Some simple prepaid plans or inexpensive add-ons to an existing service for basic flip phones may be all you need. These kids cell phone plans don’t use data and often can be restricted to just dialing or receiving calls from certain numbers. You can also opt for a prepaid plan, but as long-term cellphone contractsare largely a thing of a past, there’s no need to pre-pay anymore.
While some offer unlimited text messages and minutes, others offer only a set amount of minutes, texts, and data per month and will charge extra if anyone on your plan exceeds that limit. The plan also includes an additional 5GB of mobile hotspot data.
These low-data cell phone plans are excellent options for parents who want their kids to have access to calls and texts but want to limit their data usage. And you don’t have to worry about overage fees with these limited data plans—these days carriers don’t charge additional fees for going over your data use.
You can bring your own phone to Mint Mobile to save even more. The plan also includes 40GB of 4G LTE mobile hotspot data and a basic Netflix subscription. T-Mobile also offers the Essentials plan for $60 per month, which includes unlimited talk, text, and data as well as 3G mobile hotspot data.
Make sure your child understands the cost of having a cell phone and can be trusted to stay within his limits from month to month. But for many parents, the ability to reach your child at any time or place is priceless, so here’s some of the cheap cell phone choices for kids.
Only two companies (Verizon and AT&T) provide services either specifically for kids or provide a security service for that protection parents would be looking for in their phone plans. Those same two companies provide 5G/ 4G lite connectivity, which is a great choice for kids streaming and/ or school work needs.
Their Magenta plan, at $140/month for 4 lines, is perhaps the best value on the market right now for its top mix of features and perks—and that price includes all taxes and fees. Prepaid plans — If you have your own device and don’t want to get locked into a long contract, a prepaid plan is probably your best bet.
Most carriers offer prepaid plans, with some of the best cell phone plans from the MVNOs, such as Visible. Like most prepaid carriers on our best family cell phone plans list, Cricket Wireless is a pretty stripped-down affair and also subject to deprioritization when the network is busy. The cheapest cell phone plans start between $10 and $15 per month per line.
The best cell phone plans for children will generally sit within the prepaid market where monthly data allowances are capped, and those monthly bills can be kept at a minimum. The advantage of these phones from a parenting perspective is that you can keep “tabs” on your children with these kids phone plans.
Additionally, apps, music, and movie downloads can all cost extra if your child has a smartphone. A great way to save money and limit your child’s time spent on their phone is by choosing a set data plan.
Preteens might be in situations where they need to reach a parent or caregiver, but they don’t need unfettered access to the Internet. These are the best cell phone plans for kids and teenagers that can help you save money, keep your child safe with parental controls, and control data usage. Red Pocket offers incredibly affordable plans that are suitable for both light, medium, and heavy data users alike, it has best cell phone plans for kids and teens starting at $15 per month.
This plan is great for teens on-the-go who spend a lot of time on their phones. Mint Mobile also has cheap cell phone plans for kids and teens starting at $15 per month.
You don’t have to spring for a fully loaded iPhone for your kid’s first device, but remember that there will be some recurring costs to operate even the most simple phone. “Parents should also have a good understanding of data usage rates and what types of activities on the phones will use the most data,” says Kelso.
In addition to MVNO prepaid options, the big three carriers also offer their own prepaid plans. These plans don’t require credit checks, but you’re still getting your service and customer support directly from the network operator.
Plans for simpler phones, including the Gabb Z2, can start at $19.99 per month. T-Mobile’s current options absolutely further their reputation as a pioneer in unlimited family data plans. Each of these phone plans are similar in price, and they each offer similar connectivity services, but they do have their differences.
For $60 per month, you can increase the mobile hotspot data to 30GB. It also comes with up to 3 GB per line of 4G mobile hotspot data, which can be crucial for working in faulty Wi-Fi conditions.
Taking these tips into consideration, below you’ll find my top picks for cheap cell phone plans. If you’re looking for cheap, and we mean really cheap plans, then head directly to our guide for this month’s best cheap cell phone plans.
If you’re a votary of Verizon (or you’re looking to switch plans), the 5G Nationwide network offers a Just Kids unlimited plan that has all the features you could possibly want and more. Your kids can even request a ride from you, which is fitting because you’re basically just their unpaid Uber driver, anyway.
Opting for a plan that isn’t unlimited is one of the best ways to save on your phone bill. For more options, check out our full list of the best cheap phone plans.
Though not one of the big carriers, Google Fi definitely offers one of the best cell phone plans for traveling abroad. However, some people just want the best cell phone plans with as much data as they can burn through in a month without worrying about being capped.
Tello has cornered the market on great prices for cheap cell phone plans for children. Overall, this is a great- to the point- contract option for parents looking to provide a safe and inexpensive service for their children.
For example, you can pay $45 a month for unlimited data on your phone, and allot your child 1 Gb per month for just $15. If it’s about that time when you need to give your child a phone, we’ve taken the hassle out of choosing the perfect cell phone and plan.
So, unless your teenager streams their favorite Youtuber on a loop all day, your speed is probably safe. These plans offer kids and teenagers everything from unlimited talk and text to unlimited data. When it comes to limited data plans for your teen, you may want to look in the 5GB/month to 10GB/month range, depending on what you’re willing to spend.
Here are 9 of the best cell phone plans for kids and teens, all have no contract requirements and allow you to bring a phone, or purchase one from the respective provider. The plans offer more data with flexible pricing and 5G access3 – perfect for children or teens.
