I Gave My 7-Year-Old the Viral 'Tin Can' Phone — Here’s the Verdict After One Month
We tested the viral, screen-free 'Tin Can' phone for kids to see if it lives up to the hype for parents concerned about screen time. Here is our one-month verdict.
In an era dominated by high-speed internet and ubiquitous smartphones, the 'Tin Can' phone has emerged as a surprisingly popular, low-tech alternative for children. As a tech journalist and a parent who carefully curates my 7-year-old’s exposure to digital devices, I was intrigued by the buzz surrounding this retro-inspired communication tool. After a month of testing, I’m ready to share my honest experience.
What Is the 'Tin Can' Phone?
Available through the manufacturer's website for $100, the 'Tin Can' is a modern VoIP-based device styled to resemble a classic wall-mounted telephone. It comes in four vibrant colorways and offers a refreshing lack of screens, social media apps, or web browsers. For an additional $10 per month, the optional subscription unlocks the ability to dial and receive calls from real-world phone numbers, rather than limiting communication strictly to other 'Tin Can' devices.
Setting Up and Daily Usage
The setup process is straightforward, managed entirely through a companion app. Parents can import contacts or add users by their unique numbers. A critical safety feature allows for 'quiet times' and scheduled access, ensuring the device doesn't become a distraction during homework or bedtime. While the setup is intuitive, the child-centric design led to some humorous early interactions—my daughter initially tried to use it like a FaceTime camera, holding it in front of her face before learning the traditional method of holding the receiver to her ear.
The Verdict: Was It Worth It?
After four weeks, the novelty began to wane. My daughter used it periodically to chat with her grandparents, but the frequency of calls to friends dropped significantly. While the audio quality was generally reliable, some incoming voicemails suffered from crackling interference. However, it did serve as a successful incentive tool—the promise of calling her friends was enough to ensure she completed her piano practice.
Is It the Right Choice for Your Family?
The 'Tin Can' faces competition from similar child-focused alternatives like Ring Ring and Pinwheel. Each offers varying price points, plan structures, and parental control features. Ultimately, the 'Tin Can' is an charming, albeit pricey, introduction to telecommunications. However, as my daughter’s interest faded by mid-summer, it served as a reminder that children often find playing outside far more stimulating than any phone, regardless of its simplicity. If you're looking for a screen-free bridge between 'no phone' and a full smartphone, it’s a viable, intentional option, but don't expect it to occupy their attention indefinitely.
