By Taylor Bennett 
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro Tablet (Newest Model) Review
In a world saturated with tablets, finding one specifically designed for older kids that balances entertainment, education, and parental control can be challenging. Today, we’re diving deep into the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet (newest model), a device aiming to do just that. Let’s see if it lives up to the hype!
Detailed Review
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet is clearly designed with the 6-12 age range in mind. The “Hello Teal” slim case feels sturdy enough to withstand the inevitable bumps and drops of daily use, without feeling too bulky. The 8-inch HD screen provides a crisp and bright display, making it ideal for watching videos, playing games, and reading e-books. The ad-free experience, thanks to the included Amazon Kids+ subscription, is a huge plus, eliminating distractions and keeping content age-appropriate.
Speaking of Amazon Kids+, the 6-month subscription provides a treasure trove of curated content, including books, videos, apps, and games. The content spans various categories, from STEM-focused apps like Math Claw to books in multiple languages, encouraging skill development and learning. The subscription auto-renews, but cancellation is easy through the Parent Dashboard.
The parental controls are robust and intuitive. The Parent Dashboard allows you to remotely monitor your child’s activity, approve or deny app download requests, manage content access, set time limits, and more. The safe web browsing feature is also a welcome addition, allowing kids to explore the internet with pre-set filters and the ability to block specific websites. This gives parents peace of mind knowing their children aren’t stumbling onto inappropriate content.
Performance-wise, the Fire HD 8 Kids Pro is surprisingly snappy. The hexa-core processor and 3GB of RAM ensure smooth multitasking and responsive gameplay. The 32GB of internal storage is adequate, and the ability to expand storage up to 1TB with a microSD card provides ample space for downloaded content. The impressive 13-hour battery life means fewer interruptions and more time for learning and entertainment.
Finally, the ability to make voice and video calls over Wi-Fi to approved contacts using Alexa is a great feature for staying connected with family and friends.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bright 8″ HD screen | Amazon Kids+ subscription auto-renews |
| Ad-free content with Amazon Kids+ | Interface can feel a little clunky compared to standard Android tablets |
| Robust parental controls | Expandable storage (microSD card) sold separately |
| Long-lasting 13-hour battery | |
| Durable slim case | |
| 2-Year Worry-Free Guarantee |
Excellent Alternatives
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 Kids Edition – A popular alternative with a similar focus on kid-friendly features and parental controls.
- Apple iPad 9th Generation – A more premium option with access to the vast Apple App Store, offering a wider range of apps and games (parental controls are available but need to be configured).
- LeapFrog LeapPad Academy – Specifically designed for younger children, focusing on educational games and activities.
Final Verdict
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet is a well-rounded and thoughtfully designed device for children aged 6-12. It offers a great balance of entertainment, education, and robust parental controls, all wrapped in a durable and kid-friendly package. The inclusion of the 2-year worry-free guarantee adds further peace of mind. While the Amazon Kids+ subscription auto-renewal and the slightly clunky interface are minor drawbacks, the overall value and features of this tablet make it a solid choice for parents looking to provide their children with a safe and engaging digital experience. We highly recommend it.
Our Rating
★★★★☆ 4.5/5