Skip to Main Content
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.

The Best Phones for Kids in 2024

Should you get your kids a simple voice phone or a smartphone? What about parental controls? Here's what you need to know along with our top-tested picks for children of all ages, no matter your budget.

By Iyaz Akhtar
& Sarah Lord
Updated December 13, 2023

Our Top 6 Picks

Google Pixel 7a

Best Overall
Jump To Details

Bark Phone

Best Parental Controls
Jump To Details

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

Best Affordable Android Phone
Jump To Details

Apple iPhone SE (2022)

Best Affordable iPhone
Jump To Details

Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023)

Best Battery Life
Jump To Details

Nokia 2780 Flip

Best Voice Phone
Jump To Details

The Best Phone Deals This Week*

*Deals are selected by our commerce team

We've thought a lot about kids and phones because many of us are parents. Mobile phones are useful, powerful, and helpful. They're also expensive, distracting, and potentially a gateway to nasty online things. So, should you get your kid a phone? And, if so, which one is the best?

Below are our top phone recommendations for kids (and most importantly their parents), along with some advice to help you make a wise buying decision.


Our Experts Have Tested 49 Products in the Mobile Phones Category in the Past Year
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test.

Google Pixel 7a

Best Overall

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

Google's Pixel 7a is an ideal midrange phone for older kids. Its Tensor G2 processor can keep up with your child's entertainment demands, while its top-notch camera system can foster their creative interests. Meanwhile, the phone's bold design and variety of color options (Charcoal, Coral, Sea, or Snow) mean your kid won't mind using it in front of their friends. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and an IP67 rating ensure the device stands up to the everyday perils of childhood, too.

Who It's For

If your child prefers Android to iOS, the Google Pixel 7a is the most reasonable choice. It's highly capable and an excellent value.

PROS

  • Solid performance
  • Above-average cameras
  • Unique design
  • Wireless charging

CONS

  • Wi-Fi disconnection issue in testing

SPECS

Operating System Android 13
CPU Google Tensor G2
Dimensions 5.98 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches
Screen Size 6.1 inches
Screen Resolution 2,400 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 64MP, 13MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Tested) 13 hours, 25 minutes

Bark Phone

Best Parental Controls

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

If you really need to safeguard your kid's communications, the Bark Phone is the best choice. Based on Samsung's Galaxy A13, it runs extensive parental control software that lets you monitor everything from text messages to social media activity to screen time. Setup is easy and the phone ships with both a case and a charging brick. The only catch is that you must subscribe to a Bark Wireless plan for cellular talk, text, and data. A data-free plan costs $49 per month, but a plan with unlimited data goes for $89 per month.

Who It's For

If you can swing the pricey monthly plan, the Bark Phone gives you useful insight into your child's smartphone use. You don't need to worry much about your kid tampering with your monitoring abilities or the rules you enforce either, as the phone is locked down.

PROS

  • Easy setup
  • Exceptional parental controls
  • Tracks social media and sends danger alerts
  • Looks like a regular smartphone
  • Durable build and included case
  • No contract required

CONS

  • Pricey monthly plans
  • Some alerts are slow to reach the parent app

SPECS

Operating System Android 12
CPU Exynos 850
Dimensions 6.50 by 3.01 by 0.35 inches
Screen Size 6.6 inches
Screen Resolution 1,080 by 2,408 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 50MP, 5MP, 2MP, 2MP
Battery Life (As Tested) 7 days
Learn More
Bark Phone Review

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

Best Affordable Android Phone

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

Samsung's Galaxy A14 5G offers a lot of features for its budget-friendly price. With a quality 1080p screen, a decent MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor, and a reliable 5G modem, it won't frustrate your child with subpar performance. A microSD slot (supports cards up to 1TB) and a 3.5mm headphone jack are also benefits for long-term use, as is Samsung's promise of four major OS updates. Just be aware that the phone isn't waterproof.

Who It's For

For older kids who you can rely on to keep it safe, the Galaxy A14 5G is an affordable Android phone that provides an above-average experience. Moreover, its removable storage and comprehensive software support should keep it viable for several years.

PROS

  • Large, sharp display with 90Hz refresh rate
  • Good performance for the price
  • Excellent software update policy

CONS

  • Not protected against dust or water
  • Screen is hard to see in sunlight

SPECS

Operating System Android 13
CPU MediaTek Dimensity 700
Dimensions 6.60 by 3.07 by 0.36 inches
Screen Size 6.6 inches
Screen Resolution 2,400 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 50MP, 2MP, 2MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Tested) 9 hours, 40 minutes

Apple iPhone SE (2022)

Best Affordable iPhone

3.5 Good

Why We Picked It

Apple's lowest-cost handset, the iPhone SE, serves as an excellent entry point into the world of iOS and iMessage. Its A15 processor isn't cutting-edge but is still sufficiently fast for everything your kids may need or want to do. The iPhone SE is also among the best small phones we've tested, a benefit for users with smaller hands.

