Are you looking for a phone plan for your kid? Don't worry, MoneySavingPro has got you covered with a range of cheap cell phone plans.
Low cost carriers, also known as MVNOs, offer affordable ways to get a single line plan or multi-line discounts if you'd rather opt for a family plan.
You don't need to sacrifice coverage as these carriers are powered by the major US networks, so you'll receive the same nationwide coverage you're used to.
We've compared the best MVNO plans below so you can find the ideal plan for your child.
| Cheap prepaid plan | Tello |
| Cheap family plan | US Mobile |
| Cheap unlimited plan | Mint Mobile |
| Cheap 5G plan | Boost Mobile |
| Cheap talk & text plan | Twigby |
| Cheap individual plan | Good2Go Mobile |
| Cheap 2 line plan | Reach Mobile |
| Cheap no contract plan | Red Pocket |
| Cheap SIM card | Ultra Mobile |
| Cheap tablet plan | Mint Mobile |
Cheapest prepaid phone plan for kids
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 1GB
- Price
- $10/mo
Tello 1GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for only $10 per month. Tello plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Tello review
Pros
24/7 customer support
No contracts
Budget friendly family plans
Cons
No roaming
Coverage in rural areas
Benefits
Service on the nationwide T-Mobile network
Money-back guarantee on phones (no refunds on plans)
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own phone or choose from a modest selection of new or refurbished devices
Keep your current phone number
Use of your plan data as a mobile hotspot through your phone is allowed
Use your minutes to call Canada, China, and Mexico
Minutes to other countries available as add-on
24/7 customer service
Cheapest family phone plan for kids
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 5GB
- Price
- $15/moFree Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM
US Mobile 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $15 per month. US Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's US Mobile review
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
Benefits
Coverage on either the T-Mobile or Verizon network
Risk-free trial: Full refund within 14 days or before 1000 talk, text, or MB's is used
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own GSM or CDMA phone or choose from a small selection of phones for sale
Keep your own phone number
Mobile hotspot use available as add-on option with unlimited data plans
International roaming plans available with eSIMs
Add-ons available for talk, text, and data, with rollover
24/7 customer support
Cheapest unlimited data plan for kids
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30/mo** Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free
Mint Mobile Unlimited plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $30 per month. Mint Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Mint Mobile review
Pros
Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
Prepay months in bulk for more savings
Reliable network coverage
Works with most GSM phones
Cons
No family plans
Minimum 3 months
Benefits
Operates on the nationwide T-Mobile network
7-day money-back guarantee
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your phone or buy a Mint Mobile device
Keep your phone number
Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is permitted
Free calling to Canada & Mexico, affordable rates to 160+ other locations
Flat-rate international roaming available as an add-on feature
Customer service by phone on weekdays and weekends, 24/7 by virtual chat
Cheapest 5G phone plan for kids
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 15GB
- Price
- $20/mo** $240 for 1 year service
Boost Mobile 15GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 15GB data for only $20 per month. Boost Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Boost Mobile review
Pros
New customers & Online only
No annual contract
Free SIM Kit ($9.99 value)
Free Shipping ($4.99 value)
Works w/ most Unlocked GSM Phones
Cons
Coverage in rural areas
Benefits
Owned by Dish and runs on T-Mobile's nationwide network
Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or extra fees
Bring your own phone (GSM compatible) or choose from a wide selection of new phones
Mobile hotspot allowance with all plans
International service and roaming available as add-on packs
Customer support available by phone - 4am - 8pm PST Monday to Friday, 4am - 7pm weekends
Cheapest talk & text plan for kids
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 0GB
- Price
- $6.50/mo** 50% Off for 6 Months
Twigby 0GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 0GB data for only $6.50 per month. Twigby plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Twigby review
Pros
No hotspot/tethering charges
International calling and texting
4G LTE coverage
Exclusive deals and discounts as a Twigby customer
Cons
Limited handset selection
Not for the data hungry
Benefits
Runs on both the Verizon and Sprint networks
30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee on phones and plans (under 300 minutes, 300 texts, or 300 MB of data used)
Prepaid - no contracts, credit checks, or activation fees
Bring your CDMA device or choose from a modest selection of Twigby phones
Keep your own phone number
Use your phone and plan data as a mobile hotspot
Use your plan minutes to call Canada, China, and Mexico
Free international texting to over 180 countries
US-based chat support available weekdays 7am to 9pm CST and 10am to 6pm on weekends
Cheapest individual phone plan for kids
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 3GB
- Price
- $12.50/mo** 50% Off for 3 Months
Good2Go Mobile 3GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 3GB data for only $12.50 per month. Good2Go Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Good2Go Mobile review
Pros
4G LTE coverage
No contract
No credit checks
Cons
No unlimited data options
No app interface
Benefits
Coverage on the nationwide AT&T & T-Mobile networks
Prepaid cell phone plans - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own phone or buy a Good2Go Mobile phone
Mobile hotspot/tethering not supported
International calling to over 60 countries available as affordable plan add-on; calling to other countries via add-on calling card
