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Kids need and want phones, but with so many options from which to choose, it's difficult to know which offers the right mix of apps, features, and parental controls for your child. PCMag can help, since we've been writing about cell phones for at least three decades and reviewing them for about as long. As such, we are deeply knowledgeable about what to look for in today's diverse selection of mobile devices. The Apple iPhone 17 and the Google Pixel 10a currently sit at the top of our list for kids, thanks to their superb performance and excellent cameras that encourage creativity. Be sure to click through to our full reviews for every model on our list since they each offer strengths of their own. If you need more advice, scroll to the bottom for a detailed guide on how to purchase an age-appropriate phone for your child.
Our Top Tested Picks
Google Pixel 10a
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
With excellent cameras, a brighter screen, and strong AI features, the Pixel 10a remains one of the best values in midrange Android phones.
Pros
- Outstanding cameras for the price
- Sharp, bright screen
- Excellent Google AI
- Long software support commitment
- Simple, well-made hardware
Cons
- Outdated processor
- No magnetic charging
- No mmWave 5G
Apple iPhone 17
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The iPhone 17's robust battery life, fast performance, pro-level display, and capable cameras easily make it the best iPhone for the money and our top pick. The base model is on a more even footing with the iPhone Pro than ever before.
Pros
- Best value among iPhone 17 models
- Fast performance
- Competitive battery life
- Speedy wireless connections
- Pro-level display
- Flexible cameras
Cons
- No telephoto camera
Bark Phone Pro (2025)
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Bark Phone Pro for kids adds effective software to a capable Samsung phone so parents can monitor their child's location as well as manage and vet messages and app content with a single monthly bill.
Pros
- Excellent parental controls
- Appealing hardware
- Large screen
- Long battery life
- Solid cameras
Cons
- Monthly plans are pricey
- Monitoring is robust, but not flawless
Apple iPhone 17e
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Apple has built an excellent midrange phone that captures the essence of the iPhone experience, without many of the compromises you’d expect, and with some welcome upgrades over last year's model.
Pros
- Superb performance
- Long battery life
- Vibrant screen
- Roomy 256GB base storage
- Camera takes sharp photos
- MagSafe charging
Cons
- Limited camera system
- Older Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Samsung Galaxy A17 delivers exceptional value thanks to its large display, long battery life, good cameras, and long support commitment, making it our top pick for an affordable phone.
Pros
- Good battery life
- Quick-enough 5G and Wi-Fi
- Impressive cameras for the price
- 6-year support commitment
- Decent quality build
Cons
- Outdated processor
- Limited RAM
TCL Flip 4 5G
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
TCL has completely reimagined its affordable Flip voice phone with a fresh design, extended battery life, and a 5G connection.
Pros
- Affordable
- 5G and Wi-Fi
- Long battery life
- Quick performance
Cons
- Limited third-party apps
- Poor cameras
- Embedded battery
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EDITORS' NOTE
July 28, 2026: With this update, our recommendations are unchanged. The picks below have been vetted for currency and availability. Since our last update, we reviewed and evaluated a dozen new phones for potential inclusion in this roundup.
- Outstanding cameras for the price
- Sharp, bright screen
- Excellent Google AI
- Long software support commitment
- Simple, well-made hardware
- Outdated processor
- No magnetic charging
- No mmWave 5G
Google's Pixel 10a is an ideal midrange phone for older kids. Its Tensor G4 processor keeps up with your child's entertainment demands, while its top-notch camera system fosters their creative interests. Meanwhile, the phone's bold design and variety of color options (Berry, Fog, Lavender, or Obsidian) mean your child won't mind using it in front of their friends. Corning Gorilla Glass 7i and an IP68 rating ensure the device stands up to the everyday perils of childhood, too.
If your child prefers Android to iOS, the Google Pixel 10a is the most reasonable choice. It's highly capable and an excellent value.
- Best value among iPhone 17 models
- Fast performance
- Competitive battery life
- Speedy wireless connections
- Pro-level display
- Flexible cameras
- No telephoto camera
Apple’s iPhone 17 family is its most powerful phone lineup, and the standard iPhone 17 is the most affordable full-featured model. Apple primarily updated the display this year, giving the base iPhone the same screen as its Pro models. It also gives your kids access to all the latest tech and features, including fast performance, great battery life, capable 5G radios, satellite SOS emergency service, solid cameras, and Apple Intelligence. Plus, it keeps them connected to friends via iMessage.
