Are you getting ready to get your child a phone? It's an exciting yet stressful time.
On top of picking out the right device, you've also got to figure out what kind of monthly plan you should get for your young techie.
Here's the deal: the best cell phone plans for kids vary depending on your needs and wants.
Compare Now: Cheap Cell Phone Plans for Kids starting at $10
There are so many carriers and phone service options - it gets downright confusing. Don't worry, I'm going to give you the information you need to make the right choice for your child and family.
Whatever your child's age, there's something for everyone in our top picks of cell phone service for kids.
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Mobile Phone Plans for Kids and Teens
The cell phone milestone is arriving earlier and earlier as time and technology advance. According to consumer behavior analytics from Influence Central, the average age a child first gets a mobile phone is now 10 years old.
There are some great benefits of kids this young having their own phone number. They can let you know when they're home safely, or if they need a ride. You can even find them using programs like Family Locator from Verizon Wireless and others.
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See SavingsOne of the major cons of kids having mobile phones is that they may not be very responsible yet. With all the dangers lurking on the internet and the advanced features included on smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy and iPhone, you want to make sure they have the right plan.
The Best Cell Phone Plans for Kids: Our Top Picks
Tello
Tello is an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). This carrier runs on the Sprint 4G LTE network, so if you have a compatible phone your child may be able to use it. The $14 option is great for older children who don't need a lot of data.
| Network | Sprint |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes Mexico, Canada & China |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 3 days |
Pros:
- Affordable, versatile plans - change anytime
- No contract
- BYOP (bring your own phone)
- Mobile hotspot
- Share data with other devices
- Use plan in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
Cons:
- No device financing
- No roaming
It's tough to find anything bad to say about Tello plans. Prices range from $5 to $63, and you can change up any element at any time. You can bring your own phone or buy one from Tello for anywhere from $29 to $649, including late model iPhones and Android devices like the Samsung Galaxy S8.
TextNow
TextNow is an MVNO that uses the T-Mobile and Sprint networks. Their multiple plans ranging from WiFi only to unlimited data are ideal for teenagers who need plenty of texts, minutes, and enough data to surf the web.
| Network | Sprint |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | No |
| Money Back Guarantee | No |
Pros:
- All plans include a phone number, voicemail, international calling, and group texting
- Ability to use your TextNow phone number on devices other than your phone such as a computer, iPod, and tablet
- Excellent customer service
- 30-day return policy
Cons:
- Free plan only operates with WiFi and is ad-supported
- Call quality is affected if you don't use their phones
- Limited phone selection
TextNow supports both GSM devices (T-Mobile) and CDMA devices (Sprint). The low rates and the variety of TextNow plans make this a smart option for kids and teens.
Pro Tip: Don't forget you can bring your own phone number to any of these providers.
Single or Family Plan?
I know what you're thinking: isn't it best to add my child's phone to my existing monthly plan? The answer: maybe. If your child is younger, the cheapest cell phone plan may be a separate, pay-as-you-go option with a basic phone. Carriers like Textnow, Tello, and US Mobile all offer reasonable single-phone plans.
For older teens, you could be better off using the family plan discount with your current provider, especially if you already have an unlimited plan. For example, if you're on the T-Mobile network, you'll find one of the most affordable family plans available. You can use our handy tool to figure out the best family plan for you and your children.
Compare Now: Cheap Cell Phone Plans for Kids starting at $10
Recap
There are plenty of choices when it comes to finding the best cell phone plan for your child. As far as choosing the right phone, remember that kids don't need the fanciest, most expensive device. There are several Android phones that are cheap yet functional.
The most important thing is choosing a plan you can afford that allows your child the safety and features they need.
Once you've chosen a cell phone plan, you have the option of bringing your own phone (BYOP) or purchasing a new one. Sometimes, however, a smartphone may not be the best idea for your child's first cell phone (especially if they're prone to dropping things!).
Take a look at our buyer's guide to phones for kids to find basic, flip, and smartphones suitable for young children and teenagers.
Also, don't forget to brush up on cell phone safety for kids!
