Last summer, I watched my niece transform from a reluctant reader into a budding bookworm, all thanks to an educational tablet.  It was like magic—suddenly, stories came alive with interactive elements, and math became a game she couldn’t wait to play.  But finding that perfect tablet?  That was a journey in itself. 

As an aunt and a tech enthusiast, I, along with the KiddyNeedz team, spent weeks researching, comparing, and yes, occasionally pulling my hair out over the dizzying array of options. Which one would be sturdy enough to survive inevitable drops?  Was the educational content actually, well, educational?  And most importantly, would it keep the kids engaged without turning her into a screen zombie? 

With a market flooded with options, finding the perfect balance of education, entertainment, and durability can feel like searching for a digital needle in a haystack. That’s why the KiddyNeedz team has done the legwork for you. 

In this guide, we’ll cut through the jargon and marketing hype to reveal the truly outstanding educational tablets of 2024. We made the kids in the family of our team members use the tablets and share their experiences with us. They helped us to choose the best ones available in the market now.

In this review of the best educational tablets, we will discuss about what you need to consider while choosing the best education tablet for students. We have also shortlisted 5 great ones available in the market that can have your child learning, laughing, and maybe even giving you a few precious moments of peace. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Educational Tablet

There are tablets of different configurations, capabilities, and content libraries available in the market. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when you’re on the hunt for the perfect educational tablet:

A. Age-appropriateness:

Just like you wouldn’t give a toddler a calculus textbook, you need to make sure the tablet’s content and interface are right for your child’s age. A 3-year-old needs something different from a 10-year-old, so look for age ratings and adjustable settings.

B. Durability and build quality:

Let’s face it – kids aren’t exactly known for their gentle touch. You want a tablet that can handle being dropped, drooled on, and maybe even sat on. Look tablets with for sturdy builds, shock-resistant cases, and screens that can take a beating.

C. Parental controls and safety features:

The internet can be a wild place, and you want to make sure your kid stays in the safe zone. Good parental controls let you filter content, set time limits, and keep an eye on what your child is up to. It’s not about being Big Brother – it’s about being a smart, involved parent.

D. Educational content and apps:

This is the meat and potatoes of an educational tablet. Look for tablets that offer a wide range of subjects, engaging games that actually teach something, and a vast library of content for all ages that your children will be able to access when they grow up. Bonus points if it aligns with school curriculums!

E. Battery life:

There’s nothing worse than a dead tablet in the middle of a long car ride (or when you really need 15 minutes of peace and quiet). A good educational tablet should have enough juice to last through several learning sessions or at least a full day of intermittent use.

F. Price and value for money:

We do not want you to break the bank, but you must not also waste money on a tablet that’ll be obsolete in six months. Consider the longevity of the device, the quality of included content, and any subscription costs for apps or services. Remember that  spending a bit more upfront can save you from recurring costs in the long run.

Top Picks for Educational Tablets in 2024

There are many great educational tablets for various needs and budgets. You can find a tablet for your child, whether you want an affordable option or a high-quality device.

Let’s look at some of the best choices available, focusing on their strengths and what makes each one unique.

The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet is designed for young children, offering a vibrant 10.1″ 1080p Full HD display and a user-friendly interface. This large screen size makes the tablet perfect for using educational apps and watching videos, enhancing the joy of interactive learning manifolds.

During our testing, we were amazed at how well the tablet’s included case handled drops and impacts. It survived several drops onto hardwood floors without issue, much to our relief. The battery life is also notable, lasting two days of moderate use, and it charges fully in under four hours.

One of the tablet’s highlights is the 1-year Amazon Kids+ subscription that comes with the tablet. It includes ad-free books, games, and educational apps that children will really like. The Reading Goals feature, in particular, encouraged our testers to read daily by setting manageable targets.

Also noteworthy are the robust parental control features it offers. It allows you to adjust content by age, monitor screen time, block websites, and even approve app purchases remotely. Also included is the Amazon Parent Dashboard, which allowed us to regularly monitor our children’s usage of the tab. We were also able to set personalized learning goals for our child, which helped us stay actively engaged in their digital learning journey.

