of our cheap Android tablets roundup, boasts better performance than a roughly $200 tablet has any right to.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE stands out thanks to its fantastic display and Samsung’s excellent S Pen. Of course, you can’t talk about budget-friendly tablets without mentioning the iPad, the 10th-gen version of which is markedly affordable and will last for years.
Which parental control software works best?
The biggest manufacturers have done a decent job so far of baking ineffective restrictions. Google’s Family Link integrations work pretty well, although some parents argue Apple’s kid account monitoring and permissions settings offer a little more in-depth management. And unsurprisingly, Samsung’s One UI gets high marks in the parental control category, just like it gets rave reviews everywhere else.
But if you try any of these tablets out and the OEM parental control suite isn’t quite where you’d like it to be, there are some top-notch third-party apps to consider. We’re still cooking up an in-depth guide on how best to implement and manage parental controls on various tablets and phones, but community recommendations show some clear winners.
Net Nanny and Qustodio consistently see high praise from the most conscientious caretakers, with powerful controls and easily managed interfaces. Salfield and Boomerang don’t get quite as much press, but a good number of people have used them with great success for quite a while. Finally, Bark offers extensive monitoring and blocking options and even scans social media and various messaging services to detect and notify you of problematic phrases or behavior.
Are Amazon Fire tablets worth it?
Fire tablets get a bit of a bad rap because they don’t perform incredibly well and use the restrictive (although quite streamlined) Fire OS, a distant fork of the open-source Android other phones and tablets employ. But don’t let that deter you, especially in light of their low cost.
While they’ll never be as fast as a high-end or even midrange tablet, a few tweaks can ensure a Fire tablet’s consistent performance. You can customize Fire OS slightly to look and feel more like stock Android, including by sideloading the Google Play Store. Sideloading can intimidate people without tons of tech experience, but it’s actually extremely easy and one of the very first things you should do with your Fire tablet. If you do opt for one of these highly affordable slates, there are a lot of fun things to learn.
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro (2023)
Easy to use, hard to break
Equipped with 3GB of RAM, upgraded cameras, and a major update to the Android-based Fire OS, the latest Amazon Fire HD Kids tablet takes the cake as the best child-focused tablet. Its relatively locked-down ecosystem gives parents more control than anything else.
