Best for Kids - Macmint

What is the best iPad or Tablet for kids?

Apple iPads and other tablets are a great learning as well as entertainment tool for kids. A good iPad or tablet for kids should have a safe browser, kid friendly apps, and long battery life. It should be sturdy enough to weather some rough handling. Some good tablets are offered by, Amazon, Leapfrogs and Apple.

Leapfrogs tablets are age specific. Amazon tablets though are not categorized by age, have some good safety and security features. Apple has not made any kid specific tablets but its mini iPad would suffice the requirements of children for a tablet. Apple’s iPad has the added advantage of having some very good apps for kids. Here are some tablets that would not only be great value for money but would also prove excellent educational device for kids.

1. Apple iPad mini

iPad mini is the most expensive in the list here, but we think it’s worth the extra cost. Since apple products are known for their durability, this tablet should last a long time. The iPad mini has good camera and a high resolution screen. Known as a high performing tablet. The parental controls are not as detailed as on Amazon tablet. They restrict a kid’s internet usage, apps download and online purchases. This tablet will suit kids of all ages. Some great children’s apps can be downloaded from apple store.
iPad Mini

2. Amazon Fire Kids Edition

Two top most features of this tab are its cost and parental controls. The parental controls not only include what content the kids can browse but also the usage limits. There are educational targets and restricted internet access. The tab comes with 2year guarantee. It has a 7inch display suitable enough for your kid’s small hands. It has 16GB of internal storage and 256 GB of expandable storage. It comes in various colors in a kid proof case. Though the apps in the tablet are limited than those found on regular android devices, the kids can avail a year’s subscription to thousands of apps from nickelodeon, Disney, PBS kids.
Amazon Fire Kids Edition

3. Leapfrog Epic Tablet

It is the first android tablet from leapfrog. It has a range of apps from Leapfrog as well as popular android apps for kids. It has unique customization home screen feature that allows kids to customize their home screen the way they want. This tablet is designed for kids in the age range of 3 and 9 years. It also boasts of an auto-leveling feature in games that adjusts the level of the game as per the kid’s age. It has safe web browser and kids appropriate apps. The parental controls are satisfactory. It is a good buy for younger kids.
Leapfrog Epic

4. Vtech Innotab Max

This 7 inch tablet is again for kids in the age range 3-9 years. The tablet is based on android but has kid friendly interface. Though it comes with a stylus, it has touch screen feature too. It has 8 GB of space, with 32 GB expandable memory. It has its own messaging tool that helps to connect kids to parent’s mobiles through apps. The tablet has its own apps plus kids can download many android apps too. It is a good choice for a kid’s first tablet.
Vtech Innotab Max

For parents on a budget, Amazon’s tablet is the most cost effective tablet for kids of all ages.

Check out our article about the Best iPod for Kids Here

One of the most popular electronic devices among children is the Apple iPod. Which leaves parents asking the popular question – What is the best iPod for kids?

Lets face it… kids today are better at operating electronic devices than some adults. Children are always adapting quickly to modern technology and new devices. So its natural for a parent to second guess themselves when buying electronics for children.

Currently you have three options when purchasing a kids iPod – the iPod touch, iPod nano or iPod shuffle. Lets review each and find the best iPod for kids.

iPod touch

Most expensive
Largest Screen (4″)
Only iPod with Camera
Wireless/Bluetooth Capable
iOS Software

If you were to take the Apple iPhone and remove the phone capabilities you would in fact have an iPod touch. Though because it has wireless capability you can send iMessages and make calls via FaceTime as long as you have a wireless connection. The iPod touch is the flagship iPod, the top of the line, the best. If money is no issue this is the iPod for you.

It comes with the latest iOS software built-in just like the iPad or iPhone. So if your child is already familiar with those product they will have no issues. Additionally iOS allows you to download apps to your iPod, for children this means mostly games and educational apps. The iPod touch allows for parental controls so you can limit what your child has access to, a big plus for parents of younger children.

The iPod touch takes beautiful photos and video and is the only iPod to do so. The iPod touch price range is between $199-$399 depending on the amount of storage 16GB-128GB. Given that, the iPod touch is the best iPod for kids who are crazy about music, video, photos, games and apps but are not yet old enough to be given an iPhone.

iPod nano

Mid-Range Price
Smaller Screen (2.5″)
No Camera
Bluetooth Capable
Generic Built-in Software

The iPod nano closely resembles the iPod Classic (now discontinued) in that its main objective is to play music. Theres nothing too fancy about this iPod however it does have some unique features.

The bluetooth connection allows you to connect to other devices say your car radio or home entertainment system. So if your child is begging you to play their music in your car, the iPod nano has no problem allowing you both to sing along. Speaking of radio it comes with FM radio built in. It also comes with Nike+ support so you can get your child interested in fitness early and teach them to track their fitness goals.

Your child will be able to store images and watch videos but the iPod nano does not have a camera to take videos or photos. The main objective of the iPod nano is to allow kids to store and play music and even podcasts. If your child has no desire to play games and download apps but wants to be a DJ, then the iPod nano is for you. Reasonably priced at around $149 the iPod nano is the best iPod for kids who love music.

iPod shuffle

Lowest Price
Smallest iPod
No Screen
No Camera
No Wireless/Bluetooth
No Built-in Software

The main feature of the iPod shuffle is its size, about 1″ square. If your children are active and play sports the iPod shuffle includes a clip which will allow them to keep playing to their favorite songs. This is about as simple as a modern device can get.

The iPod shuffle plays music in two ways either by “shuffling” or playing yours in order, thats it. If you or your kids are good with iTunes you can sync playlists so that songs go in the order you prefer. Additionally, you can turn the volume up and down or move to the next/previous track that is about it. It’s only standout feature is the VoiceOver button which lets you hear the names of the songs. At $49 the iPod shuffle is the best iPod for kids and parents on a budget.

Bottom Line

Simply put we recommend buying the iPod touch. The iPod touch has the most features and benefits and generally is the best iPod for kids. Additionally the iPod touch has the most accessories available. If you are on a budget and looking for a children’s iPod the nano and shuffle are great low cost options.

Thinking about an iPad or Tablet? Check out our article about the best iPad or Tablet for kids here.

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What is the best Apple iPad or Tablet for kids