Top 15 Safe Phones for Kids and Teenagers in 2025

Finding the right phones for kids and teenagers can feel a lot like finding a needle in a haystack. With all kinds of new digital technologies at our disposal, it can be tough trying to figure out which one might be the perfect fit.

When choosing a phone for a kid, you will want to take a number of things into consideration, such as the age of your child, their maturity and sense of responsibility, how much you are willing to spend on a device, and what kind of safety features you would like to have. Taking the first steps toward buying your child their very own phone doesn’t have to be an overwhelming or frightening experience.

We’d checked the 15+ most suitable models currently available and added fresh reviews of the best ones with a special focus on security features. Whether you need a starting watch phone combo for a 5-year-old or an advanced phone for a teen, this article has you covered.

And don’t forget you can install the Findmykids app to track your kid’s whereabouts and utilize various parental control features!

Contents:

• What Kid’s Phone Should Have
• Pingo Track 4G Smart Watch for Kids
• T-Mobile SyncUP KIDS Watch
• Verizon Gizmo Watch 3
• Palm Phone PVG 100
• Alcatel Go Flip 4
• Gabb Phone 4
• Pinwheel Slim 5
• Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
• CAT S41
• Kyocera Cadence LTE
• Moto G5
• Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
• Nokia 3.1
• Bark Phone 4 Pro
• Apple iPhone 11
• Comparison Table
• Making Kid Phones Safe
• FAQs

What Kid’s Phone Should Have

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Here is a list of features that every parent should look for when choosing a device for their child:

• Work Speed: You will want to make sure that the device you choose is up to par and runs efficiently. Lagging and slow response time can be very annoying, especially for children. Keep in mind that devices with RAMs between 2–4 GB may be more suitable for teens.
• Quality and Security: Updating the phone to the latest software will ensure it is protected from potential security vulnerabilities while maintaining optimal performance quality. Findmykids and Kids360 apps are essential for kid security because they allow monitoring your child via GPS apps and using other convenient safety features.
• Age Range: Pay attention to what may be suitable for your child. You’ll find age range recommendations in our reviews to help you make the best decision possible.
• Availability and Quality of Camera: Most smart devices come with a built-in camera, which is an enjoyable feature for all ages, both young and old. Your child will want to use this feature, so be sure it’s of decent quality.
• Battery Capacity: You’ll want a device with a good battery life, one that can hold a charge for hours. This is determined by the battery’s mAh or milliAmpere Hours. Anything above 1,500 mAH is suitable for a smartphone.
• Price: Ultimately, it is up to you to decide how much you are willing to pay for your child’s device. We suggest not splurging too much, as kids will be kids. Purchase something that is reasonably priced.

Pingo Track 4G Smart Watch for Kids

Recommended age range: 5-12

Rating: 4.8

Features:

• Two-way phone and video calls
• Reliable location tracking and movement history
• IP67 water resistant
• SOS button included
• User-friendly interface
• 1-year warranty

If you are looking for safe phones for kids, you can’t go wrong with this smartwatch-phone combo. Pingo Track is a modern watch with a design any child would like. It has phone features like two-way audio and video calls integrated, and you can also exchange SMS. The watch allows whitelisting only certain calls, and there’s the option of activating the location’s audio.

Pingo Track, combined with the Findmykids app, allows you to track the child’s location. The GPS technology is reliable and performs well. You can use geo-restrictions and check movement history. The screen size is large, but the watch’s weight is only 6.7 ounces.

Pingo Track has useful apps like an alarm clock and a pedometer, but there’s no option to install gaming or streaming apps to prevent distraction.

Pros

• Long battery life
• The strap is durable
• Available in pink and blue colors

Cons

• It could be a bit big for a small kid
• The battery life could be longer

Price: $69.99 (up to $97.99). Buy now and get the Findmykids license for free!

