Wednesday, September 30, 2020

The 10 Best Wireless Security Cameras of 2020

Wire-free pick
Arlo Pro 3Arlo Pro 3
  • 100% wire-free connection
  • 2K video resolution
  • 100% wire-free connection
  • 2K video resolution
Outdoor pick
Ring Stick Up Cam BatteryRing Stick Up Cam
  • No power cables
  • Outdoor capabilities
  • No power cables
  • Outdoor capabilities
Indoor budget pick
Wyze Cam PanWyze Cam Pan
  • Under $40
  • 360° coverage
  • Under $40
  • 360° coverage
Smart home pick
canary proCanary
  • Camera, siren, climate monitor
  • Learning technology
  • Camera, siren, climate monitor
  • Learning technology
High-tech pick
Nest IQ cameraGoogle Nest Cam IQ Indoor
  • Great video quality
  • Quality design and aesthetic
  • Great video quality
  • Quality design and aesthetic

Bottom line: Go completely wireless with Arlo Pro 3

We love the convenience and flexibility of wireless home security cameras. One of our favorites, the Arlo Pro 3, is 100% wire-free. Its Wi-Fi connection and battery make it easy to install practically anywhere a ladder can reach. This is an expensive security camera, but we think it’s worth the investment.

Find out which cameras on our list are truly wireless, which ones you can use indoors and outdoors, and what smart features each one offers in our comparison table and security camera reviews below.

Compare the best wireless security cameras

List price*
Type
Wire-free
Video resolution
Night vision
Learn more
Read review
Wire-free pick
Outdoor pick
Indoor budget pick
Smart home pick
High-tech pick
Indoor-outdoor pick
Free storage pick
Audio quality pick
Home security pick
Indoor wire-free pick
Arlo Pro 3 Ring Stick Up Cam Wyze Cam Pan Canary Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor Reolink Argus 2 Amcrest 4MP UltraHD Indoor YI Dome Camera Abode Iota Blink Indoor
Arlo Pro 3 Ring Stick Up Cam Battery Wyze Cam Pan canary pro Nest Cam IQ Indoor reolink argus 2 Amcrest 4MP UltraHD Indoor Yi Dome Camera Abode Iota security camera Blink Indoor product image
$499.99 (2-pack) $99.99 $37.95 $69.99 $299.00 $94.99 $76.99 $33.99 $279.00 $79.99
Indoor/outdoor
wire-free
Indoor/outdoor
wire-free
Indoor wired Indoor wired Indoor wired Indoor/outdoor
wire-free
Indoor wired Indoor wired Indoor wired Indoor wire-free
Yes
Yes
No
X
No
X
No
X
Yes
No
X
No
X
No
X
No
X
1440p (2K) 1080p 1080p 1080p 1080p 1080p 1520p 1080p 1080p 1080p
Color/infrared Infrared Infrared Infrared Infrared Infrared Infrared Infrared Infrared Infrared
View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Home Depot View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Abode View on Amazon
Read review Read review Read review Read review Read review Read review Read review Read review Read review Read review

*Amazon.com list price as of 09/30/2020 at 5:45 p.m. (MT). Read full disclaimer.

Best wireless security camera reviews

1. Arlo Pro 3: Best wire-free camera

Wire-free pick
Arlo Pro 3

Arlo Pro 3

The Arlo Pro 3 is our pick for the best wireless security camera because it doesn’t need a power cord and still manages to outperform the competition. Arlo has some of the best smart home compatibility too—it works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.

We think the Arlo Pro 3 is an excellent choice for a battery-powered camera, especially if you want a quick setup, multiple cameras, and outstanding video quality. Its 2K video captures more detail than 1080p outdoor cameras and records clear video any time of day thanks to infrared night vision and a built-in spotlight.

Pros

  • 2K video resolution
  • 100% wire-free design
  • Indoor/outdoor versatility
  • Smart home integration

Cons

  • High price
  • 2 cameras required to get base station

A helpful tutorial in the Arlo app makes it incredibly easy to set up. And the magnetic wall mount makes it easy to install anywhere. While you have to pay for cloud video storage on the Arlo Pro 3, it’s one of the more affordable subscriptions out there at $2.99 a month.

