The best kids phone plans in June
Cheap kids phone plan benefits
We love Mobile Virtual Network Operators (or MVNOs for short). MVNOs are low-cost carriers that piggyback off the main four networks. Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. But with flexible and cheaper plans.
Same network you love but a cheaper price, what's the catch? As low-cost alternative carriers are based online, they're saving money by not having thousands of stores and sales people. They also don't have expensive ad campaigns or stadium sponsorships to pay for.
They want to give you a great cell phone plan and save you money at the same time.
Here's how much of a no-brainer it is:
National network coverage
Fast 4G LTE data speeds (some carriers even include 5g data)
Much lower prices
No contract or termination fees
Keep your phone and number
Customize your plan based on your data usage
Top rated 24/7 customer support
Some carriers even offer a risk free trial period
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $540 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unltd* | $60/mo | $720/yr | |
| T-Mobile 4G LTE | 4GB | $15/mo | $180/yr | |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $45/mo | $540/yr | |
Kids cell phone plan features
4G LTE data speeds: Since MVNOs operate on the big four cellular networks you'll pay less without sacrificing speed. More and more are adding 5G coverage all the time so you can expect high-speed data.
Unlimited talk and text messaging: Finding a new unlimited plan has never been easier. Virtually all small carriers include unlimited text and calls in their plan options. Compare cheap talk and text plans with or without data.
International calls to Canada and Mexico: International calling is a must for many people. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, with free calling to certain countries like Canada and Mexico, and discounted rates on others.
Multiline discounts: Low-cost carriers also offer some of the cheapest family cell phone plans, with multiline discounts.
Wi-Fi calling: This feature is handy when you're out of your service area, allowing you to make calls over the internet instead of on your cellular connection.
Tethering/hotspot data: Many low-cost carriers allow you to use your phone as a hotspot. Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans so you can share your mobile hotspot data with other devices.
HD video streaming: Just like the big guys, some MVNOs offer HD video streaming and some don't. Read the fine print to find the option you want.
Cheapest carriers for students by network
Best cheap AT&T kids plans: Red Pocket, Pure Talk, and Good2Go Mobile.
Best cheap Verizon kids plans : US Mobile, Reach Mobile, and Ting.
Best cheap T-Mobile kids plans: Mint Mobile, Tello, and Boost Mobile.
Kids cell phone plan types
Unlimited data plans: Looking for unlimited talk text and data? Alternative carriers have got you covered. Data hungry users looking for unlimited plus plans can save serious money by switching to one of the cheapest unlimited data plans. Not sure how much data you need? Check out our data usage calculator.
Family phone plans: Need four lines or more? Many MVNOs offer group plans. Compare the cheapest family phone plans so you can pick and choose what each family member needs.
Bring your own phone plans: BYOP plans are the norm with smaller carriers. Compare cell phone prices and get a great deal to go with your cheap cell phone plan!
Talk & text only plans: Don't need data? No problem - compare cheap talk and text plans. Bonus, you'll save a ton of money if you're not paying for data!
Tablet data plans: Find the cheapest data plan for your tablet or iPad.
Kids cell phone plans comparison
Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 1GB | $7.50** 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Verizon | Unltd | Unltd | 3GB | $15** 50% Off for 3 Months | |
T-Mobile & Verizon | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $25** $20 Off for 3 Months | |
T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 10GB | $20** $60 for 3 Months Service | |
Verizon & Sprint | 300 | Unltd | 1GB | $7.50** 50% Off for 6 Months |
Considerations when comparing kids phone plans
The demand for technology has meant kids want phones at an earlier age. This can have pros and cons.
On one hand many of the latest phones have some form of locator which means you can check your child is safe. And they can text or phone, so you can keep in contact with them easily when they're away from home.
The downside is the amount of time kids spend in front of a screen. And the distractions that come along with that.
The best cell phone plans for kids provide parental controls so you can keep watch on their usage. A great way to save money and limit your child's time spent on their phone is by choosing a set data plan. A set data plan provides them with enough data to connect with friends, but not enough that they spend all day on YouTube and TikTok.
Can I add my kid to my cell phone plan?
Another option is a family plan. So you can add your child to your existing plan. Many cell phone carriers offer discounts for multiple lines, you can include all family members.
To get the most from a family plan make sure you check everyone's usage for the best deal. With unlimited talk and text plans you can relax knowing that there won't be any expensive surprises at the end of the month. Want to include data? You can use our free tool to estimate everyone's average data usage.
