Looking for the perfect tablet for seniors can feel like a marathon. The options are countless, each with its own set of unique features. How do you make the right choice?
We’ve blended hands-on trials, discussions with seniors we work with, and comprehensive research on different tablets to find the best options in various categories: Overall, Android, Budget, and Big-Screen.
Hands down, the iPad Air stands as the best overall tablet for seniors. It is lightweight, easy to use, performs amazingly, and comes at a reasonable price point.
But which tablet is best for you? Without further ado, here are the top laptops we recommend for seniors in 2023:
- Best Overall Tablet for Seniors: Apple iPad Air
- Best Android Tablet: Google Pixel
- Best Budget Choice: Amazon Fire HD 8
- Best Big-Screen Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
- Best eBook Reader: Amazon Kindle
- Other models we tested: GrandPad, OnePlus Pad, Apple iPad Pro
Apple iPad Air
Best Overall
Product Details:
- Display: 10.9 inches (2360 x 1640 pixels) Liquid Retina
- Operating System: iPadOS
- Camera: 12MP wide (front and rear)
- Weight: 1 pound
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Ports: 1 USB-C
Best for:
Seniors looking for a tablet with exceptional overall performance, crystal clear display, an easy-to-use interface at a reasonable price. The iPad Air hits the sweet spot between simplicity and power.
Why we like it:
This is our favorite iPad, and our favorite tablet overall, for older adults because it is so straightforward to use. It is ultra-thin and light, but still packs a power punch thanks to the new M1 chip (an upgrade from the last model).
It comes preloaded with iPadOS, which allows you to easily navigate and access any application you like (Safari, Mail, Calendar, FaceTime, etc.). If you use other Apple products like an iPhone, this tablet will be a piece of cake to learn. And, all of your devices will integrate seamlessly. I absolutely love being able to see texts and incoming phone calls on my iPad Air without having to pick up my iPhone.
The iPad Air also has a sharp display and amazing brightness thanks to the liquid Retina display. Many more expensive models use the same Retina display technology.
Finally, for a tablet of this caliber, the value for money is excellent. If you’re purchasing a tablet to stay connected, surf the web, or even enjoy your favorite shows and movies, this is the one for you.
Reasons to buy:
- Retina Display for bright and vibrant colors
- Easy-to-use iPadOS
- Excellent quality and power for the money
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited port options compared to other models (no headphone jack, for instance)
- Internal speakers are good, but external speakers or headphones will enhance the audio experience
- Pencil and Magic Keyboard sold separately
Google Pixel
Best Android Tablet
Product Details:
- Display: 11 inches (2560 x 1600 pixels) LCD
- Operating System: Android 13
- Camera: 8MP front and rear
- Weight: 1.08 pounds
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- Ports: 1 x USB-C
Best for:
Seniors seeking a tablet that can also function as a smart home hub. It comes with its own speaker/charging dock.
Why we like it:
The Google Pixel is simple to use without extra bells and whistles. It runs on Android OS, which offers intuitive navigation, allowing you to access your favorite platforms swiftly (Google Drive, Gmail, YouTube, etc.).
The sound it produces is great, thanks to the external speaker. But, the picture is not as bright or crisp as the iPad Air.
The ability to use this as a smart-home hub in addition to a “normal” tablet, is great. From the homepage (even locked) you can access all of your connected smart devices with ease. It comes in a little cheaper than the iPad Air, although it’s not quite as refined. But, thanks to the included docking/speaker, you’ll never pick up your Google Pixel with a dead battery.
Reasons to buy:
- Speaker dock and smart home controls
- Good value for money
Reasons to avoid:
- Not as powerful or crisp and clear as more expensive models
- Few accessories available
Amazon Fire HD 8
Best Budget Choice
Product Details:
- Display Size: 8 inches (1280 x 800) HD
- Operating System: Android OS
- Camera: 2MP front and rear
- Weight: 11.88 ounces
- Battery: up to 13 hours
- Ports: 1 x USB-C, Micro SD, Headphone Jack
Best for:
Seniors searching for a budget-friendly alternative that will perform all of the basic tasks adequately. This is consistently the cheapest alternative with decent performance.
