Google Pixel 10a with Family Link review

The Pixel 10a is a regular smartphone, so it suits teens who need full app access more than younger kids. What makes it a sensible family choice is Google's free Family Link app. Parents can set daily screen time limits, downtime and school time, give each app its own time limit or unlimited time for educational apps, and block apps outright. Family Link also requires approval for new apps in Google Play, restricts sites in Chrome, manages SafeSearch and YouTube settings, and shares location with alerts when a child arrives at or leaves a place. Google promises 7 years of new features and security updates, and the phone has 30+ hours of battery. The price was $549 on sale when we checked, which is far more than a Gabb or Pinwheel. Family Link is not tamper-proof in the way Bark or Gabb are, and children over the applicable age can take over their own account.

Who it is for

Parents of older kids and teens who want a full Android phone with free Google controls and long software support.

Price

From $549 at the Google Store when checked (regular $599); Family Link is free.

From $549 $599 Save $50
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• Family Link daily limits, downtime, school time and per-app time limits
• App approvals in Google Play and website restrictions in Chrome
• SafeSearch and YouTube controls for kids and teens
• Location sharing with arrive and leave notifications
• 7 years of new features and security updates

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Family Link costs nothing and works with any carrier
• Strength: Seven years of updates means the phone can last through school
• Strength: Full app access for when your teen needs school or work apps
• Weakness: $549 is a big outlay for a first phone
• Weakness: Controls take setup and do not block every app by default
• Weakness: Kids over the applicable age can manage their own account

Key facts

• Price: From $549 when checked
• Display: 6.3 inches
• Updates: 7 years
• Battery: 30+ hours, per Google
• Controls: Family Link, free

Where it ranks

Google Pixel 10a with Family Link is No. 5 in our Best Phones for Kids verdict.