We are living in an increasingly digital world, and introducing technology to preschoolers in a safe and educational manner is becoming more important. Learning tablets designed for preschoolers can be valuable tools to help them explore technology while supporting their developmental needs. While balance is key, screen time, when focused on quality educational content, offers significant advantages for young learners, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). From interactive learning games to creative apps, tablets can enhance learning experiences in ways that traditional toys simply can’t.
While nothing can replace face-to-face interaction, technology is a fundamental part of modern life, both in education and future workplaces, as noted by Dana Oliver, founder and president of Adventure Kids Playcare. Therefore, it’s crucial for young children to develop a foundational understanding of technology early on.
To help you choose the best learning tablet for your preschooler, we’ve analyzed popular options, consulted AAP guidelines, and considered expert advice from healthcare, technology, and education professionals. Our recommendations are based on key factors such as safety features, parental controls, educational functionality, durability, and overall value. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the pros and cons of different tablets and how to find the perfect fit for your preschooler and family.
Top Learning Tablets for Preschoolers
Best Overall Learning Tablet:
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Apple iPad (9th Generation) at Amazon $329 $275
Best Budget Learning Tablet:
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Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro Tablet at Amazon $140 $85
Best Learning Tablet for Toddlers:
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LeapFrog LeapPad Academy Learning Tablet at Amazon $100 $84
Best Android Learning Tablet:
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Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Tablet at Amazon $270 $200
Best Learning Tablet for Parental Controls:
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Amazon Fire 10 Kids Tablet at Amazon $190 $140
When Should a Preschooler Start Using a Learning Tablet?
The AAP recommends limiting screen media for children younger than 18 months, except for video-chatting. For children aged 18-24 months, high-quality programming can be introduced if parents co-view with their child. For preschoolers aged 2-5 years, the AAP suggests limiting screen use to 1 hour per day of high-quality programs. It’s crucial that parents co-engage with their children during screen time to enhance learning and understanding.
Introducing a learning tablet around age 2 or 3 can be beneficial, provided that usage is balanced and focused on educational content. Tablets should not replace essential activities such as play, social interaction, and physical activity. Screen time should also be avoided within an hour of bedtime and during mealtimes. Prioritize interactive and educational content and avoid violent or fast-paced programs.
Best Overall Learning Tablet
Apple iPad (9th Generation)
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PHOTO: Amazon
$329 $275 at Amazon $330 at Target $249 at Walmart Affiliate Program
Why We Recommend It for Preschoolers
For families already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the iPad (9th Generation) serves as an excellent entry point for preschoolers into the world of technology. Its intuitive interface makes it incredibly user-friendly, even for young children. Setting up Wi-Fi, downloading educational apps, and general navigation are straightforward, minimizing frustration for both kids and parents. The iPad’s robust battery life is a significant advantage for on-the-go learning, whether during travel or at home. Preschoolers familiar with iPhones will naturally adapt to the iPad’s touch controls.
Testers praised the iPad’s size, durable design, and overall quality, making it suitable for little hands. For added protection against drops and bumps common with preschoolers, a protective case is recommended. Many kid-friendly cases include handles and kickstands for easier carrying and viewing. Apple’s parental controls are comprehensive, essential for online safety, though initial setup requires dedicated time. Allocate around 45 minutes to fully configure parental controls before giving the iPad to your preschooler.
Parent Tester Feedback
“It’s very easy to set up and use, and I would absolutely recommend it to other parents looking for a reliable and user-friendly iPad for their young children.” — Ashleigh, mom of a 3- and 6-year-old
Things to Consider
The iPad (9th Generation) lacks separate passcodes for device unlocking and purchase authorization, which some parents might find less secure for younger children.
Key Features:
- Display: 10.2 inches, 2160 x 1620 pixels – Clear and bright for young eyes.
- Size: 12.9 x 6.8 x 0.29 inches – Good size for portability and use by preschoolers.
- Weight: 17.44 ounces – Lightweight enough for small children to handle.
- Storage: 64 GB or 256 GB – Sufficient for numerous educational apps and content.
- Operating system: iOS – User-friendly and vast app ecosystem.