Available in Blue, Pink, Disney Princess, and Mickey Mouse designs, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet adds a fun, personalized touch. With a 4.6 rating on Amazon, this tablet is a top pick for introducing children to the digital world safely.

Key Features and Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	10.1″ 1080p Full HD (1920 x 1200)
Storage	32GB (expandable up to 1TB with microSD)
RAM	3GB
Processor	Octa-core processor – 2x Arm Cortex-A76 up to 2.05 Ghz and 6x Arm Cortex A55 up to 2 Ghz with
Battery Life	Up to 13 hours
Cameras	5MP rear and front, 1080p video recording
Weight	23.21 oz (658.1g)
Kid-proof Case	Yes, with built-in stand
Amazon Kids+ Subscription	1-year included
Accessibility	VoiceView, Screen magnifier, Closed Captioning, Font Size, High Contrast Text, Color Inversion, Color Correction, and Convert Stereo to Mono audio
Parental Controls	Enhanced
Connectivity	Dual-band Wi-Fi, USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3
Warranty	2-year worry-free guarantee

The Apple iPad (10th Gen) stands out as a versatile powerhouse that grows with your child, making it ideal for older kids and teenagers. Our teenage tester was thrilled with the iPad’s versatility, and we observed a significant increase in his engagement with educational content using the interactive science apps and digital art programs that are available.

During our testing, the battery easily lasted through a full day of mixed use, that included video streaming and document editing. The True Tone display proved easy on the eyes during extended reading sessions, which our teenage tester particularly appreciated during study marathons. The new landscape-oriented front camera with Center Stage was a game-changer for video calls and online classes, keeping our tester centered in the frame.

In our opinion, the iPad 10th Generation is perfect for kids education. It could easily handle all the tasks that we threw at it: from reading interactive textbooks to doing creative projects. The A14 Bionic chip powering the iPad delivers smooth performance across all applications, from immersive educational games to video editing projects. The included USB-C port made connecting to external displays and accessories much more convenient compared to older models.

While the iPad 10th Generation comes at a higher price point and requires additional purchases like the Apple Pencil (1st generation only) and a protective case, its performance and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for serious learners. The Magic Keyboard Folio (sold separately) adds laptop-like functionality, which our older testers found particularly useful for schoolwork.

One minor drawback we observed was that younger users might find the lack of a protective case (as included with dedicated kids’ tablets) a concern, so parents should factor in the cost of a suitable case. Additionally, while iPadOS offers some parental controls, they’re not as comprehensive as those found on dedicated children’s tablets.

Kids can leverage the Split View feature for running two apps side by side. When this multitasking feature is combined with the Apple Pencil, the iPad becomes a powerful note-taking and study tool, perfect for more effective studying. You can also explore the Screen Time feature to set limits and monitor usage of your child.

Key Features and Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	10.1″ 1080p Full HD (1920 x 1200)
Storage	32GB (expandable up to 1TB)
RAM	3GB
Processor	Octa-core 2.0 GHz
Battery Life	Up to 12 hours
Cameras	5MP rear, 2MP front-facing
Weight	25.2 oz (714 g) with case
Protective Case	Kid-proof with built-in stand
Subscription	1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+
Warranty	2-year worry-free guarantee
Parental Controls	Enhanced

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ proved to be a capable all-rounder in our tests. It is a feature-rich Android tablet that can double up as a kid’s educational device and a family tablet. It is very easy to switch between standard and kids modes on this tablet, making it a perfect choice for families with children of different ages.

During our testing, the bright, engaging 11″ display quality stood out during educational video playback, offering crisp visuals that kept the children engaged. The quality of audio from the quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos was very impressive. It provided a movie theater-like experience and greatly enhanced the experience of learning from the tablet.

The Multi-Active Window feature, which allowed them to run up to three apps simultaneously, became a favorite for our older testers. This helped in efficient studying, and was particularly useful for school projects that required multiple sources of information. This ability of the Galaxy Tab A9+ to run multiple apps simultaneously makes it suitable for more complex educational tasks as children grow older.

The Samsung Kids App provides a safe place for kids to learn and play with a wide variety of playful, colorful content that keeps them entertained while stimulating their young minds.We found great value in setting up Bixby Routines to automatically switch to Kids Mode during designated hours, ensuring a safe browsing environment when parents couldn’t directly supervise.

