As parents become increasingly concerned about the potential dangers of unrestricted access to smartphones for children, a growing number of companies are developing devices designed specifically for children.

Today’s kid-friendly phones typically feature touch screens, cameras, and communication capabilities similar to those of regular smartphones. However, the software on these devices is largely modified to remove or restrict access to web browsers, social networks, app stores, and other distractions.

Parents can typically manage these devices through a companion app, allowing them to approve contacts, monitor locations, set screen time limits, select available apps, and, in some cases, receive alerts about cyberbullying, explicit content, or online predators.

In addition to these modified devices, some companies offer a more minimalist approach, creating devices that focus solely on calls and text messages.

There are also home phones designed specifically for children, such as the Tin Can and the recently launched Pinwheel Home.

Here’s a look at the main players shaping the kids’ phone market.

The bark telephone

The Bark Phone is probably one of the most popular kids smartphones on the market.

Built with Samsung Galaxy hardware and Bark monitoring software, it only allows calls and texts with approved contacts. Bark continually scans text messages, emails, photos, and supported apps for signs of cyberbullying, sexual harassment, suicidal ideation, sexual content, and other potential concerns, and then sends alerts to parents.

A very notable feature is that parents can gradually unlock web browsing, apps, and other features as their child matures. The phone also includes GPS tracking and screen time management.

Current pricing for the standard model is $240, plus a required wireless plan starting at $29/month. Higher-tier plans add unlimited internet access and texting.

Gabb

Gabb is a well-known name in the kid-friendly phone category. Unlike Bark, however, Gabb focuses less on monitoring content and more on eliminating online risks entirely.

Their phones do not include social networks, a browser or an app store. Instead, kids get calls, texts, and a carefully curated selection of preloaded apps, including a camera, calendar, and calculator. The company also touts its “worry-free” music streaming library with millions of songs.

Additionally, parents can view the location and manage certain device settings, while optional services like “Gabb Guard” help block unwanted calls and unwanted text messages.

Current pricing for the phone starts around $159.99, and cellular service starts around $24.99 per month.

Grinder

With Pinwheel, parents approve each app, monitor contacts, schedule screen time, create personalized routines, and monitor location history.

A standout feature is the ability to create different “modes” throughout the day. For example, limiting your phone to calls and browsing during school hours before unlocking additional features after homework.

Pinwheel phones cost about $119, while a Caregiver Portal subscription starts at $14.99 per month without cell service. (Cellular service can be purchased separately through participating carriers.)

The company recently launched two landlines for $68 and $79. It also offers a smartwatch for $160.

Teracube thrive

Launched in 2022, Teracube offers a customized version of Android known as Thrive OS. This allows parents to approve each app download, filter web browsing, set general and app-specific screen time limits, monitor location, and create personalized school or bedtime routines. However, because it has more traditional smartphone features, it is often recommended for older children.

Thrive currently sells for $99, with plans starting at $35 per month.

Ooma My Phone

Unlike the other products in this roundup, the Ooma MyPhone is not a mobile phone at all. This kid-focused home phone is designed as a modern replacement for the traditional home landline.

The service allows calls only between approved contacts through its Trusted Circle feature, offers scheduled quiet hours, provides address-based 911 service, sends emergency alerts when 911 is dialed, and allows parents to review call logs through an online portal. There are no apps, internet browsing, texting or social media.

The phone costs $99.99, while the service starts at $7.99 per month.

can

For $100, the Tin Can looks like a landline phone with a distinctive can design, which is the inspiration behind its name.

This device does not require a traditional phone jack, but rather connects via Wi-Fi. Only approved contacts can make calls, effectively preventing spam or unauthorized communications. Parents can easily manage contacts through an easy-to-use companion app.

Tin Can offers a free plan to call other Tin Can users, as well as a $9.99 per month plan that allows calls to all approved contacts.