moss vs Troomi
A Samsung phone with parent-managed software and a curated app store. Plans from $24.95 a month.
Checked 11 November 2026 against Troomi Wireless's own pages. We make moss, so we have linked every source below.
What Troomi is
Troomi sells a Samsung Galaxy A17 5G phone running its own parent-managed software, with a curated app store and an optional browser limited to approved sites. The parent uses a Parent Portal to manage it, and can see text messages and location and get alerts about bullying, predators and self-harm. Plans are $24.95, $29.95 and $34.95 a month, each shown with a further $6.94 a month for the phone over 36 months. It runs on the AT&T network.
What moss is
moss is an iPhone app that comes with a small physical stone. You choose the apps that distract you, tap your phone on the stone, and those apps stay locked until you tap the stone again. People who live together can link their phones to share schedules and put their phones down at the same time, while each person keeps control of their own phone. Locking is free in the app, the stone is a one-time purchase, and the household features are a paid add-on.
Side by side
| Feature | moss | Troomi |
|---|---|---|
| Price | US$49 stone, free app | Plans $24.95, $29.95 or $34.95 a month, each shown with $6.94 a month for the phone |
| Subscription | None to lock your own phone. Household features are a paid add-on | Yes |
| Works on | iPhone only, iOS 17 or later | The Troomi phone only (Android) |
| How you lock | Tap the stone, or start from the app, a Shortcut, the lock screen or the Action Button. Schedules by day of week | The parent chooses the apps, contacts and sites that are allowed |
| How you unlock | Tap the stone, in the app | The parent changes settings in the Parent Portal |
| If you need back in | 3 emergency unlocks a month, refilled automatically | Up to the parent |
| Locking together as a household | Yes, as a paid add-on. Shared schedules, sessions others join in one tap, a view of whose phone is down, a streak. Nobody controls anyone else | One-way: the parent manages the phone and sees text messages, location and safety alerts |
| Whose key opens your phone | Only your household's own stone, card and sprigs unlock your phones | The Parent Portal |
Where Troomi is better
- A curated app store and an approved-contacts list.
- Safety alerts on messages.
- Plan tiers that open up more as the child grows.
Where moss is better
- moss works on the iPhone people already own. There is no new phone or carrier.
- Nobody's messages are read.
- No monthly plan.
Who should pick which
Pick Troomi if
You want a first phone for a child with the open internet and social media left out.
Pick moss if
Your household already has iPhones and is old enough to lock them by agreement.
Sources
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will fix it.
moss is a stone that locks the apps you choose.
Tap to lock, tap to unlock. One price, and locking needs no subscription.
