Bark Phone vs Troomi Phones
Compare the features of the Bark Phone and the Troomi phones.

Compare the Features

Bark’s software is included in all data plans, including our locked-down starter plan that monitors texts, photos, and videos, as well as screen time, location tracking, and blocking.
Troomi’s parental controls allow you to manage screen time, look at texts, track location, and more.
Bark’s advanced content monitoring scans content for potential dangers across 29 categories, including:
- - Suicidal ideation
- - Sexual content
- - Bullying
- - Porn
- - Online predators
- - Depression
- - Disordered eating
- - Anxiety
- - Violence
You'll be alerted if we find anything concerning.
Once parents enable Content Filtering in the Parent Portal, Troomi will automatically flag some content, but it's up to the parent to "tailor" the filtering from there.
The Bark Phone doesn’t allow kids to delete texts without permission.
Child can delete messages on the device but parents can still view deleted messages through their parent portal.
Kids can’t delete the settings you set.
Kids can’t delete the settings you set.
Track your kid’s location 24/7 with the Bark Phone, including check-ins and location alerts.
Track your kid's location 24/7.
Bark now offers starter plans and advanced plans. The starter plan is perfect for families looking for a no-internet phone with no social media or access to dangerous apps. Need more functionality? Easily upgrade to advanced plans for parent-approved internet and app access on the same device.
Troomi will give you access to the apps they think best — not you.
Bark's advanced plans allow parent-monitored web browser access. Blocking of individual websites or website categories, such as adult content, can easily be set up with our built-in parental controls.
Troomi allows you to add a web browser and block any sites you deem inappropriate.
Bark Phone starter plans are available to be easily upgraded to advanced plans on the same device. This makes it easy for the phone to grow with your child over the lifetime of the plan.
You can add Troomi-approved apps and a web browser, but not any social media or apps outside their list.
Unlimited talk and text is included with every Bark Phone plan.
Unlimited talk and text with tiered data plans.
The Bark Phone was included in TIME’s Best Inventions of 2023.
Not applicable.

All plans include:
- Unlimited talk and text
- A Bark Premium subscription for the entire family
- Free transfer of your kid's phone number to the Bark Phone
+ device fee
Which plan works for your family?

Starter plan
Perfect for younger kids
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No apps, no browser, no social mediaTalk & text only
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Advanced content monitoringGet alerts for potential dangers
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Tamper-proof parental controlsKids can’t get around your safety settings
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GPS-powered location trackingGet peace of mind when your kid is on the go
Starter Plan Features
Approve or deny contacts
Help protect your kid from strangers by choosing who they can talk to.
Emergency contacts
You can always get in touch with your kid — even when the device is paused.
Prevent texts from being deleted
Choose whether or not your child can delete text messages on their phone.
Driving mode
Automatically pause the Bark Phone when it detects your child is in a moving vehicle.
Disable camera
Decide when your kid can use the built-in camera.
Pause the device
Set a remote lock on your child’s phone from your parent dashboard.
No voicemail
Worry less about scams and unwanted callers leaving questionable messages.
Set remote alarms
Set one-time or recurring alarms to go off on your child’s Bark Phone.
Easily upgrade at any time
Want more features? Log in to the app and choose another plan that fits. Plans go into effect immediately.


