Best Phones for Kids: Top Picks for Parents in 2024

Giving a phone to a child can be a controversial topic, but there are many reasons why parents might choose to do so. Whether it’s for safety reasons, staying in touch with family members, or simply to keep children entertained on long car rides, there are many benefits to giving a child their own phone. However, not all phones are created equal, and it’s important to choose the right one for your child’s needs.

When it comes to finding the best phone for kids, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First and foremost, safety should be a top priority. This means choosing a phone with parental controls that allow you to monitor and restrict your child’s access to certain apps and websites. Additionally, you’ll want to look for a phone with a durable, kid-friendly design that can withstand drops and spills.

Another important factor to consider is the cost. While you don’t want to skimp on quality, you also don’t want to spend a fortune on a phone that your child may outgrow or lose interest in after a few months. Finally, you’ll want to look for a phone with features that will keep your child engaged and entertained, such as games, videos, and educational apps.

In this article, we spent hours researching and testing the best phones for kids to help you make an informed decision. We’ll cover a range of options, from budget-friendly models to high-end smartphones, and highlight the key features and benefits of each one. Whether you’re looking for a first phone for your child or an upgrade from an older model, we’ve got you covered.

Best Phones for Kids

As parents, we understand the importance of staying connected with our kids while ensuring their safety. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best phones for kids that offer both communication and security features. After thorough research and testing, we’ve rounded up the top picks that provide a balance of affordability, functionality, and parental controls. Check out our list below to find the perfect phone for your child.

Gabb Phone 3 Pro

If you’re in the market for a phone for your child, the Gabb Phone 3 Pro is a solid choice. Here’s what we discovered after using it.

Pros

• The Gabb Phone 3 Pro is a great option for parents who want to keep their child’s phone usage limited to calls, texts, and a few essential apps.
• With reliable GPS and tracking functionality, parents can easily keep tabs on their child’s location at all times.
• The Gabb Phone 3 Pro comes with Gabb Guard, which filters out spam calls, risky links, and explicit content, making it a safe choice for kids.

Cons

• The Gabb Phone 3 Pro is only compatible with Gabb’s own service plan, so you’ll need to activate it through them.
• The phone only functions within the contiguous United States, so it’s not a good choice for families who frequently travel internationally.
• The Gabb Phone 3 Pro doesn’t have internet or social media features, which could be a downside for some kids who want more freedom with their phone usage.

The Gabb Phone 3 Pro is a reliable and safe phone for kids. With Gabb Guard, parents can feel confident that their child is protected from harmful content and spam calls. The phone’s GPS and tracking functionality is also a great feature for parents who want to keep tabs on their child’s location.

One downside of the Gabb Phone 3 Pro is that it’s only compatible with Gabb’s own service plan, which could be a drawback for families who want more flexibility with their phone provider. Additionally, the phone doesn’t have internet or social media features, which could be a downside for kids who want more freedom with their phone usage.

Overall, the Gabb Phone 3 Pro is a solid choice for parents who want a safe and reliable phone for their child. With its essential apps and reliable GPS tracking, it’s a great option for families who want to keep their child’s phone usage limited and safe.

Hipipooo Mini Smartphone

If you’re looking for a small smartphone for your kids, the Hipipooo Mini Smartphone is a great option to consider.

Pros

• This phone is super small and portable, making it easy for kids to carry around.
• It’s compatible with micro and nano SIM cards and TF cards, so your kids can use it like any other mobile phone and browse the internet anywhere.
• The Hipipooo Mini Smartphone supports most apps, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Twitter.

Cons

• The phone’s screen size is only 2.5 inches, which might be too small for some users.
• The keyboard is tiny, which makes typing difficult for people with larger fingers.
• The battery life is not great and needs to be charged frequently.

This phone is perfect for kids who want a cute, functional, and easy-to-carry smartphone. It’s a great gift for children during the holidays or any special occasion. The phone is available in four colors: black, white, pink, and green.

The Hipipooo Mini Smartphone has a dual-camera system, with a front-facing 0.3-megapixel camera and a rear-facing 2-megapixel camera. The phone is powered by an MTK6580M CPU and has 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. It runs on Android 8.1 and supports 3G wireless networks.

Overall, we recommend the Hipipooo Mini Smartphone for parents who want to give their kids a small and functional smartphone that they can use to stay connected and entertained.

YOYOSTORE Phone Kids Learning Toy Play Cell Phone with USB Recharable X1

We recommend this product for parents who are looking for an affordable and simple toy phone for their kids to play with.

Pros

• Comes with 20 best children songs and 10 sleeping songs, making it a great choice as a Christmas gift for kids.
• Offers 8 different modes and plenty of sound effects, which can feed your child’s curiosity to learn through touch, sound, and sight.
• Lightweight and easy to use, with a rechargeable battery that can last for several hours.

Cons

• The plastic material is flimsy and can easily peel off after a few days of use.
• The volume is fairly loud and cannot be adjusted, which may be a problem for some parents.
• Some buttons may not work properly at first, requiring a bit of fiddling to get them to work.

This toy phone is a great way to keep your child entertained while also helping them learn words, numbers, and colors. It’s easy to use and comes with a variety of sound effects and modes that will keep your child engaged for hours. However, the plastic material is flimsy and may not withstand rough play, so it’s best to use it under adult supervision. Additionally, the volume is fairly loud and cannot be adjusted, which may be a problem for some parents. Despite these minor drawbacks, we believe that this toy phone is a great choice for parents who are looking for an affordable and simple toy phone for their kids to play with.

Prysyedawn Smart Phone for Kids

We highly recommend the Prysyedawn Smart Phone for Kids as a great option for parents looking for a device that combines play and learning for their young ones.

