Want to get your child their very first tablet? This handy gadget can keep them entertained for hours and can also be used for online learning, where you can track their progress. Ready to make a purchase? Make sure to check out our buying guide below to know all about tablets for kids' prices and features.
Also, feel free to browse our Top 10 list of the best tablets for kids to know the best ones available in the market. Whether you're looking to buy a drawing, gaming, or educational tablet, this article has got you covered. We also included some comments and insights from Early Childhood Educator Och Gonzalez!
Och Gonzalez has been an early childhood educator in Manila for over 20 years. As a preschool teacher and grade school academic coach, she has worked with young children and their families to achieve learning goals and address developmental concerns. She has created reading programs that aim to develop literacy skills and a love for reading in young children. She holds an MA in Education from the Ateneo de Manila University and is also the author of the children’s book, “Every Sunday.”
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Experts featured in this article only reviewed the content of our buying guide. They had no part in the selection or ranking of products or services listed.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Children under two years old won't get many benefits from tablets, and tablets might even hamper their language and social development and their ability to focus. She also notes that once kids get their own tablets, parents need to be firm with monitoring screen time.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Whether your child will use the tablet for learning or entertainment, it would be helpful to get a tablet that has enough space for all the apps, games, and other files that they will download. We recommend getting 32GB of memory or higher. This will also ensure that all the important apps will load without lagging.
32GB might not seem like a lot, but it will be enough to download high-value apps that will be conducive to your child's learning, as well as some games that can keep them entertained. If you think that you or your child will be downloading a lot of apps and shows or videos for offline viewing, then consider 64GB or higher, but note that this will cost more.
One of the most important things to check is if your kid’s tablet has the right parental control settings so that you can regulate what your child sees on the screen. This feature also prevents your little one from wandering into sketchy websites or ordering items from Lazada or Shopee unattended.
Some tablets have built-in parental control systems, while others require you to download an app that helps you monitor your child’s screen time, the websites they visit, and the apps they download. Whichever you choose, the parental control settings should be easy to use, and ideally, parents should be able to access the tablet remotely and monitor their child's online activity.
Let's be real - kids can be rough when they handle anything - and that includes tablets. It's understandable that you'd want them to have the best, but for something as big of an investment as a tablet, you may want to choose something more reasonably priced. This way, if it does break, it won't hurt as much.
Getting a tablet that's on the more affordable side may mean that there will be some sacrifices to the specs, especially the size, display, and storage. Even with these sacrifices to the specs, rest assured that the tablet will still be more than enough for your child's learning or entertainment needs.
Smaller screen sizes may cause eye strain and problems with eye development, as well as posture issues, so try to get a tablet with a bigger screen so that your child can see things more clearly. We recommend at least 7 to 8 inches, especially for younger kids.
Other things to consider are processor speed and battery life. Since kids, especially younger ones, have shorter attention spans, a slower tablet may cause them to get frustrated, so look out for models with at least 1.5GB of RAM for a fast and lag-free experience. Lastly, like with any other device, it is always better to go for one that lasts longer—at least 7 to 9 hours of battery life is recommended.
From ₱9,390
At the top of our list is this reliable yet budget-friendly tablet from Samsung. With its 8.7-inch screen and features such as 32GB memory and 3GB RAM, you can download games and watch movies without worrying about limited storage and a small display. In case you run out of storage space, this tablet also has an expandable memory of up to 1TB!
What's also great about this tablet is that it has a lot of additional features such as face recognition technology and SIM compatibility. For every purchase, you also get 2 months of free access to YouTube Premium and Samsung Kids. With Samsung Kids, you can set your tablet to kids mode and control other parental settings as well.
Aside from what has already been mentioned, the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite also offers fast-charging technology, a decent 8MP camera, and 4G, LTE, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Overall, this tablet has got it all and is definitely the best tablet for entertainment for your kid!
From ₱41,490
Don't let the small size fool you! Packed with all the right features, the iPad mini is worth the splurge. With its Retina display, high definition camera, and compact size, this can serve as a portable entertainment hub for your child.
