Every kid wants a tablet. But deciding to invest in a tablet for your child is a big step, and there are several features to consider: price, parental controls, and perhaps most importantly, durability. The Amazon Fire 7 Kids Edition is a top pick not only for offering tons of great content for kids but also for its included protective bumper case and parental controls. You can manage what your kids do and not worry that they might be accessing questionable websites or web content. But the real clincher is the no questions asked two-year warranty that ensures that no matter how your child might knock it about, you'll get a free replacement.
Best Overall - Amazon Fire 7 Kids Edition
The only thing the Fire 7 is missing is the Google Play Store. While that might be off-putting to some adult buyers, for children, it's not really an issue, especially when Amazon does such a great job at providing and curating content that your little ones will enjoy.
Specifically, though, the Kids Edition has perks over the regular Fire 7 that make it worth the extra money. The included case is absurdly thick and just bounces when the tablet (inevitably) hits the deck. Amazon has a bulletproof 2-year warranty where you can claim a replacement if the worst happens, and Amazon Freetime Unlimited for a year is a handy bonus.
Amazon's parental controls are also particularly strong. The kids can have a completely walled experience, siloed off from the main tablet where you, the parent, would have to share content that isn't already curated for young eyes. It's a tablet you can genuinely hand to your child without having to worry about them breaking it, or what they're doing with it.
Reasons to buy
- Great warranty
- Tons of child-friendly content
- Excellent parental controls
- Well priced
- Kids case is almost indestructible
Reasons not to buy
- Battery life on the low side
- Limited internal storage
- No Google services built-in
Best Overall
Amazon Fire 7 Kids Edition
A kids tablet almost impossible to beat
If the unthinkable happens to the Fire 7 Kids Edition, peace of mind is included in the price of the product with the 2-year, no-questions-asked warranty.
Runner-Up - Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition has a lot to offer kids, with more than 10,000 hours of kid-friendly content. Parents can set limits and monitor what their kids are doing, while kids can browse the web safely and securely, watch movies, play games, and more.
It's not quite as far-reaching as Amazon's kids' mode, but it's very nice to use and has all the parental controls you need to make sure nobody is touching things they shouldn't be or buying a hundred dollar in-app purchases! With an 8-inch screen, you also get 32GB of internal storage and decent battery life of up to 13 hours. Plus, it comes with a protective bumper case.
Reasons to buy
- Good kids mode
- Excellent parental controls
- Nice display
Reasons not to buy
- More expensive choice
- Limited internal storage
Runner-Up
Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition
For kids young and old
The Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition looks good, is well made, and offers a great experience for youngsters.
Best Large Screen - Simbans TangoTab
One of the best things about this tablet from Simbans is that it combines a large screen with an attractive price point, Google Play access, and a child-friendly OS.
It comes with five pre-installed apps for kids, along with a child lock to keep young kids safe from dangerous websites and inappropriate content. Powering it is Android Oreo with, as noted, access to the Google Play Store. Yes, this is an older version of Android, but it'll meet your kids' needs.
Along with an IPS HD 10-inch display, this tablet comes with loads of goodies in the box for kids, including a protective silicone bumper case and convenient carry pouch along with a universal power adapter and pre-applied screen protector. The striking red finish of the rugged case is an attractive bonus.
Reasons to buy
- Large display
- Pre-installed kids apps
- Google Play support
- Comes with protective extras
Reasons not to buy
- Old version of Android
- Limited internal storage
- Average battery life
Large Screen
Simbans TangoTab
Google Play-enabled big-screened kids tablet
The kid-friendly options, protective accessories in the box, large 10-inch display, and nice chunky case and child lock make it a winner.
Best For Learning - Leapfrog Epic Academy Edition
Leapfrog is a well-known name in electronic and educational children's toys, and the company also makes learning-focused tablets for the younger generation. The Epic Academy edition may not look like it, but it runs on Android underneath.
That gives Leapfrog a lot of flexibility. There's no Google Play Store, but it does support regular Android apps such as Netflix from alternative sources. However, the reason to buy this device is the Leapfrog first-party software. The UI is customizable, so your kids can create their own space, while the most excellent parental controls ensure you have the final say over what they use and when.
There are hundreds of great apps to help your kids learn as they play, as well as full access to Leapfrog's Academy subscription service if you wish to get your hands on even more.
Reasons to buy
- Customizable UI
- Excellent parental controls
- Strong first-party apps and games
Reasons not to buy
- No Google Play
- Leapfrog software can be expensive
- Slow battery charging
For Education
Leapfrog Epic Academy Edition
Educational software from a trusted brand
Leapfrog has put its years of expertise in kids tech into an excellent Android tablet that can teach your little ones while they play.