Pros

• The dual-camera configuration makes it easy for kids to take selfies and photos.
• The 13 game modes are engaging and help to exercise logical thinking and reaction skills.
• The anti-addiction mode allows parents to control their children’s daily game time.

Cons

• The phone’s battery life lasts only 4-5 hours after a full charge.
• The 8GB micro SD card included may not be enough storage for some families.
• The phone’s screen may be too small for some children.

The Prysyedawn Smart Phone for Kids is made of high-quality, non-toxic soft plastic, making it safe and comfortable for children’s skin. The phone comes with a cartoon silicone cover to protect the screen from cracking, and the brightness of the smart phone screen can be adjusted to protect children’s eyes.

The phone’s 2.8″ touchscreen and 8.0 Mega pixels camera with auto focus greatly improve the definition of photos. Kids can choose Big head stickers to take photos and leave some funny pictures for family or friends. The phone also has a high-quality speaker that can support a 0.14″ headphone jack, making it a great device for children to learn and listen to music.

The phone includes DIY paint, ABC learning, story, landmark buildings, alarm clock, calculator, and voice recorder for more creative ways to use. Children can unleash their artistic expression and imagination, fostering creativity.

Overall, the Prysyedawn Smart Phone for Kids makes for the perfect birthday, Christmas, festival, and holiday gifts for boys and girls aged 3-10. It’s an ideal travel must-have children’s toy for long drives and road trips. Your child will have their first fake phone, and you will never have to worry about your child using your smartphone again.

Anesky Kids Phone

If you’re looking for a fun and educational toy phone for your child, the Anesky Kids Phone is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The phone features a vibrant 2.8″ IPS touchscreen with a variety of functions tailored for 3 to 8-year-old girls, including a high-quality camera, music playback, calculator, calendar, torch, stopwatch, storytelling, and an array of educational games.
• With front and rear cameras, 13 cute cartoon frames, 8.0 Megapixels, and 1080P video capabilities, kids can snap amusing photos with family, friends, and self-timer anytime and anywhere.
• The phone is designed to support your child in building positive routines and developing a strong sense of time management skills with 13 engaging puzzle games, daily learning painting, geography, storytelling, music, photography, and 12 habit tracker time alarm management helpers.

Cons

• The phone is not suitable for children older than 8 years old as it lacks more advanced features.
• The battery life is not very long and requires frequent charging.
• The phone may not be as durable as other options on the market.

We had a lot of fun testing out the Anesky Kids Phone. The phone’s vibrant IPS touchscreen and dual cameras were a hit with our testers, who enjoyed snapping photos and playing educational games. The phone’s compact size and lightweight design make it easy for kids to carry around, and the included lanyard ensures that it won’t get lost.

One thing to note is that the phone’s battery life is not very long, so it will require frequent charging. Additionally, while the phone is designed to be durable and shockproof, it may not hold up as well as other options on the market.

Overall, we would recommend the Anesky Kids Phone as a fun and educational toy phone for young children. Its variety of features and engaging games make it a great choice for parents looking to provide their kids with a safe and entertaining device.

Buying Guide

When choosing a phone for your child, there are several factors to consider to ensure you make the best choice. Here are some key features to look for:

Durability

Children can be clumsy, so it’s important to choose a phone that can withstand drops and bumps. Look for phones with durable materials such as reinforced glass or rubberized edges. You may also want to consider a protective case to further safeguard the device.

Parental Controls

Parental controls allow you to monitor and restrict your child’s phone usage. Look for phones with built-in parental controls or consider downloading a third-party app that provides these features. This can help you manage screen time, block inappropriate content, and limit access to certain apps.

Screen Size

A phone with a larger screen may be easier for your child to use and navigate. However, larger screens can also be more fragile and cumbersome to carry around. Consider the age and needs of your child when deciding on screen size.

Battery Life

A phone with a long battery life can help ensure your child is always reachable and able to use the device when needed. Look for phones with large battery capacities or consider purchasing a portable charger for on-the-go charging.

Price

Phones for kids can range in price from budget-friendly to high-end devices. Consider your budget and the needs of your child when making a purchase. It’s important to find a balance between cost and features to ensure you get the best value for your money.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing a phone for your child. Remember to prioritize durability, parental controls, screen size, battery life, and price to find the best fit for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most suitable first mobile phones for children?

When looking for a first mobile phone for a child, it’s important to consider factors such as durability, affordability, and ease of use. Some popular options include the Nokia 3310, the Alcatel 1, and the LG K8.

At what age should a child get their first mobile phone?

The decision of when to give a child their first mobile phone is ultimately up to the parents. However, it’s generally recommended to wait until the child is at least 10 years old and has shown responsibility in other areas.

What features should I look for in a phone for my child?

Aside from the basics such as calling and texting, parents should look for features such as parental controls, GPS tracking, and the ability to limit data usage. It’s also important to consider the durability of the phone and whether it has a protective case.

How can I find a phone for my child that doesn’t have internet access?

Many basic phones still exist that don’t have internet access. Parents can look for these types of phones at their local electronics store or online. Some popular options include the Nokia 3310 and the Jitterbug Flip.

What are the best mobile phone options for young children under 10?

For children under 10, it’s best to look for a basic phone with limited features. Some popular options include the Alcatel 1, the LG K8, and the Nokia 3310. It’s also important to consider the durability of the phone and whether it has a protective case.

Are there any phones designed specifically for emergency use by kids?

Yes, there are phones designed specifically for emergency use by kids. These phones often have a single button that, when pressed, will automatically call a predetermined emergency contact. Some popular options include the LG GizmoPal and the KISA phone.