Advanced plans
Completely customizable for older kids
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Advanced content monitoringGet alerts for potential dangers
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Approve apps and contactsChoose which apps are installed and who they can talk to
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Robust screen time and blockingSet time limits and block inappropriate content
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Add or remove functions at any timeTake away social media, web browsers, and more whenever needed
Advanced Plans
Approve or deny contacts
Help protect your kid from strangers by choosing who they can talk to.
Emergency contacts
You can always get in touch with your kid — even when apps are blocked or the internet is paused.
Prevent texts from being deleted
Choose whether or not your child can delete text messages on their phone.
Driving mode
Automatically pause the Bark Phone when it detects your child is in a moving vehicle.
Allow or block access to Google Play
Decide if your child is allowed to access the Google Play Store by simply toggling a button.
Approve or deny app downloads
When your child tries to download an app, you’ll get a request to approve or deny the app.
Set app time limits
Select time limits for all the apps on your child’s phone by category or individually.
Create custom schedules for apps
From school time to bedtime, decide what apps your kid can use and when.
Block apps & websites
Our web filter lets you block whole categories of content as well as specific sites and apps.
GPS-powered location tracking
Stay on top of your kid’s location with our real-time map, location alerts, and check-ins.
Pause the internet
Set a remote lock on your child’s phone from your parent dashboard.
Disable camera
Decide when your kid can use the built-in camera.
Set remote alarms
Create one-time or recurring alarms on your child’s Bark Phone.
Add more GB of data with the tap of a button
Easily purchase more data for streaming from your parent app.
Easily downgrade at any time
Want fewer features? Log in to the app and choose another plan that fits. Plans go into effect immediately.

Real-life Bark families. Real-life stories.
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Dorothea S.February 12
Love! love! love! the bark phone!!!! I can’t say enough good things about Bark. This is everything i wanted in a phone for my daughter. You have no idea this moms frustration trying to find something easy and where my kid can’t disable the VPN that makes it work!!! every parent needs this for their kid…of any age!!!!!
22 comments -
Heather W.March 9
I have used the bark app (and now, the bark phone for my youngest) across both droid and apple devices to keep me updated on current lingo and issues that I need to address with my kids for over 5 years. Thank you for the education, extra set of eyes/ears, and your heart, Bark people!
33 comments -
Prjrm M.January 9
Finally I have access to a phone that I trust in my kids hands! I have access to and control over all of my kids phone activity through the parent app on my phone. It alerts me to any activity on their phone that the filter catches as possible issues. Only I can approve the apps my kids want to download. I set time limits. I love it!
20 comments -
Jessie J.April 5
I have loved our bark phone for my 10 year old. Great starter phone. Establishes healthy phone habits and I can rest assured that I don’t have to hound/search her phone! It actually provides freedom for my kids.
24 comments -
Jena R.January 10
Bark is the best decision my husband and I made. We have a 15 year old and although that may sound a bit old for monitoring, it is the best thing for us and our teen because it alerts us on potentially dangerous situations and it holds her accountable for how she conducts herself online. I can’t see why anyone would discourage this. Thanks Bark!
9 comments -
Stephanie W.December 20
Bark has changed our family’s lives. No exaggerating here. There are so many things I wouldn’t have known or seen if we didn’t subscribe, and I’m an IT person that knows firewalls & security. Bark does so much more, especially since most of this behavior happens over the phones that can be turned off from my firewall.
52 comments -
Marianne H.March 15
Thanks a ton. You have not only helped me protect my kids, but helped us have better and more open conversations. My kids live in a blended home, and this helps us be on the same page when we teach right and wrong and flat out dangerous
16 comments -
Kimberly S.January 16
I have had this for about a month. It has absolutely produced excellent conversations and has built trust. My approach is not “gotcha” but “I love you and this helps me support you”. My children understand I trust them but I need to be alerted to some things. This has been a great fit for our family.
9 comments
Explore all the features
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Approve or deny contacts
Help protect your kid from strangers by choosing who they can talk to.
INCLUDED WITH:
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Approve or deny app downloads
When your child tries to download an app, you'll get a request to approve or deny the app.
INCLUDED WITH:
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Allow or block access to App Store
Decide if your child is allowed to access the Google Play Store by simply toggling a button.
INCLUDED WITH:
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Encourage healthy boundaries
Select time limits for all the apps on your child's phone by category or individually.
INCLUDED WITH:
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Limit distractions while they’re driving
Automatically pause the Bark Phone when it detects your child is in a moving vehicle.
INCLUDED WITH:
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Prevent texts from being deleted
Choose whether or not your child can delete text messages on their phone.
INCLUDED WITH:
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Create custom schedules for apps
From school time to bedtime, decide what apps your kid can use and when.
INCLUDED WITH:
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Protect your kid from inappropriate content
Our web filter lets you block whole categories of content as well as specific sites and apps.
INCLUDED WITH:
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Worry less when your kid is out and about
Stay on top of your kid's location with our real-time map, location alerts, and check-ins.
INCLUDED WITH:
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Get alerts for concerning content
Bark scans texts, social media and online content and sends you alerts for potential issues.
INCLUDED WITH:
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Make morning wake-ups a little easier
Set one-time or recurring alarms to go off on your child's Bark Phone.
INCLUDED WITH:
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“The Bark Phone does something special and it does it well.”
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“I’ve tried many popular kids’ phones and this one is the best.”
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“I’ve been waiting for something like this.”
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“The best phone for kids to keep them safely connected.”
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“I like that this phone can grow with the child as they mature.”

