The Best Phone Plans for Kids in 2026: What to Choose at Every Age
July 23, 2026
July 23, 2026
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Choosing your child's first phone plan can feel like a much bigger decision than it should be.
Should they have unlimited data? Is a family plan always the cheapest option? How much data do kids actually use?
The truth is, there isn't one "best" phone plan for every child. A 10-year-old who mainly texts family has very different needs than a high school senior who streams music, uses GPS every day, and is getting ready for college.
Instead of paying for features your child may never use, it's better to choose a plan based on their age, habits, and lifestyle.
If your child is getting their very first device, check out our guide to the best phones for kids before picking a plan.
In this guide, we'll walk through the types of phone plans that tend to make the most sense at each stage—and how you can compare options to find the best fit for your family.
Quick Comparison: Phone Plans by Age
When Should a Child Get Their First Phone?
There's no magic age when every child should get a phone.
Some families wait until middle school, while others give their child a phone earlier because they walk home from school, participate in sports, or spend more time away from home.
Instead of focusing on age alone, ask yourself:
- Will they need to contact you throughout the day?
- Are they becoming more independent?
- Do they spend time at friends' houses or extracurricular activities?
- Would having a phone make your family's routine easier?
Once you've decided your child is ready, the next step is choosing a plan that matches how they'll actually use it.
Ages 8–10: Keep It Simple
For many younger kids, a phone is primarily a safety tool.
They're usually calling or texting family, sharing their location, or occasionally watching YouTube while connected to Wi-Fi. Most children this age don't need large amounts of mobile data.
Typical phone use
- Calling and texting parents
- GPS and location sharing
- Occasional video calls
- Limited entertainment
- Mostly connected to Wi-Fi
Plan recommendations
For this age group, look for:
- Low-cost prepaid plans
- Shared family plans
- 1–5 GB of monthly data
- No long-term contracts
Examples: Tello, US Mobile, Mint Mobile, Twigby, Ultra Mobile
If your child spends most of their time on Wi-Fi, even a small amount of mobile data can go a long way.
Ages 11–13: More Independence, More Data
Middle school is when many kids begin using their phones more regularly.
Group texts become common, music streaming increases, and they may begin using school-related apps or light social media (depending on your family's rules).
Typical phone use
- Texting friends
- FaceTime or video calls
- Music streaming
- School apps
- Some social media
Plan recommendations
A plan with 5–10 GB of monthly data is often enough for many middle schoolers.
Look for:
- Affordable prepaid plans
- Shared family data plans
- Flexible month-to-month options
Examples: US Mobile, Mint Mobile, Tello, Twigby, Ultra Mobile
While every child is different, many families discover they don't need to pay for unlimited data just yet.
Ages 14–16: High School Brings New Needs
High school often brings a noticeable jump in phone usage.
Students are more active, more independent, and more likely to use their phones throughout the day for navigation, sports schedules, messaging, music, photos, and social media.
Typical phone use
- Navigation
- Music streaming
- Social media
- School communication
- Photos and videos
- Sports and extracurricular apps
Plan recommendations
Many teens in this age range do well with:
- 10–20 GB plans
- Unlimited plans for heavier users
- Plans that include hotspot data
Examples: Visible, Cricket Wireless, US Mobile, Mint Mobile
If your teen frequently streams videos away from Wi-Fi or spends lots of time on social media, unlimited data may be worth considering.
Ages 17–18: Preparing for College and Adulthood
By the end of high school, phones become an essential everyday tool.
Many older teens are driving, working part-time jobs, visiting college campuses, and managing more of their daily lives independently.
Typical phone use
- GPS and navigation
- Streaming
- Banking apps
- Ride-share apps
- Food delivery
- School and work communication
- Hotspot for laptops
Plan recommendations
Look for:
- Unlimited data
- Hotspot access
- Reliable nationwide coverage
- Student discounts when available
Examples: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Visible, US Mobile, Mint Mobile
If your child is heading off to college, don't just check coverage around your home. Make sure the carrier performs well around their campus, too. Also, check out our roundup of the best student phone deals and discounts.
Should You Add Your Child to Your Family Plan?
For many families, adding a child to an existing family plan is the easiest choice—but it isn't always the cheapest.
A family plan may make sense if:
- You already receive multi-line discounts.
- Multiple family members need unlimited data.
- Your current plan offers good value.
However, an individual prepaid plan may be the better option if:
- Your child uses very little data.
- You're paying for premium unlimited features they won't use.
- You want more flexibility without contracts.
We recently spoke with a Goji customer who switched their daughter to a Mint Mobile Kids plan and saved $360 per year. Click here to see how they decided it was the right fit.
The best option depends on your family's situation, which is why comparing plans before making a decision can save you money.
How Goji Helps Parents Find the Right Plan
Every family has different priorities.
Some want the lowest monthly price. Others care most about coverage, hotspot data, or finding a phone and plan together.
Instead of visiting carrier websites one by one, Goji lets you compare plans from over 100 carriers in one place.
With Goji, you can:
- Compare plans based on your child's data needs
- Check coverage where they'll actually use their phone
- Explore current promotions and discounts
- Filter by budget, network, and features
- Find a plan that fits your family without paying for extras you don't need
Whether you're shopping for your child's very first phone or helping a soon-to-be college student, Goji makes it easier to compare your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best phone plan for a child?
The best phone plan depends on your child's age, how much data they use, and your budget. Younger kids often do well with low-cost prepaid plans, while older teens may benefit from larger or unlimited plans.
Does my middle schooler need unlimited data?
Not always. Many middle schoolers use less than 10 GB of mobile data each month, especially if they're connected to Wi-Fi at home and school.
Are prepaid phone plans good for kids?
Yes. Prepaid plans are often a great choice because they're affordable, flexible, and don't require long-term contracts.
Should my child have their own phone plan?
Sometimes. If your child uses very little data, a separate prepaid plan can actually cost less than adding another line to a family plan.
How much data does my child really need?
Many younger children need only a few gigabytes each month, while older teens who stream music, watch videos, or spend lots of time on social media may benefit from 20 GB or unlimited data.
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