The biggest drawback of Arlo Pro 3 is that it requires a base station that you get only when buying two or more cameras. This makes it an expensive choice, but it balances out if you need more than one camera. Read our full Arlo camera review.

Arlo on a budget

Arlo recently released a more affordable wire-free camera: Arlo Essential Spotlight (about $130). We love that it doesn't require a base station like many Arlo cameras, and it sports a bright spotlight for color video at night like the Arlo Pro 3.

2. Ring Stick Up Cam Battery: Best outdoor camera

Outdoor pick
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery

Ring Stick Up Cam Battery

The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is completely wire-free, so you have a ton of flexibility in where you put it. And it costs around $100, making it one of the most affordable security cameras you can use both indoors and outdoors.

As a result, we think the Stick Up Cam Battery is best for people that need a wireless outdoor camera on a budget. Ring also has one of the most competitive cloud storage plans on the market, costing just $3 a month for 60 days of storage. It’s an excellent wireless camera for an Alexa smart home, though we’d like it better if it supported Google Assistant and HomeKit like Arlo does.

Pros

  • No power cables to wrangle
  • Indoor/outdoor capability
  • Motion-activated sensors
  • Alexa compatibility

Cons

  • Tedious process to recharge battery
  • Short battery life

There are reports of short battery life on Ring products (some say it lasts about a month), and recharging the Stick Up Cam is a tedious process since you need to remove the battery each time. While there’s a wired option for this camera—Stick Up Cam Plug-In—you lose the flexibility of installing it anywhere.

You can get a solar panel accessory so you don’t need to remove the battery as often, but it’ll cost you extra. Read our Ring Alarm review to see how Ring products all work together.

Ring Spotlight Cam Battery

The Ring Spotlight Cam Battery (about $200) costs twice as much as the Stick Up Cam but has a couple of added benefits. The built-in siren and bright spotlight can help deter unwelcome visitors by sounding an alarm that's hard to ignore. We also like that the spotlight can double as a path light for getting to and from your car at night.

3. Wyze Cam Pan: Best indoor budget camera

Indoor budget pick
Wyze Cam Pan

Wyze Cam Pan

The Wyze Cam Pan can scan an entire room in just three seconds. You can adjust settings with the Pan Scan feature to automatically scan an area to your specifications. This little Wi-Fi camera’s motion tracking is also cool—if a kid or dog runs through the room, the camera will follow all the action. (No more arguments about who broke the lamp.)

Plus, you can pick up the Wyze Cam Pan for under $40, making it one of the best values in security cameras. We’re especially big fans of Wyze’s free cloud storage that saves small 12-second clips for up to 14 days.

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • 360° coverage with Pan Scan
  • Smart motion tracking
  • Free rolling 14-day cloud storage

Cons

  • Wired power cord
  • Hit-and-miss motion alerts

The Wyze Cam Plus paid cloud storage plan allows for full-length video clips and is better for folks wanting better video recording without buying a microSD card. It’s also one of the cheapest plans from any security camera company—costing just $2 a month or $15 for an annual plan.

One of the only things we don’t like is that you need a power cord, which limits placement options. Read our full Wyze Cam review.

4. Canary: Best smart home camera

Smart home pick
canary pro

Canary

The Canary combines home security features like a siren and environmental sensors with a smart home security camera. And don’t let the small, unobtrusive design fool you. Canary has packed enough security features into this Wi-Fi camera to make it qualify for home insurance discounts from many major insurers. It’s essentially a small security system, right down to a loud siren and quick access to emergency response services.

We love the Climate Monitor sensors since they allow Canary to track the humidity, temperature, and air quality in your home. This means that the camera can sense if the fireplace isn’t fully out or let you know if someone left the tub running.

