Finding a mobile plan that keeps your teen happy and won’t cost you a fortune isn’t as simple as it may sound. The presence of so many options out there can overwhelm the customer, thus turning a simple choice into a grueling task.
You can either go with a traditional carrier like AT&T or Verizon, or you could switch to newer MVNOs like Mint and Boost Mobile. You might even be considering a prepaid plan. So, how do you know which is the best for you?
If you are confused while figuring out the best mobile plans for teenager, then fret not and scroll down the page to find more details. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of plans and help you choose the best one for your needs.
Best Mobile Phone Plans for Teenagers
Teens are one of the most active groups of mobile phone users, and there are a lot of great plans out there that cater to their needs. To help you make a choice, we have mapped out the five best phone plans for teens. Check them out, compare their pros and cons with each other, and make a perfect decision.
1. Tello
A streamlined and simple, Tello mobile plans are the ultimate choice for teenagers for a few good reasons. This MVNO runs on T-Mobile’s nationwide network and offers a variety of phone plans to satisfy all kinds of customers, be they regular users or heavy-data junkies.
Pros:
- No contract and no credit check
- WiFi calling is available
- Affordable and customized plans
- Free calling to 60+ countries
- Supports Mobile Tethering
- 4G LTE/ 5G coverage
- You can bring your phone
- Data rollover to next 30 days
Cons:
- Not the fastest data speed
- Might not be ideal for large families
Tello Mobile Deals
Get 10% off any phone plan on your first order with Tello.com for any plan above $10/month. When check out, input the coupon code 10OFFAFF to get the discount. Click the link to get this discount.
Scroll down the page and find more about Tello’s Customized Plans in the table below.
Data | Minutes | Texts | Price |
1GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $9/ month |
2GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $10/ month |
5GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $14/ month |
10GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $19/ month |
15GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $24/ month |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $25/ month |
If your teen only needs a phone for performing essential functions, like texting and calling, then Tello Mobile Economy Plan is a great fit. It offers 1GB of data allowance with unlimited minutes and texts. The plan is available for $9 per month. In addition, you can also opt for customized plans to satiate your needs. Such phone plans begin from $5 per month and go up to unlimited data $25/per month.
All Tello phone plans offer 4G LTE/ 5G coverage, so you can stay connected with your near and dear ones without any data problems. These plans come with hotspot tethering that helps you turn your smartphone into a hotspot for free.
The calling minutes available in your phone plans can be used for calls to more than 60 countries, making them perfect for teens whose friends and family live overseas. Free international calls are available for every customer, whether old or new.
The best thing about Tello phone plans for teens is that they get automatically renewed after every 30 days. With no long-term contracts and strings, these offer you absolute freedom to move out of the plan at any time. Moreover, customers can upgrade or downgrade their Tello plans without extra charges. The change will be instant, and the remaining balance will roll over for the next month.
Apart from the above, customers can create combinations of their own, depending on their data and calling needs.
What makes Tello stand above the rest is its excellent network coverage. Unlike adult phone users, teens are a bit reckless and want continuous speed and signals. Keeping this in concern, Tello also pushes its boundaries to keep its customers connected. Most users appreciate Tello for offering incredibly high audio signals and zero dropped calls. For more details about Tello Mobile, you can check our post Tello Review.
2. Mint Mobile
Let’s wind up the list of the best mobile plans for teenager with another well-known and premium option, Mint Mobile. This mobile carrier is widely-acclaimed for offering data-oriented plans with multi-month savings. It is one of the most compelling wireless options and operates on the idea of paying upfront in bulk to get heavy discounts.
Pros:
- No contract
- You can bring your phone
- High-Speed data
- Free calling to Mexico and Canada
- WiFi calling
Cons:
- Limited choices
- Unlimited plan slowed down after 35GB of usage
Mint Mobile Deals
Buy 2 Months, Get 1 Month Free on a 3-month 5GB plan!
