The best cheap phone plans for kids & teens from $10

Same coverage: Cut your bill by $600 per year

Big Wireless
$75
/mo
Unlimited data
$900/yr
vs
Tello on T-Mobile
Tello logo on phone
$25
/mo
Unlimited data
$300/yr
See Deal
Visible on Verizon
Visible logo on phone
$25
/mo
Unlimited data
$300/yr
See Deal
Red Pocket on AT&T
Red Pocket logo on phone
$30
/mo
Unlimited data
$360/yr
See Deal
Find a cheaper plan in seconds Save your money

MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.

Seeking a break from the big three's narrow options, bewildering bills, and steep prices for your kids' and teens' mobile needs?

As these wireless giants bask in their profits and plot yet more hikes, they've overlooked a crucial factor: today's families demand better value.

With over a decade's experience in the wireless sector, I've seen the price disparity reach new heights, yet finding a more suitable carrier has never been more straightforward.

I've navigated through and reviewed 30 alternative carriers and over 100 prepaid plans, so you don't have to.

To save you time, I have excluded carriers that:

  • Only offer unlimited data plans
  • Only advertise multi-line prices
  • Have confusing phone bills with unexpected fees
  • Lure customers with "free" phones
  • Constantly try to upsell additional lines
  • Bundle plans with unnecessary subscriptions
  • Need loads of small print to explain their offers
  • Want you to go to a store
  • Need a commission-based salesperson
  • Reward customer loyalty with increased prices

What's astonishing is the abundance of lesser-known carriers still competing. They use the very networks you trust but at a fraction of the cost.

Finding the right plan is all about matching your network preferences and your children's mobile usage.

I've highlighted the best value phone plans for kids for low, moderate, and heavy data needs on all three major networks.

I've also selected what I deem to be the ultimate value plan for kids and teens, empowering you to make the best choice for your family.

Cheapest plans for kids on T-Mobile

These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with T-Mobile coverage to consider.

Cheap T-Mobile plan

Tello 2GB plan

Image of cell phone with Tello
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
2GB
data
$10/mo
5Read our Tello review
$780 in annual savings

Keep things simple with Tello prepaid plans. Their plans cater to all budgets, and you have the flexibility to build your own plan according to your specific needs. This allows you to choose the amount of data, minutes, and texts that fit your usage, making sure that you only pay for what you actually use.

When it comes to data, it's worth checking how much data you use as a set data plan can help you get the cheapest plan. Check out our review about best kids plans on T-Mobile.

Pros

  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
  • Free international calling to 60+ countries
  • Free mobile hotspot included
  • Excellent score on Trustpilot
  • eSIM compatible

Cons

  • No international roaming
  • No multi-line discounts
  • Customize your own plan. Depending on your usage, you can choose the amount of data, minutes, and texts that you require. It's always worth checking your average data usage, as a set data plan can help cut costs.
  • Mobile hotspot is available with a limit of 5GB.
  • You won't have to worry about any hidden fees or long-term contracts that will make you feel trapped.
  • They offer free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, on all their plans.
  • Tello doesn't provide any discounts for purchasing multiple lines. So, if you want to get a plan for another family member, each line will be billed at the full price as a single line. However, you can still save money because Tello offers low-cost individual plans.
  • Since Tello is an online-based service, you can easily activate an eSIM plan with just a few clicks. Alternatively, you can choose to have a SIM card sent to you by mail.

Best family plan on T-Mobile

Mint Mobile 15GB plan

Image of cell phone with Mint Mobile
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
15GB
data
$15/mo*
$20/mo
See at Mint Mobile

*$45 for 3 Months

3.9Read our Mint Mobile review
$675 in annual savings

A Mint Mobile prepaid plan is powered by the T-Mobile network, so you'll get access to their 5G & 4G LTE wireless network at a lower price. Mint Mobile provides a range of data allowances, which includes an unlimited plan offering up to 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited text and talk.

Through their transparent messaging, Mint Mobile shows how you can increase your savings by committing for longer. Check out our review about best family plans on T-Mobile.

