The Best iOS and Android Kid Friendly Tablets in 2021

Today’s kids love their tablet computers. However, some are better suited to small hands than others. And it’s not just about size, price, or durability. Instead, safety and security are increasingly of the utmost importance when it comes to choosing a device.

So, which kid friendly tablets come out on top? Apple’s various iPads have long been the go-to choice for many parents. More recently, Samsung’s growing range of Galaxy tablets has also found favor with many moms, dads, and their kids.

Accordingly, let’s start by taking a closer look at two of today’s best sellers: the latest iPad from Apple and Samsung’s popular Galaxy Tab A.

Apple’s latest iPad is something of a triumph, being delightfully capable and surprisingly affordable. With that, it’s an obvious choice for family members of all ages. A 10.2-inch Retina display promises incredible detail and vivid colors, perfect for all manner of uses – playing the best free kids’ games included.

Prices start at $329, for which buyers get a choice of gray or silver finishes, a generous 64GB of memory, and Apple’s lightning-fast A13 Bionic chip. Boasting all-day battery life, an array of accessories are further available. They’re great for children and other youngsters wanting to personalize their tablets. Safety and security precautions are also central to Apple’s entire iPad lineup, allowing parents to set up their kids’ tablets appropriately.

However, there’s no software in the world that can prevent accidental mishaps and all manner of mechanical faults and failures. Something that iPads in young hands are prone to, an extended tablet warranty or protection plan is, therefore, advisable. Apple offers this in the shape of AppleCare+. All of the manufacturer’s plans are comprehensive, but they’re pricey, too.

Thankfully, a number of alternatives are available, including trusty warranties from Upsie. By choosing Upsie instead, it’s possible to save up to 70 percent on the cost of comparable or superior coverage. With an iPad warranty from Upsie, protection against cracked screens, liquid damage, power and battery failures, touchscreen faults, and more is included.

All of this comes with an industry-leading low deductible and a choice between a 2-year or 3-year plan. Upsie customers can even opt to have a faulty or damaged iPad taken care of at one of Apple’s Genius Bars, just as with AppleCare+.

Where something other than an iPad is preferred, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A is tough to beat. Costing from just $229, it’s $100 cheaper than Apple’s iPad. Designed to be comfortable to the touch and light in users’ hands, it’s well suited to kids.

The Galaxy Tab A’s Qualcomm processor is tried and tested, and more than capable of matching the demands of most of the top children’s games and other apps. A high-capacity battery should then ensure that young users stay entertained for as long as possible, whatever they’re using their tablet for.

Roughly the same size as Apple’s comparable iPad, the 10.4-inch Galaxy Tab A with 32GB of memory is available in a choice of silver, dark gray, and gold finishes. Best of all, trade in an eligible older tablet or smartphone, and it’s possible to earn a $100 credit, making the Samsung Galaxy Tab A something of a bargain at only $129.

As with Apple and AppleCare+, Samsung Galaxy Tab A buyers can also purchase a Samsung Care+ package alongside their tablet. A three-year plan costs $119. However, once again, Upsie is on hand with an alternative. With Upsie, comparable three-year tablet warranty coverage is available at a cost of less than $83.

A saving of over $35, eligibility is open to all of Samsung’s Galaxy-branded tablets purchased in the last 60 days and provides owners with complete peace of mind in the event of drops, cracks, liquid spills, and more.

Increasingly popular among kid friendly tablets are Amazon’s various Fire tablets. Less versatile than either the latest iPad or the Galaxy Tab A discussed above, they also lack some of the crucial safety and security features that have long made costlier alternatives from Apple and Samsung so popular. Prices are low, however, starting at under $100.

Various possibilities are further offered by Microsoft, Lenovo, and even Nokia. Yet, all struggle to keep up with Apple and Samsung in terms of tablets purchased especially for children.

Ultimately, it’s Apple’s latest iPad that remains the stand-out choice. Its feature-packed operating system, the App Store full of fantastic kids’ games, and more make it so. With that, Samsung and its 10.4-inch Galaxy Tab A come a close second and must be applauded, particularly for the price.