See what Mumsnet testers thought of the Amazon Fire Kids Pro tablet

[GraceEMumsnet]

This activity is now closed

This is the feedback thread for the 25 Mumsnet users with a child aged between 6-12 who tested the Amazon Fire HD Kids Pro 8” and 10” tablets.

Testers, please give your feedback by answering the below questions, as well as giving your feedback via a short survey we’ve emailed to you:

1. Which Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet did you test?
   
2. Did you find that the Fire Kids Edition tablet held up to all your child’s needs and that the device performed well?
   
3. Did you find the Parent Dashboard useful and easy to use? If so, what were your favourite features?
   
4. Was your child happy with the content available through the 1 year Fire for Kids Unlimited subscription?
   
5. How did you find the voice and video calling features?
   
   Here’s what Amazon has to say:
   “The Amazon Fire Kids Pro reimagines the tablet experience for school-age children with expanded, age-appropriate content and new features that empower kids to independently explore. Fire Kids Pro is an affordable tablet that includes everything a child needs to get started:a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ with an expanded selection of content for older kids, a slim protective case, and a two-year worry-free guarantee. Find out more about the 8” tablet ]] and the 10” tablet ]]”
   
   All testers who give the required feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £100 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list).
   
   Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!
   
   Insight Terms and Conditions apply

[Lovidoodaa]

We tested the Amazon Fire 10 Kids Pro. It's such an improvement on our previous Kids fire. My son especially liked the bigger screen. He's used it for homework as well as reading, playing games and watching netflix.
The parent dashboard easy to use, I can approve or decline his app requests really quickly on my phone.
The apps suggested for him have been a great mix of play and education and just right for his age.
The voice and video calling have been good, he can call me on my iphone from the fire if he wants to, and he can call other alexa devices.
I would definitely recommend it as a good family tablet, I often use it after the kids are in bed! A really good all-rounder that's great value for money.

[Farwah]

I was delighted to be one of the lucky testers to test the Amazon Kindle Fire Hd 10. This tablet is a revolution on it’s own and perfect to keep kids entertained with a peace of mind for parents. Firstly,the parental controls have given me an added sense of security. The parental dashboard was very easy to understand and operate and I didn’t need to revert to the manual for any help which was great! I know my child is watching the right thing in the amount of screen time I have chosen for her. It comes with a very sturdy screen case which is strong enough to combat any falls. The tablet itself is very quick with the controls and the sound is loud and clear. Another great feature was to videocall on Skype quite easily and conveniently and my daughter could learn a different language online very smoothly without any problems. There are hundreds of options for little ones to browse and every app is according to the profile set up by the parents. 12 hour battery life is sufficient to last 4 days for my daughter. It comes with a 2 year worry free guarantee which is the best part. My daughter was over the moon with the tablet and we are happy to conclude that the tablet exceeded our expectations. It is the best investment ever and I cannot highly recommend the tablet!

[GriseldaChop]

1. Which Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet did you test?
   We tested the Amazon Fire Pro 10
   
2. Did you find that the Fire Kids Edition tablet held up to all your child’s needs and that the device performed well?
   The device is really fast and a huge improvement on the older Fire tablet we had. The screen size is great and the carry handle/stand is really useful. My DS loved being able to access games like Minecraft and also use Netflix, kids YouTube etc.
   
3. Did you find the Parent Dashboard useful and easy to use? If so, what were your favourite features?
   The dashboard was easy to navigate and I particularly liked that my DS could request apps or purchases and I could accept or decline via my phone.
   
4. Was your child happy with the content available through the 1 year Fire for Kids Unlimited subscription?
   My DS loved all the content, he really enjoyed the selection of books and audiobooks and of course the vast choice of games! He also really liked the radio stations too. It was great being able to set time limits or he he'd have wanted to be on it all day!
   
5. How did you find the voice and video calling features?
   We didn't use these as much as didn't really have the need to make video calls but as he gets older I think this feature will come into its own. He enjoyed being able to make voice commands tho!
   Overall I'd wholeheartedly recommend this tablet and feel lucky to have had the chance to trial it!

