Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission but this never affects our product choices.
The best tablet for kids 2023: top tech from Amazon, Apple, Samsung and more
Whether it's for homework, gaming or just keeping them occupied, the best tablet for kids will entertain and educate with tailor-made, age-appropriate content.
By Gemma Lumley | Last updated Sep 26, 2023
The best tablet for kids will differ from the one most suitable for adults. A child-friendly tablet should score high for durability, provide fun and education and allow parents to set a range of limits and parameters to keep their child safe.
The price is important too. It’s not a good idea to spend just short of £1000 on a high-specification tablet and then put it into the sticky hands of a toddler. Whatever your child’s interests, from downloading the latest Pixar movie and taking photographs of the dog with the built-in camera, to drawing beautiful pictures and completing their homework or online tutoring, there’s a kids' tablet out there to suit their needs.
We know how difficult it can be to choose the right kids' tech, particularly when it can feel like a major investment. To make life easier for you and to ensure we're helping you choose the right tablet for your child and their needs, we've thoroughly researched all the kids' tablets listed in this guide, either by testing them ourselves or by ensuring that they come highly recommended by Mumsnet familes.
As home to the largest online network of parents in the UK, our Mumsnet forums are an invaluable resource for finding the best products for families. We took these recommendations and cross-referenced with devices approved by tech experts to compile our guide to nine of the best tablets for kids you can buy in 2023.
Read next: Be sure to check out our guides to the best board games, best gaming consoles and best laptops for kids for more tech must-haves for children.
1. Overall best tablet for kids: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet (2021)
Price on writing: £210 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Screen size: 10.1 inches | Battery life: 12 hours | Parental controls: Yes | Platform: Amazon | Storage: 32GB (expandable storage also available) | Resolution: 1920 x 1200 pixels | Weight: 714g | CPU: Helio P60T Octa-core 2.0 GHz | Cameras: 2MP front-facing camera and 5MP rear-facing camera
What we love
Suitable for school-age kids
Long battery life
Easy-to-use parental controls
What to know
The camera could be more powerful
Delivery on this, while free, can take a while at the moment, so we'd recommend buying as soon as possible
What Mumsnet users say
"This is the best device we have ever owned." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user lillypopdaisyduke)
“I like that it is fully customisable for different children and that I can see what they have been doing. I also liked that we can set different time limits for different things, so I can allow longer for reading than games. It is very reassuring being able to restrict content.” (Approved by Mumsnetter fourmonthstogo)
Our verdict
Our testers were impressed with the long battery life, robust parental controls, 2-year worry-free guarantee against faults and accidental damage and the one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ on the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro, which takes the top spot for the best tablets for kids.
Not only topping our list of the best tablet for kids, the Amazon Fire HD Kids Pro is a winner of the coveted Mumsnet Rated badge. Out of our 25 Mumsnet testers, an impressive 100% said they’d recommend the tablet, with all testers also saying they’d purchase it in the future if it was on sale at a price acceptable to them.
The Fire HD Kids’ Pro features dual cameras and has a more streamlined ‘grown-up’ look than other versions of the tablet, but still has a tough, durable case and bright colour options. In addition, the easy-to-use controls are excellent. With them in place, your child can request extra content from access to thousands of educational games to streaming services such as Netflix, make calls to approved contacts and surf the net without coming across inappropriate content. The excellent battery life also means there's a whole lot which can be done in a single charge,and there's up to 1TB of expandable storage.
