If you want to keep your child connected to friends but feel they are not quite ready for a smartphone, a kid-friendly VoIP phone can be an excellent solution. These devices mimic traditional phones but operate over the internet, allowing parents to manage contacts and set usage limits through dedicated apps.


To determine which option is superior, I tested four models: Tin Can, Ring Ring, Pinwheel, and the newly announced Waffle. My evaluation focused on hardware design, setup process, parental controls, subscription costs, and call quality, with the help of my 7-year-old daughter.


Design and Hardware Appeal

When it comes to kid-friendly tech, aesthetics matter. Tin Can stands out for its vibrant, multicolored designs that children find engaging. While the handset is somewhat wide for smaller hands, it features a generous cord length that makes it easier to use. Waffle also excels in design, offering a narrow, ergonomic handset and a unique internal battery that allows the phone to be moved between rooms without being tethered.


Pinwheel offers a softer, rounded aesthetic, though the handset can be tricky to place back on the base. Meanwhile, Ring Ring embraces a nostalgic, 90s-style landline look. While this may appeal to adults, it feels less relevant to children who haven't grown up with traditional landlines.


App Features and Parental Controls

Effective management is crucial for these devices. Ring Ring offers a simple, highly functional app that allows for contact management, quiet hours, and daily time limits. It even notifies users if it is a convenient time to call.


Tin Can is user-friendly but more limited in features, lacking advanced time limits or adjustable ring tones via the app. Pinwheel features a more complex system, as its app manages both landline and mobile devices, which can feel cluttered. Waffle allows for custom avatars for contacts and provides a clear call log, with future updates promising to improve cross-device functionality.


Setup Process

The installation experience varies across the devices:

  • Tin Can: Straightforward process using a QR code and app-based configuration.
  • Waffle: Easily configured via Bluetooth and the companion app.
  • Pinwheel: Requires a more tedious setup, including toggling Airplane mode and connecting directly to the device's Wi-Fi.
  • Ring Ring: Initially requires a physical Ethernet connection to the router for setup, which is less convenient than the others.

Call Quality and Subscription Models

Most of these services function without a subscription if you only communicate within the same network, though Waffle allows for a limited number of external calls on its free plan. Pinwheel offers the most flexible tiered subscription model for reaching outside contacts.


In terms of audio performance, all devices performed reliably when near a router. Ring Ring features a helpful caller ID announcement, while Waffle displays the caller's name on an LED screen. Notably, Tin Can and Pinwheel offer free e911 calling, whereas other providers may require additional steps to enable this.


Final Verdict

Tin Can emerged as the overall winner due to its fun design and simple setup, though it comes at a higher price point. Ring Ring took second place for its strong parental controls and competitive hardware costs. Pinwheel and Waffle tied for third; the former offers the best subscription value, while the latter provides premium hardware features like a built-in battery and caller ID. Ultimately, the best choice often depends on which device other families in your community are already using.