Also, Apple's patented A12 Bionic chip helps this product deliver superb performance and low-energy consumption, making it a fan-favorite among kids and adults alike. As for the parental controls, you can manually set it up using this tutorial or download an app or two in the App Store.
From ₱12,999
Another Android tablet that boasts high-quality graphics and fast performance is this product from Huawei. The patented ClariVu™ technology helps bring those graphics to life, which gives its users the optimal viewing experience. Powered by a powerful octa-core processor, your child can switch in between apps without any worries.
This product also offers symmetrical audio speakers tuned by Harman Kardon, so you can be assured that the sound quality is beyond compare. What sets this product apart is the TÜV Rheinland certified Eye Comfort technology, which significantly reduces the amount of blue light your little one encounters.
It also has exclusive access to Kids Corner, which only displays content suitable for children. With this feature, you can set a screen time schedule, manage which apps your child can access, and protect your little one's eyes with the six-layer eye protection feature.
From ₱5,720
This tablet is one of those made especially for kids. The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet is an affordable device that features kid-friendly features such as a straightforward UI and advanced parental controls. The latter allows you to set educational goals, create time limits, and filter content, so you can personalize your child's online experience.
Since it's made by Amazon, you and your kid also have access to Amazon Kids, through which you can browse thousands of kid-friendly books, movies, TV shows, educational apps, and games all in one place. The only reason why this tablet did not make it to the top spot is that the Fire OS is not that advanced compared to popular ones such as Android and iPadOS.
From Samsung, this tablet is the perfect device for kids who enjoy making art. With an impressive 10.4-inch immersive display and an ergonomic S Pen, your child can create all kinds of artworks anytime and anywhere. Since everything is digital, you can easily save their work, plus, you won't have to worry anymore about cleaning up after their mess!
The price may be a little steep, but considering its above-average features such as HD display, 128GB worth of storage, and a stylus pen included, you are certainly getting your money's worth. Besides, think of all the money that you can save by not having to buy expensive art materials. With this tablet, kids can unleash their creativity through digital art!
From ₱8,490
For your mini-movie buff, this tablet by Lenovo will make the perfect gift! This product's dual front-facing speakers featuring Dolby Audio™ technology will make you feel like you're in a real cinema. Plus, the patented quad-core processor delivers an unparalleled viewing experience since you wouldn't have to worry about lags, especially when you're on an edge-of-your-seat scene.
This product also offers face-recognition technology, which can help you easily log in and unlock the device. Best of all, you can activate Kids Mode, which lets you customize the content that your child can access. This device is also equipped with eye-protection technology, which helps reduce eyestrain.
From ₱8,899
If you're looking for a tablet that has minimal access to the internet but one which also keeps your little one occupied, we've got the perfect product for you! This E-reader by Amazon can store thousands of books for your child to read during their free time.
The best part is that it's thin and lightweight, so your mini-me can bring it with them wherever they go - in the doctor's office, on vacations, road trips - you name it! You also wouldn't need to reach for the charger every time since the battery can last for weeks.
Conversely, your kiddo can also connect their speaker or headset via Bluetooth if they prefer listening to audiobooks. This device can also withstand a few dunks and splashes, thanks to its IPX8 waterproof feature. To set up parental controls, you can follow this tutorial.
Want to keep your toddler occupied yet learning something new at the same time? Then this tablet is for you! Designed specially for toddlers, the MatePad T8 Kids edition introduces Kids Corner and Baby Panda World, which are safe spaces for them to play, learn, draw, and explore through a wide variety of educational apps.
Since this tablet is for kids, it also offers a blue light feature, so your little ones' eyes are protected, especially when they're reading or watching for long periods. Meanwhile, it also has parental controls that allow you to manage content and see your child's progress as well. This tablet is definitely one of the best digital companions for your learning toddler!
From ₱10,495
Looking for a tablet that has fantastic display features? Then this one is worth checking out. From TCL, TAB10s wants you to have the full viewing experience with its 10-inch full HD display. If you're worried about it running out of battery after continuously streaming, then you should know that this tablet is way ahead of you with an 8000mAh battery capacity!