Buy 2 months, get 1 month free limited time offer available until January 2, 2025 at 11:59pm PST for new customers and at select channels only. To claim the offer, simply use the promo code FREEMONTH at checkout.
Get a second 3-month plan free when you bring your number over from AT&T or Verizon. Free plan for first three months only; taxes & fees extra. Primary and secondary lines must choose the same plan type and both new plans must port in from an eligible carrier.
Unlike other fancy MVNOs that offer tons of extra features to lure customers, Mint Mobile sticks to what’s most important. It is probably one of a few carriers offering savings on all plans.
Scroll through the table mentioned below and learn more about Mint plans before making any commitment.
Data | 3 Months | 6 Months | 12 Months | |
5GB | $15/mo. | $20/mo. | $15/mo. | View Plans » |
15GB | $20/mo. | $25/mo. | $20/mo. | View Plans » |
20GB | $25/mo. | $35/mo. | $25/mo. | View Plans » |
Unlimited (40GB) | $30/mo. | $35/mo. | $30/mo. | View Plans » |
All Mint Plans feature unlimited talk and text so that your teens can stay in touch with their friends without having to worry about overages. Your service switches seamlessly between 5G and 4G LTE services, depending on which is strongest at that specific moment.
Do your family and friends reside in Mexico and Canada? Give them a call whenever you want, as all Mint mobile plans offer free calling to these neighboring countries so you can stay in touch without breaking the bank.
The carrier offers a 3-in-1 sim card, and that too for free, so you can spare some money. With Mint Mobile, your teen doesn’t have to worry about lousy reception, as all plans come with WiFi calling and texting. Just connect to the excellent WiFi and forget the bad signals and poor network coverage.
Looking for more? Mint Mobile phone plans for teens come with a 7-day money-back guarantee, according to which if you don’t like the plan or are not satisfied with their services, then you can not just move out of the plan but get a full refund within the guarantee period.
Most importantly, Mint Mobile allows you to bring your family under one roof by offering a new-gen Mint Family plan. It is a modern take on the wireless family plan with no data overages.
3. Boost Mobile
Are you looking forward to the phone plan that fits your teen’s requirements without costing a dime? Look no further and turn to Boost Mobile without giving it a second thought. Boost is an affordable MVNO and is always counted among the best mobile plans for teenager.
Pros:
- No contract
- Exclusive extras
- Special deals and discounts
- Flexible and affordable plans
- Nationwide coverage
- Hotspot is included
Cons:
- Data deprioritization
Boost Mobile Deals
Bring your own phone and get unlimited wireless from Boost Mobile for just $25/mo. Forever.
It offers a wide range of plans for customers so that everyone can choose an option based on their needs and preferences. It features some cheapest plans that work out to just $8.33 per month. However, these won’t work on every mobile phone. Hence, it is advised to ensure that your phone is compatible with Boost Mobile plans to avoid any last-minute hassle.
From high-speed data to unlimited talk and texts, Boost Mobile offers you everything to keep you connected. Since not all Boost Plans are compatible with your phone, this carrier offers a wide selection of the latest phones too at prices you can afford. The good news about these plans is that they come with no annual service contracts, thus giving you the freedom to leave, upgrade, or downgrade the plan whenever you want.
While Boost doesn’t offer any long-term contracts, it still believes in the policy that the more you commit, the lower price you’ll have to pay. Hence, it offers plans in 3 and 12 months contracts. If you are new to this carrier, we advise you to go for a 3-month plan and check if it is worth spending for.
Plans | Data | Hotspot | Perks | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prepaid Plans | ||||
Unlimited | 30GB | Not Included | Price Guarantee (valid as long as plan is active & enrolled in autopay) | $25/mo (Plus tax) |
Unlimited+ | 40GB | Included | Global Talk & Text included | $50/mo (Tax included) |
Unlimited Premium | 50GB | Included | – Global Talk & Text included – North America Connect included | $60/mo (Tax included) |
PostPaid Plans | ||||
Infinite Access for iPhone | 30GB | Not Included | – New iPhone included – Annual device upgrades – Up to $830 in device savings – Global Talk & Text included – North America Connect included | $65/mo (plus taxes) |
Infinite Access for Galaxy | 30GB | Not Included | – New Galaxy included – Annual device upgrades – Up to $800 in device savings – Global Talk & Text included – North America Connect included | $65/mo (plus taxes) |
Compared to other MVNOs available on the market, Boost is known to offer incredible network coverage. The carrier claims 99% nationwide coverage, which means you will experience the least or zero dropped calls and missed messages.