- Battery life: Up to 10 hours – Long-lasting for extended learning sessions.
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PHOTO: Parents
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PHOTO: Parents
Best Budget Learning Tablet for Preschoolers
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro Tablet
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PHOTO: Amazon
$140 $85 at Amazon $150 at Target $120 at Best Buy
Why It’s Great for Preschoolers on a Budget
For parents prioritizing affordability without compromising essential features, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro is an excellent choice as a first learning tablet. It provides a balance of cost-effectiveness and necessary functionalities like parental controls, a clear display, and an intuitive interface. Setup is quick and easy (averaging just 21 minutes!), and the parental controls are robust, allowing parents to manage screen time limits by day and content type. The remote pause and resume feature gives parents added control over their preschooler’s tablet use.
The Fire HD 8 Kids Pro’s visual interface is very user-friendly, enabling preschoolers to navigate the device confidently without needing extensive instructions. Multiple user profiles allow for customized parental controls for each child in the family. It comes with a durable case including a kickstand and a reassuring two-year warranty. A year-long subscription to Amazon Kids+ is also included for new users, providing access to a wealth of age-appropriate educational content.
Parent Tester Feedback
“I especially appreciated the remote parental controls. Being able to pause and manage my child’s access from my phone was incredibly helpful in maintaining our household rules.” — Jamie, mom of a 6-year-old
Things to Consider
The camera quality on the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro is less impressive compared to other tablets, which may be a drawback for families who prioritize video calls or photography. Some users may also find the initial setup of screen time limits and web browser access slightly challenging.
Key Features:
- Display: 8 inches, 1280 x 800 pixels – Decent display for educational content and games.
- Size: 8.3 x 6.4 x 0.7 inches – Compact and easy for preschoolers to handle.
- Weight: 17.9 ounces – Lightweight and portable.
- Storage: 32 GB – Adequate for apps and offline content.
- Operating system: Fire OS – Optimized for Amazon Kids+ content.
- Battery life: Up to 13+ hours – Excellent battery life for all-day learning and play.
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PHOTO: Parents
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PHOTO: Parents
Best Learning Tablet for Toddlers
LeapFrog LeapPad Academy Learning Tablet
PHOTO: Amazon
$100 $84 at Amazon $84 at Target $100 $84 at Walmart Affiliate Program
Why It’s Ideal for Youngest Learners
The LeapFrog LeapPad Academy Tablet is a budget-friendly and robust learning tablet specifically designed for toddlers and preschoolers. It offers a curated library of educational games and content at an accessible price point. It includes a protective cover, a stylus, and a three-month subscription to LeapFrog Academy, providing a rich selection of age-appropriate learning games.
Parent testers noted the stable Wi-Fi connection and the tablet’s durability, able to withstand accidental drops. The battery life averages around five hours, and the built-in storage is generally sufficient, with the option to expand via a micro SD card if needed.
Parent Tester Feedback
“The button placement is incredibly user-friendly, with large, easily identifiable green buttons. The included stylus is tethered, which is a brilliant feature to prevent loss.” — Mike, dad of a 4-year-old
Things to Consider
The operating system might not be as intuitive as expected for a toddler-focused device. Some testers reported needing to power cycle the device to exit certain sections and occasional requests for assistance from young users. Parental controls are basic, mainly allowing for time limits and age-appropriate content selection, but lack advanced customization.
Key Features:
- Display: 7 inches, 1024 x 600 pixels – Suitably sized for toddlers with bright visuals.
- Size: 5.94 x 8.54 x 0.1 inches – Very compact and easy for small hands to manage.
- Weight: 25.76 ounces – Solid and durable build.
- Storage: 16 GB – Expandable storage option available.
- Operating system: VTech – Optimized for LeapFrog educational content.
- Battery life: Rechargeable, approximately 5 hours – Adequate for learning sessions.
Best Android Learning Tablet for Preschoolers
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Tablet
PHOTO: Samsung
$270 $200 at Amazon $200 at Samsung
Why It’s a Top Android Choice for Preschool Learning
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is a strong Android-based learning tablet option, particularly appealing to parents wanting to avoid subscription services while maintaining robust parental controls. It provides access to a broad range of apps without requiring monthly subscriptions, offering cost-effective content management.
