Amazon offers a wide range of Fire tablets, including both the standard line as well as the Kids line. With a range of prices and various features, it’s difficult to decide which one is the right fit for you. Even if it’s for a child, for example, is it worth getting one of the Kids’ models or should you opt for a standard Fire tablet?
Here, I’ll look at four popular models in the new line: the Amazon Fire 7, Amazon Fire HD 8, Amazon Fire 7 Kids, and Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids to help you make the right decision.
Amazon Fire 7 and Amazon Fire HD 8
First, we’ll look at the standard Amazon Fire 7 and Amazon Fire HD 8 tablets. These are regular tablets that can be used by adults and kids, alike. While they aren’t designed specifically for kids, they have features that might sway you towards them instead of the Kids-specific models, especially for older children.
How do they compare in specs?
There are a few differences between these two tablets when it comes to specs beyond just the screen size.
Amazon Fire 7 tablet
The Amazon Fire 7 tablet, which comes in black or Denim, has a 7-inch 1,024 x 600-pixel touchscreen and comes with 16GB or 32GB of storage, though you can expand this to up to 1TB with an optional microSD card. Sporting a 10-hour battery life (it recharges via USB-C with the included cable and power brick), it boasts up to 30% faster performance than the previous generation model thanks to the quad-core processor and 2GB RAM.
With this tablet, you can access the web, including popular streaming services like Netflix, social sites like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others. Note they have to be downloaded through Amazon’s Appstore since Google Play is not supported. Alexa is not available on this tablet, or any other Fire tablets, sold in Canada.
You can also access software like Zoom for video calls and do things like update shopping lists, set reminders, and listen to podcasts. It comes with 2MP front- and rear-facing cameras that can also capture 720p HD video.
You can use Amazon Kids for robust parental control for monitoring things like time spent online, what content is being used, setting limits, and more. Amazon Kids+, which is available for a subscription fee, is a kid-specific portal with curated and age-appropriate content. The experience includes access to thousands of books, apps and games, videos, songs, and other kid-friendly content.
Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet
By comparison, the slightly more expensive Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet, which comes in black, pink, or Denim, has a larger 8-inch touchscreen that also boasts higher resolution at 1,280 x 800 and is made from strengthened aluminosilicate glass that makes it extra durable. Storage is also expandable up to 1TB but it comes with either 32GB or 64GB out of the box.
The processor is 2GHz as well, but it’s hexa-core versus quad-core, which should result in snappier performance, including 30% faster than the previous-gen Fire HD 8. Battery life is also improved at up to 13 hours per charge via the included USB-C cable and power brick.
Also with 2MP front- and rear-facing cameras that can capture 720p HD video, you can access all the same streaming services and apps, again, through the Amazon Appstore, as well as Amazon Kids+.
Using these two tablets
I enlisted my almost 11-year-old son to help me review these four tablets. He first started playing with the Fire HD 7 and Fire HD 8. We downloaded a few video streaming apps along with some games and, of course, Roblox.
He loved the ease at which he could use two hands to play on the Amazon Fire 7, which is slightly bigger than a large-sized phone but much smaller than his 10-inch tablet. He noticed that the screen left a bit to be desired and remarked that it was slower than his usual tablet. But overall, he was able to play with ease.
He had some trouble accessing Roblox on the Fire HD 8, even after installing the latest software update. The same game would continuously shut down. We did not figure out the reason why, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re considering these tablets for a lot of Roblox play.
The difference in screen resolution is noticeable, with more vivid colours and better detail on the Amazon Fire HD 8. For example, while watching Yellowstone on Amazon Prime Video, the image of a horse on the back of a character’s jacket was visible with more detail in this model versus the Fire 7.
The cameras leave something to be desired: you can take fun snapshots but nothing that will be worth sharing beyond the odd social media post.
For whom are these tablets best suited?
Both these tablets are a great option for older kids (aged 8 and up) who want to access services like Roblox, social media, games, streaming video, and more. It allows parents to set up robust parental controls to ensure they are only accessing age-appropriate content.
But they still function as viable tablets for adults, too. This would be a secondary tablet, something to use on the go when you don’t want to take an expensive iPad with you, for example, on a long road trip or flight. But even for sitting back on the couch and enjoying a second-screen experience, both these tablets do the trick with a screen larger than your phone.
Which one should you get?
Given the nominal price difference, most people will be better off with the Amazon Fire HD 8. It not only has a larger and higher-res screen but it’s also more durable, which makes it a viable option for a child, ideally aged 7 and older. They will be able to access the content they couldn’t on one of the dedicated Kids’ tablets that offer a more limited experience (more on those below), which are better suited to younger kids. They’ll enjoy better clarity with videos and processing power with games. The extra few hours of battery life is worth the price of entry alone.
With that said, if you are on a tight budget, the Amazon Fire 7 is still a viable option, especially as a secondary family tablet or one for older kids who want to complete simple tasks, like web browsing, watching videos, playing games, and reading eBooks.
