The Best Tablets for Kids of 2026

• Display: 8-inch display
• Storage: 32GB or 64GB
• Battery life: 12 hours
  Editor's Note:

  This is the latest version of the one we tested. While the specs are similar and we expect the latest edition to perform as well, if not better, we will be testing the 12th generation shortly and will update any differences in our review.

The Amazon Fire Tablet HD 8 is virtually identical to the 10 except for one big thing: Screen size. It’s a noticeable two inches smaller than its bigger sibling.

Now, I’m not one to get involved in family dynamics, but if the younger child in my house got the smaller tablet and the older child the bigger one, the tantrum would be fierce. So take my advice and don’t let size be a consideration if you’re thinking about tablets for two kids. That said, the 8 is the perfect size for younger kids with smaller hands and heads—unless, of course, they have an older sibling with the 10!

It's also worth noting that the smaller screen size doesn't equal more hours of battery life. The HD 10 and the HD 8 last for about 10 to 12 hours without needing to be recharged.

• Display: 10.1-inch display
• Storage: 32GB
• Battery life: 12 hours

The Onn Tablet is a fairly new-to-the-game device, a house brand of Walmart's that includes televisions and other electronics. It’s powered by Google Android and you use your child’s Google account when setting it up. There are multiple-steps involved in this process, which did give me pause as my 6-year-old didn’t yet have her own Google account when I began the testing. Once I figured that out it was fairly simple to use.

The Onn has a whole bunch of cute features that cater to younger kids. The home screen is more of a welcome screen, with different tabs that open up and tell the user a joke, the weather, and what apps were previously used. It feels very kid-friendly, and my 4-year-old preferred it over the other tablets, even though he knows the Fire tablets well.

Similar to the Fire tablets, the Onn also came preloaded with a bunch of apps spanning books to games to videos. It should be noted that the pre-loaded apps are not always the best apps in terms of quality—some leave a lot to be desired when it comes to design, usefulness, and creativity.

The tablet’s build quality feels less substantial than all the others we tested, but it also doesn’t come with a thick, foam cover like the Amazon Fires. This was the one tablet that suffered a very minor chip on the top corner. Kids drop devices, that’s a given. So definitely get a cover. But when it comes down to it, the Onn tablet is definitely the most affordable 10-inch kids tablet.

• Display: 7-inch display
• Storage: 8GB
• Battery life: 5 hours

The LeapPad Academy tablet is the latest in a long line of tech devices created by LeapFrog, and is different from the other devices we tested in that it has its own operating system that is specially designed for LeapFrog. It does not venture into iOS or Android territory, though some Android apps are available to download.

This tablet is great for parents who don’t want their kids on YouTube or Netflix. There are no “browsers'' on the kid’s profiles; they instead can use LeapFrog’s proprietary LeapSearch app. There are categories like “Animals” and “Music,” some preloaded educational videos and an option to add websites that have been approved by grownups.

The parental controls are very good with the LeapPad. The device comes preloaded with 20 apps that are educational and fun, and both my 4 and 6-year-olds found them engaging. In order to access the more than 2,000 additional apps in LeapFrog Academy, you must subscribe. The first three months are free and then it’s $7.99 per month.

In terms of durability, the tablet feels very sturdy. The screen isn't flimsy and the included thick, green bumpers on the sides and corners give parents peace of mind.

• Display: 10.2-inch display
• Storage: 64GB
• Battery life: 10 hours

If this review was about which tablet is best for anyone but kids, the iPad 2021 would win with flying colors. It’s lightweight and beautifully designed. The set-up and app installation process is seamless. There's even an Apple Pencil to help you draw on it. The tablet functions like a pro.

But when it comes down to usability, the iPad is just not made for kids. There are parental controls, so you can limit what your kid watches or plays. You can order kid-friendly cases to protect the precious and beautifully-rounded edges. But that’s it. And when considering what your kids will use the tablet for, there’s really no reason to opt for Apple except perhaps the fact that it can connect with existing Apple family plans.

Yes, the video and audio quality is top notch—great for watching a movie—and the touchscreen is very sensitive, but you can get close to perfection with the other devices for far less cost and worry.

• Display: 8.7-inch display
• Storage: 32GB
• Battery life: 10 hours

Samsung used to make a Galaxy tablet that was just for kids; the Tab E Lite came equipped with a cushioned case and was pretty similar to the Fire. It appears that the tablet is now discontinued and instead Samsung users can add a kids profile to other Samsung products including their Galaxy Tab A7.

While the Samsung Kids profile is easy to download and navigate and it does offer different levels of protection, this tablet is really a device that’s for adults. Similar to the iPad, it comes with a stylus pen and a black leather case—neither of which make you instantly think of a child. And speaking of the case, it actually hindered performance. It was difficult to find the power and volume buttons at times, not to mention the headphone and power outlets.

My 6-year-old played with this tablet a few times, but she would always ask to go to the “Daddy side.” I think that says something.