For most families, the 11-inch iPad (A16) is the best Apple device for kids in this roundup: it has the most current hardware and ample storage for apps, schoolwork, and media. The 2021 iPad is a more modest tablet choice, while the 7th-generation iPod touch models suit kids who mainly need music and portable offline entertainment. The choice comes down to screen size and versatility versus a smaller, older device that may be easier to hand to a child. Several options are renewed, and their age can affect software support and app compatibility. Read on for the full breakdown and guidance on which tradeoffs fit your family.
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Key Takeaways
The 11-inch iPad (A16) leads for long-term versatility because it is the newest iPad in this lineup and has 256GB of storage, though its larger form is less pocketable than an iPod touch.The 2021 iPad is the practical tablet alternative for families who want a larger screen for reading, video, and learning without choosing the newest model in the group.The 7th-generation iPod touch is the strongest small-device option here, with 256GB of storage; it is better suited to music and portable entertainment than tablet-style school tasks.The two 7th-generation iPod touch listings differ by color, so the blue and pink options fill the same role rather than offering different capabilities.Older and renewed models need extra compatibility checks: the 2017 iPad, 5th-generation iPod touch, and iPad mini may be less suited to current apps or longer ownership than the newer iPad.
Our Top Best Apple Devices For Kids Picks
Apple iPad mini (Wi-Fi, 64GB, Pink, Renewed)Best Compact iPadDisplay: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina with True ToneChip: A15 Bionic with Neural EngineStorage: 64GBVIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full BreakdownApple iPad 11-inch (A16), 256GB, Wi-Fi, YellowBest Overall for Growing KidsDisplay: 11-inch Liquid Retina with True ToneProcessor: Apple A16 chipStorage: 256GBVIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full BreakdownApple iPod touch 16GB, Pink (5th Generation, Renewed)Best for a Simple Music PlayerGeneration: 5thDisplay: 4-inch Retina Multi-Touch IPSProcessor: Apple A5VIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full BreakdownApple iPad (2021, 10.2-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB, Space Gray, Renewed)Best Renewed Family TabletModel: 2021 iPadDisplay: 10.2-inch RetinaConnectivity: Wi-FiVIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full BreakdownApple iPod Touch (7th Generation, 256GB, Blue, Renewed)Best Compact Media LibraryGeneration: 7thDisplay: 4-inch RetinaChip: A10 FusionVIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full BreakdownApple iPod touch (7th Generation, 256GB, Pink, Renewed)Best for Music and GamesStorage: 256GBDisplay: 4-inch Retina Multi-Touch IPS, 1136 × 640 at 326 ppiProcessor: Apple A10 FusionVIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full BreakdownApple iPad 9.7-Inch Wi-Fi, 32GB, Space Gray (5th Generation, 2017, Renewed)Best for a Big Screen on a Basic BudgetGeneration: 5th GenerationModel year: 2017Display: 9.7-inch RetinaVIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full Breakdown
More Details on Our Top Picks
Apple iPad mini (Wi-Fi, 64GB, Pink, Renewed)
The 8.3-inch iPad mini is the easiest iPad in this group for a child to carry between home, school, and trips. Its A15 Bionic chip and Apple Pencil (2nd generation) support make it more capable for games, drawing, and school apps than either iPod touch, while the smaller screen is easier to manage than the 11-inch iPad. That portability comes with a tighter workspace for homework or shared viewing, and 64GB of storage leaves less room for downloaded games and videos than the 256GB iPad. Touch ID and Wi-Fi 6 are useful everyday features, but this is a renewed device, so its condition may vary. I’d choose it for a child who values a small tablet over maximum screen space.
Best for: Kids who want a portable tablet for drawing, reading, and games, with a parent willing to manage a 64GB library
Not ideal for: Children who need a roomy screen for homework or store many downloaded videos and games
Display:8.3-inch Liquid Retina with True ToneChip:A15 Bionic with Neural EngineStorage:64GBConnectivity:Wi-Fi 6Cameras:12MP Wide rear; 12MP Ultra Wide front with Center StageBattery life:Up to 10 hoursAuthentication and connector:Touch ID; USB-CApple Pencil compatibility:2nd generationColor and condition:Pink; Renewed
“Choose this renewed iPad mini for a child who prioritizes portability and Pencil support over a larger screen or more storage.”
Apple iPad 11-inch (A16), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Yellow
For a child who will use one device for school, creative projects, calls, and entertainment, the 11-inch iPad offers the broadest fit in this lineup. Its 256GB storage gives downloaded apps and media more breathing room than the 64GB iPad mini or renewed 10.2-inch iPad, and the larger Liquid Retina display makes split tasks and video calls easier to follow. The A16 chip and 12MP cameras also give it more headroom for newer apps and 4K video than the older iPod touch models. The tradeoff is size: it is less pocketable than the mini and more device than a child who mainly wants music needs. Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio are sold separately, adding to the setup a school-focused buyer may want.
