Amazon Fire tablets are known for their accessible prices and great designs. These devices come with a wide range of functionalities. They’re ideal for consuming media, particularly watching movies and reading books. However, they are also suitable for playing games and taking notes. An Amazon tablet can be a great investment if you want a device to enjoy media without breaking the bank.
But to make this experience possible, you must first choose the right Amazon tablet. Each model has different features, so you should find one that suits your style and profession.
This guide will examine the 8 best Amazon tablets and explore which units are the best for gaming, watching movies, taking notes, reading, and more.
What Are Amazon Tablets?
Amazon tablets represent a type of Android tablet that runs on the Fire OS. This is a modified Android version created by Amazon. In fact, Fire OS is based on the Android Open Source Project. This is a mobile operating system and is mainly meant for consuming content.
The user interface of these tablets is a custom one, and unlike Android devices, they grant access to the Amazon AppStore.
Which Amazon Tablets Are the Best?
There are numerous good Amazon Fire tablets on the market. However, the best ones can be narrowed down to this list:
- Amazon Fire Max 11 (2023)
- Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)
- Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021)
- Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus
- Amazon Fire HD 8
- Amazon Fire 7
- Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids (2023)
- Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Criteria We Used to Find the Best Amazon Tablets
Here are the aspects we considered when reviewing different Amazon Fire OS devices:
- Release Year – We always look for the latest tablet models to ensure they meet quality standards and work properly. The newer the tablet, the better its features are and the longer it will last.
- Screen Size – This impacts your comfort, productivity, and gaming activity. Not to mention, it also influences your content consumption, respectively how you watch movies, read books, and more, which is why we always consider this detail.
- Display Quality – Having a high-quality display will influence how good everything looks on your screen. We look at PPI density, ratio, and resolution to ensure your movies, books, and other types of content will show up in better detail.
- Processor – It’s essential to have a good processor because it influences the overall performance and speed of your tablet. As such, a strong processor boosts the device’s speed when opening and handling applications and impacts your multitasking endeavors.
- Build Quality – The build quality directly impacts your device’s durability. When the tablet is made from solid materials and carefully manufactured, you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged anytime soon.
- Battery Life – A long battery life eliminates the need to always rely on your charger. Your battery would last long enough for you to perform all the necessary tasks on the go, whether that’s reading, watching a film, or anything else.
- Storage Capacity – Having enough storage space ensures you can keep all your precious files on your tablet at all times. So, you could store your favorite books, movies, photos, and games without any issues. Having more storage space or the option to use a memory card comes in handy when you work with large files.
- RAM – This feature is crucial because it stores data that must be used quickly. It influences the ability to open and run different processes and apps simultaneously. The higher the RAM capacity, the better the performance will be.
- Camera – If you like to take photos, you need to consider a good camera. This influences the quality of the images and ensures you make some incredible memories.
Amazon Fire Max 11
- Price: $270
- Release Date: 2023, May
- Screen Size: Medium (11-inch)
Amazon Fire HD 10
- Price: $139
- Release Date: 2023
- Screen Size: Medium (10.1-inch)
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus
- Price: $226
- Release Date: 2021, May
- Screen Size: Medium (10.1-inch)
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus
- Price: $169
- Release Date: September 2022
- Screen Size: Small (8.0-inch)
Amazon Fire HD 8
- Price: $99
- Release Date: 2022, September
- Screen Size: Small (8.0-inch)
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids (2023)
- Price: $189.99
- Release Date: 2023
- Screen Size: Medium (10.1-inch)
Comparison Chart
| Tablet Model | Amazon Fire Max 11 (2023) | Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) | Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) | Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus | Amazon Fire HD 8 | Amazon Fire 7 | Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids (2023) | Amazon Kindle Paperwhite |
| OS | Android 11 and Fire OS 8 | Fire OS 8 | Android 9.0 and Fire OS 7 | Android 11 and Fire OS 11 | Android 11 and Fire OS 8 | Fire OS 8 | Android 13 | Fire OS |
| Release Year | 2023 | 2023 | 2021 | 2022 | 2022 | 2022 | 2023 | 2023 |
| Screen Size | 11 inches | 10.1 inches | 10.1 inches | 8 inches | 8 inches | 7 inches | 10.1 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Display Quality | 2000 x 1200 | 1920 x 1200 | 1920 x 1200 | 800 x 1280 | 800 x 1280 | 1024 x 600 | 1920 x 1200 | 300ppi |
| Processor | Mediatek MT8188J | Mediatek MT8186A SoC | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T | Mediatek MT8169A | Mediatek MT8169A | MediaTek MT8168 | MediaTek Helio – MTK/MT8186 | ARM Cortex-A8 |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 hours | Up to 13 hours | Up to 12 hours | Up to 13 hours | Up to 13 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 13 hours | Up to 10 weeks |
| Storage | 128GB | 64GB | 64GB | 64GB | 64GB | 32GB | 32GB | 16GB |
| Camera Quality | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | – |
| Build Quality | Strong | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Strong | Strong |
Which Amazon Tablet Is Best for You?
Overall, the best Amazon tablet is the Amazon Fire Max 11. But since not everyone may be looking for the top-of-the-line model, perhaps you need a different version – one that is cheaper, has a stronger build for kids, or even one with a smaller screen. Luckily, there is a gadget for every need, and here are the best Amazon tablets for different purposes:
Which Amazon Tablet Is the Best for Gaming?
The Amazon Fire HD 10 is the best Amazon tablet for gaming. This is because it uses a high-performance Mediatek MT8186A SoC processor that can run most games smoothly. The battery lasts up to 13 hours, and the device also has a 10.1-inch screen with a 1920 x 1200 pixels resolution.