The TAB10s also comes with a T-Pen for honing your child's artistic abilities. The 32GB built-in storage is the same as most tablets in the same price range, but you should know that it is expandable only up to 265GB. Nonetheless, if you're not using it for heavy-duty applications, then you're still good to go.
Tablets are amazing for viewing anything from YouTube videos to Netflix movies because of their large-screen display and audio features. This tablet from Realme has Dolby Atmos quad-speakers that deliver Hi-Res audio and adaptive surround sound technology. With these, you can watch anything at a whole other level!
Aside from its audio features, this tablet boasts a 10.4in-display and an 82.5% screen-to-body ratio for optimal viewing. Compared to most tablets in the same price range, Realme's Pad also has a way better camera quality of 8MP for both front and rear. Overall, get this tablet if sound and display are the features that matter most to your child.
Should you give your child a tablet? Worried about how it might affect early childhood development? If you're wondering about these things, Och Gonzalez, an Early Childhood Educator, has provided answers to these common questions. Read further to know more!
For very young kids, yes, it may impact their development negatively. For one, it hampers their speech and cognitive development, as well as their ability to learn self-regulation if the tablet is used as a way to pacify them during outbursts.
For older kids, a tablet (and smartphone) may lead to emotional, social, and cognitive problems. The key is to limit screen time so that they don't become dependent or addicted to it.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids between 2 to 5 years old should have only an hour of screen time per day. However, with the onset of the pandemic and online classes even for preschoolers, it has often become impossible for parents to enforce this limit.
The best way to offset the negative effects of this is to allot a huge chunk of the day to offline activities that offer plenty of other learning opportunities.
Absolutely. Overuse of technology affects children's ability to learn social and relationship skills and may lead to the development of health problems due to poor posture and poor sleep quality.
As per this article's expert, Och Gonzalez, it can be difficult to stand your ground when so many other parents let their children run free with tablets and mobile phones.
However, she stresses that it's important to remember that these devices offer only a 2D experience of life, which is very limiting to children's growth. She also says that an hour or two of tablet use is enough, and the rest of their time should be filled with real-world experiences with richer and fuller opportunities for learning.
Whether you need an extra pair of eyes to see what your little one is searching on their tablet or if you need a keyboard or tablet for their online classes, we got you covered! Check out our recommendations below.
Author: Aprille Jarcia
Re-editor: Katrina Balingit
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
Beauty
Body care, Makeup, SkincareCameras
Camera supplies, Digital cameras, Drones and multirotorsHealth
Beauty supplements, Medical supplies, Feminine careHousehold goods
Air treatment, Bath and shower supplies, BlanketsPCs and laptops
Computer accessories, Computer components, Desktop pcsHome appliances and electronics
Air conditioners and coolers, Air treatment, Blenders, mixers, and food processorsFood and drinks
Alcoholic beverages, Baked goods and desserts, BakingKitchen supplies
Baking tools, Coffee and tea accessories, Food containersClothing
Brands and shops, Men's coats and jackets, Men's innerwearShoes
Men's shoes, Other shoes and footwear, Outdoor footwearAccessories
Bags, Accessories and jewelry, BeltsMom and baby
Baby books and toys, Baby food and snacks, Baby suppliesInterior and furniture
Beds, Carpets and rugs and mats, ChairsHobbies
Animes, Arts and crafts, Board gamesOutdoor
Camping beds and cots, Camping stoves, CoolersDIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Accessories, Badminton, BasketballPets
Cat supplies, Dog supplies, Fish and aquarium suppliesBooks, CDs, and DVDs
Books and magazines, CDs, Linguistics, dictionaries, and phrase booksGames
Console accessories, PC and console gamesCars and motorcycles
Car accessories, Car seats, Car suppliesGifts
Christmas-related gifts, Gifts for kids, Gifts for menHome improvement and tools
Door hardware and locks, Electrical, Gas stovesSmartphones and tablets
Smartphone accessories, Smartphones, StorageMobile data
Investment and asset management
Banking and finance
Credit cards, Debit cards, Services and appsInsurance
Car insurance, Life insurance, Medical insuranceAudio
Earphones, Gaming, HeadphonesSmartphone applications
Business apps, Dating apps, Education appsOthers
Others, Merch, Recreation