Best for: Families looking for a primary tablet for schoolwork, video calls, creative apps, and a sizable offline library
Not ideal for: Kids who mainly need a small music player or a tablet light enough for easy pocket-sized carrying
Display:11-inch Liquid Retina with True ToneProcessor:Apple A16 chipStorage:256GBConnectivity:Wi-Fi 6Cameras:12MP Center Stage front; 12MP Wide rear with True Tone flash and 4K videoAuthentication:Touch IDBattery life:All-dayDimensions and weight:9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 inches; 1.05 poundsColor and model:Yellow; MD4J4LL/A
“Pick this iPad for a child who needs one roomy, capable tablet for school and entertainment and can make use of its extra storage.”
Apple iPod touch 16GB, Pink (5th Generation, Renewed)
The 5th-generation iPod touch is the most limited pick here, but its narrow role may suit a child who needs a small device for music and basic media rather than a full tablet. At 4 inches, it is easier to tuck away than the iPad mini, and the listed music playback time reaches up to 40 hours. That makes it a more focused listening companion than the iPad 11-inch, which is built for a much wider range of tasks. The compromises are substantial: just 16GB of storage, an A5 chip, and software from the iOS 6/7 era constrain app choice and long-term usefulness. I’d only consider it when the intended use is modest and its renewed status and included EarPods fit the family’s needs.
Best for: Families seeking a compact, basic music and video device for a child, without expecting current app support
Not ideal for: Kids who need current apps, substantial storage, schoolwork tools, or a device to grow with them
Generation:5thDisplay:4-inch Retina Multi-Touch IPSProcessor:Apple A5Storage:16GBFront camera:1.2MP photos; 720p HD video recordingConnectivity:Wi-Fi and BluetoothPlayback:Up to 40 hours music; up to 8 hours videoColor and condition:Pink; RenewedIn the box:iPod touch, Apple EarPods, Lightning-to-USB cable, QuickStart guide
“Consider this only for a child who needs a simple, small music player and does not need modern apps or much storage.”
Apple iPad (2021, 10.2-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB, Space Gray, Renewed)
This 2021 iPad is a straightforward choice for families who want a conventional tablet screen without the compact format of the iPad mini. Its 10.2-inch Retina display gives children more room for reading, videos, and basic homework, while 64GB matches the mini’s listed capacity. Compared with the newer 11-inch A16 iPad, this model has less storage and the supplied product data does not list chip, camera, or battery details, so I can’t make the same case for performance headroom or school-focused features. Its appeal is a familiar, roomy tablet format in a renewed configuration. That status can mean signs of prior use, and 64GB calls for some care with large downloads. It suits everyday family use better than buyers seeking a long-term, specification-rich main device.
Best for: Families seeking a renewed, general-purpose tablet for reading, streaming, and light homework
Not ideal for: Parents choosing a primary device for demanding apps, extensive offline downloads, or detailed feature comparisons
Model:2021 iPadDisplay:10.2-inch RetinaConnectivity:Wi-FiStorage:64GBColor:Space GrayCondition:Renewed
“Choose this renewed iPad for everyday reading and media if a larger screen matters more than newer hardware details or generous storage.”
Apple iPod Touch (7th Generation, 256GB, Blue, Renewed)
The 7th-generation iPod touch with 256GB is for a child whose priority is carrying a large library of music, apps, and media in a small device. Its 4-inch Retina display is far more portable than the 11-inch iPad, while the A10 Fusion chip and Group FaceTime support make it a more capable pocket-sized pick than the 5th-generation iPod touch. That capacity is its clearest advantage over the 5th-generation model’s 16GB, though neither iPod offers the screen area or schoolwork flexibility of an iPad. The small display can feel cramped for games and video, and this unit is renewed, so its exterior condition may show prior use. This makes sense as a secondary media device, not as a child’s all-purpose tablet.
Best for: Kids who want a pocketable device for a large offline media collection, Wi-Fi apps, and Group FaceTime
Not ideal for: Children who need a large screen for school tasks, extended reading, or comfortable video viewing
Generation:7thDisplay:4-inch RetinaChip:A10 FusionStorage:256GBConnectivity:Wi-Fi and BluetoothCamera:Built-inSupported standard:MP4Color and condition:Blue; Renewed
“Pick this renewed iPod touch as a compact media device when storage and portability matter more than an iPad-sized screen.”
