Keeping kids entertained while also educating them is topmost on the minds of most parents, and tablets have become a vital tool to achieve this balance of learning, entertainment, and creativity. The ideal tablet for kids should have a good display, excellent battery life, and be durable and versatile. Choosing the perfect tablet for your kids from the numerous options available can be confusing. That is why, at Docalla, we have simplified the process for you. Based on our research, here are the top 5 picks for a tablet for your child that is engaging, fun, informative, and, above all, safe.

The perfect tablet can stimulate their interest and improve their skills in ways that are both enjoyable and instructive, whether it is through interactive study or creative play. You want a tablet that is functional, yet the cost won’t break the bank.

1.       Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition

For families searching for a reliable tablet at an affordable price, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition is a great option. It is made especially for kids and comes with a stress-free guarantee that lasts for two years, along with a sturdy casing. Should the tablet break, Amazon will provide a free replacement.

Special Features

The Amazon Fire HD 10 has a 10.1-inch full HD display, making it perfect for educational programs and movies. This tablet offers sophisticated parental control to help you keep tabs on what your young ones are up to on the internet. Amazon FreeTime allows parents to monitor usage, establish time limits, reduce the time they spend on their devices, and control what their kids see and hear. The Amazon Fire HD 10 boasts a large content library, providing access to thousands of instructional books, videos, and mobile applications. This tablet also comes with a one-year membership to Amazon Kids+.  

Benefits

It is sturdy and very durable. It contains a vast array of kid-friendly material and bright and sharp displays. This tablet offers great value and is perfect for younger kids aged between 3 and 7, who are more likely to have accidental drops.

Cons

One of the drawbacks of choosing this tablet is its lack of Google Play Store applications, which limits what you can do with it. The sound quality is also not so good when compared to its competitors. However, seeing as it is for kids, it’s not a major problem.

2.   Amazon Fire HD 10 Pro

Following right on the heels of the Amazon Fire HD 10 is the Pro version. It is an upgrade from the previous Fire HD 10 version, designed for productivity and versatility, offering enhanced features for more intensive use. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Pro is ideal for older kids aged between 6 and 12. It also has a 10.1-inch full-HD display screen, offering clear and sharp images. It has increased RAM and a higher storage capacity to store all their educational and fun apps. It integrates well with other Amazon applications like Alexa, Prime Video, and Kindle; kids can save and read as many books as they want. Parents can monitor what their kids are up to using Amazon FreeTime. This device has a large content library of pre-loaded educational materials and fun games to keep your young ones engaged. 

Benefits

The Amazon Fire HD 10 Pro offers improved durability and better speakers than its predecessor. A longer battery life of 12-14 hours is better than most of its competitors, ensuring that your kids can be engaged on their tablets for longer. A stunning display will bring their cartoons to life. This device comes with a 2-year comprehensive warranty and a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+. It also comes with a variety of colorful cases for you to choose from.

Cons

The major drawback of this device is the absence of native Google apps. 

3.   Apple iPad (10th generation)

The 10th generation iPad, also known as the iPad 2022, is a versatile tablet for kids and adults alike. It has a 10.9-inch (an upgrade from its predecessor with a 10.2-inch display) liquid retina display with true tone and a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels. It boasts the fast A14 Bionic chip, which supports lag-free performance for educational apps, games, and multitasking. The iPad 2022 has a large storage capacity of 64GB; you can easily run any app from the app store. It has 12MP front and rear cameras with 4K video recording to capture beautiful memories. The front camera also has a centre stage, which helps keep kids in the frame during video calls. This device has a good battery life, as it can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. It features USB-C charging with an updated design that ditches the home screen button. The iPad 2022 offers an overall speedy performance, a sleek design with thinner bezels, a stunning display, a magic keyboard with a touch pad, and a good battery life. 

Benefits

You can access a wide range of educational apps via the App Store, covering a range of subjects and learning levels. The iPad 2022 comes with the iPadOS, which includes robust parental control features to help restrict what your kids can watch or listen to and manage screen time, app usage, and content access. The 10th generation iPad is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil (sold separately), which can be great for drawing and taking notes. It is ideal for all ages, including older children and teenagers. It can also be paired with durable, kid-friendly cases that come in vibrant colours to protect it from accidental drops and spills.  

Cons

The iPad is a bit pricier than its competitors.

4.   Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition

This tablet is designed specifically for kids, with a kid-friendly interface that includes a bumper case. It is excellent for children who enjoy Android’s versatility and wide range of apps.

Special Features

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A features an 8.7-inch display, making it compact and easy for younger children to handle, and a decent resolution suitable for educational apps and games. It comes with 3GB of RAM, which is adequate for most kid-friendly applications. It also comes with 32GB of internal storage with space for a microSD card if you require more storage space. It offers a battery life of 8-10 hours with a single charge, sufficient for a day of use. This tablet includes extensive parental controls and safety features to help you keep an eye on your little ones, manage screen time and app usage, and restrict content access. It is equipped with both front and rear cameras for capturing images and taking selfies and video calls.

