My children’s favorite “tablet” is actually just a good flat rock. Choose the right one, and it can do everything from launching toy cars to hopping across a pond. But if you feel you must go digital, we’ve tested nearly every kid-friendly tablet available. These are our top picks.
Depending on the tablet, you can also manage content. We’ve created guides on how to use parental controls on your devices and how to navigate Amazon Kids+, Amazon’s content platform. If you’re still looking for educational ideas for kids, take a look at our favorite kid-friendly podcasts, our guide to the best STEM toys, and the top gift subscriptions for kids.
Updated November 2024: We’ve refreshed our selections to include the latest Fire Tablets and Kindles, with updated prices throughout.
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Best Overall
Apple iPad Mini (2024, 7th Gen)
The iPad Mini offers the perfect balance of size, weight, and content options for kids. We recommend pairing it with a stand to prevent accidental drops, but overall, the Mini is compact and ideal for streaming a variety of children’s content. Apple has yet to create a dedicated kids’ content ecosystem, which ironically makes iOS the best platform for accessing everything—apps like Amazon Prime, PBS Kids, and Disney+ all work seamlessly on iOS. (Though it’s a matter of preference, we’re not fans of the constant ads on YouTube Kids or the persistent upselling of Google Kids Space.)
That said, it can be a bit nerve-wracking to hand a child a $500 device. It’s pricey and may be too large for younger, smaller hands. If your child is younger or struggles with holding the Mini, check out our budget-friendly recommendation below.
Best Android Tablet for Kids
OnePlus Pad
If you’re looking for a quality tablet that isn’t an iPad, consider the OnePlus Pad (8/10, WIRED Recommends). As the first tablet from the phone maker, it runs Android 13 right out of the box, bringing several enhancements to the Android tablet experience. Like the iPad, handing an almost $400 tablet to a child can be a bit daunting (see below for a more affordable option), but it’s a solid choice for older kids.
The OnePlus Pad is also good for school work, with excellent battery life that can easily last almost a full day. It offers three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, making it relatively future-proof. Our main downside is the lack of a headphone jack. OnePlus addressed this in a 2024 update, but the changes are minimal. As long as this model remains available, it’s a budget-friendly option that’s still perfectly suitable for kids.
Best Budget Kids Tablet
Fire HD 10 Pro Kids
Amazon’s Fire tablets offer an affordable alternative to iPads. With solid hardware and a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, the company’s content platform, these tablets make it easy to find age-appropriate games and apps for your children.
There are several versions and sizes of Fire Kids tablets. The primary difference between the Pro and standard models is the default content. After testing all of them, we recommend the Fire HD 10 Pro Kids Edition ($200) for older kids, who will find it easier to hold and appreciate the more mature content included with the Pro version. For younger kids (around 8 and under), the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition ($140) is a better choice.
While investing in the Amazon ecosystem limits you to Amazon content, the selection of books, games, and videos in Amazon Kids+ is diverse and includes some real gems. However, be aware that content can change frequently, so a favorite book or show may disappear without warning. You can filter and monitor content through Amazon’s parent dashboard. The two-year worry-free warranty is a major plus, especially if your child tends to drop or break things. Additionally, Amazon often offers discounts of up to 50%, so there’s no need to pay full price unless you need it right away.
Best for School
Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 (11 Inch, MediaTek)
While many school districts provide Chromebooks for students, if yours doesn’t, they’re an excellent choice for schoolwork. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a great option for younger kids. It’s powerful enough to handle web browsing, video streaming, and casual gaming, and its detachable keyboard allows it to function like a tablet when needed. Chromebooks can also run many Android apps, though they sometimes don’t perform as well as on a dedicated tablet.
For older kids (around fifth grade and up), a more powerful Chromebook like the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 ($279) might be a better choice. We recommend the Acer 515 for its faster processor, additional RAM, and SD card slot. For more options, check out our Best Chromebooks guide.
Best for Reading
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids (2024, 12th Generation)
Like most Amazon devices, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids offers great value for two key reasons: the content and the warranty. This model comes with a two-year, worry-free replacement guarantee, a fun case, and a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, which curates age-appropriate books and characters from Amazon’s extensive library. You can also manage content through the website interface to customize what your child has access to.
Adding free library books to your child’s profile is a breeze, and with so many free books available, a Kindle can actually save money in the long run, especially for avid readers. You can save $50 by opting for the regular Kindle Kids ($120), but the screen quality isn’t as good as the Paperwhite version, and it lacks waterproofing. These devices often go on sale, so there’s no need to pay full price.
If you prefer to avoid the Amazon ecosystem, or if your child loves comics and graphic novels, we recommend the Kobo Libra Colour (8/10, WIRED Recommends). Its color E Ink screen is far better for comics than a Kindle. Although Amazon offers a color Kindle for adults, there isn’t a Kids version, and the regular color Kindle has some issues, making the Libra Colour a better choice. At $220, it’s a larger investment and more suitable for older, responsible children.
Best for Video Calling
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)
While I recommend the Echo Show 8, any smart display you already own is likely the best option for video calls with family. It eliminates the need to hold anything up (though using a tablet works fine too—just be prepared for the grandparents to see more of the ceiling fan than your kids if they get tired of holding up the iPad). The third-generation Echo Show 8 strikes a good balance in Amazon’s Show lineup, with a size that fits well in the kitchen or living room. We also like the Google Nest Hub Max, a solid all-around smart display with a 10-inch touchscreen and a decent camera. However, it no longer supports Google Meet or Zoom, so you’ll need to use Google Duo for video calls.
