When it comes to kids and tech, the iPad reigns supreme. Kids love to play games, watch YouTube videos, and tune in to their favorite movies all day long. Depending on how you spent your quarantine, you may be at the end of your rope as far as sharing your iPad goes. “Just let me show you something” turns into a two-hour marathon of their favorite show. So if you’re considering purchasing an iPad for your child, or maybe just a special kid in your life, it’s bound to become their favorite device in no time.

The best iPads for kids are versatile, have a great display, and give you access to all of the best apps and functions. With new models coming out every year, there’s a wide variety to choose from. And while every pick on this list isn’t necessarily an Apple brand iPad, they’re great alternatives that are designed with kids in mind. Here’s a list of the best iPads for kids available on Amazon today. Check out our picks and weigh the pros & cons of each against your preferences. Once you’re done with this guide, you’ll be able to find one of the best iPads for kids!

Editors choice

1. Apple iPad Mini 5

9.00 / 10

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The iPad Mini 5 is a great choice for kids when it comes to iPad due to its smaller size, great display, and superior camera.

This iPad is available in three colors: Space Gray, Silver, and Gold. If this iPad is intended to be a gift, it’s always great to have color options. It comes in both 64GB and 256GB storage, depending on what your needs may be. As has been mentioned before with other products, it does depend if this iPad is intended to be an adult’s iPad that is shared with a kid or is solely a kid’s iPad. This iPad is also available as solely Wi-Fi enabled or Wi-Fi and cellular. If you intend on using this iPad for entertainment on long car rides, a modest data plan may be a good option. That being said, the cellular-enabled model is more expensive.

The iPad mini is also easier for kids to hold. With its 7.9-inch display, games, videos, and other activities can be enjoyed on the device; it’s also small and light enough to slip into a small backpack. Like many other iPads, this has a retina display and True Tone for color accuracy. This iPad also has a similar 8MP back camera as other iPads on this list, but sets itself apart with a 7MP Front-Facing FaceTime camera. In an age where FaceTime has practically become a communication necessity for friends and family, this camera enhances that communication better than ever before.

Lastly, this iPad is compatible with the Apple Pencil. If you have a doodler on your hands, that is a great little accessory that can be added to this device.

Key Features

  • 7.9-Inch Display
  • 7MP HD FaceTime Camera
  • Stereo Speakers
  • iOS 12
Specifications

  • Battery Life: Up to 10 Hours
  • Processor : A12 Bionic chip with 64‑bit architecture, Neural Engine, Embedded M12 coprocessor
  • Camera: 8MP
  • Storage: 64GB and 256GB Available
Pros

  • Good Processing Speed
  • 3GB RAM
  • Compatible with Apple Pencil
Cons

  • Touchscreen Not Always Precise
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Premium pick

2. Apple iPad Latest Model

9.15 / 10

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The newest model of the classic Apple iPad deserves its spot among the best iPads for kids because of its great-sized display, compatibility that’s perfect for schoolwork, and long-lasting battery life.

Since this is the newest model of the iPad and comes new, this is one of the more expensive picks on this list. That being said, Apple products come with a level of quality that makes them useful not just for entertainment but for other practical uses as well. Like many of the other iPads on this list, it comes in Silver, Space Gray, and Gold, so there’s a good variety available for kids that tend to be picky.

This iPad is compatible with both the Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard, making it ideal for schoolwork. Depending on what the back-to-school plans may be for kids this fall, this iPad is compatible with a lot of great school-oriented features. Especially while e-learning, having reliable technology can help make the process even easier.

Lastly, this iPad has up to ten hours of battery life while on WiFi. Especially while e-learning, this is imperative for a kid who has a long school day and then loves to use the iPad for entertainment at night.

While this iPad is certainly an investment, it does have a fair amount of features that justify the price. This iPad is ideal for a child who may use it for schoolwork along with playtime.

Key Features

  • 10.2-Inch Display
  • A10 Fusion Chip
  • Compatible with Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard
Specifications

  • Battery Life: Up to 10 Hours
  • Processor : A10 Fusion chip with 64-bit architecture, Embedded M10 coprocessor
  • Camera: 8MP, HDR and 1080p Video
  • Storage: 32GB and 128GB Available
Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Good for Playing Games
  • Good for School
Cons

  • High-End Price Tag
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Best value

3. Dragon Touch Y88X Pro

7.25 / 10

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The Dragon Touch Y88X Pro is a great budget find for a kid who wants a tablet of their own. While this tablet is far cheaper than the Fire tablets and Apple iPads, it has basic tablet functions: a built-in case, pre-loaded kid-friendly content, and full tablet capability.

