Waffle Makes Its U.S. Debut with Waffle Go, a Screen-Free Alternative to Smartphones for Kids

• GPS-enabled and built for adventure, Waffle Go gives children independence and connection without apps, social media or internet browsing.

• Waffle Home also launches as a modern, screen-free take on the family landline, giving families a simple way to stay connected from home.

New York City, NY – July 1st, 2026 – Waffle is launching in the United States with a new approach to family communication: screen-free communication devices designed specifically for kids aged 5–12.

Built by parents for parents, Waffle helps families stay connected without introducing children to smartphones, social media, apps or internet browsing. Its philosophy is simple: All Talk. Screen-Free.

The initial range includes two connected devices: Waffle Go, a portable communication device, and Waffle Home, a modern take on the family landline designed for today's families.

The launch comes as growing numbers of families, schools and communities look for ways to reduce children's exposure to screens while still giving them the freedom to communicate independently. According to Pew Research Center, 74% of U.S. adults now support banning middle and high school students from using cellphones during class, while Common Sense Media reports that nearly one in four children have a personal cellphone by age eight.

Waffle Go: Built for Adventure. Designed for Peace of Mind.

Leading the launch is Waffle Go ($149), a rugged, screen-free communication device designed to give children their first taste of independence while providing parents with peace of mind.

Featuring voice calling, voice notes, GPS-enabled safe zones and emergency SOS functionality, Waffle Go keeps families connected without a single app, ad, social media feed or browser in sight. Children can only communicate with parent-approved contacts - no strangers, no spam and no endless scrolling.

Built to keep up with active kids, Waffle Go also features LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity, IP65 durability and up to three days of battery life. Whether a child is walking to school, heading to practice, biking around the neighborhood or visiting a friend's house, Waffle Go helps them stay connected without putting a smartphone in their pocket.

"More parents are asking the same question: how do I stay connected with my child without handing them a smartphone?" said Sean Andrews, Co-founder of Waffle. "Waffle Go was built to answer that. Childhood should be about getting outside, building confidence, having adventures and talking to the people who matter most — not endless scrolling. We wanted to create something that gives kids real independence, gives parents real peace of mind and remains affordable enough for everyday families. Childhood independence shouldn't be a luxury."

Waffle Home: The Modern Family Landline

Alongside Waffle Go, Waffle is also introducing Waffle Home ($119), a modern take on the family landline. Featuring one-touch calling, voice notes, approved contacts and quiet hours, Waffle Home gives children a simple, screen-free communication hub at home.

Together, Waffle Go and Waffle Home form a connected ecosystem built around real conversations, not screen time. Both products will initially launch in mint green, with additional color options to follow.

Everything parents want. Nothing kids don't need.

Both Waffle Go and Waffle Home are managed through the Waffle Hub app, allowing parents to approve contacts, set usage limits, create quiet hours, activate school mode and manage family communication from one place. Setup takes less than five minutes from unboxing to first call.

"As concerns around children's smartphone use continue to grow, many parents are looking for a practical middle ground," said Dr. Brad Marshall, leading advocate for healthier childhood technology habits, and part of the Waffle founding team. 

"Children need opportunities to develop independence, confidence and real-world social skills. What makes Waffle compelling is that it focuses on communication and connection without introducing the distractions, pressures and risks that often accompany smartphones."

Pricing & Availability

Waffle Go will retail from $149 and Waffle Home from $119, making Waffle one of the most affordable screen-free communication options on the market. Families can also choose from flexible subscription plans, including a free tier and premium plans that unlock additional contacts, international calling, GPS services and enhanced connectivity.

U.S. pre-orders are open now. Devices ship October 2026.

Join the waitlist and reserve your Waffle Go at https://wafflekids.co/

ENDS

Media Contacts:  

Monica Patel, Sundaze PR - monica@sundazepr.com | +44 7516 773981

About Waffle

Waffle makes screen-free communication devices for children aged 5–12. Combining voice-first communication, parental controls and rugged design, Waffle gives kids more independence while giving parents peace of mind. Built by parents for parents, Waffle believes childhood should be filled with conversation, adventure and real-world connection, not endless screen time. Its promise is simple: no screens, no ads and no selling children's data. Waffle exists for one reason: to help kids talk to the people who matter most. For more information, visit https://wafflekids.co/