Pros

  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
  • Free calls to Mexico and Canada
  • Free mobile hotspot with all plans
  • eSIM compatible

Cons

  • No international roaming
  • Limited customer service
  • 3-month minimum sign-up
  • Mint Mobile includes mobile hotspot access with all of their plans, allowing you to connect your phone to other devices when Wi-Fi is unavailable. And their unlimited plan comes with a 10GB limit on hotspot data usage.
  • To subscribe to Mint Mobile, you must commit to a minimum of 3 months in advance. While their plans are cheaper compared to T-Mobile, this upfront commitment may not be preferable for some. But the longer you commit, the more money you can save.
  • After the initial three months, you have the flexibility to choose between 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structures.
  • They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied with the service.
  • You don't need to purchase an expensive iPhone as you can bring your own phone to Mint Mobile. However, if you prefer a new smartphone, there are various options available, such as iPhones, Samsung phones, and other Android models like Google Pixel, with a 0% finance over 1-2 years.
  • The Mint Mobile app is also a great feature that allows for easy monitoring of your usage and managing multiple plans.
  • On the downside, international roaming comes at an additional cost. While calls to Canada and Mexico are free with Mint Mobile, calls made to other international countries will incur extra charges.

Best unlimited plan on T-Mobile

Tello unlimited data plan

Image of cell phone with Tello
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
Unlimited
data
$15/mo*
$25/mo
See at Tello

*$10 off for 3 Mths

5Read our Tello review
$630 in annual savings

Keep things simple with Tello prepaid plans. Their plans cater to all budgets, and you have the flexibility to build your own plan according to your specific needs. This allows you to choose the amount of data, minutes, and texts that fit your usage, making sure that you only pay for what you actually use.

When it comes to data, it's worth checking how much data you use as a set data plan can help you get the cheapest plan. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on T-Mobile.

Pros

  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
  • Free international calling to 60+ countries
  • Free mobile hotspot included
  • Excellent score on Trustpilot
  • eSIM compatible

Cons

  • No international roaming
  • No multi-line discounts

The table below demonstrates that choosing the Tello unlimited data plan would save you $630 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile directly.

T-MobileT-Mobile coverage at a fraction of the cost
T-Mobile logoTello logoSee at TelloMint Mobile logoSee at Mint Mobile
*$45 for 3 Months
Tello logoSee at Tello
*$10 off for 3 Mths
T-Mobile 4G & 5GT-Mobile 4G & 5GT-Mobile 4G & 5G
Unlimited data
*not unlimited
2GB data15GB dataUnlimited data
$75/mo$10/mo$15/mo*$20/mo$15/mo*$25/mo
$900/yr$120/yr$225/yr$270/yr
1.4 on Trustpilot
4.6 on Trustpilot
3.3 on Trustpilot
4.6 on Trustpilot
Annual savings$780/yr$675/yr$630/yr

Cheapest plans for kids on Verizon

These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with Verizon coverage to consider.

Cheap Verizon plan

Twigby Mobile 2GB plan

Image of cell phone with Twigby Mobile
  • Verizon coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
2GB
data
$5/mo*
$15/mo
See at Twigby Mobile

*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths

4.4Read our Twigby Mobile review
$750 in annual savings

With Twigby Mobile prepaid phone plans, you have the option to customize a plan that fits your individual needs. They offer a variety of cheap no-contract plans that are powered by the Verizon network, so you don't have to sacrifice quality for affordability. Check out our review about best kids plans on Verizon.

Pros

  • Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
  • Free international calls to 80+ countries
  • Wide range of plan choices
  • Free mobile hotspot access
  • Excellent score on Trustpilot

Cons

  • No multi-line discounts
  • No International roaming
  • Not eSIM-compatible
  • With Twigby Mobile, you can create plans whatever your needs and budget.
  • Twigby Mobile provides free international calling to 80 different countries, ideal for those with family or friends living abroad.
  • They're 100% online based, so you can order your SIM card from the comfort of your couch and have it delivered straight to your door.
  • Mobile hotspot allowance is available and comes out of your monthly data usage, which for unlimited plans is a maximum of 20GB.
  • There are no discounts for additional lines, which may not be cheap if you're looking for a family plan.
  • Frequent travelers might find the lack of international roaming services less than ideal, as it could lead to a considerably higher monthly bill.

