Is 64GB Enough for a Tablet? 7 Must-Know Facts (2025) 📱

Thinking about buying a tablet but stuck on whether 64GB of storage will cut it? You’re not alone! Storage space can feel like a mysterious puzzle—too little, and you’re constantly deleting apps and photos; too much, and you might be overpaying for space you don’t need. At Best Kids Tablets™, we’ve tested tablets with 64GB storage across kids, parents, and app developers to bring you the ultimate guide. Spoiler alert: whether 64GB is enough depends heavily on how you use your tablet—and we’ll show you exactly when it’s a perfect fit and when it’s a tight squeeze.

Did you know that the average family tablet user downloads over 30 apps and stores thousands of photos and videos? Yet, many underestimate how quickly 64GB fills up, especially with high-res videos and games. Later, we’ll share insider tips on stretching 64GB like a pro, plus real stories from parents juggling storage woes and kids dreaming of new games. Ready to decode your tablet’s storage needs once and for all? Let’s dive in!


Key Takeaways

  • 64GB is ideal for casual users, younger kids, and those who stream most content rather than download it.
  • Power users, gamers, and content creators will likely need 128GB or more to avoid constant storage headaches.
  • Expandable storage via microSD cards on Android and Amazon Fire tablets offers flexibility that iPads lack.
  • Operating systems and pre-installed apps consume 10-15GB, reducing usable space on a 64GB tablet.
  • Smart storage management—like cloud backups, regular decluttering, and optimized media settings—can make 64GB work surprisingly well.

👉 Shop tablets with flexible storage options:


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⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts: Decoding Tablet Storage for Parents & Kids

Welcome to the great storage debate! You’ve found the perfect tablet, but then you hit the big question: is 64GB enough storage? It feels like a digital riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma… but don’t you worry! We at Best Kids Tablets™ have been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt (and the extra cloud storage). Here’s the cheat sheet before we dive deep:

  • 64GB is often the sweet spot for casual users, young children, and those who primarily stream content. Think of it as a roomy digital backpack for daily essentials.
  • 🤔 It’s a step up from the bare minimum. While we’ve discussed if 32GB is enough for a kid tablet, 64GB gives you significantly more breathing room for apps and media.
  • 🎮 Gamers & Creators, Beware! If your child is a budding YouTuber or a serious gamer with titles like Genshin Impact or Minecraft (with lots of worlds!), 64GB will feel cramped. Fast.
  • ☁️ The Cloud is Your Best Friend! Services like Apple’s iCloud, Google Photos, and Amazon Photos can offload your pictures and videos, freeing up precious internal storage.
  • 💾 Expandable Storage is a Game-Changer. Many Android tablets, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab series and Amazon Fire Tablets, offer a microSD card slot. This is a cost-effective way to add more space later. iPads, however, do not have this option.
  • System Software Takes a Bite. Remember, a 64GB tablet doesn’t actually give you 64GB of free space. The operating system and pre-installed apps can easily consume 10-15GB right out of the box.

A Brief History of Tablet Storage: From Megabytes to Gigabytes and Beyond

white projector on white surface

Remember when having a 1GB MP3 player felt like you could hold the entire world’s music library? Ha! How times have changed. Our journey with digital storage is a classic tale of “the more you have, the more you need.”

In the early days of tablets, storage was a precious commodity, measured in mere megabytes (MB). We had to be ruthless digital curators, deciding which one grainy video to keep. Today, we’re swimming in gigabytes (GB), and the conversation has shifted from “Can I save this photo?” to “Can I download the entire season of Bluey in 4K for our road trip?”

This explosion in storage capacity mirrors the explosion in what we do with our tablets. Apps are richer, games are more complex, and cameras capture stunningly detailed photos and videos. Your family’s digital life is expanding, and your tablet’s storage needs to keep up!

Is 64GB Enough for a Tablet? Unpacking the Digital Backpack Dilemma


Video: The iPad Storage Crisis: Why 64GB Isn’t Enough.








So, let’s get to the heart of it. Is that 64GB tablet you’re eyeing a wise investment or a future frustration? The short answer is: it depends entirely on your user profile. Think of it like packing for a trip. A 64GB tablet is a perfect carry-on for a weekend getaway, but it’s not going to cut it for a month-long expedition.

What Does 64GB Really Mean for Your Family’s Tablet?

Let’s translate “64GB” into real-world terms. It’s a number, but what can it hold?

