The Amazon Kindle is one of the most popular e-readers, but there’s also the Kindle Kids. When it comes to Kindle vs. Kindle Kids, the latter is the better option for children because it comes with a bundle of features and perks tailored to young readers.
Same Device, Different Package
There are several different types of Kindle. But, at first glance, the Kindle Kids and the regular Amazon Kindle seem to be identical. Both offer 16GB of storage, up to six weeks of battery life, a glare-free display with an adjustable front light, and a lightweight, compact design. However, the bundle of extras included with the Kindle Kids would add up to around $187 if sold separately. These extras are well worth it because they can transform the Kindle experience into a comprehensive reading solution for children.
Why Pay More?: The Key Benefits
Premium Protection
To start with, the Kindle Kids comes with a two-year worry-free guarantee. Whether it’s dropped in the bath, trodden on, chewed by your pooch, or used as a makeshift Frisbee, Amazon will offer an immediate, no-questions-asked replacement at no additional cost to you. As any parent knows, accidents happen, so this peace of mind alone is worth the extra price.
A Complete Starter Kit
Amazon also offers a six-month subscription to Amazon Kids+. This exclusive library features age-appropriate books, audiobooks, and educational content for children aged between 3-12. Content is available for download directly onto the Kindle, which children can read when offline. And with 16GB of storage on the device, there is enough room for thousands of eBooks.
In addition to the subscription, the Kindle Kids e-reader also comes with a durable, child-friendly protective cover, and you can choose from three fun designs: Ocean Explorer, Space Whale, or Unicorn Valley.
Parent-Friendly Features
We all know that parenting is tough at the best of times. So, to make things easier, Amazon has included several tools to help. The Parent Dashboard allows you to manage the content your child can access. You can also set bedtime limits and track reading progress, adjust age filters, or even add content from your own account.
What’s more, this device is dedicated to the development of reading in youngsters, so it doesn’t allow distractions. There are no notifications, no ads, no games, and absolutely no videos, all of which are a common nuisance on today’s devices and platforms. The Kindle Kids promotes focus, mindfulness, and an appreciation of reading.
Boosting Confidence and Reading Skills
The Kindle Kids also helps children to develop their abilities and tackle challenges. Vocabulary Builder, for example, saves words that children look up in the dictionary and creates flashcards to review later.
Word Wise is another excellent feature for young learners. This tool lets inexperienced readers tackle books with more challenging vocabulary. It displays short, simple definitions for difficult words directly above them on the screen. This eliminates the need to stop reading and look up words while maintaining a solid focus.
Making the Smart Choice
While the Kindle Kids Edition costs more upfront, the value of its bundled features, including the two-year warranty, protective cover, and six months of Kids+, easily surpasses the price difference. For just an extra $20 or so, the Kindle Kids’ focus on fostering a love of reading, on top of the distraction-free design and robust parental controls, makes it stand out as the smart buy for young readers.
Amazon Kindle Kids (2024)
The Kindle Kids offers several advantages over the regular Amazon Kindle for both children and parents alike.