If you're looking for the best tablets for seniors in 2024, you're in the right place. Choosing the right tablet can be daunting due to several brands and models, but it's crucial for meeting the unique needs of seniors.
We’ve spent 96 hours testing 24 different tablets for seniors, considered important factors like display and audio quality, accessibility features, and cost, and handpicked the top 7 easy-to-use tablets for seniors.
Top 5 easy-to-use tablets for seniors - shortlist
- Apple iPad Air (5th Generation) – premium iPadOS
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite – best for note-taking and includes S Pen
- Amazon Fire HD 10 – affordable and best for Amazon Prime
- Amazon Fire HD 8 – best portable tablet
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite – reliable Android tablet
How to choose the best tablet for the elderly
To feel connected, seniors need a tablet that's easy for them to surf for information, share pictures, and use video chat. They also need to access the many downloadable apps specifically for seniors to make their lives easier. Many aspects need to be considered when purchasing a tablet for a senior.
Here are six:
- Ease of use. A senior-friendly interface should have large, well-spaced icons, uncluttered menus, and clear navigation. Options with voice control (like Siri on iPad) are a huge plus. Look for tutorials or simplified modes built into the operating system.
- Screen size and resolution. Aim for a 9–10-inch screen, balancing visibility with ease of holding. A high-resolution display makes text and images crisper, especially important for those with visual impairments. Consider brightness and glare resistance for outdoor use.
- Battery life. A tablet with at least 8 hours of use on a single charge allows freedom without plugging in constantly. Checking reviews and specifications is crucial, as battery life varies greatly between models and brands.
- Weight and portability. A lighter tablet (under 1 pound, ideally) prevents fatigue from holding it. However, flimsy construction or a smaller screen aren't ideal either.
- Durability. Look for scratch-resistant screens and cases designed for drop protection. Consider insurance or warranties on expensive models. Seniors may be more accident-prone, making durability important for long-term use.
- Price. Tablets range widely in price. Explore refurbished options for powerful devices at lower costs. Assess the must-have features before splurging on premium models. Some brands offer affordable devices with senior-focused features.
7 best tablets for seniors – our detailed list
When choosing the perfect tablet for seniors, you need to understand your style and preference. But that’s easier said than done, so we’ve done the heavy lifting and curated a list of reliable and easy-to-use tablets for older people, taking into account screen size and resolution, battery life, weight, and price.
1. Apple iPad Air (5th Generation) – the best Apple tablet
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 pixels |
| Memory storage | 256 GB |
| Battery life | 10 hours |
| Security | Touch ID |
The Apple iPad Air 5 is a premium tablet boasting several features that make it a fantastic choice for seniors.
Liquid Retina Display. This 10.9-inch screen features bright colors, sharp text, and reduced glare for comfortable reading, web browsing, and movie watching.
Apple M1 chip. This powerful processor delivers a smooth performance for everyday tasks, photo editing, and even demanding games.
Touch ID. The built-in fingerprint sensor provides secure and convenient unlocking of the iPad and authenticating app purchases.
12MP wide camera (rear). Capture clear photos and videos, plus scan documents, all with the versatility of the iPad's larger form factor.
Ultrafast connections. Supports Wi-Fi 6 for speedy internet, along with optional 5G cellular connectivity for on-the-go access.
Ease of use. Its iPadOS is known for its user-friendliness, with large icons and intuitive navigation.
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite – the best Android option
| Resolution | 2000 x 1200 pixels |
| Memory storage | 64 GB |
| Battery life | 12 hours |
| Security | Samsung Knox |
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a great Android option for seniors who want more creative freedom.
S Pen included. This versatile stylus allows for precise handwriting and drawing directly on the screen, making it perfect for taking notes, jotting down reminders, or even trying some digital art.
10.4-inch display. A large, clear screen provides ample space for browsing, watching TV shows, or being creative with the S Pen.
Long-lasting battery. The tablet boasts up to 12 hours of use on a single charge.
Android ecosystem. Samsung's Android customization provides access to the vast Google Play Store for a wide variety of apps and games.