Best family plan on Verizon

Red Pocket 10GB plan

Image of cell phone with Red Pocket
  • Verizon coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
10GB
data
$20/mo
4Read our Red Pocket review
$660 in annual savings

Red Pocket Mobile prepaid plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. They excel in family plans, providing a generous $20 discount per additional line for multi-line accounts.

Plus, with free international calling to 80 countries, staying in touch with family and friends overseas is cheaper than ever. Check out our review about best family plans on Verizon.

Pros

  • Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
  • Free international calls to 80 countries
  • Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
  • Mobile hotspot access on all plans
  • Excellent score on Trustpilot
  • eSIM compatible

Cons

  • Limited international roaming
  • Red Pocket Mobile's plans are straightforward, with no hidden fees.
  • Include features like unlimited talk and text.
  • With the unlimited plan, you get up to 30GB high-speed data allowance.
  • Mobile hotspot access is available up to 30GB on the unlimited plan, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
  • You get a $20 discount for each additional line added, ideal for family plans. You'll need to pay a setup fee, but after that, choosing a family plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
  • They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee with their eSIM plans.
  • Red Pocket Mobile offers free international calling to 80+ countries, with free roaming in Mexico and Canada.

Best unlimited plan on Verizon

Visible unlimited data plan

Image of cell phone with Visible
  • Verizon coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
Unlimited
data
$25/mo
3.4Read our Visible review
$600 in annual savings

Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on Verizon.

Pros

    Cons

      The table below demonstrates that choosing the Visible unlimited data plan would save you $600 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from Verizon directly.

      VerizonVerizon coverage at a fraction of the cost
      Verizon logoTwigby Mobile logoSee at Twigby Mobile
      *$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths
      Red Pocket logoSee at Red PocketVisible logoSee at Visible
      Verizon 4G & 5GAT&T 4G & 5GVerizon 4G & 5G
      Unlimited data
      *not unlimited
      2GB data10GB dataUnlimited data
      $75/mo$5/mo*$15/mo$20/mo$25/mo
      $900/yr$150/yr$240/yr$300/yr
      1.2 on Trustpilot
      4.7 on Trustpilot
      4.4 on Trustpilot
      1.4 on Trustpilot
      Annual savings$750/yr$660/yr$600/yr

      Cheapest plans for kids on AT&T

      These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with AT&T coverage to consider.

      Cheap AT&T plan

      Red Pocket 1GB plan

      Image of cell phone with Red Pocket
      • AT&T coverage
      • Unlimited talk and text
      • Instant eSIM activation
      1GB
      data
      $10/mo
      4Read our Red Pocket review
      $780 in annual savings

      Red Pocket Mobile prepaid plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. They excel in family plans, providing a generous $20 discount per additional line for multi-line accounts.

      Plus, with free international calling to 80 countries, staying in touch with family and friends overseas is cheaper than ever. Check out our review about best kids plans on AT&T.

      Pros

      • Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
      • Free international calls to 80 countries
      • Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
      • Mobile hotspot access on all plans
      • Excellent score on Trustpilot
      • eSIM compatible

      Cons

      • Limited international roaming

      Best family plan on AT&T

      Red Pocket 10GB plan

      Image of cell phone with Red Pocket
      • AT&T coverage
      • Unlimited talk and text
      • Instant eSIM activation
      10GB
      data
      $20/mo
      4Read our Red Pocket review
      $660 in annual savings

      Red Pocket Mobile prepaid plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. They excel in family plans, providing a generous $20 discount per additional line for multi-line accounts.

      Plus, with free international calling to 80 countries, staying in touch with family and friends overseas is cheaper than ever. Check out our review about best family plans on AT&T.

      Pros

      • Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
      • Free international calls to 80 countries
      • Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
      • Mobile hotspot access on all plans
      • Excellent score on Trustpilot
      • eSIM compatible

      Cons

      • Limited international roaming

      Best unlimited plan on AT&T

      Red Pocket unlimited data plan

      Image of cell phone with Red Pocket
      • AT&T coverage
      • Unlimited talk and text
      • Instant eSIM activation
      Unlimited
      data
      $30/mo
      4Read our Red Pocket review
      $540 in annual savings

      Red Pocket Mobile prepaid plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. They excel in family plans, providing a generous $20 discount per additional line for multi-line accounts.

