We fix a lot of tablets at our shop in Erina. A genuinely surprising number of them belong to kids. Cracked screens from being dropped off the couch, digitiser damage from being sat on in a car seat, water damage from a juice box incident at the kitchen table — we've seen it all. After 16 years of repairing devices and helping families choose replacements, we have strong opinions about which tablets are worth buying for children and which ones are a waste of money.
This guide isn't written by someone who glanced at spec sheets for half an hour. It's written by people who see what actually breaks, what parents bring back for a second repair versus what they replace, and what kids are still happily using a year later. We'll walk you through what matters, what doesn't, and our honest picks at every price point for Australian families in 2026.
What to Look For in a Kids' Tablet
Before you look at any specific model, you need to understand what actually matters in a tablet that's going to be used (and abused) by a child. The priorities are different from buying a tablet for yourself.
- Durability: This is number one and it's not close. A tablet that lives in a child's hands will be dropped, thrown, stepped on, and knocked off tables. You need a device that either has a rugged build or can survive inside a quality case. We see far fewer cracked screens on tablets that shipped with bumper cases than on bare devices handed straight to kids.
- Screen size: For kids under seven, 8 to 8.7 inches is the sweet spot — big enough for educational apps and videos, small enough for little hands. For primary school-aged kids (7 to 12) who'll use it for homework and reading, 10 to 11 inches is ideal. Don't buy a 7-inch tablet thinking smaller is better — the screen is genuinely too cramped for most content.
- Parental controls: This is non-negotiable. You need the ability to set daily screen time limits, restrict app downloads, filter web content by age, and monitor usage. Both Android (via Google Family Link) and iPadOS (via Screen Time) do this well. Some tablets like Samsung's Kids Edition have an additional dedicated kids mode built in.
- Storage: Kids accumulate apps and downloaded videos fast. 32GB fills up in weeks. We recommend 64GB as a minimum, and ideally look for a microSD card slot so you can expand later without replacing the device. iPads don't have expandable storage, which is their one meaningful downside for kids.
- Battery life: Kids don't think about charging. A tablet that gets 8 to 10 hours of use on a charge means it'll reliably last a full day even if no one remembers to plug it in overnight. Anything under 6 hours of real-world use is going to cause frustration.
The best tablet for a kid isn't the one with the best processor or the sharpest display. It's the one that survives the first year, has proper parental controls, and doesn't need replacing after being dropped on the bathroom tiles.
Our Picks for 2026
Best Budget Pick: AWOW 10.1-Inch Kids Tablet
AWOW Android 14 Kids Tablet 10.1"
Budget PickIf you want to spend as little as possible without buying something useless, the AWOW 10.1-inch is our pick. It runs Android 14 with 8GB RAM (3GB physical + 5GB virtual) and 64GB storage, expandable up to 1TB via microSD. That's genuinely impressive for a tablet in this price range — a few years ago, this kind of spec sheet at this price didn't exist.
The stand-out feature for parents is that it ships with a thick, drop-proof silicone case with a built-in handle and kickstand. We see far fewer cracked screens on tablets with integrated bumper cases, and the AWOW's case is chunky enough to absorb real impacts. The blue-light reduction and eye protection mode are also worth enabling.
The trade-offs are predictable at this price: the display is HD rather than Full HD, the cameras are basic (fine for video calls, not great for anything else), and the quad-core processor will struggle with demanding games. But for YouTube Kids, educational apps, e-books, and casual games, it handles the workload without complaint.
Key specs: 10.1-inch IPS HD display • Android 14 • 8GB RAM • 64GB storage (expandable to 1TB) • 6,000mAh battery • Drop-proof case included • AU ~$135
Best Value for Money: Samsung Galaxy Tab A9
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 8.7" WiFi 64GB
Best ValueThe Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is the tablet we recommend most often for kids aged five to ten. It sits in a pricing sweet spot — significantly better build quality and performance than the budget tablets, but without the premium price tag of an iPad or Galaxy Tab S-series.
The 8.7-inch display is the right size for younger kids to hold comfortably, and the resolution (1340 x 800) is sharp enough for everything a child will use it for. The MediaTek Helio G99 processor handles apps, streaming, and games smoothly — noticeably faster than budget tablets in this guide.
What makes Samsung stand out for families is Samsung Kids mode. It's a dedicated, separate environment you can set up on the tablet with curated apps, drawing tools, and content that's appropriate for your child's age. You control what's accessible, how long they can use it, and when the tablet locks. It's genuinely well-designed. On top of that, Google Family Link works here too, giving you two layers of parental control.
From a repair perspective: Samsung Tab A-series screens are some of the more affordable tablet screens to replace if cracked. This matters when the device belongs to a child. Budget for a rugged case — Samsung doesn't include one with this model.