[lillypopdaisyduke]

1. Which Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet did you test?
   
   the Amazon Fire Pro 10
   
   
2. Did you find that the Fire Kids Edition tablet held up to all your child’s needs and that the device performed well?
   
   Completely - the tablet was easy to set up, super fast, and after being dropped - survived without any issued - the case is so well designed - just brilliant, the apps loaded quickly, the sound quality was so crisp and clear, there are so many apps available which will mean it will be so loved and used.
   
   
3. Did you find the Parent Dashboard useful and easy to use? If so, what were your favourite features?
   
   Yes I found the Parent Dashboard useful, I set up the controls, to set up my restrictions, my favorite feature is the alert which I get before they download anything, so they have to check with me before the download is approved. It gives me peace of mind when he is using this.
   
   
4. Was your child happy with the content available through the 1 year Fire for Kids Unlimited subscription?
   
   He was delighted to see how many books and games he had access to - there will always be something new to explore and read, I too was delighted with the content that was available, he particularly loves the audio books which I allow him to listen to before bed, and as I have internet controls - his wifi is disabled after 8pm. This will really help with school work - he is not a good reader, but this will really inspire him to with stories and imagination, and when they have reading books at school, he can find them and get inspired.
   
   
5. How did you find the voice and video calling features?
   
   We loved the Skype feature, and set up his grandma's number plus his aunt and cousins, and was able to see and chat with them at the weekend, the smile on his face when he said - I'd just going to call Nana - and was able to tell her about his day was just priceless.
   
   This is the best device we have ever owned, we will treasure and look after it forever - thank you Mumsnet

[SanFranBear]

1. Which Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet did you test?
   We had the 8" tablet.
   
   
2. Did you find that the Fire Kids Edition tablet held up to all your child’s needs and that the device performed well?
   Definitely - both my DC (9 and 12) have used it a lot since we received it. My son has been using it a lot, especially to find new books for his school reading. They've also really enjoyed some of the recommended apps and I really like the fact they can have whichever app they like, provided I approve it, of course .
   We did have a few problems with the Amazon Kids loading in, especially when switching between profiles which was a shame. I found restarting the device sorted it out but it happened on quite a few occasions, even when stood next to the router.
   
   
3. Did you find the Parent Dashboard useful and easy to use? If so, what were your favourite features?
   So so useful - I thought seeing how long certain apps had been used was probably the most useful... well, that and being able to approve an app of requested. Actually, the Safeguarding nature was really good - able to restrict usage, ensure nothing downloaded without permission.
   The dashboard is certainly the main reason I would, and have, recommended the tablet - it's great.
   
   
4. Was your child happy with the content available through the 1 year Fire for Kids Unlimited subscription?
   Yes - as mentioned, my son has been exploring the books as it's obviously like having an entire library at your fingertips. My older DD has enjoyed being able to Bluetooth to our shower speaker although it's a shame there isn't a link through to Amazon music in the same way there is for videos, books etc. The 'Stations' app didn't have much selection on it. However, can obviously add apps so not a deal breaker.
   
   
5. How did you find the voice and video calling features?
   Alexa is always fun and my two love shouting at it and getting daft responses. It's also really useful for things like setting timers.
   We haven't got on as well with the video calling as working out how to add contacts etc wasn't clear at all - had to Google as not covered in anything which came with the tablet which sort of presumed an understanding which I didn't have. When I would go into the Alexa communication bit, the screen would be covered by a 'helpful' hint which I couldn't get rid off without closing the app (see image). When opened again, it just kept coming back and perhaps I am just un-techy, but touching outside the box, pressing back, reducing the window - none of that worked! So the only contacts we could connect to, were each others profiles...?
   
   Other than that whinge though which isn't the end of the world as we use my phone for calls anyway, I was so grateful to have been selected - thank you!

[septemberfields]

1. Which Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet did you test?
   10"
   
2. Did you find that the Fire Kids Edition tablet held up to all your child’s needs and that the device performed well?
   Yes, it was robust and the stand suited them as and when - easy to fold in/out. The screen reacted to everyone's fingers. There was enough play and educational content, that could be turned on/off.
   
