Tablets are great because they allow kids to read books, watch shows, and play games. But not every tablet provides robust parental controls or kid-friendly apps and services. At PCMag, we’ve been reviewing tablets since the very first iPad was released in 2010, and kid-friendly models for as long as they have been around, so you can trust that our picks reflect the best of what’s available. Our current Editors’ Choice winners are the 11th-generation Apple iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+, due to their excellent value, respectable performance, and top-notch software; your child won’t complain about using them. But the other slates on this list are also worth considering, depending on what your kid needs, so be sure to explore all our in-depth reviews. We also include some buying advice toward the bottom to help you with your search.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
January 28, 2026: With this update, our lineup of recommended kids’ tablets remains unchanged. The existing picks have been vetted for currency and availability.
- Most affordable iPad
- Good everyday performance
- High-quality hardware
- Improved storage options
- No Apple Intelligence
- Hardly anything new
The base-model iPad features an expansive 11-inch screen with a dense resolution of 2,360 by 1,640 pixels. Its A16 chip ensures that your kids can easily run all of the age-appropriate apps from the App Store. This tablet also provides your child with access to iMessage, enabling them to chat with family members or friends who also have an Apple device.
Kids of all ages: The iPad is an ideal entryway into digital entertainment for kids. It lets them stay in touch with friends, play games, watch videos, and browse the web all from one compact device.
Parents: Apple’s entry-level tablet makes sense for parents who want something their kids can continue using as they age. Robust parental controls enable you to closely monitor the activities of young children, but you can gradually relax these restrictions over time.
Operating System
IPadOS 18
Dimensions
9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches
Weight
1.05 lbs
Screen Size
11 inches
Screen Resolution
2,360 by 1,640 pixels
CPU
Apple A16
Storage Capacity
128 GB
Battery Life
Up to 10 hours
Learn More
Apple iPad (11th Gen, 2025) Review
- Affordable
- Large screen
- Good performance
- Expandable storage
- Software aids productivity
- No fingerprint sensor
- Low base storage
The Samsung Galaxy A9+ packs a decent amount of power for its price and works with Android’s built-in parental controls. Quality speakers and an 11-inch, 1,920-by-1,200-pixel screen with an adaptive refresh rate of 90Hz are among the highlights for entertainment. Meanwhile, three more years of software upgrades and a microSD card slot mean the tablet can grow with your child’s needs.
Budget-conscious buyers: The Tab A9+ is one of the most affordable Android tablets worth buying. It covers all the basics—price, power, performance, and portability—and does it well.
Movie and TV fans: This tablet is designed for casual users who prioritize entertainment above all else. Its screen is large enough to enjoy movies, its memory card support means you can load lots of media, and its good battery life means you can get from coast to coast on one charge.
Operating System
Android 13
Dimensions
10.1 by 6.6 by 0.3 inches
Weight
1.06 lbs
Screen Size
11 inches
Screen Resolution
1,920 by 1,200 pixels
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695
Storage Capacity
64 GB
Battery Life
7 hours
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Review
- Fast performance
- Good screen
- Solid cameras for a tablet
- Fast connectivity options
- Apple Intelligence runs well
- Hardly anything is new
- Accessories add to the price
The iPad Air is available in 11-inch and 13-inch models. It comes with a pro-level M3 processor, a centered user-facing camera for better video calls, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro. It offers more storage options than older Air models, is available with 5G, and comes in several different colors. It also supports Apple Intelligence and is a solid performer when manipulating media.
Students: High school and college students need a durable tablet with enough power to handle classroom apps—and the iPad Air is the ideal choice. This tablet offers the perfect blend of price and power, enabling students to excel in the classroom and beyond.
Creators: If you’re an artist or creator who dabbles in photography, videography, podcasting, or social media, the iPad Air provides the platform you need to accomplish your creative goals. It’s compatible with nearly every media format and is as comfortable manipulating 4K footage as it is streaming 4K movies from Netflix.
Big-screen lovers: Where the base iPad is only available in an 11-inch size, the iPad Air is available in both 11- and 13-inch sizes. The 13-inch model is particularly well-suited for productivity, thanks to its expanded screen real estate, making it wonderful for work and play.
Operating System
IPadOS 18
Dimensions
9.74 by 7.02 by 0.24 inches
Weight
1.01 lbs
Screen Size
11 inches
Screen Resolution
2,360 by 1,640 pixels
CPU
Apple M3
Storage Capacity
128 GB
Battery Life
Up to 10 hours
Learn More
Apple iPad Air (2025) Review
- Large, sharp screen
- Useful multitasking modes
- Stylus and fast charger included
- Supports microSD cards
- Display could be brighter
- No IP rating
The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro is good for older kids who want a stylus for note-taking and drawing. It’s also reasonably affordable and offers strong multimedia support, along with productivity-tuned software, allowing students to get work done while also enjoying some after-school entertainment.
