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The best tablets for seniors in 2024, tested and reviewed
What's better than a smartphone? Easy: a tablet. They're amazing devices, capable of entertainment, communication and much more — basically everything a phone can do, but on larger screen that's easier on the eyes. Easier on the fingers, too: The larger icons help you tap with better accuracy. Those are just a couple reasons I think older users should seriously consider a tablet — and why I've compiled this list of the best tablets for seniors.
GrandPad Senior Tablet
Best tablet overall for seniors
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet
Best value
Apple iPad (10th Generation) with 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display
Best tablet for artists
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2
Best Android tablet
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 2-in-1 Chromebook
Best 2-in-1 tablet
Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Generation)
Best screen resolution
It's hard to overstate the value of a larger screen, which comes in handy for everything from video-calling the kids and grandkids to watching content on Netflix, YouTube and other services. If you're into games like solitaire and sudoku, a tablet affords greater visibility of your cards and numbers. And how about a makeshift canvas on which to create art? Much better on a tablet than a smartphone.
I also think tablets are easier to use, with fewer settings to futz with and batteries that last longer on a charge. Some, like the GrandPad listed below, cater to total technology novices. Apple iPads are also fairly novice-friendly; there are two included here, but new models are coming soon and we'll test them for possible addition when available.
Reviews follow; be sure to read past them to learn everything there is to know about tablets, including how they can make your life easier, what features to look for and whether they can take the place of a laptop.
Best tablet for seniors overall
Screen size: 8 inches | Screen resolution: 1920 x 1200 | Storage: N/A | Camera(s): 5 megapixels (front and rear) | Included accessories: Stylus, dock
Designed specifically with seniors in mind, the GrandPad is incredibly easy to use thanks to its large, easy-to-read icons, wireless charging dock and built-in 4G service, which eliminates Wi-Fi hassles. Though limited compared to some tablets, it offers solid core features, including games, music, curated articles, curated websites, weather and more. It can also be used for phone calls and email and has the simplest Zoom video-chat app I've ever seen. The only downside is the $40/month subscription, without which the tablet is severely limited. Still, there's no better choice for tech-challenged users who want to stay engaged and connected.
- Easy to learn and use
- Superb live customer support available 24/7
- Also functions as a phone
- Convenient charging dock/stand
- Super-easy Zoom calls
- Expensive hardware and service plan
- Short warranty if purchased from Amazon
- Missing some key apps, including YouTube and social media
- Stylus easy to misplace
Other top tablets for seniors we recommend for 2024
Screen size: 8 inches | Screen resolution: 1280 x 800 | Storage: 32GB (expandable) | Camera(s): 2-megapixel (front), 5-megapixel (rear) | Included accessories: None
It feels almost unfair to call this a budget tablet, so capable is the Fire HD 8 Plus. With it you can consume endless entertainment, everything from books (courtesy of Amazon's Kindle library) to games to video. It offers front and rear cameras for photographic pursuits as well as Zoom calls, plus ample, expandable storage. But even better is the optional Wireless Charging Dock ($50), which not only saves you having to plug the thing in but also gives it spot to display photos, videos and more. The dock effectively turns it into an Echo Show smart screen, complete with hands-free Alexa voice commands. The Fire HD 8 Plus may not be the sexiest tablet in town, but it delivers incredible bang for the buck — especially when it's on sale (which is often).
- Inexpensive, and often deeply discounted
- Hands-free Alexa capabilities
- Expandable storage
- Optional dock keeps it fully charged and adds features
- Amazon app store is somewhat limited compared to Google Play
- Ads on lockscreen (unless you pay extra)
Screen size: 10.9 inches | Screen resolution: 2360 x 1640 | Storage: 64GB | Camera(s): 12-megapixel front and rear | Included accessories: None
Apple's entry-level iPad no longer has an entry-level price, having jumped a whopping $120 from last year's model to this one. But if you can afford it, good heavens is this a fantastic tablet. It's stocked with a big, dazzling screen and the best roster of apps you'll find anywhere. I'm calling this the top pick for artists because of the optional Apple Pencil ($99), which, when paired with apps like Art Set 4 and Procreate, lets you unleash your inner doodler, sketcher or painter with pressure-sensitive accuracy. Seriously, it's hard to envision a more versatile — and enjoyable — digital canvas. You can also spring for an optional keyboard cover and use the iPad like a laptop.
- Excellent user experience
- Dazzling screen
- Huge ecosystem of apps and accessories
- Optional Apple Pencil superb for sketches, artwork and more
- On the expensive side
Screen size: 11.2 inches | Screen resolution: 2560 x 1536 | Storage: 128GB (expandable) | Camera(s): 8-megapixel (front), 13-megapixel (rear) | Included accessories: None
If you're comfortable with the Android operating system (maybe it's what you have on your phone?) and want a tablet to match, the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 is an excellent choice. Its 11.2-inch OLED screen is slightly larger than Apple's 10th-gen iPad, and its price tag is easier to swallow — especially when it's on sale. (Even at the $300 list price, it offers a significant savings over the $449 iPad 10.9.) Meanwhile, it offers four JBL speakers for enjoying music and video, and it can pair with an optional keyboard and stylus for productivity and artistic purposes, respectively.