FAQs
The Bark Phone is a Samsung A16, while the Bark Phone Pro is a Samsung A36. We purposely designed them so that they wouldn’t be recognizable as kids' phones.
Bark’s powerful parental controls are all internal — there’s no Bark branding, logos, or other tell-tales that would broadcast it as a kid’s cell phone.
Regardless of whether a parent has an iPhone or an Android, they will be able to manage the Bark Phone with no issues, so don’t worry about compatibility problems
The Bark Phone is $10/month for 24 months, and the Bark Phone Pro is $19/month for 24 months to cover the cost of the device plus your monthly wireless plan. There is no activation fee with either phone.
Your monthly plan cost will include:
- A Bark Premium subscription for the entire family
- Our built-in parental controls
- Unlimited talk & text
- Mobile data (if you choose it)
Starter plan:
- $29/month for unlimited talk, text, and no internet, app store, or games
Advanced plans:
- $39/month for unlimited talk, text, and Wi-Fi only (no data)
- $49/month for unlimited talk, text, and 4GB data
- $59/month for unlimited talk, text, and 8GB data
- $79/month for unlimited talk, text, and data1
1 After exceeding 35GB/month of data use, data speeds will be reduced for the remainder of the monthly billing cycle. After exceeding 50GB/month of data usage, data speeds may be reduced further and/or data connection may be turned off for the remainder of the monthly billing cycle.
Because Bark’s software is built directly into the phone, it automatically monitors texts, emails, social media, and apps. Bark also can't be deleted from the Bark Phone, which helps ensure the settings you put into this cell phone for kids will stay.
The Bark Phone also offers exclusive features that the app doesn’t, including:
- Contact approvals
- App install approvals
- Remote alarms
- Daily screen time limits
- Completely tamper-proof settings
The Bark Phone Pro comes with all of the same great parental controls (monitoring, blocking, contact approvals, and more) as the Bark Phone but with more memory, a faster processor, and enhanced durability.
- Scratch-resistant screen and extra protection against drops
- Water- and dust-resistant to handle splashes, spills, and dust
- Super-fast octa-core processor for smooth performance
- 6 GB RAM for seamless video calls and gaming
Every Bark Phone comes with:
- Unlimited talk and text
- Bark Premium subscription for the entire family
- USB-C charging cord
- A data plan that fits your family’s needs (non-starter plans only)
- Quick start guide for easy setup
If your family already has a Bark Premium subscription, no problem! After your first Bark Phone payment, we'll adjust your plan and add any credits due from your old subscription to your next month's Bark Phone payment.
Right now, the Bark Phone for kids is only available for families located in the U.S.
Tell us what country you'd like to bring the Bark Phone to next.
We have two options when it comes to apps on our cell phone for kids.
The starter plan is our locked-down version perfect for younger kids or teens who need more supervision. It allows for texting and calling — that’s it. No internet, no apps, no games.
Our advanced plans, on the other hand, allow your child to request any apps in the Google Play store. You can choose which ones to allow or block.
The Bark Phone stands out from other kid phones because of our advanced content monitoring that comes built-in. Our software automatically scans texts, photos, videos, apps & social media for dangers and sends you an alert if something concerning is found.
We also made it completely customizable, because every family — and kid — is different. For younger kids, you can make the Bark Phone work essentially like a non-smartphone with our starter plan, which is talk and text only with no internet access.
As they get older and become ready for more responsibility, you can easily upgrade to our advanced plan and add in access to apps and games. The best part? You keep the same phone!