      Plus, with free international calling to 80 countries, staying in touch with family and friends overseas is cheaper than ever. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on AT&T.

      Pros

      • Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
      • Free international calls to 80 countries
      • Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
      • Mobile hotspot access on all plans
      • Excellent score on Trustpilot
      • eSIM compatible

      Cons

      • Limited international roaming

      The table below demonstrates that choosing the Red Pocket unlimited data plan would save you $540 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from AT&T directly.

      AT&TAT&T coverage at a fraction of the cost
      AT&T logoRed Pocket logoSee at Red PocketRed Pocket logoSee at Red PocketRed Pocket logoSee at Red Pocket
      AT&T 4G & 5GAT&T 4G & 5GAT&T 4G & 5G
      Unlimited data
      *not unlimited
      1GB data10GB dataUnlimited data
      $75/mo$10/mo$20/mo$30/mo
      $900/yr$120/yr$240/yr$360/yr
      1.3 on Trustpilot
      4.4 on Trustpilot
      4.4 on Trustpilot
      4.4 on Trustpilot
      Annual savings$780/yr$660/yr$540/yr

      Best overall value plan for kids

      Tello unlimited data plan

      Image of cell phone with Tello
      • T-Mobile coverage
      • Unlimited talk and text
      • Instant eSIM activation
      Unlimited
      data
      $15/mo*
      $25/mo
      See at Tello

      *$10 off for 3 Mths

      5Read our Tello review
      $630 in annual savings

      Keep things simple with Tello prepaid plans. Their plans cater to all budgets, and you have the flexibility to build your own plan according to your specific needs. This allows you to choose the amount of data, minutes, and texts that fit your usage, making sure that you only pay for what you actually use.

      When it comes to data, it's worth checking how much data you use as a set data plan can help you get the cheapest plan. Check out our review about best cell phone plans for kids.

      Pros

      • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
      • Free international calling to 60+ countries
      • Free mobile hotspot included
      • Excellent score on Trustpilot
      • eSIM compatible

      Cons

      • No international roaming
      • No multi-line discounts

      Big wireless: Big prices, big profits, little value

      With the average phone bill of $155 per month and the prices of other basic needs rising, it's no wonder nearly 38 million Americans are living in poverty. The government's recent response? To cut funding to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which helps 22 million low-income families access affordable internet and cell phone service.

      At the same time, the big three spent January celebrating record profits and multi-billion dollar shareholder dividend payouts. To add insult to injury, they are simultaneously announcing yet more price hikes. With consumers outnumbering shareholders, the math doesn't add up.

      Awareness is power - there are other options outside of the big three, so the power is in your hands!

      Take back control of your phone bill

      A big wireless unlimited plan will cost you $1,600 extra over the next 3 years compared to getting the same service from an MVNO.

      An unlimited data plan with a major provider will cost you $2,700 over the next 3 years for just 1 line. In comparison, unlimited plans from a low-cost carrier over the same period would only cost you $900.

      So, buying plans directly from Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T is now 3 times more expensive for the same coverage. This does not include fees and taxes or future price hikes.

      Why is it so much more expensive to buy the same service directly?

      Big wireless companies pad your bill with their extra expenses.

      You are essentially footing the bill for their multi-billion dollar ad campaigns, stadium sponsorships, and thousands of stores with commission-based salespeople. These costs are passed onto the many to maximize profits and dividend payouts of the few.

      With the next generation of MVNOs, you can instantly switch online and simply pay for phone service without the extras.

      Cut your phone bill, not your coverage

      Low-cost carriers are an unbeatable alternative. They offer transparent pricing, a wide range of customizable data plans to fit your needs, and higher-rated customer service experiences.

      The best news? Keep your phone, number, coverage, and most importantly, your money!

      It's quick and easy. You can complete the entire switching process online in minutes with an eSIM-compatible phone.

