Group test: best tablet for children

We test, rank and rate the best tablet PCs aimed at kids

The best tablet PCs for children reviewed, rated and ranked by PC Advisor.

Kids love tablets and apps, and they'll monopolise yours unless you get them one, too. There are several tablets specially built for kids, so we got them in and let a bunch of young people play with them. Here's our latest roundup of the best children's tablet reviews.

5. Kurio 7

Kurio 7
  • Reviewed on: 14 September 12
  • RRP: £150 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 5 out of 10

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

Barnes & Noble Nook HD
  • Reviewed on: 22 November 12
  • RRP: £159 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 7 out of 10

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

VTech InnoTab 2
  • Reviewed on: 29 August 12
  • RRP: £84.99 inc. VAT
  • Rating: Rated 8 out of 10

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

nabi 2
  • Reviewed on: 23 November 12
  • RRP: £150 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 7 out of 10

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

Leapfrog LeapPad2 Explorer
  • Reviewed on: 23 August 12
  • RRP: £89.99 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

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).

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