Phones for Kids: What Each Type Offers and What to Consider

What you're actually choosing between

When you're looking at phones for kids, you're not picking between one product and another — you're picking between different levels of access and control. A basic phone calls and texts. A smartphone does everything an adult phone does. A kids' smartwatch sits between them. A tablet isn't a phone but often fills the same role. Each one costs differently, works on different networks, and gives you different ways to see what your child is doing.

The choice depends on what your child actually needs to do, how old they are, and how much monitoring matters to you. A 9-year-old who needs to call you from soccer practice has different needs than a 14-year-old who wants to text friends. This guide walks through what each type does, what it costs, and what trade-offs come with each one.

Key Takeaways

• Basic phones let kids call and text but not browse the internet, and they cost $20 to $50 per month on most networks.
• Smartphones give full internet access and app downloads, cost $30 to $80 per month depending on the network, and require parental controls you set up yourself.
• Kids' smartwatches let you track location and receive calls or messages, cost $150 to $300 upfront plus $5 to $15 monthly, and work best for younger children.
• Tablets can do everything a smartphone does but are larger, cheaper upfront on some plans, and don't require a separate phone line.
• Monthly cost varies by carrier, data amount, and whether you add the phone to a family plan or buy it separately.

Basic phones: calling and texting only

A basic phone has a small screen, physical buttons or a number pad, and can make calls and send text messages. It cannot browse the internet, download apps, or access social media. Some models have a camera, but most do not. These phones are durable — they survive drops better than smartphones — and the battery lasts several days instead of one.

Basic phones work on most major networks: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and smaller carriers like Boost Mobile and Straight Talk. The phone itself costs $30 to $100 new, or you can find used ones for less. Monthly service runs $20 to $50 depending on the carrier and how many minutes and texts you buy. Some carriers offer unlimited texting and calling for kids on basic phones.

The main limitation is that your child cannot use apps, watch videos, or browse the web — which is the point if you want to delay smartphone access. The trade-off is that you cannot use parental control apps to monitor location or screen time, because basic phones do not run those apps. You get control through what the phone can physically do, not through software you install.

Smartphones: full access with parental controls you manage

A smartphone runs either Apple's iOS (iPhone) or Google's Android system. It connects to the internet through WiFi or cellular data, downloads apps, and does everything an adult phone does. Your child can text, call, use social media, watch videos, play games, and browse the web. The phone itself costs $200 to $1,200 new, though you can buy older models for $100 to $400.

Monthly service on a major carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) runs $30 to $80 depending on how much data you buy and whether you add the phone to your family plan. Adding a line to an existing family plan usually costs less than starting a new account. Smaller carriers like Mint Mobile and Visible often charge $25 to $45 monthly but may have slower speeds or less reliable coverage in rural areas.

To manage what your child sees and does, you set up parental controls built into the phone's operating system. On iPhone, you use Screen Time. On Android, you use Family Link. Both let you set app limits, block certain apps, see location, and require your approval before your child downloads something new. These tools work only if you set them up before handing over the phone, and your child cannot easily turn them off without your password.

The cost and complexity are higher than a basic phone, but so is what your child can do. If your child needs to research for school, stay in touch with friends, or use specific apps for activities, a smartphone is necessary. If you want to delay internet access, a basic phone or smartwatch is a better fit.

Kids' smartwatches: location tracking and limited communication

A kids' smartwatch is a wristband with a small screen that can receive calls and messages, show location on a map, and sometimes take photos or play games. It does not have a full keyboard, so texting is limited. Popular models include Gizmo Watch (Verizon), TickTalk, and Jiobit. The watch itself costs $150 to $300, and monthly service runs $5 to $15 added to your phone bill.

The main advantage is location tracking: you can see where your child is on your phone at any time. You can also set up alerts if your child leaves a certain area, like school or home. Calls and messages go through your phone, so your child cannot contact anyone you have not approved. This makes smartwatches popular for kids ages 6 to 10 who need to stay in touch but are not ready for a smartphone.

The limitations are real. Your child cannot browse the internet or download apps. The screen is small and hard to use for anything beyond receiving a call. Battery life is usually one to two days. If your child loses the watch, you lose the ability to track them until you replace it. Smartwatches work best as a stepping stone before a smartphone, not as a long-term replacement for one.

Tablets: smartphone functions without a phone line

A tablet is a larger device — usually 7 to 10 inches — that runs the same operating system as a smartphone (iOS or Android). It can download apps, browse the web, and do everything a smartphone does except make cellular calls. A tablet costs $150 to $600 new depending on the brand and model. You can buy older models for $75 to $200.

