Tech Talk

Amazon has been making some of the best Android tablets for kids for years now, and when the company announced its new tablets for 2021, we were pretty excited. That's because not only did the hardware get a refresh, but also because of the new Pro edition of the tablets. Since the physical devices are identical between the two versions, it can be tough to figure out which might be best for your child when choosing between the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids or Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro — we can help.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids or Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro: What specs work best for your child?

Last fall, Amazon announced a rebranding of its Freetime and Freetime Unlimited to Amazon Kids and Kids+, and while it was mostly a name change, some adjustments are more evident now with the new hardware. With the release of the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro, the new tools and additional content that came with the rebranding to Amazon Kids+ is ready to shine.

As you can see in the table above, these tablets of two different names are identical from a hardware perspective. Each of these devices has the same refreshed hardware, with the overall footprint of the tablet being shrunk down and the bump in RAM from 2GB to 3GB. These changes add up to a better experience overall when using the device.

One of the drawbacks to the previous generation Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet was that, for younger children, it was a bit difficult to hold it comfortably. By making the hardware thinner and lighter, while also doing the same to the bumper case included with the 2021 model, the tablet is much more manageable. Don't get me wrong, it's still a 10.1-inch screen, and that can still be a bit cumbersome for small hands, but it is better than before.

So you may be wondering if both tablets are the same for standard and Pro versions, why does one say Pro and not the other? Good question, and the reason is behind the difference in software.

The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is intended for children, but for those kids who are old enough and ready for a less "kiddy-looking" package.

On the outside, the difference when you purchase the Pro model is in the case that it comes with. That case is much slimmer, comes in different colors, and though it will still provide good protection for the tablet, it gives off a more mature feel. This impression of the tablet looking and physically feeling more "grown-up" is intentional because the tablet is targeted at kids between the ages of 6-12.

The other reason for the Pro moniker is how the tablet's user interface appears and what the child can access. Both of the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablets have the excellent parental controls that Amazon has provided along with the two-year worry-free warranty, but the Pro version ships with options that older kids will likely prefer.

With access to a digital store, kids using the Pro edition will be able to find more apps at their fingertips. However, they won't be able to download them without your permission first. This means that while your child has more freedom of choice in the apps they can explore, you will still be able to ensure those apps conform to what you deem appropriate.

Along with the expanded app library, your child will also have access to a web browser to explore their curiosities. The browser, however, won't be able to access the breadth of what the internet has to offer though. There are built-in controls that will filter out inappropriate content, and you can allow or block specific sites of your choosing.

Each of the new Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablets has dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support for excellent sound when watching age-appropriate content on the 10.1-inch HD screens. Plus, when you prefer your child enjoys their entertainment without disturbing others, there is a 3.5mm headphone jack and Bluetooth for them to plug in a pair of the best headphones for kids.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids or Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro: Which should you buy?

While it's hard to go wrong with either the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids or Kids Pro, one is likely going to be better for your child depending on their age and when you are buying the tablet. If your child is under 6 years old, then you may prefer the standard model. It will have a more durable case and have both a more age-appropriate visual and content appeal. Plus, aside from the difference in the case, the other changes are software that you'll be able to unlock when you feel your child is ready.

However, if your child is already in the 7-12 age range, the Kids Pro model will better serve you. It gives your maturing kid a tablet that looks less like it's for a much younger child and allows them to explore more of what technology can do in an environment you can control. Regardless of which device you go with, you will be getting a wonderful tablet for your child to grow with.

Time to explore

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids

Built to go

Pre-order for $200 at Amazon Pre-order for $200 at Best Buy

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet offers a two-year worry-free warranty and a free year of Amazon Kids+ so that your young child can enjoy age-appropriate content. In contrast, you enjoy knowing that Amazon has your back no matter what happens to the tablet.

GoingPro

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro

Expanding minds

Pre-order for $200 at Amazon Pre-order for $200 at Best Buy

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro offers older kids a great hardware experience paired with software that can match their curious minds. As the parent, you can rest assured that while your child will explore more, you will still ensure it is safe content.