Group test: best tablet for children

5. Kurio 7

• Reviewed on: 14 September 12
• RRP: £150 inc VAT
• Rating:

The Kurio 7 has a decent interface for kids, and some good pre-loaded content. Its content filters are some of the best we've seen and don't require a paid subscription. However, the hardware is disappointing: a low-resolution, occasionally unresponsive screen with poor viewing angles, mediocre battery life and a slow processor that can't even handle websites such as Google Maps. The concept is good and, had the hardware been up to scratch, we'd have liked the Kurio 7 a whole lot more. As it is, it fails to live up to its 'ultimate' description and you're better off buying a Google Nexus 7, a protective case and installing a child-friendly web browser and the Kid Mode app.

4. Barnes & Noble Nook HD

• Reviewed on: 22 November 12
• RRP: £159 inc VAT
• Rating:

We can hardly find fault with the hardware, but UK-specific content - including magazines, newspapers, books and apps - is sorely lacking. Much is promised, but you're taking a risk if you jump in and buy a Nook HD right now. As with the Kindle Fire HD, the Nook HD will be good option for anyone wanting something that's easy to use, and there's the bonus of user profiles as well. However, if you don't want to be completely locked in to the Nook store, you're better off with a Nexus 7 at this price.

3. VTech InnoTab 2

• Reviewed on: 29 August 12
• RRP: £84.99 inc. VAT
• Rating:

The VTech InnoTab 2 is sure to be one of the hottest gadget gifts for kids under 8 this Christmas. Its improved specifications, including the new rotating camera and microphone plus increased storage capacity, are excellent upgrades. The software range is wide, although not as great as available for adult tablets like the iPad. Although kids’ tablets such as the InnoTab 2 certainly shouldn’t replace parent-time or good, old-fashioned pen & paper activities (let alone something a lot more active!) its educational and fun quiet-time benefits should justify the price.

2. nabi 2

• Reviewed on: 23 November 12
• RRP: £150 inc VAT
• Rating:

It's not without its faults, but the nabi 2 is currently the best kids' tablet around. You're unlikely to want to use it yourself, but it does allow you to use the full Android interface, albeit without access to the Google Play store or Google apps.

1. Leapfrog LeapPad2 Explorer

• Reviewed on: 23 August 12
• RRP: £89.99 inc VAT
• Rating:

We loved the original Leapfrog LeapPad Explorer tablet for kids, and the LeapPad2 is a great update – with improved hardware and a bunch of new games and educational and creative apps. It's not a toy, it's a proper little tablet that boasts access to over 300 apps. Although a lot less sophisticated than an iPad children didn’t seem to compare it badly, seeing it as another type of gadget altogether. It’s a better size for children than the iPad, and while the games and apps aren’t as slick they capture the child’s imagination just as well. Cheaper and more robust than adult tablets the LeapPad 2 is a definite hit with younger kids (aged 3-7).