Best For the Family - Lenovo Tab 4
This tablet is a powerful one that will be great not only for kids but also for the whole family. Every family member can set up and access their own account, including a special one just for kids using the dedicated area called Kids Account.
Kids Account includes fun and educational content curated just for young ones by the KIDOZ kids content discovery platform. It also has a browser that shows only white-listed websites that are safe for us and feature age-appropriate content and a scheduling tool for parents. You can add the optional Lenovo Kids Pack that includes a shock-resistant bumper, blue-light screen filter, and fun stickers.
Parents can feel confident that their kids are accessing the web in a safe environment, but also be able to enjoy full access to websites and other content through their own personal accounts. Running Android Nougat 7.1, it offers an impressive 20-hour battery life along with 16GB of storage, rear 5MP and front 2MP cameras, and access to the Google Play Store.
Reasons to buy
- Multi-user capabilities
- Protected kids section
- Amazing battery life
Reasons not to buy
- Kids Pack accessories sold separately
- Limited internal storage
- Old version of Android
For Multiple Kids
Lenovo Tab 4
Multi-user access from a trusted brand
Lenovo is a trusted brand in computing, and the ability to have multiple users accounts makes this a tablet for multiple kids as well as adults in the family.
Should you buy an Android tablet or an iPad?
The choice between an Android tablet or an iPad for kids can be a tough one. If your household is more in the Apple ecosystem with products like iPhones, Apple TV, MacBooks, and so on, an iPad might be the better decision. You can easily and seamlessly sync information across all devices. You can manage the iPad from your iPhone, for example, using a single Apple ID, send content, like photos or videos, from one device to another easily using features like AirDrop, and access apps through a familiar user interface.
However, iPads are generally more expensive than Android tablets, especially if you want to get a newer and larger-screened model. For older kids, however, an iPad might make more sense. It's perfect for more robust tasks like research via the web, composing documents with an add-on keyboard, or making videos or other creative content that might make use of Apple software or the improved iPad camera.
For older kids and those who can be trusted with a more delicate tablet, an iPad might be the better decision. If you're investing in a tablet that others in the family will use for purposes beyond kid-friendly apps, too, you might want to opt for an iPad instead and buy a rugged case along with it.
Should you buy an Android tablet or a Chromebook?
Android tablets are designed to be held in the hand while Chromebooks look more like laptops with a hinge design and full attached keyboard. While you can use add-on Bluetooth keyboards with tablets, if your child is going to be using a keyboard most of the time, a Chromebook might be the better option.
Chromebooks are better for typing, have bigger screens in most instances, and make perfect homework companions for kids. Android tablets, on the other hand, are better for handheld use and activities like watching videos on-the-go, playing games or accessing apps, taking photos and videos, and other more entertainment-based activities.
For older kids who are looking for a device to help with homework, a Chromebook is better because it will also provide access to the full desktop versions of websites along with the full Chrome OS web browser. You can still add restrictions if necessary as well, and kids can still download apps from the Google Play store. But they can also use programs and software that might not be compatible with a tablet, and easily access content in the cloud.
With younger kids, however, it would make more sense to gift them an affordable Android tablet that is rugged, has tons of parental controls, and curated kid-friendly content. Plus, they can knock around, drop, bump, and scratch without worry about damaging it.
Both are lightweight, great for watching videos, and accessing apps. But Android tablets are more appropriate for younger kids (say, those under 7) while pre-teens and teens will get much more use from a Chromebook if the purpose is as a homework aid and not just for fun and entertainment.
Conclusion
No one knows your child like you do. You are the best predictor of what your child is going to enjoy and get the most use out of. You're also the one with the wallet.
But it's tough to look too far beyond the Amazon Fire Kids Edition. Amazon's no-quibble warranty and the sheer amount of content available for the young ones make it hard to top. Plus, it comes loaded with tons of content curated specifically for kids as well as parental control features that caregivers will appreciate.
The price is also right, especially if you're looking for a first tablet for a young child to see how they use it before investing more money in a more expensive tablet for an older child. Let them show you how responsible they can be with the Fire Kids Edition tablet, then consider upgrading to a more expensive Android tablet, iPad, or even a Chromebook when it makes sense.
When it comes down to it, though, all of these are good options. So you're sure to be getting a great tablet for your kids with any of them.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Richard Devine is a Reviews Editor at Mobile Nations with a long history in Android. You'll usually find him deep in hardware, gaming, both, or drinking root beer for which he openly has a mild addiction.
Christine Persaud is a writer at Mobile Nations with extensive experience with mobile gadgets, wearables, smart home gear, and other similar devices. When she's not tinkering around with new gadgets, she's a self-professed TV addict, lover of wine, and avid cook and baker.
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