The 10 Best Cell Phones for Kids of 2023

Getting a cell phone is a big step for akid who's reached a more independent age. The right one will give your child a sense of autonomy and give you a sense of safety, knowing that you can contact them when you need—all while helping maintain internet, screen time, andsocial media boundariesthat are appropriate for your kid.

There's no one-size-fits-all cell phone choice for kids, and it's important to find the best type tosuit your child's age and needs. Consider how and when your child might use a cell phone andhow much digital control you prefer to haveviadigital security settings. A kid's cell phone should also have along battery lifeand bedurableenough to handle their daily lives. You may also want to buy your child a phone that works with your family's existing cellular plan.

Toselect the best cell phones for kids, we interviewed Helen Egger, MD, a child psychiatrist and professor of child and adolescent psychiatry. We also considered guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on cell phone readiness.To obtain a practical perspective,we surveyed almost 500 parents and caregiversand asked them when and why their children first started using a cell phone, what device they use, how often their kids use the phone, and how they handle device responsibility.

With this expert and parent guidance in mind,we studied more than 30 cell phonesfor kids on the market, assessing their design, features,age appropriateness, carriers, parental controls, durability, and value.

At What Age Should Kids Get a Phone?

It's one thing to read the specs and compare features on a phone, but to truly understand if and how these components help parents with their child's cell phone usage, we went straight to the experts: parents and caregivers of kids ages 4 to 17.

As part of our research, we surveyed 483 parents and asked about their kids' cell phone usage and what features they find most helpful when setting up a smartphone for their children. We gathered information on thebest age to give kids their first smartphone, how children use the device, and how caregivers manage and monitor phone usage.

Here are some interesting results from our survey you might find helpful when deciding the best time to buy a cell phone for your kid:

Most kids got their first cell phone at age 13(the median age in our survey was 13.7), though the best moment to give your child a cell phone will depend on their developmental age and a fewkey signs of readiness.
Parents recommend that you discuss phone usage and sign acell phone contractwith your child. Be sure to discuss access to social media and time limits, as well as how and where the device can be used.
90% of parents in our survey say they gave their child a phone because they need to communicate with them. 14% gave them a phone as a reward (there was some overlap in these two categories).
60% of parents say their kids use their phones "all the time;" 40% have established times when smartphones can be used on weekdays and weekends.

According to our survey,most families prefer anAppleorSamsungphone for their children, which is why these brands are our top picks. Parents and caregivers say they look for cell phones compatible with their carrier's plan that include GPS tracking and parental controls. They also weigh the device's cost, durability, features, and design. We took these preferences into consideration when creating ourlist of the best cell phones for kids.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Apple iPhone SE (3rd Generation) at Amazon

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Best for Big Kids:

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G at Amazon

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Best Beginner:

Gabb Gabb Phone Z2 at Gabbwireless.com

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Best Eco-Friendly:

Teracube Thrive at Amazon

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Best for Young Kids:

VTech KidiBuzz 3 at Amazon

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Best Watch:

Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 at Verizon

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Best Safety Features:

Pinwheel Kids Smartphone at Amazon

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Best Durable:

Palm Phone at Amazon

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Best Flip Phone:

Lively Jitterbug Flip2 Cell Phone at Amazon

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Best Battery:

Motorola Moto G Power 5G at Amazon

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In This Article

At What Age Should Kids Get a Phone?
Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

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Pros

4.7-inch widescreen HD display
Water- and dust-resistant
Compatible with four phone providers/carriers

Cons

Older design
No night mode in camera

Why We Recommend It

Devices in the iPhone family offer easy setup and a wide variety of features that are both well-suited to kids' needs and interests and highly customizable to parents' comfort levels. While they share many features in common, the biggest difference between the two models our survey respondents loved is the cost:The iPhone SE is hundreds less than the iPhone 12.

TheiPhone SEconnects to 5G networks and iscompatible with Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T,so you can easily add it to your family plan. We love the 4.7-inch widescreen display with a traditional home button capable of Touch ID with a fingerprint sensor (the iPhone 12 comes with a larger screen at 6.1 inches). We appreciate thatthe phone is splash-, water-, and dust-resistant, keeping it safe from accidents at school or home. It has a front and a rear camera, which are great for FaceTiming with friends, taking selfies, and capturing the world around them.

Don't worry about parental controls—Apple takes care of that for you. With the iPhone SE, parents and caregivers can reap the benefits of services like Screen Time parental controls, family sharing, and "Find My," which allows families to locate lost or stolen phones through location services. You can alsolimit your child's web browsing to only allowed websitesor block any adult websites.

