Safe Protein Powder for Teenagers & Kids 2026 (Tested for Lead & Heavy Metals)
Teenagers and children absorb lead 4-5 times faster than adults. Their developing brains are significantly more vulnerable to neurotoxic damage from heavy metal exposure. Even "low" contamination levels safe for adults can cause permanent harm to growing brains.
If your teenager is using protein powder for sports, bodybuilding, or weight gain, you need to know which products are actually safe. In October 2025, Consumer Reports tested 23 popular protein powders and found that 70% had concerning heavy metal levels - some up to 15 times over safe limits.
This guide identifies the only 7 protein powders verified safe for teenagers and young athletes, explains why developing brains are more vulnerable, and shows you which popular brands to absolutely avoid.
🧠 Why This Matters for Your Teen Athlete
Your teenager's brain won't finish developing until age 25. During this critical period, lead exposure causes permanent damage to IQ, impulse control, memory, and learning ability - effects that last a lifetime.
🚨 Why Teens Are at Higher Risk:
- ⚠️ 4-5x higher lead absorption than adults (developing GI tract absorbs more)
- 🧠 Brain still developing until age 25 (prefrontal cortex most vulnerable)
- 💪 Higher protein consumption for sports (1-3 servings/day = more exposure)
- ⏰ Years of daily use during high school/college sports (cumulative damage)
- 📉 70% of tested proteins unsafe - most teens using contaminated products
- 🌱 Plant proteins worst - popular vegan options among most contaminated
The Teen Athlete Protein Problem
Jump to Section:
Why Teenagers Are More Vulnerable to Lead Than Adults
Lead is dangerous for everyone, but teenagers and children face significantly higher risks:
1. Developing Brains Are More Susceptible to Neurotoxins
Brain Development Timeline:
- Ages 0-6: Rapid neuron formation, basic brain structure
- Ages 7-12: Neural pathway refinement, learning acceleration
- Ages 13-18 (TEENS): Prefrontal cortex development (impulse control, decision-making, planning)
- Ages 19-25: Final brain maturation, myelination completion
Critical insight: Your teenager's brain is still actively developing. Lead disrupts this process, causing permanent damage to:
- Executive function (planning, organization, time management)
- Impulse control (risky behavior, poor decision-making)
- Memory formation and retention
- Learning ability and academic performance
- Emotional regulation
2. Higher Lead Absorption Rates
Research shows teenagers absorb lead 4-5 times faster than adults:
| Age Group | Lead Absorption Rate | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Children (0-6 years) | 40-50% absorbed | Rapidly developing GI tract, high calcium needs increase uptake |
| Teens (13-18 years) | 20-30% absorbed | Still-developing digestive system, rapid growth phase |
| Adults (25+ years) | 5-10% absorbed | Fully developed GI tract, mature absorption mechanisms |
Translation: A contaminated protein shake with 5 µg of lead means:
- Adult: Absorbs ~0.25-0.5 µg (5-10% absorption)
- Teenager: Absorbs ~1.0-1.5 µg (20-30% absorption) = 2-3x more exposure
- Young child: Absorbs ~2.0-2.5 µg (40-50% absorption) = 4-5x more exposure
3. Cumulative Exposure During Critical Years
Teen athletes often consume protein powder for 4-6+ years straight:
Example: High School Athlete Using Contaminated Protein
Scenario: 15-year-old football player uses Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer (ranked #23 "AVOID") daily from ages 15-19
Exposure calculation:
- Lead per serving: 7.86 µg
- Teen absorption: 30% = 2.36 µg absorbed per shake
- 1 shake/day × 365 days × 4 years = 1,460 servings
- Total absorbed: 3,446 µg of lead
- Safe annual limit: 182.5 µg/year
- Result: 18.9 times over safe 4-year exposure limit
This level of exposure during brain development causes permanent IQ reduction, ADHD symptoms, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.