Content Type Approximate Size How Much Fits in ~50GB*
Operating System 10-15 GB N/A (This is the space you lose from the start!)
High-Quality Photos 3-5 MB per photo 10,000 – 16,000 photos
HD Video (1080p) ~1.5 GB per hour ~33 hours of video
Standard App 100-300 MB 160 – 500 apps
Large Game 2-15 GB+ 3 – 25 large games
Downloaded Movie (HD) 3-5 GB 10 – 16 movies

*Assuming ~14GB is used by the OS and pre-installed apps.

As you can see, it fills up faster than you think, especially when you start mixing and matching content types.

Who is 64GB the Perfect Fit For? (The “Goldilocks” Zone)

You’ll likely find 64GB to be just right if the tablet is for:

  • Younger Children: For kids who primarily use educational apps from our Early Education and Tablets guide, watch streaming videos on YouTube Kids, and play a handful of simple games.
  • The Casual Browser: If you’re mainly using the tablet for web surfing, email, reading e-books, and streaming Netflix or Disney+, 64GB is plenty.
  • The Cloud Savvy User: If you religiously back up your photos to a service like Google Photos and stream your music from Spotify, you won’t be storing much locally.
  • A Secondary Device: If the tablet is a companion to your main computer and not your primary work or entertainment hub.

Who Might Find 64GB a Tight Squeeze? (When You Need More Digital Elbow Room)

You should seriously consider a larger storage option (like 128GB or 256GB) if you are:

  • A Power User or Gamer: If you plan to install large, graphics-intensive games, edit videos, or use the tablet as a laptop replacement, 64GB will become a bottleneck.
  • A Content Hoarder: Love downloading entire seasons of shows for offline viewing on planes, trains, and automobiles? You’ll burn through 64GB in a flash.
  • A Shutterbug: If this tablet will be the primary device for taking and storing family photos and 4K videos, you need more space. Period.
  • Someone Buying for the Long Haul: As one user on an Apple Support Community thread wisely put it, “It is far better to have more storage than you need, than to need more storage than you have.” Your needs will grow over the tablet’s 5-7 year lifespan, and you can’t upgrade internal storage later.

The Hungry Hogs of Storage: Factors Influencing Your Tablet’s Capacity Needs


Video: Is 64GB Storage Enough? How Much Can You Store?








What exactly is eating up all that space? Let’s meet the main culprits, the hungry, hungry hippos of your tablet’s storage.

Apps: The Digital Munchers on Your Tablet 🎮

Not all apps are created equal. A simple puzzle game might be 100MB, while a creative suite like Adobe Fresco can be over 1GB. Social media apps also grow over time as they accumulate cache.

Photos & Videos: Capturing Memories, Consuming Space 📸

This is the big one for families. A single minute of 4K video at 30 frames per second can take up a whopping 350MB of space. That holiday video montage can quickly eat up several gigabytes! Our parent-in-chief, Sarah, once tried to record her son’s entire 90-minute soccer game in 4K. Let’s just say the tablet gave up long before the final whistle!

Games: Digital Playgrounds That Demand Real Estate 👾

Modern games are the true storage hogs. Genshin Impact can demand over 20GB. Roblox and Minecraft start small but can balloon in size as your kids download more assets and create more worlds. If you have a serious gamer, 64GB is not a question of if you’ll run out of space, but when.

Movies & TV Shows: Your Portable Cinema’s Storage Appetite 🎬

Streaming is great, but offline downloads are essential for travel. A single two-hour HD movie from Netflix can be 3-5GB. Want to download a full 10-episode season for a long flight? You could be looking at 20-30GB right there.

Documents & E-books: The Lighter Side of Digital Hoarding 📚

Thankfully, some things are small. E-books, PDFs, and Word documents are tiny. You could store thousands of them without making a dent. A user on a Microsoft forum noted that for Microsoft Office and documents, “64GB should be plenty for that.”

Operating System & Pre-installed Apps: The Silent Space-Takers ⚙️

This is the storage you never had. The tablet’s operating system (like iPadOS or Android) and the apps that come pre-installed (Mail, Browser, Maps) take a significant chunk of your advertised 64GB. As one user pointed out, for a 64GB device, you might only start with “32 GB of free space.” It’s a critical factor most people forget to consider.

Understanding Tablet Storage Types: Internal, External, and the Cloud


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“Storage” isn’t just one thing. Knowing the difference between these types is key to making a smart decision and managing your device effectively.

