The Best Phones for Kids 2025 – Parent Tested and Approved

After surveying 1,000 parents about their top safety concerns and testing 11 phone models hands-on, we chose Bark, Gabb, Pinwheel, Troomi, and MMGuardian as the best phones for kids ages 10-18. For those under 10, we recommend smartwatches for kids instead.

We adults are obsessed with our smartphones, so it only makes sense that our kids want one, too. But first, it's important to decide if your child is ready for a phone. According to the National Institute of Health, around 53% of children have a smartphone by age 11.¹

With social media and open browsers comes a lot of inappropriate content and wider access to the world (which includes friendly and malicious users alike); your child may not be ready for a smartphone until the age of 12 or 13.

Ultimately, it comes down to you and your child and how you want to handle access to the internet. Our favorite phones for kids strike a balance between features kids love and age-appropriate guardrails set by parents. 

Balancing cost, functionality, and protection is essential for making a smart investment in your child’s first phone. 

• Consider your child’s age and maturity:
  • Younger children may only need basic features like calling and texting for emergencies.
  • Older kids might require advanced options for schoolwork and socializing.
  • Assess your child’s ability to handle the responsibility of a smartphone.
  • Look for phones that can adapt to your child's changing needs over time.

• Focus on safety and parental controls:
  • Choose a phone with strong parental controls for monitoring messages, limiting screen time, and blocking unknown callers.
  • Consider phones that include only apps for kids and don't have access to an app store. Those that do include an app store should require parental approval before any app can be downloaded.
  • Make sure the phone has tracking and geofencing if you want to know where your kiddo is at all times.
  • Take advantage of the trial period by thoroughly testing the phone's web content filter—even if you don't plan to let your kid use the internet right away. 

• Evaluate budget and durability:
  • Look for affordable, durable phones that can withstand drops or accidents.
  • Consider the cost of a phone plan, ensuring it meets your child’s data and usage needs.

• Think about connectivity:
  • Look for a phone that uses a cellular network with good coverage in your area.
  • Choose a 5G-compatible phone for faster performance away from home.

We chose the Bark Phone as the overall best kids phone because it offers exceptional content monitoring across texts, emails, and social media messages, whereas most kids phones and parental control apps only monitor text messages. We trust Bark because we tested its alert system and found the notifications were accurate and fast. Bark alerts even included helpful guidance for parents. 

We also love that parents can toggle certain features on and off as needed, including social media and internet access. The Bark Phone's emphasis on parental control and approval means it can be adapted to virtually any parenting style, age, or maturity level, but most features require an Advanced Plan, which starts at $39 per month.

• Go ahead and buy the Bark Phone if you want robust online protection and thorough message monitoring without necessarily restricting your child's usage.
• Keep shopping if you want to keep monthly fees to a minimum.

We think it's important for a kid's phone to adapt to their rapidly changing needs, and the Bark Phone does this well. It can be fully locked down with no internet and no extra apps for younger kids who are just getting used to calling and texting—or for older kids who need a digital break. For older teens, it can function like a regular smartphone with parental oversight and protective content filters.

In fact, the Bark Phone is the only kids phone that allows any app to be downloaded from the Google Play Store with parental permission—including social media apps. It's also one of the only kids phone capable of monitoring social media messages.

Parents are alerted when kids send or receive messages about violence, mental health, drugs and alcohol, disordered eating, and more. We tested Bark's alerts and found them to be spot-on. This feature could help older teens ease into the world of social media because parents can see what they're up to and help them make smart choices. 

We're also glad to see parents can manage the phone's contact list, remotely lock the phone, and set time limits for specific apps. Parents also have the option to automatically lock the phone when driving is detected, which can help keep teen drivers safe. 

There's a lot to love about the Bark Phone. Get all the details in our full Bark Phone review.

The Gabb Phone 4 Pro is our pick for best user-friendly kids phone because it comes with parent-approved apps pre-installed. Parents can add dozens of other apps from Gabb's curated list, but there's no Google Play Store access and no internet. Group texts are optional, and speech-to-text is available for convenient on-the-go messaging.

