6 Best Kids Cell Phone Options in 2022

For many parents, child safety is a top priority. Unfortunately, cell phones and smart watches can both help parents protect their kids and also enable them to make decisions that may put their lives in danger. Luckily, there are several great kids cell phone options out there that include features like parental controls and limited features.

1. Nokia 3310 3G

Who knows what effect being connected online every waking hour has on the developing mind? Smartphones tend to have too many features, and with the Nokia 3310 3G you can keep things old-school for your child.

Pros of Nokia 3310 3G

Long battery life
Customizable UI
Decent camera
Sturdy build
SNAKE!

Cons of Nokia 3310 3G

Facebook and Twitter baked in
No water resistance

About the Nokia 3310 3G

For all intents and purposes, children really don’t need a smartphone. In terms of raw functionality (and a few simple but addictive games that parents who were kids in the early 2000s will want to play), the Nokia 3310 3G is great for kids. There’s something much more innocent about your kids playing Snake than some free-to-play mobile MMO.

It has a cute solid design, four color choices (yellow, red, blue, black) and a standby battery life that probably adds up to several smartphones combined (about one month, according to Nokia).

One of the downsides is that the internet here is only 3G. On the one hand, that may make online calls and chat a bit choppy, but on the other hand it’s the kind of internet speed that should ensure your child doesn’t spend endless hours online.

2. VTech KidiBuzz 3

Although this looks more like a toy than a smart phone, the VTech KidiBuzz 3 is the perfect mix of control and freedom for young children.

Pros of VTech KidiBuzz 3

40+ educational games pre-installed
Allows text and voice messages
Includes camera, music, and video apps
Parental controls built into device

Cons of VTech KidiBuzz 3

Does not allow phone calls
Messaging only works on Wi-Fi
No GPS capabilities

About The VTech KidiBuzz 3

If you’re looking for a simple tech toy that also allows you to stay connected with your kids on the go, the VTech KidiBuzz 3 is a decent kids cell phone option. The device comes with over 40 pre-installed applications and games, with nearly 2000 more available in the Learning Lodge. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts approximately 4-5 hours while in constant use, and the 5MP built-in camera lets kids take pictures to their heart’s content.

The KidiBuzz 3 includes 8GB of internal memory, which is more than enough to store the contacts you enter for your child and games. While the memory isn’t expandable, the device really isn’t intended for kids who plan to download music and other items. Also, since no phone calls can be made, this device doesn’t require a traditional cell phone plan – your kids simply need Wi-Fi connectivity to send and receive messages.

This device is best suited for young children between the ages of 4 and 9, and not ideal for parents who want to track their child’s location. The KidiBuzz 3 retails for just over $100 and is available through most major retailers.

3. Gabb Phone Z2

This functional phone is stripped of most of the features that will get kids into trouble, setting parents’ minds at ease.

Pros of Gabb Phone Z2

No internet access or social media apps
Unlimited talk and text
Built-in camera
GPS tracking
Low cost

Cons of Gabb Phone Z2

No parental controls built in
No feature for parents to monitor calls or texts

About The Gabb Phone Z2

The Gabb Z2 was created to help parents keep their children safe without adding to the screen time dilemma playing out everywhere around the world. The phone comes with a limited number of pre-installed apps and internet access is not included in the $19.99/month basic cell phone plan. But as long as your child doesn’t need internet access or specific apps, this is a great option for basic calling and texting.

Like many other cell phones, the Gabb Z2 offers a 16 hour battery life while in use (or 450 hours in standby mode). It also includes 32GB of built-in storage plus an SD card slot to allow for an additional 128GB of storage. The phone also includes Bluetooth connectivity, LTE data, and a nano SIM card slot.

The Gabb Z2 does run a modified version of Android 10, but it offers limited app installation as a way to cut down on kids’ screen time. However, the phone does include a headphone jack, built-in speakers, and dual cameras.

Overall, the Gabb Z2 is a great value phone for parents who want to limit what apps and features are available for their children. This device costs $99.99 with options to spread payments into the monthly contract, and is exclusively available through Gabb Wireless.

