With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, it’s easier than ever for seniors to stay in touch with friends and family. Smartphones and tablets are among the most popular devices for staying connected and engaged as we enter our golden years. These handy tools let us video chat with friends, partake in virtual events and fundraisers, and stay entertained with games, puzzles, and other interactive apps.
Here, we’ve created a guide to help you find the best tablet for seniors. Whether you’d like something simple to operate or a device with the latest and greatest technology, you’ll find something that fits your needs.
Things To Look for in a Tablet
Whether you’re among the 42% of seniors that have a smartphone or are looking for your first internet-connected device, the right tablet can make a world of difference when it comes to staying connected. Not all tablets are created equal, so it’s important for senior citizens to do a little research before choosing the right one. Here are a few things you should keep in mind when searching for a tablet for seniors.
Senior Features
Some tablets have special features for seniors that make them easier to use. These include things like large text, magnification tools, a simple interface, and sound adjustability for people who have hearing trouble. Some tablets for seniors also offer voice assistants that can help you navigate different menus or make phone calls without pushing any buttons. In addition, tablets are compatible with a range of apps, including brain games that keep your mind sharp as well as calendar and appointment tools.
Camera Quality
For many seniors, staying in touch with friends and family means sharing photos of their happenings. If photos are important to you, look for a tablet with great camera quality.
Some tablets also have a rear camera in addition to a front-facing camera. This makes it easy to take pictures of yourself and your friends. The more megapixels the camera has, the more detail the camera will be able to capture in photos. Look for tablets with a minimum 2-megapixel camera if you prioritize taking high-quality photos.
Battery Life
Seniors should look for tablets that have a long battery life — typically around eight hours. The battery life is the number of hours a device can run when being used. If you like to Facetime loved ones, join virtual events, or play games, a long battery life makes it easy to use your device without constantly having to charge it.
Price
Price is another key concern when it comes to finding the best tablet for seniors. Tablets with all the bells and whistles can easily cost more than $500, though there are high-quality, affordable alternatives. In most cases, the more tools, storage, and add-ons a device has, the higher the price will be.
Try to make a list of the essential functions you want in a tablet, and see which ones offer those features. This way, you’ll pay for the functionality you’ll use rather than for extra features that you don’t need.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
The tablets on this list can be used in two different ways: with Wi-Fi or a SIM card. Wi-fi only devices tend to be more affordable, though they also limit you. With Wi-Fi-only tablets, you need to be connected to the internet to use the device. That means if you're at the grocery store and there isn’t a Wi-Fi connection, you can’t use the tablet. This option is ideal for seniors who only want to use their device at home and don’t need it when they’re on the go.
The other option is to use a SIM card, which enables the device to run on 3G and LTE connections. This requires finding a cellular or data carrier and paying a monthly fee. These fees can range from as little as $9 per month to more than $40 per month. Data and cellular plans are typically charged based on usage, so you can choose the best option depending on how often you plan to use the device. Some of the most popular carriers that offer senior discount or senior-specific plans include Consumer Cellular, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
The Best Tablets for Seniors
When it comes to the best tablets, there isn’t one solution for everyone. Some seniors will prefer an affordable, simple tablet with basic functionality, while others may prefer tablets with great camera capabilities, longer battery life, or specific accessibility features.
To find the best tablet for seniors, you should first identify what you or your loved one needs in a tablet. Make a list of all the main features you’re looking for, and try to balance your desires with your budget.
Here, we’ll show you some of the best tablets for seniors so you can make the best choice.
1. Apple iPad
There are several different Apple iPad tablets ranging from the $499 iPad Air, the standard iPad which starts at $329, and the iPad Pro which comes in at $799. The more expensive iPads have extra storage, better retina displays, and more features compared to the more affordable options.
The Apple iPad Mini is a particularly popular choice for seniors, as its size makes it easy to hold and transport. It features an 8-inch HD display with more than 3 million megapixels for a clear, highly detailed touchscreen picture. It has more than 10 hours of battery life and high-resolution front and back cameras with 7 and 8 megapixels, respectively.
With an Apple iPad, you can access thousands of free and paid apps in the Apple Store. This includes Facetime so you can stay in touch with loved ones and games like solitaire, crossword puzzles, and trivia. You can use it to share documents and photos between your tablet, iPhone, and Apple computer using Bluetooth or Airdrop, or by storing everything in iCloud.
The iPad also offers senior-specific features that make life easier. These include Siri – the app’s voice assistant — along with a Health app that enables you to store your Medical ID card, history, and track your activity level. The device is compatible with most hearing aids, and the high-quality screen and size adjustments make it easy for those with visual impairments to see the screen.
Apple iPads are great for those who appreciate high-quality cameras and more advanced feature options along with senior-friendly features to simplify daily use.
2. Microsoft Surface Pro
The Microsoft Surface Pro offers exceptional functionality and the latest technology. The tablet has an Intel core processor and runs on Windows 10, making it a great choice for seniors who are familiar with the Microsoft interface.
The latest model — the Surface Pro 7 — features an 8-megapixel camera and a 12.3-inch screen, which is larger than other tablets on this list. One selling point is the tablet can also be used as a laptop. It also comes with a built-in adjustable stand that makes it easy to prop up and handle. The Microsoft Surface Pro offers all-day battery life and can be paired with accessories like a stylus pen, keyboard, and mouse. This makes it a great choice for seniors who are still in the workforce or work online with volunteer organizations.
