"But I could just get a tablet."
You could. For someone who just wants a phone call, though, a tablet usually ends up gathering dust on the kitchen table within a month.
A tablet is a full computer. It asks for a password, then an account to log into, then an update that moves the buttons, then a pop-up about cloud storage, then a scam email dressed up as the bank. Every one of those is a chance to get stuck.
The Ken does none of that. It shows only approved faces, and when one of them calls, the screen lights up. That's the whole product.
| The Ken | Alternative A* | Alternative B* | Alternative C* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scam-safe by design - no phone number, no email, no browser, no app store | ||||
| Family and carers can manage the device remotely | Linked account | Companion app | ||
| Dedicated carer interface | ||||
| Intuitive interface for all users | Mostly | |||
| Works for users with accessibility challenges | ||||
| Designed for users who find touchscreens difficult | Accessibility mode | Voice only | Accessibility mode | |
| Make and receive calls without navigating menus | Voice only | |||
| Auto-answer for trusted contacts | Accessibility | Via settings | Accessibility | |
| Video-mail for missed calls | In-app message | In-app message | ||
| Large, high-contrast interface for poor vision | Adjustable | Adjustable | ||
| No adverts, no data resale | ||||
| No always-on microphone, no voice assistant, no hot-word | Wake word | Wake word | ||
| Medication reminders with family escalation | ||||
| Multiple devices on one family plan | Linked account | Multi-device | ||
| Right to repair |
* Alternatives A, B and C are the leading general-purpose tablet, smart display, and smartphone-plus-messaging-app options families try first. We don't name them: they're capable products built for a general audience, not rivals built for this job, and the comparison reflects how they behave out of the box for someone who finds technology difficult.
Looking at the purpose-built devices? See The Ken compared with Komp and Konnekt →
The Ken is the only option designed, end to end, for the person who finds technology hard and the person looking after them.
Every other product was built for a general buyer. The Ken is built the other way round, starting from the person who finds technology hard and working out what they actually need.
The contacts screen, remote management and reminders were all designed from day one for that person and the family looking after them.
The device
The Ken
A communication device with a 10-inch touchscreen, built for people who find mainstream technology hard. Comes with the device, power cable and a quick-start guide. Nothing else to buy.
Your subscription
A private, scam-safe network for your family.
The Ken connects over your home WiFi, but calls and messages run through a closed system we build and maintain. There's no phone number and no email address on the device, so strangers, cold callers and scammers have no way in. No ads, no pop-ups, no app store. Only contacts you approve in the family portal can reach it. Your subscription keeps this running: the secure network, the family portal, the iPhone and Android app (launching shortly), medication reminders, voicemail, and every software update. One plan, every feature.
- ✓Scam-safe by design - no phone number, no email, no browser
- ✓Closed system - only approved contacts can call or message
- ✓No ads, no pop-ups, ever
- ✓No per-minute charge
Calls use your home broadband, so call data counts against your Wi-Fi plan. - ✓Text and voice messaging
- ✓Video-mail (30 days)
- ✓Family portal
- ✓iPhone & Android app free of charge - simple interface for calls and messages
- ✓Medication reminders with family alerts
- ✓Quiet hours & sleep mode
- ✓Multiple devices per family
- ✓Trusted contact access (family, friends, healthcare)
- ✓All software updates included
- ✓Right to repair
Reserve yours.
Order The Ken, choose your plan, and we’ll take care of the rest. Cancel any time.
Reserve yours