Long gone are the days when you had to give your child your phone or tablet to keep them from getting themselves in trouble. Now, with tablets geared toward children, they can have a tablet of their own. However, placing the internet in the erratic hands of a young, innocent child is reason enough to make any parent worry.
Luckily, LeapFrog, a trusted brand that has been making great children’s education technology for years, came out with a line of tablets that are perfect your little one’s sensitive, growing brain. Do yourself a favor and pick up a LeapFrog so you can claim back the devices that are yours. You’ll have some much needed, guilt-free time to yourself as your child discovers just how fun learning can be.
Product FAQs
1. What Is a LeapPad?
LeapPad, LeapFrog’s version of a tablet, is full of great educational content that will help your child prepare for kindergarten and beyond. Some tablets even allow your child to access popular games that would be available on your typical Android device.
2. How Does a LeapPad Work?
With a special LeapSearch web browser, your child can have access to the internet but will only encounter child-safe subject matter. Additionally, LeapPads come equipped with useful parental controls that allow you to control and track how your child uses the tablet. The LeapPad’s design serves the dual purpose of being attractive to children while making the tablet so durable it can be thrown down a flight of stairs without breaking.
3. Where Can You Buy a LeapPad?
You can buy a LeapPad directly from LeapFrog, Amazon or through other major retailers.
4. How Much Does a LeapPad Cost?
LeapFrog tablets are often more expensive than most of their competitors, such as the Amazon Fire. However, their educational content is unique and created by LeapFrog’s educational experts. These tablets all cost under $150 and come with a one-year or two-year warranty.
How We Determined Our Ratings
We reviewed all of the tablets that LeapFrog sells and rated them based on their durability, performance, parental controls and educational content. We also considered customer reviews and other review articles.
The Best LeapFrog Tablets of 2018
[amazon link=”B00SKBX1NE” title=”LeapPad Glo Learning Tablet” /]
[amazon box=”B00SKBX1N4″]
The LeapPad Glo is a new version of the LeapPad 2 tablet with all the same features but in teal and purple. The LeapPad Glo is designed to be very durable to survive the handling of young children. This tablet requires 4 AA batteries and does not have a rechargeable internal battery. Since the LeapPad Glo has the lowest resolution and slowest speed, it is the cheapest tablet at less than $300.
The LeapPad Glo comes with nine apps, including an art studio and music player, and if purchased, can also connect to the learning library for access to 1,000 more games and apps that are designed to educate the children who use them. The tablet also includes front and back cameras with video recording capabilities. Unlike most of LeapFrog’s other tablets, the LeapPad Glo does not allow peer-to-peer play.
This tablet comes with Leapfrog’s personalized learning program that can detect a child’s learning level and adapt to his or her abilities as they change. Additionally, the LeapPad Glo can be played with a finger, stylus or shaking and tilting movements.
Pros
- Bold color options
- Very inexpensive
- Very durable
Cons
- No internal battery
- Has the worst performance
- No peer-to-peer play
- Only 4GB of internal memory
|
PRICE RANGE |
WHERE TO PURCHASE |
|---|---|
|
$190 – $ 300 |
Amazon |
[amazon link=”B00JLHW0JC” title=”LeapPad3 Learning Tablet” /]
[amazon box=”B00JLHW0JC”]
The LeapPad 3 is a high-performing child’s tablet by LeapFrog that uses a quad-core processor with speeds up to 1.0GHz. This tablet can access WiFi and allows peer-to-peer playing. Since this tablet can access the internet, there are parental controls included on the tablet that will enable parents to decide what they want their child to be able to access. You can even edit the controls later on as the child grows older. Parents can also opt to receive updates to see how their child is progressing.
This tablet is strong enough to withstand handling from children due to its shock-absorbing frame and protective, highly responsive screen. Children can enjoy six or more hours of play on this long-lasting tablet. With access to ten included apps and the ability to purchase access to the learning library, they will need all the time they can get.
Pros
- Uses shock-absorbing technology
- Cost is under $100
- Child can enjoy peer-to-peer playing
Cons
- Poor resolution
- Only 4GB of internal memory
|
PRICE RANGE |
WHERE TO PURCHASE |
|---|---|
|
$140 – $200 |
Amazon |
[amazon link=”B07CMFR57G” title=”LeapPad Platinum Tablet” /]
[amazon box=”B07CMFR57G”]
The LeapPad Platinum is designed to deliver stunning graphics, with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels, in a sleek design that even grown-ups will love. This tablet doesn’t lose any of its durability with its striking appearance either. The LeapPad Platinum includes wrap-around bumpers and a shatter-safe screen, which is sure to be safe in a child’s hands. This tablet is very responsive and fast (much faster than the LeapPad Glo) and uses an impressive quad-core processor.
