Best Phone for Kids 2026: Safe, Affordable Picks With Strong Parental Controls
The right first-phone for a kid optimizes for four things: cost (it will get dropped), durability, parental controls, and software support (so you don't have to replace it in 18 months). Apple's Screen Time and Google's Family Link are now mature enough that we recommend mainstream phones — not 'kid phones' — for most families.
Updated · 4 picks · Rankings reflect MKBHD Smartphone Awards outcomes.
How we picked
Phones under $700 with strong parental control ecosystems and 4+ year software support. Award context from MKBHD's Best Value and Best Small Phone categories informs the picks.
- #1
Won Best Small Phone at MKBHD's 2024 Smartphone Awards. Apple's Screen Time + Family Sharing is the most mature parental-controls ecosystem. iMessage Family integration handles allowance, app approvals, and location sharing. Now $599–$699.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2024 Best Small Phone
- Best parental controls (Screen Time + Family Sharing)
- Now $599–$699
Cons
- More expensive than budget Android picks
- iMessage requires other family on iPhone
- #2
Runner-up at MKBHD's 2024 Best Value awards. Google Family Link is mature and well-integrated. Seven years of updates means it'll last from age 12 to age 19. At $499, half the price of an iPhone.
Pros
- Seven years of updates
- Google Family Link integration
- $499 — strong value
Cons
- Plastic frame
- Tensor G3 isn't fast
- #3
MKBHD's 2023 Best Value winner. Now $249–$349 — the cheapest reasonable phone for a child you don't want to spend a fortune on. IP67 water resistance helps with the inevitable drops/spills. Software supported through 2027.
Pros
- IP67 water resistance — important for kids
- MKBHD's 2023 Best Value winner
- $249–$349
Cons
- Slow Exynos chipset
- Updates roll out slowly
- #4
Runner-up at MKBHD's 2023 Best Value awards. Now $200–$280 used or refurbished. Same Family Link integration, same Pixel UI, just an older Tensor G2 chip. The right pick for a first phone where loss/breakage is likely.
Pros
- Cheapest pick at $200–$280 used
- Family Link integration
- Excellent OLED display
Cons
- Battery life is short
- Tensor G2 is slow
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best first phone for a child in 2026?
iPhone 16 if you're already an Apple family (best parental controls via Screen Time + Family Sharing), or Pixel 8a if you're an Android family. Both have 4+ years of software support and mature parental control ecosystems.
Should I buy a 'kid-specific' phone?
Generally no — they're locked-down, harder to find replacement parts for, and outgrown quickly. A mainstream phone with parental controls enabled is more flexible and lasts longer.
What age is appropriate for a first phone?
Most pediatric guidance suggests 12–14 for a first smartphone. Smartwatch-only options (Apple Watch with cellular, Fitbit Ace) are good intermediate steps for younger kids who just need calling and location sharing.
About this list
We index every phone that won or placed in MKBHD's annual Smartphone Awards (2014–2025) and surface the strongest matches for this category. Award badges link to the full award history. We earn a commission on purchases via our retailer links — at no extra cost to you.