Amazon Alexa Tablets get Google Play: U.S. prices start at $229.99

Amazon unveiled its new Alexa Tablets on October 8, 2026, replacing the Fire-style app experience with Android and built-in Google Play access. U.S. shoppers can order the 8.7-inch Alexa Tablet 8 from $229.99, the 11-inch model from $329.99, or the 12 Pro from $499.99. They are scheduled to ship October 14. The key change is easier access to familiar Android apps alongside Alexa+ features.

Three things to know

• All three Alexa Tablets run Android and include Google Play, including apps such as Gmail, YouTube and Netflix.
• U.S. starting prices are $229.99 (8), $329.99 (11) and $499.99 (12 Pro).
• Alexa+ is integrated into the tablets; check eligibility and any subscription terms separately rather than assuming every AI service is free.

How much are the new Alexa Tablets in the U.S.?

Amazon says the Alexa Tablet 8 has an 8.7-inch screen, 4GB RAM and 64GB storage at $229.99. The Alexa Tablet 11 starts at $329.99 with 8GB RAM and 64GB storage. The 12 Pro starts at $499.99 with an 8GB/128GB configuration; the Nanomatte version starts at $549.99. These are announced starting prices, and configurations or promotions can change. Amazon lists U.S. shipping from October 14, 2026.

Does Google Play mean these are regular Android tablets?

Amazon says the new tablets run Android with the Google Play Store built in. That makes popular apps like YouTube, Netflix, Gmail and Google Docs easier to install than on the older Fire tablet lineup, which focused on Amazon’s own app store. It does not guarantee that every Android app or peripheral will be compatible. For someone who wants a familiar app catalog, Google Play is arguably the biggest everyday upgrade.

What else changed?

The 12 Pro has a 12-inch, 280-PPI display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 3:2 aspect ratio, aimed at reading and work as well as video. The lighter 8 weighs 329 grams, has Wi-Fi 6, and is rated by Amazon for up to 14 hours of video playback. Alexa+ adds personalized assistance and hands-free experiences. The included service features, availability and subscription conditions are worth checking before purchase.

What about kids and countries outside the U.S.?

Amazon also announced 8.7-inch and 11-inch Kids Tablets with a protective case, parental controls and one year of Kids+. Those ship October 14 in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and in Japan on October 14. In Japan, the company has so far announced the Kids series rather than U.S.-style general-purpose Alexa Tablets; Japanese models begin at ¥39,980. That is not the U.S. Alexa Tablet 8’s converted price.

KX3’s buying advice

Compare these tablets against budget Android devices based on the apps you actually need, performance, storage, and how much value you place on Alexa+. Parents should also check Kids+ renewal terms and app approvals. The built-in Google Play store is a meaningful improvement, but an app store alone does not prove a tablet is the best buy at its price.

Announcement: October 8, 2026. Information checked: October 10, 2026.

Primary sources: Amazon’s Alexa Tablets announcement; Amazon Japan’s Kids Tablets announcement.

Read in Japanese: Amazon Kids Tablets: Japan pricing, availability and Google Play rules.

Featured image is an illustrative tablet photo by Egor Komarov / Unsplash, not a photo of an Amazon device.