Picking the best phones for kids comes with a unique set of hurdles and inconveniences. There are so many options available in the market, but you need something economical, secure, and easy to use, right? Don’t worry! This guide clarifies everything! We will cover the 8 best budget-friendly phones for kids in 2025, focusing on features, safety features, and price. Moreover, our thorough comparisons and reviews will also address the most frequently asked concerns from parents. So, let’s get started and find the perfect phone for your kids!
Why should kids have cell phones?
Getting a cell phone can be greatly advantageous for a kid. Let us find out the reasons behind this!
+ Helps keep them safe: If kids face any trouble, a mobile phone lets them contact their parents right away and get help in time. Parents can also get in touch easily for peace of mind.
+ Learn new things: For some older children, digital literacy is also one of the key reasons why cell phones are needed. They can look up answers to questions, watch educational videos, or use education-centered apps that have smart fun in learning.
+ Stay connected with families and friends: Communication with your family and best friends is not limited to just ‘next time’. With a phone, you can call or message them anytime, anywhere. Children have their own social circles and keeping them interactive is also essential for healthy growth.
What age should kids get a phone?
So, you’ve finally made the decision to get your child a phone. But you may be confused about at what age a kid can have a phone. Let’s have a look at the survey reports, which will help you make your decision!
A Stanford Medicine survey reveals that kids around the age of 11 or 12 are when most children tend to receive their first phone.
Next, a consumer Affairs survey also adds that by 15 years of age, almost every teenager is in possession of a phone.
But here’s something to consider – some experts suggest not introducing a smartphone until at least the age of 14. This is because, at that age, children are relatively more responsible and capable of managing online risks. Moreover, if the goal is communication and safety, a younger age certainly makes sense. But if the phone is merely for entertainment, waiting a little longer might be beneficial.
Concerns about giving your kid a phone
If you have decided to get phones for kids, then you must also consider the following factors, which might elevate your concern related to kids’ safety!
- Excessive screen time and addiction
While smartphones offer loads of entertainment and a source of education, more children spend much more time on their cell phone activities than ever, which can cause serious addiction problems. If a child is overly dependent on their mobile phones, they might miss out on schoolwork, outdoor activities, and even their sleep schedule. It may affect kids both mentally (Insomnia, anxiety, depression, etc.) and physically (eye problems).
- Easily get distracted
To be honest, phones make focusing very easy to lose. Children can get lost in the world of social media or games, especially those who lack self-control and self-management skills.
- Risks concerning safety while browsing the Internet
The virtual online world contains numerous things that may not be suitable for younger audiences, and not all things are under parents’ control. For instance, strangers, online harassment, and inappropriate content are just some of the threats children may face. This is why open dialogue combined with appropriate monitoring is essential.
The best options are here, all with excellent performance, parental controls, and more.
8 best phones for kids: budget options you should buy
The digital age is here, and many parents are considering giving their kids their first phone. But how do you strike the right balance between affordability, safety, and functionality? Now, let’s go through the 8 child-friendly phones and see why they are a good fit for you.
i) Google Pixel 8a
The Google Pixel 8a is on the more budget-friendly side, yet it’s still a powerful device. It performs well, takes good pictures, and has Google’s built-in safety features.
Why it’s great for kids: It has Family Link features, which give parents screen time limits down to the minute and block certain applications. Additionally, the battery can be relied on to last all day. So, you’re free from worrying about a dead phone if, for any reason, you use it in the middle of the day.
| Pros | Cons |
| + Family Link is robust and can help with online safety. + Great camera to capture candid moments. + Good battery life, so it won’t run out too fast. | – You will have to buy Bluetooth earphones because there is no headphone jack. – More expensive than some other budget phones. |
ii) iPhone SE: Entry-Level iPhone
The iPhone SE is also the most affordable option from Apple. Moreover, it offers the essential features you would expect of an iPhone without costing a fortune.