This WiFi-powered, internet-accessible tablet has the security of parent controls like password protection and time limits. Children can only access age-appropriate content through LeapSearch and the App Center. Children can even make a wish list with all the apps they want for parents to see later. This LeapPad is compatible with Imagicard cartridges and even comes with a few to try out.
Pros
- Sleek appearance
- Improved resolution
- Most durable tablet on this list
Cons
- Heavier tablet
- Short battery life
|
PRICE RANGE |
WHERE TO PURCHASE |
|---|---|
|
$350 – $500 |
Amazon |
[amazon link=”B06Y2KMYBC” title=”LeapPad Ultimate” /]
[amazon box=”B06Y2KMYBC”]
The LeapPad Ultimate has won some pretty impressive awards, including the Tillywig Toy and Media Brain Child Award, the Smart Media Academic’s Choice Award, and the National Parenting Publications Product Award.
The LeapPad Ultimate can still use the imaginary cartridges that were available on previous models of LeapPad, and you can carry over any apps you downloaded on previous devices. This LeapPad still uses a quad-core processor and can connect to the internet. Children can play the games from cartridges even when the device is offline. The LeapPad Ultimate comes with $ worth of preloaded content when you purchase it.
Pros
- Uses a quad-core processor
- Comes with $110 worth of preloaded content
- Good resolution
Cons
- Heavy tablet
- Doesn’t allow full internet access
|
PRICE RANGE |
WHERE TO PURCHASE |
|---|---|
|
$80 – $ 100 |
Amazon |
[amazon link=”B073VVC94R” title=”LeapFrog Epic Android Based Kids Tablet” /]
[amazon box=”B073VVC94R”]
The LeapFrog Epic is the first tablet to use Android’s 4.4 Operating System. This tablet won a Kid screen Award in 2017, and it is no surprise that it did. This tablet is unique from any of Leapfrog’s other tablets because it has all of the features children and parents love about the LeapPad, but with access to favorite, kid-friendly Android apps as well. Parents will also appreciate the more thorough parental controls on the LeapFrog Epic, allowing further customization of what parents want their children to have access to. The LeapFrog Epic has a lot more memory space with 16GB of available space. You can even purchase a micro SD card to push that memory space to 32 GB.
One con of the LeapFrog Epic is that it isn’t physically compatible with the Imagicard cartridges. However, you can still buy or carry over digital copies of the cartridge games. Also, the LeapPad Epic comes preloaded with 20 apps. It includes many games and demos, utilities like a weather and calculator app that you would find on a typical adult tablet, creativity apps, some music albums, a video, and an eBook. All of these preloaded apps allow adventurous users to explore all that the LeapPad Epic has to offer.
Pros
- Uses the Android Operating System
- Has popular Android apps
- Comes with 16GB of internal memory
- Ability to double the memory with an SD card
- Faster speed than previous LeapPads
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Not compatible with Imagicard cartridges
|
PRICE RANGE |
WHERE TO PURCHASE |
|---|---|
|
$170 – $200 |
Amazon |
[amazon link=”B06Y2KLP4V” title=”LeapFrog Epic Academy Edition” /]
[amazon box=”B06Y2KLP4V”]
The LeapFrog Epic Academy Edition is just like the regular LeapFrog Epic but with extra interactive educational content. Both the LeapFrog Epic and the LeapFrog Academy have won numerous awards. This LeapPad introduces the LeapFrog Academy app, which guides the child through a story that educates him or her in a fun, interactive way. Children start the app by choosing and customizing an avatar that they can buy more clothes for buy earning marbles on their adventure.
The app does not require WiFi and includes fun videos, eBooks, puzzles, games, music and art. Upon purchasing the LeapFrog Epic Academy Edition, you receive a three-month trial to the Academy app and can then choose to pay $7.99 a month.