Pros

  • Camera, siren, and climate monitor
  • Learning tech to adjust to your habits
  • Alexa and Google integration
  • Direct connection to emergency services

Cons

  • Only 20-foot range for night vision
  • Subscription required for some features
  • Buggy mobile app

If you subscribe to the Canary Premium Service plan (about $10 a month), the camera gains access to 30 days of cloud video storage instead of the single day included with the free plan. You can also download videos and unlock two-way audio though these are often a free feature on other brands. Overall the premium plan is good, but a bit too pricey for the added benefits.

We wish it had a little more power when it comes to night vision, though—it only sees about 20 feet in the dark. Read our full Canary review.

5. Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor: High-tech pick

High-tech pick
Nest Cam IQ Indoor

Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor

The Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor is awesome when it comes to image, video, and sound quality. Plus it has person alerts and built-in Google Assistant so you can use it as a virtual assistant to control your smart home. The built-in Google Assistant is especially helpful since you don’t need to buy as many smart speakers for your home when your security camera can pull double-duty.

For some, that may be worth the $300 price tag. But while we like the smart functions and home automation compatibility of the Nest Cam IQ, many of the cameras we looked at offer the same perks at a more reasonable price.

Pros

  • Great video quality
  • Compatibility with Google Assistant, Alexa, and other Nest products
  • Crystal clear two-way audio
  • Quality design and aesthetic

Cons

  • High price point
  • Required Nest Aware subscription for coolest features

The fact that you can’t use many of the best features (including video recording) unless you sign up for a monthly subscription is a big downer. But at least the monthly subscription is a lot cheaper and gives more storage than in the past. We especially like that you don’t need to pay a separate fee for each camera in your home.

Read more in our review of the Nest cameras suite and our Nest Cam IQ review.

More brands we recommend

6. Reolink Argus 2: Indoor-outdoor pick

Indoor-outdoor pick
reolink argus 2

Reolink Argus 2

We like the Reolink Argus 2 because it works just as well indoors as it does outdoors. Its starlight night vision gives you clear images up to 36 feet without any extra ambient light. This camera uses a rechargeable battery or solar power, so you have a lot of flexibility about where to place it. In our experience, the battery drains fairly quickly if you don’t use the solar panel accessory.

Setup is easy using the mobile app, but the camera doesn’t have a very stable Wi-Fi connection at times, which leads to choppy video playback. Read our Reolink Argus 2 review.

7. Amcrest 4MP UltraHD Indoor: Free storage pick

Free Storage Pick
Amcrest 4MP UltraHD Indoor

Amcrest 4MP UltraHD Indoor

At SafeWise, we’re Amcrest fans, and this wireless indoor security camera doesn’t disappoint. Its remote pan-and-tilt function, easy setup, and variety of video storage options make this one of the best cameras available for under $100.

While this camera records video without issues, there’s a noticeable lag when you stream live video. Unfortunately, the user manual is hard to follow, and mounting the Amcrest 4MP UltraHD on the wall limits the camera’s rotation options. But we still like the free cloud storage and the addition of two-way talk.

8. YI Dome Camera: Audio quality pick

Audio quality pick
yi dome camera

YI Dome Camera

The YI Dome Camera makes us think of R2-D2. It’s cute and looks like the type of tech you can count on to stay in touch with kids and pets when you can’t be at home. The anti-noise filter makes it easy to listen for baby’s cries or chat with kids about homework after school. You can even tell Rover to get off the sofa.

Another great feature of this wireless security camera is unlimited free cloud storage. But watch out if you’re an Android user—there are several reported issues with the Android app. Learn more about YI in our YI Home Camera 3 review.

New model: YI Dome Camera U

YI recently announced the YI Dome Camera U (releasing October 20, 2020 for around $40). Its biggest improvement over the base YI Dome Camera is a physical privacy shutter you can close to prevent the camera from recording when you want more privacy in a space.

Its other added features mirror those of the relatively new YI Dome Camera X (about $56), like artificial intelligence that helps it detect people and abnormal sounds. Unlike the Dome Camera X, the U doesn't record time lapse video to condense hours of footage into a few seconds for easy review.