4. Specific Effects on Teen Brain Development
Research-documented effects of lead exposure during adolescence:
| Brain Function | Impact of Lead Exposure | Real-World Effect on Teens |
|---|---|---|
| Prefrontal Cortex | Impaired development, reduced volume | Poor impulse control, risky decision-making, difficulty planning |
| Hippocampus | Disrupted memory formation | Difficulty learning new material, poor test performance |
| IQ | 2-5 point reduction per 5 µg/dL blood lead | Lower academic achievement, reduced college prospects |
| Attention | ADHD-like symptoms | Trouble focusing in class, incomplete homework |
| Processing Speed | Slower neural transmission | Slower reaction time in sports, difficulty multitasking |
CDC Warning: "There is no safe blood lead level in children and adolescents. Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to affect IQ, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement."
Do Teenagers Actually Need Protein Powder?
Short answer: Usually no. Most teenagers can easily meet protein needs through whole foods. Here's when protein powder makes sense (and when it doesn't):
Teenage Protein Needs by Activity Level:
| Activity Level | Daily Protein Need | Example Teen | Protein Powder Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedentary | 0.4-0.5g per lb | 150lb teen = 60-75g/day | ❌ No - easily met through food |
| Recreationally Active | 0.5-0.7g per lb | 150lb teen = 75-105g/day | ⚠️ Rarely needed |
| Competitive Athlete | 0.7-0.9g per lb | 150lb teen = 105-135g/day | ⚠️ Sometimes helpful |
| Strength Training | 0.8-1.0g per lb | 150lb teen = 120-150g/day | ✅ Can be useful |
Can Your Teen Meet Protein Needs Through Food?
Sample day for 150lb athlete (target: 120g protein) - NO powder needed:
| Meal | Food | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | 3 eggs + 2 slices toast + glass of milk | 26g |
| Snack | Greek yogurt (1 cup) + granola | 20g |
| Lunch | 2 chicken sandwiches + apple | 40g |
| Snack | Peanut butter (2 tbsp) + apple | 8g |
| Dinner | 8oz steak + potato + vegetables | 56g |
| TOTAL | 150g |
This exceeds even high-level athlete needs (120g) without any protein powder.
When Protein Powder Makes Sense for Teens:
✅ Good Reasons to Use Protein Powder:
- Competitive athlete with very high needs: 2-3 training sessions/day, burning 4,000+ calories
- Underweight teen trying to gain muscle: Hard gainer who struggles to eat enough food
- Convenience for busy schedule: Post-practice shake easier than cooking
- Vegetarian/vegan athlete: Harder to meet protein needs without meat (though be VERY careful - most plant proteins tested unsafe)
- Medical need: Recovery from injury, illness, or eating disorder
❌ Bad Reasons to Use Protein Powder:
- "Everyone at the gym uses it" - Peer pressure, not actual need
- "To get bigger faster" - Whole foods work just as well, safer
- "Instagram influencer recommended it" - They're paid to promote products
- "It's easier than cooking" - Not worth contamination risk for convenience
- "The label says it's healthy" - Marketing claims don't mean tested-safe
💡 For Parents: Have "The Talk" About Protein Powder
Your teenager may be using protein powder without telling you. Many teens buy it themselves or get it from teammates. Have an honest conversation:
- Ask if they're currently using protein powder (don't be judgmental)
- If yes, check which brand (compare against avoid list below)
- Explain lead risks to developing brain (show them this article)
- Offer to buy verified-safe option if they truly need it
- Set clear rule: Only use verified-safe brands from approved list
7 Safe Protein Powders for Teenagers & Young Athletes
Based on Consumer Reports 2025 testing, these are the ONLY 7 protein powders verified safe for daily teen use:
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
Consumer Reports Rank: #5 + Clean Label "Clean Sixteen" Certified
Why It's Best for Teenagers:
- ✅ Double-verified safe: Consumer Reports #5 + Clean Label certified
- ✅ Perfect serving size: 24g protein (right for teens, not excessive)
- ✅ Safe for 1-2 servings/day: Rated "Better for daily consumption"
- ✅ Affordable: $0.75/serving (parents can afford for teenage athlete)
- ✅ Available everywhere: Walmart, GNC, Amazon, Costco
- ✅ 20+ flavors: Teens actually enjoy drinking it
- ✅ World's #1 protein: Proven quality, trusted by millions
Nutrition Profile (Perfect for Teens):
- Protein: 24g per scoop
- Calories: 120 (not excessive)
- Carbs: 3g
- Fat: 1g
Why Teen Athletes Choose This:
- Great taste (actually enjoy drinking it daily)
- Mixes easily with just water (no blender needed)
- Parents approve (verified safe)
- Coaches recommend (trusted brand)
- Affordable for long-term use
- Available at stores they already shop at
💪 Best Overall for Teen Athletes (Parents' Choice)
Double-verified safe. Perfect serving size for teens. Affordable. Available everywhere. This is what responsible parents choose for their young athletes.
