Karri Messenger 2 is a voice messaging device for children aged 4 to 12+ that offers families an alternative to a first smartphone, with no internet, social media or app store.
Children slide a button and talk, similar to a walkie-talkie, and can only message contacts their parents have approved. Parents get GPS location tracking, geo-fence alerts and an SOS button, all managed through a companion app.
Design and Recognition
Karri Messenger 2 was designed with Pentagram and Jon Marshall and named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2026. It has also won several design awards, including Gold at the Junior Design Awards 2026.
The launch comes as more parents look for alternatives to a first smartphone, amid growing worries about screen time and online safety. Karri Messenger offers a middle ground, more freedom than a basic tracker, and fewer risks than a smartphone.
Parental Controls and Features
Parents choose who can get in touch, send and receive messages, and check where their child is through a simple companion app. The device is available in multiple colours, includes a built-in torch and multi-chat functionality.
Pete Clifford, Co-Founder and CEO of Karri, said: “We created Karri for families who want to skip the smartphone, but not the connection. Messenger 2 gives children more freedom in the real world, while providing parents with peace of mind that they can still stay in touch when it matters. It’s designed to help kids build confidence and independence without introducing the distractions, pressures and risks that come with smartphones and social media.”