3. Did you find the Parent Dashboard useful and easy to use? If so, what were your favourite features? I couldn't find a way to access this via the tablet, which isn't hugely necessary anyway - adjustments needed to be made via another device, without their knowledge.
   
4. Was your child happy with the content available through the 1 year Fire for Kids Unlimited subscription? Seems to be so far! I have cancelled it so it only lasts the year - there are other money factors right now that are more important but I'll review it again afterwards.
   
5. How did you find the voice and video calling features? I can understand why this is necessary for some but all video calling is done via the main device so the camera can see everyone. But it's a good idea for older children.

[cliffdonville]

1. Which Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet did you test?
   
   We had the 8” tablet
   
   
2. Did you find that the Fire Kids Edition tablet held up to all your child’s needs and that the device performed well?
   
   It is amazing! Performed really well, and is a great introduction to tablets for younger children. She found it really easy to use, and keeps showing me new things she has discovered. I highly recommend it.
   
   
3. Did you find the Parent Dashboard useful and easy to use? If so, what were your favourite features?
   
   I loved that I got an email to approve anything she wanted, that I could see what she was playing and that I could add content for her.
   
   
4. Was your child happy with the content available through the 1 year Fire for Kids Unlimited subscription?
   
   Absolutely, she thinks it’s the best thing ever. The games are great.
   
   
5. How did you find the voice and video calling feature.
   
   Really good. She can call me on my phone and our Alexa’s so we have spent more time chatting that usual!

[TheTempest]

Thank you so much for sending me the Amazon fire kids edition. We really like it, and it’s got a lot of use in our house! Which Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet did you test? 10” kids tablet
2) Did you find that the Fire Kids Edition tablet held up to all your child’s needs and that the device performed well? Absolutely, it was absolutely brilliant. DD is 12 and has just started secondary school. She used it for homework, reading her books on the kindle app (fab!), games and endlessly messaging and calling her friends!
3) Did you find the Parent Dashboard useful and easy to use? If so, what were your favourite features? Yes very much so, I like the app requests and screen time.
4) Was your child happy with the content available through the 1 year Fire for Kids Unlimited subscription? It was aimed a little younger than my DD but even then over time as she was using it the content suggestions were getting better for things she was interested in.
5) How did you find the voice and video calling features? Really great, Alexa is our intercom/dinner bell/ bedtime alarm so it was great Being able to call her from the Alexa show in the living room to her in her room!

Thanks so much again, I have recommended it to lots of people for their kids!

[savemejebus]

Thank you for this, my child LOVES it - a great opportunity as we'd never be able to afford it otherwise.

1. Which Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet did you test? Fire HD 10 kids pro
   
   
2. Did you find that the Fire Kids Edition tablet held up to all your child’s needs and that the device performed well? Yes, no problems whatsoever with setting up and good battery life
   
   
3. Did you find the Parent Dashboard useful and easy to use? If so, what were your favourite features? Yes easy to use for a technophobe like myself! Netflix, YouTube and mine craft were particular favourites
   
   
4. Was your child happy with the content available through the 1 year Fire for Kids Unlimited subscription? Yes a variety of options and different age appropriate content available - fun and educational
   
   
5. How did you find the voice and video calling features? Perfect - safer than using iPad and easy to use

[ahagwearsapointybonnet]

Thanks for the opportunity to test this, we've really enjoyed it (and it was great timing, as our very old tablet had just given up the ghost!).

1. Which Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet did you test?
   
   We tested the Fire HD 8" Kids Pro.
   
   
2. Did you find that the Fire Kids Edition tablet held up to all your child’s needs and that the device performed well?
   
   Yes, the kids loved it - they found it very easy to use and to get started with, and plenty of apps and games they like. The display looks bright and clear and the case seems robust and good for younger children. They have started listening to some audiobooks, which they haven't used much in the past, as well as playing lots of games and puzzles.
   
   
3. Did you find the Parent Dashboard useful and easy to use? If so, what were your favourite features?
   
   Yes, in fact I've been glad of it as it has been hard to prise the children away from the new games at times! So my favourite features so far have been the time limits for overall screen time or for specific types of content (apps, TV,...), and the cutoffs so I can make sure they switch off a little while before bedtime and have time to do something quieter and non-screen-based for a bit before bed. I also like the parental approval requests before they can install new apps.
   