Apple iPod touch (7th Generation, 256GB, Pink, Renewed)
The iPod touch (7th Generation) suits a child who needs a personal device for downloaded music, casual games, and Wi-Fi apps without the larger footprint of an iPad. Its 256GB of storage gives more room for media and apps than the 32GB Apple iPad 9.7-Inch, while the 4-inch Retina display is easier to carry but cramped for reading, video, or longer game sessions. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cameras, and Group FaceTime add ways to connect, though this model has no cellular connection for use away from Wi-Fi. The tradeoff is age: its A10 Fusion chip and iOS 14 are older than the current iPad options in this roundup, and renewed condition can mean visible wear. Choose it for compact entertainment, not as the most future-ready device.
Best for: Kids who mainly want a pocketable music and games device with ample storage and access to Wi-Fi apps
Not ideal for: Children who need a large screen for schoolwork, or families who want newer hardware and a longer runway for software support
Storage:256GBDisplay:4-inch Retina Multi-Touch IPS, 1136 × 640 at 326 ppiProcessor:Apple A10 FusionRear camera:8MP, 1080p videoFront camera:1.2MP, 720p videoWireless:Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 4.1Operating system:iOS 14Condition:Renewed
“Choose this iPod touch for a child who values pocketable music and games with generous storage more than a large screen or newer hardware.”
Apple iPad 9.7-Inch Wi-Fi, 32GB, Space Gray (5th Generation, 2017, Renewed)
The 9.7-inch Retina display makes this fifth-generation iPad a more comfortable choice than the iPod touch (7th Generation) for children who read, watch videos, or use learning apps at home. Touch ID also gives kids a simple way to unlock the tablet, while the listed battery life of up to 10 hours can cover a stretch of school or entertainment use. Its limits are clear: 32GB of storage leaves less room for downloaded apps and media than the iPod touch’s 256GB, and the 2017 A9 hardware is older than the 2021 iPad in this roundup. The listing also describes a renewed device with a 90-day limited warranty, so condition and battery health may vary. This pick makes sense when screen size matters more than storage or newer hardware.
Best for: Families seeking a larger-screen tablet for reading, video, and basic learning apps, with mostly Wi-Fi use
Not ideal for: Kids who need ample offline storage, current-generation performance, or a device for frequent use away from Wi-Fi
Generation:5th GenerationModel year:2017Display:9.7-inch RetinaProcessor:A9 with 64-bit architectureStorage:32GBRear camera:8MPFront camera:1.2MP FaceTime HDBattery life:Up to 10 hours average useCondition and warranty:Renewed; 90-day limited warranty
“Pick this iPad for a child who benefits from a larger screen for home use and can manage with limited storage and older hardware.”
How We Picked
I ranked these devices by how well they fit common needs in a family with kids: app and school use, screen practicality, storage, portability, and likely usefulness over time. A tablet earns a higher place when it can cover more activities, while a compact media device can still be a better fit for families who want a smaller screen and fewer tablet-style uses. I also weighed the age and renewed status of the listings, since those factors make software compatibility and condition checks more relevant.
The 11-inch iPad (A16) ranks first for its newer platform and generous storage. The 2021 iPad follows as the more straightforward tablet pick, while the 7th-generation iPod touch models rank as portable specialists rather than tablet replacements. The iPad mini, 2017 iPad, and 5th-generation iPod touch sit lower because their smaller screens or older hardware narrow their appeal for a child’s primary device. The two color variants share a role, so their order reflects listing distinction rather than a capability difference.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Apple Devices For Kids
Before choosing a device, decide what your child will actually do with it and how long you expect it to serve them. A few checks beyond the model name can prevent mismatches around app access, supervision, and daily handling.
Choose the device around the main activity
Start with the activity that matters most: school tasks, reading, video calls, games, or music. An iPad gives children a larger workspace for typing, drawing, and using learning apps, while an iPod touch is easier to carry for music and smaller-screen entertainment. A compact device may sound like the safer first choice, but a small display can frustrate children who need to read or complete assignments. Families sharing one device should also think about whether siblings need distinct profiles and supervised access. Match the form factor to the routine rather than assuming every child needs a full tablet.
Check software and app compatibility before buying
Model age matters because newer apps and operating system updates may not support older hardware indefinitely. Before choosing a renewed or older device, check the current iPadOS or iOS support status and confirm that the specific apps your child needs can run on it. Do this for school platforms, communication tools, and accessibility features, not just games. A device that can still turn on may not be able to install the apps a family expects. If the purchase needs to last several school years, a newer model generally gives more room for changing software needs.