Pros
- Has the same great features as the original LeapFrog Epic
- Comes with a free three-month trial of LeapFrog Academy
- Costs $20 less than the original LeapFrog Epic
- Long battery life
Cons
- After the free trial, you will have to pay $7.99 a month for the LeapFrog Academy app
|
PRICE RANGE |
WHERE TO PURCHASE |
|---|---|
|
$70 – $90 |
Amazon |
Comparison Table Information
|
PRODUCT |
DETAILS |
|
|---|---|---|
|
[amazon fields=”B00SKBX1N4″ value=”thumb” image_align=”center”] [amazon link=”B00SKBX1N4″ title=”LeapPad Glo Learning Tablet” /] |
Recommended age range: |
3-9 years old |
|
Included apps and games: |
9 apps worth $60 |
|
|
Memory Size: |
4GB |
|
|
Screen: |
5-inch resistive screen |
|
|
Resolution: |
480 x 272 pixels |
|
|
Battery Life: |
No rechargeable battery |
|
|
Speed: |
500MHz |
|
|
Weight: |
0.86 pounds |
|
|
Dimensions: |
7.1 inches x 5.2 inches x 0.94 inches |
|
|
Warranty: |
1 year |
|
|
Price: |
$59 |
|
|
Buy at: |
Amazon |
|
|
PRODUCT |
DETAILS |
|
|---|---|---|
|
[amazon fields=”B00JLHW0JC” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”] [amazon link=”B00JLHW0JC” title=”LeapPad3 Learning Tablet” /] |
Recommended age range: |
3-9 years old |
|
Included apps and games: |
10 apps worth $70 |
|
|
Memory Size: |
4GB |
|
|
Screen: |
5-inch capacitive screen |
|
|
Resolution: |
480 x 272 pixels |
|
|
Battery Life: |
6 hours |
|
|
Speed: |
1.0GHz |
|
|
Weight: |
0.85 pounds |
|
|
Dimensions: |
7.5 inches x 5.2 inches x 1 inches |
|
|
Warranty: |
1 year |
|
|
Price: |
$89.99 |
|
|
Buy at: |
Amazon |
|
|
PRODUCT |
DETAILS |
|
|---|---|---|
|
[amazon fields=”B07CMFR57G” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”] [amazon link=”B07CMFR57G” title=”LeapPad Platinum Tablet” /] |
Recommended age range: |
3-9 years old |
|
Included apps and games: |
10 apps, 6 Imagicards, mini game worth $70+ |
|
|
Memory Size: |
8GB |
|
|
Screen: |
7-inch capacitive screen |
|
|
Resolution: |
1024 x 600 pixels |
|
|
Battery Life: |
5 hours |
|
|
Speed: |
1.0GHz |
|
|
Weight: |
1.205 pounds |
|
|
Dimensions: |
9.06 inches x 5.88 inches x 1 inches |
|
|
Warranty: |
1 year |
|
|
Price: |
$129.99 |
|
|
Buy at: |
Amazon |
|
|
PRODUCT |
DETAILS |
|
|---|---|---|
|
[amazon fields=”B06Y2KMYBC” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”] [amazon link=”B06Y2KMYBC” title=”LeapPad Ultimate” /] |
Recommended age range: |
3-9 years old |
|
Included apps and games: |
$110 of preloaded content |
|
|
Memory Size: |
8GB |
|
|
Screen: |
Shatter-resistant 7-inch multi-touch capacitive screen |
|
|
Resolution: |
1024 x 600 pixels |
|
|
Battery Life: |
5 hours |
|
|
Speed: |
1.0GHz |
|
|
Weight: |
1.205 pounds |
|
|
Dimensions: |
9.06 inches x 5.88 inches x 1 inches |
|
|
Warranty: |
2 years |
|
|
Price: |
$99 |
|
|
Buy at: |
Amazon |
|
|
PRODUCT |
DETAILS |
|
|---|---|---|
|
[amazon fields=”B073VVC94R” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”] [amazon link=”B073VVC94R” title=”Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet 2-Pack” /] |
Recommended age range: |
3-9 years old |
|
Included apps and games: |
20+ apps |
|
|
Memory Size: |
16GB |
|
|
Screen: |
7-inch multi-touch capacitive screen |
|
|
Resolution: |
1024 x 600 pixels |
|
|
Battery Life: |
6 hours |
|
|
Speed: |
1.3GHz |
|
|
Weight: |
0.58 pounds |
|
|
Dimensions: |
9 inches x 6.38 inches x 1.02 inches |
|
|
Warranty: |
2 years |
|
|
Price: |
$139.99 |
|
|
Buy at: |
Amazon |
|
|
PRODUCT |
DETAILS |
|
|---|---|---|
|
[amazon fields=”B06Y2KLP4V” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”] [amazon link=”B06Y2KLP4V” title=”LeapFrog Epic Academy Edition” /] |
Recommended age range: |
3-9 years old |
|
Included apps and games: |
$175 of preloaded content |
|
|
Memory Size: |
16GB |
|
|
Screen: |
Shatter-resistant 7-inch multi-touch capacitive screen |
|
|
Resolution: |
1024 x 600 pixels |
|
|
Battery Life: |
7 hours |
|
|
Speed: |
1.3Hz Quad core processor |
|
|
Weight: |
0.58 pounds |
|
|
Dimensions: |
9 inches x 6.38 inches x 1.02 inches |
|
|
Warranty: |
2 years |
|
|
Price: |
$119.99 |
|
|
Buy at: |
Amazon |
|
The Final Verdict
There is no question that the LeapFrog Epic, including the Academy edition, is the best LeapPad on the market. This LeapPad has great screen resolution, a fast quad-core processor, extreme durability, a ton of memory space, and it can access Android apps, making it the ultimate children’s tablet. What sets this tablet apart from the other LeapPads in this guide is its use of Android, which allows your child to have all his or her favorite apps in one place.
[amazon box=”B01LL1V6YK,B01LWI35IL,B07BPZNM9G” grid=”3″]