4. Pinwheel Plus Kids Cell Phone

If you want a kids cell phone specifically designed to “grow with your child,” look no further than the Pinwheel Kids Cell Phone.

Pros of Pinwheel Plus

Customizable modes
Parental controls through app
GPS locator
No app store available
Compatible with multiple carriers

Cons of Pinwheel Plus

Fairly expensive device
Parents must install any apps or games separately

About The Pinwheel Plus Kids Cell Phone

Pinwheel offers a kids cell phone that “grows up with your child.” (Assuming they don’t break it.) The device runs a custom version of Android 11 alongside the Pinwheel Caregiver app. In other words, parents can completely customize their child’s experience down to the hour and completely control what apps or features are available at any given time.

The device itself includes 64GB of storage, with the option to expand. It also comes with a headphone jack, Bluetooth capabilities, and 5G/LTE support. It also comes with an impressive 48MP main camera and a 13MP selfie camera. Since the phone takes a physical SIM card, Pinwheel works with most major carriers.

The Pinwheel Plus retails for $329, but comes fully unlocked and ready to go with any cellular provider.

5. Palm Phone

This tiny phone packs plenty of power and offers lots of customization options, making it a great kids cell phone regardless of your child’s age.

Pros of Palm Phone

Fully-functional Android device
Built-in location tracking
Long battery life
Small, lightweight design
Can be used with nearly any major cell carrier
Can limit screen time, app downloads and more through Google Family Link

Cons of Palm Phone

Allows access to internet and Google Play Store
Small size makes it easier for children to lose
Fairly expensive device

About The Palm Phone

The Palm Phone is a great option for slightly older kids who want a smart phone because it offers lots of customization options while still providing outstanding parental controls. Furthermore, this unlocked device includes a SIM pin and removable SIM tray, not to mention it’s compatible with nearly any cell carrier out there, including the major brands like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.

This device runs Android as its operating system and includes 32GB of internal storage but doesn’t have the option to expand the storage with an SD card. With a small, 3.3 inch screen, the Palm Phone boasts an impressive 13 hour battery life. It also has a 12MP rear camera plus an 8MP selfie camera.

Most importantly, this tiny device is also highly durable. You can drop it from a height of 5 feet without much worry, plus the phone is also water resistant. This, along with the functionality, makes it ideal for older children and teens who need a useful and durable cell phone.

The fully unlocked version costs around $250 and is available through most major retailers.

6. Jitterbug Flip 2

The Jitterbug’s limited features and ease of use don’t just make it great for grandma – they also make it a great kids cell phone.

Pros of Jitterbug Flip 2

No internet access or social media
Large buttons
Built-in camera
List-based layout

Cons of Jitterbug Flip 2

No parental controls
Can’t monitor of calls and texts
No GPS tracking

About The Jitterbug Flip 2

While the Jitterbug Flip 2 doesn’t offer much in the way of features, it is a relatively easy-to-use, highly durable device. The lack of internet access and apps makes it a great option for families who just need a simple talk and text phone for a young child.

The phone gets approximately 12 hours of talk time, but given that the phone doesn’t have a touch screen or any other smartphone features, the battery can go days between charges. The device allows for GPS tracking, Bluetooth connectivity, and includes a standard headphone jack.

Furthermore, the Flip 2 does include SIM and SD card slots, with the ability to expand the phone’s total storage to 32GB. Unfortunately, you are limited to a single carrier and it’s far from the cheapest phone out there. The phone itself retails for approximately $100, but there are always deals through online retailers like Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I buy my child a cell phone?

Every family situation and every child is different, so there isn’t an exact age when you should buy your child a cell phone. Instead, you should think about your child’s maturity level, their activities, and what benefits a cell phone would offer.

2. How can I lock down a regular smart phone for my child?

Most of the phones on this list make it easy for parents to lock down features or enable parental controls. However, parents can also use apps like Screen Time and Google Family Link to enable parental controls on any device.