Why we like it:
Price. Hands down the Amazon Fire HD 8 blows the competition away on price, especially if you are an Amazon Prime member. It is small and light with fast USB-C charging.
It is faster than the previous generation Fire tablet, but still has some quality gaps. The display is HD but the resolution could be sharper. Amazon’s app store is not nearly as robust as Apple’s or Google’s. And the camera could be better.
However, at the latest look (November 2023) you could purchase it for under $100! So, any shortcomings should be put in perspective.
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent value for money
- Thin and lightweight – easy to carry
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited apps, display, and camera functions
- Have to have an Amazon Prime membership
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Best Big-Screen Tablet
Product Details:
- Display Size: 14.6 inches (2960 x 1848) OLED
- Operating System: Android OS
- Camera: 12MP wide and a 12MP ultrawide front and 13MP AF x 6MP ultrawide rear
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
- Battery: up to 13 hours
- Ports: 1 x USB-C, Micro SD
Best for:
Seniors looking for a great tablet with the biggest screen possible. With the addition of a keyboard, this tablet could easily function in place of a laptop.
Why we like it:
Gorgeous, gigantic display. Slim design with plenty of power. Not a great operating system, but if you like other Samsung products, you’ll definitely love this one.
Reasons to buy:
- Huge, beautiful display
- Powerful and fast
Reasons to avoid:
- Not great interface
- Pricey
Amazon Kindle
Best eBook Reader
Product Details:
- Display Size: 6 inches (300 pixels per inch) 4 LED front lights
- Weight: 5.56 ounces
- Battery Life: Up to 6 weeks
- Ports: 1 x USB-C
Best for:
Seniors who just need a tablet to read their favorite stories.
Why we like it:
The Amazon Kindle is the OG of eBook readers. The screen is now on par with the pricier Kindle Paperwhite. The text is sharp and clear, and with the screen illumination it makes reading easy on the eyes day or night.
The battery life is amazing and the switch to USB-C for charging makes it lightning fast. The Kindle universe is massive – share books with friends, check out from the library, subscribe to Kindle Unlimited for a huge catalog of books, etc.
Obviously, this does not do everything a standard tablet does, but if the main thing you need is to read your favorite book or magazine, why bother with all of the other distractions?
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent quality eReader with proven track record
- Large ecosystem to find your favorite titles
- Long battery life and fast charging
- Easy on your eyes in any environment
Reasons to avoid:
- No bells and whistles
- No cell service
Other tablets we tested
Here are a couple other models we tested that just didn’t rise to the top of the list for any particular feature. Check out our reasons to buy or avoid below.
Grandpad Senior Tablet
Product Details
- Display Size: 8 inches (1920 x 1200 Pixels)
- Type: HD Anti-glare
- Operating System: Android OS
- Camera: 5MP front and rear
- Battery: Up to 8 hours
- Ports: Headphone Jack
Reasons to buy:
- Custom designed tablet and phone for seniors
- Closed network (only contacts can call – no spam)
- Large, clear, easy-to-use apps
- 24/7/365 great customer support
- Audio is loud and clear
- Comes with case, charging base, and pen
Reasons to avoid:
- Requires a monthly service plan
- Limited streaming (Netflix and Hulu don’t work, for example)
- No ability to read eBooks
- If you can learn to use an iPad you would be better off with that.
OnePlus Pad
Product Details
- Display Size: 11.6 inches (2800 x 2000 pixels)
- Operating System: Android OS
- Camera: 8MP front and 13MP rear
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Battery Life: Up to 13 hours
- Ports: 1 x USB-C
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent cameras and battery life
- Fast and easy to use
Reasons to avoid:
- Speakers were fine for videos, but not great for music
Apple iPad Pro
Product Details
- Display Size: 12.9 inches (2732 x 2048 pixels) XDR Display
- Operating System: iPad OS
- Camera: 12MP front and rear
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Battery Life: Up to 11 hours
- Ports: Thunderbolt 4 port, USB-C
Reasons to buy:
- Amazing resolution, brightness, and clarity.