In addition to the iPhone SE and iPhone 12, the parents and caregivers we surveyed also love theiPhone 13.

The Takeaway

We (and caregivers) love that the iPhone SE comes with all the features your maturing child could want, and all thedurabilityandcustomizable parental controlsyou could need to keep your kid safe, while ensuring their phone's capabilities can grow with them.

Key Specs

Battery Life:Up to 15 hours
Storage:64 GB to 256 GB
Parental Controls:Yes (through Apple services)

Price at time of publication: Starts at $429

Samsung

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Pros

6.4-inch display screen
Dustproof and water-resistant
Compatible with major carriers

Cons

Only 64 GB storage option
No built-in parental controls

Why We Recommend It

TheSamsung Galaxy S21 FEis a powerful device for a child who's ready for a big-kid phone in the Android family. It features a durableAMOLED displayfor vivid viewing no matter how brightly the sun's shining. Kids can capture memories of friends and events in two ways: a12-megapixel rear cameracomplete withtelephoto, and an8-megapixel front camera. We appreciate thefacial recognition lockingfeature for extra security if a child forgets their phone at school or the park. And the S21 FE can definitely keep up with your child's games, thanks to its fast dynamic display.

The phone is dust- and water-resistant in up to nearly 5 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. It also featuresvirtual assistantBixby, which can remind kids of sports practice, to do their homework, and more. The Galaxy S21 FE stores up to128 gigabytes相片更比35,000 of them!—apps, and more. The phone's"Super Fast Charging"feature means it can reach 50% of its battery capacity within 30 minutes.

Grown-ups can monitor andlimit their child's device usage through the phone's "Digital Wellbeing."For further parental controls, caregivers can download other security apps, like Google's Family Link or Life 360 (free basic versions available, but there are fees for upgrades). This cell phone iscompatible with most major carrierslike T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. The S21 FE was released after we distributed our parents and caregivers survey. But the phone is an improved version of two of our caregivers' favorites, the now-discontinued Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S8.

The Takeaway

The Galaxy X21 FE features a superior camera that teens and tweens will appreciate. Although it doesn’t have built-in parental controls, this isn’t a dealbreaker for us because you can always download a reliable app for little to no cost. Its speedy charging capabilities are also a big plus for kiddos who forget to charge their devices before leaving the house.

Key Specs

Battery Life:17 hours
Storage:128GB
Parental Controls:No

Price at time of publication: $600

Gabb

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Pros

14 kid-safe apps only
GPS tracking
No internet/social media

Cons

No games

Why We Recommend It

TheGabb Phone Z2is designed purely with kids new to cell phones in mind. Itdoesn't have internet, social media, or games,but it does include14 pre-installed, kid-safe apps, allowing them to call, send messages, take photos, play music, and more. When used minimally, the phone'sbattery lasts up to a few dayswithout needing a recharge. We love the GPS feature on the phone, which gives parents and caregivers peace of mind if their kiddo misplaces the device or if they need to know their child’s whereabouts.

Kids will love the phone'stwo camerasfor selfies or taking pictures with friends, and parents will love the added fingerprint security. The phone also comes equipped withBluetooth capabilities, so your child can jam to their favoritekid-safe musicfrom the Gabb Music add-on through headphones or a speaker. Plus, Gabb Wireless offersthree cellular plansfor your child's phone: no contract ($24.99/month), one-year contract ($19.99/month), or two-year contract ($17.99/month).

The Takeaway

Set up to keep your kids safe straight out of the box, the Gabb Z2 isa greatfirst phoneso you can stay in contact with your child without opening the internet floodgates. Your child won't be able to install apps or access social media or the internet, but can still have fun taking pictures with friends and call and text freely.

Key Specs

Battery Life:A few days if used minimally
Storage:32 GB (ROM), up to 128 GB with microSD card (sold separately)
Parental Controls:Yes

Price at time of publication: $150

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Pros

Made with recycled material/biodegradable case
Built-in parental monitoring
Apps only available with parental approvals and time limits

Cons

Only works with T-Mobile-based carriers

Why We Recommend It

TheTeracube Thriveis changing the cell phone game with itsrecycled material designand fully biodegradable case(available in two color options). This Android cell phone for kids comes with abuilt-in monitoring systemfor parents, allowing adults tolimit screen time, web browsing, and social media, manage phone calls and text messages, and much more. Kids can enjoy apps like Spotify to listen to their favorite music or play games—but only after theirparents approve the downloadand settime limitsfor each. Plus, the Teracube Thrive connects to a parent or caregiver's phone via an iOS- and Android-compatible app, so you can monitor their activity remotely, no matter what kind of device you use.