Read our full Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet review
2. Best budget tablet for kids: Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet (2022 release)
Price on writing: £115 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Screen size: 7 inches | Battery life: 10 hours | Parental controls: Yes | Platform: Android | Storage: 16GB (32GB available too) | Screen Resolution: 1024 x 600 pixels | Weight: 429g | CPU: Quad-core 2.0 GHz | Cameras: Rear and front camera - 2MP
What we love
Affordable price
Great for young children
Durable kid-proof case
Good battery life - noticeable improvement from the previous model
What to know
Camera could be better
Reviewers say it sometimes lags
What Mumsnet users say
“Amazon Fire 7 Kids is good for little ones, not so much for older kids. The two-year guarantee is brilliant though. Kids break things and Amazon will replace as many times as necessary over those two years.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user YouCantBeSadHoldingACupcake)
Our verdict
Whilst it's not the most grown-up design, the Amazon Fire 7 Kids’ Edition is an affordable tablet that also wins the award for best tablet for kids aged under eight (making it a great gift option if you're looking for the best toys for 4-year-olds). It has a tough bumper case that protects it from rough and tumble, and comes with a 2-year worry-free guarantee against faults and accidental damage.
It has 16GB or 32GB of storage, which is enough for little ones, and the compact, lightweight design makes it easy for them to carry the tablet around. We love that the Parent Dashboard allows you to place screen time limits, control the apps they use and generally manage the content your child sees, which is great for peace of mind.
The Fire 7 has up to 10 hours of battery life which, paired with the best kids' headphones, makes this tablet ideal for travel alongside your stock of the best travel games. It also comes with a one-year Amazon Kids+ subscription to view thousands of kid-friendly apps, a wide range of games, educational content, books and gives your child access to videos from CBeebies, Nick Jnr and Disney.
Read next: We compared the Amazon Fire 7 Kids with the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids to see which one came out on top.
3. Best tablet for kids aged 10+: Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
Price on writing: £144 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Screen size: 10.5 inches | Battery life: 7,040 mAh battery - normal hours not specified | Parental controls: Yes | Platform: Android 11 | Storage: 32GB | Screen resolution: 1920 x 1200 pixels | Weight: 476g | CPU: Octa-core | Cameras: Rear camera 8MP, front camera 5MP
What we love
Stylish design
Reasonable price
Great middle ground between a kids' and adult tablet
What to know
You’ll need to buy a protective cover
What Mumsnet users say
“The Samsung tabs are fab if you don't want to spend as much as an Apple iPad. My daughter has had her Galaxy Tab A for almost three years and it's great. The battery still holds well and it updates fine.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user MissRainbowBrite)
Our verdict
This tablet - which is one of the best tablets for kids aged 10 or over - feels well built and robust but is still lightweight and compact, so it’s ideal for travel.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is the best tablet for kids aged 10+. It has a minimalist design, no bright coloured bumper cases, and lots of sophisticated features they will love exploring including dual cameras. It is also great value, if you want to buy them a tablet of their own.
Despite the grown-up feel, the A8 allows you to add restrictions if needed with Samsung Kids, a reassuring feature for parents.
The Octa-core processor is fast and reliable too, so your kids can watch TV, read and learn without interruption.
Related: Looking for more Mumsnet-approved tech for your children? We've got you covered with our guides to the best phone for kids and best kids' smartwatch.
4. Best kids' tablet for travel: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet
Price on writing: £150 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Screen size: 8 inches | Battery life: 10 hours | Parental controls: Yes | Platform: Android | Storage: 32GB | Screen Resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels | Weight: 355g | CPU: Quad-core 1.3 GHz | Cameras: Rear and front camera - 2MP
What we love
Affordable price
One year subscription to Amazon Kids+
Robust, kid-proof case
What to know
The camera could be better
There are newer models available
What Mumsnet users say
“Kids’ Fire is really easy to set up and pretty indestructible.” (Approved by Mumsnetter RestingPandaFace)
Our verdict
Winning the award for best tablet for kids on the go, Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids has a larger, 8-inch screen, extra storage and a faster processor than the previous models. It also has fantastic stereo speakers and built-in Alexa that works even when the screen is off.
Fire tablets for kids are brilliant if you already have Amazon technology, such as an Echo, in your home, as they will connect seamlessly. The Fire HD 8 Kids Pro has a sturdy bumper case to prevent it from being damaged easily. There are several bright, cheerful colours to choose from, and the ridged texture makes it easier for little hands to grip while playing games.
