Tablet Options for Kids Made Simple

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There’s an unbelievable amount of tablet options available on the market for kids right now. Just search ‘tablets for kids’ online and the product results are overwhelming. I’m not exactly the most technologically savvy, so I was on a mission to understand the options and find the right fit for my two young boys. And while I do try and limit my kids’ screen time, I also realize that there are many benefits to tablet use (check out these online educational resources for kids!) – so my search was on!

What Was My Purchasing Criteria?

Most importantly, I needed to find a tablet that was “safe” for my kids and one with excellent parental controls. I was looking for a tablet that was easy to use and one that would last a while. A tablet that didn’t break the bank would be the icing on the cake.

I did my research, tested multiple products, and came to my own conclusions. Here’s what I found out about tablet options for kids. 

Tablet Options for Kids Made Simple: Things to Think About 

Software and Brands

There’s a variety of different software and tablet brands available. To generalize, Apple is iOS software, Amazon is Android based software, and Android software is also found in tablet brands like Samsung, Lenovo, and many more. Some brands offer a ‘kid friendly’ version of their product, while others do not. ‘Toy’ tablet brands like LeapFrog or VTech are marketed for kids and allow for simple games and educational concepts. 

Apps

Not all apps will work on all tablet brands, so do your research ahead of time to make sure your kids will be able to access the programs you want them to use. It would be disappointing to discover that Teach Your Monster to Read, for example, isn’t supported by your kiddo’s tablet software. 

Keep in mind that some apps come preloaded, while others you can purchase or download for free from places like the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, Amazon App Store, and more. Each tablet brand corresponds with its own store, allowing you to check out what’s offered before you make your decision. 

Storage 

Storage impacts price and the more storage a tablet has, the more expensive it will typically be. Everything uses storage, from operating systems, apps, photos, videos, downloaded content – just to name a few. The amount of storage a child will need depends on what they’ll be using their tablet for. Tablets usually start at around 8GB of internal storage and go up from there. To give you a rough idea of usage, one download movie can take up as much as 2GB of storage or more. 

Some tablets allow you to purchase additional storage when you’ve reached their limit, while others do not. For example, once you fill up an iPad, your only option for more space is to add an external storage device. From a kid’s perspective, this isn’t always a great option because they’re not typically user friendly and it’s relatively easy to damage the device itself or the tablet’s charging port. On the other hand, Android based tablets will let you purchase additional storage when you run out. Adding a Micro SD Card is usually not expensive and can add a significate amount of storage – 128GB and even higher – to the device. 

Size

Tablet size options begin at about 7 inches and increase to 14 inches and beyond. The most “standard” sized tablet is 10 or 11 inches large. Think about how your kiddo will be storing their tablet and what type of things they will be using it for. If the tablet you select is too big to fit in their backpack, you may want to rethink your choice. And if your child will be using their tablet for entertainment as well as academics, it might make sense to purchase a slightly larger device. 

Battery Life

Battery life is also something to consider when tablet shopping for your child. On the lower end, some of the ‘toy’ tablets will last for only 6 hours, while the Amazon Fire HD Kids tablets will allow for 12 hours or more of usage without needing a charge. The Apple iPads and Samsung Galaxy tablets both have decent battery life, offering roughly 10 hours each. 

Price 

There’s a dramatic range when it comes to tablet prices. ‘Toy’ tables’ start at 20 dollars for the Pinkfong Baby Shark Tablet Toy, and can rise to 100 dollars for the Leapfrog Academy Tablet. In the non-toy category, the Lenovo Kids tablets starts at about 90 dollars, while an Amazon Fire HD 10 Inch Kids Tablets can cost up to 200 dollars each. The most expensive tablet options I found were any of the new iPads, starting at around 130 dollars and going well over that price point based on the tablet year, what it offers, and how much space it provides. Watch for sales – they happen and can lower tablet costs significantly.

Durability 

Some tablets have built in protection and some do not. There are brands that come with a protective tablet case and others who expect you to buy that separately. Keep in mind that tablets will damage if not treated correctly, so if you’re gifting a tablet to a younger kiddo, this is definitely something to consider when making your choice. Two particularly durable child friendly tablets that either come with a free protective case or at least a two-year warranty were the Amazon Kids Fire and Leapfrog Academy tablets. 

 

I learned that having a clear idea of what I wanted my kids’ tablet to do was immensely important in making my decision. At the end of the day, the winning tablet for my family was the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus. That doesn’t mean that it also has to be yours. Think about what’s best for your kids and then select the tablet that makes the most sense. 

Do you use tablets at home with your kids? Let us know! 

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I’m a Maine native and after a long stretch of time living in Chicago, I feel lucky to again call the Seacoast my home. I currently live in Kennebunk with my husband, two sons, and a spaniel mix who truly believes he is a furry big brother to our boys. I hold a Master of Education degree from the University of Maine and as a certified English and Special Education teacher, a passion of mine has always been helping students and connecting them to reading and writing. Free time is best spent in the sunshine with family and friends, curled up with a good book, eating my husband’s incredible cooking, or creatively writing for the kids in my life. Being a mom is the most challenging and amazing job I’ve ever had. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.