For just under $70, this is an extremely budget-friendly find. This tablet, or rather, the built-in case, is also available in four colors: Pink, Blue, Green, and Red. This is a great personalization feature and is a great option for parents who are buying tablets for multiple kids and want to be able to tell the tablets apart. This tablet has only a seven-inch display, so while the display is on the smaller side of the options available on this list, it’s still perfectly kid-sized. The built-in case is handy when it comes to this being a tablet for kids, as you never know when it could tumble and fall to the ground.

This tablet comes pre-loaded with content from Kidoz, which includes 18 Disney story ebooks and six audiobooks. Kidoz also has several kid-friendly apps, websites, and games available. Since safety is an utmost priority when it comes to kids and tech, it’s good to know that this tablet has attention to detail.

That being said, this tablet isn’t an exclusive “kids tablet.” It has fully functioning tablet capabilities with access to the latest Google services. This ensures access to useful apps like Google Maps, Gmail, and YouTube. So while it’s great to know that this tablet is kid-friendly, it’s not exclusively handled with kid gloves.

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Key Features

  • Available in Four Colors
  • 2GB RAM
  • Bluetooth and WiFi Connectivity
  • Fully Functioning Android Tablet
Specifications

  • Battery Life: 3 Hours
  • Processor : Quad Core 1.5 GHz
  • Camera: 2MP
  • Storage: 16GB
Pros

  • Very Budget-Friendly
  • Sturdy Built-In Case
  • Some Included Content
Cons

  • Poor Battery Life
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4. Fire HD 10 Kids Edition

9.25 / 10

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The Fire HD 10 Kids Edition knocks it out of the park when it comes to a tablet for kids. While the brand name may not be Apple, it isn’t necessarily an iPad; it goes toe-to-toe with the best Apple has to offer when it comes to kid-friendly devices.

For under $200, this tablet is a fair price considering how good the tech is. Like the other models in this line, it comes in blue, pink, or purple kid-proof cases and is an even better deal when bundled with multiple devices. These are fully functioning tablets, too, so have no shame in buying two to give one to your child and keep one for yourself. At least you know the case is accident-proof! And even when accidents strike, like the other Fire models on this list, it comes with a two-year warranty included.

What sets this tablet at the front of the pack is that it comes with 32GB storage that is expandable up to 512GB with microSD compatibility and a 10.1-inch 1080p display. It has dual speakers and a microphone. While it does have both a front-and-rear facing camera, it’s only 2MP, which sets it slightly behind the iPad options in that regard.

With a battery life of up to twelve hours, kids can do everything they need to. And with a year of Amazon FreeTime included, they can access a wide range of entertainment specifically tailored to kids. Parents also have easy access to parental controls to ensure that their kids are using their devices safely.

Key Features

  • 10.1-Inch 1080p Display
  • Dual Speakers
  • Two-Year Warranty
  • 2.0 GHz Processor
Specifications

  • Battery Life: Up to 12 Hours
  • Processor : Octa-core up to 2.0 GHz
  • Camera: 2MP
  • Storage: 32GB
Pros

  • Faster Processing Over Previous Models
  • Fully Functional Tablet
  • High-Definition Display
Cons

  • No Camera Improvement Over Previous Models
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5. Apple iPad Early 2018 Model

8.75 / 10

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The renewed model of the 2018 Apple iPad deserves a spot on the list of the best iPads for kids for its great display and wide range of connectivity options.

For starters, this iPad is available in three colors: Gold, Space Gray, and Silver. The most inexpensive option is $281.40 (Gold), and the priciest option is $290 (Silver.) While the colors shouldn’t matter so much since the iPad should be in a case anyway, some kids get a certain color in their minds and can’t let it go. So, at least there are a few options to choose from.

This iPad has 32GB of storage, which should be enough for kids. If not, there is a 128GB option available, but it is a lot pricier. Things can always be backed up to the cloud before clearing from local storage, so kids can take as many photos as they’d like.

There’s also a 9.7-inch with retina display, which is stunningly clear and bright. For those who are concerned about too much blue light exposure, this iPad is also equipped with Night Shift, which tones down the blue light. These days, when many kids seem to be glued to their devices, this feature is great to have.

The Early 2018 model of the Apple iPad also has a whole host of connectivity options. Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow you to access and share all of your favorite apps and music, and Apple Pencil connectivity allows for more creative opportunities. The Apple Pencil is sold separately.

For those looking for an iPad great for a creative kid, this iPad is a great fit.