Amazon Fire 7 Kids and Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids
The Amazon Fire 7 Kids and Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids are, as the name implies, designed specifically for use by younger children. Both come wrapped in a kid-proof bumper case that protects it against bumps and drops and has a built-in kickstand for easy, hands-free viewing and use. They also include a two-year worry-free warranty: if it breaks during that time, you can return the tablet for a free replacement.
These tablets not only provide access to Amazon Kids+, but both also come with a one-year free trial for trying out the apps, games, books, videos, and content from sources like Disney, PBS Kids, and HOMER. The parental controls are included here as well, all managed through the Parent Dashboard. After the 12 months, parents can cancel or Amazon Kids+ will auto-renew at $5.99/mo.
How do they compare in specs?
As with the Amazon Fire tablets, these two Fire Kids tablets have some slight differences when it comes to specs.
Amazon Fire 7 Kids
Available with a blue or purple case, the Amazon Fire 7 Kids has a 7-inch 1,024 x 600 display and affords access to a hand-picked selection of websites via the web browser. Suitable for kids from about 3-7, it comes with 16GB or 32GB storage, expandable up to 512GB via an optional microSD card.
Powered by a quad-core 2GHz processor with 2GB RAM, it charges via USB-C and affords up to 10 hours of battery life. It comes equipped with 2MP front- and rear-facing cameras that can capture both stills and 720p HD videos.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids
Also available with either a blue or purple case, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids ups the ante in a few ways. First, it has a larger 8-inch, 1,280 x 800 display, 32GB or 64GB, expandable up to 1TB, hexa-core 2GHz processor 2GB RAM, and up to 13 hours battery life per charge via USB-C.
Use the 2MP front- and rear-facing cameras to capture photos and 720p HD videos.
Using these two tablets
Both these tablets are designed for younger kids, aged 3-7 (or so, depending on the individual child.) They offer a curated selection of apps, books, and websites that can be visited, though parents can add access for more. For example, I was able to add the Prodigy Math Game app my son loves, Spotify music, and even Zoom for video chats with grandparents and others.
The bumper case is a wonderful addition that makes the tablets both easy to grip and prop up thanks to the built-in kickstand with adjustable angles.
With faster processing speeds and a high-res screen, the Amazon Fire HD 8 indeed offers a more pleasing-to-the-eyes experience, and kids who love to flip back and forth among apps, stream video, and more, will appreciate both. However, you’ll find both of these slower than the standard Fire tablets, so it’s worth keeping that in mind.
Both tablets offer a similar experience and features, so the decision really comes down to price point and size. For smaller kids, the Amazon Fire 7 Kids is a nice size they’ll be able to comfortably hold in two hands to play games and do other activities. The Amazon Fire HD 8 is slightly bigger, but with even young kids today pretty familiar with mobile devices like tablets, it should work just fine for any age. The faster processor still doesn’t rival the standard non-Kids tablets, but it might be worth opting for that one to ensure a seamless experience with faster load times and switching among apps.
For whom are these tablets best suited?
As noted, both tablets are ideal for kids anywhere from 3 up to 7. The decision between them comes down to price, screen size, and how much and what activity you believe the child will be doing on it.
Given the limited web browsing and apps, these tablets aren’t suited for older kids who are potentially given a bit more freedom to browse and access other apps. But for younger kids, the parental controls and the inclusion of the one-year Amazon Kids+ subscription, make them both a worthwhile investment as a first tablet.
Which one should you get?
Even if it’s a small jump in price (both are often on sale), it’s worth it to get the Amazon HD 8 Kids over the Amazon 7 Kids. You get a larger screen with the same bumper case so it’s still easy and comfortable to hold. And the more powerful processing speeds, higher-res screen, and longer battery life are three major reasons to spend a bit more on the upgraded option.
With that said, if this is something for a 3-year-old who will simply be enjoying some cartoons, apps, educational books, and websites, will an HD screen matter when they’ll probably have their dirty, grubby fingers all over it anyway? For occasional use, the battery life won’t be a dealbreaker, nor will be processing speed if they’re doing one thing for a short period of screen time per day and that’s it. In that case, if you find the Amazon 7 Kids for a killer deal, it might be worth grabbing. But keep in mind that you’ll likely want to upgrade to something else by the time they turn 6, 7, or 8 (or hand this one down to a younger sibling, friend, or family member).
Deciding among these four tablets
When it comes to these four tablets, the Amazon Fire 7 Kids and Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids are both ideal for kids aged 3-7, and even 7 is pushing it: I’d say it’s closer to 3-6 for these ones, though it will depend on the individual child. These have a tailored experience for young kids with cartoons, books, and other content that is suited to preschoolers and kindergarteners.
Once a child gets older, you’re better off opting for the Amazon Fire 7 or Fire HD 8. They offer access to a better experience for games they’ll want to play, like Roblox and Minecraft. They are easy to hold in the hand, and you can still buy a protective case if you want another layer of protection. What’s more, they can function as family tablets with older siblings and parents able to use them as well for the occasional web browsing, video viewing, and more.