Front and rear camerasallow kids, tweens, and teens to take selfies with friends and family. In addition, the Thrive includesPIN, pattern, fingerprint, and facial recognitioncapabilities for extra security. While the Teracube Thrive is only supported by T-Mobile-based carriers (including Metro PCS and Mint Mobile), this cell phone includes awarranty that covers repairs低49美元的一次性费用。

The Takeaway

Environmentally minded caregivers will appreciate that this phone is made with recycled materials and has a biodegradable case. We also like the additional security features and built-in monitoring system so parents can control their kids' downloads and screen time.

Key Specs

Battery Life:7 hours of regular use
Storage:64 GB
Parental Controls:Yes

Price at time of publication: $149 or $199 (depending on network selected)

Amazon

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Pros

Parental controls
Comes with more than 40 games
Offline access to kid-safe apps

Cons

Messaging only works with Wi-Fi
Camera quality could use improvement

Why We Recommend It

TheVTech KidiBuzz 3is our top pick for young kidsbecause it introduces them to a smart device gradually. Kids can play fun apps and games, text their contacts, and access pre-approved websites, but you won't have to worry about a cellular plan or unwanted downloads. This smart device is packed with40+educational games, music, photography, and messaging(the messaging only works when connected to Wi-Fi; however, the camera, music player, and games will work offline).

We love the phone'sparental controls, which allow you to settime limitsas well aspermission to access-approved websites,so you can ensure your child is safe online. You can also download the KidiCom Chat app and securely control the contact list, texts, voice messages, and images.

The Takeaway

Safelyintroduce your little one to techwith this simple deviceloaded with educational games. Thoughtful parental controls ensure their Wi-Fi messaging and web use are limited to child-friendly content and pre-approved contacts.

Key Specs

Battery Life:Rechargeable (life amount not listed)
Storage:Up to 32 GB with microSD card (sold separately)
Parental Controls:Yes

Price at time of publication: $64

Verizon

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Pros

Water-resistant
GPS locator
Video calling

Cons

GPS is sometimes off by a couple hundred feet

Why We Recommend It

TheGizmoWatch 3is a smartwatch that helpsfoster independencewhile giving parents peace of mind. It is also a great option if you are not ready to jump into a smartphone just yet. The watch allows you to program up to10 trusted contactsthat kids can call, text, or send voice notes.

We love the GizmoWatch 3'sbright screen and big, charming icons, plus the whole device iswater-resistantand easier for your kid to keep track of, since it will be on their wrist. We found that kids are big fans of the watch'svideo call feature, but they can only communicate with friends who also have a GizmoWatch. Parents can call their kid's watch from their linked cell phone (which we really appreciate).

Setup of parental controls and theGPS locatorcan be easily done through the GizmoHub app on a parent's phone. With thewell-thought-out safety featuresand a cost of $4.16 a month (or $150 upfront for a three-year contract) through Verizon, we think the GizmoWatch 3 is a good value.

The Takeaway

The GizmoWatch 3 offers the main functionalities parents are looking for in a smart device for kids: a GPS tracker and the ability to communicate with their child. We also like that caregivers retain full control of who the kids communicate with and there's no internet access or social media to worry about. The $150 price tag is quite reasonable for a smartwatch, too.

Key Specs

Battery Life:Up to 4 days
Storage:8GB
Parental Controls:Yes

Price at time of publication: $150

Amazon

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Pros

Approved contacts only
View texts/calls from adult's phone
GPS location

Cons

No coverage directly from Pinwheel

Why We Recommend It

Pinwheel focuses on what most parents and caregivers want in a cell phone for kids:safety. ThePinwheel Plus 3is actually a Samsung Galaxy A13, but it comes with a lot moreparental controlsthan that phone would otherwise—and without some features you might not want for your kids, likesocial media. There’sno internet browser or app store; parents can approve options from the phone's set oftherapist-screened apps, such as Yousician or Khan Academy. You can even disable certain apps before your child takes their phone to school.

Adults canview text messages and callsfrom their own phones, with the option of blocking incoming pictures.GPS locationallows you to know where your kiddo is at any time, showing their location on a map. Plus, you canadd tasks from your phone to theirs, such as a reminder to finish homework. Pinwheel carries three additional phones to choose from; the Pixel, Slim, and Rugged models.

