Best Phones for Kids: Top Picks for Parents in 2024

Giving kids a phone can be a tricky decision for parents to make. On one hand, phones can be a great tool for staying connected with your child and ensuring their safety. On the other hand, there are concerns about screen time, internet safety, and the cost of the device and monthly plan.

When it comes to finding the best phone for kids, there are a few key factors to consider. Durability is a must – kids are prone to dropping things, so you’ll want a phone that can withstand some wear and tear. Parental controls are also important, as you’ll want to be able to restrict access to certain apps and websites. Finally, cost is a consideration – you don’t want to break the bank on a phone that your child may lose or break.

After researching and testing several options, we’ve identified the best phones for kids on the market. These phones meet our criteria for durability, parental controls, and affordability, making them a great choice for parents who want to give their child a phone.

Best Phones for Kids

As parents, we want to ensure our children are safe and responsible when using technology. With the increasing need for communication and access to information, it’s important to find a phone that suits your child’s needs while also providing parental controls. After extensive research and testing, we’ve compiled a list of the best phones for kids. These phones offer features such as limited screen time, GPS tracking, and age-appropriate content. Check out our top picks below.

1) Gabb Phone 3 Pro

If you’re looking for a phone for your child that is safe and distraction-free, the Gabb Phone 3 Pro is a great option.

The Gabb Phone 3 Pro comes with Gabb Guard, which is a great feature for parents who want to ensure their child is safe from inappropriate content. The phone also has reliable GPS & tracking functionality, which is a great way to keep track of your child’s location. Additionally, the phone comes ready with safe music streaming with Gabb Music, a premium 6.6-inch display, quad-core camera, and lightning-fast processor.

One downside of the Gabb Phone 3 Pro is that a monthly service plan is required with Gabb at activation, and the phone is not compatible with other service providers. Additionally, Gabb devices only function within the contiguous United States.

Overall, if you’re looking for a safe and distraction-free phone for your child, the Gabb Phone 3 Pro is a great option to consider.

2) KOKODI Kids Smart Phone Toys

If you’re looking for a phone toy for your little ones, KOKODI Kids Smart Phone Toys is a great option to consider.

We’ve tested the KOKODI Kids Smart Phone Toys with our little ones, and we were impressed with its range of features and how it works much like a real phone. The touchscreen functionality engages kids and helps them learn while playing. With dual cameras, it encourages creativity and is a great way for kids to explore photography. The built-in MP3 music player and pre-installed educational puzzle games are also great additions to keep your kids entertained.

The phone toy comes with a premium silicone case that covers the phone all around to prevent accidental drop damage. All of the phone’s buttons and switches work flawlessly, with convenient open access to ports and speakers. The phone toy is available in two colors, nebula pink or deep blue, each with a unique texture. A raised surface design of a cute dinosaur or unicorn on the phone’s back adds a fun touch.

However, the phone toy may be complicated for a 3-year-old to navigate or play the games. It doesn’t have access to the internet or phone call access, which may limit its functionality. Additionally, some customers have reported that the phone toy may stop working after a short period of time.

Overall, if you’re looking for a phone toy that offers a variety of features to suit your little ones’ demands for a phone and is built with safety in mind, the KOKODI Kids Smart Phone Toys is a great option to consider.

3) Teracube Thrive Smartphone for Kids

If you’re looking for a smartphone that will give you peace of mind while your kids stay connected, Teracube Thrive is a great option.

We recently tried out Teracube Thrive and were impressed by its parental controls that allow us to monitor and manage our kid’s phone activity. With the Thrive Parent app, we can approve apps, set time limits, and receive alerts when our kid tries to download an app without permission.

The phone also comes with built-in safe online search and browsing, which gives us peace of mind that our kid is protected from cyberbullies, online weirdos, and inappropriate content. All unknown and spam calls are blocked, ensuring our kid only receives calls from approved contacts.

The phone comes bundled with Teracube Wireless service, which offers affordable monthly plans for all talk, text, and data needs. Activation is required, but the process is easy and takes only two minutes. Teracube Care+ protection is included, which provides express phone replacements for defects and accidents. A protective case and glass screen protector are also included with the phone.

Overall, we highly recommend Teracube Thrive for parents looking for a smartphone that offers parental controls and safe browsing for their kids.

4) Joozfee Kids Smart Phone

If you’re looking for a fun and educational toy phone for your child, the Joozfee Kids Smart Phone is definitely worth considering.

We recently purchased the Joozfee Kids Smart Phone for our 6-year-old daughter and she absolutely loves it. The device is made with high-quality non-toxic soft plastic, making it safe and comfortable for children’s skin. The upgraded dual-camera configuration makes taking selfies easier than ever before, and children can customize their device by choosing from 28 wallpapers and 8 desktops.

The device features a high-quality speaker that supports a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it perfect for children to learn and enjoy music. Children have 13 game modes to choose from, effectively exercising their logical thinking, reaction skills, and hand-eye coordination. The anti-addiction mode allows parents to control the children’s daily game time.