It also has a 10-hour battery life after a full charge – ideal for keeping little ones entertained for playing games on the go. The screen is bright too and measures eight inches, which is a good size for watching films and videos to liven up the most boring of car or plane journeys.
Related: Looking for more must-haves your little ones will love? Our guides to the best toy cars and best dinosaur toys have got you covered.
Read next: Discover the differences between the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet and its Pro version in our review.
5. Best tablet for kids to take to school: Lenovo Tab P11
Price on writing: £289 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Screen size: 11 inches | Battery life: 15 hours | Parental controls: Yes | Platform: Android 10 | Storage space: 128GB | Resolution: 2000 x 1200 pixels | Weight: 490g | CPU: Qualcomm 2.2 GHz | Cameras: Rear 5MP and front 8MP
What we love
Long battery life
Lightweight
High-quality audio
What we don't like
Expensive
Keyboard and pen not included
What Mumsnet users say
“We recently got the latest version of a Lenovo tablet for around £200. My daughter plays Roblox and other games on it. Any cheaper and there wasn't enough internal storage to make it something that would last. We got 128 GB.” (Approved by Mumsnetter SpacePotato)
Our verdict
This brilliant tablet is designed not to cause eye strain, so you can confidently allow your child to focus on it for a few hours. The rechargeable battery lasts for up to an impressive 15 hours from a full charge too.
The Lenovo Tab P11 is the best tablet for kids to use for schoolwork - making it a fab option for the best toys for 10-year-olds if you're looking to splash the cash on their first double digit birthday. It has super-clear Dolby audio and a bright, detailed screen that is perfect for watching videos on.
It’s also great for homework as it has a fast and powerful processor. It comes with a range of Google Apps including YouTube and it's compact and light enough to be carried in a school bag, though a screen protector and tough case are advisable – extras you’ll have to factor into the overall cost.
Admittedly, it's more expensive than some other options, and if you want the latest version, the newer Lenovo Pro P11 Pro Gen 2 is an upgraded version featuring a bigger screen and better resolution.
Related: Looking for more ways to boost your child's learning? Check out our guide to the best online learning resource as approved by Mumsnet parents.
6. Best iPad for kids: Apple iPad (2021)
Price on writing: £315 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Screen size: 10.2 inch | Battery life: 10 hours | Parental controls: You can limit certain things through settings | Platform: IOS | Storage: 64GB | Resolution: 2160 x 1620 (264 ppi) | Weight: 487g | CPU: A13 Bionic | Cameras: 8MP wide back camera, 12MP ultra-wide front camera
What we love
Compatible with Apple Pencil
Good technical support in Apple stores
Lots of apps available
Good for older kids
What to know
Expensive
You’ll need to buy a protective case
What Mumsnet users say
“My older kids have iPads through school so use them a lot. My son has a stylus for his as he loves doing art on it and it's handy for annotations.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user fruitpastille)
Our verdict
If you're more of an Apple than an Android, we think the iPad 2021 is the best tablet for kids you can invest in. The ultra-wide front and back cameras take excellent photos and produce high-quality video audio. The battery lasts an impressive 10 hours and comes with a lightning connector for the charger and other accessories.
The Apple iPad 2021 is an excellent option for older kids who want to use it for writing, drawing, surfing the net, and watching videos, as it has a large ‘True Tone’ LCD screen and a super-fast processor. However, this is a more expensive option; it's strongly advised that you buy a screen protector and case to protect it from damage.
This iPad base model has 64GB of storage, which is ample for kids. In addition, you can buy an Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, which will help with homework, but this will up the overall cost of the device. We also like that it has a robust yet lightweight design and will work in conjunction with other Apple devices in the home.
The downside? While you can limit your kids' access to certain content and purchases from the app store, this tablet wasn't made specifically for youngsters like the Fire Kids' models, so it's not the best option for younger children if your main concern is robust parental control. If you do want to limit content on an iPad, Apple has this handy guide on how to do that.