We love Reach Mobile for multiple lines. They offer super flexible choices for family plans.
Switching to a cheaper carrier
It's never been easier to switch. Let's break it down.
Customize your plan. Whether you're looking for a truly unlimited plan, or in the market for something more basic, choose a plan to suit your cell phone needs.
Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your old bills are paid up and your phone is unlocked. If you're getting a new device, transferring data from one to another is simple. Even if you're going from an iPhone to Android, and vice versa.
Set up your new plan. Keep your current carrier account open until your number has ported over. Once you're sure your new plan is up and running, cancel your old account. If you've got a new device with your Tello plan, it should be ready to use when it arrives. If you're bringing your own phone then you'll need to follow the instructions with the new SIM card kit that Tello will send to you in the post.
Bring your own phone to save even more
It doesn't have to be stressful when getting a new plan or switching carriers. Here are some ways that make your move to a new cell phone plan super easy;
Bring your own phone: You don't need to purchase a brand new phone. If you've got an old phone hanging around, as long as it's compatible you can bring your own phone to save even more money.
New phone: If you're kids desperate for something new as their first cell phone you can still nail a great deal. Check the carrier's phone selection and pay over 2 years with 0% finance.
No contracts: With the flexibility to up and leave if you're not happy it's a win-win.
Cheap cell phone companies list
Best cell phones for kids
So what if you do want to upgrade your phone? It's all good - with a prepaid carrier you can save a ton of money by choosing one of a couple of great money-saving options:
Buy a new phone from the carrier: More and more MVNOs are offering a selection of affordable phones. Some even give you the choice of making device payments instead of paying all at once. We've gathered the best cell phone deals for you to compare all in one place.
Buy a refurbished cell phone: If you'd rather own your phone outright, compare refurbished phone deals to save over 50% on top models in great condition.
Compare cheap cell phone prices
Phone | AT&T | Verizon | T-Mobile | Unlocked | $349 | $599 | $599 | $349 | $649 | $899 | $899 | $649 | $749 | $999 | $999 | $749 | $579 | $829 | $829 | $579 | $479 | $729 | $729 | $479 | $749 | $999 | $999 | $749 | $849 | $1,099 | $1,099 | $849 | $149 | $399 | $359 | $149 | - | $499 | $499 | $499 |
|---|
Kids phone plan FAQs
What's the best cell phone plan for a child?
The great thing about MVNOs is the flexibility to tailor a plan to your kids needs. This means you can create the best plan at a price you're happy with. If you're still trying to decide you can compare kids' cell phone plans from all carriers.
What is the right age for a child to have a cell phone?
There are many low-cost carriers that provide parental control on cell phones. Some have dashboards where you can monitor the usage of the phone. To make sure your child is safe. There are set data plans so you can make sure they're not spending too much time on the internet.
Does AT&T have a kids plan?
AT&T do provide kids plans, you can compare their MVNO deals here.
Can I have two phones on the same plan?
Instead of a single line option for your child there are many options for family plans. Most cheap carriers will offer a discount for multiple line plans.
Recap
Getting your kid's first phone doesn't have to be expensive. There are some great options that suit any budget. Whether you choose to add them to a family plan or get their own single-line plan.
The best MVNOs for kids have parental features to allow you to keep control of their phone use. So you have peace of mind that they're safe.
With online carriers you don't need to purchase a new phone, you can bring your own. If you do bring your own device the carrier will be able to check your phone is compatible before signing up. Prefer to get a new phone? Check out the carrier's available handsets with two years 0% finance.
MoneySavingPro methodology
We're here to bring transparency to telecoms, putting power back in your hands. This guides everything we do.
We've got high standards. We use our industry expertise to find carriers that reach these standards. We all deserve the best value for money, choice and customer experience.
We care about accuracy. MoneySavingPro is run by cell phone geeks and money saving obsessives. Our content team researches everything thoroughly so that information you read here will give you the whole picture. Everything we do is backed up by the data.
We keep things simple. It's our job to break down what you need to know, so you can make informed choices.
Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tello | Prepaid | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30/mo |
 Reach Mobile | Family | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $30/mo |
 Boost Mobile | 5G | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
 Ting | Talk & Text | Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $10/mo |
 Twigby | Individual | 300 | Unlimited | 1GB | $16/mo |
 Pure Talk | 2 Lines | Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $25/mo |
 Red Pocket | Budget | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
 US Mobile | Tablet Data | 0 | 0 | 2GB | $10/mo |
Deal of the Month: Reach Mobile - 50% off for 3 months