Top-Rated Mobile Devices for Children in 2025
In the ever-evolving world of technology, finding the right smartphone for kids that balances fun, safety, and security is paramount. Here are three standout options for 2025 that cater to these needs: the Bark Phone, the Troomi Samsung A14 5G, and the privacy-focused Murena One.
Bark Phone: A Comprehensive Solution
The Bark Phone, based on the Samsung Galaxy A13, offers a robust suite of built-in parental controls. Powered by Bark's AI monitoring software, it helps prevent bullying, self-harm, and exposure to inappropriate content. Key features include GPS tracking, contact management, SOS buttons, and the ability to work for parents using Android or iPhone via the Bark Parent app. The Bark Phone can be purchased with plans starting around $29/month, and includes Bark Premium monitoring across devices [1][4].
Troomi Samsung A14 5G: A Kid-Friendly Smartphone Experience
Priced at around $199.95, the Troomi Samsung A14 5G offers a child-safe Android-like OS managed by parents, delivering a balance of smartphone features without the typical risks of open app stores [1]. It's an excellent choice for parents seeking a kid-focused smartphone experience.
Murena One: Privacy at its Core
For families prioritizing privacy and security, the Murena One, running /e/OS, an open-source, Google-tracking-free system, is a compelling option. It comes with parental controls for screen time and content, encrypted file storage, private notifications, and regular privacy reports.
In addition to these devices, parents using iPhones can enhance their child's safety and digital wellbeing with parental control apps like Qustodio, offering extensive management controls including screen time limits, web filtering for inappropriate content, location tracking, and emergency SOS functionality [3].
Other kid-focused phones like the Gabb Phone offer simplified functions to limit social media and app exposure, focusing on safety through device restrictions rather than full smartphone features [4][5]. Meanwhile, phones such as the Sirin Labs Finney U1 and K-iPhone are more geared for crypto users or tech-savvy adults [2].
Other Noteworthy Mentions
The Google Pixel 7a, while not marketed specifically for kids, offers a phenomenal value proposition. With 8GB of RAM, a 6.1-inch AMOLED display, and a 4,385mAh battery, it delivers impressive performance. Its price point is currently far more attractive than the recently released 8a. Additionally, it runs the latest available version of Android and is compatible with Google's Family Link parental control app [2].
Pinwheel's OS allows for the creation of specific modes based on the time of day that restrict access to functions and apps. However, using Google's Family Link with Pinwheel can be challenging and requires purchasing the phone through Pinwheel [3].
In conclusion, the Bark Phone stands out as the best overall smart kids’ phone for parental controls and monitoring combined with strong privacy features. Troomi offers a kid-focused smartphone experience, while Murena One caters to families prioritizing privacy and security. Supplementing these devices with parental control apps on iPhones or Android can further enhance child safety and digital wellbeing [1][2][3][4].
[1] Bark Phone: https://www.bark.us/bark-phone/ [2] Murena One: https://murena.com/murena-one/ [3] Qustodio: https://www.qustodio.com/ [4] Gabb Phone: https://www.gabbwireless.com/phones [5] Troomi Samsung A14 5G: https://troomi.com/products/samsung-a14-5g
- The Bark Phone, with its comprehensive suite of parental controls and AI monitoring software, is a prime choice for those who seek a smartphone for kids that ensures security, safety, and balance, enriching the overall lifestyle while promoting education and self-development through learning.
- The Troomi Samsung A14 5G offers an affordable, kid-friendly smartphone experience, catering to the needs of parents who want their children to have access to smartphone features while maintaining control over potential risks associated with open app stores.
- The Murena One, running on /e/OS, a Google-tracking-free system, is an excellent pick for families prioritizing privacy and security, delivering a kid-focused device with parental controls, encrypted file storage, and regular privacy reports.