9. Abode Iota: Home security pick

Home security pick
Abode Iota security camera

Abode Iota

The Abode Iota is a high-end home security camera and security system in one. This compact device delivers two-way talk, high video quality, and sensitive motion detection. It also comes with the option to add 24/7 professional monitoring. That gives you a direct link to help through a monitoring center without buying any additional security equipment.

Best of all, Abode’s professional monitoring starts at just $8 per month, and there’s no contract required. Read our full Abode Home Security review.

10. Blink Indoor: Indoor wire-free pick

Indoor wire-free pick
Blink Indoor product image

Blink Indoor

Blink is an Amazon-owned security camera company that focuses on budget cameras. Its latest product is the Blink Indoor, an attractive little camera. You can buy this camera for about $80, making it cheaper than other wire-free cameras thanks to an indoor-only design.

Like all Amazon smart devices, this camera is less susceptible to incompatibility issues than third-party brands. Connecting to Alexa and Fire TV devices is a smooth experience, and you can even see a live view on Alexa smart displays like the Echo Show.

The Blink Indoor requires a paid subscription (about $3 a month) to save videos, but it stores only about two hours of footage, which is tiny compared to most brands. Still, the Blink Indoor is a good option if you want an affordable wire-free indoor security camera to use with Alexa.

Check out our Blink cameras review for more information.

Our approach

To find the best wireless security cameras, we looked at price, image quality, reliability, ease of setup, smart features, night vision, and customer satisfaction. 

Battery-powered cameras that fall into that wire-free category, like the Arlo Pro 3 and the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery, got extra credit when it came to ranking the top wireless security cameras this year.

But we couldn’t dismiss high-quality cameras like the Amcrest 4MP UltraHD, Wyze Cam Pan, and Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor just because of a compulsory power cord.

We tested several cameras in our homes, read expert reviews, researched industry standards and camera specs, and consulted thousands of customer reviews. Find out more about how we rank and review products in our full methodology

  • 60+ hours of research and testing
  • 11 in-home tests
  • 28 products considered
  • 1,100+ customer reviews read
  • 10 coffees consumed

Final word

There are so many wireless security cameras to choose from—we barely scratched the surface of what kinds of cameras are out there. Still, we think that the Arlo Pro 3 is a standout product with its 100% wire-free operation.

Its impressive video quality makes it hard for the competition to keep up. While it’s more expensive than most other cameras, the overall quality of the Arlo Pro 3 helps make up the difference in price.

For more information about wireless security cameras, check out our list of frequently asked questions below. If you’re looking for a wireless camera that works with a security system, you can start with recommendations from our best home security systems.

Wireless security camera FAQ

How do wireless cameras work?

Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more videos like this one! Learn how to protect your home, your loved ones, yourself and your belongings.

Can my security camera be hacked?

The unfortunate truth is that, yes, security cameras can be vulnerable to hacking—but the good news is that you can do things to keep hackers out.

Nearly every security camera we looked at supports encryption. This protects the camera’s data stream (like videos of your kids after school) from prying eyes.

No matter what security features come with your camera, these tips can help you maximize the privacy of your security cameras:

  • Buy a camera with a recognizable name and purchase it from a trustworthy seller.
  • Make sure your home Wi-Fi network is secure.
  • Create unique, strong passwords for your camera and any apps you use to access it.
  • Keep firmware up to date on your camera and your Wi-Fi router.
  • Turn off remote viewing when you don’t need it.
  • Block the lens of your camera when you’re not using it—a post-it or a piece of painters tape will work.

Will a security camera work as a baby/kid/pet monitor?

We’ve learned that many people want a wireless security camera to keep an eye on the people and pets they love. If this is your goal, here are some things to consider:

  • Two-way communication: This lets you listen in and talk to the pets or people at home.
  • Night vision: Clear images in low light are especially important if you want to use the camera as a baby monitor.
  • Field of view: Most security cameras use a wide-angle lens, while baby monitors and nanny cams often use a more narrow range of vision to focus on the baby.
  • Pan and tilt: If you’re viewing pets or older kids remotely from the office or on a beach, you may want to be able to move the camera angle.

