(checked 2026-10-10)Seen on a character-case (Disney Pixar Cars) page; Amazon appears to pool case designs. The Kids Pro listing (B0D38GBHCS, 5,868 ratings) also shows 6%.
Wirecutter's budget pick and PCMag's best for reading (3.5): a smaller 8-inch tablet that's comfortable for young kids, with a foam case, strong controls, multiple profiles and a two-year replacement guarantee. Wirecutter calls it 'painfully slow', the screen is low-res and glary, and the Kids+ subscription is close to required.
Subscription: Optional: 6 months of Amazon Kids+ included (or 1 year for $10 more); then $5.99/mo or $48/yr with Prime, $7.99/mo or $79/yr without (PCMag). PCMag says Kids+ is 'pretty much mandatory'.
Top complaints
- Slow
Wirecutter says it can be 'painfully slow': Minecraft lags, and even switching profiles or loading an app is sluggish. PCMag says performance is average, apps stutter at times, and it can't run intense games. Amazon owners are mixed on speed.
- Thin app selection and a subscription you'll need
Wirecutter says Kids+ apps often lack substance, there's no YouTube Kids app, and popular books like Dog Man cost extra. PCMag says you'll eventually need to pay for Kids+ to get the most out of it. Amazon owners are mixed on app options.
- Low-res, glary screen and weak speakers
Wirecutter says the 189 ppi screen is much lower in resolution and brightness than the iPad's. PCMag says it's often obscured by glare outdoors and the speakers aren't loud.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), PCMag review
What owners love
- Survives drops, with a two-year guarantee
Wirecutter's unit was dropped and tossed around without cracks or scratches. PCMag notes the two-year, no-questions-asked replacement guarantee.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), PCMag review - Strong, multi-child parental controls
PCMag says you can set up to four child profiles, each with age filters, time limits and purchase approvals. Wirecutter rates Amazon's controls above Apple's Screen Time.
Source: PCMag review, Wirecutter (NYT) - Good battery and kid-friendly size
PCMag measured 9h41m of HD streaming. Amazon owners call the battery life amazing, and one says it lasted a 16-hour flight. Wirecutter says the smaller size suits small hands.
- Your child plays Minecraft or other demanding games
- You want YouTube Kids or Google apps
- You don't want an ongoing Kids+ subscription
- Ages 3 to 7 (the Kids Pro version, ages 6 to 12, has the same hardware and a slimmer case)
- Siblings sharing one tablet (multiple profiles)
- Video and books on a tight budget, often on sale
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick (with the same-hardware Kids Pro for ages 6 to 12). Slow, with a worse screen and far fewer apps than an iPad, but cheap, durable and good for video.
- PCMag: 3.5 Good, and 'Best for Reading Books' in PCMag's roundup. The cons are an unimpressive display, average performance, and working best with Kids+. PCMag recommends the Fire HD 10 Kids instead.