Mobile devices aren't just for adults, but what makes a good phone for grown-ups differs from what a kiddo needs. Getting a phone for a kid will help them stay in touch while at school or at friends' houses, keeping parents apprised of their whereabouts and plans.
Our top phone picks for kids are the Pixel 5a with 5G and iPhone SE (3rd gen), which provide great value without breaking the bank. Generally speaking, we recommend budget devices since younger users typically don't need as much processing power and may lose or damage the device. Alternatively, a basic dumbphone could provide more privacy to prevent bad actors from interacting with kids.
From more traditional phones to purpose-built handsets, here are the best phones for kids.
Methodology: How we picked the best phones for kids
To curate the best phones for kids, we looked at several factors including:
- Cost
- Phone usage (text messaging, calling, internet connectivity)
- Smartphones vs. basic phones
- Android vs. iPhone
- Older vs. younger kid phone requirements
- Phone tracking
- App time limitation and management
- Content filtering
Additionally, we interviewed parents of younger children to get their expert opinion on what phones they recommend. Then, we cross-referenced dozens of mobile devices and ultimately selected the top choices.
Overall Best
Phones for Kids
These are the top Android and iOS handsets for older kids.
WhistleOut Rating:
Google Pixel 5a with 5G | Best Android phone for kids
Google's Pixel phone lineup offers good bang for your buck. Under the hood, there’s a reliable Snapdragon 765G processor that's mated to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. While it's not as powerful as the Tensor chip found in Google's flagship Pixel 6 Pro, we recommend the Pixel 5a with 5G for kids since it's cheaper and still plenty powerful. It can easily run Fortnite Mobile, stream from Netflix, and join Zoom classes.
There's also a solid camera for taking photos with friends and a decent 4680mAh battery that should last nearly all day with modest use. We'd prefer a zoom lens on the camera, and serious gamers may be disappointed—don't expect to run Genshin Impact on high—but for most kiddos, the Google Pixel 5a with 5G works flawlessly.
- Pros: Great battery life, affordable, 5G, solid specs
- Cons: No zoom lens, not the fastest processor
WhistleOut Rating:
Apple iPhone SE (3rd gen 2022) | Best iPhone for kids
Apple's iPhone SE 3rd generation (2022) is an excellent budget-priced cell phone. With a reasonable price tag, small form factor, and uncompromising specs, it’s the top iOS device for children.
At its core, the iPhone SE 3rd gen features Apple's flagship A15 Bionic processor. It also packs 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage space in its base model. As an upgrade from the iPhone SE 2020, the 2022 variant delivers sub-6GHz 5G support for fast mobile data speeds. Unfortunately, the SE 3rd generation lacks Ultra-Wideband and mmWave 5G for blisteringly-fast speeds on carriers like Verizon. Its average battery life and acceptable camera quality are perfectly adequate, particularly considering the affordability.
- Pros: Impressive shock absorption, built-in kickstand, great value
- Cons: No mmWave or Ultra-Wideband 5G support, middling battery life
Looking for a new handset? Check out our favorite Android phones and iPhones.
Best Budget
Phones for Kids
Get a great deal with these cheap but good phones for kiddos!
WhistleOut Rating:
Motorola Moto G Power | Best cheap Android for kids
Because kids typically have basic device needs, plus there's a risk of a lost or stolen phone, inexpensive handsets like the Motorola Moto G Power are a solid option. Despite its low price tag, the Moto G Power delivers long battery life and a 90Hz refresh rate screen—which is great for games.
Its MediaTek Helio G37 processor packs a shocking amount of power, and there's a microSD card slot for expandable storage. Despite the prevalence of 5G, the Moto G Power only has 4G LTE. Since many carriers such as AT&T and T-Mobile are still growing their 5G networks, LTE remains widely available. And while the device offers a high refresh rate display, it has a lower resolution 720p screen.
- Pros: 90Hz refresh rate screen, microSD card slot, great price-to-performance ratio
- Cons: 4G LTE only, 720p display
WhistleOut Rating:
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Best cheap 5G phone for kids
At around $200, the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is the cheapest 5G phone on the market. The A32 5G touts a microSD card slot and 64GB of built-in storage space for holding apps, games, music files, or pictures.
Its MediaTek Dimensity 720 chip is more than up to basic everyday tasks like checking email, streaming Stranger Things on Netflix, and playing Halo on Xbox Game Pass. One particular aspect we appreciate about the A32 is Samsung's Digital Wellbeing suite, which combines well (haha, get it?) with parental controls to set limits on games and other apps.
However, don't expect top-notch performance with demanding mobile games like Asphalt 9. Similarly, the built-in cameras are good for the price though nothing to write home about. But for 5G in a wallet-friendly device, the Samsung A32 5G is a spectacular phone for kids.
- Pros: 5G capabilities, microSD card slot
- Cons: Not the most high-end specs
Family plans can be great, even for adult children: Learn why!
Best Basic
Phones for Kids
If limiting screen time is a must, we recommend a basic phone that can restrict access to distracting apps and games. Here are our favorite phones for younger kids.
WhistleOut Rating:
Nokia 225 | Best basic phone for kids
Although smartphones are the industry standard, basic "dumb" phones allow easy control over what apps children do (or don't) have access to. Ever since the days of Snake, we've been Nokia fans, and the 225 continues that trend.