- Fast, sleek, and easily integrated with all of your Apple products
Reasons to avoid:
- Maybe overkill for the average user
- Pricey
How to Choose the Best Tablet for You
Choosing the right tablet for your needs can seem like a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available on the market. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process and make an informed decision.
What will the tablet be used for?
Before you start shopping, it’s crucial to understand what you’ll be using the tablet for. Will you primarily use it for surfing the web and checking emails, or do you plan to use it for more demanding tasks like video editing or gaming? Your usage will determine the kind of specifications (like display, camera, and sound quality) you should look for.
Accessibility
Accessibility is another essential factor to consider. If you have visual or hearing impairments, look for tablets with features that can accommodate these needs. These might include screen reading software, speech recognition capabilities, or adjustable text sizes and screen contrast.
Ease of Use
Consider how comfortable you are with technology. Some operating systems are more user-friendly and intuitive than others. For example, Android OS and iPad OS are generally considered simpler for beginners, while Windows offers more customization and control for advanced users.
Display Size and Overall Weight
The screen size (and clarity) and overall weight are important. Larger tablets have easier to read screens, but may be heavier and more cumbersome.
Maintenance and Security
Maintaining your tablet and keeping it secure is vital. Look for tablets that offer automatic system updates to keep the operating system and security features up-to-date. Additionally, consider devices with built-in antivirus protection and privacy features.
Price
Finally, price is always a consideration. Establish a budget before you start shopping. Remember that a higher price doesn’t always equate to being a better fit for your needs. Balance the cost with the features that are most important to you.
Our Verdict
Older adults have specific criteria when searching for the best tablet to purchase. Some focus on ease of use, low cost, or excellent quality. We highly recommend the iPad Air as the best tablet overall for seniors looking for excellent performance, easy to use interface, and good accessibility features, all at a reasonable price.
Interested in other options?
Check out our guides to the best computer for seniors or the best laptop for seniors.
FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions seniors ask when shopping for a new tablet.
What is the Easiest Tablet for Seniors?
The iPad Air is the easiest tablet for seniors to use. It has a clear and simple design that makes finding applications and documents a breeze. And, if you use an iPhone or other Apple devices the integration with an iPad Air is seamless. According to Digital Unite, an organization that champions digital inclusion, Apple’s operating system is much easier to use and ‘prettier’ than its Windows counterpart, and is considerably safer from viruses.
Are Tablets Good for Seniors?
Absolutely, tablets can be a game-changer for seniors, and here’s why:
- User-Friendly Tech: Tablets are designed with simplicity in mind. They have large, clear icons and touchscreens that are more intuitive than traditional computers or laptops. Perfect for those who might not be tech-savvy!
- Staying Connected: Keeping in touch with family and friends is a breeze. Apps like Skype or Zoom make it possible to see loved ones’ faces, not just hear their voices. And platforms like Facebook and Instagram keep seniors connected with their community, and up-to-date with family happenings.
- Entertainment and Leisure: For avid readers, tablets are a treasure trove. They can adjust text size for easier reading and access a vast library of books and audiobooks. And, from crossword puzzles to strategy games, tablets offer a variety of apps to keep the mind sharp and provide hours of entertainment.
- Learning and Growth: Tablets open doors to online courses, tutorials, and workshops, encouraging lifelong learning. They’re great tools for exploring new hobbies like cooking, painting, or gardening through instructional videos and apps.
- Accessibility: With options to increase font size, adjust brightness, and voice commands, tablets can be tailored to individual needs. There are also numerous apps designed specifically to aid seniors with hearing, vision, or mobility challenges.
- Safety: Easy access to emergency contacts and services can provide peace of mind to both seniors and their families. And, some tablets have GPS tracking, which is useful for those with memory issues.
So, in a nutshell, tablets are not just good for seniors; they’re fantastic! They provide a window to the world, right at your fingertips. What’s not to love?
