Tablets for Kids: What to Know Before You Buy

What matters when you're choosing a tablet for a child

A tablet is a tool, and like any tool, it works better for some jobs than others. Before you spend money, think about what your child will actually do with it: watch videos, read books, draw, play games, do schoolwork, or some mix of those. The tablet that's best for a seven-year-old who needs it for school assignments is different from the one that's best for a toddler who will drop it, which is different from the one for a teenager who wants to create content. Price matters, but so does durability, screen size, parental controls, and whether the device will still work in two years when your child's needs change.

This guide walks you through the real differences between tablets on the market, what each type costs, and what to think about before you buy. It does not tell you which tablet is "best" — that depends on your child, your budget, and what they'll use it for.

Key Takeaways

• iPad (standard model) and Samsung Galaxy Tab A are the most common choices for kids because they have good parental controls, large app libraries, and models at different price points.
• Budget tablets under $150 exist but often have slower processors, dimmer screens, and fewer parental control options — they work for video watching but struggle with schoolwork or creative apps.
• Screen size ranges from 7 inches (fits in a backpack, easier to hold) to 12 inches (better for reading and schoolwork, harder to carry), and size affects how much a child can see and how long they'll use it comfortably.
• Parental controls vary widely: some tablets let you set screen time limits and app restrictions from your own phone, while others require you to manage settings on the device itself.
• A protective case and screen protector cost $20 to $60 but often prevent damage that would cost $100 to $300 to repair.

iPad models and what they cost

Apple makes four iPad lines, and the differences matter for families. The iPad (standard) is the entry point — usually $329 for the base model, with a 10.9-inch screen. It runs the same software as expensive iPads, has solid parental controls through Apple's Screen Time feature, and works with most educational apps. It's durable enough for school use if it's in a case. The main trade-off is that it's not the fastest processor, so it can lag if your child runs many apps at once or plays graphics-heavy games.

The iPad Air ($599) has a faster processor and a slightly better screen, which matters if your child does photo editing, video work, or plays demanding games. The iPad Pro ($799 and up) is built for professional work — video editing, illustration, design — and is overkill for most kids. The iPad mini ($499) has a 8.3-inch screen, which is smaller and lighter than the standard iPad, good for kids who travel or have smaller hands, but the smaller screen makes reading and schoolwork harder.

All iPads run the same parental controls system, so the choice is really about screen size and speed. For most families with kids under 14, the standard iPad does what you need. If your child is in middle or high school and uses the tablet for serious schoolwork or creative projects, the Air is worth the extra cost.

Samsung and other Android tablets

Samsung's Galaxy Tab A series ($150 to $350, depending on screen size) is the most common Android tablet for kids. It has a 7-inch, 8-inch, or 10-inch screen option, runs parental control software called Samsung Kids, and costs less than an iPad. The parental controls are straightforward — you can set daily time limits, restrict which apps your child can open, and monitor usage from your phone. The app library is smaller than Apple's, but most popular educational and entertainment apps exist on both platforms.

The trade-off is that Samsung tablets are slower than iPads at the same price point, and the screen is dimmer, which matters if your child reads a lot or does schoolwork in bright rooms. Samsung tablets also receive software updates less frequently than iPads, which means security patches come later. For a child who mainly watches videos, reads, and plays casual games, a Galaxy Tab A works fine. For schoolwork or creative apps, an iPad is more reliable.

Other brands like Lenovo, Amazon, and Walmart make budget tablets under $150, but they have weaker processors, fewer parental control options, and smaller app libraries. They're worth considering only if your budget is very tight and your child will use it only for video watching or basic games.

Screen size and what it means for daily use

Tablet screens come in three practical sizes: 7 to 8 inches, 10 to 11 inches, and 12 inches. A 7-inch tablet fits in a backpack or large jacket pocket, is light enough for a young child to hold for an hour, and costs less. The downside is that text is small, so reading books or doing schoolwork requires more squinting, and video watching feels cramped. A 7-inch tablet is good for a child who will use it mostly for games and video, or who travels frequently.

