AMAZON FIRE HD 8 TABLET FOR FREE
AMAZON FIRE HD 8 TABLET INSTALL

Since many of the apps for Fire OS are built with weak processing power in mind, you don’t notice it too much. The processors aren't the fastest, and you'll likely notice small fits of lag and a general lack of power compared to more expensive Android tablets. Old tech: The tech inside these tablets is old. Tech-savvy users have found ways to add the Google Play Store or sideload apps, but these devices are built to serve up Amazon's library first and foremost. You can download third-party apps like Netflix on Amazon’s Appstore, but the selection is far more limited than what's available on Apple's iPad or the Google Play Store on standard Android tablets.

They do have Alexa, so that could be a plus, but again, that’s tied deeply into Amazon’s content library. If you aren’t an Amazon Prime subscriber and don't plan to get your video, audio, or books from Amazon, the Fire tablet line is far less compelling. Non-Amazon content is lacking: The greatest strength of these tablets is also their greatest weakness. Be sure to see our guide to managing Amazon Kids+ content. It costs $5 per month after the first year (for Prime subscribers, $8 if you don't have Prime). It also comes with one year of Amazon Kids+, offering access to kid-friendly movies, books, games, and apps.

AMAZON FIRE HD 8 TABLET FOR FREE

The Kids Edition versions are exactly the same as the regular Fire tablets, except they come with a rugged case and a two-year worry-free guarantee, which means Amazon will replace the tablet for free if your kids break it.

The new Fire 7 Kids ($110) is an even cheaper option for young children, though mine have always found the 7-inch screen size more difficult to use. We think the HD 8 ($140) is the best device for younger kids, while the 2021 Fire HD 10 Kids Pro ($200), which is really big in little-kid hands, is better for older children.

AMAZON FIRE HD 8 TABLET INSTALL

The latter, aimed at older kids, has a streamlined case with a little less padding and the option for parents to install apps from a dedicated Kids app store.

There's the regular Kids Edition and a “Pro” model. Recognizing that “kids” covers a wide range of hand sizes and other factors, Amazon now has two different Kids Edition Fire tablets.

Amazon fire hd 8 tablet