Customer service available by phone 7am - 1am EST every day
Cheapest kids phone plan for two
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 2GB
- Price
- $10/mo** $10 Off First 3 Months
Reach Mobile 2GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 2GB data for only $10 per month. Reach Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Reach Mobile review
Pros
5G coverage available
24/7 live customer support with helpful humans
No contract, no bulk-order commitment
Hotspot enabled
A socially conscious provider who gives back
Cons
Small selection of handsets
Benefits
Powered by the Verizon network
Service is postpaid with no credit check
Only upfront payment is shipping for SIM card
Bring your own compatible phone
Keep your phone number
Hotspot enabled on all plans
24/7 customer support by phone or chat
Cheapest no contract phone plan for kids
- Minutes
- 500
- Texts
- 500
- Data
- 500MB
- Price
- $10/mo
Red Pocket 500MB plan includes 500 mins, 500 texts and 500MB data for only $10 per month. Red Pocket plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Red Pocket review
| Plan | Data | Price | View plan |
|---|---|---|---|
Red Pocket 500MB | 0.50GB | $10 | View Plan |
Red Pocket 3GB - 12 Mths | 3GB | $15* * $180 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
3GB | $20 | View Plan | |
Red Pocket 10GB - 12 Mths | 10GB | $22.50* * $270 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
Red Pocket 25GB - 12 Mths | 25GB | $30* * $360 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
10GB | $30 | View Plan | |
Red Pocket 100GB - 12 Mths | 100GB | $37.50* * $450 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
25GB | $40 | View Plan | |
100GB | $50 | View Plan |
Pros
Nationwide coverage
No contracts
Latest selection of phones
Cons
Account dashboard needs work
No 0% financing options on latest phones
Customer service
Benefits
Operates on all four networks - AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon
Prepaid cell phone plans - no contract, credit check, or activation fees
Bring your own GSM or CDMA device and keep your phone number
Mobile hotspot/tethering allowed with your plan data
Free international calling to 70+ countries
Customer service available in English, Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish via chat or phone
Cheapest SIM card for kids
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 2GB
- Price
- $14/mo** $168 for 12 Months Service
Ultra Mobile 2GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 2GB data for only $14 per month. Ultra Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Ultra Mobile review
| Plan | Data | Price | View plan |
|---|---|---|---|
Ultra Mobile 250MB - 12 Mths | 0.25GB | $10* * $120 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
2GB | $14* * $168 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
3GB | $20* * $240 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
6GB | $25* * $300 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
15GB | $30* * $360 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
Unlimited | $40* * $480 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
Pros
Simple account dashboard
Unlimited international talk and text
Nationwide coverage
Cons
Customer service
Benefits
Coverage provided on the nationwide T-Mobile network
Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own compatible GSM phone or buy one from Ultra Mobile
Mobile hotspot use supported
Unlimited global texting and unlimited calling to 80+ countries
International roaming credits available in $5, $10, or $20 denominations
International plan tier comes with uTalk - a feature that gives you up to 1250 bonus minutes to your choice of 39 additional destinations
Customer service available by phone, email, and chat from 6am to 6pm every day
Cheapest tablet data plan for kids
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 10GB
- Price
- $20/mo** Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free
Mint Mobile 10GB plan includes 0 mins, 0 texts and 10GB data for only $20 per month. Mint Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Mint Mobile review
Pros
Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
Prepay months in bulk for more savings
Reliable network coverage
Works with most GSM phones
Cons
No family plans
Minimum 3 months
Benefits
Operates on the nationwide T-Mobile network
7-day money-back guarantee
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your phone or buy a Mint Mobile device
Keep your phone number
Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is permitted
Free calling to Canada & Mexico, affordable rates to 160+ other locations
Flat-rate international roaming available as an add-on feature
Customer service by phone on weekdays and weekends, 24/7 by virtual chat
Cheap cell phone plans for kids in 2022
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
Cheapest phone plan for kids on T-Mobile
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
4GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo*
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: T-Mobile
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | 4GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $660/yr | |
Compare: cheap T-Mobile kids plans
Cheapest phone plan for kids on Verizon
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
5GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo
$3.00 per GB
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Verizon vs US Mobile comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $780 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $80/mo | $960/yr |
| US Mobile | Verizon 4G & 5G | 5GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $65/mo | $780/yr | |
Compare: cheap Verizon kids plans
Cheapest phone plan for kids on AT&T
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
3GB
4G/5G data
$12.50/mo*
$25/mo
$8.33 per GB
Powered by: AT&T & T-Mobile
AT&T vs Good2Go Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $637 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Good2Go Mobile | AT&T 4G & 5G | 3GB | $25/mo | $263/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $50/mo | $637/yr | |
Compare: cheap AT&T kids plans
Cheap kids 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.
