The 4 Best Tablets for Kids in 2023

• Best overall tablet: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids | Skip to review
• Best tablet for all ages: iPad 10th Generation | Skip to review
• Best tablet for toddlers: Animal Island Aila Sit & Play | Skip to review
• Best affordable tablet for kids: Sumtab Kids Tablet 7 Inch | Skip to review

If you’re a parent who has tried to limit or eliminate screen time with little success, you’re not alone. It’s very hard to completely avoid screen time for kids these days, which is why even the American Academy of Pediatrics has moved away from setting specific time limits by age.

Not all screen time is equal, though: There is a difference between limitless hours in front of a screen and structured screen time.

There are ways to encourage healthy screen habits and limit what types of content your child can access. It’s also easier to set up your child’s device to manage what they watch or do — and for how long — with a tablet.

That’s why we compiled our list of the four best tablets for kids, with all the details you’ll need to help make a decision.

We considered a dozen tablets for this article in order to find the best ones for kids. We prioritized tablets that come with cases or those that had multiple durable case options available at a variety of retailers.

We also looked for tablets that come with preloaded educational software or subscriptions, decent storage space, and large, clear screens. We included devices that come preloaded with parental control software and those that are versatile or well suited for specific age groups.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $100
• $$ = $100–$200
• $$$ = $201–$300
• $$$$ = over $300

Best overall tablet

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids

• Price: $$
• Size: 8.2 x 10.6 x 1.1 inches (in)
• Battery life: 12 hours
• Case included: yes

This tablet comes in a durable and colorful case with a 2-year guarantee, so you’re able to get a replacement if the device takes a tumble. It also has a kickstand to keep the tablet upright when your child is watching a show.

It’s fast too, thanks to 3 GB RAM and up to 1 TB of storage — though if that’s not enough, you can also expand that storage. The 10-in screen is bright and large enough for your child to enjoy watching their show or playing a game.

This device comes with 1 year of Amazon Kids+, a subscription with access to apps, videos, games and books in English and Spanish, so they can learn and play.

But best of all, the app comes preloaded with parent controls so you can set limits for your child’s screen time, choose what streaming services they have access to, and manage what they can and can’t do on the device.

Best tablet for all ages

iPad 10th Generation

• Price: $$$$
• Size: 10.9 x 7.07 x 0.28 in
• Battery life: 10 hours
• Case included: no

The iPad is a household name for good reason: As far as a tablet’s capabilities and functionality, there’s very little that you can’t do with this device.

Available with WiFi or WiFi and cellular connectivity options and two different storage sizes (64 GB or 256 GB), it also has a 12 megapixel camera, an A14 bionic chip, and a liquid retina display. It also boasts super fast downloading and streaming quality.

You will have to purchase a case separately, though — and those offered by Apple aren’t exactly toddler-proof.

The tablet works with a variety of accessories too, including the Apple Pencil (great if your child likes to draw) and the Apple Magic Keyboard Folio (great if you have a kid in school). The tablet comes in four bright, kid-friendly colors, including pink, yellow, and blue.

Best tablet for toddlers

Animal Island Aila Sit & Play

• Price: $$$
• Size: 9.25 x 6.5 x 8 in
• Battery life: 4 hours
• Case included: yes

While this tablet might not have the longest battery life, it’s a tablet to consider if you’re looking for an educational device for your toddler or preschooler.

This isn’t a streaming device, but it’s a great choice for kids between ages 12 months and 5 years to use because it doesn’t have access to the internet — which means zero chance of accidentally clicking into inappropriate content.

Instead, it comes preloaded with software to help your child develop cognitively and learn early literacy skills. They can choose singalong songs, learn their letters and numbers, listen to books, or play educational games.

Plus, it comes with a built-in case and stand. It also has a mobile app for parents so that you can manage your child’s screen time.

Best affordable tablet for kids

Sumtab Kids Tablet 7 Inch

• Price: $
• Size: 7 x 4 x 1 in
• Battery life: 3 hours
• Case included: yes

If you’re looking to spend less than $100 on a device, this might be the one for you. It comes with less storage space than other devices on this list, but it comes with pre-installed kid-friendly software, such as STEM, art, and Montessori games. It also connects to the internet and Bluetooth.

Each tablet comes with a blue or pink durable case and an attached kickstand. The screen isn’t the largest, but its compact size makes this tablet a good size for little hands. It has preloaded parental controls so you can monitor and set limits on what your child can do with the device.

When you’re shopping for a tablet for your kids, there are a few factors to consider:

Durability

Kids can be rough with their things. So it’s not a bad idea to look for a device that comes with a case so that it can survive a drop or two. If it doesn’t come with one, consider looking around to see what durable options are available.

Parental controls

If you want to keep an eye on how your child uses their device, look for a tablet that comes preloaded with parental software. This will allow you to set limits on their screen time, manage what movies or shows they can stream by age group, or limit their access to the internet outside of preapproved apps.

Educational content

Some of the best tablets come preloaded with educational software to help your child learn while they play. A tablet with engaging educational entertainment is a great alternative to a tablet that streams movies and videos.

Age groups

The best tablet for a toddler might not be the best tablet for an older child. So make sure to consider your child’s age and how long you’ll want the tablet to last. For example, some tablets are specifically geared toward toddlers or young children, meaning they’re preloaded with educational stories, apps, and games, which they may outgrow as they get older.

Tablets like the iPad are more versatile and may be a better fit for kids in school. However, they may be able to access content via the internet or apps outside of their age level.

What is the best tablet to buy kids?

Ultimately, the best tablet will depend on your family and your children’s individual needs. Some tablets are designed for streaming and apps, while others are more educational and game focused.

Our favorite all-around tablet is the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids because it comes in a drop-proof case (with a 2-year guarantee). You can download popular streaming apps, like Netflix and Disney+, and it comes with fun educational games, books, and a subscription to Amazon Kids+. It also has parental control capabilities.

How do I choose a tablet for my child?

Be sure to consider how your child is going to use the tablet. Are you looking for a device they can use to watch TV shows in the car, or do you want them to play educational games? Knowing what your child will use the device for will help you choose the best one for them.

What is a good tablet size for a kid?

There is no one set size that is great for every kid. If you travel a lot, a smaller, more compact device might be a good option because it’s lighter and easier to stick in a carry-on bag. Smaller devices might be easier for little hands to hold too.

However, larger tablets might be better for streaming videos for the whole family or for doing homework.

A tablet can be a great way to give your child access to a screen yet still remain in control of how long they use it and what they have access to. Many tablets also contain educational materials like games, audiobooks, or shows and come with drop-proof cases.

So if you need a way to entertain your kids in the car or while you do household chores, a tablet is a great option.