What to look for when buying the best kids’ iPad?
While your overall decision may come down to how much you’re prepared to spend, here are some other factors to consider when picking the best iPad for your child.
Portability - How big is the iPad? If your child is going to be taking their iPad outside the home, it's important to consider the weight and dimensions and whether it's light enough that they don't feel weighed down during their commute. Will it comfortably fit inside their school bag or rucksack? Smaller models such as the iPad mini are easier for younger children to carry, while larger 13-inch models offer more screen space but are heavier.
Screen size - Think about how your child will use their iPad and how easy it needs to be to carry around. Smaller screens, such as the 8.3-inch iPad mini, are lightweight and easy for younger children to hold, while 11-inch models offer a good balance of screen space and portability. Larger 13-inch iPads are better suited to creative work, multitasking, gaming and watching films, but they are heavier and less convenient to carry around. Current iPad screen sizes range from 8.3 inches (iPad mini) to 13 inches (iPad Air and iPad Pro).
Intended use - The best iPad for your child will depend on how they intend to use it. For reading, watching videos or taking on trips, the iPad mini is small and lightweight enough to hold comfortably. For homework and everyday schoolwork, an 11-inch model offers more room to read, research and work across apps. For drawing, photo and video editing or other creative tasks, a larger screen and a more powerful processor may be worth paying extra for.
Storage size - Storage determines how much room there is for apps, games, photos, videos and downloaded content. The current iPad range starts at 128GB, while the iPad Pro starts at 256GB and goes up to 2TB. For most children, 128GB should be enough for everyday use such as homework, educational apps, streaming and gaming. If your child downloads lots of games, films and TV shows, takes plenty of photos and videos, or plans to keep their iPad for several years, 256GB gives you more breathing room. Older children and teenagers who use an iPad for creative work, video editing or as their main device may benefit from 512GB or more, but there's little reason to pay for 1TB or 2TB unless they have particularly demanding storage needs. See our guide to the best phones for kids for more advice on choosing the right storage.
Processor - Newer iPads have more powerful processors, with the current iPad Air using the M4 chip and the iPad Pro using M5. These chips make iPads faster and more responsive, particularly when your child is switching between apps, working on large files or using demanding creative software. For most children, you don't need to pay extra for the most powerful processor. The standard iPad (A16) is more than capable for everyday tasks such as homework, streaming, gaming and educational apps.
The more powerful M4 and M5 chips are worth considering for older children and teenagers who use their iPad for demanding creative work, video editing, 3D modelling or intensive multitasking. If you're buying an iPad mainly for schoolwork, web browsing and entertainment, we'd focus on the overall package – including screen size, storage and price – rather than choosing a model based on its processor alone.
Compatibility with accessories - If your child plans to use their iPad for schoolwork, drawing or more demanding tasks, check which accessories are compatible before you buy. The current iPad models support different versions of the Apple Pencil and keyboard accessories. For example, the standard iPad (A16) works with Apple Pencil (USB-C) while the iPad mini and iPad Air support Apple Pencil Pro.
The iPad Pro also supports Apple Pencil Pro. Keyboard options can also make an iPad more useful for typing homework, essays and longer assignments, although they add considerably to the overall cost. If you're buying an iPad for school or college, it's worth factoring the cost of any Pencil, keyboard and protective case into your budget rather than looking at the tablet price alone.
What is a good age for a child to get an iPad?
While screen time should be limited and carefully managed via parental controls, iPads can be useful for children from as early as the preschool years when supervised - focusing on educational apps, games and of course, age-appropriate content.
For older children, particularly once they’ve started school, you may wish to use an iPad to support your child’s reading, homework, learning and entertainment. We recommend you set clear rules and time limits to ensure an appropriate amount of screen time.
Read next: Screen time for children: how to manage and limit screen time
What is the best iPad for kids?
A great all-rounder for kids of all ages and one of the more affordable options for children, the iPad Mini (A17) is perfectly sized for small hands, with a lightweight and portable design that's ideal for reading, apps and entertainment.
As your child grows, however, you may find they start to want a larger screen and more processing power, with each of the iPad models offering unique features depending on your child’s preferences.
About the authors
Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help people make confident purchases.
With two young children aged 11 and 7 and strongly in the Apple camp, Lucy has personal experience of several iPads including the iPad Mini, iPad Air and iPad 2022. Lucy’s eldest daughter also owns an Apple Pencil and loves to get creative using Procreate.
Tween mum, Tammy Jacks is an experienced researcher and writer specialising in children’s development, wellbeing, safety and family life.
She researches and reviews a wide range of products and content for children, including iPads, tablets, tech and play, as well as baby and travel products. Her Mumsnet work includes guides to iPads for kids, best tablets for kids and car seats, alongside detailed guides to rear-facing car seats and UK car seat regulations.
As a mother, runner and cyclist, Tammy also reviews family travel products, including strollers and pushchairs, child bike seats, all-terrain prams and running buggies, bringing a practical, parent-focused perspective to her research and reviews.
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