The home phone is making a comeback thanks to one Northern Virginia mom who’s giving the old-school staple a modern makeover. Homie is a Wi-Fi-powered phone that only allows approved contacts to call in or out. It’s a way for kids, parents, and grandparents a way to stay connected without a smartphone.
Northern Virginia founder Devon Szklennik created Homie with three groups in mind: children who aren’t ready for smartphones, grandparents who may be vulnerable to scams, and working parents who want to put their phones away at the end of the day.
The $99 phone connects to Wi-Fi and works as a closed-loop home phone. Families can create an approved contact list online and only those contacts can be dialed and receive phone calls.
Homie offers speed dial for contacts and its large touch buttons and hearing-aid compatibility make it accessible for older adults. Parents and family members can also manage contact lists remotely for children or older relatives.
Homie comes in five colors: blueberry, latte, pistachio, pumpkin, and bubble gum. Families can also add either a classic address book or a rainbow pop-it address book designed for kids.
Calls between Homie phones are free. The Everywhere plan — which costs $10 per month or $99 annually — allows users to place phone calls from non-Homie phones. The phone also supports international calling in most countries. The phone includes 911 calling, but it does require both Wi-Fi and power to work, and can be affected by an internet or power outage.
Inspired to Unplug
The idea for Homie came from Szklennik’s own experience as a working mom. After a long day, she wanted to be able to put her phone away and focus on her family without worrying about missing an important call.
“It’s an extra layer of comfort and knowing that that’s possible,” she says.
Homie’s slogan is “Come home like it’s 1999.” It’s a nod to the home phones many people grew up with, while also reflecting her goal to help families unplug from the internet.
The first batch of Homie phones, made for friends and family, has already shipped. The second batch is expected to ship in fall 2026, followed by a third batch planned for January 2027.
For Szklennik, the phone is ultimately about giving families more time to put down their devices and spend time together. “I think giving people back the gift of time is really what I like to drive home,” she says.
Feature image courtesy Homie Phone