T-Mobile SyncUP KIDS Watch

Recommended age range: 5-11

Rating: 3.5

Features:

• KidSAFE-CERTIFIED Seal
• 911 & Help buttons included
• Water-resistant and splash-friendly
• Reminders and tasks available
• School mode

T-Mobile SyncUP Kids Watch is only available in black, but it looks modern, and your kids will love wearing it. It’s impressive how light the watch is, with only 1.26 ounces. It offers nylon and silicone bands to choose from, and the device comes pre-installed.

The watch doesn’t exactly belong to high-performing devices with limited RAM. But the interface is kid-friendly, and the watch is easy to use, putting this among suitable phones for 10-year-olds but also those twice as young.

Real-time location tracking with GPS technology is reliable, and there’s a camera that allows snapping, recording, and sharing. The memory storage is 8 GB, which should be enough for most users.

Pros

• It feels light in the kid’s hand
• You need to approve contacts to communicate with them
• The user-replaceable screen protector is convenient

Cons

• It’s a bit expensive compared to similar units
• Not the most impressive battery life

Price: $174 plus taxes (monthly payments available)

Verizon Gizmo Watch 3

Recommended age range: 6–12

Rating: 3.6

Features: 

• Parent-approved contacts only
• GPS location tracking with real-time updates
• Video and voice calling
• Text messaging with a touchscreen keyboard
• Fun games and activity tracking

The Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 is available in multiple colors, including Blue Clay, Teal Mint, and Dark Navy, with silicone or nylon bands to suit your child’s style. Weighing just 1.75 ounces, it’s lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear. The watch is powered by a Qualcomm SDW 4100 processor and features an AMOLED display for a vibrant, kid-friendly interface.

This smartwatch is designed to keep kids connected while ensuring their safety. Parents can use the GizmoHub app to manage contacts, set location alerts, and even create task lists to encourage responsibility. The watch also includes fun features like games, seasonal watch faces, and a front-facing camera for selfies and video messages.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use interface for kids
• Reliable GPS tracking for peace of mind
• Durable and lightweight design

Cons:

• Limited battery life compared to similar devices
• Video calls are capped at three minutes

Price: $149.99

Palm Phone PVG 100

Recommended age range: 12+

Rating: 3.4

Features:

• LifeMode available
• Lightweight and compact, with a weight of only 2.2 ounces
• Titanium and gold colors available
• Runs on Android
• Rear and front-facing selfie camera

If your child has outgrown those kid devices, this could be the best phone for teenagers to use until they prove they deserve a high-end device. Palm Phone is a miniature version of the Android smartphone. It’s light, and you can easily fit it in a pocket, but the 3.3-inch screen size still makes it useful. The phone is customizable, so teens can install social media, streaming, and any other apps. Most kids enjoy taking photos, and they will appreciate having two cameras.

The Life Mode allows silencing all calls and notifications, which isn’t exactly a safety-promoting feature, but it’s convenient for the school. You can install the Findmykids app on the device to monitor the child’s location and improve their safety.

Pros:

• Impressive memory storage for a phone this size
• The high-resolution rear camera is convenient
• Facial recognition and other safety features

Cons:

• The battery doesn’t last over 2.5 hours with constant use
• It might have problems with compatibility with some networks

Price: $199 (up to $209)

Alcatel Go Flip 4

Recommended age range: 12+

Rating: 3.3

Features:

• Retro but ergonomic design
• 2.8-inch screen size
• 32 GB memory storage capacity
• Runs on KaiOS 2.5
• 1350 mAh battery
• 2MP wide-angle camera

Here’s another strong candidate for the best phone for teenagers, especially if you are looking for a starter smartphone for your kid. The premium design includes a curved back and an edge that’s easy to grip, which decreases the risk. Buttons are large, and the interface is intuitive enough for first-time smartphone users to find their way around the device.

Alcatel Go Flip 4 has an impressive battery life. The screen size could be bigger, but this is an entry-level phone. It’s durable for its price range, and you can even charge the battery fast. The phone supports GPS, WLAN, Bluetooth, and FM. If you want a device used to communicate with your kid but also a phone with a few extra features, this model offers good value for the money.