Speaking of family plans, Boost Mobile gives you a chance to mix and match any line to create a plan that suits both teens and adults alike. Mobile Hotspot is also available with these options, so you can instantly turn your mobile into a personal hotspot without having to worry about additional charges or restrictions. You can also check our Boost Mobile review article to learn more about it.
4. Visible
The next best option included on the list of the best phone plans for teens is the Visible Mobile. Unlike other MVNOs on the list that offers a myriad of options to choose from, Visible offers two unlimited plans to better fit your needs.
Pros:
- International calling and texting
- Unlimited mobile tethering is available
- Unlimited data, talk, and text
- Support 4G LTE, and 5G coverage
- Spam protection
- Offers premium network experience
Cons:
- Data deprioritization
- Limited choices
Visible Deals
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Visible is an ideal choice for a person looking for 5G and unlimited data for a small monthly fee. It uses Verizon’s network and infrastructure to offer nationwide coverage. Visible offers two standard plans, in the name of Visible and Visible+.
Both options offer unlimited data, talk, and text, thus making things easier and straightforward. Their network covers 99% of the population, meaning they are pretty much everywhere you need them to be.
Visible is available at $25 per month, while you have to pay $45/ per month to buy the Visible+ plan. The price difference between these plans lies in their extras and special perks.
While Visible offers unlimited everything, spam protection, and unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada, Visible+ gets a slight edge by operating on 5G ultra-wideband and international calling from the US to 30+ countries, along with everything that Visible offers. The latter’s extras make it a bit pricey for those looking for a simple, unlimited plan.
While Visible and Visible+ only come with unlimited data, they might not be ideal for those who don’t want such a heavy data allowance. In addition, there may be times when the data speed is lower due to cognition on the network, even though the data usage remains unlimited.
So, in a nutshell, if your teen is a heavy-data user and loves streaming HD videos and music all the time, look no further and be a Visible member to enjoy unlimited everything.
5. US Mobile
Whether you are shopping for your entire family or an individual, US Mobile plans are curated to fit your needs and budget. It is a prepaid cell phone carrier with affordable plans and several additional perks. US Mobile plans for teens are extremely flexible.
Pros:
- A wide range of plans are available
- Affordable option
- Excellent data coverage
- Offers 30-day risk-free trial
- WiFi calling facility
- Tax and fees included
- International calling
Cons:
- Data Deprioritization
US Mobile uses Verizon and T-Mobile networks to cover the speed and data needs of its customers. The whole idea behind launching US Mobile is to democratize cell phone plans and give a choice back to the user. It is the fastest-growing network in America with a high revenue growth rate.
US Mobile’s affordable cell phone plans are applauded for their extreme flexibility. Their plans are further divided into five different categories, including Unlimited plans, By the Big and Light Plan. With a wide range of plan combinations, there’s something to fit everyone. Customers can find details of all these plans here and pick the option that syncs well with their requirements.
Data | High Speed Data | Minutes & Texts | Price |
2GB Light Plan | 2 GB | Unlimited | $10/mo. $8/mo. ( pay annually) |
By the Big 2GB (Add line $8/line/mo. Share data) | 2 GB | Unlimited | $10/mo. |
By the Big 10GB (Add line $8/line/mo. Share data) | 10 GB | Unlimited | $20/mo. |
Unlimited Flex | 10 GB | Unlimited | $17.5/mo. |
Unlimited Starter | 35 GB | Unlimited | $25/mo. $22.5/mo. ( pay annually) |
Unlimited Premium | 100 GB | Unlimited | $44/mo. $32.5/mo. ( pay annually) |
Its By the Big plans are ideal for those customers who love sharing a common pool of data access with their families. It is available for $10/first line with an extra line $8/mo. and offers unlimited talk and text and shared data.