The iPhone 17 is best for older, responsible teens who take care of their things and need to upgrade from an iPhone 15 or older.
- Excellent parental controls
- Appealing hardware
- Large screen
- Long battery life
- Solid cameras
- Monthly plans are pricey
- Monitoring is robust, but not flawless
If you really need to safeguard your kid's communications, the Bark Phone Pro is the best choice. Based on Samsung's Galaxy A36 5G, it runs extensive parental control software that lets you monitor everything from text messages to social media activity to screen time. Setup is easy, but the only catch is that you must subscribe to a Bark Wireless plan for cellular talk, text, and data. A data-free plan costs $29 per month, while an unlimited-data plan costs $79 per month.
If you can swing the pricey monthly plan, the Bark Phone Pro provides useful insights 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.
- Superb performance
- Long battery life
- Vibrant screen
- Roomy 256GB base storage
- Camera takes sharp photos
- MagSafe charging
- Limited camera system
- Older Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios
Apple's lowest-cost handset, the iPhone 17e, is a good entry point into iOS and iMessage. Its A19 processor is modern and fast for everything your kids need or want to do. It's also compact, waterproof, and compatible with Apple Intelligence.
If you use an iPhone, chances are you want your kid on the same OS for convenience. The iPhone 17e is the most affordable way to accomplish this, and it has thorough, built-in parental controls.
- Good battery life
- Quick-enough 5G and Wi-Fi
- Impressive cameras for the price
- 6-year support commitment
- Decent quality build
- Outdated processor
- Limited RAM
Samsung's Galaxy A17 5G offers a lot of features for its budget-friendly price. Its cameras produce photographs and videos that look great, mimicking flagship-level quality. With a 2,340-by-1,080-pixel screen, a decent processor, and a reliable 5G modem, it won't frustrate your child with subpar performance. A microSD slot (supporting cards up to 2TB) is also a benefit for long-term use, as is Samsung's promise of six major Android OS updates. Even better, this model is splash and rainproof.
For older kids who you can rely on to keep it safe, the Galaxy A17 5G provides an above-average experience. Moreover, its removable storage and comprehensive software support should keep it viable for several years.
- Affordable
- 5G and Wi-Fi
- Long battery life
- Quick performance
- Limited third-party apps
- Poor cameras
- Embedded battery
The TCL Flip 4 is a great voice phone that connects to modern 5G networks. It supports wired headphones via its 3.5mm headphone jack and charges via USB-C. A 5MP camera is useful in a pinch. Finally, Wi-Fi 5 connectivity and email access can help keep you in the communications loop.
If your kid isn't ready for or does not want a smartphone, the affordable TCL Flip 4 performs basic phone functions confidently. The speakerphone and earpiece sound loud and clear, too.
The Best Phones for Kids in 2026 Compare Specs
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.
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 today's 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 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; instead, 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 buy a nice, rugged case for whichever 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 TCL Flip 4 is the best inexpensive solution for basic calling, though some kids might prefer the Barbie Phone.
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 one solution. (It's worth saying that you 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, and Tile trackers all leverage 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 reason for a kid saying they specifically want an iOS phone.
One thing to remember as a parent is that your child doesn't need an expensive iPhone to use iMessage. The $599 iPhone 17e works just fine, as do reasonably recent refurbished models. For more on this topic, see our analysis of which iPhone you should buy.
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—and make 911 emergency calls. Even phones that have no cellular service can connect to 911 networks.
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.
Android and iOS both have 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.
Apps that are breeding grounds for cyberbullying should stay off 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 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 gain their first bits of independence, they might need phones to tote around the neighborhood and 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 new networks for the best coverage and voice quality. As mentioned, the TCL Flip 4 is a good first voice phone and supports 5G.
Low-cost or used smartphones are also good choices for this set. The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G and A25 5G both offer excellent value.
If you're an iOS family, make sure to get an iOS 26-compatible phone. We recommend the $599 iPhone 17e as an entry-level model (or a used iPhone 15 or 16).
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.
Teenagers will want better cameras and more gaming potential than younger kids. The Pixel 10a has the lowest list price for an Android phone with a flagship-level camera.
If your kid wants an iPhone, the iPhone 17e still offers the best balance of price and quality.
For more recommendations, see our lists of the best cheap phones and the best phones we've tested overall.