Pros:

• The flipping mechanism is sturdy and durable
• Decent memory storage
• User-friendly interface

Cons:

• Not designed to maximize kids’ safety
• Carrier compatibility depends on where you buy it

Price: $69.99

Gabb Phone 4

Recommended age range: 9+

Rating: 4.1

Features:

• No access to the app store, social media, or the internet
• GPS location services with customizable Safe Zones
• 8 MP front and 12 MP rear camera
• Supports music playing over Bluetooth
• Gabb Guard blocks spam calls and texts

Gabb Phone 4 is the latest premium model among the safe phones for kids. Compared to the company’s previous phone, it offers stronger performance, a better camera, and improved parental features. It includes the updated Gabb Messenger, which allows MMS and SMS, group chats, and filters for offensive content.

The device doesn’t allow access to the internet or third-party apps, but kids can use pre-installed safe tools like a calendar, calculator, music player, and camera. GPS tracking is built-in and easily managed via the MyGabb app. The phone is powered by a quad-core processor and has a 6.1″ HD display, offering smooth performance and clear visuals. The battery lasts up to a full day with regular use.

Pros:

• Safe design with no internet or app store
• High-quality camera and display
• Gabb Guard and filtered messaging for safer communication

Cons:

• Limited storage compared to full smartphones
• Requires a Gabb service plan to function

Price: $149.99 (plus monthly Gabb plan, typically $24.99/month)

No matter which model you choose for the child, after the purchase, be sure to do two simple steps: download the Findmykids app so that the child is safe everywhere, and install Kids360 to restrict access to dangerous content.

Pinwheel Slim 5

Recommended age range: 10+

Rating: 4.7

Features:

• 6.8” HD Infinity display
• 128GB storage capacity
• 48 MP triple lens camera
• Set contact safelist
• No social media or internet

From the perspective of your kid, they want a modern and cool phone with a powerful camera. And for parents, the best phone for teenagers is the one with impressive safety features. Pinwheel manages to combine both in their series of phones, which ranges from Slim 5 to more expensive models with extra options.

As for the most affordable unit, it offers a 48MP camera and a large 6.8” display. Pinwheel uses the Android operating system, and the phone is incredibly fast. The device doesn’t allow access to the app store or the internet at all, but there are hundreds of apps you can choose to install on the device. You are behind the wheel when it comes to setting the contact list, too. The phone supports texting and calling whitelisted numbers, but it also comes with parental controls like managing screen times and other options.

Pros:

• Impressive parental controls
• Excellent choice for a starter phone
• Modern design and large display

Cons:

• Some premium models are quite expensive
• Not compatible with certain providers

Price: From $199

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G

Recommended age range: 10+

Rating: 3.5

Features:

• 6.7” HD+ display
• 50MP rear camera and 5MP front camera
• 5000mAh battery with fast charging
• 128GB storage (expandable) and 4GB RAM
• Samsung Kids and parental controls available

The Galaxy A16 5G is a practical first smartphone for preteens and tweens. It offers all the essentials—calling, texting, photos, and simple games—in a safe, easy-to-manage package. The big screen makes it fun to watch videos or read eBooks, while the expandable storage gives room for school apps or saved photos.

With Samsung Kids mode and screen time controls, parents can guide how their child uses the phone while still giving them some independence.

Pros:

• Excellent value for a full-featured phone
• Easy-to-use interface for younger users
• Strong battery for all-day use

Cons:

• Lower resolution screen than higher-end models
• Basic camera for video calls and selfies

Price: ~$199–249

CAT S41

Recommended age range: 12+

Rating: 4.5

Typically used by construction workers, the CAT S41 is a durable phone that is more than reliable. CAT S41 is a viable option for younger children. Its durability makes it a good find. It is a bit pricey for its lack of features, but worth a look.