Buy Optimum Nutrition on Amazon →5lb tub = 74 servings | Show your teen the safety data
MuscleTech 100% Mass Gainer
Consumer Reports Rank: #1 out of 23 (Absolute Safest)
Why It's Safest for Teens:
- ✅ Lead: Not detected (cleanest possible result)
- ✅ No daily limit: Safe for unlimited servings
- ✅ Zero heavy metal exposure for developing brain
- ✅ Great for "hard gainers": Teens who struggle to gain weight
Nutrition Profile:
- Protein: 80g per full serving (adjust for teens)
- Calories: 1,000 per full serving
- Recommended for teens: Use ½ serving (40g protein, 500 cal)
Best For:
- Underweight teens trying to gain healthy weight
- Football linemen, wrestlers in off-season
- Parents who want absolute safest option
- Teens consuming 2-3 shakes/day (no safety concerns)
🏆 Safest Protein for Developing Brains
Undetectable lead = zero neurotoxic exposure. If safety is your only concern for your teenager, this is it.
Buy MuscleTech on Amazon →Use ½-1 scoop for teen-appropriate serving | 22lb bag
Momentous Whey Protein Isolate
Consumer Reports Rank: #3 + NSF Certified for Sport
Why It's Best for High School Athletes:
- ✅ NSF Certified for Sport: Required for some high school/college sports
- ✅ Consumer Reports #3: Very low lead levels (30% over limit)
- ✅ Safe for 3⅓ servings/day: Well within safety margins
- ✅ Tested for banned substances: Won't get your teen disqualified
- ✅ Trusted by pro teams: Used by NBA, NFL, MLB players
Nutrition Profile:
- Protein: 20g per serving
- Calories: 100
- Ultra-clean isolate (lactose-free, easy digestion)
When Worth the Premium Price ($2.50):
- High school athlete subject to drug testing
- Recruited college athlete (NCAA compliance)
- Elite youth sports (USADA tested)
- Parents who want highest verification level
🏅 Premium Choice for Serious Teen Athletes
NSF Certified for Sport + CR #3 ranked safe. If your teen is competing at elite level, this is worth the investment.
Buy Momentous on Amazon →1.5lb tub = 24 servings (~$2.50/serving) | NCAA compliant
BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder
Consumer Reports Rank: #4 (Safe for Daily Use)
Why Teens Love It (And It's Safe):
- ✅ Consumer Reports #4: Verified safe for daily consumption
- ✅ Tastes like milkshake: Teens actually enjoy drinking it daily
- ✅ Safe for 2 servings/day: Post-workout + snack
- ✅ Multi-protein blend: Whey + casein = sustained release
- ✅ Great for adherence: If they like the taste, they'll actually use it
Nutrition Profile:
- Protein: 22g per serving
- Calories: 200
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 6g (fuller, more satisfying)
Best For:
- Picky teens who hate typical protein powder taste
- Post-workout recovery (fast + slow protein blend)
- Evening snack (satisfies sweet cravings safely)
- Parents tired of buying protein their teen won't drink
🥤 Best for Taste + Safety (Teens Will Actually Use It)
CR #4 ranked safe. Tastes amazing. If your teen keeps "forgetting" to drink their protein shake, try this.