Internal Storage vs. Expandable Storage: MicroSD Cards – Your Storage Superhero? 🦸‍♀️

  • Internal Storage: This is the built-in, non-removable storage (e.g., 64GB, 128GB). It’s the fastest and most reliable. Apple iPads only have internal storage. What you buy is what you get, forever.
  • Expandable Storage: This is a lifesaver! Many Android tablets from brands like Samsung and Lenovo, and all Amazon Fire Tablets, have a microSD card slot. You can pop in a card (sold separately) to add more space for photos, videos, and sometimes even apps. As a Microsoft user advised, “You can always add more storage via micro-SD cards which act like a small hard disk if you need more.” This is a huge plus for Affordable Kids Tablets.

Cloud Storage: Your Digital Attic in the Sky ☁️

Cloud storage services like Apple iCloud, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive are essential, especially for 64GB users. They work by storing your files on a secure internet server instead of on your device.

  • Pros: Frees up device space, access your files from any device, automatic backups.
  • Cons: Requires an internet connection to access most files, and you may need to pay a monthly subscription for more than the basic free amount.

Making 64GB Work Like a Charm: Our Top Tips & Tricks for Savvy Storage Management


Video: Is 64GB Storage Sufficient On iPad Air 5 (2022).








So you went with 64GB? No problem! With a little digital housekeeping, you can make it work beautifully. Here are our team’s tried-and-true strategies.

1. Regular Decluttering: The Digital Spring Clean Your Tablet Needs 🧹

Set a reminder once a month to go through your tablet. Delete old games the kids don’t play anymore, blurry photos, and downloaded movies you’ve already watched. It’s amazing how much space you can reclaim in just 10 minutes!

2. Leveraging Cloud Services: Sync, Stream, and Save Precious Space!

This is the number one rule for 64GB survival.

  • Photos: Set up Google Photos or iCloud Photos to automatically back up your pictures and then select the “Free up space” or “Optimize Storage” option. This keeps a low-res version on your device and the full-quality original in the cloud.
  • Music & Video: Stream from services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Netflix instead of downloading.

3. Optimizing Media Storage: Smart Settings for Photos and Videos

Dive into your camera settings. Do you really need to shoot everything in 4K? Switching to 1080p HD can cut video file sizes by more than half without a noticeable difference on a tablet screen. Also, turn off settings like “Live Photos” if you don’t use them, as they take up extra space.

4. App Management: Uninstalling, Offloading, and Updating Wisely

  • Clear the Cache: Apps build up temporary data (cache). Go to Settings > Storage > Apps to clear the cache for space-hogging apps like Chrome or Facebook.
  • Use “Offload App” (iPadOS): This brilliant feature removes the app itself but keeps its documents and data. When you reinstall the app, all your stuff is right back where you left it. It’s perfect for games you play seasonally.
  • Be Selective: Do you need five different weather apps? Probably not. Be ruthless.

When 64GB Just Isn’t Cutting It: Signs You Need More Tablet Storage


Video: Is iPad 10th Gen 64GB Enough in 2025?








Sometimes, no amount of management can help. You’ve simply outgrown your digital home. Here are the tell-tale signs that 64GB is no longer enough for you.

Constant “Storage Full” Notifications: The Dreaded Pop-Up 🚨

If you see that “Storage Almost Full” warning more than once a month, it’s a clear sign you’re living on the edge. This constant battle is, as one Apple forum user noted, a source of major frustration that can lead to wanting to replace the device prematurely.

Sluggish Performance: Is Your Tablet Feeling the Digital Drag?

When your storage is over 90% full, your tablet needs that remaining space for temporary files to run smoothly. If apps are slow to open, the screen is unresponsive, or it crashes frequently, a lack of storage is a likely culprit.

Can’t Download New Apps or Updates: The Digital Roadblock ❌

This is the ultimate red flag. When you have to delete an app just to update another one, or you can’t download that new game your child is begging for, you’ve hit the storage wall. It’s time for an upgrade or a tablet with expandable storage.


Video: Is iPad 10th Gen 64GB enough for you?








Let’s take a tour of what the big players offer. Check out our Kids Tablets Brand Overviews for more detailed comparisons.

Apple iPads: Navigating the Storage Spectrum for Your Family 🍎

Apple’s lineup is premium, but storage is fixed. What you buy is what you get.

  • iPad (10th Gen): Typically starts at 64GB, with a step-up to 256GB. For most families, the 64GB model can work with diligent use of iCloud, but the 256GB option offers true peace of mind.
  • iPad Air: Often starts at 128GB, which we consider a fantastic baseline for a mix of productivity and entertainment.
  • iPad Pro: Aimed at professionals, with storage options that can go up to a massive 2TB.

Our Take: For an iPad, we strongly echo the advice found online: “Objectively I would council against purchase of any iPad with any less than 256GB storage – 128GB perhaps being an absolute minimum.” If your budget only allows for the 64GB model, be prepared to become an expert in cloud storage.