Pros:

• Simple design
• Durable
• Decent Android software

Cons:

• Not suitable for entertainment
• Too expensive for simple features

Price: $449

Kyocera Cadence LTE

Recommended age range: 8+

Rating: 2.8

The Kyocera is a flip phone that gives your child the basic necessities of a cell phone. Don’t worry about fancy apps or other features, Kyocera Cadence LTE can be simply used for calling home.

The low rating reflects the simplicity of the device. Most people nowadays want fancy designs, large touch screens, and app capabilities. Without that, a phone is a plain calling device.

Pros:

• Durable
• Bright screen
• Long-lasting battery

Cons:

• Dated design
• No apps
• No recording

Price: $169

Moto G5

Recommended age range: 8+

Rating: 4.5

A good-looking budget smartphone, the Moto G5 certainly will not disappoint. It has an easy-to-follow user interface that makes navigation a breeze. Its spacious memory is also a plus for Pre-teens who like to take tons of pictures and download dozens of apps.

Moto G5 is a well-designed smartphone you can get for cheap. Its durability is limited, but for this price, buying a protective case shouldn’t be a problem.

Pros:

• Sleek design
• Easy to navigate
• Enough memory to hold multiple apps and files
• Reasonably priced

Cons:

• Non-replaceable battery
• Less than perfect camera

Price: $199.99

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

Recommended age range: 12+

Rating: 4

Features:

• 6.7” Super AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate
• 50MP main camera and 13MP front camera for sharp photos and video calls
• All-day battery life (5000mAh) with fast charging
• Built-in Samsung Knox security and parental control options
• 128GB storage (expandable) and 8GB RAM

The Galaxy A36 5G is a smart, future-ready phone for teens who need a reliable device for school, communication, and safe internet use. Its bright, smooth screen is easy on the eyes, and the camera takes impressive photos—perfect for creative kids who love capturing memories or joining family video calls.

Parents can easily set screen time limits, block apps, and monitor usage with Samsung’s built-in tools or third-party apps. The phone is also protected by Samsung Knox, which adds an extra layer of security for peace of mind.

Pros:

• Sharp display and excellent camera quality
• Long battery life, ideal for busy school days
• Solid security and parental control features

Cons:

• No charger included in the box
• Slightly large for smaller hands

Price: ~$399

Nokia 3.1

Recommended age range: 8+

Rating: 4.5

The Nokia 3.1 delivers on design but can struggle with overall performance. If you want your child’s phone to focus on making and receiving calls and not on application and entertainment features, then this phone delivers.

The Nokia 3.1 is a well-priced phone that doesn’t put features at its forefront but makes up for it in its sleek design and durability.

PROS:

• Good design
• Great battery capacity
• Full HD screen
• Gorilla Glass and aluminum siding

CONS:

• Only 2 GB of memory
• Slow or lagging performance

Price: $159

Bark Phone 4 Pro

Recommended age range: 12+

Rating: 4.8

Features:

• 6.6” HD+ screen with Gorilla Glass protection
• Full Android phone with custom BarkOS parental controls
• AI-powered monitoring of texts, email, social media, and photos
• Built-in GPS tracking and location alerts
• No app store access unless approved by parents

The Bark Phone 4 Pro is more than just a phone — it’s a smart digital parenting tool built into a sleek, modern device. Designed specifically for families, this phone combines the full power of Android with layers of safety and supervision. You decide what apps your child can access and how they use them, and the phone’s AI flags any concerning activity—like bullying, predators, or risky content—and sends you an alert.

It’s ideal for middle schoolers and teens who are ready for more independence, but still need guidance and guardrails. Unlike basic phones, Bark 4 Pro offers flexibility as your child grows, while keeping you in the loop.

Pros:

• Customizable control—from locked-down to more open
• Smart alerts for online risks, not just screen time
• No extra parental control apps needed—it’s all built in

Cons:

• Monthly subscription required for full features
• Pricier than basic starter phones

Price: $199 (device) + subscription from $29/month

Related: Top 10 Inexpensive Kid Phones: Budget Models.