Key specs: 8.7-inch display • MediaTek Helio G99 • 4GB RAM • 64GB storage (expandable via microSD) • 5,100mAh battery • Samsung Kids mode • AU ~$232
Best for School & Homework: Lenovo Tab M11
Lenovo Tab M11 (2nd Gen) 11" 128GB
Best for SchoolOnce kids hit upper primary school and start using tablets for homework, research, and video calls with classmates, they need something with a bigger screen and more storage. The Lenovo Tab M11 delivers exactly that at a price that doesn't sting as much as an iPad.
The 11-inch 1920 x 1200 (Full HD) IPS display is a genuine step up from the budget tablets — text is sharp, colours are accurate, and it's comfortable for extended reading and writing. The 128GB of built-in storage means there's actually room for school apps, documents, downloaded content, and a few games without constantly running out of space.
A bonus that parents and kids both appreciate: Lenovo includes a Tab Pen stylus in the box. For note-taking, drawing, and annotating school documents, it's a useful addition that other tablets in this price range simply don't offer. The MediaTek Helio G88 processor handles multitasking well, and the 7,040mAh battery comfortably gets through a full school day.
The Lenovo runs stock Android, which means Google Family Link works seamlessly for parental controls. The build quality is solid if unexciting — it's a well-made tablet that won't impress anyone with its design but will reliably do its job for years.
Key specs: 11-inch Full HD IPS display • MediaTek Helio G88 • 4GB RAM • 128GB storage • Tab Pen included • 7,040mAh battery • Android 13 • AU ~$299
Best Kids-Ready Package: Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Kids Edition
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Kids Edition 11" 64GB
Top Pick — Kids-ReadyIf you want to buy a tablet that's ready for kids straight out of the box — no separate case to buy, no parental controls to configure from scratch — the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Kids Edition is the one. Samsung has taken their solid Tab A9+ hardware and wrapped it in a thick, durable "puffy" silicone case with bright colours that kids actually like. It even comes with three crayon-shaped styluses and stickers.
Under the case, you get the same quality hardware as the standard Tab A9+: an 11-inch display running at 1920 x 1200 resolution with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB of expandable storage. It's noticeably faster and smoother than the budget tablets and even the standard Tab A9.
Samsung Kids comes pre-installed and pre-configured, so the first-time setup walks you through creating a child's profile with age-appropriate content and screen time limits. You can switch between the kids mode and the full Android experience, which means this tablet grows with your child — it's a proper Galaxy Tab A9+ underneath, not a locked-down toy.
The puffy case is genuinely effective at absorbing drops. We've seen these come into the shop after significant falls with zero damage to the tablet inside. It's not indestructible, but it's the best out-of-the-box protection of any tablet on this list.
Key specs: 11-inch Full HD 90Hz display • Snapdragon 695 • 4GB RAM • 64GB storage (expandable) • Samsung Kids pre-installed • Puffy protective case included • AU ~$382
Premium Pick: Apple iPad 10th Generation
Apple iPad 10th Generation (10.9", 64GB, Wi-Fi)
Premium PickThe iPad is the premium option on this list, and whether it's worth the extra cost depends entirely on your family's situation. If you're already an Apple household with iPhones and Macs, the iPad is the obvious choice. Family Sharing, AirDrop, Find My, and iMessage integration make managing a child's device seamless. If you're not in the Apple ecosystem, it's a harder sell at this price.
What the iPad does objectively well: the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is the best screen of any tablet here. The A14 Bionic chip is powerful enough to handle anything a child (or teenager) will throw at it for years. The App Store has the strongest selection of educational apps and high-quality kids' games of any platform. Apple provides software updates for 5+ years, so a tablet bought today will still receive the latest iPadOS well into the 2030s.
Screen Time (Settings → Screen Time) gives you granular parental controls: daily time limits per app, content restrictions by age, purchase approval requirements, and detailed usage reports. It's well-designed and reliable.
The downsides for kids: iPads have no expandable storage (64GB is all you get unless you pay more), and they're built with glass and aluminium — beautiful, but fragile. You absolutely need a rugged case and a tempered glass screen protector. Apple doesn't include either. The cost of the iPad plus a quality kids' case plus a screen protector pushes the total over $500, which is a significant investment for a device a six-year-old is going to use.
Key specs: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display • A14 Bionic chip • 64GB storage (not expandable) • 10-hour battery life • Touch ID • iPadOS with Screen Time • AU ~$449
Prices shown are from Amazon AU at time of writing and may fluctuate. As an Amazon Associate, iFix Electronics earns from qualifying purchases.
iPad vs Android Tablets for Kids
This is the question we get asked most often, and the honest answer is: it depends on your family, not the tablets.
Choose iPad If:
- Your family already uses iPhones and Macs
- You want the best educational app selection
- Long-term software updates matter to you
- You want seamless Family Sharing and Find My
- Budget isn't the primary concern
Choose Android If:
- You want expandable storage via microSD
- You need a purpose-built kids mode (Samsung Kids)
- Budget is a priority — better value at every price
- You want more options for rugged/kids cases
- The family uses Android phones
From a pure performance standpoint, the iPad 10th Gen has a better processor and display than anything else on this list. But performance isn't everything when the user is a seven-year-old. Samsung's Kids mode is more thoughtfully designed for young children than Apple's Screen Time, and the ability to pop in a $20 microSD card when storage runs out is a practical advantage Apple can't match.