Can an indoor camera do double duty looking out a window?

Wireless cameras can’t have it all. It would be great if they could watch things inside by day, and keep an eye on what’s going on outside after dark, right? But it rarely works.

Most indoor security cameras will pick up glares and reflections when aimed out a window. This obscures the outside view, making it useless.

If security both outdoors and indoors is a priority for you, we recommend getting the right type of camera for each area. You may be able to find an indoor camera that claims to be specifically designed to minimize the glare and reflection of a window, but be sure to read a lot of customer reviews to back the claim up.

Is an indoor wireless camera enough security?

If your goal is to protect against intruders, we recommend an outdoor camera first and foremost.

Outdoor security cameras can deter criminals and provide an early warning before someone enters your home. While indoor security cameras often help people catch a burglar after the fact, you have a better chance of sending a thief running with an outdoor camera.

And if you want to be connected to the police, you should look into security cameras that come with an option to add professional monitoring.

Contributing writer: John Carlsen

Disclaimers

*Amazon.com list price as of 09/30/2020 at 5:45 p.m. (MT). Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. SafeWise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Google, Google Nest, Google Assistant, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

The post The 10 Best Wireless Security Cameras of 2020 appeared first on SafeWise.

The Best Phones for Kids

Best overall
Gabb Z2 kids phoneGabb Z2
  • Affordable
  • GPS tracking
  • Unlimited text and talk
  • Affordable
  • GPS tracking
  • Unlimited text and talk
Smartphone pick
Palm phone product imagePalm Phone
  • Parental controls and monitoring
  • 32GB storage and 12MP camera
  • $5/mo. data plan
  • Parental controls and monitoring
  • 32GB storage and 12MP camera
  • $5/mo. data plan
Flip phone pick
jitterbug flip kids phoneJitterbug Flip
  • No internet, apps, or social media
  • Features for kids with special needs
  • Smartphone version also available
  • No internet, apps, or social media
  • Features for kids with special needs
  • Smartphone version also available
Calendar Icon
Last Updated: 1 month ago
Getting back to school means hectic schedules—even during a pandemic. On top of our recommendations for the best phones for kids, check out our tips for a safer school year. We added specific guidance for safety during the novel coronavirus.

Bottom line: Gabb Z2 is the middle ground for a middle school phone

Your kids have been begging you for a phone for months, but you aren’t sure they’re ready. The Gabb Z2 strikes a perfect compromise between basic and smartphones out there. It removes the risk of social media and internet access but gives your kids unlimited talk and text. 

Gabb charges about $10 per month for service, or around $25 if you want to add group and image texting. It’s all done from a kid-friendly, modern-looking phone without distracting apps and features.

Best cell phones for kids

Compare kids’ cell phones

Product
Equipment price
Monthly price
Parental access or controls
Internet access
Games and apps
GPS Tracking
Social media
Camera
Price
Best overall
Smartphone pick
Flip phone pick
Screenless pick
Screenless pick
Gabb Z2 Palm Phone Jitterbug Flip Verizon GizmoWatch 2 Relay by Republic Wireless
Gabb Z2 kids phone Palm phone product image jitterbug flip kids phone verizon gizmo watch relay republic wireless kid phone
$99.99 $279.00 $99.99 $99.99 $49.99
$19.99/mo. $5/mo. $19.99/mo. $4.16/mo. $9.99
No
X
Yes
No
X
Yes
Yes
No
X
Yes
No
X
No
X
No
X
No
X
Yes
Yes
No
X
No
X
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
X
Yes
No
X
No
X
No
X
Front 5MP, Rear 8MP 12MP 8MP No
X
No
X
Visit Gabb Visit Palm Visit GreatCall View on Verizon View on Relay

Info current as of 09/30/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Our approach

To pick the best phone for kids, we considered what’s most important to us as parents and tried to find phones that were a good value, simple to use, and rugged enough to stand up to our kids. We researched numerous models and included our favorites here. Find out more about how we review products by checking out our methodology.