Cheapest cell phone plans for kids
| Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 2GB | $10** $10 Off First 3 Months |
| Twigby | Verizon | Unltd | Unltd | 5GB | $12.50** 50% Off for 6 Months |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 10GB | $20** Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free |
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 18GB | $25Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $30** Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free |
Cheap carrier coverage
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
| NETWORK | OVERALL | RELIABILITY | SPEED | DATA | CALL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Coverage | 95 | 96 | 94 | 96 | 94 |
| AT&T Coverage | 94 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 92 |
| T-Mobile Coverage | 86 | 88 | 82 | 89 | 82 |
Source: Rootmetrics
Cheap carrier customer service
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.
| CARRIER | TRUSTPILOT USER RATING |
|---|---|
| Reach Mobile | 4.9 |
| Tello | 4.6 |
| US Mobile | 4.6 |
| T-Mobile | 1.5 |
| Verizon | 1.3 |
| AT&T | 1.2 |
Cheap Kids 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.
Cheap phone carriers list
Cheapest cell phones for kids
| Phone | Storage | Network | Condition | Price | Apple iPhone SE | 64GB | AT&T | New | $329 | Apple iPhone 11 | 64GB | T-Mobile | New | $499 | Apple iPhone 13 mini | 128GB | AT&T | New | $629 | Apple iPhone 12 | 64GB | AT&T | New | $629 | Apple iPhone 12 mini | 64GB | T-Mobile | New | $629 | Apple iPhone 13 | 128GB | AT&T | New | $729 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | 128GB | AT&T | New | $899 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | 256GB | AT&T | New | $899 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | 128GB | AT&T | New | $899 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | 128GB | AT&T | New | $999 |
|---|
Cheap kids phone plans FAQs
What's the best cell phone plan for a child?
It comes down to a number of things including, how old the child is and what the phone is going to be used for. There's a variety of plans to fit all needs and basic plans offering unlimited talk and text can be found from around $10 a month with an MVNO like Tello.
Does T-Mobile have kids phone plans?
There are no specific plans just for kids, but T-Mobile MVNOs offer affordable plans on the T-Mobile network.
What is the cheapest phone plan for kids?
MVNOs offer the cheapest cell phone plans with prices starting from $10 a month. These low cost carriers operate on the same major networks and offer the same features and range of plans available from the big three.
Recap
An additional cell phone plan for your child or moving to a family plan, doesn't have to break the bank.
MVNOs provide affordable plans and operating on the main US networks gives you access to the same quality nationwide coverage from T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T.
You can also bring your own phone, as long as it's compatible, or if you're looking for a new phone there's plenty of cheap cell phones for kids to choose from.
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tello | Cheap prepaid plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
 US Mobile | Cheap family plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Cheap unlimited plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30/mo |
 Boost Mobile | Cheap 5G plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15GB | $20/mo |
 Twigby | Cheap talk & text plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $13/mo |
 Good2Go Mobile | Cheap individual plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $25/mo |
 Reach Mobile | Cheap 2 line plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $20/mo |
 Red Pocket | Cheap no contract plan | 500 | 500 | 500MB | $10/mo |
 Ultra Mobile | Cheap SIM card | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $14/mo |
| Mint Mobile | Cheap tablet plan | 0 | 0 | 10GB | $20/mo |
