Meet the kids phone
that outperforms Bark
- Your choice of phones and cellular carriers
- More kid-safe settings
- Add functions as your child grows
- Lower monthly fees and no contracts required
Pinwheel helps your child build healthy phone habits
Bark vs. Pinwheel
Pinwheel allows you to customize your child's smartphone to match their maturity level as they grow.Why parents are choosing Pinwheel vs. Bark
To me the key difference is that the Pinwheel phone can be modified and updated based on your growing child, their daily schedule, and the cream-of-the-crop apps in the App Library.
Sara W
Shelley B
Maria O
More affordable options than Bark.
No required contracts.
Pinwheel offers higher end phones with lower monthly charges, plus a no monthly charge option.
5GB data
Or choose your own
4GB data
Bark celluar is only option
We make switching easy.
Pinwheel doesn't require any contracts and you have a 30-day money back guarantee. You can keep your current phone number if you choose too. Just contact our Customer Care team.
High-quality, reliable kids phones
Pinwheel Plus 3
-
5G compatible
-
6.5” display
-
50MP camera
-
64 GB Memory
-
Fingerprint unlock
Pinwheel Slim 5
- 6.8” HD Infinity Display
- Triple lens camera
- 128 GB Memory
- Slim design
- Fingerprint unlock
Rugged 3
- 5.7” display
- 13MP camera
- 64GB Memory
- Ruggedized
- Dirt and water resistant
Pinwheel vs. Bark FAQs
What Apps are available?
Apps on a Pinwheel
Pinwheel's App Library contains almost 1,000 vetted apps with in-depth safety ratings. No busy parent has the time or energy to evaluate every app, so Pinwheel's dedicated app team provides easy-to-understand ratings for each app in the library, along with what you need to know before adding an app to your child's phone.
Apps on a Bark
Bark gives your child access to the entire Google Play Store, with your approval. This includes social media apps which recent research shows are harmful to kids' and teens' mental health.
How can I manage my child's screen time?
Schedules on a Pinwheel
Caregivers can schedule when their kids can use specific features. Modes like "school mode," "everything mode," and "family time mode" change every app, contact, and routine on the phone to lock or unlock features, contacts and apps depending on the time of day.
Schedules on a Bark
You can set time limits on apps and shut the phone down completely, but not set up regular customized schedules for individual apps and contacts to be available or not.
How can I see my child's text messages and call history?
Communication Monitoring on a Pinwheel
Parents and caregivers can remotely view a child's entire text and call history on Pinwheel's Caregiver Portal, knowing that children can't delete texts on Pinwheel.
Communication Monitoring on a Bark
Bark sends parents alerts when their proprietary algorithm identifies something concerning.
What is Pinwheel's cellular service?
Pinwheel cellular
Pinwheel phones work with most cellular providers, so you can choose to add your child's phone to your current plan. We offer affordable unlimited data plans from partners such as Mint Mobile with no upfront costs or contracts required.
Bark cellular
You must subscribe to Bark's cellular service, which is included in the monthly fee. You can choose the amount of data to purchase.
How can I manage who my child can communicate with?
Contact Safelist on a Pinwheel
Nobody can call or text the phone who isn't on the Safelist of approved contacts. Parents can limit the phone to emergency contacts at school and at night, but enable friends, family, coaches, or neighbors during other modes. Once your child is ready, you can give them the ability to manage their own contacts.