Key Features

  • WiFi and Bluetooth Connectivity
  • 1.2MP HD FaceTime Camera
  • Supports Apple Pencil
  • Night Shift Lighting
Specifications

  • Battery Life: 8 Hours
  • Processor : A10 Fusion SoC and M10 Coprocessor
  • Camera: 8MP
  • Storage: 32GB
Pros

  • Great Drawing Capabilities
  • Good Value
  • Quality Display
Cons

  • Battery Life Slightly Shorter Than Comparable Models
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6. Fire HD 8 Kids Edition

8.85 / 10

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While the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition tablet isn’t an iPad per se, it still offers a whole host of great features that are very kid-friendly. From its affordable price, overall design, and Amazon FreeTime compatibility, this tablet has attention to detail that makes it a great choice for a kid.

For starters, this tablet is just under $140, making it one of the more affordable options on this list. If you are buying tablets for multiple children, there’s also a bundle-and-save option available. These days, with everyone home and seemingly tethered to technology, this doesn’t seem like a bad deal. This Kids Edition tablet also comes in vibrant blue, pink, and purple models that are perfect for kids.

This tablet comes with a two-year warranty. Knowing that kids are not always the most careful when it comes to handling a piece of technology, this is a great included feature. While some reviews complain that the tablet isn’t extremely fast out of the box, it still has 32GB of storage which is sufficient for what kids would typically use this technology for.

The Fire HD 8 Kids Edition also comes with an included year of Amazon FreeTime. This gives kids access to plenty of entertainment and ebooks and parents the peace of mind that comes with screentime tracking and parental controls.

Best of all, this tablet also has up to twelve hours of battery life, making it one of the longest battery lives out of the devices included on this list.

All in all, this is a solid choice for someone looking to get a tablet for a kid. It has sufficient performance, product protection, and parental control and will give you peace of mind.

Key Features

  • Available in Three Colors
  • Included 2-Year Warranty
  • USB-C Charging
  • 1 Year Amazon FreeTime Included
Specifications

  • Battery Life: Up to 12 Hours
  • Processor : Quad-core 2.0 GHz
  • Camera: 2MP
  • Storage: 32GB
Pros

  • Very Affordable
  • Easy Parental Controls
  • Good Warranty
Cons

  • Screen Not Very Bright
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7. Apple iPad 2017 Model

8.50 / 10

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The 2017 model of the Apple iPad is among the best iPads for kids because of its affordability, display quality, and great camera.

This particular iPad is available in three colors: Gold, Space Gray, and White, and the prices vary for each. The color may also not matter so much since this iPad will be given to a child and will likely have a heavy-duty case. That being said, the cheapest option (Space Gray) comes in at $233, and the most expensive option (White) is available for $319. This iPad is also a renewed product, which gives you a great opportunity to buy a name-brand product at a more affordable price.

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This iPad has a 9.7-inch retina display, perfect for watching shows and movies from all of the great streaming apps for kids. With an 8MP camera, you can capture memories to send to friends and loved ones easily. Or, in the case of some kids, record funny videos that they’re convinced are utter genius. With a 1.2MP HD FaceTime camera, you can stay connected with those you love, even if they’re far away. And these days, with most kinds of travel still extremely difficult to pull off, FaceTime can keep kids connected to grandparents and other family members.

With a battery life of ten hours, kids can play for an extended time without having to worry about recharging.

Overall, this renewed iPad pick is a great way for kids to stay connected and for parents to score a good deal.

Key Features

  • 9.7-Inch Retina Display
  • Built-In Touch ID and Apple Pay
  • 1.2MP HD FaceTime Camera
  • Up to 10 Hours of Battery Life
Specifications

  • Battery Life: 10 Hours
  • Processor : 1.65 GHz
  • Camera: 8MP
  • Storage: 32GB
Pros

  • Great Display
  • Good Camera
  • Good Deal on Renewed Product
Cons

  • Color Choices Don’t Really Matter for Kids
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8. Fire 7 Kids Edition

8.35 / 10

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The Fire 7 Kids Edition is an ultra budget-friendly pick for this list. Again, it’s not an iPad by brand name but has similar functions and has good value, a built-in kid-proof case, and content geared specifically to kids.

At $99, this tablet is extremely budget-friendly. With so many watching their finances these days, it can be hard to justify big tech purchases that may not be entirely necessary. But, with the Fire 7 Kids Edition, you can rest assured that you’re spending your money on a quality product that is built to last. If you purchase multiple tablets, the bundled price is even lower.

