Pinwheel Phone
Pinwheel · Safe phone
~$119
approx. to start
~$17.99
/mo to start
Pricing: Comes in three models (about $119, $199, and $299). Plans are about $18/mo if you bring your own carrier, or about $30/mo on Pinwheel Wireless. Carrier compatibility varies by model, so check before buying. Prices change often, so confirm the current price at the retailer. Checked September 2026.
Pros & cons
Pros
- No web browser, app store, or social media out of the box
- Parents approve every app from a curated library
- Modes and scheduling, safe-list contacts, and GPS location
Cons
- Carrier compatibility varies by model (the entry model skips Verizon)
- A parent can add a browser or apps later, so 'safe by default' depends on your settings
Setup & lockdown guide
Out of the box there is no browser, no app store, and no social media. Kids use only the apps a parent approves from Pinwheel's curated library, and 'Modes' let you schedule which apps and contacts are available (for school or bedtime). Note that a parent can add a browser later, and carrier support depends on the model, so confirm compatibility before buying.
How to talk to your child
Tell your child: 'You get a real phone with just the apps we pick together, and we can add more as you show you're ready.'
Verified from official sources
Pinwheel, official product pages
Pinwheel confirms no browser, app store, or social media by default, parent app-approval from a curated library, Modes and scheduling, safe-list contacts, and GPS, on bring-your-own-carrier or Pinwheel Wireless.
Read the sourcePrefer a phone you already own?
Parental-control apps can add filtering, screen-time limits, and alerts to an existing phone.