The best phone plans for kids in 2025: Affordable, flexible, and parent-friendly

Getting your child their first phone (or switching them to a better plan) can be overwhelming. Big wireless family plans are expensive, full of unnecessary features, and designed for adults, not kids.

Whether you want a low-cost plan for safety and staying in touch, or something with more data for older kids, low-cost carriers offer better options - with the same coverage as the big 3, at a fraction of the cost.

To spare you the legwork, I've meticulously reviewed 30 alternative carriers and sifted through over 100 phone plans.

Tello offers the best phone plan for kids for low data

Tello 2GB plan for $10/mo

• T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk and text with 2GB data
• Instant online activation

5

Read our Tello review

See at Tello

Looking for an easy way to cut your phone bill without losing reliable service? Tello offers one of the best low-cost options on T-Mobile's network.

You get unlimited talk and text, plus free international calls to 60+ countries (including Canada and Mexico). Tello's flexible approach allows you to build your own plan, selecting just the right amount of data, talk, and text to match your needs.

Get mobile hotspot use with every plan, but the unlimited plan is capped at 5GB. There are no discounts for multiple lines, but at these prices, bundling isn't necessary.

Getting started is seamless with eSIM. The activation takes just a few taps. Or you can order a physical SIM if preferred.

I also looked into other options. Ultra Mobile is a great choice for international calls but costs more for similar data. Metro by T-Mobile requires in-store activation and is more expensive. Boost Mobile has attractive pricing, but hidden fees and inconsistent service take away its appeal.

For an affordable, flexible, and commitment-free phone plan, Tello remains the top pick.

• Custom plans – Only pay for what you need, with no forced extras.
• Simple, transparent pricing – No contracts, no hidden fees.
• Easy setup – eSIM activation in minutes or a shipped SIM card.

Visible offers the best unlimited data plan for kids

Visible unlimited plan for $25/mo

• Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

3.4

Read our Visible review

See at Visible

Tired of complicated wireless plans? Visible keeps it simple with just two unlimited options, both with no contracts, no extra fees, and no hassle.

For $25/month, you get unlimited talk, text, and data, plus mobile hotspot access with speeds of 5–10 Mbps. If you need faster speeds and premium data, the Visible+ plan gives you 50GB of priority data and Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband access.

International perks make Visible+ even better. It includes free international calling to 30+ countries and texting to over 200 destinations. Plus, eSIM activation lets you start service in just minutes.

Although multi-line discounts aren't available, Visible's low individual pricing ensures great value for single users. Just keep in mind that customer support is online-only.

Compared to Tracfone, Xfinity Mobile, and Spectrum Mobile, Visible stands out. Tracfone is cheaper but restricts data speeds. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile have good pricing, but you must be an internet customer to sign up.

For no-fuss unlimited service with clear pricing, Visible is the best pick.

• Unlimited plans, no surprises – Simple, all-in pricing with no hidden fees.
• Built-in extras – Mobile hotspot included, plus free international calling & texting with Visible+.
• Instant activation – eSIM lets you switch in minutes, or order a SIM card.

Total Wireless offers the best plan for kids with Verizon coverage

Total Wireless unlimited plan for $50/mo

• Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

4

Read our Total Wireless review

See at Total Wireless

Total Wireless keeps wireless service simple and affordable, offering no-contract plans with Verizon's coverage.

With unlimited talk and text, generous high-speed data allowances, and hotspot access up to 15GB, you get everything you need at a lower cost.

International features are built in with select plans include free calling to 85+ destinations and roaming in Canada and Mexico.

You can manage your plan easily online, with no activation fees, no contracts, and no hassle.

I compared other budget-friendly carriers on Verizon's network. Tracfone's pay-as-you-go plans limit high-speed data. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile provide solid deals, but require home internet service.

For a cost-effective plan with Verizon's coverage and useful extras, Total Wireless is a smart choice.

• Verizon's coverage, lower price – Reliable service without the premium cost.
• Great extras included – Hotspot access up to 15GB on certain plans, plus free international calling & roaming.
• No long-term commitments – Manage your plan online with total flexibility.

Tello offers the best plan for kids with T-Mobile coverage

Tello unlimited plan for $25/mo

• T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

5

Read our Tello review

See at Tello

Tello is all about giving you affordable wireless service without the headaches of big carrier contracts.

Every plan includes free international calling to 60+ countries, including Canada and Mexico, along with flexible data options tailored to your needs.

With Tello, you build your own plan-picking just the right amount of data, talk, and text. That means no paying for features you don't use. Every plan includes mobile hotspot access, with a 5GB limit on unlimited plans, and while multi-line discounts aren't available, individual pricing is so competitive that bundling isn't necessary.

Switching is fast and hassle-free-if your phone supports eSIM, you can activate your plan in just a few taps. If not, Tello will send you a physical SIM card for easy installation.

I looked at other options, including Metro by T-Mobile, Ultra Mobile, and Boost Mobile. Metro by T-Mobile requires in-store activation and charges more for similar plans. Ultra Mobile offers good international calling perks but costs more. Boost Mobile has attractive pricing but taxes and fees can vary and customer support is inconsistent.