Benefits

This tablet is specifically tailored for younger children, with pre-loaded educational content, fun games, and a user-friendly interface, making it easier for kids to be engaged and entertained. Enhanced parental control ensures peace of mind for parents and a safe, age-appropriate experience. It is durable and comes with a rugged case that can withstand drops, which is common with younger children. It also comes with a built-in stand for hands-free viewing. 

Cons

Due to its 8-inch display, it may not be appealing to older children. 

5.   Lenovo Tab M10 Plus

The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus Kids Edition is designed with the child in mind, with a focus on performance, durability, and protection. It comes with a specially designed kids’s mode and sturdy case, making it a versatile choice for children of all ages. 

Special Features

The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus has a 10.3-inch full HD (1920 x 1200 pixels) display, offering a vibrant viewing experience suitable for educational apps, video, and interactive content. Kid’s Mode allows you to customize apps and games. This device boasts the MediaTek Helio P22T chip, an Octa-Core processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of expandable storage via microSD card. With a battery capacity of approximately 5000 mAh and an 8–10-hour battery life, kids can enjoy their tablet for longer hours. It also comes with an 8 MP front camera and a 5 MP rear camera for taking pictures, making video calls, and participating in virtual learning.

Benefits

Lenovo comes with a combination of a high-quality display and durability, making it suitable for both learning and play. It comes with a protective, rugged, and shock-resistant case designed to withstand drops and rough handling. The case often includes a built-in stand for hands-free viewing. This device comes with a vast array of pre-installed educational apps and games to keep your kids engaged and entertained. Parental controls ensure that you can manage screen time and place restrictions where necessary.

Overall, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus Kids Edition is an excellent choice for kids, providing a balance of performance, durability, and safety features.

Cons

Its processor is mid-range, and older children may struggle with multitasking. Also, the built-in speakers do not offer the best audio quality when compared with their competitors.

Comparison Table

Table: summarizing the features of each tablet, highlighting key aspects such as display size, processor, and age suitability. 

How to Choose the Perfect Tablet for Your Kids

There are several factors to consider when choosing a tablet for your kids to ensure that it meets their needs and requirements. You want a tablet that is age-appropriate and provides a safe, engaging, and educational experience. Here are some important factors to consider:

Age

How old is the person using the tablet? This is an important factor, as tablets come with different specifications. You want to choose a tablet that has age-appropriate content and is well suited to your child. For younger children aged 2-5 the Amazon Fie HD 10 is a good choice, as it has a kid-friendly interface and a sturdy design to protect it as accidental drops are very likely. Tablets for younger children have pre-installed games and basic educational content. For older children aged 6 to 12 you may want to consider a tablet with a wider screen, better functionality, and a wider selection of apps, educational content, and games. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Pro as well as the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus are good choices. For teenagers aged 13 and older, the iPad and Galaxy Tabs are excellent choices due to their improved performance, extensive applications, and features that will help with schoolwork and virtual learning. 

Display and Performance

Consider the display quality and performance of the tablet. Sharp and clear visuals are important for interactive learning, watching videos, and reading. Look for a tablet that meets your child’s needs in terms of screen size and display quality. Performance is key when selecting a tablet for your kids. Consider the operating system, whether iOS, Android, or FireOS. Smooth performance, customizable features, and a kid’s-friendly interface. Depending on the needs of your child, the tablet should have sufficient processing power, adequate RAM, and memory space to accommodate different applications and games.

Durability

Kids will always be kids, and drops and spills are expected. Choose a tablet with a sturdy design, shock-resistant casing, and screens, especially for younger children. In order to ensure that the tablet can withstand the rigors of everyday use by children, look for tablets that have solid build quality. 

Parental Control Features

Kids require monitoring and supervision. Verify that the tablet offers comprehensive parental control features to monitor what your kids watch and hear, regulate screen time, limit access to certain content, and monitor usage. Features that allow you to filter out sites and ban inappropriate sites. It is important to ensure that your kids are viewing age-appropriate content.  

Battery life

Consider the battery life of the device you want to buy if you want to keep the kids engaged for longer, especially when travelling, camping, or spending time away from a power source. Ensure that the tablet can be used for at least 8 hours on a single charge without requiring frequent charging.

Budget

Determine how much you are willing to spend, as the price of tablets varies according to specifications. Ensure the price matches the features, and for younger children, you may not want to splurge as there is a high possibility of them falling and breaking. For older children, you may consider spending more to get better performance and value.

Customer reviews and suggestions

Visit the websites of different brands to see customer reviews about performance, durability, and ease of use. Also, read suggestions for pre-installed educational content and games. Ask for suggestions from friends and relatives to determine the tablet that is best suited for your child based on your budget and their age.   

Why Tablets Are Important for Kids 

• Improving Educational Opportunities

Numerous educational apps and content are available on tablets, which can enhance traditional classroom learning. Kids can also participate in virtual classrooms using their tablets. With entertaining games, activities, and interactive applications, kids can learn fundamental courses such as math, basic science, and reading. Kids can develop a love for reading and literacy with the help of e-books and audiobooks. Also, kids can subscribe to educational channels on YouTube and other similar platforms. 

