5 Best iPads for Kids in 2024

A good tablet for kids is much different from what a good tablet for an adult must have. You want a grown-up tablet to be slim, light, and fast, while a tablet for kids needs to be cheap, robust, and scratch-resistant. The best iPad for kids needs to be affordable so that repairing or replacing one won’t break your budget and is powerful enough so they can have fun, learn, and boost their creativity. Here are five of the best iPads for kids you can get at a discounted price.

1. iPad mini 6

Release year	2021
Screen size	8.3″
Dimensions	7.69 × 5.3 × 0.25 in (195.4 × 134.8 × 6.3 mm)
Weight	0.65 pounds (293 grams)
Storage	64GB, 256GB
Price	Starting at

The iPad mini 6, launched in 2021, excels in both performance and portability, ideal for kids’ everyday use. It sports an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD with a resolution of 1488×2266 pixels, ensuring clear and vibrant visuals for content and games​​​​​​. Powered by the Apple A15 Bionic processor, this model offers smooth and responsive performance across various applications, from educational apps to creative drawing tools​​​​.

In terms of design, the iPad mini 6 is both lightweight and durable, with dimensions of 195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3 mm and a weight of around 293g, making it easy for children to handle​​​​. It includes a 12 MP camera for high-quality images and supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, enhancing its utility for learning and creativity​​​​. The substantial 5078 mAh battery ensures prolonged usage, a key feature for uninterrupted learning and play​​.

👉 Learn more: iPad Air 4 vs. iPad mini 6: Which One Should You Get?

2. iPad mini 5

Release year	2019
Screen size	7.9″
Dimensions	8 × 5.3 × 0.24 in (203.2 × 134.8 × 6.1 mm)
Weight	0.66 pounds (300.5 grams)
Storage	64GB, 256GB
Price	Starting at

For parents seeking a balance between functionality and budget, the iPad mini 5 is an excellent choice. This model is more affordable than the iPad mini 6, but doesn’t skimp on performance regardless. It boasts a robust A12 Bionic chip, ensuring smooth operation whether your kids are streaming their favorite shows, engaging in educational apps, or unleashing their creativity through drawing and games.

The 7.9-inch Retina display with True Tone provides a crisp and comfortable viewing experience, perfect for young eyes. Moreover, its compact size and light weight make it ideal for smaller hands, offering ease of use and portability. The iPad mini 5 represents a smart choice for parents prioritizing quality and affordability.

3. iPad Air 5

Release year	2022
Screen size	10.9″
Dimensions	9.74 × 7.03 × 0.24 in (247.6 × 178.5 × 6.1 mm)
Weight	1.02 pounds (461 grams)
Storage	64GB, 256GB
Price	Starting at

The iPad Air 5 is ideal for parents considering a tablet for their kids. Its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, with high resolution, is perfect for educational content and creative apps. The screen’s anti-reflective and True Tone technology also makes it easier on young eyes, a crucial feature for kids. Additionally, compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil opens up opportunities for drawing and writing, enhancing the learning experience.

In terms of performance, the iPad Air 5’s Apple M1 chip ensures a smooth experience across various apps, making it an excellent tool for education and entertainment. Its 8GB RAM and robust CPU and GPU handle demanding applications effortlessly.

4. iPad 10

Release year	2022
Screen size	10.9″
Dimensions	9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 in (248.6 x 179.5 x 7.5 mm)
Weight	1.05 pounds (477 grams)
Storage	64GB, 256GB
Price	Refurbished starting at

The iPad 10 is an excellent choice for kids because of its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, which offers a resolution of 2,360 x 1,640 pixels. Its clear and vibrant display, enhanced by True Tone technology, is complemented by compatibility with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, enabling additional tasks such as creative drawing and writing, adding to its educational value.

As for its performance, the iPad 10 is powered by the A14 Bionic chip, ensuring the smooth operation of a wide range of applications. It features a 12MP Wide rear camera and a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera, both supporting 4K video recording. The device provides up to 10 hours of battery life, similar to what we can find in this list.

5. iPad 8

Release year	2020
Screen size	10.2 inches
Dimensions	9.8 × 6.8 × 0.29 in (250.6 × 174.1 × 7.5 mm)
Weight	1.08 pounds (490 grams)
Storage	32GB, 128GB
Price	Starting at

The iPad 8 is the most budget-friendly option on this list, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious parents. It offers a balance of affordability and functionality with its large 10.2-inch screen, perfect for games, videos, and schoolwork. The device is powered by the A12 Bionic chip, ensuring robust performance.

Besides cost-effectiveness, the iPad 8 supports the Apple Pencil (1st generation) and includes the Smart Connector for the Apple Smart Keyboard and other accessories. With strong parental controls and compatibility with iPadOS 17, it’s the cheapest option and a versatile and future-proof choice for children’s educational and entertainment needs.

How to choose the best iPad for kids

There are some factors to consider before getting an iPad for your kids.

Portability

Knowing the iPad dimensions and screen sizes is key to a good purchase and essential for your kids so they can handle and carry it without dropping it.

Young children may be unable to lift and manipulate an iPad with a screen size larger than 10.9 inches, while pre-teens could be more susceptible to tiny screens.

Budget

Before buying an iPad for your kids, it is a good idea to set a budget beforehand. Some high-end iPad models may be more versatile, which could be a good investment if several of your children share the device.

However, if budget is your constraint, going the refurbished route is for you. You can look into the pricier iPad models with larger hard drives and faster processors for a discounted price and the same functionality.

Performance

Choosing the best tablet for your child is easier if you are assured of its intended purpose. Before buying, consider whether the tablet will be used for learning tasks or entertainment. Keep in mind that older kids might need to use the tablet to search for information for homework or school research projects.

Pre-teens might even want to use the tablet for beginner coding and programming activities.

Teens might also want to use the tablet to boost their creativity and watch videos.

Why choose an iPad for your kids

As parents know, kids have a thing with dropping, breaking, and sitting on something. Therefore, durability must be the center of your buying decision, and the iPad can undoubtedly be the best tablet for kids.

Luckily, iPads are built to be robust, durable, and a good choice for kids due to their excellent selection of apps for children and parental controls with screen time management.

The parental controls can block apps, filter content, and prevent undesired purchases. And, with the increase in online classes worldwide, parents need a kid-friendly tablet they can rely on safely. The iPad can also improve learning outcomes for children with disabilities.

In any case, you should give the tablet to your kids with a protective case. You can also think about repurposing an old iPad your kids will not use anymore if they get tired of it or if you get a new model.

👉 Learn more: How to Set Up and Use an iPad: A Complete Guide

Conclusion: buy the best iPad for kids with a discount

Buying a refurbished iPad for your kids will save you money while receiving a product with the same functionality as a brand-new one, warranty included.

On RefurbMe, we specialize in comparing all available Apple refurbished deals available in real time. Apart from the iPads we showed you above, don’t forget to check all iPads here and use the filters to find more deals:

👉 Learn more: 5 Best Refurbished iPads You Can Buy in 2024

Lastly, don’t hesitate to know the 30 easy tips to extend the iPad’s battery life and our article on the 5 best iPhones for kids in case you are considering a new phone for them.

Happy buying!