Buying Guide for the Best Budget Tablets For Kids
Choosing a tablet for kids involves more than just picking the cheapest option. It’s important to consider both how your child will use the tablet and the level of parental control and durability you need. Think about whether the tablet will be used mostly for educational apps, games, videos, or reading. Also, since kids can be rough with their devices, features like sturdiness and ease of use matter. Prioritizing the right balance among these factors is the key to a happy purchase.Screen SizeScreen size means how big the display is, measured diagonally in inches. This matters because it affects how comfortable it is for your child to hold and use the tablet—larger screens are better for watching videos and playing games, but smaller tablets are often lighter and easier for small hands to manage. For toddlers and very young kids, a screen size of 7-8 inches is usually ideal; it's lightweight and easy to grip. For older children who use the tablet for homework or more immersive activities, a 9-10 inch model might be more suitable. Consider where and how your child will use the device before deciding.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the tablet can withstand drops, spills, and everyday wear and tear. This is especially important for kids, who might not always handle gadgets carefully. Many tablets designed for kids come with rugged cases or are built extra tough. If the tablet doesn’t have built-in protection, check if a good case is available. If your child is very young or tends to be rough with toys, prioritize high durability or invest in a robust protective case to help the device last longer.
Parental ControlsParental controls are features that let you manage what your child can access, how long they can use the tablet, and which apps or websites they can visit. This is important for keeping your child safe while they use the internet and for encouraging healthy screen time boundaries. Tablets made for kids usually have built-in parental control options, while adult tablets may require you to set these up yourself. If you have specific limits or want to monitor your child’s activities closely, look for tablets with easy-to-use and comprehensive parental control features.
Battery LifeBattery life tells you how long the tablet can be used before needing to be charged again. The more hours of battery life, the longer your child can use their tablet on a single charge, which is especially useful for travel or busy days. Lower battery life (around 4-6 hours) might be fine for occasional, supervised use, while longer battery life (7-10 hours or more) is better if the tablet will be used for long car rides or daily homework. Consider your child’s routine and where they’ll use the tablet most often.
Performance (Processor and RAM)Performance refers to how smoothly the tablet runs apps and games, which is influenced by its processor and RAM (memory). Higher performance means less lag and faster loading, which is important if your child plays demanding games or uses interactive educational apps. For basic activities, like video watching and simple games, even entry-level performance will be fine. For older children who might use more demanding applications or multitask, choosing a tablet with higher RAM and a stronger processor will provide a smoother experience.
Storage SpaceStorage is the space the tablet has for apps, photos, videos, and downloads. Kids who love downloading games and media will use up storage faster. Basic usage (just a few apps and occasional photos) can get by with less storage (8-16GB), but if you think your child will want lots of games or offline videos, 32GB or higher, or a tablet that allows you to add a memory card, can help prevent running out of space quickly.
Content EcosystemThe content ecosystem refers to the selection of apps, educational tools, games, and entertainment available on the tablet. This matters because some tablets are designed specifically for kids, with access to safe, kid-friendly content, while others just use standard app stores. Consider whether you want ready access to curated educational and kid-friendly apps, which is easier on tablets made just for kids, or if you prefer flexibility to choose from a wide range of apps. Match the tablet’s ecosystem to your child’s age, your educational goals, and your own comfort with setting up apps and content.