Apple iPhone 11

Recommended age range: 12+

Rating: 4.6

There’s no doubt that your teen would be excited about getting an iPhone, but you must ask yourself if it’s worth the price.

iPhones are popular choices, but for this price, there are other, less popular alternatives. In the end, it is certainly a nice phone with trustworthy features.

Pros:

• Sleek design
• Wireless charging with exceptional battery life
• Good camera

Cons:

• Expensive
• Limited battery capacity

Price: $599

Comparison Table

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It’s best to pick a phone based on the age range. While your child is under eight years old, stick to the basics and smart watch / phone combos or similar products. Once you think they are ready, you can get them an actual smartphone. However, it’s better to go with one with parental controls and no internet or social media apps. Only after they become teens and you know they can use it responsibly, you can get them a full-power smartphone.

Making Kid Phones Safe

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Now that you have a better idea of which phone you want to buy for your child, the next step is to configure their phone to make it safe for them to use.

But how do you do that?

Making your child’s device safe doesn’t have to be a difficult task. There are apps available that will do all of the hard work for you. You simply have to download the app on both your and your child’s phone, input some information, and voila! Your child’s phone is instantly proofed.

Apps like Findmykids allow you to keep track of your children and their app activity using real-time data collection.

Teaching your child about phone safety is important. Don’t be afraid to talk to them about what is acceptable and what is not, as well as what to look out for. Develop trust so that if your child encounters an issue that may require an adult to handle, they won’t be hesitant to come to you for help.

Also, be sure to establish a healthy phone schedule with your child. It is wise to come up with a plan together that your child is willing to follow, so they aren’t spending too much time staring at their screen. This, after all, has been proven time and time again to have a negative impact on mental health. 

The best way to make sure your child is staying safe online is to keep the lines of communication open. Talk frequently about what responsible phone ownership means and do everything you can to maintain an honest, open parent-child relationship.

Follow these tips, and you and your child can explore these devices freely and safely. You’ll love that they can reach you in an emergency, and they will love the fun features that are available.

FAQs

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At what age should a kid have a cell phone?

Today’s kids do great with technology, but you still don’t want to rush things. In the beginning, it’s best to go with a Pingo Track or another smartwatch/phone combo. Once you switch to cell phones, start with child-friendly ones that don’t offer social media or the internet. Experts indicate you should wait at least until they are the 8th grade to get them a smartphone with full capabilities.

Should a 7-year-old have a cell phone?

Many kids have phones at this age, but the experts warn it’s best to hold on for a bit longer. If you’d like them to have a phone to stay in touch when they are away from home, consider a retro flip model with no internet and basic functions, or even a smart watch/phone combo.

What is the safest phone for a child?

Many manufacturers design kid-friendly smartphones with protective features like no internet access, no app installation option, etc. Look for phones with these safety options, or make sure to install a location monitoring and parental control app like Findmykids.

How much does a Gabb phone cost per month?

The Gabb phone offers an affordable monthly plan, typically ranging from $19.99 to $24.99, depending on the features you choose. Unlike many Android phones or those tied to the Google Play Store, the Gabb phone is built without a web browser or access to traditional app stores, which helps protect kids from excessive screen time and inappropriate content. Its simplicity makes it perfect for younger users while promoting healthier phone habits and youth mental health.

What is the best starter phone for a child?

For kids in middle school or just entering the digital age, the Gabb phone tops the list as a great starter device. With no access to social networks or GPS apps, it gives parents peace of mind while teaching digital literacy in a safe, controlled way. If you’re looking for a more robust option for gradual digital technologies exposure, phones like the Samsung A36 or Samsung A16 are excellent choices.

What phone do most teenagers use?

Generation Z gravitates toward mobile phones with access to social networks, App Libraries, and customizable features. Popular choices include Android phones like Samsung models with super-fast charge capabilities for long battery life and Apple devices like the iPhone, which seamlessly integrates with the Apple Watch.

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