Finding the perfect phone plans for kids and teens in 2025 is a must for parents who want affordability without sacrificing safety or reliability. Kids need connectivity for schoolwork, contacting friends, or staying in touch with parents. Teens often require more data for social media, streaming, and online gaming. The challenge is finding a plan that balances cost and features like parental controls, international calling, or unlimited data.
This guide lists five top phone plans for kids:
- Ultra Mobile: Budget-Friendly Plans Starting at $10/Month
- Lycamobile: Affordable Plans Starting at $15/Month
- Mint Mobile: Unlimited Data Plans Starting at $15/Month
- Tello: Flexible Plans Starting at $5/Month
- Boost Mobile: $15/Month Plans with Many Options
These plans meet essential needs by offering flexibility, affordability, and robust features. Let’s explore the best options for 2025, ensuring your child stays connected without breaking the bank.
Best Cheap Phone Plans for Kids & Teens
Selecting the best phone plans for kids depends on your child’s age, needs, and budget. Younger kids often need minimal data and strong parental controls. Teens might require more data and a reliable network for their busy digital lives. Here’s an in-depth look at the best cheap options.
Here’s a summary of the top options:
| Provider | Starting Price | Key Feature | Best For |
| Ultra Mobile | $10/month | International calling | Light users, younger kids |
| Lycamobile | $15/month | International focus | Families with global ties |
| Mint Mobile | $15/month | Unlimited data plans | Teens needing heavy data |
| Tello | $5/month | Customizable plans | Budget-conscious parents |
| Boost Mobile | $15/month | Family bundles | Data-heavy users |
Ultra Mobile: Budget-Friendly Plans Starting at $10/Month
Plan Details and Benefits
Ultra Mobile offers simple, affordable plans starting at just $10 per month, widely considered among the best phone plans for kids with basic connectivity needs.
- $10 Starter Plan: Includes 250 MB of data, unlimited talk, and text. Perfect for light users.
- Mid-tier plans: Options with 2 GB or 6 GB data for slightly higher costs.
- Family discounts: Additional lines at reduced prices.
Real-Life Use Cases
- For younger kids: Ideal for staying in touch with parents and limited online activity.
- Travel scenarios: Free international texting for families abroad.
Network Coverage and Reliability
- Ultra Mobile runs on T-Mobile’s network, offering wide coverage in urban areas but potential limitations in rural regions.
- Reliable call quality and text performance, with data speeds suitable for light users.
Additional Features
- No contracts or credit checks required.
- Easy-to-use online dashboard for managing plans.
- International calling to over 80 countries.
Lycamobile: Affordable Plans Starting at $15/Month
Plan Options and Features
Lycamobile is an excellent choice for families with international connections, offering plans tailored to global calling, and is also among the best phone plans for kids.
- $15 Plan: Includes unlimited talk, text, and 3 GB of data.
- Higher-tier plans: Offer up to 15 GB or unlimited data at competitive rates.
- Free international minutes: Call friends and family abroad at no extra cost.
Who Is It Best For?
- Families with international needs: Great for staying in touch with relatives overseas.
- Teens exploring the web: Mid-level data plans for moderate online activity.
International Calling and Network Coverage
- Free calling to over 75 countries, making it a favorite for multicultural families.
- Runs on T-Mobile’s network, offering reliable coverage in cities.
Advantages
- Affordable family bundles for multiple lines.
- Bring-your-own-device compatibility.
- Minimal roaming fees when traveling internationally.
Mint Mobile: Unlimited Data Plans Starting at $15/Month
How to Get the Best Value with Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile focuses on long-term affordability, offering discounts when you pay for 3, 6, or 12 months upfront.
- $15 Starter Plan: Includes 4 GB of data, unlimited talk, and text.
- Unlimited plan: Priced at $30/month for teens needing heavy data.
- Referral Program: Earn Credits—Refer a friend to Mint Mobile, and both of you will receive credits towards your next renewal.
- Family savings: Discounts when adding multiple lines.
Network Performance and User Reviews
- Operates on T-Mobile’s network with consistent coverage in urban and suburban areas.
