15 best tablets and devices for kids who learn

A kid-proof Android tablet for ages 3-6 with a bumper case, a year of Kids+ content and remote controls from the Parent Dashboard. Kids can make art and stories, not just watch.

Watch for: Google Play is available: approve each app and turn off in-app purchases.

An 11-inch tablet for ages 6-12 with a year of Kids+, curated creator videos, and Storybuilder, which turns kids' ideas into illustrated books. Parents can cap video and set reading goals.

Watch for: Kids+ auto-renews. Storybuilder uses generative AI; review what it makes.

A paper-like e-reader with no apps, games or videos, plus a year of Kids+ books and Audible titles. Battery lasts weeks, and built-in definitions help with harder books.

The color Kindle for kids: comics and covers in color on a paper-like screen. It is waterproof, comes with a 2-year guarantee and a year of Kids+, and has parent controls for bedtime.

Watch for: Kids+ renews at $7.99 a month after 12 months unless canceled.

A long-lasting tablet with strong learning and creative apps. Apple's Screen Time and Family Sharing let parents control apps, purchases, downtime and contacts from their own phone.

Watch for: Set up Screen Time and Ask to Buy first. See apple.com/child-safety for the settings.

A GPS watch with calling and preset texts to parent-approved contacts, made for ages 5-12. There is no browser, no app store and no social media, so it is a phone-free way to stay in touch.

Watch for: Plans run about $13-$18 a month plus a $30 activation fee.

A first phone for ages 9-14 with calls, texts and music, but no web browser or open app store. It suits kids who need to reach home but are not ready for the internet in their pocket.

Watch for: Gabb says its message filter is AI-assisted and "no filter is 100% effective."

A Samsung phone with Bark's monitoring built in: contact and app approval, schedules, location, and alerts on concerning texts and photos. It is a bridge between a locked-down phone and a full smartphone.

Watch for: Monitoring scans your child's messages. Talk with them about it.

A GPS smartwatch with calling, managed from the same Bark parent app as the Bark Phone. It is a good fit for younger kids in families that plan to use Bark later.

Watch for: Needs a service plan; check current pricing.

Android phones with a parent portal for approving apps and contacts, built for kids moving step by step toward a full phone. Parents can add tools as a child shows they are ready.

Another kid-safe Android phone service with parent-approved apps and contacts and filtered browsing. It gives families a middle path between a basic phone and an open smartphone.

Watch for: Requires a monthly plan.

A kids' watch with calls, messages and location through the Ace Pass plan, plus movement games and a School Time mode. It is a phone-free option built around getting kids moving.

Watch for: Showed out of stock on the Google Store in Oct 2026. Needs the Ace Pass plan.

Turns an LTE Galaxy Watch into a kids' watch managed through Google Family Link, with approved contacts, school time and location sharing. Good for Samsung and Android families.

Watch for: Needs a compatible LTE watch, a carrier line and a Samsung phone for the parent.

With Family Setup, a parent's iPhone manages a child's cellular Apple Watch, including contacts, Schooltime and location. It is a natural choice for families already using iPhones.

Watch for: Requires the cellular model and a carrier plan.

A deliberately minimal phone for teens who want calls, texts and maps without feeds or apps. It is a good choice for a teen who wants to cut back, not for a young child.

Watch for: Not designed as a kids' phone; few parental controls.