Why it’s great for kids: If you want an Apple phone for your child, this model is the way to go. The SE model is Apple’s cheapest phone and has all the necessary features in a more compact size. Parents can easily monitor and set limits using built-in iPhone Screen Time options.
| Pros | Cons |
| + Perfectly sized for smaller hands. + High performance and responsive, even for mobile gaming. + Effective screen time parental controls. | – Mediocre battery life, which means frequent recharging. – No headphone jack. |
iii) Samsung Galaxy S21: Popular phone for teens
The phone boasts a sharp design along with other features that make the Samsung Galaxy S21 one of the leading smartphones. Moreover, it is suitable for teenagers because of the large screen, excellent camera, and seamless Android performance.
Why it’s great: With Samsung’s Kids Mode, you can set restrictions like which apps your kids can use.
| Pros | Cons |
| + Impressive camera for capturing images and recording videos. + No delays due to enhanced processing speed. + Samsung Kids Mode is helpful in setting parental controls. | – Overpriced for a children’s smartphone. – Compared to other models, battery life is shorter. |
iv) Xiaomi Redmi 14C: Best budget Android
If you are looking for an inexpensive smartphone that does its work well, look no further; the Xiaomi Redmi 14C is perfect. It has a large screen, a high-capacity battery, and operates like any other Android device.
Why it’s great for kids: Its price is very budget-friendly, but it still comes with Google’s Family Link to control available screen time and applications.
| Pros | Cons |
| + Family-friendly in terms of budget. + Large screen is suitable for watching videos and playing games. + Excellent battery life lasts the entire day. | – Pictures taken may not be very clear due to subpar camera quality. – Performance is lower than the latest smartphones, but it remains adequate for daily tasks. |
v) Nokia 2780: Basic Flip Phone
If you are looking for the simplest mobile device, then the Nokia 2780 is one of the basic phones for kids you are searching for. It is a flip phone, which means it does not have a touchscreen like smartphones do, and the phone is not flamboyant in any way.
Why it’s great for kids: There are no social media platforms or internet access, meaning all it can do is call and text. This can be a great option if your parents want you to have a phone for safety purposes.
| Pros | Cons |
| + Only calling and texting are the available features, leading to no navigational distractions. + Durability ensures that it won’t break easily. + Long battery life of up to days. | – No internet or social media means no games or YouTube. – Small screen size leads to slower texting speed. |
vi) Bark phone: Best for kids’ safety
The Bark phone is tailored for kids and has built-in safety features. Parents can monitor text messages, track live locations, and manage kids’ online activities via the phone.
Why it’s good for kids: Parents can restrict websites and monitor messages, but kids still have the ability to enjoy calling, texting, and using fun apps.
| Pros | Cons |
| + Best parental controls for safety. + Restrictive settings cannot be removed, ensuring kids can’t change settings. + Comes with Bark’s monitoring service to protect against cyberbullying and online dangers. | – High monthly fee because of required Bark subscription. – Cannot access the app store to download apps freely. |
vii) Gabb Phone 4 Pro: A safe phone for kids
The Gabb Phone 4 Pro is one of the best phones designed for kids, featuring no internet, social media, or unsafe apps, but it looks like a regular smartphone.
Why it’s great for kids: With all the safety features, kids can easily text message, call, and capture pictures with Gabb. Parents also have the option to customize phone use with Gabb parental controls.
| Pros | Cons |
| + Uses a smartphone-style design so kids can fit in with their peers. + Comprehensive parental control options. | – Children might be disappointed by the absence of YouTube and social media. – There aren’t many apps to choose from, as the selection is strictly controlled. |
viii) Pinwheel Phone: A Smartphone with no web browser
This is another secure cell phone specially designed for kids. You will find it has no social media, no web browser, and no app store, so everything a child can do with this phone is strictly filtered.