One thing we'll say from the repair bench: iPads hold their value exceptionally well. Even a damaged iPad with a cracked screen is worth something as a trade-in or resale. Budget Android tablets, by contrast, have essentially zero resale value after two years. If longevity and value retention matter to you, the iPad's higher upfront cost starts to look more reasonable.
Cases and Screen Protectors — Don't Skip This
We cannot overstate how important a good case and screen protector are for a child's tablet. We repair cracked tablet screens every week, and the pattern is always the same: no case, or a flimsy case that looked nice but offered no real protection.
Here's what to look for:
- Bumper-style cases with raised edges that extend above the screen level. When the tablet falls face-down, the case hits the ground — not the glass.
- EVA foam or thick silicone cases (the kind that look like they belong on a building site) are the best for kids under eight. They're ugly, but they work.
- Built-in handles or kickstands so small hands can grip the tablet securely. A tablet a child can hold properly is a tablet they're less likely to drop.
- Tempered glass screen protectors — not plastic film. Tempered glass absorbs impact and cracks instead of the display underneath. They cost $15 to $25 and save you hundreds in screen replacements.
Repair tech tip: Apply the screen protector the moment you unbox the tablet. Don't wait. The first drop always happens sooner than you expect, and it's always onto tiles or concrete. If the screen protector cracks instead of the display, you've just saved yourself $150 to $350 in repair costs.
A Note About Screen Time
The Australian Department of Health recommends: No screen time for children under 2. One hour per day maximum for children aged 2 to 5. Less than two hours of recreational screen time per day for children aged 5 to 17. A tablet with good parental controls makes enforcing these limits significantly easier — use the built-in tools (Google Family Link for Android, Screen Time for iPad) rather than relying on willpower alone.
We're not here to lecture you about screen time — every family is different, and we know tablets are genuinely useful for learning, creativity, and yes, keeping kids occupied during a long car trip. But the parental controls built into modern tablets exist for a reason, and setting them up properly is as important as buying a case. Do it on day one.
Need a Tablet Fixed? We Can Help
Cracked screen? Dead battery? Water damage?
We repair iPads, Samsung Galaxy Tabs, and other tablets at our Erina shop on the Central Coast. We also offer device setup — if you've bought a new tablet and want parental controls properly configured, we'll do it for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tablet for a 5-year-old in Australia?
For a five-year-old, we recommend the AWOW 10.1-inch Kids Tablet or the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 paired with a rugged case. Both offer parental controls, durable build quality, and age-appropriate content. The AWOW comes with a kid-proof case included and is the most affordable option at around $135. If you want something that will last into primary school and beyond, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 with its better processor and display is worth the extra spend at around $232.
Is an iPad worth it for a child in Australia?
The Apple iPad 10th Generation is an excellent choice if your budget allows it. iPadOS has strong built-in parental controls through Screen Time, the App Store has the best selection of educational apps, and iPads hold their value well. The downside is cost — you're paying $449 or more before adding a case and screen protector. If the rest of your family uses Apple devices, the integration (AirDrop, Find My, Family Sharing) makes it especially worthwhile.
How do I set up parental controls on a kids' tablet?
On Android tablets (Samsung, Lenovo, AWOW): use Google Family Link to set screen time limits, approve app downloads, filter content by age, and track location. On iPad: go to Settings → Screen Time to set daily limits, restrict content by age rating, block specific apps, and control purchases. Samsung tablets also have Samsung Kids mode, which creates a separate kid-friendly environment with curated apps and content. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Kids Edition comes with Samsung Kids pre-installed and ready to go.
Do kids' tablets need a screen protector?
Absolutely, yes. We repair cracked tablet screens regularly, and the majority come from kids dropping them. A tempered glass screen protector costs $15 to $25 on Amazon and absorbs impact that would otherwise crack the display. Combined with a bumper-style case, it can save you hundreds in repair costs. We recommend applying one the moment you unbox the tablet — before the first drop, not after it.
What size tablet is best for kids?
For children under seven, an 8 to 8.7-inch tablet is generally ideal — large enough to see content clearly but small enough for little hands to hold comfortably. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 at 8.7 inches hits this sweet spot perfectly. For older kids (ages 8 to 12) who use tablets for schoolwork, homework apps, or video calls, a 10 to 11-inch screen is better. The Lenovo Tab M11 and Apple iPad 10th Generation are both strong choices in that size range.
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains links to Amazon Australia. As an Amazon Associate, iFix Electronics earns a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we'd genuinely suggest to a customer standing in our shop — our recommendations are based on repair experience, not commission rates.