Related: Are you looking to encourage your child to read more or simply on the hunt for their next favourite book? Check out our guide to the best books for 8-year-olds here.
7. Best Android tablet for kids: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
Price on writing: From £599 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Screen size: 11 inches | Battery life: 12 hours | Parental controls: Yes | Platform: Android | Storage: 128GB (64GB available too) | Resolution: 2560 x 1600 pixels | Weight: 500g | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Cameras: Front-facing camera 8mp. Rear-facing camera 13mp + 6pm Ultra Wide.
What we love
Easy to navigate
Easy set up
Lightweight
Super-fast processor
Reactive screen
High-quality visuals
What to know
Expensive
Pen can easily fall off
Some report issues with Wifi dropping
What Mumsnet users say
“My son ( and I) have Samsung Galaxy tablets” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter Dementedpixie)
Our verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Tablet is by far the most expensive option on this list, and at this price point, we’d place it as the best tablet for kids who're well into their teen years. One of its best features is its super-fast Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, which allows multiple apps to run with ease. John Lewis also does a good deal on this model, offering £150 for trading in your old tablet and 12 months of Disney+ for free if you buy with them.
It has all of the up-to-date, competitive features accompanied by a sleek, stylish and lightweight design. No brightly coloured bumper case here. Although, we recommend getting a protective case and a screen protector just to be on the safe side.
Other amazing features include excellent storage, a reactive touchscreen that boasts high-quality graphics and the inclusion of a Bluetooth S Pen. Also, if you already own a Samsung product, reviewers note that transferring files and data to your new device is simple and straightforward.
Related: Birthdays looming? Toy stock in need of a refresh? We've got you covered with our essential, Mumsnetter-approved guides here: Best toys for 5-year-olds, best toys for 6-year-olds and best toys for 7-year-olds.
8. Best premium tablet for kids: Apple iPad Mini (2021)
Price on writing: £530 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Screen size: 8.3 inches | Battery life: 10 hours | Parental controls: You can limit certain things through settings | Platform: IOS | Storage: 64GB | Resolution: 2266 x 1488 (326 ppi) | Weight: 293g | CPU: A15 Bionic chip | Cameras: 12MP wide back camera, 12MP ultra-wide front camera
What we love
Great screen quality
Lots of apps available
Compact
What to know
Expensive
You’ll need to buy a protective case
What Mumsnet users say
The Mini is perfect. Good size screen but much much lighter & much more comfortable to hold than a full size iPad.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter IncrediblySadToo)
Our verdict
iPads are expensive, but their build quality, ease of use, quick connection to other Apple products and vast range of apps available from the app store makes them worth the extra spend. The cameras, both front and back, are fantastic too.
The Mini is a great kid-friendly tablet for those who have just started school as the compact size and light weight are perfect for little hands. In addition, the 8.3-inch screen has True Tone so films look fantastic on it. However, you pay more for the convenience of the smaller size.
This model has 64GB of storage, which is more than enough for everyday use. It will also work with the Apple Pencil 2, a writing and drawing accessory that all kids will love and is ideal for completing homework - making this a great all-rounder if you're looking for the best toys for 9-year-olds.
If you want to go even more luxurious and high spec, and your budget allows the eye-watering price tag, the other option is the Apple iPad Pro. We still think the Mini does a fantastic job though.
Related: Looking for ways to keep little hands busy? Don't miss our guides to the best lego sets and the best fidget toys as approved by Mumsnetters.
9. Best tablet for kids who like to draw: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
Price on writing: From £349 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Screen size: 10.4 inch | Battery life: Up to 13 hours | Parental controls: No | Platform: Android 12 | Storage: 128GB | Resolution: WUXGA+ 2000 x 1200p | Weight: 467g | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G Octa-core - 2.3 GHz / 1.7 GHz | Cameras: Rear-facing camera 8 MP, front-facing camera 5 MP
What we love
Includes a stylus
Affordable
Long battery life
What to know
Needs a protective cover
What Mumsnet users say
“We got my daughter (10) a Samsung S6 Lite for Christmas and it's been great. She wanted a tablet that would be good for drawing, and the S6 Lite includes a stylus.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user cheeseismydownfall)
Our verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is, we think, the best tablet for kids who love drawing, as it comes with a high-quality S-Pen stylus. In addition, it’s light and slim, so it’s convenient to carry around as a digital sketch pad.
