What Size Tablet is Best for Seniors?

Tablet computers are lightweight, handheld digital devices designed for surfing the web, viewing photos and videos, and communicating via social media and video calls. The touchscreen on a tablet is usually larger than the screen on a smartphone and smaller than what you’ll find on most laptop computers. 

Deciding what size tablet is best for a senior can be challenging. On one hand, a tablet with a large screen such as the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 may be ideal for anyone who has difficulty with their vision. Alternatively, a small, lightweight tablet such as the Amazon Fire 7 could be perfect for a senior who wants a tablet that’s easily carried in a purse. 

Common Tablet Sizes

Tablet sizes are usually listed based on screen size. This measurement is taken on the diagonal, from the upper corner to the lower corner on the opposite side. 

The smallest tablets have 5-inch displays, which is similar to the display found on many smaller smartphones such as the iPhone 13 Mini. Seniors who have dexterity issues or limited vision are likely to find these small screens difficult to navigate, so this size tablet isn’t recommended for older users. 

Devices such as the Amazon Fire 7 have a 7-inch screen, the GrandPad has an 8-inch screen, and the Apple iPad Mini features an 8.3-inch screen. There are also several popular tablets with screens ranging in size from 10 to 11 inches, including the Apple iPad, Amazon Fire 10 HD, Microsoft Surface Go 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. 

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Tablet Size for Seniors

When choosing the best tablet size for a senior, consider the following:

• Do they need a tablet that easily fits in their purse or a small shoulder bag?
• Will they be holding their tablet in their hands while using it, or placing the tablet on a stand or tabletop?
• Does the senior have low vision?
• Do they have arthritis or other problems that impact their ability to navigate a touchscreen device? 
• Will they be using the tablet to watch movies, videos and TV shows?

In general, any tablet ranging in size from about 8 inches to 10 inches is suitable for seniors, although seniors who want a smaller tablet may find that the 7-inch Amazon Fire 7 works for them. 

A larger tablet can be the best option for seniors who plan to use their tablet to watch streaming video and those who have trouble navigating small touchscreens. That said, larger tablets tend to be heavier than smaller devices, so tablets with 10-inch screens may need to be placed on a stand for seniors to use. 

Here at Caring.com, we selected the GrandPad, an 8-inch tablet that’s specially designed for older users, as the Overall Best Tablet for Seniors.