• Encouraging Innovation and Creativity

Many tablets are equipped with creative applications that allow children to explore their artistic. There are tools for drawing, painting, and editing videos and pictures, allowing kids the freedom of self-expression. There are games and exercises to improve cognitive abilities in children. Kids can use tablets as digital canvases to design, create, and share their projects, improving their creativity and problem-solving skills.

• Promoting Digital Literacy

Digital literacy has become even more important as technology continues to evolve and is integrated into our everyday lives. Tablets are an easy way for children to embrace technological innovations and digital learning. They learn how to use a variety of software tools and educational materials and stay safe online. This foundational knowledge is essential for future academic and professional success.

• Providing Interactive Learning Experiences

Tablets provide immersive and engaging learning experiences that may not be possible with traditional teaching methods. Children can interact with educational tools in dynamic ways using touchscreens and video conferencing. Learning can be more fun and engaging through interactive simulations, virtual field trips, and instructional games.

• Facilitating Communication and Connectivity

Tablets are a great way to keep kids connected and improve their communication in this era of virtual learning and social distance, so they can maintain a sound relationship with their friends and relatives. All tablets are internet-enabled, so children can collaborate on school projects and assignments through video conferencing and messaging apps, which will enhance their social and communication skills.

• Offering Personalised Learning

Tablets can be customized to fit your child’s unique learning pace and style. Many educational apps and channels use algorithms to tailor content to meet kid-specific requirements and development. Children can learn at their own pace thanks to this customisation which highlights their strengths and addresses areas where they may need more assistance.

• Balancing Education and Entertainment

Tablets are a great way to balance education and entertainment. Kids have access to a wide variety of educational content as well as games and movies to keep them engaged and entertained. Younger children can learn alphabets and pronunciation using the tablet, as there are apps that teach them. The tablet is also a great way for kids to relax and enjoy their free time while still taking advantage of the educational features it offers.

In conclusion, tablets have become more than simply electronic toys to keep kids busy; they have become an effective educational tool, improving creativity, communication, and digital literacy. They can complement traditional learning methods when used appropriately.   

How to Choose the Perfect Tablet for Your Kids – FAQs

What features should I look out for in a kid’s tablet?

When choosing a tablet for your kids, look for features such as a durable design, kid-friendly interfaces, educational content, comprehensive parental controls, an appropriate screen size, and at least 10-12 hours of battery life. 

How important is durability in a tablet for kids?

Durability is very crucial because kids will always be kids, and accidental drops and spills are inevitable. Tablets with shock-resistant cases and screens are a must, especially for younger children. Rugged cases ensure that your child’s tablet can withstand drops, spills, and everyday wear and tear.

What is the ideal screen size for a kid’s tablet?

Screen size usually depends on the age of your child and the intended usage—is it purely to keep them entertained on a long trip, for educational purposes, or a blend of both? Generally, tablets measuring between 8 and 10 inches have a good balance between portability and usability.

How do I choose the right operating system for a kid’s tablet?

Most operating systems found in kids tablets offer kid-friendly features. Tablets that operate on the Android OS have more customizable options and access to the Play Store, while iOS tablets offer access to the Apple App Store and a more controlled environment.

Should I be worried about parental control?

Absolutely, you want to choose a tablet that has comprehensive parental control features to allow you to monitor usage, restrict the kinds of apps that they can download, manage screen time, and filter content to ensure they are viewing kid-appropriate content.

Are there specific educational apps or content that should be included?

Tablets with pre-installed educational apps and access to a wide range of educational and interactive content are beneficial. Ensure that the tablet you choose supports applications that match your child’s learning needs and interests. 

How much storage should a kid’s tablet have?

A minimum of 32 GB is recommended to accommodate the educational apps and games. However, you can consider getting a device with more storage if you intend to download a lot more apps, games, or videos, or consider getting a tablet with expandable storage.

What are the benefits of a tablet with stylus support?

Some tablets come with stylus pens, while others, like the Apple iPad, support the feature, though the pens are sold separately. Stylus supports drawing, handwriting practice, and interactive learning. This feature is particularly beneficial for older children who use their tablets for creative and educational activities.

How does battery life impact a tablet’s suitability for kids?

Battery life determines how long a tablet can be used on a single charge. To keep kids engaged for longer, choose tablets that offer at least 8-10 hours of battery life.

What is the best way to manage app downloads and purchases?

Set up parental controls to restrict app downloads and purchases; that way, you can monitor what your kids do. Use built-in app stores and kids mode to ensure kid-friendly applications and age-appropriate content.

Should I consider a tablet with internet connectivity?

Most tablets are Wi-Fi enabled, which means you can connect to the home broadband internet. However, if your child requires internet access on the go, you may want to consider a tablet with a SIM slot and cellular connectivity.