• Go ahead and buy the Gabb Phone Pro 4 if you don't want your kid to access the internet but don't mind if they use age-appropriate apps and stream curated music.
• Keep shopping if you want a phone that will eventually support internet access when your child is ready.

The Gabb Phone 4 Pro (and the more basic Phone 4 model) doesn't have some of the grow-with-you features of the other kids phones on our list. It's designed for parents who don't want their kids to access the internet or social media, period. That keeps things simple for everyone.

But, the Gabb Phone 4 Pro proves that simple and safe doesn't have to mean boring. In addition to built-in apps, the phone supports dozens of vetted apps for school and learning, health and fitness, banking and finance, sports and news, games, and more. Parents must approve any app before it's added to their kid's phone. The catch? Extra apps are only available with the $34.99/mo. Advanced plan.

One unique feature that's a hit with our testers is Gabb Music, a curated list of clean music that kids can stream on their phone. It's available in a radio-style format with the $29.99/mo. Standard plan, while the Advanced plan unlocks on-demand streaming that works without Wi-Fi.

Parents tell us it's easy to set limits and check their kid's activity through the MyGabb app. Parents can also set safe zones, control the phone's contact list, and monitor their child's text messages for cyberbullying.

To learn more, read our full Gabb Phone 4 Pro review.

We chose Pinwheel as the best kids phone for families because it offers a 15% multi-line discount, five phones with different specs and prices, and multiple carrier options. All of these options help families keep costs low while tailoring the phones to each child.

Plus, the Pinwheel operating system is designed for customization. Parents can choose different permission settings for each of their kids to match their digital readiness. 

Pinwheel phones also work with the Bark parental control app, so you can reap the benefits of Bark's email and message monitoring without paying higher monthly fees for the Bark Phone. 

• Go ahead and buy a Pinwheel Phone if you want to use a specific cellular network or want a family plan that caters to diverse ages and needs.
• Keep shopping if you want a phone that allows social media apps to be downloaded (with permission). 

We think Pinwheel makes it super easy to adjust the parental controls depending on your child's age. 

For example, Pinwheel offers three ways to handle contact management: do it for your child, approve your child's additions, or give your child full control. Similar stages of control are available for apps, call and text monitoring, screen time schedules, and group or photo messages.

While other kids phones offer customizations, Pinwheel impressed us the most in this category. With so many adjustments at your fingertips, you don't have to worry about getting a totally new phone for your kid if you need more or fewer restrictions in the future.

Like Bark, Pinwheel allows parents to toggle the Google Play Store on or off. From there, kids can request to download an internet browser. Parents can approve or deny other app download requests, but social media apps can never be downloaded on a Pinwheel phone. 

The Pinwheel line-up includes five phones with different specs and capabilities. For older kids who are allowed online, we recommend the Plus 4 ($299) or Pixel 8A ($599) because they're compatible with 5G networks. Younger kids may like the Genesis 2 ($99) as a starter phone, while the dirt- and water-resistant Rugged 4 ($249) could be a good choice for adventurous kids. 

We take a closer look in our full Pinwheel review.

We think Troomi is a great option for your kid's first phone because it's affordable (currently $29.95 upfront and $19.95–$29.95 per month) and can be limited to calling and texting only—perfect for introducing kids to digital communication without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, parents can control the phone's contact list and read all text messages to keep an eye out for concerning topics.

• Go ahead and buy the Troomi Phone if you like Bark phone's filtered web browsing and limited Google Play Store access but prefer to keep costs low. 
• Keep shopping if you want a free warranty or a family discount.

Like Pinwheel, Troomi's KidSmart OS is designed to grow with your child. It has no internet browser by default, but with the Discover plan (about $30/month) you can add the KidSmart Safe Browser if you feel like your child is ready for a little more online freedom.  

