Choosing a phone
Screen-free phones for kids: how to choose an alternative
A phone on the kitchen counter and a phone in a school bag have different jobs. Choosing an alternative to a smartphone starts with that distinction, before the features, brands or monthly plans.
What does the first year cost?
One Modern Kit. Compare Starter with the paid annual plan.
USD. Illustrative first-year totals at current listed prices. Excludes tax, shipping and optional services. Starter reaches connected Ring Ring members; the paid plan adds approved outside US calling. Plans have different capabilities.
In this article
A home phone for calls from home
A home phone can give children a place to call friends and family without borrowing a parent’s mobile. Internet-based phones need a working connection and power. Check whether calls are limited to the same brand’s devices or can also reach ordinary phone numbers.
This is the category Ring Ring belongs to. It stays at home, so it will not solve check-ins from the bus stop or sports practice.
A portable calling device for time away
If your child needs to reach you while out, compare portable phones or calling watches. Look at coverage where they will use it, battery life, school rules and whether contacts can be restricted. Some have screens, messaging or location features; decide which of those you want.
A shared phone as a starting point
For occasional calls, using a parent’s or shared household phone may be enough. Set aside time for your child to call someone themselves. You can learn what they need before buying another device.
Compare the whole arrangement
- Where will the device work?
- Can it call ordinary phone numbers, or only other members?
- Who approves contacts?
- What does equipment cost, and what is billed each month?
- Are taxes, fees or optional services extra?
- What emergency calling is available, and what does it depend on?
The Ring Ring option
The Modern Kit is $75 and connects over Wi-Fi. The Nostalgic Kit is $89 and includes a corded phone and Bridge. A $59 Bridge connects a compatible analog phone through your router.
Ring Ring’s Starter plan is $0/month for calls between connected Ring Ring members. Calling approved outside US numbers requires the paid plan: $8.95/month or $96.66 billed annually. Equipment is purchased separately. E911 requires the paid plan, a verified service address, power and internet.
Browse the comparison pages to explore Ring Ring alongside other home-phone options, or read how Ring Ring works as a screen-free phone for kids.