Who It's For

If you use an iPhone, chances are you want your kid on the same OS for the sake of convenience. The iPhone SE is the most affordable way to accomplish this and it has thorough, built-in parental controls.

PROS

  • Most affordable new iPhone
  • Speedy performance
  • Supports T-Mobile and Verizon mid-band 5G
  • Longer battery life than the previous model

CONS

  • Outdated body design
  • No Night mode in camera
  • Lacks support for AT&T's 3.45GHz mid-band 5G
  • Shortest battery life of any current iPhone model

SPECS

Operating System iOS 15
CPU Apple A15
Dimensions 5.45 by 2.65 by 0.29 inches
Screen Size 4.7 inches
Screen Resolution 1,334 by 750 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 12MP; 7MP
Battery Life (As Tested) 7 hours, 20 minutes

Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023)

Best Battery Life

3.5 Good

Why We Picked It

Motorola's Moto G Power 5G earns a spot on our list thanks to its commendable battery life of over 13 hours in testing. Otherwise, it uses a better-than-basic MediaTek Dimensity 930 CPU and has a 1080p screen with a fast refresh rate of 120Hz. We're also fans of its clean software experience, built-in microSD slot (supports cards up to 1TB), and 3.5mm headphone jack.

Who It's For

If your kid is constantly on the go, the Moto G Power 5G's long battery life is invaluable. Like several other phones on this list, the lack of waterproofing means you should entrust it only to responsible, older children.

PROS

  • Good battery life
  • Solid performance
  • Affordable
  • Adequate main camera

CONS

  • Weak secondary cameras
  • No NFC
  • Lacks IP rating

SPECS

Operating System Android 13
CPU MediaTek Dimensity 930
Dimensions 6.42 by 2.94 by 0.33 inches
Screen Size 6.5 inches
Screen Resolution 2,400 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 50MP, 2MP, 2MP; 16MP
Battery Life (As Tested) 13 hours, 35 minutes

Nokia 2780 Flip

Best Voice Phone

3.5 Good

Why We Picked It

For calling and basic texting, nothing beats the simplicity of a flip phone. The affordable Nokia 2780 Flip handles those duties well, has Wi-Fi, and even offers an FM radio. The OS could be smoother and the camera isn't impressive, but neither of those aspects prevent you from reliably reaching your child on it.

Who It's For

If you simply want to be able to contact your child without exposing them to social media or the open internet, the Nokia 2780 Flip is the phone you should get.

PROS

  • Good call quality
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
  • FM radio
  • Affordable

CONS

  • Operating system is a bit clunky
  • Group texting could be better
  • Several key apps are missing
  • Middling battery life

SPECS

Operating System KaiOS
CPU Qualcomm 215 Mobile Platform
Dimensions 4.33 by 2.28 by 0.77 inches
Screen Size 2.7 inches
Screen Resolution 320 by 240 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 5MP
Battery Life (As Tested) 3 hours, 24 minutes (LTE talk time)

The Cardinal Rule for Kids' Phones

One big reason to give your child a phone is for when they are out of sight of trustworthy adults and might need to contact you or another caregiver. If your kid wants to play games or watch videos but doesn't need cellular connectivity, a base-model iPad, a cheap Android phone, or a Fire tablet are all good alternatives.

Regardless of whether your kid falls into the former category, do not buy them an expensive, high-end smartphone.

The Wait Until 8th campaign, which advocates only giving kids smartphones once they reach the 8th grade, makes some good arguments. However, it too easily conflates smartphones and social media, which are different things. The campaign's central point is that younger kids generally need phones only for calling and limited texting. 

When you do step up to a smartphone, don't spend too much money. Kids generally aren't responsible with high-priced items. They might lose, drop, soak, or otherwise break the phone you get them. Assume that all of those events will happen. A ton of good phones in the $200 to $400 range run relatively new, secure versions of their operating systems, aren't frustrating to use, and don't look shamefully uncool. And many have at least some sort of IP rating.

We won't get into the never-ending debate, never resolved, about cell phone radiation and kids, but many parents have expressed concern to us about it. The "good" news is that radiation concerns come into play only when you hold a phone up to your head for long periods. Kids don't talk on the phone with their friends much anymore; they message each other on various platforms. Short conversations with parents on a basic phone, for safety or logistical uses, won't hurt anyone.