You can also manage their contacts in the beginning and then ease up your involvement as they get older. We like that you can limit the Troomi phone to text-only messaging or allow group chats and photo messages. You get to read the full content of all texts, too.

There's no app store on a Troomi phone, but you can add some kid-friendly apps to your child's phone through the parental portal. There aren't as many apps to choose from compared to Pinwheel, but you can view a full list on the Troomi website before you buy. This feature requires the Discover plan, too.

We go into more detail in our full Troomi kids phone review.

We chose the MMGuardian as the best option for message access because parents can read all texts and social media messages in the parent portal, and the phone sends alerts about potentially inappropriate images. At first, this might sound just like the Bark Phone, but Bark only allows parents to read texts that are flagged as potentially problematic. MMGuardian gives parents full access.

This is one of the most secure and customizable phones for kids and teens. Its message scanning, AI alerts, and hard-to-break controls make it ideal for parents who want to stay informed and involved without having to chase down loopholes.

• Go ahead and buy the MMGuardian Phone if message monitoring and access is your top priority and you want built-in controls that can’t be bypassed. 
• Keep shopping if your child needs more flexibility with app access or you’re looking for a more interactive, media-friendly device.

The MMGuardian Phone A35 is a standout choice for parents who want complete control over their child’s communication. Built on a high-quality Samsung 5G phone, it comes preloaded with robust, built-in parental controls that can’t be bypassed—even with factory resets or safe mode. Whether you want to block social media entirely or monitor conversations on apps like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram, this phone puts you in charge of what your child sees and shares.

Text and picture message scanning is where MMGuardian shines. Its AI-powered alerts flag issues like bullying, predators, or inappropriate content—including emojis—so you can step in if needed. Your child can’t turn off GPS tracking, and you can lock the phone remotely, filter web content, and manage calls and contacts directly from your own phone using the MMGuardian parent app. It’s also unlocked and compatible with any major US carrier, giving you the flexibility to use your current plan or find an affordable option.

If you like the idea of the Bark Phone but want something a little more affordable, the MMGuardian is a good solution. However, the Bark Phone stands firm as our top pick because, among other features, it goes above and beyond to protect kids from inappropriate photos by automatically deleting them. 

The Google Pixel 9a gets a lot of attention thanks to its high quality camera, AI tools, and relatively low price (about $400 to $500). And Google Family Link, the company's free parental control app, is (of course) compatible with the phone.

However, we don't think Google Family Link is thorough enough for most families because it doesn't offer text monitoring or location history. There are also several workarounds that allow kids to remove the controls, and recent reviews mention frustrating glitches.

Downloading (and paying for) a different parental control app can give you more comprehensive digital protection on the Pixel 9a. However, third-party apps can often be bypassed. Phones designed with integrated parental controls, like the Bark Phone or Gabb Phone, are impossible to defeat and remain our top choice for keeping kids safe in a digital world.

If you want to support an older teen as they learn how to safely navigate the internet, the Google Pixel 9a and Google Family Link might fit your needs. But for younger kids who aren't ready for the internet or unmonitored messaging, it's a no-go. 

Like Google, Apple designed a free parental control app that works with its line of smartphones. Unfortunately, Apple's "Screen Time" app is no more effective than Google Family Link.

For example, web blocking is remarkably inefficient. Parents can block adult websites or manually create a list of sites they don't want their child to visit. There's no in between. Other parental control apps let parents choose from dozens of content categories to block or filter.

So, the best thing to do is add a third-party parental control app. And, as we mentioned with the Google Pixel, these are susceptible to workarounds. Many also have extremely limited features due to Apple's rules about permissions, tracking, and privacy. 

We know it's tempting to give your child your old iPhone as a hand-me-down, but your child is more likely to be exposed to the ugly side of the internet on an iPhone than on a phone specially designed for their age, needs, and innocence.

Consider an iPhone as a gift for your child's 18th birthday. Until then, proceed with caution.

