Best Cell Phone Plans for Kids in 2021

The best kids phone plans in September

Table of Contents

• Cheap kids phone plan benefits

• Best cheap T-Mobile kids phone plan

• Best cheap Verizon kids phone plan

• Best cheap AT&T kids phone plan

Check Carrier CoverageSee Deals

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.

The 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

Best cheap T-Mobile kids phone plan

Mint Mobile 4GB data plan* $45 for 3 Months Service

Unlimitedmins

Unlimitedtexts

4 GB

4G data

$15*

per month

See Deal

Powered by: T-Mobile

T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile Plan Comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year

Compare: cheap T-Mobile kids cell phone plans

Best cheap Verizon kids phone plan

US Mobile 5GB data planFree Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM

Unlimitedmins

Unlimitedtexts

5 GB

4G data

$15

per month

See Deal

Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile

Verizon vs US Mobile Plan Comparison

Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $780 per year

Compare: cheap Verizon kids cell phone plans

Best cheap AT&T kids phone plan

Good2Go Mobile 3GB data plan* 50% Off for 3 Months

Unlimitedmins

Unlimitedtexts

3 GB

4G data

$10*

per month

$20/mo

See Deal

Powered by: AT&T & T-Mobile

AT&T vs Good2Go Mobile Plan Comparison

Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $690 per year

Compare: cheap AT&T kids cell phone plans

Cheap 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 multi-line 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.

Compare cheap phone plans for kids

Carrier coverage comparison

Which no contract carrier is best for you? The answer massively depends on which network gives you the best coverage where you are.

You'll choose between a GSM carrier (powered by T-Mobile and AT&T) or a CDMA carrier (piggybacking on Verizon Wireless), you'll enjoy the national coverage you'd expect from the big carriers.

Network performance ratings

Source: Rootmetrics

Find Cheap Cell Phone Plans in Your AreaSee Deals

Carrier customer service comparison

It's a myth that customer care is worse with a low cost carrier. On average MVNOs score much, much higher for customer satisfaction than big networks.

Take a look at the comparison chart here to see what we're getting at.

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.

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.

How to switch to a cheaper cell phone plan

It's never been easier to switch. Let's break it down.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 & save your money

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 cheap cell phones for kids

Kids cell phone plans FAQs

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

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• 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	Best prepaid plan	Unlimited	Unlimited	1GB	$10/mo
Mint Mobile	Best unlimited plan	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	$30/mo
Red Pocket	Best cheap phone plan	500	500	0.5GB	$10/mo
US Mobile	Best tablet plan	0	0	2GB	$10/mo