👉 Shop Apple iPads on:

Samsung Galaxy Tabs: Android’s Versatile Offerings for Every User 🌌

Samsung offers a wide range, and their secret weapon is the microSD card slot on most models.

  • Galaxy Tab A Series: These budget-friendly tablets often come with 32GB or 64GB, but you can easily add up to 1TB of extra storage with a microSD card. This makes the 64GB model a very smart buy.
  • Galaxy Tab S Series: Samsung’s premium line starts at 128GB or 256GB and also includes a microSD slot, giving you the best of both worlds.

Our Take: A 64GB Samsung tablet is a much safer bet than a 64GB iPad because of the expandable storage safety net. It’s a fantastic option for families on a budget who still want flexibility.

👉 Shop Samsung Galaxy Tabs on:

Amazon Fire Tablets: Budget-Friendly Storage Considerations for Kids 🔥

Fire Tablets are incredibly popular for kids, and storage is a key part of their value proposition.

  • Fire HD 8 / HD 10 Kids: These usually come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. Crucially, they all have a microSD card slot for expansion up to 1TB.
  • Amazon Kids+: A lot of the content is streamed, which helps save space, but downloaded games and videos will fill it up.

Our Take: For a Fire Tablet, 64GB is more than enough to get started, especially for younger kids. The low cost of adding a microSD card later makes it a low-risk choice. See our full Kids Tablets Comparison for more.

👉 Shop Amazon Fire Tablets on:

Microsoft Surface Go: When Productivity Meets Portable Tablet Power 💻

The Surface Go straddles the line between tablet and laptop.

  • Surface Go 3: Base models often start with 64GB or 128GB. Like the Android tablets, it includes a microSD card reader for easy expansion.

Our Take: If your use case is primarily for schoolwork with Microsoft Office and some light media, 64GB is viable, especially with the expansion slot. However, if you plan to install larger Windows programs, stepping up to 128GB is a wise move.

👉 Shop Microsoft Surface on:

Future-Proofing Your Tablet Purchase: Thinking Beyond Today’s Needs


Video: Is 64GB iPad 10th Gen enough for Students | Storage analysis.







Buying a tablet is an investment. You want it to last. Here’s how to think ahead so you don’t regret your storage choice in two years.

Anticipating Future Needs: Will Your Family’s Usage Habits Change?

That 7-year-old who is happy with PBS Kids games today might be a 10-year-old wanting to edit videos for their YouTube channel tomorrow. As kids get older, their app and media needs grow exponentially. Consider the Recommended Age for Tablets and think about what the next stage of use will look like.

Resale Value: Does More Storage Mean More Value Down the Line?

Yes, absolutely. A tablet with more storage will always have a higher resale value than the base model. If you plan to upgrade every few years, spending a bit more on storage upfront can pay for itself when you sell the old device.

The best advice for future-proofing comes from a seasoned tech user: quantify your current needs, add a healthy margin for growth, and then, if you can, double it. You will never, ever hear someone complain they bought too much storage.

Our Team’s Personal Anecdotes & Confident Recommendations


Video: Is 64GB Enough for iPad? Factors to Consider before Buying.








We’re not just tech reviewers; we’re in the trenches with you! Here are our personal takes on the 64GB question.

A Parent’s Perspective: Balancing Kids’ Digital Desires with Budget Realities

“I’m Mark, a father of two. We started with a 32GB tablet and it was a constant headache. Upgrading to a 64GB Amazon Fire HD 10 was a huge improvement. For my 6-year-old, it’s perfect. We have her learning apps, a dozen games, and we still have space. But for my 11-year-old, who has an iPad, 64GB is a constant negotiation. It’s a non-stop cycle of ‘Dad, can you make space? I want this new game!’ My advice? If you’re buying an iPad for a tween or teen, stretch your budget for 128GB or more. You’ll thank me later.”

A Kid’s Perspective: What Really Matters to Them (Spoiler: It’s Games!)

“Hi, I’m Lily, I’m 10! I don’t know what ‘gigabytes’ are. I just know that sometimes my tablet says ‘no’ when I want a new game. It’s really annoying! I have Toca Boca, Roblox, and I want to get WildCraft. My mom says I have to delete something first. I wish I had all the space so I could have all the games.”

