Top Picks for Kid-Friendly Phones: Insights from a Dad and Tech Editor

Asking nearly anyone when the right time for a kid to have their own phone is an instant debate starter. Of course, that question then tails into discussing what exactly are the best phones for kids. As a technology writer and enthusiast, parent to two grade-level kids and husband of an educator, my family constantly finds itself in discussion over these topics.

Even the FTC isn't willing to pinpoint a specific age, simply suggesting parents try to gauge kids individually. The government agency does, however, offer a helpful guide with talking points parents can use with their kids once the time for a phone does arrive.

“It's important to think about what is the need for the child and family and then which phone meets that need while also taking into consideration the age of the child and the level of responsibility,” says Dr. Catherine Pearlman, licensed clinical social worker and author of the book First Phone. “As a general rule, the younger the child, the more basic the phone functionality should be. Also, some phones have the ability to grow with the child while others have very basic functionality.”

As I get into specifics for the best phones for kids below, let me also suggest a few considerations to keep in mind while browsing the different options. A kid's phone with parent controls is the easiest to set up and monitor from your own phone. Be sure to check out that software too. For example, Google's Family Link app works on Android and iOS, but Apple's ScreenTime can only be managed from the device itself or another Apple product.

Additionally, you may want to pick a phone for your child that you're familiar with so you can assist with minimal technical issues or show them how to do certain tasks. See below for the best phones for kids to shop in 2023. After you peruse this article, you may want to check out the best smartwatches for kids or the best tablets for kids.

• Best Phone For Kids Overall: iPhone SE

• Best Value Phone For Kids: Palm Phone

• Best Phone For Kids Under Age 12: Gabb Phone

• Best Phones For Kids Ages 12 And Up: iPhone 12 (Renewed)

• Best Android Phone For Kids: Google Pixel 6a

• Best Flip Phone For Kids: Nokia 2780

• Best Phone For Kids That's Not A Phone: Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular)

Even without knowing any information about a specific child, Apple's lowest-priced iPhone SE is a great choice for a kid's phone. Not only does iPhone currently represent a majority of the U.S. smartphone market share, but a wide swath of kids use an iPad in school. Parents and kids are familiar with how Apple's operating system works. The iPhone SE starts at $429 from the Apple directly, but can usually be found cheaper from carriers or other retailers.

The iPhone SE doesn't have the newest technologies like Face ID or the highest-end cameras, but it does plug into all of Apple's software. Kids can access iMessage groups, FaceTime calls and the App Store for educational apps. More importantly, parents will have access to ScreenTime controls and Find My device tracking. Plus, iOS has some of the best accessibility features available that can help people with different kinds of disabilities.

Best Value Phone For Kids

Palm Phone: Bite-sized In More Ways Than One

The Palm Phone fits the value category with its lower cost and unique cellular plan option, but the most notable thing about it is its small size—perfect for smaller hands. Despite the whole phone being about the size of a credit card, it still features a front and back camera as well as access to Android apps, if parents allow them. This phone retails for around $200 which makes it more affordable than top-of-the-line mobile phones, but it also has a value cellular plan available.

Palm and U.S. Cellular offer a $5 per month plan with limited text messaging and minutes. If you're looking for a phone to provide minimal use, primarily for scheduling pickups from school or emergencies, then this could be a way to save on recurring monthly costs. The Palm Phone runs the Android operating system so Google's Family Link app can be used to limit screen time and track device activity.

Best Phone For Kids Under Age 12

Gabb Phone: Limited Without Being Completely Limiting

For some of the youngest kids, a Gabb Phone can provide a limited digital experience, while still allowing parent connection and basic features. This phone is purposefully locked down from the start, which is why it doesn't include a web browser, app store or social media options.

What the Gabb Phone does have is GPS for parents to see the phone's location and front and rear cameras to capture memories. This phone retails for $150 but can be slightly cheaper if you bundle a year or two of the $25 per month cellular fee.

“If the child struggles to put down the iPad it might make sense to work on this before purchasing a phone,” says Dr. Catherine Pearlman. “Additionally, a child who struggles with screen time might benefit from a super simple phone or watch from Gabb rather than a fully functioning iPhone.”

The Gabb Phone likely won't appeal to older kids and will probably curtail any genuine productivity, but for first-time phone users, it might feel like immense freedom.

Best Phones For Kids Ages 12 And Up

iPhone 12 (Renewed): An Economical Option For Opinionated Tweens

From personal experience, I know that burgeoning teens have tightly held opinions on what's cool and what's not cool. If a maturing kid really wants a newer, or higher-end iPhone, one option is to look at a refurbished model.

Amazon's Renewed program claims phones are “professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified vendors.” Plus phones are eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days. One of the best deals to my eyes is Apple's iPhone 12 renewed. It's selling for just under $400 unlocked right now, and as little as $314, depending on the carrier. (Renewed phone availability does fluctuate due to inventory.) The phone has a more recent notch design that stretches the front display from top to bottom and utilizes Face ID to unlock the device. While not the newest iPhone available, the 12 is only a couple of years old and should have plenty more years of iOS updates ahead of it—continuing to get new software features on Apple's yearly release schedule.

If you don't want to buy a Renewed phone through Amazon, Apple also sells refurbished iPhones that look brand-new and carry a warranty. Going this route allows older kids to have more choice over the phone and features without spending as much for a brand-new phone when it's sure to get scratched nearly instantly anyway.

Best Android Phone For Kids

Google Pixel 6a: A Full Android Phone Without A Full Price

If you prefer an Android phone, you can get a new Google Pixel 6a for around $320 right now. The phone features impressive specs like an always-on OLED display for crisp visuals but remains well below a $500 price point.

More important than raw technical specs though are the practical features such as a potential battery life of 24 hours (72-hour battery life in Extreme Battery Saver mode). Or the phone's IP67 rating, meaning it's completely sealed from dust and can handle water submersion up to around 3 feet. Plus, Google promises 5 years of Pixel updates.

In terms of parental controls, Google's Family Link is a natural companion to help manage screen time, app usage and location data.

Best Flip Phone For Kids

Nokia 2780: Old-School Appeal

The idea of giving a child a flip phone is similar to a smartwatch. It provides direct access to call a child, but the limited hardware prevents social media apps from running and curtails most digital activities. As for the Nokia 2780, it's an unlocked flip phone, meaning it can be used with nearly any carrier network.

It does have access to things like email and basic web browsing if your plan includes data, but that isn't a great experience that kids are likely to enjoy.

Which brings me to another point. If you just want a phone for calling, the Nokia 2780 is a well-reviewed device. But a flip phone might not be the right choice for most kids. Texting using a number pad will be slow and difficult, as will other basic tasks like managing contacts or calendar events.

Best Phone For Kids That's Not A Phone

Apple Watch SE: Phone Connectivity Without The Web Browsing

An Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) might be the best phone-adjacent device for a child. Many cellular carriers offer smartwatches aimed at kids, but Apple has proven, after 8 years on the market, to have the best wearables for a wide range of people.

A cellular-enabled Apple Watch can provide nearly all the critical connectivity of a phone, like making calls, messaging and tracking, but without the camera and temptations of games and web browsing. Apple Watch does have a Schooltime feature that blocks distractions during school hours. Additionally, I like Apple Watch's health sensors such as fall detection, which can offer a little extra reassurance for safety.