Artists and scribblers: Kids who want a stylus won’t have to pay extra for one with this tablet. Its 12.7-inch display is great for writing, while its expandable storage and good battery life make this a tablet that can grow with your kid.
Families with Android Phones: If your family relies on Android-powered phones, this Lenovo is a good choice because it uses the same operating system and will allow access to your family’s apps, games, and content.
Operating System
Android 14
Dimensions
7.44 by 11.49 by 0.27 inches
Weight
1.37 pounds
Screen Size
12.7 inches
Screen Resolution
2,944 by 1,840 pixels
CPU
MediaTek Dimensity 8300
Storage Capacity
128 GB
Battery Life
8 hours, 21 minutes
Learn More
Lenovo Idea Tab Pro Review
- Compact and portable
- High-quality hardware
- Solid performance
- Supports Apple Intelligence
- Works with Apple Pencil Pro
- Dated design
- Few real upgrades
Not everyone needs or wants a big tablet, regardless of age. That’s why the iPad mini’s 8.3-inch display, compact frame, and light feel are so appealing. You won’t sacrifice performance benefits, and you can still access all of the apps and parental control features that make iPads a good choice for parents.
Smaller kids: If your kid wants an Apple tablet but can’t handle the base model’s hefty 10.9-inch screen and weight, the iPad mini is the way to go.
Frequent travelers: The mini is the best tablet for your kid to take on their next trip. It lets them leave the laptop at home and still carry a computer practically anywhere they need to go.
Operating System
IPadOS 18
Dimensions
7.7 by 5.3 by 0.3 inche
Weight
0.65 lbs
Screen Size
8.3 inches
Screen Resolution
2,226 by 1,448 pixels
CPU
Apple A17 Pro
Storage Capacity
128 GB
Battery Life
7 hours, 23 minutes
Learn More
Apple iPad mini (2024) Review
- Good build quality
- Decent display
- Strong parental controls
- Kid-focused content
- Alexa Smart Display mode
- Two-year warranty
- Limited app selection
- Focus on Amazon services
Like the base model Fire HD 10 (2023), the Kid’s Pro version offers a great value. It comes with a better processor than the Fire HD 8, a sturdy case featuring a built-in kickstand, an extended warranty, and a year’s subscription to Amazon’s Kids+ service. It’s a great way for kids to watch their favorite shows, play some basic games, browse online, and read Kindle books.
School-aged kids: The Kid’s Pro Fire HD 10 is best suited for kids aged 6 to 12 for whom durability and robust parental controls are more important than full-fledged performance.
Klutzes: Amazon’s Kid-branded tablets all come in a preinstalled case and include a one-year warranty against accidental damage. If your kid drops things a lot, this is the tablet to get.
Entertainment seekers: If all you want is a simple slate that can serve as an entertainment platform, the Fire HD 10 is a great option.
Operating System
Amazon Fire OS
Dimensions
10.1 by 7.5 by 0.7 inches
Weight
1.45 lbs
Screen Size
10.1 inches
Screen Resolution
1,920 by 1,200 pixels
CPU
MediaTek
Storage Capacity
32 GB
Battery Life
10 hours 18 minutes
Learn More
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Review
- Strong parental controls
- Protective case included
- Two-year replacement guarantee
- Unimpressive display
- Average performance
- Works best with Amazon Kids+ subscription
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet offers a higher-quality screen and slightly better performance than the Fire 7 Kids Tablet. It also comes with a rugged case, an extended warranty, and a six-month Kids+ subscription. Although it costs more, the larger display and faster processor result in a more enjoyable overall experience.
First-time tablet owners: If an iPad or midrange Android tablet is too pricey or complicated for your tastes, the Fire HD 8 Kids tablet strikes an excellent balance between price, size, and performance.
Amazon Prime subscribers: The Fire HD provides access to Amazon’s huge library of streaming content, including Prime Video, Prime Music, and Audible. If your family consumes a lot of Prime content, this is one of the most affordable ways to access it from a mobile device.
Operating System
Amazon Fire OS
Dimensions
8.7 by 7.1 by 1.1 inches
Weight
18.3 oz
Screen Size
8 inches
Screen Resolution
1,280 by 800 pixels
CPU
Hexa-core 2.0 GHz
Storage Capacity
32 GB
Battery Life
9 hours, 41 minutes
Learn More
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids (2024) Review
- Innovative screen
- Strong wireless connectivity
- Affordable
- Poor outdoor visibility
- Mediocre battery life
- Short software support window
It’s rare to find 5G baked into an affordable tablet, but the TCL Tab Nxtpaper 10 5G is a notable exception. While it does not use E ink, the Tab Nxtpaper 10’s display features an anti-reflective coating that is easy on the eyes. A decent set of onboard speakers and a microSD card slot add value. Because it runs Android, plenty of parental control apps and settings are available for it.