While the Galaxy Tab A9+ doesn’t come with a protective case, its slim, light, and durable design makes it portable and sturdy enough for family use. Although it has less robust parental controls compared to dedicated kids’ tablets, its flexibility, portability, and performance make it a solid choice for families looking for a shared device with kid-friendly options.

Key Features and Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	11.0″ LCD (1920 x 1200)
Processor	Qualcomm SM6375
Storage	64GB/128GB (expandable up to 1TB)
RAM	4GB/8GB
Battery	7040mAh
Cameras	8MP rear, 5MP front
Weight	1.14 pounds (517 g)
Access	Google Play Store
Mode	Samsung Kids mode for a child-friendly interface
Multitasking	Multi-window capability

The Lenovo Tab M11 impressed our testers as a versatile tablet suitable for both productivity and entertainment. 

Sporting an 11″ 1920×1200 WUXGA display, the tablet delivers crisp visuals that enhance both work-related tasks and multimedia consumption. Our testers especially loved the vivid clarity the tablet provides while viewing photos and graphics.

The MediaTek Helio G88 Octa-Core processor proved capable of handling multiple applications and browser tabs simultaneously without noticeable slowdowns. This made it a hit with our older testers who needed to multitask for school projects or work-related tasks.

The front and rear cameras were adequate for video calls and basic photography, though not exceptional. The 128GB SSD storage offered ample space for apps, photos, and files, reducing the need for immediate cloud storage solutions.

The battery life lived up to the promised 10 hours, easily lasting through a full day of mixed use. The intelligent ambient light sensor was a subtle but appreciated feature, automatically adjusting screen brightness for comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions.

While not specifically designed for young children, the tablet’s durability and included folio case made it suitable for careful pre-teens and teenagers. The USB-C port and 3.5mm audio jack make it easy to connect accessories and headphones whenever you need them.

Running on Android 13, the Tab M11 provided a familiar and user-friendly experience. However, it lacks the robust parental controls and kid-specific content found in tablets designed exclusively for children.

Overall, the Lenovo Tab M11 stands out as a solid choice for families with older children or adults seeking a versatile tablet for both work and play. If you are looking for a great mix of performance, display quality, and battery life, then this is a tablet for you. You will be able to use it for everything from casual browsing to more demanding productivity tasks.

Key Features and Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	11″ WUXGA (1920 x 1200 resolution)
Processor	MediaTek Helio G88 Octa-Core
RAM	4GB
Storage	128GB SSD
Operating System	Android 13
Battery Life	Up to 10 hours
Ports	USB-C port, 3.5mm audio jack
Cameras	Front and rear cameras (13 MP rear camera)
Sensor	Intelligent ambient light sensor
Connectivity	Wi-Fi (802.11bgn)
Weight	1.03 pounds (467 g)
Dimensions	6.54 x 10 x 0.28 inches
Included Accessories	Folio case

The LeapFrog LeapPad Academy Kids’ Learning Tablet impressed our testers with its robust educational content and kid-friendly design. This Android-based tablet strikes a balance between entertainment and learning, making it an excellent choice for parents prioritizing education..

The 20 preloaded educational apps stood out for their quality and engagement, covering subjects like coding, reading, math, science, and spelling. You can also take full advantage of the LeapFrog Academy trial to explore its adaptive learning features and supplement the preloaded content. The option to download additional content from the LeapFrog App Center or popular Android apps provides longevity, though at an extra cost.

The LeapSearch browser preloaded in this tablet sparks the curiosity of children by allowing them to discover information easily. It includes several child-safety features that offer parents complete peace of mind. The parental control features, like allowing time limits and content approval across up to three user profiles, were easy to use and customizable as children will grow up.

Our young testers particularly enjoyed the creative tools that allowed them to customize their home screens. The included stylus was an unexpected hit among our testers. It didn’t just add a fun, interactive twist; it also helped our testers sharpen their fine motor skills in a way that felt natural and almost effortless.