The Surface Pro also offers exceptional senior-friendly features. These include a high-definition screen that makes it easier to see images and text as well as customizable settings to address vision and hearing impairments. The tablet comes with a voice assistant, Cortana, that can help you navigate the device completely hands-free.
3. The GrandPad
The GrandPad is one of the most popular tablets for seniors. It has a wide range of features, including a simple interface, a 5-megapixel camera, and an 8-inch screen as well as help connectivity that connects seniors with live representatives. In addition, the large screen features large buttons and voice recording technology so you can turn your speech into text. It’s small and lightweight — weighing just 10.5 ounces — so you can use it at home or take it on the go.
This device is easy to use thanks to one-on-one tutorials you can do online or in-person with a store representative. The tutorials show seniors how to use all of its features and can help answer any questions if you get stuck or forget how to do something on the unit.
The GrandPad also has a battery life of 1-3 days, depending on how much you use it, and costs around $200. The tablet offers a full HD screen for crisp and clear images. It can be used on Consumer Cellular, a telecommunications carrier that offers senior plans at great rates. The device can be used exclusively on a Wi-Fi connection or without Wi-Fi with a cellular or data plan and a SIM card.
This is a cost-friendly option that offers extra tutorials and technical support for seniors who could use more assistance. Its voice-to-text, large buttons, and simple interface also make it a popular choice for seniors.
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab A
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A uses the Android operating system and offers a huge range of apps for seniors, including games, navigation, and connectivity options. It features Easy Mode with enlarged icons on the home screen and a simplified interface, making it perfect for seniors who want simplicity. The Bixby voice assistant can help you complete commands, and the Samsung interface is among the most user-friendly.
This Android tablet also features an S-pen for easy writing and an audio jack where you can plug in your headphones and listen to movies or TV shows. The Samsung Galaxy Android device features a 7-inch screen, a 5-megapixel camera, and 10 hours of battery life. It ranks high in portability and also features a MicroSD card slot, so you can easily expand storage if you run out. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A ranges from about $150-$350 depending on the model and if it’s a Wi-Fi-only device.
5. Amazon Fire HD
The Fire HD is Amazon’s tablet and features several features that make it a great tablet for seniors. First, the tablet comes with Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant that can help you send text messages and emails or even order groceries completely hands-free. In addition, the tablet features a large 10-inch screen, 2-megapixel camera, and 10 hours of battery life. You can customize the device to enlarge text and images for easy viewing.
The Amazon Fire tablet runs on a modified version of the Android operating system, but you have to download apps from Amazon’s app list rather than the Google Play store. This means you’ll have more limited options when it comes to apps compared to an Android or iOS tablet. You can still access the most popular apps, including Netflix, Kindle, Prime Video, and Spotify, plus news and game apps. However, if you are happy with these popular apps, this could be a good choice.
For those who appreciate a quick tablet, the Amazon Fire HD 10 is among the fastest devices, though older models like the Amazon Fire HD 8 offer great functionality at lower prices. The HD 10 device uses a quad-core processor and offers various storage options to fit all budgets. The newer models cost around $150, but you can find older models or used options for less than $100.
6. Lenovo Tab Series
If you mainly intend to watch shows and make calls on your tablet, this is an excellent choice. The Lenovo Tab series has Dolby Atmos surround sound, making it easy to hear your shows and video calls. The front-facing speakers and exceptional sound quality make this device particularly suitable for seniors who have a hard time hearing. The tablet lets you increase the font size and adjust the contrast to make it easier to read.
These tablets run on a quad-core Snapdragon processor that quickly loads images and websites. You can use the Alexa voice assistant and speech passwords rather than typed passwords for greater accessibility. In addition, the tablet is connected to the Google Play store, so you get access to thousands of senior-friendly apps, including Snug.
The Lenovo Tab series is broken down into three options: E, M, and P. The E series is budget-friendly and offers basic capabilities, while the P series is top-of-the-line with the most advanced features. Prices range from $60 for older models to $750 for the latest models in the P series. The E series models have 2-megapixel cameras while the more advanced P series has an 8-megapixel camera.
Get the Most Out of Your Tablet
Once you find the right tablet, you’ll want to set it up and download apps. Use the settings features to adjust text size, sound, and icons to your liking. If you have trouble adjusting the features, ask a friend, family member, or the company’s customer service team for help.
Apps are an incredibly important feature on tablets — look for ones that can help you with your daily activities and keep in touch with friends and family. You can also download game apps such as word puzzles, brainteasers, and memory games.
Health apps can also help you keep track of your medications and recent activity level so you can monitor your overall health. Look for health apps that have features that allow you to track and manage your medications, offer nutritional guidance, or explain different medical conditions. Some great options include Pillboxie, Azumio, and WebMD. In addition, some tablet manufacturers including Apple feature built-in health apps that can help you track the number of steps you take each day and store vital medical information in the event of an emergency.
The Snug app (soon to be available on tablets), social media apps, and video chat apps can also help you stay connected with friends and family. Whether you need help finding the best cell phones and tablets for seniors or discovering more ways to stay connected, Snug can help. Our free, daily check-in service ensures you’re safe and will message your emergency contact if you don’t respond.