A tablet connects to the internet through WiFi only, or through WiFi plus cellular data if you pay for a data plan. WiFi-only tablets have no monthly cost beyond your home internet. Tablets with cellular cost $10 to $30 monthly for data, depending on the carrier and how much data you buy. Some families use a tablet as their child's first device because it is cheaper than a smartphone and does not require a phone line.

You set up parental controls on a tablet the same way you do on a smartphone — through Screen Time on iPad or Family Link on Android tablets. The main difference is that your child cannot make or receive calls, so they cannot contact you in an emergency unless they have WiFi and can use an app like FaceTime or WhatsApp. If emergency calling is important, a smartphone or smartwatch is a better choice.

Comparing monthly costs across carriers and phone types

Phone Type	Device Cost (New)	Monthly Cost (Typical)	What It Does
Basic phone	$30–$100	$20–$50	Calls and texts only
Smartphone (added to family plan)	$200–$1,200	$30–$80	Full internet, apps, calls, texts
Kids' smartwatch	$150–$300	$5–$15	Location tracking, calls, limited texts
Tablet (WiFi only)	$150–$600	$0	Apps and internet, no calls
Tablet (with cellular)	$150–$600	$10–$30	Apps and internet, no calls

Costs vary by carrier. Verizon and AT&T are the most expensive but have the widest coverage. T-Mobile is usually cheaper. Smaller carriers like Boost Mobile, Straight Talk, and Mint Mobile offer lower monthly rates but may have slower speeds or gaps in coverage outside cities. If your child needs to reach you from school or activities, check coverage maps for the carriers you are considering in the areas where your child will be.

Adding a line to an existing family plan is almost always cheaper than starting a new account. If you already have a Verizon plan, adding a child's line costs less than signing up for Verizon as a new customer. Ask your carrier about family plan discounts — most offer them.

What to think about before you buy

Start with why your child needs a phone. If they need to call you from soccer practice, a basic phone or smartwatch works. If they need to research for school or stay in touch with friends, a smartphone or tablet is necessary. If you want to know where they are at all times, a smartwatch or smartphone with location tracking is important. If emergency calling is critical, avoid WiFi-only tablets.

Think about your child's age and maturity. Younger children (under 10) are better served by basic phones, smartwatches, or tablets with strong parental controls. Older children (13 and up) are more likely to want a smartphone and to have friends who text and use apps. There is no single right age — it depends on your child and your family.

Consider how much monitoring you want to do. Parental control apps on smartphones and tablets require you to set them up and check them regularly. Basic phones and smartwatches give you control through what the device can physically do, with no app to manage. Neither approach is easier — they are just different.

Budget for the full cost, not just the monthly bill. A smartphone costs $200 to $1,200 upfront, plus $30 to $80 monthly. A smartwatch costs $150 to $300 upfront, plus $5 to $15 monthly. A basic phone costs $30 to $100 upfront, plus $20 to $50 monthly. If your child loses or breaks the device, you will replace it, so factor in insurance or the cost of a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child use a phone without a data plan?

Yes. A basic phone can call and text without data. A smartphone or tablet can use WiFi without a cellular data plan, but cannot make calls or use cellular data when away from WiFi. If your child needs to reach you from school, they need either a phone line or WiFi access at school.

What is the difference between a kids' phone and a regular smartphone?

There is no such thing as a "kids' phone" made by Apple or Samsung — those companies make regular smartphones. Some carriers sell phones marketed for kids, which are usually basic phones or smartwatches with built-in parental controls. A regular smartphone becomes a "kids' phone" when you add parental control software to it.

Do I need to buy the phone from the carrier, or can I buy it somewhere else?

You can buy a phone from the carrier, from a retailer like Best Buy or Walmart, or used from eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Buying from the carrier is often more expensive but includes a warranty. Buying used is cheaper but means no warranty. Make sure any used phone is compatible with the carrier you choose — not all phones work on all networks.

What happens if my child loses the phone?

On a smartphone, you can use Find My iPhone or Find My Mobile to locate it or erase it remotely. On a smartwatch, you can do the same. On a basic phone, you cannot. If your child loses a basic phone, you lose contact with them until you replace it. This is one reason some families prefer smartphones or smartwatches — you can find them.

Can my child use my old phone?

Yes, if it is compatible with the carrier you choose and if you set up parental controls before giving it to them. An old iPhone works on any carrier. An old Android phone may not work on all carriers — check with the carrier first. Using an old phone saves money upfront but the battery may not last as long as a new one.