Why it’s great for kids: Without internet access, kids can focus on using text messaging, calling, and approved apps. Parents can also track their child’s location for added safety. Those features are enough to safeguard kids and keep them connected.
| Pros | Cons |
| + No online risks due to lack of internet browsing. + Many pre-approved safe apps are available. + Everything can be controlled via a parental control dashboard. | – Lack of options to download any app they want. – Older kids and teens might find it too limiting. |
Comparison table of the 8 phones for kids
| Age rating | Price range | Standout features | Screen size | Parental Controls | Battery life | |
| Google Pixel 8a | 12+ | $400 – $500 | Fast performance, great camera, built-in Google safety tools | 6.1 inches | 🗸 | 24+ hours |
| iPhone SE | 10+ | $429 – $499 | Affordable iPhone, iMessage & FaceTime, small and lightweight | 4.7 inches | 🗸 | Up to 15 hours |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 | 13+ | $500 – $700 | Big bright screen, a high-end camera, and Samsung Kids Mode | 6.2 inches | 🗸 | 20+ hours |
| Xiaomi Redmi 14C | 10+ | $150 – $250 | Budget-friendly, long battery life, Google Family Link | 6.5 inches | 🗸 | Up to 2 days |
| Nokia 2780 | 8+ | $90 – $150 | Flip phone, no internet, simple calling and texting | 2.7 inches (small flip) | X | Up to 7 days |
| Bark Phone | 9+ | $200 – $300 (with plan) | Advanced parental controls, message monitoring, safe browsing | 6.5 inches | 🗸 | 24+ hours |
| Gabb Phone 4 Pro | 8+ | $150 – $250 | No internet or social media, safe calling and texting | 6.5 inches | 🗸 | Up to 3 days |
| Pinwheel Phone | 9+ | $200 – $350 | No web browser, parent-controlled apps, distraction-free | 6.5 inches | 🗸 | 24+ hours |
Factors to consider when choosing a phone for kids
As a parent, making the decision to get a phone for your child can be quite challenging. The good news, however, is that there is a guideline that can help you put everything together in a helpful manner. Here’s how to make that decision without worrying.
Your budget: Getting a phone for your kids will be quite simple. You just have to clear your head off thinking it is expensive. Let’s be honest! Phones range from very cheap to unavailable to middle-class families.
Durability: Smartphones for children need to be durable, as kids tend to drop things every now and then. So, a tough phone and a strong phone case are the ideal choices.
Battery life: Having a phone that dies out quickly isn’t helpful at all. It’s best to choose a phone with a long-lasting battery for day-to-day usage so that the kids can get a favor through their phones in time.
The age of your child: Next, keep in mind that you have to choose a phone depending on the age of your kid. For instance, older kids would require devices with enhanced capabilities, where they can do more than just make calls and send text messages.
Safety and parental controls: Furthermore, find a phone that gives you the ability to set screen time limits, app block lists, and location tracking. These measures enhance safety for children using phones connected to the internet.
Extra protection: How to make your kid’s phone safe
It’s great that you bought your child their first phone. Now, it is equally important to guarantee its safety. As a parent, you don’t want them to access inappropriate content or communicate with unknown individuals, right? Don’t panic! There are a number of ways to keep their phone safe while also enabling them to enjoy its use.
1. Enable built-in parental controls
The majority of phones today are fitted with parental controls. You may prevent your child from accessing certain applications, limit their screen time, and even control who they can speak to, among other things. It is almost like having a phone security guard. You’ll simply need to go into the settings and enable those options.
2. Open discussion
While rules can be effective on their own, talking is equally important. You should teach your child why it is critical to practice safety while using the internet. So, instruct them not to engage with strangers. Also, tell them not to share sensitive information with unknown contacts or click on suspicious links. Moreover, they should be well aware that they can approach you if they ever feel uncomfortable.
3. Use of tracking apps
Moreover, if you want greater online protection for your kids, then you have to use third-party parental control apps. With so many options available, you can easily trust FlashGet Kids. It allows you to track your children’s location, and you can also set geofencing. If your kids cross the boundaries, you will get an alert in real-time. Moreover, you can also restrict their device usage and even filter their access to certain content. Thus, you can rest easy knowing that your kid is safe when he is outside.
Key takeaways
All in all, picking a phone for your kids can be a difficult task. However, you’ll first need to evaluate your budget, their age, and the features they desire. Next, choose a device that has strict safety measures and a durable battery. Then, use parental locks, have a discussion about internet safety, and ensure that you have installed FlashGet Kids for more security. Finally, parents should monitor their children’s phone usage to promote responsible and safe usage. By doing these measures, you will feel safe that your kids are secure while using the internet.