Expandable storage. The option to add a microSD card lets you easily increase storage space for photos, videos, and other files.
3. Amazon Fire HD 10 – a better screen than expected
| Resolution | 1080p Full HD |
| Memory storage | 64 GB |
| Battery life | 12 hours |
| Security | Touch ID |
The Amazon Fire HD 10 is a perfect choice for seniors who primarily want a tablet for entertainment and staying connected to their Amazon Prime account.
10.1" Full HD display. A bright, vibrant screen for enjoying TV shows and movies, reading eBooks, and browsing the web.
Hands-free Alexa. The built-in Alexa voice assistant allows you to control the tablet, play music, ask questions, and even manage smart home devices using just your voice.
Amazon content integration. Seamless access to Prime Video, Kindle eBooks, Audible audiobooks, and Amazon Music for a complete entertainment experience.
Long battery life. Up to 12 hours of use on a single charge, perfect for long reading sessions, binge-watching shows, or extended browsing.
Affordable price. It is one of the most budget-friendly tablets, making it a great choice for those who prioritize value and Amazon services.
4. Amazon Fire HD 8 – the best value
| Resolution | 1280 x 800 pixels |
| Memory storage | 32 GB |
| Battery life | 12 hours |
| Security | Touch ID |
The Amazon Fire HD 8 shares many of the same strengths as its larger sibling, the Fire HD 10.
8" HD display. Compact screen ideal for reading, watching TV shows on the go, and playing casual games.
Portable design. Lightweight and compact, it easily fits into a bag or purse, making it a great travel companion.
Amazon content focus. Seamlessly integrates with your Amazon Prime account for access to movies, books, music, and more.
Hands-free Alexa. Control your tablet with your voice, ask questions, set reminders, and play music—great for hands-free convenience.
All-day battery life. Up to 12 hours of use on a single charge lets you stay entertained and connected for extended periods.
5. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite – best viewing experience on a budget
| Resolution | 1340 x 800 pixels |
| Memory storage | 32 GB |
| Battery life | 6–10 hours |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor |
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a solid all-round tablet for seniors seeking a simple yet capable Android experience.
Sleek metal design. Durable build quality and a premium look and feel for the price.
Compact 8.7" display. The screen, while not the absolute best on the market, provides good image quality for reading, watching videos, or browsing the web.
Android experience. Familiar Android interface with access to the Google Play Store for a wide range of apps, games, and entertainment.
Long battery life. Offers extended use throughout the day, perfect for staying connected or entertained without frequent charging.
Expandable storage. Add a microSD card to increase space for photos, videos, music, and other files.
6. Asus ZenPad 10 – best budget-friendly
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels |
| Memory storage | 16 GB |
| Battery life | 10 hours |
| Security | Touch ID |
The Asus ZenPad 10 is designed for seniors who want an Android tablet with a focus on affordability and a large display.
Long battery life. Provides plenty of use time on a single charge, minimizing how often you need to keep it plugged in.
Android tablet experience. Runs on the familiar Android operating system with access to a wide variety of apps and entertainment options in the Google Play Store.
Large 10.1" display. This spacious screen prioritizes visibility, making it great for watching videos, browsing websites, or reading text comfortably.
Affordable price. One of the most budget-friendly 10-inch tablets available, offering excellent value for those who want a larger screen experience.
Dual speakers. Delivers stereo sound for better enjoyment when watching movies or listening to music without headphones.
7. GrandPad Senior Tablet with Phone Capabilities – best connectivity
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels |
| Memory storage | 4 GB |
| Battery life | 8 hours |
| Security | Closed network |
Designed specifically for older people, the GrandPad Senior tablet offers an incredibly streamlined experience.
Built-in 4G LTE. Cellular connectivity means it works anywhere - no need to rely on Wi-Fi.
Remote family setup & support. Family members can remotely adjust settings, add contacts, and provide tech support, reducing frustration for the senior user.
Clean user interface. Extra large icons, clear labels, and no unnecessary menus make it easy to find what’s needed and avoid confusion.
Focus on communication. Prioritizes video calls, photo sharing, email, and simple games, encouraging seniors to stay connected.