Which Amazon Tablet Is the Best for Movies?
The best Amazon tablet for watching movies is the Amazon Fire Max 11. It has a large 11-inch screen with a 2000 x 1200-pixel resolution, ensuring great image quality. Furthermore, it can last for up to 14 hours. The sound system features stereo speakers, providing incredible sound quality when watching your favorite films.
Which Amazon Tablet Is the Best for Kids?
The best Amazon tablet for kids is the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids. With a 10.1-inch screen and a resolution of 1920 x 1200, it’s perfect for watching cartoons or playing. Moreover, it uses a MediaTek Helio – MTK/MT8186 processor, ensuring a strong performance for children who like playing games. Last, but not least, the unit has a strong and sturdy build, ensuring durability in case it’s dropped or thrown on the floor.
Which Amazon Tablet Is the Best for Reading?
When it comes to reading, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is undoubtedly the best model. It’s an e-reader, meaning it was purposely made for reading books. Despite the small screen, it comes with an optional Kindle Unlimited subscription, and it also has a battery that lasts up to 10 weeks so that you can read your favorite books on the go.
Another good option would be the Amazon Fire Max 11, which has up to 14 hours of battery life, a larger 11-inch screen, and a fantastic 2000 x 1200 pixels resolution.
The best Amazon tablet for reading depends on your screen size preference. The Kindle Paperwhite has a small 6.8-inch display, so if you want a larger screen, you can always opt for a different Amazon device, like the Fire Max 11 or a Fire HD model.
Alternatives to Amazon Tablets
If Amazon tablets are not suitable for your needs, there are some good alternatives on the market. Here are 4 high-quality tablets you can check:
- Chrome OS – Lenovo Chromebook Duet
- Windows OS – Microsoft Surface Go 3
- iPad OS – iPad 10th gen
- Android – Samsung Galaxy Tab A9
Who Uses Amazon Tablets?
Amazon tablets are low-cost devices, so they’re accessible to a larger public. They are the most popular among readers thanks to the Kindle Unlimited accessibility.
However, they are also good models for kids, parents, and families. Moreover, seniors who want a cheap but easy-to-handle tablet could opt for an Amazon device.
Lastly, they are suitable for students because they are easy to use for reading books and documents. Med students, art students, business students, and more can use these gadgets to take notes or read the necessary academic materials.
How to Install Google Play Store on Fire OS
If you have an Amazon Fire OS tablet but want to use the Google Play Store on it, you can try a few special tricks to install it. Here are the 4 steps you must take:
- Go to your Settings, then “Security,” and enable the “Apps from Unknown Sources” option.
- Download the PlayStore APK file from a reliable source on the Internet.
- Go to “Docs,” then “LocalStorage,” and then “Download.”
- Tap on the downloaded APK file to install it.
FAQ
What’s the newest Amazon tablet?
The newest tablet released by Amazon is the Amazon Fire Max 11. It was launched in May 2023.
Do Amazon tablets work with Stylus pens?
Yes, some Amazon tablets work with stylus pens. For instance, the Amazon Fire HD 10 device can be connected to an EDIVIA Digital Pencil. Also, the Fire Max 11 can be purchased with a stylus pen as a bundle.
Do Amazon tablets have cellular connectivity?
Unfortunately, Amazon tablets do not have cellular connectivity. They can only be connected to a WiFi network because Fire OS models do not have SIM card slots.
How do Amazon tablets differ from iPad OS?
Amazon tablets run on Fire OS or different Android operating system options. They are less powerful and usually cheaper than other units. On the other hand, iPad OS tablets were made by Apple, and they run on an iOS version specifically designed for them. They are generally pricier and have better processing power, improved graphics, better displays, and a wider range of applications.
How do Amazon tablets differ from Android tablets?
The difference between an Amazon tablet and an Android tablet is that the former uses the Amazon App Store, while the latter uses the Google Play Store. Google Play Store is unavailable on an Amazon tablet unless you download an APK. Furthermore, there are more variations of Android tablets made by different brands, such as Samsung, Lenovo, Dell, and many others, while Amazon tablets are made strictly by Amazon.
How do Amazon tablets differ from Chrome OS tablets?
Amazon tablets are made for a more mobile-like experience. They run on the Fire OS and use the Amazon App Store. Also, they generally have smaller and lower-quality displays. On the other hand, Chromebooks use Chrome OS, offer a more desktop-like experience, and feature a trackpad and keyboard. Moreover, Chrome OS tablets grant access to the Google Play Store.
How do Amazon tablets differ from Windows OS tablets?
Amazon tablets run on the Amazon Fire OS. They are designed for a smartphone-like experience and have less powerful CPUs and smaller screens. Conversely, Windows OS tablets are made for people who want a computer-like experience. They run on Microsoft’s Windows OS and have access to apps through the Microsoft Store. Meanwhile, Amazon devices use the Amazon App Store to access different apps.
I'm a writer and editor in iPads & Android Tablets, Windows Tablet section. I'm passionate about technology, especially about tablets. I'm on a mission to assist people in discovering their ideal tablets. In addition, I'm dedicated to producing helpful how-to guides and sharing top-notch tips and tricks. In my early carrier I founded and became and editor at worldoftablet and have been a guest author at many other tech blogs. In wolfoftablet I'm focusing on iPads, Tablets, Apple Pencil, Apps, Reviews, Buyers Guides and Tablet Accessories. In free time I like to play games on my PS5 or iOS.