Buy BSN Syntha-6 on Amazon →5.04lb tub = 48 servings (~$1.00/serving) | 12+ flavors
Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein
Clean Label "Clean Sixteen" Certified
Why Parents Choose This:
- ✅ Cheapest verified-safe protein: $0.67/serving
- ✅ Clean Label certified: Non-detectable heavy metals
- ✅ Available at Walmart: Easy to buy during grocery run
- ✅ 30g protein: Highest per serving at this price
- ✅ Budget-friendly for long-term use: 4 years high school = save $800+ vs premium brands
Cost Comparison (4 Years of High School):
- Body Fortress: $0.67/serving × 1,460 servings = $978
- Optimum Nutrition: $0.75/serving × 1,460 servings = $1,095 (+ $117)
- Momentous: $2.50/serving × 1,460 servings = $3,650 (+ $2,672)
Best For:
- Parents with multiple kids in sports
- Teens who go through protein quickly
- Budget-conscious families who won't compromise safety
- High school athletes (4 years of use)
💵 Best Budget Option (Safe + Affordable)
Clean Label certified safety. Highest protein. Lowest price. Perfect for parents buying for teenage athlete long-term.
Buy Body Fortress on Amazon →2lb tub = 31 servings (~$0.67/serving) | Also at Walmart stores
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer
Consumer Reports Rank: #2 (Very Low Lead)
Why It's Safe for Teen Mass Gaining:
- ✅ Consumer Reports #2: Second-safest protein tested
- ✅ Safe for 4 servings/day: Perfect for hard-gaining teens
- ✅ 52g protein + 1,280 calories: Ideal for underweight athletes
- ✅ Reputable brand: Dymatize has strong quality standards
Nutrition Profile:
- Protein: 52g per full serving
- Calories: 1,280
- For teens: Use ½-1 full serving based on weight goals
Best For:
- Underweight teens struggling to gain weight
- Football linemen in off-season bulk
- Wrestlers moving up weight class
- Basketball players trying to add size
💪 Safe Mass Gainer for Hard-Gaining Teens
CR #2 ranked safe. Perfect for teens who need extra calories + protein to gain healthy weight.
Buy Dymatize Super Mass Gainer on Amazon →12lb bag = 36 servings (~$0.90/serving) | Adjust serving for teen
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
Consumer Reports Rank: #6 (Safe for Daily Use)
Why Parents Who Care About Ingredients Choose This:
- ✅ Consumer Reports #6: Safe for daily consumption
- ✅ 100% ingredient transparency: No proprietary blends, know exactly what your teen is consuming
- ✅ Clean ingredients: No artificial additives, colors, sweeteners
- ✅ Grass-fed whey: Higher quality protein source
Best For:
- Health-conscious parents who read labels
- Teens with food sensitivities
- Families who prioritize clean eating
- Parents who want to know EXACTLY what their teen is consuming
🔬 Premium Clean Choice for Ingredient-Conscious Parents
CR #6 ranked safe + full ingredient transparency. Know exactly what your teen is putting in their body.
Buy Transparent Labs on Amazon →6lb bag = 15 servings (~$2.00/serving) | No hidden ingredients
💡 Our Recommendation for Most Teen Athletes:
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard (#1)
Why: Best balance of verified safety, appropriate serving size, affordability, and availability. Your teen will actually use it (great taste), and you can trust it (double-verified safe).
For budget-conscious parents: Body Fortress (#5) saves you $800+ over 4 years while being equally safe (Clean Label certified).
For elite teen athletes: Momentous (#3) if NSF Certified for Sport is required for their sport.
What Teen Athletes Should ABSOLUTELY Avoid
These protein powders are especially dangerous for developing brains. Do NOT let your teenager use these products:
🚫 AVOID LIST - Show Your Teenager This:
Ranked from most to least dangerous (all unsafe for teens):
🚫 #23 WORST: Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer
- Lead level: 15.7x over safe limit
- If used daily for 4 years: 18.9x over safe cumulative exposure
- Impact on teen brain: Catastrophic - associated with significant IQ reduction, learning disabilities, behavioral problems
PARENTS: If you find this in your teen's room, throw it away immediately and get them blood lead tested.
🚫 #22 SECOND WORST: Huel Black Edition
- Lead level: 12.9x over safe limit
- Cost: $3/serving (expensive AND dangerous)
- Popular among: Teens who follow fitness influencers
Marketing as "meal replacement" doesn't mean safe. This is extremely contaminated.