For low-cost, no-commitment service with full flexibility, Tello is a standout choice.

• Personalized plans – Create a plan with just the right amount of talk, text, and data-no wasted money on extras.
• No hidden fees, no contracts – Pay month to month with transparent pricing and no surprise charges.
• Seamless activation – eSIM allows for instant setup, or you can get a SIM card shipped and activate at your convenience.

Red Pocket offers the best plan for kids with AT&T coverage

Red Pocket unlimited plan for $30/mo

• AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

4

Read our Red Pocket review

See at Red Pocket

If you're looking for an unlimited plan for the whole family, Red Pocket Mobile offers major savings on AT&T's network.

You'll get a $20 discount per extra line, helping families cut costs while still enjoying premium network coverage. Although there's a small setup fee, the overall savings make it worth the switch.

Plans come with unlimited talk and text, no hidden fees, and up to 30GB of high-speed data, plus hotspot access for added flexibility.

For international users, Red Pocket Mobile includes free calls to 80+ countries and free roaming in Mexico and Canada, all at no extra cost. eSIM users also get a 7-day money-back guarantee, allowing them to try the service risk-free.

I reviewed other AT&T-powered budget carriers, including Cricket Wireless, which costs more despite being AT&T's own prepaid brand, H2O Wireless, which has international perks but isn't as competitively priced, and Good2Go Mobile, which offers lower prices but limited plan choices.

For an affordable unlimited plan with premium features and great family savings, Red Pocket Mobile is a top choice.

• Multi-line savings – Save $20 per extra line and lower your family's phone bill.
• Built-in global perks – Free calls to 80+ countries and free roaming in Mexico & Canada.
• No contracts, no surprises – Clear pricing with a 7-day eSIM refund policy.

Why switch to a low-cost carrier?

Getting a phone plan for your child shouldn't mean overpaying for unlimited data they don't need or signing onto an expensive family plan just to add another line.

Big wireless pushes parents into multi-line plans that come with price hikes, contracts, and unnecessary extras, hoping you won't realize there's a better way. The truth is, low-cost carriers let you get exactly what your child needs, without paying for features they won't use.

Still on the fence? Here's what you need to know

• You're in control: Whether you want basic talk & text for safety or an affordable data plan for older kids, you can choose what works best instead of being forced into a bundled family plan.
• You get the same coverage: Low-cost carriers use the same networks as big wireless, meaning your child gets reliable service without the premium price tag.
• No surprises, no contracts: No hidden fees, no unexpected rate hikes, and no long-term commitments, just a simple, affordable phone plan that keeps them connected.

Common misconceptions about phone plans for kids

There's plenty of confusion around low cost carriers but here's the reality in 2025:

Myth 1: Kids need a big wireless family plan

Truth: Low-cost carriers offer better deals for single lines or small family groups, without forcing expensive bundles.

Myth 2: Prepaid plans have worse coverage

Truth: Prepaid carriers use the same networks as the big 3 - same towers, lower prices.

Myth 3: Kids need unlimited data

Truth: Younger kids often need very little data and prepaid plans let you start small and upgrade later if needed.

Myth 4: Switching is complicated

Truth: Switching to a prepaid plan takes less than 10 minutes, and you can keep your child's phone and number.

Myth 5: Prepaid plans have hidden fees

Truth: Low-cost carriers offer upfront pricing - no activation fees or surprise charges.

Compare the cheapest kids phone plans

Why you can trust me

I've spent over 15 years helping people cut their phone bills in both the UK and US. For the last 8 years, I've run MoneySavingPro, helping over 50,000 people switch to cheaper, better phone plans.

I've personally reviewed over 100 cell phone plans and tested low-cost carriers, including Tello, Red Pocket, Boost Mobile, and Mint Mobile, to compare coverage, pricing, and customer experience.

How I picked the winners

Finding the right phone plan for kids means balancing affordability, safety, and flexibility, without unnecessary extras. I evaluated over 30 carriers based on five key factors:

• Value for money: The best plans offer real savings on single-line plans, so parents don't have to overpay just to add a kid's line to a family plan.

• Coverage: Whether it's for emergencies, school, or keeping in touch, a child's phone plan needs to work everywhere. I reviewed 5G and 4G LTE network coverage to ensure reliable connections at all times.

• Customer experience: Parents need a hassle-free experience. From easy setup to quick customer support when needed. I factored in real customer reviews and ease of switching.

• Transparency: No sneaky fees or confusing bills. The plans I recommend have clear, upfront pricing so parents know exactly what they're paying for.

• Range of choice: Some kids just need a way to stay in touch, while others use their phones for school and entertainment. The best plans offer options for both without forcing unnecessary features.

Final thoughts: Save money on a kid-friendly plan

If you're still paying big wireless prices just to keep your child connected, it's time to stop.

Switching to a low-cost carrier is one of the easiest ways to cut your phone bill in half all without giving up coverage, features, or flexibility.

Check out these best phone plans for kids and see how much you could save today.

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