These are the best alternate phones out there

Americans are spending more and more time on their phones — specifically teenagers. According to Common Sense Media, 8- to 12-year-olds spend an average of five and a half hours on their screens everyday.

But fear not, parents—teens are surprisingly self-aware about their phone use. According to Pew Research Center, 72% of teenagers said “they often or sometimes feel peaceful when they don’t have their smartphone.”

It sounds like teens know that their lives are a little better without smartphones. They might just need the right tools to get there.

Enter alternate phones. A simplified version of smartphones, alternate phones can help give your kids the peace they need—all while using the important, functional tools that their phones can provide.

Here’s what you should know about alternate phones—plus the best kid-safe cell phone alternatives out there.

What’s an alternate phone?

Alternate phones—sometimes called minimalist phones or feature phones—are dumbed-down versions of smartphones. They typically offer the basic phone necessities—phone calls, texts, etc.—but without all the smartphone distractions, like social media, games, the internet, and more. 

Most alternate phones also include practical features like a calendar, a camera, a music player, and more, but their goal is to reduce screen time and help people use technology with more intention.

These simplified phones aim to reduce screentime—plus, no access to social media means a safer experience online.

Alternate phones are a great option for anyone who’s ready to unplug from smartphone distractions—or for kids who are just starting to use phones.

The best alternate phones

There are a variety of alternate phones on the market. Here are the best cell phone alternatives out there.

The Light Phone

The Light Phone offers a basic, bare-bones phone experience and is a great alternative phone to the iPhone. Users can text and call, as well as use a few other “tools.”

The Light Phone Features

• Voice calls
• Text messaging
• Contacts
• Alarm
• Calculator 
• Timer
• Notes
• Directions
• Podcasts
• Calendar
• Music
• Hotspot
• Directory

Minimalist Phone

While a Minimalist Phone isn’t an actual phone, it’s an extremely useful app that strips down your smartphone to its most basic functions. The goal is to increase your focus and productivity while limiting your screen time. 

Minimalist Phone is a great Light Phone alternative, if you’re not quite ready to commit to buying a new phone.

When you download the app, your default home screen will be replaced by a simple, distraction-free interface. You get to choose which apps to include, ban, or set timers on. 

Minimalist Phone Features

• Custom home screen
• App blocker and timer reminder
• App blocking schedule
• Filter notifications 
• Hide apps 

Flip phones

Surprisingly, flip phones are making a huge comeback—so much so that Motorola announced it was re-launching its iconic Razr phone back in 2019.

As anyone who grew up in the 2000s remembers, flip phones are one of the earliest models of cell phones. Simply fold your phone open to reveal the screen and keypad, and snap it shut when it’s not in use.

Flip phone features

While features will likely vary based on the phone, here are some basic tools most flip phones offer:

• Voice calls
• Texting
• Camera
• Contacts
• Calendar
• Alarm lock

Gabb Phones

If you’re looking for an alternate phone specifically for kids, Gabb Phones are a great choice for parents who want to keep their children safe. You can teach your kids tech in steps—slowly introducing tech that tapers tracking as your kids get older.

Gabb Phones provide safe communication, clean music, and more, while blocking social media and spam calls. 

Have you ever used an alternate phone? Let us know what you think in the comments!