Kids’ phones reviews

1. Gabb Z2: Best overall

Best overall
Gabb Z2 kids phone

The Gabb Z2 is a kids’ phone cleverly disguised as a popular smartphone. It has a front and rear-facing camera, fingerprint lock, and a handful of pre-installed apps read for your kids to use.  

What isn’t included is the risks that come with social media, image and group texting, and internet browsing. 

Pros

  • Looks and feels like a smartphone
  • Unlimited talk and texting
  • Under $10 per month

Cons

  • No dedicated parental controls

The Gabb Z2 is available for $99.99 up front and $9.99 per month. With that plan, your kids get unlimited talk and text time. So they can chat with their friends or send you updates when they’re out of practice.

You can pay extra to add features like image and group texting. But unless your kids need it, that $24.99 can stay in your pocket. 

We like that Gabb doesn’t hold anything essential hostage and the extras aren’t much more than the basic plan.  

One thing that makes Gabb stand out for the better or worse is its lack of parental controls. It’s a bold move that allows kids to make their own decisions about how often they use their phone and what they do with it. 

But kids with this phone aren’t tempted with features like social media, games, or internet browsing, which can make this freedom dangerous. 

Who is Gabb good for?

Gabb is a great choice for kids getting a taste for technology and freedom. Middle schoolers and older elementary school kids around 8 to 12 will enjoy having a good-looking phone and a way to talk to their friends. 

Parents will like the limits on this phone and the ability to hand their little ones some more freedom. 

2. Palm Phone: Smartphone pick

Smartphone pick
Palm phone product image

Palm Phone

The Palm Phone is a tiny smartphone with powerful features. Just like an iPhone or Android phone, the Palm has apps, social media, and internet browsing capabilities. 

The kicker is its parental controls that give you access to see what your kids use their phones for, how often, and where they’re located.

Pros

  • Parental controls
  • 12MB camera and 32GB storage
  • Data plan under $5 per month

Cons

  • Distracting features and apps
  • May be too small for some kids

The Palm Phone gives your kids all the freedom of a smartphone but with you in the backseat to keep an eye on them. 

The Palm isn’t designed just for kids, so the parental controls on the Palm work through third party apps like Google Family Link or Bark

  • Watch screen time
  • View their apps and screen
  • Track their location

The phone itself is pretty small but has a camera and storage that rivals its Apple and Android competitors. The 12MB camera takes clear shots while the 32GB storage is enough for your kids apps, their photos and videos, and browsing data. 

Speaking of data, Palm offers a data plan for $5 per month or two months free if you provide your own SIM card. It’s also compatible with major providers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.

Who is Palm good for?

With its access to big kid features like internet browsing, social media, and apps, the Palm Phone is best for older middle school and high schoolers. It’s a good fit for kids 14 to 18 who are ready for the responsibility of a smartphone (with the option for your supervision). 

While they’ll love all these features and the crystal clear camera, they may get easily distracted by everything going on with this phone. 

The good news is you can monitor their activity and screen time with third party apps like Google Family Link or Bark.

3. Jitterbug Flip: Flip phone pick

Flip phone pick
jitterbug flip kids phone

Jitterbug Flip

The Jitterbug Flip was originally designed for older adults, but with its extra-large keys and an urgent response button that can connect directly to a 24/7 operator, it’s a good choice if your child is frequently alone. 

Pros

  • Distraction-free
  • Brain games
  • Options for kids with special needs

Cons

  • Designed for older adults

The clamshell design makes it a little less durable than we’d like for a kid’s phone, which is one of the reasons it didn’t make our top three. You pay for minutes on a month-by-month basis, so it’s a good starter phone, and for an extra fee, you can enable GPS location.

4. Verizon GizmoWatch 2: Smartwatch pick

Smartwatch pick
verizon gizmo watch

Verizon GizmoWatch 2

The Verizon GizmoWatch 2 earned our top spot because it’s perfect for both kids and parents. The watch design makes it comfortable and convenient for your child to wear, and the large, clear icons are simple enough that even a three-year-old can figure out how to make and answer calls from the contact list you set.