Other brands to avoid for teens:
- Garden of Life Sport Organic (5.6x over limit)
- Momentous 100% Plant Protein (4.8x over limit) - Note: Their WHEY is safe (#3), plant is NOT
- MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass (2.5x over limit)
- Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass (2x over - arsenic concern)
- Jocko Fuel Mölk (2x over limit)
- Vega Premium Sport (1.9x over limit - popular vegan brand)
- Quest Protein Shake RTD (1.6x over limit)
- ANY untested plant-based protein
For Parents: Check your teen's room, gym bag, and car for protein powder containers. If you find ANY of the brands on the avoid list, throw them away and have a conversation about lead exposure to developing brains. Show them this article.
Protein Powder Guidelines by Age
Age-appropriate guidance for protein powder use:
Ages 6-12 (Kids)
Our Recommendation: Generally NOT recommended
Why:
- Highest lead absorption rates (40-50%)
- Most vulnerable brain development period
- Can easily meet protein needs through food
- No athletic need for supplementation
Exception: Medical need (picky eater, failure to thrive) - consult pediatrician first, use ONLY safest option (MuscleTech #1)
Ages 13-15 (Early Teens)
Our Recommendation: Usually unnecessary
Protein needs: 0.5-0.7g per lb (60-105g/day for 150lb teen)
When OK to use:
- Competitive athlete training 5-6 days/week
- Underweight trying to gain muscle
- Vegetarian athlete struggling with protein
Safe options: Optimum Nutrition (#1), Body Fortress (#5)
Limit: 1 serving/day maximum
Ages 16-18 (High School)
Our Recommendation: Can be useful if truly needed
Protein needs: 0.7-1.0g per lb (105-150g/day for 150lb teen)
Good candidates:
- Varsity athlete training 6+ days/week
- Strength training for sports
- Trying to gain healthy weight/muscle
Safe options: All top 7 (Optimum Nutrition best overall)
Limit: 1-2 servings/day, only verified-safe brands
Ages 19-25 (College/Young Adult)
Our Recommendation: Can use if needed, still use caution
Important: Brain still developing until age 25 (prefrontal cortex)
Protein needs: 0.7-1.0g per lb
Safe to use: All top 7 verified-safe options
Limit: Stick with verified-safe brands even though technically "adult"
Parent FAQ: Protein Powder & Teenagers
Q: At what age can my child start using protein powder safely?
A: There's no magic age, but generally 13-14+ for competitive athletes with genuine need. Younger than 13, we strongly recommend whole foods only due to very high lead absorption rates (40-50%). For 13-15 year olds, only if truly needed for sports and ONLY verified-safe options (top 7 list). Brain development continues until age 25, so verified-safe brands matter at all ages.
Q: My teenager is using [contaminated brand]. What should I do?
A: (1) Throw it away immediately - don't let them "finish the container." (2) Have an honest conversation showing them this article and the lead exposure data. (3) If they've used it daily for 6+ months, consider requesting blood lead testing from their pediatrician. (4) If they truly need protein powder, buy them a verified-safe option from the top 7 list.
Q: Does my teen really need protein powder, or is food enough?
A: Most teens can meet protein needs through whole foods. Show them the sample meal plan (150g protein without powder). Protein powder makes sense for: competitive athletes training 6+ days/week, underweight teens trying to gain muscle, or extreme convenience when truly needed. If they're using it just because "everyone at the gym does," they probably don't need it.
Q: Are plant-based proteins safe for my teenage vegetarian/vegan athlete?
A: Generally NO. Of 23 tested proteins, plant-based options dominated the worst rankings. Only OWYN (#7) was rated safe, but it's borderline (88% over limit). For teens, we recommend: (1) Meet protein needs through whole plant foods (lentils, beans, tofu, tempeh, nuts), or (2) If absolutely must use powder, choose whey from top 7 list (many vegetarians use whey even if avoiding meat). Do NOT use untested plant proteins for developing brains.
Q: My teen's coach recommended [specific brand]. Is it safe?
A: Check the brand against our rankings. Many coaches recommend brands based on sponsorships, personal use, or outdated information - NOT independent safety testing. If their recommended brand isn't in the top 7 verified-safe list, politely explain you're choosing based on Consumer Reports testing and get a safe alternative. Show the coach this article if needed.
Q: How much protein powder can my teenager safely use per day?