The Nokia 225 offers basic calling and texting functionality in a fairly small, lightweight package. While the 225 does connect to the internet, limited web capabilities prevent the use of most apps or games. Plus, there's no Wi-Fi onboard. But we appreciate the ability to sync contacts from an Android, which allows transferring numbers to a kid's phone. And if the device goes missing, it's super cheap and easily replaced.
- Pros: Wallet-friendly, basic "dumb" phone, limited internet functionality
- Cons: Unlocked but mostly works with T-Mobile, no smartphone features
Keep your money in the bank with these cheap phone plans!
Best Purpose-built
Phones for Kids
These kid-friendly phones will do the trick, providing screen time limits, content filtering, or location tracking.
WhistleOut Rating:
Gabb Phone 4 | Best internet-free phone for children
Parents and guardians may want to limit access to a lot of online content. The Gabb Phone 4, designed specifically for 'tweens ages 9-13, is unique in that regard. It comes without internet access, streaming video apps, and social media access. And though the custom GabbOS system runs Android, there's no access to Google Play. Instead, it's limited to built-in apps, including a calculator, calendar, clock, FM radio, video player, voice recorder, and file manager. There's also GPS tracking, so you can keep track of your child's location, as well as parental controls that you can customize to your comfort level.
The Gabb phone requires you to sign up for a phone plan with Gabb Wireless, a Verizon-owned company, so make sure you have good Verizon coverage in your area.
- Pros: Internet free, runs Android, basic apps only
- Cons: No internet access, can't add other Android apps easily
Don't be confused; find out which cell phone plan is right for kids!
How to Select a Phone for Young Children
When selecting a phone for young children, here’s what to consider.
Set a budget
Modern cell phones range in price from several thousands of dollars to under $100. The mid-range Android and iOS devices go for around $500 or less, with budget phones sliding in around $200–300. A basic phone without smart capabilities often runs for less than $100. Set a budget, then go from there.
Smartphone vs. "dumb" phone
There are two choices for a kid-friendly phone: a standard smartphone or a basic phone. Androids and iPhones are great for older children, while youngsters might require a more restricted handset with little to no internet access. Plus, one advantage of "dumb" phones is that they only support calling and texting, which helps cut down screen time.
Calling, texting, and apps for kids
Placing calls and sending messages are basic functions for staying in touch and are generally all a young child needs access to. Some phones, like the Gabb phone, even come without internet connectivity. Older children may want mobile devices capable of playing games, streaming videos, listening to music, and checking emails. Pick out a phone with a feature set that's right for their age and feature needs.
Safety features for kids
With kids, safety is paramount, even if they disagree. Certain safety features include location tracking apps, geo-fencing capabilities, screen time limitations, and parental controls for content filtering. Even if a phone doesn't include safety features by default, apps for location tracking or limiting screen time are available to install later.
Best Phone Plans for Kids
A child's phone will still require service.
Our favorite cell phone plan for kids is from Mint Mobile and is appropriately called Mint Kids. This phone plan is great for monitoring your child's data usage so you don't overspend on their phone plan. We also like plans from Verizon, US Mobile, and Reach Mobile for the kiddos. Alternatively, a family plan works well for bundling services and typically offers a competitive multi-line discount.
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#1
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Mint Mobile
Unlimited Data Plan
$25.00/mo
$75.00 upfront payment for 3 months (equals to $25.00/month). Intro pricing for new customers only.
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#2
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Cox Mobile
Gig Unlimited Plan
$45.00/mo
+ $10 Upfront
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#3
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Red Pocket
Premium Monthly Plan (GSMA)
$30.00/mo
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#4
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Visible
$25 Visible Plan
$25.00/mo
Taxes & Fees included
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#5
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XFINITY Mobile
Mobile Select Plan
$0.00/mo
(for the first year of service) <br>Regular rate of $30/mo. thereafter
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Best Phones for Kids: FAQs
What is the best first phone for a child?
The best first phone for a child depends on age. We recommend the Google Pixel 5a with 5G for teens and older children.
Why should kids have a cell phone?
Parents and guardians choose to give their kids a cell phone for many reasons, but the top one is security. Many parents feel safer knowing that they can get in contact immediately with their child or vice versa. This immediate contact may be for minor reasons, like sharing that their basketball practice isn't happening or for emergencies. Especially as teens start to drive, many parents like the GPS-tracking capability of smartphones to check in on their child's location.
What's the right age to give a kid a cell phone?
The right age for a kid's cell phone is a highly personal decision, dependent on why a child needs/wants a phone (safety vs. entertainment, for example) and, most importantly, the child's readiness for the responsibility of using a cell phone safely. Family health experts place the optimal age within the later teen years due to the risks of technology overuse on kids' mental and physical health and the addictive nature of the internet and social media. (Bill Gates agrees.) Only parents and guardians can determine the child's maturity and whether they are ready for a cell phone.
What are the best cell phones for parental controls?
Both Android phones and iPhones have built-in ecosystems that are very parent-friendly. Google's Family Link system provides myriad ways to monitor and limit a teen's cell phone use, and iOS parental controls offer content and privacy restrictions, app restrictions, and more.
Moe Long
Senior Writer
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