Pros

  • Fun design
  • Simple interface
  • Geofencing
  • Smartphone app for parents
  • Active games

Cons

  • Weak wristband
  • Proprietary charger

The built-in GPS locator and geofencing are a huge plus when it comes to your peace of mind, and the accompanying app for your smartphone makes it easy for you to control the settings on your child’s watch. The watch has lots of fun activities, including games that encourage movement, so kids will want to keep it on.

The only downsides to this watch are the weak band that you’ll probably have to replace, and the proprietary charger that comes only with the watch. No replacement chargers are available, so be sure to take good care of the one that comes with it.

5. Relay by Republic Wireless: Screenless Pick

Screenless pick
relay republic wireless kid phone

Relay

If you’d rather not have to worry about additional screen time, the Relay is a great alternative to a standard phone or smartwatch. It works like a cellular walkie talkie, communicating with the Relay app on your phone or with another Relay device.

All it takes is a push of a button to talk to your kids on your private channel (or for them to talk to you). You can also use the app to track the location of the device, so you’ll always know where your child is. The Relay is small enough to fit in a pocket, but you can get a case with a carabiner clip for easier portability.

Pros

  • Screen-free
  • Easy to use
  • Portable
  • Durable
  • Equipped with GPS

Cons

  • Spotty service

Relay leases cellular space from Sprint and T-Mobile, so you should make sure you get good service from at least one of those carriers in your area. Some users reported connectivity issues, especially when using one of the carriers that doesn’t work well in their area.

Relay reports that new updates are coming to its system soon to let your child talk to (approved) people on other channels.

Before you buy a phone for your kids

When shopping for the right phone for your child, think about your biggest concerns. If you want to know where they are, you’ll probably want something with a GPS tracker. If your child is active and careless (what child isn’t?) then it’s important to look for a durable design.

If you want to encourage them to keep their phone handy, then choosing something with fun features, like games and photo apps, is a good way to ensure they’ll keep track of it. If communication is your main concern, an inexpensive “dumb phone” will work well to teach them responsible cell phone usage before they graduate to a smartphone.

As you ease your child into the world of communication technology, be sure to stay nosy. If their device has access to the internet, use parental controls and talk about what it means to be a respectful and responsible person online. Talk to them frequently about who they’re communicating with, and take time to discuss cyberbullying. It’s important to keep all lines of communication open—not just those accessed through a phone.

Final word

With all the technology available now, kids seem to be itching for the Next New Thing  at a dizzying rate. But there’s no reason your kids can’t have a reliable phone to keep you updated or call in an emergency. 

Phones for kids like the Gabb Z2 hit the perfect middle ground between giving your kids the freedom to use a phone without the distractions or risks of internet access, social networking, or games.

FAQ

How is the Verizon GizmoWatch different from the LG GizmoPal?

The LG GizmoPal has a much larger screen than the GizmoWatch, so it’s a little too bulky for smaller children. The GizmoWatch uses 4G LTE technology, so it has a faster connection than the GizmoPal’s 3G capabilities. The GizmoWatch is also more expensive than the GizmoPal.

Can you put parental controls on a cell phone?

Yes, you can put parental controls on your child’s cell phone using a variety of different apps. These apps can help you monitor and limit your child’s screen time, prevent your children from seeing inappropriate content, and alert you to bad language.

Do wireless carriers have special cell phone plans for kids?

Yes and no. Many wireless carriers have contract-free plans that are customizable, but they’re usually open to anyone, not just kids. These plans are often more budget-friendly for families and they can grow with your child. For example, if your child’s phone is for emergency purposes only, then you’ll probably need only a bare-bones plan with minimal minutes each month. As they grow, you may want to add additional minutes and data.

What is an unlocked phone?

An unlocked phone is a cell phone without a SIM card. The SIM card is the part of your phone that connects it to your mobile network. An unlocked phone comes without a SIM card so that you can use whatever carrier you like. If you buy an unlocked cell phone for your child, you can take it to your mobile network provider—like Verizon, Sprint, or AT&T—and have the phone added to your plan.

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