Treat storage as a family-use decision
Storage affects how much downloaded video, music, games, and school material can stay on a device at once. Children who travel, share a tablet, or have limited internet access may benefit from more local space for offline content. Cloud storage can help with photos and documents, but it does not replace space needed by installed apps or downloaded media. Parents can reduce clutter by reviewing downloads and removing apps the child no longer uses. Think about who will manage that upkeep before choosing a smaller capacity.
Plan supervision and account setup in advance
A child-ready device depends on family settings as much as hardware. Check that you can set up an appropriate child account, content restrictions, purchase approvals, and screen-time limits for the model and software version you choose. Decide whether the device will use a parent’s account, a child’s account, or be shared, since that choice affects messages, purchases, and saved content. A tablet handed down between siblings can carry old accounts and settings that need a clean reset. Set expectations about online access and app downloads before the first handoff.
Evaluate renewed condition and included essentials
Renewed listings can make older Apple hardware accessible, but condition and included accessories may vary by seller. Read the listing for battery condition details, return terms, warranty coverage, and whether a charger or cable is included. Battery wear matters especially for kids who carry a device away from an outlet or use it during travel. A protective case is often more useful than a cosmetic upgrade, and some older models may have fewer current case choices. Build these practical checks into the purchase decision rather than relying on the model name alone.
Pay for useful lifespan, not a longer feature list
Paying more makes sense when a newer device will handle the child’s apps for longer or replace several devices the family would otherwise need. It makes less sense when the child only needs music, offline media, or a supervised first screen for a limited period. Consider whether a shared family iPad can cover homework and entertainment before buying a separate personal device. Younger children may benefit more from a sturdy case and clear household rules than from maximum storage. Choose the smallest capability set that comfortably covers the child’s likely needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an iPod touch still a good first Apple device for a child?
It can work for a child whose main needs are music and portable offline entertainment, especially when a family wants a smaller screen than an iPad. The 7th-generation model in this lineup has substantially more listed storage than the 5th-generation model, which helps when keeping media on the device. It is not a substitute for a tablet when the child needs a larger screen for reading, schoolwork, or drawing. Check app compatibility and software support before buying either renewed model. Families seeking a device for current school platforms should compare those requirements against an iPad first.
Should I choose the 11-inch A16 iPad or a renewed iPad for my child?
The A16 iPad is the clearest fit when you want a newer tablet platform, broad everyday use, and room for apps and downloads. A renewed model may suit a child with simpler needs or a family that already expects to replace or share the device later. Compare the exact apps required, software support, storage, condition terms, and accessories before deciding. A lower-spec or older iPad can become a poor fit if it cannot run a school app the child needs. The newer model is more compelling when useful lifespan matters more than keeping the device compact or choosing an older generation.
Is 64GB enough storage for a child’s iPad?
It can be enough when the child mostly streams media, uses a modest set of apps, and has reliable internet access. Offline videos, large games, photos, and multiple users can fill that space faster than expected. Families should account for the operating system and app updates, which also use storage. Regularly clearing downloads can stretch a smaller capacity, but that creates an ongoing chore for a parent. If the device will hold a large media library or serve multiple children, more storage offers greater flexibility.
What should I check before buying a renewed Apple device for a kid?
Check the seller’s description of physical condition, battery expectations, return period, and warranty coverage. Verify the model’s current software support and confirm that the apps your child needs remain compatible. Ask whether a charger is included and budget for a protective case that fits the exact generation. When the device arrives, inspect the screen, buttons, charging port, battery behavior, and account-lock status promptly. Those checks matter more than color or cosmetic details for a device a child will use every day.
Would an iPod touch or iPad be better for a child who needs offline entertainment?
An iPod touch is easier to carry and can suit music or a small collection of downloaded media, while an iPad gives a more comfortable screen for films, books, and games. The 7th-generation iPod touch listings have 256GB, which is useful for keeping substantial content offline, but they remain small-screen devices. The 11-inch iPad has the broadest viewing and app flexibility, though it takes more room in a bag. Consider headphone use, travel habits, and whether the child also needs the device for learning. Download and test the intended content before a trip, especially on an older or renewed model.
Conclusion
For most families, I recommend the 11-inch iPad (A16) as the best overall because it combines current hardware, a useful screen size, and 256GB of storage. The 2021 iPad is the best value-style tablet choice for families who want a larger screen and can confirm that its software support fits their needs. For a first device focused on music and portability, the 7th-generation iPod touch is the better match; choose blue or pink by preference, since the listings share the same role. The iPad mini suits a child who values a smaller tablet, while the older 2017 iPad and 5th-generation iPod touch are best reserved for limited, clearly defined uses after compatibility checks. If you want one device for learning, video, and everyday apps, choose an iPad; if portability and offline media lead, choose the iPod touch.