In both cases, I’d opt for the slighter larger screened Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids and Amazon Fire HD 8 simply for the increase in specs that justify the small jump in price. You’ll notice an improvement in screen resolution, processing power, and battery life. Those three facets alone make it worthwhile to go for the larger ones.
With that said, if you’re looking for a nice, compact tablet for a younger or older kid to use on the road, take to school when they are permitted special screen time days, to use while traveling, or for monitoring usage, the Amazon Fire 7 is actually an adorably compact yet powerful tablet. If you can find it for a killer deal, it’s a fun alternative to a larger, more expensive tablet. And it’s suitable for all ages.
Find the Amazon Fire 7, Fire HD 8, Fire 7 Kids, and Fire HD 8 Kids all at Best Buy Online.
13 hours of battery life is the best feature for me!
larger storage for movies on the go
I like the Fire 8HD because of the large screen (yes, I have gotten to that age) and also the battery life so I can take it with me when I am on the go
Long Battery Life & Screen Size.
Battery life is awesome, as is the HD!
The most important feature for me is the parental controls to limit how long my child is using the tablet.
The most useful feature for me is the up to 13 hours of battery life.
Great for travel when you want to watch the occasional movie or catch up on social media.
The Fire 8 would be a great tablet to use on the go when you don’t want to take an expensive tablet with you, for example, on a long road trip or flight.
I think the robust parental controls are the most valuable for me because our kid hasn’t had screen time yet and I’d like to make sure I’ve limited it at first
I would use it for Facebook and TikTok.
The large storage and long battery life makes it the best choice for me. And, I highly appreciate the parental controls to limit how long my child is using the tablet.
I would benefit from the HD screen so I could see more on the screen and the larger storage so I could move files to the tablet!
I would say the feature I like the most would have to be the long battery life of 13 hours! 😉
I like the speed – 30% faster than the previous-gen Fire HD 8.
I like the better battery, that’s so convenient!
The long battery life is great!
Expandable Storage is my favourite feature.
My favorite feature is the long battery life.
My favourite feature on this tablet is the expandable storage and the extended battery life.
Not too expensive to take on the road with me. Leaving expensive equipment at home safe makes sense while still having functionality.
Amazon Kids because it offers “robust parental control”.
The most useful feature, I think, is the kid-proof bumper cases on the kids tablets. One of my grandchildren have one and it’s wonderful. Keeps the tablet safe, makes it easy for smaller hands to handle and the built-in kickstand is a definite plus.
The battery life is great for more time without charging while I’m on the go somewhere
My favourite feature of the Fire 8 tablet is that you get 13 hours of battery life per charge. More work time less time charging especially when I’m on the go.
The improved battery life is my favourite feature – being able to use something though having to charge every couple hours would be a bonus.
My favourite feature is that the Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet is made from strengthened aluminosilicate glass, which we need in our house, and that it is expandable up to 1TB.
My favourite feature is that the Fire 8 gets 13 hours of battery life per charge. I hate running out of battery life!
So many great features like the Alexa built-in, so you can use voice commands to control the tablet, play music, and even order groceries.
From my prespective the better battery life is most useful because my current tablet cannot hold a charge long.
Better battery life is always good
The improved battery life is the most useful because it means I can use it longer between charges
better battery life!
up to 7 hours of battery life. is most useful to me as I use a tablet a lot and would be great not having to charge it so much as my current one, could do so much more
The fire hd 8 impresses me as I would need the 32 gigs of space.
13 hour performance
I like the bigger screen size and the long battery life, would be great for surfing the web!
The improved battery life is the most useful because it means I can use it longer between charges
With tile flooring I like the strengthened aluminosilicate glass that makes the Fire HD 8 extra durable
I like the bigger screen size when streaming shows.
The 1280 X 800 resolution on the Fire 8 makes it a wonderful viewing option.
Hexacore speed and 13 hour performance does it for me.
I like the kids tablets, as I would be giving this to my son.
I like that the Fire HD 8 is made from strengthened aluminosilicate glass that makes it extra durable because I’m a bit of a klutz and need something capable of surviving.
I like the Amazon Fire HD8 because it has a larger screen and increased resolution for a better viewing experience.
My fave feature is that the Fire 8 gets 13 hours of battery life per charge!
This awesome feature makes the tablet versatile for use at home & on-the-go!
So many options I love the screen size and expandablr memeory, also my grandkids are almost old enough for the kids tablets
The high res 8″ screen is the most useful from my perspective, it would make watching 2 sports at once great
I would choose the Amazon Fire HD 8 for the larger screen and superior resolution.
larger and higher-res screen – as I use ideas from Pinterest for my art
Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet has a larger 8-inch touchscreen that also boasts higher resolution at 1,280 x 800 & storage is also expandable up to 1TB but it comes with either 32GB or 64GB out of the box. Bigger Screen to View & larger Storage to save as well as all of the Other Great Features.
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