Make sure to get a nice, rugged case for whatever phone you get. You can never be too careful.


The Best Flip Phones for Kids

Voice phones are a solid on-ramp to communication for kids. Yes, they are terminally uncool. Your kids will whine. But simple voice phones solve one of the biggest problems parents of middle schoolers have: "How do I give my kid a way to call me without letting them get on Instagram or TikTok?" We've tested a range of simple voice phones and the Nokia 2780 Flip is the best inexpensive solution for basic calling. It's available unlocked, so you can use it on any network.


How to Track Your Kids

In many cases, you might want to get your kid a phone to keep an eye on their location. Android and iOS make tracking a smartphone's location easy for account holders. Flip phones and other simple phones don't usually have the same capability. Adding a dedicated tracker to your kid's clothes or backpack is the right solution. (It's worth saying that one should never do this to an adult—that's called stalking.) Depending on whether you have an Apple or an Android phone, AirTags, Samsung SmartTags, or Tile trackers all do surprisingly good jobs of leveraging the network connections of other phones to tell you where they are.


Do Kids Need iMessage?

Some teens live in these little tidal pools where all of their friends have iPhones and thus use iMessage for communication. When most of the people on a group chat are in iMessage, significant benefits accrue to also being on iMessage: The texts are more reliable, the threading works, and reactions appear appropriately. That's the primary reasonable argument for a kid whining that they specifically want an iOS phone.

One thing to remember as a parent is that they don't need an expensive iPhone to use iMessage. The $429 iPhone SE works just fine, as do reasonably recent refurbished models. For more on this topic, see our analysis of which iPhone you should buy.

Water spilling on an iPhone
Getting a water-resistant phone means you're less likely to have to replace it because of an accident (Credit: PCMag)

The Best Phone Plans for Kids

When you get your kid a phone, whether a new one or a hand-me-down, you must add a service plan.

The lowest-cost option is to go Wi-Fi only, with no SIM card. With this option, your kid can only connect to known Wi-Fi networks. They won't be able to send standard text messages or make regular phone calls. They can, however, use iMessage and FaceTime on iPhones or the equivalent on Android phones.

Your carrier might have a good or convenient deal to add a line, which may also mean that you can get a phone on a monthly payment plan. If you're sharing a data bucket with a child, make sure to limit their line to a certain amount of monthly data so that they don't use all of yours.

You might also be able to save money by connecting your child's phone to a low-cost service. Explore our list of the best cheap phone plans. For instance, if your kid only wants to text, you can get a plan from Tello with unlimited calling and texting for $10 per month.


How to Make Your Kid's Phone Safe

Make a deal with your kid: If they get a phone, you can look at it.

Take a look at our best parental control software roundup to find the best apps to monitor kids' phones more closely. Android and iOS both have some built-in parental controls. On either OS, you can block purchases (and you should, immediately, because it's way too easy to buy things accidentally) and app access. Apple's Screen Time and Google's Family Link software give you activity reports and let you set screen time limits as well. The Bark Phone goes one step further with custom parental control software.

With flip phones and other basic phones, you are generally stuck with network-level controls from your carrier, such as T-Mobile Family Allowances.

Apps that are breeding grounds for cyberbullying should stay off of any child's phone. These apps tend to change a lot as each new cohort of kids finds something new. The general rule is that anything with a social aspect, or anything that allows public posting or private messaging from strangers, is potentially dangerous. You should be able to look through the apps on your kid's phone and see the sorts of messages they receive.

You may be thinking, "What about kids sneaking and lying?" It isn't the phone's fault if your kid lies to you. Ultimately, you have the power to take the phone away.


The Best Phone for Every Age

We've tried to keep this list diverse with low-cost, used, and new phones. Whichever one you get, make sure to lock it down.

Ages 8 and Under: The Best Phone Watch for Kids

Small children who need phones often need them because they have complex caregiving arrangements in which they're handed off between adults. A phone or tracker can also be useful if your kid tends to get lost on the playground, or likes to run and hide.

For talking to mom and dad, the newer GizmoWatch 3 keeps a kid in touch and is trackable by up to 10 trusted contacts.

Ages 9 to 13: The Best Cell Phone for Kids

As tweens and young teens get their first bits of independence, they might need phones to tote around the neighborhood—and to message their friends. Yet tweens are still kids, and you often can't trust them with expensive devices.

This is the prime time to get your kid a voice phone. Carriers shut down their 2G and 3G networks, so you need a phone that works on your carrier's 4G LTE network for the best coverage and voice quality. As mentioned, the Nokia 2780 Flip is a good first voice phone.

