Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus vs. Amazon Fire HD 10: Which should you buy?

Tablets were huge when they first came out but quickly lost their luster as they fit in this weird spot where they were too big to be truly portable yet too small to offer good enough computing power. With so much innovation in the category nowadays, there's talk that tablets could totally replace laptops for some people.

With tablets like the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus and Amazon Fire HD 10, the ability to add a Bluetooth keyboard makes this a pretty sweet proposition. Indeed, Amazon's Fire lineup remains one of the most popular tablet brands, and both of these models offer enticing features for work and play. Amazon's tablets hit their low prices not by compromising on quality but by offering versions with and without ad-supported lock screens. Amazon also keeps some budget-friendly options available, like microSD card storage expansion.

But when you're considering the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus vs. Amazon Fire HD 10 for your next tablet, how do you know which is the best one for your needs?

Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus vs. Amazon Fire HD 10: Core specs

Both tablets are virtually identical when you look at the core specifications of the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus and Fire HD 10. They have the exact same dimensions and weight; if you didn't know you were looking at one or the other, you probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference but for the color. Both come with an ad-supported option that displays sponsored screensavers, or without ads, and with 32GB or 64GB capacities with the option to increase this to 1TB via a separately purchased microSD memory card.

It's pretty clear these two tablets are effectively identical, but for two key differences: the Plus version has more RAM and wireless charging capability. They are two small but pretty important upgrades that might be worth the extra $30 for some. This is especially so if you're using the tablet on the go, at your desk, and for business reasons as well as leisure.

Both are thinner and lighter than their predecessors, and each comes equipped with 10.1-inch 1200p HD screens displaying over two million pixels and a screen that's made of strengthened aluminosilicate glass.

Both offer a new split-screen feature that allows you to view two apps side-by-side for ultimate multitasking. You can access all of your favorite streaming services from both, like Netflix, Hulu, and, of course, Amazon Prime Video. Download tons of apps, from TikTok to Facebook and Instagram. But there's one huge caveat: neither tablet supports the Google Play Store. Instead, everything is downloaded through the Amazon App Store. You can always sideload the Play Store if you're so inclined.

Use software like Microsoft Office, OneNote, and DropBox with both, and connect to compatible smart home devices to control them right from the tablet. You could also do things like view live footage from a compatible smart security camera on the device's screen.

Both tablets feature Alexa for voice control, including Show Mode, which provides audible responses and lets you visually see responses on the screen. With the HD 10 Plus, Show Mode is automatically activated once the device is placed in the wireless charging dock, which is a convenient feature, especially if you want to keep the tablet docked at all times while you aren't using it as a sort of central home hub.

Both offer access to Amazon Kids, so you set up a specific child profile for a young one to use that only permits access to certain apps and websites. And they both also meet Energy Star requirements and are made of 28% post-consumer recycled plastics, something that environmentally conscious folks will appreciate.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus vs. Amazon Fire HD 10: Audio and connectivity

Both tablets feature built-in speakers and mics, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, along with support for A2DP. Enjoy streaming content with not only the high-resolution screen but also Dolby Atmos immersive audio.

Take photos and videos using the 5MP rear camera and enjoy video calls and selfies using the 2MP front camera.

The accelerometer lets you position the tablet in landscape or portrait mode to accommodate everything from watching movies to reading e-books. Ambient light sensors ensure comfortable reading. Both tablets can connect wirelessly to a compatible Bluetooth keyboard to transform into a more laptop-like experience so that you can go from downtime to productivity time with ease.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus vs. Amazon Fire HD 10: Key differences

Where these two tablets differ operationally is with power: while they both have 2GHz octa-core processors, the HD 10 Plus has 4GB of RAM versus just 3GB of RAM in the Fire HD 10. That extra bump might come in handy for multitasking, running multiple programs or apps simultaneously, or streaming high-quality or bandwidth-intensive apps and programs.

They also differ in charge. Both offer USB-C charging and can run for up to 12 hours per charge. But the Fire HD 10 Plus can charge wirelessly as well, using any compatible Qi-certified wireless charger or the Made for Amazon Wireless Charging Dock, which sells for $55 on Amazon.

The third main difference is in the exterior finishes. While the Fire HD 10 Plus comes in a soft-touch slate color, the HD 10 comes in black, denim, lavender, or olive, providing more options and playful finishes that might appeal more to children.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus vs. Amazon Fire HD 10: Which do you choose?

Given the minor difference in price between these two models, it's worth opting for the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus for the benefit of wireless charging and more RAM. With that said, if you're getting this tablet for fun that you and the whole family can use for web surfing, watching videos, gaming, e-mails, and other leisurely activities, get the Amazon Fire HD 10.

You can use the money you save to buy an accessory, such as a good protective case (a heavy-duty or kids case if you're handing it over to a young child with slippery fingers!), screen protector, or even a Bluetooth keyboard for the times when you have to get some work done, but don't have your laptop nearby.

Keep in mind that if you do plan to use the tablet for work purposes, there's an Amazon Fire HD 10 Productivity Bundle option with either model, which includes a Bluetooth keyboard case and a 12-month Microsoft 365 Personal subscription for an extra $70.

When looking for an affordable tablet for a young child, you might be better off with the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro. Designed specifically for older kids, it focuses on durability via the included bumper case along with parental controls and offers a diverse kid-appropriate content library.

But back to the two main devices, when you're trying to decide between the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus vs. Amazon Fire HD 10, they are so similar that you can't go wrong with either of them.