A: For verified-safe options (top 7 list): 1-2 servings per day maximum. More than that and you should question if they actually need it or if whole foods could work instead. Remember: even "safe" proteins have some lead - the goal is minimize exposure while meeting protein needs.
Q: Is "organic" or "all-natural" protein safer for my teen?
A: NO. Garden of Life Sport "Organic" ranked #21 (dangerous). Naked Nutrition emphasizes "nothing artificial" yet ranked #23 (worst). Organic certification doesn't test for heavy metals. Choose based on independent safety testing (Consumer Reports, Clean Label Project), not marketing claims.
Q: What's the best protein powder for a high school athlete on a budget?
A: Body Fortress (#5) at $0.67/serving - Clean Label certified safe, 30g protein, available at Walmart. Over 4 years of high school, saves $800+ vs premium brands while being equally safe. For slightly better value/taste, Optimum Nutrition (#1) at $0.75/serving is also excellent.
Q: My teen is 14 and wants to start bodybuilding. Should they use protein powder?
A: At 14, focus on: (1) Proper strength training technique (prevent injury), (2) Adequate whole food nutrition, (3) Sufficient sleep (growth hormone release). They probably don't NEED protein powder yet. If they insist, ONE serving per day of verified-safe option (Optimum Nutrition #1) is reasonable, but emphasize whole foods are better for overall development.
Q: Can protein powder stunt my teenager's growth?
A: Protein powder itself doesn't stunt growth. HOWEVER: (1) Lead exposure can affect development and growth, which is why verified-safe options matter. (2) Excessive protein can displace other nutrients needed for growth. (3) If using protein powder as meal replacement, might miss other nutrients. Solution: Use verified-safe protein (top 7), limit to 1-2 servings/day, ensure balanced diet overall.
The Bottom Line: Protecting Your Teen Athlete's Brain
Key Takeaways for Parents:
✅ Safe to Use (With Parent Approval):
Only these 7 products are verified safe for teen athletes:
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard - Best overall (CR #5 + Clean Label)
- MuscleTech Mass Gainer - Safest (undetectable lead)
- Momentous Whey Isolate - NSF Certified (CR #3)
- BSN Syntha-6 - Best taste (CR #4)
- Body Fortress - Best budget ($0.67/serving)
- Dymatize Super Mass Gainer - Safe bulking (CR #2)
- Transparent Labs - Clean ingredients (CR #6)
🚫 Absolutely Avoid for Teens:
- Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer (15.7x over limit - WORST)
- Huel Black Edition (12.9x over limit)
- Garden of Life Sport Organic (5.6x over limit)
- ANY untested plant-based protein
- ANY protein not on the verified-safe top 7 list
💡 Parent Action Plan:
- ✅ Check if your teen is currently using protein powder (ask directly, check their room/car)
- ✅ If using contaminated brand (not in top 7), throw it away and explain why
- ✅ Assess if they actually NEED protein powder (most don't - whole foods work)
- ✅ If truly needed, buy ONLY from verified-safe top 7 list
- ✅ Set clear rule: Only approved brands, show them this article
- ✅ Limit to 1-2 servings/day maximum
- ✅ Monitor long-term use (if using daily for years, consider blood lead testing)
Remember: Your teenager's brain is still developing until age 25. Lead exposure during this critical period causes permanent damage to IQ, impulse control, and learning ability. There's no room for compromise on safety. Choose verified-safe options only.
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Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your pediatrician before giving protein powder to teenagers, especially those under 16. If concerned about lead exposure, request blood lead testing.
Sources:
- Consumer Reports: "Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Levels of Lead" (October 14, 2025)
- CDC: "Lead - Health Effects in Children and Adolescents"
- American Academy of Pediatrics: "Sports Nutrition for Teen Athletes"
- Environmental Health Perspectives: "Lead exposure and adolescent brain development" (2021)
- Journal of Adolescent Health: "Protein supplementation in adolescent athletes" (2019)
- Pediatrics: "Blood lead absorption rates by age" (2020)
Last Updated: November 27, 2025
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to Amazon. We only recommend products with verified safety testing appropriate for teenagers. Rankings based solely on independent testing. Learn more.