The screen is bright and detailed and can be customised to suit the available light. The Dolby surround sound speakers also deliver crisp audio.
With a full charge, the battery will last 13 hours, so it's also a contender for the best tablet for kids on the go.
Related: Don't miss our guides to the best nintendo switch games for kids and the best toys for 8-year-olds if you're on the hunt for new tech and games for your school-aged children.
What is a good age for a kid to get a tablet?
Knowing the right age to give a child a tablet is hard. But, you know your child best, and as long as it has parental controls in place, has a protective case, and they aren't glued to it every hour of the day, it should be OK from the toddler years, so long as you select an age-appropriate model and content.
Many sources say that children shouldn’t use tablets regularly until the age of two – and that, before that age, their use of screens should be very limited. This age limit is also worth bearing in mind when you're shopping for the best tablet for kids.
Whether we like it or not, screens and technology are now an intrinsic part of life. So teaching your little one about responsible use from a young age is a good idea. For younger ones, child-specific tablets are great as they are designed around small hands and rough and tumble. They will also have comprehensive safety features and be pre-loaded with fun and educational games and apps.
Related: The best school bags to buy, as rated by Mumsnetters
What to look for in a kids’ tablet
Child-specific models: A kid-specific tablet will have a brightly coloured tough case, robust parental rectrictions, safe web browsers and pre-loaded child-friendly apps and games. They may also come with a warranty that covers accidental damage.
Budget: It’s tempting to treat your little darlings to the best of the best, but buying a three-year-old an iPad Pro is pointless. They won’t appreciate the higher specifications, and it’s unlikely to survive the rough treatment they will give it. So instead, choose one of plenty of options of affordable tablets and only stretch your budget if the tablet in question will last for several years, for example, a kids’ edition that can transform into a tablet more suitable for a teenager.
Operating system: If your home already has many Amazon devices, your kids will likely enjoy the connectivity of an Amazon Fire tablet. Similarly, if you’re a Google home, you’re more likely to opt for an Android tablet. Apple iPads are more expensive, but they offer the broadest range of apps and will connect to existing iPhones and Homepods.
Camera: If your kids love taking photos and making funny videos, look for a tablet that has front and back cameras with the option for wide angles. The higher the MP (megapixel) number, the better image the camera will produce.
Parental controls: Child-specific tablets will have comprehensive controls or a parent dashboard. These will allow you to limit screen time, choose which apps and games your kids download, limit any communication options to approved users and set safety parameters on the web browser to avoid unlimited access.
Specifications: A tablet with impressive specifications isn’t necessary for most kids. Look for a RAM of at least 2GB, so their apps launch quickly and prevent glitches and time lag.
Battery life: A long battery life of around 10 hours means the tablet will be more suitable for travel, and your child won’t have to constantly use their tablet while it is plugged in and charging. Some tablets, like Amazon Fire, only charge via USB, whereas others can be plugged into the mains.
Screen: A small child will struggle to hold a 10-inch tablet– it will be too heavy and awkward for little hands. For toddlers, look for a model with a seven-inch screen and for teenagers, a 10-inch adult-size screen is ideal. Pay attention to pixels too – a 1,280 x 800-pixel screen is the minimum you need for a good quality still or moving image. OLED 2K tablet screens are only found on expensive tablets, but if your child is watching movies on their tablet, it might be worth the investment.
Warranty: One of the elements that make the Amazon Fire the best tablet for kids is the two-year warranty against faults and accidental damage. It’s a handy bonus when you’re planning to give one to a rambunctious toddler with no respect for the fragility of technical devices.
