It can be tough for parents to choose the best option when it comes to buying tech for their kids, especially when so many devices have to toe the line between being an educational tool and a toy. But, as our motto proclaims, we believe tomorrow belongs to those who embrace it today. Also: The 21 best Black Friday tablet deals 2024: Early sales available nowTech isn’t going anywhere, and today’s digitally native kids have thousands of educational tools at their fingertips. The best parent-approved kids’ tablets offer academic programs, connective social apps, and entertainment for sick days, long car rides, and long nights. What is the best kids’ tablet right now? The good news is you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a decent tablet for kids. You can find a device that offers plenty of educational content, entertainment options, and parental controls like limiting screen time so kids aren’t glued to their tech devices. ZDNET’s tested pick for the best kids’ tablet overall is Apple’s iPad, which both parents and parenting experts recommend. Also: The best smartwatches for kidsBest tablets for kids in 2024 Apple iPad (9th generation) Best kids’ tablet overall Apple’s tried-and-true tablet, the base model iPad, is great for kids. You get all of the same features as the more expensive iPad Pro and iPad Air models but in a lightweight form factor with a 10.2-inch display that has True Tone. Although there’s a newer iPad model, the 9th generation has pretty much all of the same features and costs less than the 2022 model at $330. (I don’t recommend spending $449 for the newer model for your child to use and abuse unless you plan to share it with them.)Review: Apple iPad (9th generation)Early education experts agree that the 9th-gen iPad is kid-friendly and the best option for most people. Troy Portillo, director of operations of Studypool, an online learning platform for students, said that if you have younger kids in need of a tablet, you can’t go wrong with Apple’s iPad: “Your kid doesn’t need the more expensive iPad Air or even the iPad Pro.””You can still get all the great security features that come standard with Apple products and customer support. You can also easily monitor your kid’s activity online, limit screen time, and use parental controls for specific apps,” he said. Parents can control their kids’ iPad experience through Apple’s Family Sharing feature. This feature lets them limit screen time for specific apps, notifies them if a child is trying to buy an app, and sends reminders for events like family game night, among other things. And as a recent Best Buy customer said in their review, “The iPad is so easy to use. The kids love it. There are lots of learning apps and games to play. It’s great for in-car entertainment as well.” Author’s Note: The Apple iPad (9th generation) is currently on sale for $200 (save $130).Apple iPad (9th generation) tech specs: Display: 10.2-inch with True Tone | Processor: A13 Bionic chip | Storage: 64GB or 256GB | Biometrics: Touch ID | Colors: Silver and space grey | Cameras: 8MP f/2.4 back, 12MP Ultra Wide f/2.4 front | Weight: 1.08 pounds | Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x .29 inches | Connections: USB-C, Smart Connector | Battery life: Up to 10 hours More