Assist with safety. A 911 emergency calling capability built into the system is available for US-based customers only.
Durable and secure. Designed to be worry-free, with curated content and built-in protection against scams or accidental changes.
Comparison of top 3 tablets for seniors
| Model | Apple iPad Air (5th Generation) | Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite | Amazon Fire HD 10 |
| Material | Recycled aluminum | Aluminum alloy | Recycled aluminum, recycled fabric, plastics, metals |
| Weight capacity | 1.0 lb (0.45kg) | 1.1 lb (0.50kg) | 15.29 oz (0.43kg) |
| Colors | Blue, Pink, Purple, Gray, Starlight | Oxford Gray, Chiffon Rose, Angora Blue | Black, Lilac, Ocean |
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How we selected these tablets for drawing
While we conducted extensive hands-on testing of the top tablets for older people, we didn’t forget to evaluate potential contenders based on various technical specifications. Here are some of the critical specs we considered:
- Ease of use. We prioritized simple interfaces with large icons and easy navigation. iPadOS is a frontrunner for its intuitive design, making it easier for seniors to learn. The GrandPad's extreme simplicity is perfect for those with very limited tech experience.
- Screen size and resolution. Larger screens and high resolution reduce strain and frustration. We avoided overly large tablets as they become cumbersome to hold for extended periods.
- Battery life. A long battery life lets seniors use their tablets without worrying about constantly finding a charger. We prioritized models with at least 8+ hours of use, verified by reviews and specifications.
- Weight and portability. A lighter tablet prevents fatigue and makes it easier to use in bed or on the couch. During our testing, we sought a balance between lightweight construction and a sturdy feel.
- Durability. Accidents happen, so a durability test is crucial. We considered how prone a tablet is to damage, with and without its protective cases, for most choices.
- Price. We had to balance costs and needs. While budget options exist, they often compromise on features important for seniors (screen quality, ease of use). If price is your concern, a refurbished tablet could be an option.
Benefits of using tablets for seniors
Here are the main benefits of tablets for seniors:
- Enhanced connectivity. Easier to make video calls, send emails, write social media posts, etc.
- Hearing aid compatibility. Bluetooth makes it easy to set up connections between devices.
- Larger screen sizes. Easier on the eyes for reading or watching movies/TV shows.
- Interactive touchscreens. This unique feature is intuitive to learn.
- Good value. Tablets are often cheaper than full-fledged laptops.
- Support a wide variety of apps. For example, assisted apps, learning tools, games, hobbies.
- Portable. Easier to carry than laptops for on-the-go productivity.
User-friendliness for seniors
What makes a tablet user-friendly for seniors? Here are five core factors that do:
- Large, clear icons. Large icons are easier to see and accurately tap, minimizing frustration for seniors who may have reduced eyesight and dexterity.
- Simple navigation. Menus should be uncluttered with a clear and logical layout.
- Voice commands. Voice assistants (like Siri) allow control of the tablet without typing, which is perfect for those with mobility issues or typing difficulties.
- Text-to-speech. This feature can read text aloud on the screen, assisting seniors with visual impairments or reading difficulties.
- Customization options. Increasing font size, adjusting brightness, or simplifying the home screen all tailor the experience to the older individual’s needs.
FAQ
Are tablets good for seniors?
Yes, tablets offer several advantages for seniors. Their larger screens improve visibility compared to smartphones. User-friendly touch interfaces and simplified operating systems make them less intimidating than traditional computers. Plus, their lightweight and portable design allows seniors to easily stay connected with family and friends or enjoy entertainment on the go.
What is the easiest tablet for a senior to use?
Generally, iPads are considered the easiest tablets for seniors due to their intuitive iPadOS interface and focus on simplicity. However, for those with very limited tech experience, a GrandPad tablet offers an even more simplified experience, specifically designed for easy communication and with basic features.
Is a laptop or tablet better for seniors?
It depends! Tablets excel in ease of use and portability and often cost less than laptops. However, a laptop's greater power and functionality might be necessary if the senior needs to do tasks like complex document editing or use specific software.
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