Tablets have become important learning tools for kids, and there are a lot of options out there to choose from. When it comes to the best tablets for students, a lot will depend on their age and what they’ll be using it for. iPads are popular favorites in learning environments, and you’ll find three different options on our list. We’ve also rounded up good laptop replacements as well as bargain picks that still get the job done. All of these are terrific for learning apps, streaming media, and playing games, so kids will love them!
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iPad Air
All of Apple’s iPad offerings are among the best tablets for students, so it’s really a matter of deciding which one is right for you. The new iPad Air is a terrific fit for pretty much any student. The 10.9-inch screen is big enough to see well, yet small and light enough to be portable. Plus the anti-reflective coating means you’ll be able to read it in even the brightest sunlight. Apple’s new M1 chip and other improvements are especially noticeable in graphics and video programs.
Discounts: Shop through the Apple Education Store for exclusive student discounts. Plus, check out their 2022 back-to-school deals for gift cards and discounts on Apple Care.
iPad Mini
For younger kids (or smaller budgets), try the iPad Mini. The smaller size is easier for little hands, but you still get the full functionality of a larger tablet. One of the nice benefits of an iPad is built-in programs like FaceTime, which lets kids stay in touch with family and friends without needing their own phone. You get up to 10 hours battery life on a single charge, so kids can count on a full day’s use.
Discounts: Shop through the Apple Education Store for exclusive student discounts. Plus, check out their 2022 back-to-school deals for gift cards and discounts on Apple Care.
iPad Pro
If you’re thinking about using a tablet as a 2-in-1 laptop replacement, upgrade to the iPad Pro 12.9-inch. Add on a keyboard cover, and you’ll have the best of both worlds. The Pro boasts the new M1 chip, giving it super-fast performance, and the 12MP camera has an ultra-wide option, which is great for online classes or filming projects. Long battery life and a full suite of built-in apps make this a top-notch choice for Apple loyalists.
Discounts: Shop through the Apple Education Store for exclusive student discounts. Plus, check out their 2022 back-to-school deals for gift cards and discounts on Apple Care.
Kindle Fire HD 8
If you’re looking for a bargain tablet, the Kindle Fire HD 8 is an excellent choice. It’s especially great for kids who love to read, but you can also find a wide array of apps (free and paid) on the Amazon App Store. Learning apps, games, streaming options—they’re all here. Kindle Fires use the Silk Browser to access the internet, which can sometimes feel a little limiting, but for the price, this tablet can’t be beat.
Discounts: Amazon doesn’t offer education discounts, but Kindle Fire tablets go on sale regularly, sometimes as much as 50% off, so keep an eye out.
Kindle Fire HD 8 Kids Pro
If you’re interested in a Kindle for younger kids (pre-K and elementary age), pay a little extra for the HD 8 Kids Pro version. It includes a case that makes the tablet easier to hold, and offers drop-proof protection. In fact, if your child manages to break it in the first two years, Amazon will replace it for free! Kids have access to a digital store, but they must send all purchase requests to their parents for approval first. Plus, you get a free year’s worth of Amazon Kids+, with thousands of ad-free books, games, and learning apps.
Discounts: Amazon doesn’t offer education discounts, but Kindle Fire tablets go on sale regularly, sometimes as much as 50% off, so keep an eye out.
Microsoft Surface Go 3
In the world of Android-based tablets, the Microsoft Surface line is a common favorite. Their full-featured tablets include the ability to add access to the Microsoft 365 suite of apps, like Word and PowerPoint. Battery life lasts up to 11 hours, pretty standard for tablets these days. The cameras aren’t as good as the iPad’s, but they’ll still serve students well for online classes and video chatting.
Discounts: Shop through the Microsoft Education Store for the best student discounts.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8
If you’re in the market for a laptop replacement, add on the keyboard cover to the Surface Pro 8 and you’re good to go. This is our favorite tablet for kids who love to create. The included Slim Pen 2 slots into the tablet for charging, so it’s always handy for drawing, painting, writing, or other creative outlets. Battery life is outstanding at up to 16 hours, and the 13-inch screen size is easy on the eyes.
Discounts: Shop through the Microsoft Education Store for the best student discounts.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
We do love a pad with an included pen, especially for younger kids who need to practice handwriting. The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is an affordable option, with stellar battery life at up to 13 hours. Like the Surface, this tablet has decent (but not top-end) cameras, good enough for most student needs. If your student happens to have a Galaxy phone as well, they can sync apps across devices, which is a nice touch.
Discounts: Visit the Samsung Education Offer page for current deals and discounts.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
The bigger screen, better cameras, and faster processor make this a worthy upgrade from the S6 Lite. The S Pen is still included, and by adding a keyboard cover, you’ll have a nice 2-in-1 laptop replacement. Note that Galaxy Tabs don’t have a headphone jack, so you’ll need to buy wireless earbuds or an adapter to fit the USB-C slot.
Discounts: Visit the Samsung Education Offer page for current deals and discounts.
Lenovo Tab M8 HD
Here’s a bargain tablet for kids that’s not a Kindle. Lenovo’s offering costs much less than most other picks on this list, but it packs a pretty big punch. The battery life is as good as (or better than) any of the others, it’s light and portable, and it even includes a headphone jack. The cameras are on the low-end but perfectly acceptable for video chats or online classes. This is an excellent starter tablet or a nice-add on for students who already have laptops but want something even smaller to carry around.
Discounts: Shop through Lenovo’s Students and Teachers page for discounts and deals.
Have more questions about the best tablets for students? Ask for advice on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, check out 100+ FREE Apps for Students in Junior High and High School.