The tablet comes with a built-in kid-proof case that is available in blue, pink, or purple. While the bundled options don’t include two tablets of the same color, perhaps it’s for the best. Especially if these tablets are being bought for siblings, the ownership of said identical tablets can get confusing. Buying a color combo at least keeps things organized.

On the subject of things being kid-proof, this tablet comes with a two-year warranty that is reviewed as being very convenient. With tablets in the hands of kids, anything can happen, so it’s good to know you’re covered. While the camera and display quality may not be as high tech compared to the other tablets and the high-quality iPads on this list, it’s passable for a kid.

The only real downside of this tablet is that the battery life is only seven hours. With so much to handle during the day, and children not always being very reliable when it comes to charging their tech, this could end in a backseat meltdown. That being said, seven hours is still plenty for a few days of usage or a road trip.

Key Features

  • MicroSD Compatible for Up to 512GB Storage
  • Built-In Kid Proof Case
  • Included Two-Year Warranty
  • One Year of Amazon FreeTime Included
Specifications

  • Battery Life: Up to 7 Hours
  • Processor : Quad-core 1.3 GHz
  • Camera: 2MP
  • Storage: 16 GB
Pros

  • Good Value
  • Included Warranty
  • Fully Functional Tablet
Cons

  • Battery Life on the Shorter Side
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9. Apple iPad Air 2

8.25 / 10

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The Apple iPad Air 2 was released back in 2015 but is available on Amazon as a renewed product. It’s one of the best because it’s available in multiple colors, has different storage sizes available, and has a great quality camera.

For starters, this iPad is available in black, silver, and white. Depending on your color and storage preferences, you can get an Apple iPad Air 2 for as little as $265. In most cases, a budget iPad is perfect for a kid. They tend to not need the iPad for excessively advanced functions, and in the case of a toddler, they’re just happy to have a screen to play with. Reviewers have noted that this iPad is great for younger children!

This iPad is available in both a 16GB and a 64GB version. Depending on what the storage needs may be, or if this is an iPad that you intend to share with a kid, it’s great to know that both options are available.

The camera on this iPad is also similar to comparable iPad models. It seems that Apple didn’t make any major upgrades to the camera between 2015 and 2018, so it’s the same 8MP camera like many other iPads on this list. That being said, it’s still a great quality camera. There are geotagging and tap-to-focus features that make capturing and organizing memories easier than ever. It’s perfect for taking photos and videos to share with family and friends and is a great way to stay connected nowadays.

Key Features

  • Fingerprint-Resistant Coating
  • 9.7-Inch LED Backlit Screen
  • Bluetooth 4.0 Technology
  • Video Geotagging
Specifications

  • Battery Life: 10 Hours
  • Processor : A8X Chip with 64-bit Architecture; M8 Motion Coprocessor
  • Camera: 8MP
  • Storage: 16GB and 64GB Available
Pros

  • Excellent Value
  • Great for Toddlers
  • Great Storage Space Available
Cons

  • Comes with iOS 8 Installed
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10. Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition

7.75 / 10

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The Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition may not be an iPad, but it still delivers bright and vivid colors, good battery life, a kid-friendly content that makes this tablet one of the best.

At just under $120, it’s one of the more mid-to-lower range budget options on this list. While the description does show some color options, it doesn’t give you the option before adding it to your cart. It solely shows the green option. Whether or not that means you’ll receive the green bumper case in the mail remains to be seen. That being said, it’s still great that a case is included in the first place since children are admittedly accident-prone. Insurance is also available upon checkout, which can help give peace of mind. For around $40 for two years’ protection, you’d have to weigh your options if the additional cost would be worth it.

Reviews for this tablet note its limited RAM but good display. For a kid, as long as they can play some games and watch some streaming, they should be ok. Since multitasking on a tablet is virtually nonexistent, the limited RAM doesn’t seem like a huge setback. As far as the display, the eight-inch screen is praised as having bright and vivid colors, which seems perfect for a tablet for kids.

This tablet is specifically designed with kids in mind and features an interface that has kid-friendly content. And with Parental Control features, you can monitor your child’s screen time and access to content.

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With 13-hour battery life, this tablet is in it for the long haul and earns its spot on this list.

Key Features

  • 8-Inch Display
  • Bumper Case Included
  • Includes Curated Kids Content
  • Bluetooth 4.2 Compatibility
Specifications

  • Battery Life: Up to 13 Hours
  • Processor : Qualcomm
  • Camera: 5MP
  • Storage: 32GB
Pros

  • Vivid and Bright Colors
  • Good Battery Life
  • Lightweight
Cons

  • Only 2GB RAM
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The best iPads for Kids have a wide range of capabilities, long battery life, and enough storage for kids to enjoy their favorite apps, games, and programs. With an option for every budget, you’re bound to find the perfect iPad (or something similar!) for the kid in your life.