Low-cost or used smartphones are also good choices for this set. The Motorola Moto G Power 5G is a good value for a new phone, as is the Samsung Galaxy A14.

If you're an iOS family, make sure to get an iOS 17-compatible phone. We recommend the $429 iPhone SE as an entry-level model.

Ages 14 to 17: More Capable (and Expensive) Phones

Teens need smartphones, though they're still often a little irresponsible. Always turn on location tracking for your teen's phone as soon as they set it up, whether in your Google account, Samsung account, or iCloud account. That helps prevent panic when your kid leaves their phone behind at a party or school event.

Teens will want better cameras and more potential for gaming than younger kids. The Pixel 7a has the lowest list price for an Android phone with a flagship-level camera.

If your kid wants an iPhone, the iPhone SE still offers the best balance of price and quality.

For more recommendations, take a look at our lists of the best cheap phones and the best phones we've tested overall.


An adult with a tablet sitting next to a child with a phone and supervising the child's phone use
(Credit: Shutterstock/fizkes )

The Best Parental Control Software

Parenting styles run the gamut, as do the features in parental control and monitoring utilities. We've tested the top hardware- and software-based services to help you choose the right one for your family.

Dave LeClair and Sascha Segan contributed to this story.

Our Picks
Google Pixel 7a
See It
$469.96
at Amazon
Bark Phone
See It
$199.00
at Amazon
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
See It
$182.50
at Amazon
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
See It
$429.99
at Best Buy
Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023)
See It
$299.99
at Motorola
Nokia 2780 Flip
See It
$85.99
at Amazon
Rating
Editors' Choice
4.5 Editor Review
Editors' Choice
4.0 Editor Review
Editors' Choice
4.0 Editor Review
Operating System
Android 13 Android 12 Android 13 iOS 15 Android 13 KaiOS
CPU
Google Tensor G2 Exynos 850 MediaTek Dimensity 700 Apple A15 MediaTek Dimensity 930 Qualcomm 215 Mobile Platform
Dimensions
5.98 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches 6.50 by 3.01 by 0.35 inches 6.60 by 3.07 by 0.36 inches 5.45 by 2.65 by 0.29 inches 6.42 by 2.94 by 0.33 inches 4.33 by 2.28 by 0.77 inches
Screen Size
6.1 inches 6.6 inches 6.6 inches 4.7 inches 6.5 inches 2.7 inches
Screen Resolution
2,400 by 1,080 pixels 1,080 by 2,408 pixels 2,400 by 1,080 pixels 1,334 by 750 pixels 2,400 by 1,080 pixels 320 by 240 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
64MP, 13MP; 13MP 50MP, 5MP, 2MP, 2MP 50MP, 2MP, 2MP; 13MP 12MP; 7MP 50MP, 2MP, 2MP; 16MP 5MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
13 hours, 25 minutes 7 days 9 hours, 40 minutes 7 hours, 20 minutes 13 hours, 35 minutes 3 hours, 24 minutes (LTE talk time)
Where to Buy
$469.96
at Amazon
 
$374.00
at Best Buy
 
$199.00
at Amazon
 
Starting at $29 Per Month
at Bark Parental Controls
 
$182.50
at Amazon
 
$199.99
at Samsung
 
$429.99
at Best Buy
 
$212.00
at Amazon
 
$299.99
at Motorola
 
$85.99
at Amazon
 
$88.00
at Walmart
 

Like What You're Reading?

Sign up for Fully Mobilized newsletter to get our top mobile tech stories delivered right to your inbox.

This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.


Thanks for signing up!

Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!

Sign up for other newsletters

TRENDING

About Iyaz Akhtar

Mobile Analyst

I’m one of PCMag’s mobile analysts. That means I check out phones, hotspots, and mobile networks. Technology has been my passion and hobby since I was a child. I’ve covered tech professionally for over 15 years at outlets including The Apple Blog, This Week in Tech, and CNET.

Read Iyaz's full bio

Read the latest from Iyaz Akhtar

About Sarah Lord

Analyst, Mobile

I’m a Mobile Analyst at PCMag, which means I cover wireless phones, plans, tablets, ereaders, and a whole lot more. I’ve always loved technology and have been forming opinions on consumer electronics since childhood. Prior to joining PCMag, I covered TVs and home entertainment at CNET, served as the tech and electronics reviews fellow at Insider, and began my career by writing laptop reviews as an intern at Tom's Hardware. I am also a professional actor with credits in theater, film, and television.

Read Sarah's full bio

Read the latest from Sarah Lord