This tablet is well-suited for preschoolers needing a device for both educational apps and entertainment. It’s especially intuitive for children already familiar with Android interfaces. Parent testers highlighted the clear display and extensive parental control options, making it easy to ensure online safety and manage digital habits. The secure “kids mode,” protected by a PIN, prevents unauthorized access to restricted apps, offering parents peace of mind.
Parent Tester Feedback
“I love that you can customize the apps available in kids mode without needing a subscription like some other kids’ tablets. The PIN-protected kids section is fantastic for preventing accidental purchases or access to inappropriate content.” — Katrina, mom of a 4-year-old
Things to Consider
Switching into and out of kids mode requires PIN entry, which might become slightly tedious if frequent changes are needed. Some testers noted minor difficulties accessing certain parental control settings, and initial setup is necessary before a preschooler can begin using the tablet.
Key Features:
- Display: 11 inches, 1920 x 1200 pixels – Large, high-resolution display ideal for detailed educational content.
- Size: 10.12 x 6.64 x 0.27 inches – Sleek and portable design.
- Weight: 16.9 ounces – Lightweight and easy to carry.
- Storage: 128 GB – Generous storage capacity for apps, games, and media.
- Operating system: Android 13 – Versatile and widely compatible with apps.
- Battery life: Up to 14 hours – Excellent battery life for prolonged use.
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PHOTO: Parents
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PHOTO: Parents
Best Learning Tablet for Parental Controls for Preschoolers
Amazon Fire 10 Kids Tablet
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PHOTO: Amazon
$190 $140 at Amazon $140 at Best Buy
Why It Excels in Parental Controls for Preschoolers
The Amazon Fire 10 Kids Tablet is an excellent choice for parents who prioritize stringent monitoring and a focus on educational content over general entertainment for their preschoolers. It offers a comprehensive suite of parental controls, including screen time limits, educational goals, and robust safety features.
Testers found the initial setup simple and intuitive, with easy creation of individual child profiles. Besides ease of use, the Fire 10 Kids Tablet is built to be durable, featuring a rugged case and kickstand to withstand the inevitable drops and bumps. It includes a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, providing a curated library of educational apps and content pre-loaded on the device, further enhancing its learning focus for preschoolers.
Parent Tester Feedback
“I really liked the screen time limits and how it encourages educational activities like reading and educational games before videos. The abundance of non-video content, especially books, is a huge plus for me!” —Bridget, mom of a 4-year-old and 7-year-old
Things to Consider
Some testers noted difficulty launching the web browser, which can be seen as both a security feature and a limitation depending on your needs. Switching between child profiles wasn’t always seamless. Younger preschoolers might also experience minor navigation challenges initially.
Key Features:
- Display: 10.1 inches, 1920 x 1200 pixels – Large, clear display suitable for educational apps and videos.
- Size: 8.2 x 10.5 x 1.1 inches – Sturdy build with a protective case.
- Weight: 23.76 ounces – Durable but slightly heavier than some alternatives.
- Storage: 32 GB – Sufficient for pre-loaded content and additional apps.
- Operating system: Fire OS – Deeply integrated with Amazon Kids+ parental controls.
- Battery life: Up to 13 hours – Long battery life for extended learning and play.
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PHOTO: Parents
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PHOTO: Parents
Our Tablet Testing Methodology
We rigorously tested the best learning tablets for preschoolers in real home environments, with parent testers evaluating key features before introducing the devices to their children. Testers observed their children’s interactions and gathered feedback on likes and dislikes. Our testing focused on:
- Design: Assessing button placement, port accessibility, and overall design intuitiveness for preschoolers.
- Ease of Use: Evaluating how user-friendly each tablet is for young children, including setup, profile customization, and app downloading.
- Parental Controls: Testing the customizability of parental controls, setting time limits, app restrictions, and monitoring notifications.
- Durability: Assessing each tablet’s resilience to drops, scratches, and general wear and tear.
- Functionality: Examining performance aspects like sound quality and overall responsiveness.