And with school coming back into session, with some students engaging in hybrid or e-learning, investing in good technology may also be a worthwhile investment into a child’s education.

Common Features Among The Best iPads For Kids

Most of the options on this list have a battery life of about seven hours, with some options up to twelve or thirteen hours. It bears repeating that iPads are a great resource for kids learning from home, and also serve as an entertainment device in their free time. So since the current times warrant a lot of screen time, you need a battery that will keep up. And since kids aren’t always entirely reliable when it comes to charging their devices, long battery life is a good backup plan.

Additional connectivity is also extremely common among the best iPads for kids. When it comes to the Apple brand, things like the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard are compatible with some of the newer models. Even for those devices that are not Apple brand, features like Bluetooth connectivity make connecting to headphones, external sound devices, or other Bluetooth-enabled products simpler.

Parental controls and monitoring are also popular, and rightfully so. When children have access to tech, it’s important to monitor not only the things that they’re watching but also how long they’re using their devices as a whole. This way, kids can enjoy their iPads (or similar devices) and the internet while parents have peace of mind. Especially when it comes to situations where children could be making in-app purchases, it’s great to know parents have control over whether or not they’ll be receiving surprise bills.

All in all, these devices are fun to use, have some entertaining and educational features, and available for every budget. So with school starting soon, be sure to check out the best iPads for kids available on Amazon today.

FAQ

Q: Are iPads good for kids?

Yes, they are. The best iPads for kids have various applications that make learning more engaging and effective. These apps have a simple interface and animated images that ensure kids don’t get bored, making it easy to instill literacy and numeracy skills.

Children find tapping on the iPads screen fun, a handy trick that helps expand contingent sensory stimulation in toddlers. They heighten their cognitive skill development, enabling youngsters to process sensory information like analyzing, making comparisons,  and evaluating, among others.

Additionally, some iPads come with stylus or Apple pens that encourage creativity. You can help your kids download creative apps and set aside a few minutes for them to draw and sketch whatever comes into their minds.

Q: How much time should kids spend on their iPads?

Many organizations state that too much screen time can affect your kid’s ability to focus and communicate with other people. As such, you should limit iPad usage according to your child’s age.

For kids aged two to five years, iPad use should be limited to one hour under the supervision of an adult. During this time, they should only play kids-friendly games and watch non-violent and educative content. Children six years and older can use their iPad for three hours (maximum) after completing their homework and house chores. Try to use the exact boundaries during weekends and closing days.

Screen time is inevitable for teens since they benefit a lot from today’s technology. However, teach them about cyber-bullying, accessing inappropriate content, and stalking.

Q: What should I look for when buying my kid an iPad?

The best iPads for kids have a screen that stretches from seven to twelve inches. As a parent, you should pick one that delivers a satisfying viewing experience without being too large for your little one.

Kids are likely to get frustrated when their iPads battery dies minutes after playing amusing games. Consider buying one with a long-lasting battery since it saves your child the need to carry a charger when attending classes.

If your kid is clumsy, examine the iPads build quality to ensure it can stand up to knocks and drops. For the screen quality, go for one with strengthened Gorilla glass since they are tough enough to withstand cracks after a short-distanced drop.

Remember, children are different, so the color will impact your buying decision. You can buy a fancy cover if the iPad you prefer isn’t available in your kid’s favorite color.

Q: Is an iPad better than a laptop?

Both iPads and laptops thrive in different areas, but kids love interacting more with an iPad. For instance, iPads are lightweight, so children can easily hold them for long when doing their educational research. Their increased mobility also makes it easy for kids to toss them in a bag when going to school.

These iPads also have responsive touch screens that allow youngsters to unleash their creativity by using drawing apps. Another feature that makes iPads great for kids is their parental control function. With it, you can restrict or block various applications to prevent your child from accessing inappropriate content.

Q: What tips should parents implement before buying their kids iPads?

Arguably, the most important thing you should do is wait till your kid reaches the appropriate age. By doing so, you’ll give your child enough time to interact with the environment during their development stage. It could be interpreting facial expressions or interacting with the physical world.

Different iPads have parental controls features that allow you to restrict what content your child interacts with or views. You can lock some applications, disable in-app purchases, or use internet filters to help maintain positive behaviors in your children. Setting a time limit also ensures your kid doesn’t become too dependent on the iPad. Younger children may require your supervision and guidance as it helps create meaningful interactions.

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