   
4. Was your child happy with the content available through the 1 year Fire for Kids Unlimited subscription?
   Yes, although they've also had a good time with the standard content too. We only just discovered the National Geographic books, which they will be very interested to explore more, and the audio books have already had good use!
   
   
5. How did you find the voice and video calling features?
   This is the only bit we haven't been able to test quite as much, as we don't know many people with Alexa devices. It seems to work well enough, but I don't think we would personally use this as much as the other functions (unless their grandparents get an Alexa or something!).
   
   Overall we are very happy with it and I would certainly recommend it to anyone with children in that age range, especially if they are towards the younger end of the range, as they can get the best use out of it as they get older and can move through the different content selections. Thank you!

[cloot]

I was buying the cheap kid tablets for my toddler. They were slow, never worked with Wi-Fi hot spots, just a waste of money. This tablet is big, fast, and the battery lasts a LONG time .I think the interface, the build quality and the received services are well worth it. My grandson is extremely happy with the tablet. As a side note, the Kids warranty is amazing especially when your kids are not as careful as you. There are so many things to do on it. Hopefully he will get to them all soon. I love the bigger screen. The kick stand to hold the kindle up is a big plus so she not bent over all the time on the kindle. The screen quality is great. It has not yet lagged or any kind of glitch. I’ve gone through multiple tablets for her and they were too slow and just not good. This is definitely a great tablet. It keeps him busy with educational reads and interesting and colourful games. User friendly for children, parents and Grandparents! Very happy with this tablet . Plenty of apps for children and the parental controls work great to control his time on it and hours it works during the day. Also monitor which apps he has access to and time spent on educational apps. make me feel a lot safer while he is on this tablet .This is so perfect with all the kid's content and parental controls. This tablet is amazing! So much fun for adults and kids alike. Durable, amazing quality, endless possibilities for apps . ***

[NerrSnerr]

1. Which Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet did you test?
   Amazon fire 8
   
2. Did you find that the Fire Kids Edition tablet held up to all your child’s needs and that the device performed well?
   Yes, was suitable and did what it was supposed to.
   
3. Did you find the Parent Dashboard useful and easy to use? If so, what were your favourite features?
   We did find it easy in intuitive. We particularly liked that they could ask if they wanted to download apps/ buy anything.
   
4. Was your child happy with the content available through the 1 year Fire for Kids Unlimited subscription?
   Yes, they particularly enjoyed watching YouTube kids and some of the educational games. They enjoyed being able to watch their favourite shows on it.
   
5. How did you find the voice and video calling features?
   They loved being able to video call us from another room. It was entirely functional and easy to use.

[lolapops1]

1. Which Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet did you test?
   8"
   
2. Did you find that the Fire Kids Edition tablet held up to all your child’s needs and that the device performed well?
   Yes the kids loved it, really useful.
   
3. Did you find the Parent Dashboard useful and easy to use? If so, what were your favourite features?
   Yes I liked knowing what content they could view.
   
4. Was your child happy with the content available through the 1 year Fire for Kids Unlimited subscription?
   Yes absolutely loved it.
   
5. How did you find the voice and video calling features
   They found it easy to use.

[fourmonthstogo]

1) Which Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet did you test?
8"
2) Did you find that the Fire Kids Edition tablet held up to all your child’s needs and that the device performed well?
Yes. It was fast, and had a very impressive battery life.
3) Did you find the Parent Dashboard useful and easy to use? If so, what were your favourite features?
Yes. 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.
4) Was your child happy with the content available through the 1 year Fire for Kids Unlimited subscription?
Yes, probably my 6 year old more than the 10 year old, because of the sheer range of games that interest him. He's delighted. My 10 year old would be very interested in the books, but she already has a kindle so she doesn't need it for that. I think they'll both get lots of use out of it.
5) How did you find the voice and video calling features?
It took a while to figure out why this wasn't working for us, but once I downloaded Alexa on my phone we were good to go! I think they'll enjoy using this and it will be useful to be call the parent who isn't home, and perhaps grandparents if they can be persuaded to download alexa too.