Expert Insights on Learning Tablets for Preschoolers
To gain deeper insights into safety considerations and key features of tablets for preschoolers, we consulted with leading experts in child development and technology.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Learning Tablet for Preschoolers
- Ease of Use and Age Appropriateness: For preschoolers, simplicity is key. Interactive learning apps should be engaging but not overstimulating. Consider the child’s age and how they will primarily use the tablet. Younger preschoolers benefit from simpler interfaces and basic educational apps, while slightly older children might be ready for more complex features.
- Parental Controls: A Layered Approach: Delayne, a child development expert, recommends a multi-layered approach to parental controls. This involves configuring network settings, monitoring device usage, limiting app functionalities, and ongoing communication with the child about safe and responsible technology use. Utilize router-level controls, built-in tablet controls (like Apple ScreenTime), carefully select apps, and maintain open conversations with your preschooler about online safety.
- Display and Camera Quality: While high-end displays might be less critical for younger preschoolers, consider display quality and screen size if the tablet will be used for watching educational videos or for a prolonged period. As children grow, better display quality becomes more important for activities like drawing, reading, and more detailed learning apps. Camera quality is less crucial for preschool learning tablets but may be considered based on family communication needs.
- Storage and Performance: Consider the intended use. For downloading numerous apps, games, and offline content, ample storage is necessary. Many tablets, like iPads, offer different storage options. Cloud-based services like Amazon Kids+ can reduce the need for extensive onboard storage. Ensure the tablet has sufficient speed and processing power to smoothly run educational apps and games appropriate for preschoolers.
- Operating System and App Ecosystem: If your family already uses Android or Apple devices, consider sticking with the same ecosystem for seamless app syncing and family sharing features. However, if the tablet is primarily for preschooler’s entertainment and basic learning, cross-platform compatibility might be less critical.
- Durability and Overall Value: Schuh, a technology expert, advises setting a budget for a preschooler’s tablet and looking for deals during sales events. Durability is paramount—the younger the child, the more rugged the tablet should be. Invest in a protective case for any tablet chosen for a preschooler. Balancing cost with durability and essential learning features is key to finding the best value.
Tips for Safe and Effective Use of Learning Tablets for Preschoolers
The AAP acknowledges that screens are integral to modern childhood. The focus now is on healthy integration rather than complete avoidance. Here are guidelines for safely introducing learning tablets to preschoolers:
- Limit Screen Time: Adhere to AAP guidelines of about 1 hour of high-quality screen time daily for ages 2-5 years. Avoid screen time an hour before bedtime and during meals.
- Establish Family Rules: Set clear, family-wide rules about tablet use, including content filters, time limits, and designated device-sharing stations. Utilize parental controls to restrict access and prevent unauthorized app downloads.
- Balance Screen Time with Other Activities: Ensure a healthy balance between tablet use and off-screen activities like outdoor play, physical activity, social interaction, and creative play. If screen time starts to displace these crucial activities, it’s time to reduce it.
- Be a Role Model: Grant, a child psychologist, emphasizes the importance of parents being positive digital role models. Unplug from your own devices and engage in real-life interactions with your preschooler.
- Ongoing Conversations about Online Safety: Beyond rules, have continuous conversations with your preschooler (in age-appropriate terms) about online safety and responsible device use as they grow and understand more.
- Prioritize Interactive and Educational Content: Choose interactive apps that promote learning over passive viewing. However, even interactive apps can be overstimulating for very young children, so keep content simple and age-appropriate. Co-view media with your preschooler and opt for low-stimulation, educational shows.
- Understand Your Child’s Tablet Activities: Be informed about the apps and games your preschooler uses. Check age ratings and content suitability to align with your family values.
- Post-Screen Time Connection: After tablet use, take time to connect with your preschooler through conversation or play, reinforcing real-world interaction and mitigating potential over-reliance on digital devices.
Who We Are
Chaunie Brusie, RN, BSN is a Parents writer, registered nurse, and mother of five, deeply familiar with the challenges and benefits of technology in early childhood.
Ambrosia V. Brody is a Parents editor and mother of three, with extensive experience in parenting journalism and navigating digital parenting in a multi-child household.
Anja Webb is an associate editor at Parents with a background in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies, passionate about balanced and beneficial media use for families.
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