- Large OLED screen
- Four JBL speakers and Dolby Atmos built in
- Optimized for gaming
- Expandable storage
- Not many accessories available
Screen size: 13.3 inches | Screen resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Storage: 128GB (expandable) | Camera(s): 2.1-megapixel (front) | Included accessories: None
At first blush, the IdeaPad looks like a laptop. It's actually a Chromebook, meaning it comes with a keyboard and runs the Chrome Operating System (which relies heavily on cloud-based apps and storage). So you can do lots of laptop-y things with it. But the screen is fully hinged, meaning you can flip it around for full-on tablet duty, complete with a full roster of Android apps. That makes this a great choice for anyone who wants the benefits of a tablet without giving up the productivity of a laptop.
- Full-featured laptop and tablet
- Full HD screen resolution
- Full-size keyboard and touchpad
- Larger and heavier than most tablets, and therefore less comfortable to use as a tablet
- So-so speakers
Screen size: 12.9 inches | Screen resolution: 2732 x 2048 | Storage: 128GB | Camera(s): 12-megapixel (front), 12- and 10-megapixel (rear) | Included accessories: None
Apple's flagship tablet is a powerhouse, combining a dazzling ultra-high-resolution display with support for some great accessories — namely Apple's Magic Keyboard and Pencil stylus. Put those all together and you've got an amazingly versatile device. Just be prepared for sticker shock: The current-gen iPad Pro 12.9 starts at $1,199, while the keyboard and stylus add $349 and $129, respectively. If you want cellular connectivity in the mix (as opposed to just Wi-Fi), that's another $200 — plus the cost of service, natch. So, yeah, what is arguably the world's best tablet setup comes with one of the highest tablet prices. You can accomplish a lot of the same tasks with less expensive hardware, but if money is no object, this is how you splurge.
- Massive, exceptionally beautiful screen
- Extremely versatile, especially with optional keyboard and stylus
- Available with optional cellular capabilities for use away from Wi-Fi networks
- Crazy expensive
Factors to consider when choosing a tablet for seniors
Before you pull the trigger on a new tablet, be sure you know what you're getting. These are the most important features to keep in mind:
Size: Tablets typically range from 7 inches on up to 13. I think a 10-inch screen tends to be the sweet spot, though it really depends on how you plan to use the device. If you're looking to get some work done or watch a lot of movies, a bigger screen is always better. But that also bumps up the weight and price. If you can, visit a local store that sells tablets and see what size feels most comfortable to you.
Storage: It's hard to know how much you'll need. Movies consume a fair bit of space, but only if you download them for offline viewing (like on an airplane). If you're just streaming, they take no space at all. Games and recorded videos can also eat up gigabytes. Thankfully, most Amazon tablets and some Android models let you expand the available space by popping in an inexpensive memory card. But iPads have fixed storage, so if you're concerned about running out, plan on spending extra up front to get more space.
Connectivity options: All tablets can connect to Wi-Fi networks to download apps, stream video and so on. If you'll mostly be using it at home or work, that should be sufficient. But if you want something you can use out in the world, where Wi-Fi isn't available (think: road trips, job sites, etc.), consider a tablet that has cellular 4G or 5G capabilities. That'll allow it to connect to mobile networks, just like your phone does. (That said, it's typically easier and cheaper to use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot. You won't need to spend extra on the tablet itself, nor will you need a separate line of service for it.)
Battery life: Most of the tablets here tout an "all-day battery," meaning you should be able to use it for at least 10 hours before returning to the charger. Obviously there are lots of variables that affect battery life, everything from screen brightness to the kinds of apps you use, but the good news is you can plug in a power bank — most likely the same one you use to juice your phone — if you need a top-up when you're traveling.
Warranty: One year is standard, but some of Amazon's Fire HD tablets are covered for just 90 days. (On the flipside, the Fire HD Kids models come with comprehensive 2-year plans.) What can go wrong on a tablet? Not much, but there's always the possibility of battery failure or a bad USB charging port. Amazon offers extended warranties that might be worth considering; adding two years of coverage to the Fire HD 8, for example, costs just $13.
Stylus support: Any tablet here can work with a stylus, but not all styluses are created equal. Some are good for little more than taking the place of a finger-tap or -swipe. Let me make a blanket statement about this: If your goal is to create art or capture notes, there's no better option than an iPad and Apple Pencil.
