Calendar iconJun 19, 2023

What Are the Best Cellphones and Plans for Kids?

What Are the Best Cellphones and Plans for Kids?

Reading time: 8 minutes

Cellphones have become a must-have device for young people, and in today’s world, every preteen and teenager needs to have a reliable one. As parents, it's our responsibility to select the right cell phone and cell phone plan that best fits our kids’ needs – one that offers reliable coverage, a manageable cost, and appropriate features.

So what are the best cell phones and cell phone plans for kids and what should you consider when shopping for kids cell phone plans? PureTalk has some suggestions. 

Factors to consider when shopping for a cell phone and cell phone plans for kids

Pretty young mom and daughter taking a selfie.

Reliable Coverage

When shopping for the right cell phone and the best cell phone plan ever for a child, one of the most important factors to consider is reliable coverage. If the cell phone provider doesn’t offer good service, then the cell phone won’t be very useful, no matter how good it looks or how many great features it has.

When shopping for a cell phone carrier, look for one that offers coverage that is reliable and consistent. There's no use in having unlimited talk if you can't get through!

Cost

Cheerful family of three snapping a selfie in a park.

Another factor to consider when selecting a kids cell phone plan for a child is the cost. Cell phone plans for younger users are available from many cell phone companies, and it is important to do some research to find one that is affordable.

Many of these kids' phones and cell phone plans come with discounted support and features that may be beneficial for a younger user.

Features

Happy family celebrating a birthday and taking a selfie with the cake.

In addition to coverage and cost, when shopping for the right Android phone or Samsung phone or iPhone for your child you need to consider its features. All phones today offer a selection of features, and it is important to select those that are age-appropriate and beneficial for your child. Some of these features include internet access, parental controls, and apps that can be used to further their learning.

Other features that are important to pay attention to are long battery life, good audio quality, and durable construction.

Best phones for kids according to ZDNET

Gray-haired grandpa showing his grandson how to take a photo with a cell phone.

ZDNET is an independent research company that tests a variety of devices, including cell phones, and publishes its findings to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. For 2023, ZDNET has stated that the following are the best cell kids' phones:

Best overall phone for younger kids: Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)

The Apple iPhone SE.

Best starter phone for kids: Moto G Pure

The Moto G P.ure

Best kids’ phone for Samsung families: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G.

Best secure phone for kids: Google Pixel 6A 5G

The Google Pixel 6A 5G.

The cost of the phones featured here ranges from $429 (Apple iPhone SE) to $110 (Moto G Pure), and each offers a variety of features.

Consider your child's age

One of the most important things to think about as you look into a cellphone for your child is how old they are. If they’re very young and likely to lose the phone, you might not want to plunk down $400 for one.

But if they’re a bit older, are more mature, and if this isn’t their first phone (that tends to make a difference), the expense could very well be worth it. 

Best cell phone plans for kids

Man in a blue shirt tapping a text message on his phone.

The easiest and most cost-effective cell phone plan for your child is simply to add a line to your current plan. This will get you the best deal on the purchase of a new phone from your wireless provider. It will also get you the best deal even if you don’t buy the phone from your provider.

At PureTalk, we don't offer cell phone plans for kids, specifically, but we offer cell phone plans families swear by. Each member of the family gets exactly what they want and need in terms of unlimited talk and text and unlimited data, and nothing they don’t. This means you’re not paying for anything extra. And that means you’re getting your money’s worth.

Are you already with PureTalk?

Woman with a blue shirt tied around her neck checking email on her cell.

If you’re already with PureTalk, adding a line to accommodate your child's phone, and his or her new cell phone is fast and easy! And if you’re not, switching is a snap. Read on for more on our family plan with unlimited talk and unlimited data.

What makes PureTalk better than those overpriced wireless providers?

Three smiling mature women taking a selfie at lunch.

