Tablets are great devices for kids to learn, play, and create. They can access a variety of educational content, games, apps, and videos on a portable and easy-to-use screen. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best tablet for your child? In this article, we will:
- Compare some of the most popular and recommended tablets for kids in 2024
- give you some tips on what to look for when buying a tablet for kids
- show you some of the latest trends, updates, and news on tablets for kids
What to Consider When Buying a Tablet for Kids
Before you decide on a specific tablet, you should consider some factors that will affect your child’s experience and safety. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Age and interests: Different tablets are designed for different age groups and purposes. Some are more suitable for younger kids who need more parental control and kid-friendly content, while others are more versatile and can be used by the whole family. You should also think about what your child likes to do on a tablet, such as reading, gaming, drawing, or watching videos, and choose a tablet that supports those activities.
- Size and weight: Tablets come in various sizes and weights, ranging from 7 inches to 12 inches in screen size, and from 10 ounces to 2 pounds in weight. You should choose a tablet that is comfortable for your child to hold and carry, and that fits their hands and eyesight. Generally, smaller and lighter tablets are easier for younger kids, while bigger and heavier tablets offer more screen space and performance for older kids.
- Battery life and charging: Tablets have different battery capacities and charging speeds, which affect how long they can last on a single charge and how quickly they can be recharged. You should look for a tablet that has a long battery life, preferably over 8 hours, and that can be charged with a standard USB cable or a fast charger. This way, you can avoid running out of power or having to wait for a long time to use the tablet again.
- Durability and protection: Tablets are fragile devices that can be easily damaged by drops, spills, scratches, or bumps. You should look for a tablet that is durable and resistant to these hazards, or that comes with a protective case or cover. Some tablets are specially designed for kids, and have rugged cases, bumpers, or screen protectors included. You can also buy additional accessories, such as screen guards, sleeves, or stands, to enhance the protection and functionality of the tablet.
- Price and value: Tablets vary in price, depending on their features, quality, and brand. You should choose a tablet that fits your budget and offers the best value for your money. You should also consider the cost of additional items, such as apps, subscriptions, accessories, or warranties, that you may need or want to buy along with the tablet. Some tablets come with free or discounted offers for these items, which can save you some money and provide more benefits.
The Best Tablets for Kids in 2024
Based on our research and the web search results, we have selected 10 of the best tablets for kids in 2024, according to their features, reviews, and ratings. Here is a brief overview of each tablet, along with their pros and cons, and a link to their official website for more information.
Tablet | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022) | Excellent performance, long battery life, works with second-generation Apple Pencil, ample app support, Apple’s Family Sharing | Pricier than the previous model, there is no multi-user option on iPad |
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro (2023 Release) | Good build quality, decent display, strong parental controls, kid-focused content, Alexa Smart Display mode, two-year warranty | Sluggish performance, $10 more than the previous model, limited app selection |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (2024 Release) | Quality screen for the price, 5G support, good performance and battery life, decent stereo speakers, microSD support | Disappointing Android upgrade commitment, only 32GB of built-in storage, lackluster cameras |
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) | Sharp display, loud, clear speakers, perky performance, unimpressive cameras, no promise for OS updates after Android 12 | |
Microsoft Surface Go 3 (2024 Release) | Appealing iPad Pro-like design, USB-C port, relocated webcam, higher-quality cameras, improved speakers, faster performance | Higher price than the previous model, loses the traditional Touch ID button, no Face ID |
Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation, 2022) | Solid performance, long battery life, works with second-generation Apple Pencil, ample app support, Apple’s Family Sharing | Expensive, small screen size, no multi-user option on iPad |
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet (2023 Release) | Rugged case, strong parental controls, good battery life, vibrant screen, kid-focused content, Alexa Smart Display mode, two-year warranty | Sluggish performance, limited app selection |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (2023 Release) | Quality screen for the price, good performance and battery life, decent stereo speakers, microSD support | Disappointing Android upgrade commitment, only 32GB of built-in storage, lackluster cameras |
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus (2024 Release) | Sharp display, loud, clear speakers, perky performance, unimpressive cameras, no promise for OS updates after Android 12 | |
OnePlus Pad (2024 Release) | Quality screen for the price, 5G support, good performance and battery life, decent stereo speakers, microSD support | Disappointing Android upgrade commitment, only 32GB of built-in storage, lackluster cameras |
The Latest Trends, Updates, and News on Tablets for Kids
Tablets for kids are constantly evolving and improving, with new features, models, and content being released every year. Here are some of the latest trends, updates, and news on tablets for kids that you should know about:
- 5G connectivity: Some of the newest tablets for kids, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ and the OnePlus Pad, support 5G networks, which offer faster and more reliable internet access. This can enhance your child’s online learning, gaming, and streaming experience, as well as open up new possibilities for interactive and immersive content.
- Alexa Smart Display mode: Some of the latest Amazon Fire tablets for kids, such as the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro and the Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet, have a new feature called Alexa Smart Display mode, which turns the tablet into a smart display when docked. This means your child can use voice commands to ask Alexa questions, play music, watch videos, control smart home devices, and more, without touching the screen.
- New iPad models: Apple has recently launched two new iPad models, the iPad (10th generation, 2022) and the iPad Mini (6th generation, 2022), which offer improved performance, battery life, cameras, and speakers, as well as compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil. These tablets are great for kids who want to use the iPad for creative and educational purposes and enjoy the vast app ecosystem and the Apple Family Sharing feature.
- New kid-friendly content: Tablets for kids are not only devices, but also platforms for accessing a variety of kid-friendly content, such as apps, games, books, videos, and more. Some of the new and popular content that your child can enjoy on a tablet include:
- Disney+: A streaming service that offers unlimited access to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic movies and shows, as well as original content like The Mandalorian, WandaVision, and Soul.
- Epic! A digital library that offers over 40,000 books, audiobooks, videos, and quizzes for kids up to 12 years old, covering a wide range of topics and genres, such as fiction, non-fiction, STEM, comics, and more.
- Prodigy: A math game that adapts to your child’s skill level and curriculum, and motivates them to learn and practice math through fun challenges, rewards, and quests.
- Duolingo: A language learning app that teaches your child a new language through interactive lessons, games, stories, and podcasts, covering over 30 languages, such as Spanish, French, German, and more.
- Toca Life World: A creative sandbox game that lets your child explore, create, and play in a virtual world, with over 50 locations, 300 characters, and 125 pets to choose from, as well as the ability to mix and match items, customize characters, and record stories.
Conclusion
Tablets are wonderful devices for kids to enjoy and learn from, but they also require careful consideration and comparison before buying. We hope this article has helped you narrow down your choices and find the best tablet for your child in 2024. Remember to consider your child’s age, interests, needs, and preferences, as well as the tablet’s size, weight, battery life, durability, protection, price, and value. You should also keep an eye on the latest trends, updates, and news on tablets for kids, as they can offer new features, models, and content that can enhance your child’s tablet experience. Happy tablet shopping!
Check out more articles!