The Takeaway

Unless your kid is a hacking prodigy, the Pinwheel Plus all but guarantees their cell phone will be free of apps and functions that aren't child-appropriate. This device is ideal for parents who want to be able to monitor their child's contacts and communication.

Key Specs

Battery Life:Up to 2 days
Storage:64 GB
Parental Controls:Yes

Price at time of publication: $329

Amazon

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Pros

Dust- and water-resistant
Location tracking
Parental control via Google Family

Cons

Battery sometimes drains quickly
May not be ideal for younger kids

Why We Recommend It

Kids are constantly on the move, so finding a cell phone that'sdurable is a must. ThePalm Phone, which is about thesize of a credit card, isdust- and water-resistant, so it's ready to weather your child's active lifestyle (and accidents). It's also made with impact-resistant glass (front and back).

Parents and caregivers canmonitor their child's location and activity, approve orblock apps, and set screen time limitsvia parental controls provided by the Google Family App. It has an Android interface, so kids can browse throughGoogle Playor stream music, too.

The Takeaway

Smartphones are delicate devices, but the Palm is specifically designed to withstand a bit of rough play. Its tiny size is also quite convenient, especially for little hands. As far as parental controls, you have access to the full functionality of the Google Family App.

Key Specs

Battery Life:Up to 6 hours (screen time), full day on "Life Mode"
Storage:32 GB
Parental Controls: Yes

Price at time of publication: $199

Amazon

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Pros

Emergency button
No internet/social media
Large buttons and screen

Cons

Not compatible with major wireless carriers (only Lively)

Why We Recommend It

Although this cell phone was originally designed for older adults, it doubles as agreat emergency phonefor kids with its urgent response button and easy-to-use features. TheJitterbug Flip 2is anAndroid cell phonethat features both alarge screen and buttonsto help kiddos navigate the device. The phone even includesAmazon Alexashould you (or your child) need assistance.

While this cell phone doesn't have parental controls or a GPS feature, you can feel at ease knowing itdoesn’t have internet, social media, or other apps. There's also anemergency response buttonthat connects to immediate help from nurses and doctors 24/7. Once you receive the phone, you'll have to select a plan with Lively.com to activate it, as it does not work with any other carriers.

The Takeaway

If you want to keep it simple, the Jitterbug is a great internet-free and app-free option to make sure your child can contact you—or first responders—in emergencies, or just when they need to be picked up from school.

Key Specs

Battery Life:Not listed
Storage:16 GB
Parental Controls:No (no browser or apps)

Price at time of publication: $75

Motorola Moto G Power 5G smartphone for kids

Amazon

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Pros

Three-day battery life
Parental controls
Up to 256 GB storage

Cons

Bigger than previous models

Why We Recommend It

For a cell phone with a long battery life, the 2023Moto G Power 5Gis the clear winner. You can rest assured this phone won't run out of charge when you need to contact your kid, thanks to itstwo-day battery life on a single charge. The Android cell phone features 256 GB of storage tohold hundreds of apps and precious files, like photos of friends taken on the phone'sadvanced camera system.

Awater-repellent designkeeps the cell phone safe from spills and splashes, whilefingerprint recognitionprovides additional security. The Moto G Power is compatible with most major carriers, such as AT&T and Verizon, so you can add it to your current family plan.Parental controlsallow you to access your child's apps,set daily usage limits, and more.

The Takeaway

The Moto G Power 5 G is great for kiddos who might have a hard time remembering to charge their phone every night. We especially appreciate the two-day battery life, 256 GB storage, parental controls, and Android operating system.

Key Specs

Battery Life:Up to 2 days (depending on usage)
Storage:256 GB
Parental Controls:Yes

Price at time of publication: $300

How We Selected and Tested the Best Cell Phones for Kids

Expert Input:We spoke with child psychiatristHelen Egger, MD,找出孩子的手机和寻找how to allow screen time in a healthy way. We also reviewed guidance from the AAP on cell phone readiness and what to consider when buying your child’s first cell phone.
Parent and caregiver survey:We surveyed 483 caregivers and parents of children ages 4 to 17 who have given their child a cell phone or similar smart device.
Design and features research:After reviewing guidance and insights from our experts, the AAP, and parents, we studied the design and features of more than 30 cell phones for kids on the market.
Safety and convenience assessment:We considered ease of use, phone plans, battery life, storage, additional features, design, parental controls, and value when reviewing products. We chose cell phones that are easy to use for the recommended age groups, giving parents and caregivers peace of mind and allowing kids a little bit of safe (and fun) digital freedom.