With PureTalk, you get the best cell phone coverage for less and the best unlimited plans – not to mention the most cost-effective, realistically priced unlimited plans – anywhere.

You also get the best cell phone coverage in Canada and the best unlimited data plan Mexico and a referral program that can save you big time on your PureTalk service.

Short haired woman in dark sunglasses snapping a photo with her cell phone.

Beyond that there’s the fact that the average family of four that switches to PureTalk saves $75 a month for a total of $900 a year and, if that’s not enough to help you make the switch, we offer a 30-day money back guarantee.

Two older women out for a morning walk looking at something on a cell phone.

In addition, at PureTalk, we believe that nothing is more important than family. That’s why we’re happy to help you find the right cell phone – and the unlimited plan – for your child and your entire family.

Family Plans

Cute young dad holding his little girl while they Facetime with family.

Did you know that PureTalk offers plans that start at just $20 a month for unlimited talk and text and blazing fast data? We do. And our Family Plans let you choose the right family plan, for each family member.  You can have any number of lines and choose the perfect family plan for each one. 

Your family members get exactly what they need with our family plan, and you never pay for anything they don't.  Whatever your family's size or wireless needs may be, you're sure to save a bundle on a family plan from PureTalk.

Plans for Seniors

Cheerful teenage granddaughter showing her gay haired grandma how to do something on her cell.

Did you know that most seniors use less than 2GB of data per month?  PureTalk offers great plans for seniors that let you pay only for what you – and they – actually want – and nothing you don’t.

And with PureTalk you get the same great service and blazing fast coverage while saving money each month. 

Smiling couple snapping a selfie on the beach.

At PureTalk, we don’t think you should pay for data you don’t need and aren’t going to use. Switch today and receive great service and blazing-fast coverage while saving money each month.

Two mature women out for a hike and stopping to take a selfie.

Choose from PureTalk’s most popular cell phone plans:

Choose from PureTalk’s most popular cell phone plans:

$20/month: Unlimited Talk & Text; 2GB Data 

$25/month: Unlimited Talk & Text; 4GB Data 

$30/month: Unlimited Talk & Text; 6GB Data 

Need more data one month?

Sweet smiling couple sitting outside on some steps snapping a selfie.

Simply go into your account portal and add more. When next month rolls around, if you need less data, you can go right back into your portal and reduce it.

Simply log onto PureTalk.com, click on My Account, and select Manage My Data. Make your changes, save them, and log out. It’s that simple.

Traveling Outside the U.S.?

Gray haired woman and man in a blue shirt smiling for a selfie on a boat.

Think of PureTalk as your travel partner. Get the best cell phone coverage in 30+ countries including Canada and Mexico with PureTalk International Roaming.

Here's how it works:

1.

Travel to your international destination.

Every plan includes up to $20/month of international credits, so your phone will work in 30+ countries automatically. No SIM swapping or apps required!

2.

Use your phone internationally like you do at home.

When you arrive at your destination, you’ll automatically have up to $20 of international credits. When you make a call, send texts, or use data it will be deducted from your credit balance. Check the rate finder above to see the international rate for your destination.

3.

No overages or surprise charges.

If you use all of your existing international credit, you will not be charged any fees. If you need more international credits, just log into your account portal and select the International roaming add-on. (Credits do not rollover)

Your phone simply works when you arrive. No hassles and not a moment of disconnection.

PureTalk’s International Roaming means:

Constant connectivity.

No pricey roaming charges.

No additional devices to lug around.

 

Other wireless providers have referral programs, but none come close to PureTalk’s

At PureTalk, when you refer your friends, you reward yourself.

Young man in a black and red checked jacket and young woman in a fur hat taking a selfie on a canoe.

When you join PureTalk, you’re given a unique referral link you can share with friends and family. For each friend who signs up through your unique link, you receive a $20 credit applied to your account, and your friend receives a $20 credit applied to their account. Best of all, there are no limits. You can refer as many friends as you want, and you will get a $20 credit for every single one of them.