- Praised for excellent customer service and seamless activation, this provider is often considered among the best phone plans for kids.
User Reviews Highlight:
- Parents love the flexibility of family plans.
- Teens appreciate the unlimited data for social media and streaming.
Tello: Flexible Plans Starting at $5/Month
Customizable Options for Light Data Users
Tello stands out with its fully customizable plans, offering options for as little as $5 per month.
- Mix-and-match plans: Choose the exact number of minutes, texts, and data needed.
- Pay-as-you-go: Adjust plans monthly to match your child’s usage.
- No overage charges: Protects you from unexpected bills.
Who Benefits Most?
- Younger kids: Choose low-data or text-only plans, making it one of the best phone plans for kids.
- Budget-conscious families: Save by tailoring plans to exact needs.
Network Reliability and Customer Support
- Uses T-Mobile’s network for wide-ranging coverage.
- High customer satisfaction scores for billing transparency and helpful support.
Features for Parents
- Easy parental controls for monitoring usage.
- Alerts when approaching data or minute limits.
- Support for Wi-Fi calling, reducing costs further.
Boost Mobile: $15/Month Plans with Many Options
Plan Variety and Affordability
Boost Mobile offers flexibility and variety, making it one of the best phone plans for kids catering to different data needs.
- Basic plans: $15 for 2 GB of data, unlimited talk, and text.
- Family bundles: Discounts for additional lines.
- Unlimited plans: Affordable options for teens who stream or game frequently.
Enhancing Coverage and Data Limits
- Leverages T-Mobile’s and AT&T’s networks for excellent coverage.
- Mobile hotspots included with certain plans for added connectivity.
Network Reliability in Poor Coverage Areas
- Excellent for families in rural regions due to dual-network compatibility.
- Consistent data speeds even in areas with weaker signals.
Ensuring Reliable Connectivity for Kids & Teens
Reliable coverage is essential when choosing the best phone plans for kids, especially in remote areas or for families who travel often.
Top Carriers for Rural Locations
- Boost Mobile: Dual-network access ensures consistent connectivity.
- Tello: Offers Wi-Fi calling to overcome signal challenges.
Tips for Better Reliability
- Consider a carrier with strong rural coverage like Boost Mobile or Lycamobile.
- Use mobile hotspots to enhance connectivity during trips.
Parental Controls and Safety Features in Kid-Friendly Plans
Safety is a priority when choosing phone plans for kids. Many providers include parental controls to help parents monitor and limit screen time.
Best Features for Parents
- Mint Mobile: Offers app compatibility for monitoring online activity.
- Tello: Usage alerts and controls for customizing plans.
- Boost Mobile: Advanced parental controls in premium plans.
Why It Matters
- Helps manage screen time for younger kids.
- Protects teens from unsafe online behavior.
Tips for Maximizing Savings on Family Phone Plans
You can save money for retirement through family phone plans by using a few simple strategies:
- Choose Family Bundles: Add multiple lines for discounts.
- Prepay for Plans: Opt for annual or multi-month prepaid options.
- Select the Right Data Plan: Avoid paying for unused data; match plans to usage.
- Watch for Promotions: Look for seasonal discounts or referral bonuses.
- Leverage Wi-Fi: Reduce data usage by relying on Wi-Fi at home.
- Enable Auto-Pay: Save $5–$10 monthly with auto-pay discounts.
- Use Trade-In Programs: Get credits for older devices to reduce costs.
Review your plan regularly to ensure it meets your needs and provides the best value. These tips can help you keep your family connected without overspending.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Phone Plan for Your Child
Choosing a phone plans for kids requires balancing affordability, safety, and features. Plans like Tello and Mint Mobile offer great flexibility, while Boost Mobile and Lycamobile excel in coverage and family-friendly options. Prioritize your child’s needs, and explore parental controls to ensure safe connectivity.
FAQ About Kids’ and Teens’ Phone Plans
What’s the cheapest plan for kids?
Tello offers plans starting at $5 per month.
Do these plans have parental controls?
Yes, most providers include features to monitor and limit usage.
Which plan has the best international calling?
Lycamobile and Ultra Mobile are the top choices for global communication.