How much storage do I need for a kids' tablet?
For most children, storage specifications aren’t a priority. 32GB should be ample, but if they want to keep lots of photos, download music or enjoy having many apps on their tablet, 64GB is a better option.
If you’re investing in a tablet that you hope will last your child for a few years, consider one with a microSD card slot to increase the storage capacity should you need to.
Read next: Take an in-depth look at Mumsnetters' favourite family board games with our reviews of Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne and Dobble.
Should kids be using tablets?
Tablets can offer a world of problem-solving games, apps, books and homework programmes which can absolutely boost learning for children. Tablets can boost creativity by allowing children to create beautiful artwork, provide resources for schoolwork and encourage learning with educational games and apps.
Having said that, the best kids' tablets will allow the parent to control how much screen time their child has as well as place limitations on what they can access.
What tablet is best for a 6-year-old?
It depends on your budget, but we like the Amazon Fire Kids tablets for this age - and if you're not keen to splash out on the high-end Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids is a great option. Marketed for age 3 - 7, it comes with durable case and you can also get the Pro version for the same price if you want something a little slimmer.
Amazon Fire Kids Edition or Fire Kids Pro – what’s the difference?
We took a detailed look at the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids and the Fire HD 8 Kids Pro to explore the differences.
When it comes to Amazon children's tablets, there’s not much difference between these two versions – the general rule is that the Amazon Fire Kids Edition is better for younger children (three to seven), whereas the Pro is better for school-age children (six to 12). Here are some of the features of each model:
Amazon Fire Kids Edition
Has a tough, hard-wearing case in a variety of colours.
The content on the Amazon Kids+ subscription is aimed at children between the ages of three and seven.
Comes with a two-year accidental damage and faults warranty.
The bumper case can be removed to look more like a ‘grown-up’ tablet.
It has the option of being used without parental controls.
Amazon Fire Kids Pro
It has a sleek, less babyish design.
The content on the Amazon Kids+ subscription is aimed at children between the ages of six and twelve.
Comes with a two-year accidental damage and faults warranty.
It has a flip-out stand so it can be placed upright.
There’s the option to allow older children extra autonomy over what they watch while still having comprehensive parental restrictions.
Which is the best tablet for buy for kids?
The Mumsnet Rated Badge-winning Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids' Pro Tablet is our pick of the best tablet for kids. It has a sophisticated design that older kids will appreciate and top-of-the-range parental control software. In addition, we were impressed by the fast processor, long battery life and sturdy construction. Thanks to the bright screen, clear audio and subscription to Amazon Kids+, this is the perfect tablet for work and play. The two-year guarantee is reassuring too.
How we chose the best kids’ tablets
To ensure we are only recommending the best of the best, we always do our research thoroughly and ensure every product comes carefully assessed, vetted and with honest recommendations.
Recommendations from real parents
The most valuable reviews consistently come from parents who have been there, done that. But, particularly when selecting a kids' tablet, you may want to hear real feedback before investing your hard-earned money. So before recommending any new product, we always investigate what our trusted Mumsnet users think as they deliver the most honest and impartial advice on our Talk boards.
Expert advice
We scrutinised the recommendations of technical and educational experts so you can rely on the products we suggest. We then researched each product thoroughly to ensure it would meet your needs.
Consumer feedback
We also scour the internet, seeking authentic, genuine reviews from parents who have bought the products themselves, noting any positive and negative feedback. This helps us to ensure every product we recommend has great reviews, and allows us to evaluate the merits and disadvantages of each product thoroughly.
About the author
Mum-of-two Gemma Lumley writes consumer content for Mumsnet with a focus on home and lifestyle. She has been a content writer for several websites and online magazines with a specific focus on all things parenting as well as travel, fitness and the outdoors. She lives in York with her husband, son and daughter.
Why you should trust us
Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in that time, we've investigated, tried and reviewed thousands of products.
We strive to provide in-depth advice you can trust, and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find amazing products that real parents love.