Looking for the right tablet to buy your child this Christmas? Here are the best tablets for kids as reviewed by Consumer Reports.
All products were tested for display quality, battery life, and ease of use of the touch-screen interface for each device, and of course, were kid-tested for approval as well.
All products were tested for display quality, battery life, and ease of use of the touch-screen interface for each device, and of course, were kid-tested for approval as well.
iXL 6-in-1 Learning System, $38.49 (54% off retail)
Features six distinct interactive options--such as a Digital Reader, Game Player, and MP3 Player
Pros:
Popular with younger children ages 3 to 7.
Long battery life (13.7 hours on average)
Open and closes like a book (only child tablet to do that)
Runs on 4 AA batteries
Accepts up to 5 custom profiles
Rugged
Cons:
Small 3.3 inch screen
Requires a custom profile
Requires installation software (comes in box)
Requires synching with another computer
No camera
Cons:
Vtech InnoTab 2 Learning Tablet $69.99
Popular with younger children ages 3 to 7.
Long battery life (13.7 hours on average)
Open and closes like a book (only child tablet to do that)
Runs on 4 AA batteries
Accepts up to 5 custom profiles
Rugged
Cons:
Small 3.3 inch screen
Requires a custom profile
Requires installation software (comes in box)
Requires synching with another computer
No camera
LeapFrog LeapPad1 Explorer $79.00 (21% off retail)
Help your child create and learn with the LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer. The
learning tablet gives you access to more than 100 educational books,
games, videos, and apps. Subjects like mathematics, reading, and science
are covered in a fun and interactive way. The LeapPad's built-in camera
can shoot video, allowing kids to make animation and art to share with
family and friends.
Pros:
Adjusts level of difficulty to child's ability
Easiest to use and most fun (according to Consumer Reviews)
Encouraging male voice
Volume control
Parents can customize math skills and spelling lists in games
Parents can synch it to website and follow child's progress online
Built-in camera with video capability
Must set up profile, connect to website, download updates, not quick process (30-45 minutes)
Not pre-loaded with a lot of content
Must buy additional apps and cartridges
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| VTech InnoTab Learning Tablet |
Vtech InnoTab 2 Learning Tablet $69.99
Give your child their own durable touch-screen tablet with VTech's InnoTab 2 Learning App Tablet. This multi-functional tablet for children ages 3 - 9 includes a photo/video camera, a 5-inch touch screen, 2 GB of onboard memory, an SD card slot for expandable memory, and media players for MP3s, photos, and videos. The InnoTab 2 comes with an art studio, coloring app, one e-book, two motion sensor games, and 2 free downloads from the Learning Lodge Navigator. Additional songs, games, e-books, and videos are available for purchase online on VTech's Learning Lodge Navigator.
Pros:
Most fun games according to kids
Only tablet with adjustable tilt screen
Profile set up on device, does not require connecting to a computer
Preloaded with several games
E-reader preloaded with books
Includes art studio, music player, coloring book, calculator, notepad, clock, calendar
Parents can track progress online (after synch)
Cons:
No animated guide character (still has male voice guide)
No Camera
Buy additional e-books and apps on cartridges, at $25 each.
Pros:
Best display
Best touch screen
Most "adult" tablet
Runs on Android
3 mp camera
Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers
Cons:
Costs more than some non-kid tablets
Protective bumper makes it difficult to use side controls
Not a lot of preloaded content
Less intuitive (compared to other tablets)