Thank you very much for the chance to test this.

[Impatientwino]

1. Which Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet did you test?
   We tested the 8" one
   
2. Did you find that the Fire Kids Edition tablet held up to all your child’s needs and that the device performed well?
   Yes absolutely! Was impressed with how long the battery lasted. Loved the fact it came already in a sturdy case. Be nice if the stand worked in both portrait and landscape. Would prefer the 'home' button to be visible all the time as our younger child found it harder to remember how to bring the button back up.
   
3. Did you find the Parent Dashboard useful and easy to use? If so, what were your favourite features?
   Loved the parent dashboard - being able to see time spent on apps is great and it was very simple to use. Great to be able to approve games and set up different profiles for our different aged children.
   
4. Was your child happy with the content available through the 1 year Fire for Kids Unlimited subscription?
   Very! There is a massive range on there and will keep them very busy! The only thing that caused an issue is there was a lot of games that let you play a certain amount for free and then you had to upgrade to be able to use the golden shield or the faster car or whatever and that caused some upset to our younger child who didn't seem to understand why he could access it all.
   
5. How did you find the voice and video calling features?
   Yes very good - we have done a lot with Alexa and they have enjoyed calling us and making Alexa say things!
   
   Thank you very much for the opportunity to test this tablet.

[Loopylou555]

1. Which Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet did you test?
   10"
   
2. Did you find that the Fire Kids Edition tablet held up to all your child’s needs and that the device performed well?
   
   Yes my 7 year old loves the tablet. He like the range of apps, and he found the big screen easy to view.
   
   
3. Did you find the Parent Dashboard useful and easy to use? If so, what were your favourite features?
   
   Yes, I like the way I can control what he could see or download. I liked the way it integrated across all my amazon devices. It would have been useful to have a way to set different limits for different devices. I wanted the tablet to lock before bed but my son has an echo in his bedroom which he uses to listen to audio books as he is falling asleep. It would have been useful to be able to have amazon kids turned on on the echo but have a later bedtime than the tablet. It also would have been useful to be able to give an extra 10 mins when needed. My son got frustrated a couple of times when the tablet locked in the middle of a game. Being able to just give an extra 10mins would help with that.
   
   
4. Was your child happy with the content available through the 1 year Fire for Kids Unlimited subscription?
   Yes, he enjoyed finding new things to watch.
   
   
5. How did you find the voice and video calling features?
   Good, clear video and the voice features/alexa worked well.

[Lndnmummy]

1. Which Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet did you test?
   We tested 10
   
   
   
2. Did you find that the Fire Kids Edition tablet held up to all your child’s needs and that the device performed well?
   100%, really fit for purpose and it exceeded my expectations!
   
   
3. Did you find the Parent Dashboard useful and easy to use? If so, what were your favourite features?
   Yes, easy to navigate and gave full autonomy and control.
   
   
4. Was your child happy with the content available through the 1 year Fire for Kids Unlimited subscription?
   Ecstatic! Although we did need to have several conversations about ad ons etc as games became payable. This was frustrating at times but not a big deal.
   
5. How did you find the voice and video calling features?
   
   Thank you so much team!

[Estraya]

1. Which Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet did you test?
   
   Kindle Fire Pro 8
   
   
2. Did you find that the Fire Kids Edition tablet held up to all your child’s needs and that the device performed well?
   
   Yes, my son loved it. We've had no problems with it. Everything he's wanted to do on it has worked.
   
   
3. Did you find the Parent Dashboard useful and easy to use? If so, what were your favourite features?
   
   I loved the parent dashboard! It's really easy to use. I like that I can set time limits for different activities on it and I like that my son can send me requests for games he'd like and I can review them and make a decision easily.
   
   
4. Was your child happy with the content available through the 1 year Fire for Kids Unlimited subscription?
   
   He's enjoyed lots of the content but has also been searching for free games to download as well. He's very happy with the books available on the Kids Unlimited subscription.
   
   
5. How did you find the voice and video calling features?
   
   We didn't use this much, but my son has enjoyed playing around calling other devices.

[GraceEMumsnet]

Thanks everyone for your feedback and congratulations to @Lndnmummy for winning the prize draw!