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Mother and daughter using a kids smartphone and smartwatch
Last Updated: Oct 2026

Best Phones for Kids in 2026: Safe Picks for Every Age

We compared kids' phones, smartwatches and safety apps. Here are our top picks for every age.

Side-by-Side Comparison
Every Age
Safety First
1
Editor's Choice
Editor's Choice
9.8

The safest first smartphone: tamper-proof parental controls built in, so the rules you set stay set.

  • ✓

    TIME Best Inventions 2023 & PCMag Editors' Choice

  • ✓

    AI monitoring of texts, apps & social media

  • ✓

    Real-time GPS location tracking

  • ✓

    Screen time schedules for school & bedtime

  • ✓

    Approve every contact & app

Visit Bark Phone
bark.us
2
Best for Younger Kids
Best for Younger Kids
Bark Watch
9.6

A smartwatch for younger kids: calls, texts & GPS with no browser, games, or social media.

  • ✓

    Calls & texts over LTE - no phone needed

  • ✓

    Real-time GPS location tracking

  • ✓

    No browser, games, or social media

  • ✓

    Alerts for bullying, predators & more

  • ✓

    SOS button to quickly call 911

Visit Bark Watch
bark.us

Not sure which to pick? Under 10: start with the Bark Watch. Ready for a first smartphone: the Bark Phone. Already has a phone: add the Bark App.

3
Best for Existing Phones
Best for Existing Phones
Bark App
9.4

Already on a phone? Bark's app monitors texts, social apps & the web on the device your child already has.

  • ✓

    7-day free trial - cancel anytime

  • ✓

    Works on iPhone, Android, tablets & Chromebooks

  • ✓

    AI alerts in 29+ categories, like bullying & predators

  • ✓

    Screen time schedules & website blocking

  • ✓

    Live GPS location & check-ins

Compatible with:
Visit Bark App
bark.us
Bark Phone: the safer first smartphone, with parental controls kids can't turn off.
Our Score
-
9.8 / 10