      Now is the time to reevaluate your options and take back control of your phone bill. Free yourself from price hikes forever!


      Compare the cheapest kid & teen cell phone plans

      CarrierDataMonthly PriceAnnual PriceSavings
      Tello2GB$10/mo$120/yr$780/yrSee at Tello
      Mint Mobile15GB$15/mo*$20/mo$225/yr$675/yrSee at Mint Mobile
      *$45 for 3 Months
      TelloUnlimited$15/mo*$25/mo$270/yr$630/yrSee at Tello
      *$10 off for 3 Mths

      Check out our phone plan comparison for kids & teens to find the best deal.


      How to choose the best value carrier for kids & teens

      • Need a network to keep up with your busy family? Carriers exist that ride on the same reliable 5G and 4G LTE networks as the big leagues for a surprisingly lower price. Ensure your young ones stay connected whether they're close to home or off on adventures. According to an Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023), T-Mobile is leading the charge in 5G, and choosing an MVNO doesn't mean sacrificing quality for cost.
      • Worried about data overkill? With most kids and teens hooked up to Wi-Fi at home or school, selected MVNO plans hit the sweet spot, covering real usage without pushing unnecessary unlimited data. Considering the average monthly cellular data usage is around 10GB this is an easy area to save.
      • And hotspot needs? Whether it's for research and homework on the go or streaming their favorite shows, MVNO plans include hotspot capabilities tailored to keep them online and hassle-free.
      • Concerned about cost? Say goodbye to the days of $75-90 monthly fees. I've compiled a list of MVNO plans starting from just $5-35, packing quality coverage and swift speeds without draining your wallet.
      • Bringing devices into the mix? Opt to bring your own device and skip the upgrade circus, or check out affordable options with 0% financing for that new gadget they've been eyeing.
      • On the lookout for deals? Skip the complex big carrier promos for straightforward, transparent offers that make sense.
      • And those extra perks? Sift through the so-called "free" subscriptions to ensure they genuinely add value before the trial period ends, avoiding sneaky costs for features that don't match your family's lifestyle.
      • What about international features? Plus, for families spread across the globe, many MVNO carrier plans include free international calling, keeping everyone just a call away.
      • And what about parental controls? Parents can use MVNO plans and phone settings to track and monitor their kids' data consumption.

      Find the best cell phone service in your area

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      Kids phone plans FAQs

      There are a variety of plans to fit all needs. Basic plans offering unlimited talk and text can be found for around $5 a month with an MVNO like Tello. Other low-cost carriers have unlimited data plans ranging from $25 to $40 a month.

      MVNOs offer the cheapest cell phone plans, starting from $5 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: What is the best cell phone plan for kids?

      Juggling the strain of finding a phone plan for your kids amidst rising costs everywhere else, from stocking the pantry to paying the utilities? There's a beacon of hope for trimming down those mobile expenses.

      Discover the power of choice in a market dominated by the big three's ever-increasing prices.

      The secret? Opting for the right carrier can slash those bills without cutting corners on service, putting up to $600 back into your family budget for each line every year.

      Our expertly crafted cell phone plan comparison tool is your first step toward victory. It's designed to demystify the options, spotlighting plans that balance the tech-savvy appetites of kids and teens without taking food out of their mouths.

      Saving where you can is no longer a choice but a necessity, and it's faster and easier than ever before!

      Kid cell phone guides

      How we choose the best carriers and plans

      To select the best carriers and plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers.

      Carriers were rated in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. We then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:

      1. Value for money: We compare carriers based on price, features, benefits, and promotions. It's not just about the lowest price but getting the most bang for your buck.
      2. Coverage: We look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. We use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
      3. Customer experience: We take into account items such as current user experience, website and app usability, ease of switching, and customer service in terms of availability, channels, and satisfaction ratings.
      4. Transparency: We assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. We examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
      5. Range of choice: We evaluate the diversity of plan options to determine if they fit the individual needs of all customers.

      Read more about our carrier ratings methodology and our editorial process.

      We regularly update our comparisons. Updating cell phone plans weekly and our content monthly to ensure we are showing the latest and most accurate information.

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