The device can continuously take photos or play music for 4-5 hours after being fully charged! It comes with a USB Type-C cable and an 8GB micro SD card to store thousands of photos. The shockproof shell provides effective anti-fall protection, ensuring the device lasts longer. You can also adjust the brightness of the smart phone screen to protect children’s eyes.

Overall, the Joozfee Kids Smart Phone is a great gift for children aged 3~9. Children will love capturing scenes and animals in nature with their extremely cute cell phone. As a bonus, parents can finally have peace of mind knowing their child has their own fake phone and will no longer need to use their smartphone.

5) Tocorpie Kids Smart Phone

We highly recommend the Tocorpie Kids Smart Phone for parents looking for an engaging and educational phone for their young children.

We found the Tocorpie Kids Smart Phone to be an excellent phone for young children. The phone’s educational features and dual-camera design provide an engaging and fun experience for children, while the durable and shockproof design ensures that it can withstand falls and bumps. The phone’s small and exquisite design makes it easy for children to carry and use, and the multiple functions and puzzle games provide hours of entertainment. Overall, we highly recommend the Tocorpie Kids Smart Phone as a perfect gift for young children.

6) Nikuku Kids Smart Phone

If you’re looking for a phone that’s perfect for your child, the Nikuku Kids Smart Phone is a great option.

We recently tried out the Nikuku Kids Smart Phone and were impressed with its features. The phone is safe for kids to use, as it’s not connected to the internet, which can protect them from potential risks. The phone also combines a phone and an MP3 player, which makes it a great entertainment device for kids.

One of the best features of the Nikuku Kids Smart Phone is its built-in puzzle games and DIY paint feature. These can help develop your child’s creativity and hand-eye coordination. The phone also has a built-in flashlight, timer, and habit recorder, which can help your child develop good habits and time management skills.

However, the phone’s screen is relatively small at 2.8 inches, which may not be ideal for some kids. Additionally, the phone’s battery life may not last as long as other phones on the market. Finally, the phone’s camera quality is not as high as other phones on the market, which may be a downside if your child is interested in photography.

Overall, we think the Nikuku Kids Smart Phone is a great option for parents looking for a phone that’s safe and entertaining for their child.

7) TKECWOB Kids Phone

If you’re looking for a fun and educational phone for your child, the TKECWOB Kids Phone is worth considering.

We recently tried out the TKECWOB Kids Phone and were impressed with its features. The dual cameras and 1080P video allowed for high-quality photos and videos, and the 100 sight words flashcards and 28 puzzle games provided a fun and educational experience for our child.

The phone’s small size may be a downside for some children, but it’s easy to carry around with the included portable lanyard. The battery life could be longer, especially if your child is using the phone for extended periods, but the 8GB SD card allows for plenty of storage space for photos and music.

Overall, the TKECWOB Kids Phone is a great option for parents looking for a fun and educational phone for their child.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best phone for kids, there are a few key features to consider. We recommend taking the following factors into account before making a purchase:

Durability

Kids can be rough on their belongings, so durability is a top priority. Look for a phone with a sturdy case and a scratch-resistant screen. You may also want to consider a phone with water resistance, in case of accidental spills or drops in the pool.

Parental Controls

Parental controls are essential for ensuring that your child stays safe online. Look for a phone that allows you to set limits on screen time, block certain apps or websites, and monitor your child’s activity.

Age-Appropriate Features

Different age groups may require different features. For younger kids, you may want a phone with a simplified interface and limited access to apps. Older kids may need a phone with more advanced features, such as a high-quality camera or the ability to download certain apps.

Price

Phones can be expensive, so it’s important to consider your budget before making a purchase. Keep in mind that a higher price doesn’t always mean better quality, and that there are plenty of affordable options available.

Overall, choosing the right phone for your child requires careful consideration of their needs and your budget. By taking the time to research different options and compare features, you can find a phone that meets your family’s needs and provides peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best mobile phone options for young children?

When it comes to mobile phones for young children, it’s important to consider factors such as durability, ease of use, and parental controls. Some popular options include the Nokia 3310, the LG K4, and the Alcatel Go Flip.

How can I choose a safe phone for my child?

To choose a safe phone for your child, look for features such as parental controls, limited internet access, and GPS tracking. It’s also important to choose a phone with a durable case and screen protector to prevent damage.

At what age is it appropriate to give a child their first phone?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it depends on factors such as the individual child’s maturity level and the family’s specific needs. However, many experts recommend waiting until at least age 10 or 11 before giving a child their first phone.

What features should I look for in a phone for a 10-year-old?

When choosing a phone for a 10-year-old, look for features such as parental controls, a durable case and screen protector, and limited internet access. It’s also important to consider factors such as battery life and ease of use.

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

Yes, there are several phones on the market designed specifically for emergency use by kids. These phones typically have large buttons and a simple interface, and may include features such as GPS tracking and emergency calling.

Can I get a kid-friendly phone with limited internet access?

Yes, many phones designed for kids or teenagers include limited internet access and parental controls to help keep kids safe online. Some popular options include the Gabb Phone and the Verizon GizmoWatch.