With the Tin Can phone, you can give your child a "landline" phone (it's really powered by Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable) and allow them to only call certain numbers. 

It gives them all the fun of chatting with grandma and grandpa, their cousins, and their friends without any concerns about screen time, prank calls, or scams. You can also set quiet times so your kid doesn't stay up all night talking!

It's a super cute option for kids to use at home or on vacation, but it's not suitable for kids who need a phone when they're away from family. 

The Palm Phone is a tiny smartphone with powerful features. Just like an iPhone or Android phone, the Palm has apps, social media, and internet-browsing capabilities. 

You'll need to pair the Palm Phone with a parental control app to protect your child, but it's one of the few options they'll be able to fit in their pockets or hands. 

Learn more in our full Palm Phone review.

The Wisephone caters to adults who need to cut down on their screen time. It calls, texts, takes pictures, and includes only the bare-minimum apps necessary for modern life: maps, a clock, and a calculator. 

There's also a family portal that lets parents monitor their child's call history, texts, and location. But we hesitate to recommend the Wisephone as a kids phone. Kids need guidance, and the Wisephone simply restricts all access.

We also considered the Lightphone for our lineup of kids phones. Like the Wisephone, the Lightphone is mainly for adults to avoid endless scrolling. There are no parent-friendly features, so your child could end up texting and calling anyone and everyone.

But that's the only real mischief they could get into. It does play music and podcasts, so it's not totally boring. But there's no internet, games, or camera on board. 

But for $300 upfront and at least $30/month, you don't get much bang for your buck.

Teracube's claim to fame is its environmentally-friendly smartphone. We tested the Teracube Thrive — which is just the normal Teracube 2e paired with Teracube's parental control app — and weren't impressed.

It has excellent app management, but the SPIN browser did nothing to curb our mature searches. Worse yet, none of our web activity showed up on the parental dashboard. There was a frustrating lack of customization options or reports.

At this point, the Teracube Thrive is just getting a participation trophy. Steer clear.

The VTech KidiBuzz 3 isn't really a cell phone, but your youngster won't know the difference. Designed for kids age 4 and up, the VTech KidiBuzz 3 has a touchscreen, camera, educational and just-for-fun games, and a secure messaging app that works over Wi-Fi.

The VTech KidiBuzz 3 doesn't make phone calls or track your child's location, but it gives your kid a smartphone-like device to use just like their older siblings. Because it doesn't connect to a cellular network, you don't have to worry about paying a monthly fee.

You can set daily screen time limits and download music or videos to the device if you need to keep your kid extra entertained. There's even a headphone jack to give you some peace. 

In May 2025, we surveyed 1,000 parents. Nearly 50% told us that some or all of their children have been exposed to inappropriate content online, 29% have children who have been victims of cyberbullying, and 17% have been exposed to sexting. Based on these results, we also prioritized message monitoring, web filtering, and optional internet access when comparing kids phones.

We also conducted hands-on testing of the top kids smartphones, including the Gabb z2 Phone (discontinued), Gabb Phone Plus (discontinued), Gabb Phone 4, Gabb Phone 4 Pro, Bark Phone, Pinwheel Slim, and Teracube Thrive. This gave us a chance to test usability, web filters, and messaging alerts. The more parental control options, the better. 

While we ultimately favored the grow-with-you phones that allow parents to lift or implement restrictions as needed, we understand the popularity of bare-bones kids phones. Both types of phones appear on our list so that parents can choose what works best for them. 

To learn more about how we rank and review products, visit the SafeWise methodology page.

While phones for kids aren't especially common, the few models that exist are all high quality. We like the Bark Phone best thanks to its laundry list of parental controls and message monitoring, but it's admittedly expensive—especially for more than one kid.

Thankfully, budget-friendly options like Pinwheel and Troomi also shield children from the uglier side of the internet while teaching them responsible device usage. 

1. Richter, Adkins, Selkie, "Youth Perspectives on the Recommended Age of Mobile Phone Adoption: Survey Study," October 2022.