Best Phone Plans for Kids & Teens in 2025

Let’s face it: most kids and teens have phones today. According to a 2024 Pew Research Center survey, 95% of U.S. teens have access to a smartphone.

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Mobile connectivity has become a must-have for the younger generation, whether it’s staying connected for safety, keeping up with schoolwork, or sending memes to their friends. But with so many phone plans out there, how do you pick the right one for your child without breaking the bank?

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Don’t stress—we’ve got you covered. This guide will help you navigate the best phone plans for kids and teens in 2025, balancing affordability, features, and parental controls. Let’s dive in!

What to Consider When Choosing a Phone Plan for Your Kid

There are so many phone plan choices for kids, but not all of them are good. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

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1. Data Needs: How Much Is Too Much?

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Think about how your child will use their phone. Are they watching YouTube, gaming, or doing online homework?

• Younger kids: A smaller plan with limited data is perfect for texting and calling Grandma or playing games.
• Teens: They’ll likely need more data for streaming, social media, and studying.

A good rule of thumb? Start small and increase if necessary. Bonus tip: If your kid is mostly on WiFi, you can skip the hefty data plans altogether.

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2. Coverage: Can You Hear Me Now?

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Does your family live in the city, the suburbs, or a rural area? Not all carriers have equal signal strength everywhere. Here’s what to do:

• Use coverage maps to check which carrier has the strongest signal in your area.
• If your child travels a lot, pick a plan with reliable nationwide coverage.

3. Parental Controls: Keep Tabs, Stay Sane

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Let’s be real—the internet can be a wild place. Thankfully, there are many parental controls that can help you manage what your kids see and do on their phones.

• Content Filtering: Block inappropriate sites with ease.
• Screen Time Management: Set limits so they’re not glued to their phones 24/7.
• Location Tracking: Know where they are, anytime, anywhere.
• App & Purchase Controls: Stop those surprise charges for in-app purchases. (We’re looking at you, “bonus skins.”)

4. Price & Budget: Keep It Affordable

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Phone plans can add up fast, so it’s important to stick to a budget. Here’s how:

• Consider prepaid plans: No contracts, and you’ll know exactly how much you’re spending. 
• Look into family plans: They’re often more cost-effective if you’re adding multiple lines.
• Avoid overpaying for features your kid doesn’t need (because does a 10-year-old really need unlimited everything?).

Top Phone Plans for Kids and Teens in 2025

Choosing the right phone plan for your child is crucial to ensure they stay connected without overspending. Based on recent evaluations, here are our top recommendations for kids and teens in 2025:

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A Quick Look at Our Top Picks:

1. Best Overall for Families: AT&T Unlimited Starter® Plan
2. Best Value for Teens: Boost Mobile Unlimited Plan
3. Best for Younger Kids: Mint Mobile 5GB Plan
4. Most Budget-Friendly: Tello Economy Plan
5. Best for Long-Term Savings: T-Mobile Connect Plan

Best Overall for Families: AT&T Unlimited Starter® Plan

The AT&T Unlimited Starter® Plan offers reliable nationwide coverage and unlimited data, making it a great pick for families who want worry-free connectivity. Priced at $66/month per line, this plan ensures your child can stay connected without data overages. Additionally, AT&T's expansive network is ideal for both urban and rural areas.

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What we love:

• Reliable nationwide coverage.
• Unlimited data, so no overage fees.
• Trusted AT&T brand with robust customer support.

What could be better:

• Higher price point compared to other options.
• Data speeds may be reduced in congested areas.

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Best Value for Teens: Boost Mobile Unlimited Plan

Boost Mobile Unlimited at $25/month offers unlimited talk, text, and data, making it an excellent choice for teens who need ample data for streaming, gaming, and social media. Operating on T-Mobile’s reliable network, it ensures consistent coverage and includes add-on mobile hotspot features for added versatility.

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What we love:

• Unlimited data at an affordable $25/month price point.
• Mobile hotspot included for additional device connectivity.
• No annual contracts, offering flexibility.

What could be better:

• Data may be deprioritized during network congestion.

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Best for Younger Kids: Mint Mobile 5GB Plan

Mint Mobile’s 5GB Plan is perfect for younger kids who need basic connectivity for texting, light streaming, and social media. At just $15/month when paid upfront for 12 months, it offers affordable pricing while utilizing T-Mobile’s reliable nationwide network.

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What we love:

• Exceptional value at $15/month for 12 months.
• Access to T-Mobile’s expansive 5G network.
• Option to pay for 3, 6, or 12 months upfront for flexibility.

What could be better:

• Requires upfront payment for the best pricing.
• Data may be deprioritized during network congestion.

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‍Most Budget-Friendly: Tello Economy Plan

If you’re looking for a no-frills, affordable option, the Tello Mobile 1 Month Prepaid Data 1 GB is hard to beat at just $5/month. It offers talk and text with 1GB of data, making it perfect for younger kids who don’t need heavy data usage. Plus, Tello’s flexible plans allow you to adjust as your child’s needs grow.

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What we love:

• Unbeatable price of $5/month.
• Flexible, no-contract options to customize as needed.
• Ideal for younger kids with light phone usage.

What could be better:

• Limited data (1GB) may not be sufficient for older kids or teens.
• Coverage depends on T-Mobile’s network, which may vary in rural areas.

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Best for Long-Term Savings: T-Mobile Connect Plan

The T-Mobile Connect Plan strikes the perfect balance of affordability and features, offering 5GB of data and unlimited talk and text for just $15/month. The flexibility of these prepaid plans allows you to switch your child's plan as their needs change. 

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What we love:

• Affordable pricing at $15/month.
• T-Mobile’s reliable nationwide 5G network.

What could be better:

• Limited data (5GB) might not be enough for data-heavy users.

Simplify Your Choice with Goji

Picking the right phone plan doesn’t have to feel like solving a puzzle. That’s where Goji comes in. Our app helps you compare thousands of plans from top carriers, find the best deals, and even check coverage in your area. Whether you’re looking for a plan with strict parental controls or just something affordable, Goji makes it easy to find the perfect fit for your family.

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Ready to save time and money? Download the Goji app today and start exploring plans tailored just for you. Because less stress = more time for what really matters.