Features for seniors: You'll want a tablet with some extra accessibility features to make your general user experience easier. For instance, adjustable font sizes allow you to see what you're reading, and if you still can't see the words, a built-in voice assistant can read text aloud or answer any questions you might have. Hearing aid compatibility is important for listening to audiobooks, watching videos or even video chatting with family. Medication alerts remind you when it's time to take your meds or vitamins, and emergency alert apps can let medical professionals or family know if you need assistance. Durability, too, is an important feature to look for in a tablet for seniors.
How we tested
A tablet is little more than a screen, so obviously the quality and responsiveness of that screen is a major focus of our testing. While some are brighter, sharper, and more colorful than others, on the whole they're all pretty great.
The same goes for speakers: All these tablets are good enough for watching movies, listening to Zoom calls and the like, but remember that their speakers are necessarily tiny and not especially powerful. Depending on your preferred uses, you might want to consider pairing a Bluetooth speaker or headphones — either will improve audio quality considerably.
Finally, there's the question of battery life, which varies considerably depending on things like screen size and resolution, brightness settings, app usage and so on. (Games and video use a lot more power than, say, e-books.) We weren't able to test that directly, but rest assured you should be able to get at least 10 hours of runtime from any of these models.
FAQs
How can a tablet make life easier for older adults?
Aren't tablets just oversized cell phones? In a way, yes: They have touchscreens, run apps and connect to the internet via Wi-Fi, and some have voice assistants. (Some also offer a cellular option, just like smartphones, but keep in mind you'll have to pay extra for service. My guess is most older users won't benefit much from this feature.)
Consequently, you can use a tablet for all kinds of fun endeavors: games, music, drawing, YouTube videos and so on. Speaking of video, you can stream from the likes of Netflix and Hulu (with a subscription, of course), but there's also a ton of free TV and movies available from Freevee, The Roku Channel, Tubi and other ad-supported services.
Like to read? Tablets can serve up digital books and magazines, plus audiobooks as well. Check your local library for content you can "check out" with your library card and apps like Libby and Hoopla.
Finally, don't forget one of the very best reasons to get a tablet: connecting with friends and family members and even caregivers. There are Facebook, Twitter and other social-media apps, to say nothing of Zoom, Skype and FaceTime for video calls. All modern tablets have front cameras for the latter, and their rear-facing cameras can be used not just for snapping photos of grandkids, but also to magnify things that might be difficult to read.
Can you print from a tablet?
Yes, but there are some limitations to consider. First, because there's no way to plug a tablet into a printer, you'll need to rely on wireless printing — and that means the printer needs to support either Apple AirPlay (for printing from iPads) or Google Cloud Print (for Android-based tablets). Most modern printers support both, but you could run into trouble with older models.
Second, in my experience, printing from tablets often yields less-than-optimal results. For example, sometimes the text is too large (or too small), or sometimes you end up with unexpected blank pages. Web pages in particular often end up weirdly formatted when printed. So keep in mind that while printing from a tablet is possible, you may need to experiment to get the results you want.
Is a tablet or laptop better for seniors?
I get this question a lot, and the answer hasn't really changed over the years: It depends. Virtually any good tablet can pair with a keyboard to allow for word processing and the like, but in many cases you'll be squinting at a smallish screen surrounded by a bezel and tapping on small, cramped keys. Also: Not many tablet-size keyboards are large enough to accommodate a dedicated numeric keypad, something to consider if you work with spreadsheets.
Sure, you can splurge on the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 and roomier Apple Magic Keyboard, but now you've spent a minimum of $1,450. At that point, why not just buy a laptop, especially if productivity is your main goal?
Something else to consider: While Android, Fire OS and iOS are capable operating systems, they're not Windows. (They're not Mac OS, either.) If you rely on Windows or Mac software even a little, a tablet probably isn't your best bet. And there are certain web-based tools that won't work properly in a mobile browser. So if you're buying a tablet in hopes of getting your work done, make absolutely sure it's compatible with your ecosystem of work tools.
What about Microsoft's Surface tablets, which run Windows? These Windows tablets are quite popular, but I honestly don't see the appeal. They're expensive and don't afford many tablet-y benefits. (Microsoft's app store offers only a fraction of the software available to Android and iOS users.) Plus, the keyboard is sold separately, which once again raises the question: Why not just buy a laptop?
Read more: The best laptops for 2024
In fact, you might want to consider a convertible, a laptop with a touchscreen and 360-degree hinge. I won't say that's the best of both worlds, but it's certainly one of the most versatile options. I have one such model listed above.
What can't a tablet do that a laptop can?
There's a lot of overlap in the functionality of laptops and tablets, meaning there's precious little the former can do that the latter can't. That said, there might be certain pieces of software available for Windows and/or Mac that have no app equivalents. File management is also considerably easier on a laptop.
I also find it challenging to be productive on a tablet given the relatively small screen (most laptops have displays of at least 13 inches) and lack of mouse and keyboard. Similarly, some websites just don't work well on mobile browsers, the kind used by tablets.
So while there's not much a tablet can't do that a laptop can, there are a few areas where a laptop does things better. And more easily.
