Kid phones with no browser and no app store

As parents grow more worried about unrestricted smartphone access for children, a growing number of companies are building devices aimed specifically at kids. Today’s kid-friendly phones usually have touchscreens, cameras and calling and messaging much like regular smartphones. But the software is heavily modified to remove or restrict web browsers, social media, app stores and other distractions. Parents typically manage the devices through a companion app, approving contacts, monitoring location, setting screen-time limits, choosing available apps and, in some cases, getting alerts about cyberbullying, explicit content or online predators.

Some companies take a more minimalist route, making devices that only call and text. There are also home phones built for children, such as Tin Can and the recently launched Pinwheel Home. Here is a look at the main players in the kid-phone market.

The Bark Phone

The Bark Phone is probably one of the most popular kid-specific smartphones on the market. Built on Samsung Galaxy hardware and run by Bark’s monitoring software, it only allows calls and texts with approved contacts. Bark continuously scans texts, emails, photos and supported apps for signs of cyberbullying, grooming, suicidal ideation, sexual content and other potential concerns, then sends alerts to parents. A big standout 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. The standard model currently costs $240, plus a required wireless plan beginning at $29 a month. Higher-tier plans add internet access and unlimited 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 altogether. Its phones do not include social media, a browser or an app store. Instead, children get calling, texting 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. Parents can view location and manage certain device settings, while optional services such as “Gabb Guard” help block spam calls and unwanted texts. Phone pricing currently starts around $159.99, with cellular service starting around $24.99 a month.

Pinwheel

With Pinwheel, parents approve every app, control contacts, schedule screen time, create custom routines and monitor location history. One standout feature is the ability to create different “modes” through the day, for example limiting the phone to calling and navigation during school hours before unlocking more features after homework. Pinwheel phones start around $119, while the Caregiver Portal subscription begins at $14.99 a month without cell service. Cellular service can be bought separately through participating carriers. The company recently launched two landline phones for $68 and $79. It also offers a smartwatch at $160.

Teracube Thrive

Launched in 2022, Teracube offers a tailored version of Android known as Thrive OS. This lets parents approve every app download, filter web browsing, set app-specific and overall screen-time limits, monitor location and create customized routines for school or bedtime. Because it has more traditional smartphone features, it is often recommended for older children. Thrive currently sells for $99, with plans starting at $35 a month.

Ooma MyPhone

Unlike the other products in this roundup, Ooma MyPhone is not a mobile phone at all. This kid-focused home phone is designed as a modern replacement for the traditional household 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 lets parents review call logs through an online portal. There are no apps, internet browsing, texting or social media. The phone costs $99.99, while service starts at $7.99 a month.

Tin Can

For $100, Tin Can resembles a landline phone with a distinctive tin can design, which is the inspiration behind its name. The device does not need a traditional phone jack but connects via Wi-Fi. Only approved contacts can make calls, effectively preventing spam or unauthorized communications. Parents can manage contacts through a companion app. Tin Can offers a free plan for calling other Tin Can users, as well as a $9.99 a month plan that allows calls to all approved contacts.

Waffle

A newer entrant in the space, Waffle recently opened preorders for its screen-free devices: Waffle Home ($119), a landline phone, and Waffle Go ($169), which looks like a portable walkie-talkie or kids’ toy with three simple buttons that can only make voice calls and listen to voice notes. Parents can approve contacts via the companion app, see location and control when devices can call. The new phones will ship on November 23.

Yello!

TextNow, the Canadian telecommunications company, recently launched its new mobile phone for kids. It is called Yello! and while it looks like a normal touchscreen smartphone, it has no app store, no social media and no unrestricted web access. Parents can see their kids’ location and battery life, as well as control things like the games they play and who they have in their contacts. Yello! costs $149.99 upfront, with a $19.99 a month plan.