The tablet is also highly durable. We felt that this tablet isn’t just tough; it’s practically indestructible. With its silicone bumper and shatter-safe 7″ screen, it withstood every accidental drop, bump, and tumble, leaving us thoroughly impressed.

This tablet doesn’t have the processing power of the other high-end tablet models. However, its kid-friendly design and an emphasis on providing educational content are quite impressive. Overall, you can choose this tablet as an affordable option for enhancing the education of your children.

Key Features and Specifications

Feature	Specification
Screen	7″ shatter-safe LCD screen
Storage	16GB (expandable up to 32GB with microSD card, not included)
Operating System	Android
Preloaded Apps	20 educational apps
Web Browser	LeapSearch kid-friendly web browser
Battery	Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Protective Case	Removable silicone bumper with built-in kickstand
Stylus	Included
Parental Controls	Yes
App Access	LeapFrog App Center
Free Trial	3-month free trial of LeapFrog Academy
Weight	1.61 pounds

Recap of the top choices

As we wrap up our exploration of the best educational tablets for kids in 2024, let’s quickly revisit our top picks:

1. Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet: A robust, kid-friendly option with excellent parental controls and a vast library of educational content.
2. Apple iPad (2022, 10th Gen): The gold standard for performance and app quality, offering a premium experience that grows with your child.
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Tablet: A versatile Android option that balances performance, price, and educational possibilities.
4. Lenovo Tab M11 Tablet: An affordable yet capable tablet that doesn’t skimp on educational features.
5. LeapFrog LeapPad Academy Kids’ Learning Tablet: Purpose-built for education, it’s an excellent choice for younger children just starting their digital learning journey.

Our Recommendation

After careful consideration of features, price points, and educational value, our top recommendation for the best educational tablet for kids in 2024 is the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet.

Here’s why it stands out:

1. Kid-Friendly Design: The tablet comes with a durable, colorful case that can withstand the occasional drop or spill, making it perfect for young hands.
2. Robust Parental Controls: Amazon’s parental controls are among the best in the industry. It will allow you to easily manage screen time, set educational goals, and filter content.
3. Extensive Educational Content: With a year of Amazon Kids+ included, your child has access to thousands of apps, games, books, and videos from trusted sources.
4. Excellent Value: The competitive price point, coupled with Amazon’s 2-year worry-free guarantee, makes this tablet an outstanding value for money.
5. Age-appropriate Customization: The interface can be adjusted to suit different age groups, meaning the tablet can grow with your child.

While the Apple iPad offers superior performance and the LeapFrog LeapPad excels for very young children, we believe the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet strikes the best balance of educational content, durability, parental controls, and affordability for most families.

But every child’s needs are unique. The iPad might be better for older kids who need more advanced features, while the LeapFrog could be ideal for toddlers just starting their digital journey. Therefore, consider the age and interests of your child and your budget when making your final decision.

Tips for Making the Most of Educational Tablets

A. Set screen time limits

• Use built-in parental controls to set daily usage limits
• Create a “tablet schedule” – designate specific times for tablet use
• Implement the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Encourage “earning” tablet time through completing other activities or chores

B. Choosing appropriate apps and content

• Research and read reviews before downloading new apps
• Look for apps that align with your child’s school curriculum
• Prioritize interactive content that requires thinking and problem-solving
• Regularly update and rotate apps to keep content fresh and age-appropriate
• Use trusted educational sources like PBS Kids, National Geographic Kids, or BrainPOP

C. Engaging with your child’s learning

• Ask your child to teach you what they’ve learned on the tablet
• Play educational games together on the tablet
• Use tablet activities as conversation starters about various topics
• Set learning goals together and track progress using the tablet’s features
• Create projects that combine tablet learning with real-world activities

D. Balancing tablet use with other activities

• Implement a “tech-free” time each day for non-digital activities
• Encourage outdoor play and physical activities to balance screen time
• Use tablet learning as a springboard for hands-on experiments or art projects
• Integrate tablet use with traditional learning methods like books and writing
• Teach the importance of face-to-face social interactions alongside digital skills

Remember, the key to successful educational tablet use is balance and active involvement. By implementing these tips, you can ensure that your child’s tablet time is not just entertaining but truly educational and beneficial for their overall development.

Frequently Asked Questions