What to Look for in a Cell Phone for Your Child

Age-appropriate features and access:While an older teen may need internet and apps for school, younger kiddos probably don't require a fully loaded first phone. "A child does not need to have an internet-enabled cell phone to be able to call you," Dr. Egger tells Verywell Family. "They can use a flip phone or other similar devices."
Consider how your kid's age will influence their need for features like storage space, capabilities, accessibility, and parental controls, as well as how easy it will be for your child to use on their own.
Parental control options:Some phones allow parents to track their kids' calls and texts, others offer GPS tracking, and most are configured to gather usage data without any special app installation. "You can monitor your child's time on the phone in the phone settings [for most devices]," says Dr. Egger. You may want to set screen time limits or opt for a phone that allows you to transition from a lot of parental control to less as your child gets older.
Compatibility:Consider whether or not the phone is compatible with the technology you use at home. For example, if you both have an Android phone, then you may be able to access controls and features in their phone remotely through your own cell phone. It's worth thinking about whether you want to opt for a phone that works with the carrier you already use, too.
Durability:Kids are still learning to take care of their belongings, so consider getting a phone tough enough for your child's habits. You'll likely want a phone that can withstand getting dropped, shoved in a backpack with books and crumbs and some level of moisture. It's an opportunity, however, for your kid to take on responsibility. "Before you buy a phone for your child, talk about the ground rules," Dr. Egger says. "Talk about the cost of the phone … What happens if the phone is lost or broken? Will it be replaced? Who will pay for it?."

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cell phones good for kids?

Parents will need to weigh the risks/rewards of giving their child a cell phone to determine whether or not it is good for them specifically. Generally speaking, though, as long as a kid is using the phone appropriately, there are some great benefits. According to Dr. Egger, some of those benefits include having a way to contact someone in an emergency situation, connection to friends and others with similar interests and hobbies, entertainment, and easy access to research and data information on the web.

However, parents should also keep some of the potential risks in mind, such as cell phone addiction,cyberbullying, and possible interference with interpersonal skill development.
有什么迹象表明孩子准备一个细胞ph值吗one?

According to Dr. Egger, caregivers should consider their child's actual age as well as their developmental age to determine whether or not they are ready for a cell phone. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not have a set age recommendation for cell phone use, so parents should use their best judgment. Dr. Egger tells Verywell Family, "Some children are very conscientious and responsible at a young age, [while] others take longer to mature."

The most important thing a parent should consider is whether or not they think their child can safely use a cell phone (with capabilities beyond simply calling for emergencies). Your child should have a firm understanding of the weight of what they post online and how it can affect others. They should also be willing to follow family rules and give you passwords to access their social media accounts.

不可能你的孩子能够调节screen time usage on their own, so they need to be responsible enough to turn off the phone when they're told they've reached their limit for the day. Basically, look for behaviors that indicate that your child is mature enough to use the phone responsibly.
How much do phones cost for kids?

The price of cell phones for kids will vary greatly depending on the type of device and additional features, but in general, they can cost between $100 and $430. The bottom of the price range will get you simpler models, like theLively Jitterbug Flip 2, which lets you communicate with your child but doesn't have internet access, parental controls, or GPS features. A more expensive device will have all the bells and whistles, like theiPhone SE, which can run upwards of $400.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cosseyis a commerce writer, enthusiastic shopper, whose passion lies in using her expertise as a devoted mom to write knowledgeably about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. Since making the switch from broadcast journalism to commerce writing,she’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 3-year-old son. While Katrina's preschooler has several more years to go before he uses a cell phone, she has been through many devices herself (from forgetting a phone on the top of her car to accidentally dropping them on the floor). Katrina finds an Android operating system easier to use but loves the tech-savviness of Apple products (especially her MacBook Pro). Regardless of type, she recommends parents and caregivers opt for a kids' cell phone with parental controls, a long battery life, and a durable design.

Additional reporting to this story by Ashley Ziegler and Deanna McCormack.

Deanna McCormack是一个自由作家,关注家庭,生活吗tyle, and commerce. She regularly tests and researches products for young children and parenthood and stays up to date with the latest technology for the home.

Ashley Ziegleris a freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She’s a wife to a public school administrator and mom to 1-year-old and 3-year-old daughters. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best products for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.