What to consider when shopping for the best tablets for kids
There’s a big difference between standard tablets and tablets made for kids under the age of 10. Simply put: Don’t hand your clumsy kid an iPad Pro and expect to get it back unscatched. The best tablet for kids should be durable, affordable, and highly controllable. It should also be fun and functional.
The tablet must be as kid-proof as possible
Imagine throwing a pane of glass into a tornado, and you’ll have a good idea about what a tablet for kids will be up against. The best tablet for eight-year-olds and younger must have tough, rubberized protection around the edge. And the best tablet for a two-year-old should be more rubber than screen if you plan to use it longer than a day. Thankfully, some of the biggest brands make strong tablets designed for the wobbly and dirty hands of kids. The rubber shell of these tablets will be thick and round—something a tiny hand can comfortably grasp. But you could cage the screen in Wolverine’s adamantium bones and kids will still find a way to break, scrap, and scratch the tablet. No tablet is 100 percent kid-proof, so don’t be too angry if a toddler drops the gadget in the toilet. All kids’ tablets are temporary. And a good protection program and warranty is a must. For children older than eight, you won’t need as much protection. Plus, some older kids will balk at the idea of using a baby tablet that looks more like a toy than a computer. Older kids should be able to handle a regular tablet, as long as you use a robust case. And always explain to your kids the importance of gadget care.
Don’t spend too much
If you’re spending more than $300 on a tablet for a kid between the ages of two and eight, you’re probably spending too much. Tablets designed for children are typically more affordable, costing less than $200. These tablets will lack the hefty processing power of an iPad Pro or Microsoft Surface Pro. But kids don’t need all that functionality. Unless your five-year-old is a graphic designer using the tablet to create a multimedia campaign for an international sneaker company, they won’t miss the ability to use the full Adobe suite. Yes, these lower-priced tablets can be sluggish. But if you streamline the apps, using only what’s important, today’s kid-friendly tablets get the job done at a fraction of the price of the professional touch screens. The best tablet for kids is like dinner at a restaurant—don’t order the filet mignon if all they’ll eat is the bread. Stick with the kiddie menu.
Size of the tablet screen and internal storage
There are smaller and much larger screens, but generally speaking an eight-inch screen with 1,280 x 800-pixel resolution is perfect for kids of all ages. This size is big enough to play games and watch videos without being too big and cumbersome for tiny hands. Check the specs and look for at least 8GB of storage. The more storage the better, since you and your family will quickly fill up a tablet with apps, music, photos, and videos. Storage management is a pain for adults and tantrum-inducing for young kids. A microSD card slot can give you extra space, but always be careful with tiny parts around small children. Those cards do look delicious. While no one is expecting a kids’ tablet to run at breakneck speeds, find a tablet with at least 2GB of RAM to get apps up and running quickly and smoothly. The more RAM means the easier it will be to run multiple apps at once.
You have the power: The joys of parental control
The best tablet for kids should also block social media apps. Most social media platforms have age restrictions already in place, but ingenious kids can find loopholes to gain access. (Lying about your age? What kind of hacker madness is this?) A secure children’s tablet will effectively block the insanity and cruelty of Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and any other social media timesuck. Parents must, of course, know how parental controls operate. Before handing over a tablet to your child, play around with it and get a feel for the interface and management system. You don’t want to ask your kid for help on this one.
Is the tablet for school?
Check with your school. The IT department will do doubt have the specs and recommendations for a tablet that can run the right apps. And don’t assume every tablet is the same.
The best tablet for kids
The market is flooded with bright, colorful tablets aimed at kids. But some of these tablets are nothing more than an overpriced calculator. Look for trusted brands with a proven track record of creating useful technology. Your children’s tablet should be fun, strong, and functional.
Best for toddlers: Animal Island AILA Sit & Play Preschool Learning System
The AILA Sit and Play is not a traditional tablet. All the apps and content is curated by the company to create a learning experience. (No web surfing, no app store, no subscriptions.) Parents can set up and monitor the tablet on their smartphone. Daily lessons are aimed at children between 12 and 36 months old. It’s a lot of fun for toddlers, but it’s not good for older kids who will get bored by the kiddie content. With its sturdy pedestal, this the best tablet for toddlers who aren’t yet ready to hold a screen in their hands. This is more of an early learning tool than a full-blown tablet, so don’t expect robust functionality.
Best for kids over 10: Apple iPad, 10.2-inch
The Apple iPad is the iconic leader of the tablet market. The latest iPad 10.2 is a beautiful and elegant device that makes work easier and more fun. For kids mature enough to handle a delicate tablet, the iPad is the perfect portable computer. The long list of apps and functions makes it the most versatile tablet on the list. No matter if your kid needs help accomplishing complex school work, or wants their own screen to watch shows and play games, the iPad 10.2 handles all digital tasks with ease. Add the intuitive (though slightly overpriced) Apple Pencil to get even more out of the tablet. The biggest downside: This device isn’t so good for clumsy kids covered in candy. The iPad is for young adults who know how to use expensive gadgets. And even if the kid is responsible, a sturdy rubber case is recommended to keep the device protected.
