Pinwheel helps your child build healthy phone habits

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No social media
No web browsers

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900+ vetted apps with
In-depth safety ratings

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Remote text monitoring
Approved contacts only

Bark vs. Pinwheel

Pinwheel allows you to customize your child's smartphone to match their maturity level as they grow.
Pinwheel
Bark Phone
900+ vetted apps with safety ratings
Blocks on loopholes in apps
No social media or web browser
Read text messages remotely
Child can't delete texts
Lock contacts or apps based on time of day
Choice of phone models
Choose your cellular carrier
Parent-managed contact safelist
GPS Locator
1-year cost
$588 (5GB data)
$708 (4GB Data)

Why parents are choosing Pinwheel vs. Bark

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Pinwheel has useful apps!

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

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You choose what you give your kid access to
Pinwheel is great because you can schedule when they have access to apps, friends, emergency contacts, etc. You can also go in and shut everything down whenever you want to. You have a lot of control and the apps give parents any type of warnings and explains why. You can decide whether to give him access to those or not.

Shelley B

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I wouldn't consider any other phone for my kids
I have been so impressed with both the Pinwheel Phone and their awesome customer service! The phone has so many options for customizing just the right balance of independence and protection for each family and each child within the family. The caregiver portal is intuitive and easy to navigate quickly to make adjustments as kids get older and needs change. The customer service has a lightning-quick response time and is extremely helpful. I would not consider any other phone for my kids and so highly recommend them to all families - there is no downside!

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.

Pinwheel Monthly (No Contracts)
Pinwheel Prepaid Pack (no monthly charges)
Bark
Pinwheel Plus or Bark Phone
$329
Parent Management App
$15 /month
Cellular service
$15 /month
5GB data
Or choose your own
$59 /month
4GB data
Bark celluar is only option
Total 1-year cost
$689
$588
$708


Additional child 1-year cost
$569
$478
$708
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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

 

 

Samsung A14_Front_Back_800x800

Pinwheel Plus 3

  • 5G compatible

  • 6.5” display

  • 50MP camera

  • 64 GB Memory

  • Fingerprint unlock

Slim 5_1500x1500

Pinwheel Slim 5

  • 6.8” HD Infinity Display
  • Triple lens camera
  • 128 GB Memory
  • Slim design
  • Fingerprint unlock
Rugged 3_1500x1500

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.