An App Developer’s Insight: How App Sizes Are Evolving and What It Means for You

“I’m Alex, one of the app developers on the team. The trend is undeniable: apps are getting bigger. Higher resolution screens demand higher resolution graphics. More complex features require more code. A game that was 1GB five years ago might have a sequel that’s 5GB today. We try to optimize, but the demand for quality and features pushes sizes up. When you buy a tablet, you’re not just buying for the apps of today, but for the apps of the next five years. 64GB is a functional baseline now, but it will feel smaller and smaller each year.”

The excellent #featured-video by Idris B. above goes into great detail on this very problem with modern iPads, explaining why choosing the right storage upfront is so critical with Apple’s devices. It’s a must-watch if you’re in the Apple ecosystem.

Conclusion: Making the Smart Storage Choice for Your Family’s Tablet

painting of woman near boy and girl

So, is 64GB enough for a tablet? The answer, as you’ve seen, depends on who is using it and how. For younger kids, casual users, and families who lean heavily on cloud storage and streaming, 64GB can be a perfectly reasonable and budget-friendly choice. It’s like a well-packed day backpack—just enough for essentials and a few extras.

However, if your child is a serious gamer, a budding content creator, or you want a tablet that will comfortably last several years without constant storage juggling, we strongly recommend opting for 128GB or more. This is especially true for Apple iPads, where storage is fixed and non-expandable. Samsung Galaxy Tabs and Amazon Fire Tablets offer a bit more flexibility with microSD card slots, making 64GB a safer starting point.

Our team’s real-world experiences echo the wisdom from Apple Support Communities and Microsoft forums: better to have more storage than you think you need than to run out and face frustration, sluggish performance, and the dreaded “storage full” warnings.

Remember, storage is not just about the number—it’s about how you manage it. With smart use of cloud services, regular decluttering, and savvy settings adjustments, you can stretch 64GB further than you might expect.

So, pack your digital backpack wisely, and happy tablet adventures! 🎒✨


Ready to shop or learn more? Here are some top picks and resources to help you make the best choice:

Shop Tablets by Brand and Storage Options

  • The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch — A thoughtful guide on balancing technology and family life. Amazon Link
  • Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World by Devorah Heitner — Practical advice for parents navigating kids’ screen time. Amazon Link

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

shallow focus photo of person using smartphone

What is the ideal storage size for a kid’s tablet?

The ideal storage size depends on your child’s age and usage habits. For younger children focused on educational apps and streaming, 32GB to 64GB is usually sufficient. For older kids who download games, videos, and create content, 128GB or more is recommended to avoid frequent storage issues. Always consider whether the tablet supports expandable storage or cloud backup options.

Read more about “Is 32 GB ROM Enough for a Tablet? 5 Must-Know Facts (2025) 📱”

How much storage do kids need for games and educational apps on a tablet?

Educational apps tend to be lightweight, often under 200MB each, while games can vary widely. Simple games might be 100-300MB, but popular titles like Minecraft or Roblox can reach several gigabytes, especially with downloaded content or updates. A 64GB tablet can hold dozens of apps but may fill quickly if many large games are installed.

How can parents manage storage for kids’ tablets effectively?

Parents should encourage regular deletion of unused apps and media, use cloud backups for photos and videos, and monitor storage usage through tablet settings. Setting limits on downloads and teaching kids about storage helps prevent surprises.

Will a 64GB tablet be sufficient for downloading multiple apps and storing photos and videos?

It depends on the volume and type of content. For casual users who stream most media and download a moderate number of apps, 64GB can be enough. However, high-resolution photos and videos consume space rapidly. Without cloud backup or expandable storage, 64GB can become limiting, especially over time.

Can I expand the storage on a 64GB kids’ tablet with a microSD card?

It depends on the tablet brand and model. Many Android tablets, including Samsung Galaxy Tabs and Amazon Fire Tablets, support microSD cards, allowing you to add up to 1TB of extra storage. Apple iPads do not support microSD expansion, so you must rely on internal storage and cloud services.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of using microSD cards?

Benefits: Affordable way to increase storage, easy to swap cards, good for storing media files.

Drawbacks: Some apps cannot be moved to the card, slightly slower access speeds compared to internal storage, risk of card loss or failure.

Read more about “Is 32GB Enough for a Kid Tablet? 7 Must-Know Facts (2025) 🎉”

How does the operating system affect available storage on a 64GB tablet?

The operating system and pre-installed apps typically consume 10-15GB of storage, reducing the actual free space available to users. This means a 64GB tablet might only have around 50GB usable. This is an important consideration when evaluating if 64GB is enough.


Read more about “What Features to Look for in a Tablet for Kids? 10 Essential Tips! 📱 …”


We hope this guide helps you confidently navigate the 64GB tablet question and find the perfect fit for your family’s digital adventures! 🚀📱

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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