By: Bryan Tropeano
Let’s be honest—giving your kid a tablet is a big decision. You want something that’ll keep them entertained, help them learn, and survive the occasional drop off the couch (or out of their hands). With so many options out there, finding the best tablet for kids can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’ve done the digging to help you choose the right one in 2025, whether your child is a toddler just discovering apps or a tween juggling homework and Minecraft.
Here’s what you need to know before making your pick.
Why Choosing the Right Tablet Matters
Not all tablets are created equal—especially when kids are involved. You’ll want to think about things like parental controls, screen durability, battery life, and whether the device comes preloaded with age-appropriate content. It’s also worth considering how long the tablet will grow with your child. A toddler’s first tablet is very different from one you’d give a 10-year-old.
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro: Built for Bumps and Boundaries
If you’ve ever worried about your child dropping their tablet (who hasn’t?), the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is probably the closest thing to a tank. It comes with a rugged case, a two-year worry-free guarantee, and access to Amazon Kids+, a subscription packed with books, games, and educational content.
It’s a strong contender for the best tablet for kids thanks to its affordable price and kid-first design. Parental controls are straightforward, and the included case helps it withstand most rough-and-tumble handling.
Apple iPad 9th or 10th Gen: Best for Long-Term Use
If your budget stretches a bit, the classic iPad is hard to beat. It’s sleek, fast, and gives you full access to the App Store, which means your child can use it for everything from drawing and reading to typing up school reports.
While it may not be designed specifically for children, its longevity, performance, and app variety make it one of the best tablets for kids who are ready to transition to more powerful tech. To learn how to set up parental controls on iPads, check out Apple’s official parental control guide.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 (Kids Edition): Freedom with Flexibility
For parents who prefer the Android world, the Galaxy Tab A9 offers a solid middle ground. It’s lightweight, runs on Android with access to the Google Play Store, and includes Samsung Kids mode—a safe, colorful space for younger users to explore games, stories, and educational activities.
It may not be the flashiest device, but in terms of value and flexibility, it’s definitely in the running for the best tablet for kids in a shared or Android-based household.
LeapFrog LeapPad Academy: Learning Through Play
If your child is just starting their tech journey—say, in the 3-to-7 age range—the LeapPad Academy is a great way to dip their toes into the digital world. It’s built from the ground up with kids in mind: big icons, simple controls, and lots of offline activities designed to build early reading and math skills.
It’s not the fastest device out there, but it’s intentionally made for learning and early development—earning it a spot among the best tablets for kids who need safe, structured tech.
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus: One Tablet, Many Users
Have multiple kids (or adults) sharing one device? The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus might be the most versatile pick on this list. It’s not specifically made for kids, but with Kids Mode enabled, it becomes a safe space for younger users—while still being powerful enough for YouTube, homework, or streaming movies.
If you’re hunting for the best tablet for kids that can also serve as a general-use family device, this one’s worth a serious look.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the best tablet for kids depends on your child’s age, interests, and how they’ll use it. Younger kids benefit from more curated experiences like the Fire HD or LeapPad, while older children might thrive with the freedom of an iPad or Android tablet.
Whatever you choose, just remember: tablets are tools. With the right device and parental guidance, they can help kids learn, create, and grow in amazing ways.
To ensure your child stays protected online, setting up parental controls on devices is a must. Plus, don’t miss our review of educational apps for kids that pair perfectly with the best tablets for kids.
About the Author: Bryan is a senior producer and a regular reporter for NewsWatch. He lives in Washington D.C. and loves all things Tech.