A 10 to 11-inch tablet is the middle ground — large enough for comfortable reading and schoolwork, still portable enough to carry to school or on a trip, and the most common size for kids' tablets. An 11-inch iPad or Galaxy Tab A is the standard choice for families. A 12-inch tablet is closer to a laptop in size, better for creative work like drawing or video editing, but harder to hold for long periods and less portable. Most families don't need a 12-inch tablet unless the child is a teenager doing serious creative work.

Parental controls: what each system offers

Apple's Screen Time (on all iPads) lets you set daily time limits, restrict which apps your child can open, block certain content by rating, and see usage reports from your own iPhone or computer. You can set different limits for different days of the week and get notified when your child requests more time. It works well and is built into the device, so there's nothing extra to buy or set up.

Samsung's Samsung Kids (on Galaxy tablets) offers similar features: time limits, app restrictions, and usage reports. You manage it from your phone using the Samsung Kids app. It's straightforward, though not quite as polished as Screen Time. Other Android tablets have fewer built-in parental controls, and you may need to download a third-party app like Google Family Link, which works across Android devices but requires more setup.

If parental controls are important to you — and they usually are — iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab are your best options. Budget Android tablets often have weak or confusing parental control systems, which is a real reason to spend more if you need to monitor what your child is doing.

Durability and protection

Tablets get dropped, sat on, and spilled on. A protective case costs $15 to $40 and absorbs impact; a screen protector costs $10 to $20 and prevents scratches and cracks. Together they cost $25 to $60 and will save you $100 to $300 in repair costs if your child damages the tablet. For a child under 10, a case and screen protector are not optional — they're part of the cost of owning a tablet.

iPad cases are widely available and usually well-made. Samsung tablet cases are also common but vary more in quality. Budget tablets often have fewer case options, which means if your child breaks one, you may not find a replacement case easily. This is another reason to choose a popular model: more cases exist, they're cheaper, and you can replace one quickly if it wears out.

If your child will use the tablet for schoolwork, consider a case with a stand so they can prop it up on a desk. If they'll mainly hold it, a slim case is fine. Either way, buy the case before the tablet arrives, so it's protected from day one.

Storage and whether you need more than the base model

Tablets come with built-in storage: usually 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB. For most kids, 64GB is enough. That's room for dozens of apps, hundreds of photos, and hours of downloaded videos. If your child will download many games, create lots of videos, or store a large photo library, 128GB gives you breathing room. You rarely need 256GB unless the child is doing serious creative work.

Both iPad and Samsung tablets let you store photos and videos in the cloud (iCloud for iPad, Google Photos or OneDrive for Samsung), which means you don't have to keep everything on the device. If your child takes lots of photos or videos, cloud storage is cheaper than buying a larger tablet. A family plan for cloud storage costs $2 to $10 per month.

The base storage model is usually the right choice. Upgrading storage costs $50 to $100 extra, and cloud storage is a better use of that money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a tablet and a regular iPad?

An iPad is a tablet made by Apple. "Tablet" is the general category — it includes iPads, Samsung Galaxy Tabs, and other devices. When people say "iPad," they mean Apple's device. When they say "tablet," they could mean any brand.

Can my child use a tablet for schoolwork, or should I get a laptop instead?

A tablet works for most schoolwork through middle school: typing essays, reading textbooks, watching educational videos, and using apps. A laptop is better if your child needs to use specialized software, type long documents regularly, or do advanced coding. For most kids under 14, a tablet is sufficient and easier to use.

How long will a tablet last before it needs to be replaced?

A quality tablet (iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab) usually works well for three to four years with normal use. After that, the battery degrades, apps may run slower, and the device may not receive the latest software updates. Budget tablets often slow down after two years. A protective case extends the life by preventing damage.

Is it worth buying a used or refurbished tablet?

A refurbished tablet from the manufacturer or a major retailer is usually safe — it's been tested and comes with a warranty. A used tablet from a private seller is riskier because you don't know its history and may not have recourse if something breaks. If you buy used, check the battery health and ask for proof of purchase.

Do I need to buy apps, or are most of them free?

Most popular apps for kids are free, including YouTube, Netflix, educational apps like Khan Academy, and games. Some apps cost $2 to $10 to download, and some free apps offer in-app purchases (like extra game levels). You can restrict in-app purchases through parental controls so your child can't spend money without your permission.