You can use most Google apps – including YouTube – via the web browser built into Fire tablets. For some people that will be an acceptable workaround but, for others, it’s a deal-breaker. However, do note that unless you pay $10/£10 to upgrade to the ‘without ads’ model when you buy a Fire tablet, the lock screen will display adverts, which can be annoying. For the larger two tablets, there’s also the option of a Fire Kids Pro. These cost the same as the non-Pro versions but have a more grown-up case and a less cartoon-y interface that’s better suited to older kids from around 7-12.
The best kids’ tablets to buy
So the question is, which model should you buy? Here’s what we recommend. Here’s a summary of the key specs of the latest versions showing how they compare.
Amazingly cheap Good battery life
Small, low-resolution screen Poor cameras
The reason you may want to steer clear is because saying that it isn’t hugely powerful is an understatement. Obviously, you shouldn’t expect a lightning-fast tablet for this price and you’ll have to put up with waiting a little longer for apps to load than you’d expect. Basically, it’s the best option for kids because they are unlikely to complain about it… unless you’re buying it to replace a broken iPad, which won’t go down well. The screen has good colours and good-enough viewing angles, but the low resolution of 1024×600 means it’s not as sharp as the HD 8. Again, this won’t bother kids. The Fire 7 has hands-free Alexa like its more expensive siblings, which is nice, and this new model has a USB-C charging port that’s much easier to use than the annoying old microUSB. And there’s still a headphone jack.
USB-C charging Stereo speakers
Mediocre cameras
Cameras are the same on both tablets, but processing power is a little better which means it’s not quite a sluggish. There’s also more RAM (even more in the Plus model), more storage and you can expand that by up to 1TB using a microSD card. It still isn’t particularly responsive and, of course, everything about the interface and available apps and services is the same.
Big screen Most powerful processor in the range
Relatively expensive Can get Android tablets for similar money
Charging is via USB-C and the battery lasts for 12 hours. Anyone looking for a standard iPad-size tablet shouldn’t be disappointed with the HD 10 considering the $149.99/£149.99 price. And it’s also available in a Fire HD 10 Kids Edition and the Fire Kids Pro for 6-12 year olds for $199.99/£199.99. Note: the Plus versions of the Fire HD 8 and HD 10 have wireless charging and extra RAM. They’re otherwise identical to their non-Plus versions but are only available in a Slate colour.
Jim has been testing and reviewing products for over 20 years. His main beats include VPN services and antivirus. He also covers smart home tech, mesh Wi-Fi and electric bikes.