Unlimited Plans are also classified into three categories, namely Unlimited Flex, Unlimited Starter and Unlimited Premium. The price changes with different high speed data and other benefits, hence, users should make a wise choice.
Don’t you like any of the above-mentioned plans? Worry not and opt for customized plans. US Mobile gives you the freedom to choose minutes, texts, and data allowance to build your very own plan. If you want to learn more about US Mobile, you can check US Mobile review.
Things to consider when choosing cell phone plans for teens
When it comes to choosing a cell phone plan for your teen, there are a few things you’ll need to take into account. From data allowance to budget, here we’ll go over five things you should keep in mind when making a commitment. So, read on and find out how you can make an appropriate choice.
Data Allowance
As a parent, you want to ensure your teen has enough data to stay connected with friends and family, but you also don’t want to break the bank. The amount of data your children requires depends on how they are using their phone.
Most teens use between 2-4 GB of data per month. If your teen is a heavy social media user or likes to stream music and videos, you may want to consider a plan with 5+ GB of data.
In addition, you must know that Teens generally use their phones more than adults, so it’s crucial to choose a plan with plenty of data. Otherwise, they may quickly run out and incur overage charges.
Look for Prepaid Plans
It’s no secret that prepaid plans are becoming increasingly popular, especially with families trying to save money. With a prepaid plan, you load money onto the account and then use it as you would with a traditional post-paid plan, so there is no need to worry about monthly bills or overage fees.
Also, there is no credit check required and no Contract terms. So, if your teenager is looking for an affordable way to stay connected, a prepaid plan could be the perfect solution.
However, you should remember a few things when choosing a prepaid plan for your teen. Make sure the plan offers enough data and unlimited calling, and always look for plans with no strings attached to enjoy freedom and flexibility.
Entertainment Features
Most teens use their phones for entertainment, so you should ensure the plan you choose has features that meet their needs. Look for plans that offer unlimited data and talk, as well as access to music and video streaming services.
Many phone plans for teens include access to premium channels like HBO or Showtime. This is great for teens who want to watch their favorite shows. Hence, check out all additional features included in the phone and then choose accordingly.
Mobile Hotspot
Mobile hotspots can be a lifesaver when your teen needs to work on their laptop or tablet while out and about. Most mobile plans these days come with some form of mobile hotspot data, but not all of them are created equal.
Therefore, it’s always best to double-check and read the fine print, so you understand what’s included and what isn’t.
Price
Be sure to compare the cost of different plans before you make a decision. You’ll definitely want to find a plan that fits your budget and offers the features your teen needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tello is a clear winner when choosing talk and text-only plans for teens. Its cheapest plan is available at $8/ per month, which offers no data allowance and unlimited minutes and texts. It is an ideal pick for those teenagers who want to mobile phones for calling and texting purposes only.
When it comes to the best cell phone data plan for teens, nothing offers value for money more than the Mint Mobile. While it only offers a limited number of options, all of them are worth trying and cater to your needs well. Its basic plan starts at $15/ per month, way cheaper than plenty of other options available on the market.
Of all the options mentioned above, Visible Mobile offers the best-unlimited data phone plans for teens. The plan is available at $30 per month and features unlimited data, talk, text, and mobile hotspots. Moreover, it also offers unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada.
Summary
There you have the five best mobile plans for teenager, and all of them offer great value for money. We hope our research will narrow down your choices. So, if you’re a teenager looking for a new mobile phone plan, be sure to check out these options. And remember, always compare a few different plans before making your final decision.
Keep one thing in mind the best plan is the one that caters to your needs and fits your budget; hence, the final choice depends on your preferences. But whatever option you choose, make sure it’s worth the commitment and splurge.