Yes! The Bark Phone is updated regularly and automatically to keep up with changes in technology and when we add new features — which happens frequently! We’re constantly in touch with actual Bark Phone parents and implement feedback that families would like to see.
If you cancel your Bark Phone subscription more than 60 days after purchase, you'll need to pay off what remains of the total cost of the phone. After that, the phone is yours to keep. The amount you owe depends on when you cancel.
If you’d like to remove Bark’s software and use the phone like a regular Android, our support team can help. Contact us if you have any questions!
This is a common concern for families! With our kid-safe phones, you’ll always be able to keep an on your child’s data usage from your Bark parent app/dashboard.
If your child reaches their allotted data limit for the month, you won’t be charged anything. Their experience on the Bark Phone will simply be reduced speeds — this is called “throttling” and is standard practice for phone carriers.
If you’d like to upgrade your child’s data plan, you can add more GB at any time from your account, and it will go into effect quickly.
Rest assured that your account will never automatically upgrade. Your child just may experience slower speeds for streaming and surfing the web. To help reduce data usage, encourage your kid to connect to trusted Wi-Fi networks whenever possible.
Absolutely! When you buy a Bark Phone, you get free access to the Bark app, which you can put on other phones, tablets, computers, and more — perfect for siblings! Adding Bark to every device in your house helps create layers of protection for your family no matter how your children get online.
Nope! You keep the same phone and simply upgrade (or downgrade!) straight from the parent app. Changes will go into effect in just a few minutes.
The Bark Phone Pro is ideal for tweens and teens who are more active on their devices and need a little extra power and durability. But any kid will love the Pro!
FCC Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) Regulations for Wireless Devices
The FCC established requirements for devices to be compatible with hearing aids and other hearing devices. For more information, visit the FCC website.
The wireless phone devices sold by Bark have been shown to be HAC compatible for GSM, LTE, and UMTS.
HAC for Newer Technologies:
The wireless phone devices sold by Bark have been tested and rated for use with hearing aids for some of the wireless technologies used. However, there may be some newer wireless technologies used in this device that have not been tested yet for use with hearing aids. It is important to try the different features of this device thoroughly and in different locations, using your hearing aid or cochlear implant, to determine if you hear any interfering noise. Consult your service provider or the manufacturer of this device for information on hearing aid compatibility.
You sure can! Bark lets you transfer an existing number from another carrier — known as "porting" — at no additional cost! Check out this help article for step-by-step instructions.
The Bark Phone Pro has an IP67 rating that makes it water- and dust-resistant, meaning it can handle splashes, spills, and a little dirt.
The Bark Phone Pro has a scratch-resistant screen made with Gorilla Glass, built to stand up to provide extra protection for active kids.
Yes, we offer optional device protection plans with AKKO that cover accidental damage, loss, and more — because life happens. Learn more here.
You can reach out to our customer support team — they’re standing by ready to help!
Compare phones
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Bark Phone Pro
Starts at $29/mo
+ $19/mo for 24 mo for device
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Bark Phone
Starts at $29/mo
+ $10/mo for 24 mo for device
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Ready for a phone that’s safer right out of the box?
Designed from the ground up with child safety in mind, the Bark Phone will change the way you think about a kid’s phone.