Frequent travelers: If you and your kid are often away from a Wi-Fi network, this TCL slate makes a lot of sense. Typically, you must spend significantly more to get a tablet with 5G support.
Operating System
Android 14
Dimensions
9.69 by 6.14 by 0.31 inches
Weight
16.93 oz
Screen Size
10.4 inches
Screen Resolution
2,000 by 1,200 pixels
CPU
MediaTek 8755
Storage Capacity
128 GB
Battery Life
6 hours, 25 minutes
Learn More
TCL Tab 10 Nxtpaper 5G Review
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The Best Tablets for Kids in 2026
Compare Specs
Buying Guide: The Best Tablets for Kids in 2026
The Best Tablets for School
The best tablet for school is a base model iPad. The iPad’s dominant role in the tablet landscape means that most schools support them, many teachers have them, and tech support is readily available. Other tablets might not be able to run the third-party apps that schools demand or allow you to fill out basic web forms. The worst offenders here are Amazon’s Fire tablets, which are inexpensive and popular but lack productivity capabilities.
If an iPad won’t work for your school, pick something with ChromeOS. For those, check out our list of the best Chromebooks for kids.
What Specs Do You Need in a Tablet for Kids?
Don’t assume a tablet for a kid should be junk. Sufficient hardware specs can help you find a tablet that works well enough to avoid frustrating meltdowns. Let’s start with screen size and resolution. An 8-inch, 1,280-by-800-pixel display is good for reading comics and watching videos, so use that as your baseline.
Pay close attention to storage specs as well. We recommend 128GB of built-in storage (or more) rather than 64GB. This amount of storage enables you to install more apps and take more pictures and videos. A microSD card slot can’t hurt, especially if you want to download movies for your kids to watch on long trips. Some games, such as Genshin Impact, can occupy more than 32GB of storage space on their own.
Look for 4GB of RAM or more. This amount of RAM helps apps launch and run more smoothly, especially when other applications are running in the background. Amazon’s Fire tablets get a pass here because they still provide a stutter-free experience despite their 3GB of RAM.
Battery life is another factor to remember—you don’t want the tablet to die during a long car ride or flight. Carrying a backup battery can help.
The Best iPad for Kids
iPads have the best tablet apps, grow with your kid, and can double as a pseudo-laptop for schoolwork. Apple’s operating system, iPadOS, features a Screen Time option that allows you to monitor usage, set time limits, block apps, filter content, and prevent purchases—which you should use to keep your kids from spending money without your permission. iPadOS, however, does not support multiple user profiles to separate what adults and kids see when they use the tablet.
The iPad also has the best ecosystem of accessories for productive and creative kids, including cases, keyboards, and the Apple Pencil stylus. It’s versatile and extendable.
Apple iPad (Credit: Eric Zeman)
As you probably already know, iPads let kids use iMessage and FaceTime to talk with friends or relatives who have Apple devices, without requiring you to buy them a phone.
The Best Fire Tablet for Kids
Amazon’s inexpensive Fire tablet lineup has been one of the best family options for years. The Kids Edition features a rubber case, a no-questions-asked two-year warranty, a simplified interface, and Kids+, which is essentially a vast collection of age-appropriate content.
Amazon Fire HD 8 (Credit: Sarah Lord)
A Parent Dashboard allows you to track your children’s activities and manage their screen time. You can also put multiple user profiles on the tablets. The Kids Pro model packs a slimmer case and more age-appropriate content.
Recommended by Our Editors
The Best Android Tablet for Kids
If you primarily use Google services and Android apps, an Android tablet can get you what you need for a little less money than an iPad, and it’s not locked to Amazon services like a Fire tablet.
Regarding parental controls, Google Family Link allows you to control which apps your child can access, set daily limits, and block explicit content in Chrome, Search, and YouTube. Your best bets come from Lenovo, Samsung, and TCL.
Why You Should Avoid Toy Tablets
Some tablets, such as those made by Fuhu, Kurio, and Leapfrog, are highly restricted devices with kid-friendly software and, by default, don’t provide access to the open internet. By and large, though, these tablets haven’t been updated for years (two of these companies no longer exist) and are running old, insecure versions of Android that we don’t recommend. They also won’t grow with your kids as they age, leaving you to purchase a more advanced tablet from this list eventually, anyway.
While you’re shopping for your kid, check out our lab-tested picks for the best kids’ phones and the best kids’ laptops. For a broader selection of tablets suitable for older kids and adults, consider the best tablets we’ve tested overall.