Everything you need to know about the PureTalk Customer Referral Program:

Gray-haired woman in a blue and white shirt with a red necklace reading something on her cell phone.

1. Each customer has a unique referral link to share with friends. For each friend who signs up through your unique link, you will receive a $20 bill credit applied to your account, and your friend will receive a $20 credit applied to their account.

2. There are no limits to how many friends you can refer with PureTalk's Customer Referral Program. Refer all of your friends and get a $50 credit for every single one of them.

3. Your $20 credit will post to your account after your friend completes their second active month of service.

4. To see which of your friends you have referred to PureTalk, log in to MY ACCOUNT and click the "Referrals" tab at the top of the page. You will see all of your referrals listed in the "Referral Credits" table at the bottom of the page.

5. You can post your referral link anywhere you want. On your social media channels, your blog, in emails, etc. You can grab your unique referral link by logging in to My Account and clicking the Referrals tab.

6. There are two ways you can earn referral credits. Your friend can use your unique referral link or enter your phone number at checkout when asked if a friend referred him.

Don’t forget: Remind those you are referring to PureTalk to enter your phone number at checkout IF they’ve forgotten to sign up through your referral link.

With the PureTalk referral program you can earn as many credits as you have friends and save money or even more on the plan of your choice!

PureTalk’s 30-Day Money Back Guarantee makes it easy to give us a try

The logo for PureTalk's Money Back Gurantee.

With PureTalk’s risk-free, thirty-day money back guarantee you have absolutely nothing to lose. Sign up and give us a try for one month. We know you’ll love us. But if you don’t, simply call to cancel your service within thirty-days and we’ll return your money.

No penalties. No hassles.

Why choose PureTalk?

Woman talking on her cell on a busy city street.

When you choose PureTalk, you’re choosing to support a company whose values align with your own. You’re choosing to support a company whose CEO is a U.S. Veteran and a company that supports Veterans.

You’re also choosing to support American jobs: 100% of our customer service is based right here in the United States.

Happy couple walking down a city street and checking a cell phone for directions.

Plus, with PureTalk, you can bring your own phone, and keep your phone number or choose from our terrific selection of the latest iPhones and Androids.

What Our Customers Are Saying

Pretty young woman with curly dark hair wearing a headset and talking to a customer.

“Pure Talk may not be for technophiles, but it serves my needs perfectly at a terrific price. What I really love about them is how helpful and delightful their support people are.” Michael R.

Adult son and his dad sitting on the walkway of a bridge after their run and taking a selfie.

"I am so glad I switched to PureTalk. The customer service is fantastic which is so rare these days. But most of all I live in a small apartment and I have my own internet and it didn’t matter where I was in the room, calls dropped constantly. But I have not had any problems since I switched to PureTalk.” Jennifer H.

Mature couple having coffee and looking at someting on a tablet.

"I was hesitant to leave T-Mobile though my cell phone bill kept increasing. But my brother insisted I try PureTalk. From the first conversation I had, I knew the customer service was first rate. PureTalk employs knowledgeable, well-spoken people who are patient and kind. I am so happy with PureTalk!" Lynellen C.

Three friends standing on rocks surrounded by water taking photos of the mountains.

“When I called the company, they were so helpful and easy to understand. When I purchased a new phone and needed to activate the eSim, it only took a few minutes. Customer service and tech support were so considerate in assisting this non-techy person.” Brenda N.

Gray-haired man with black glasses sitting outside and sending a text.

“Your people are courteous, knowledgeable, efficient, and friendly. They fix my issues, port my numbers, and always sound happy to help. They speak American English and they are clear and easy to understand. Thank you all and don’t change.” Robert Z.

Pretty dark-haired woman in a blue cardigan standing outside and talking on her cell.

“It was very efficient to contact and set up the service with PureTalk. The website is easy to navigate, so one can both stay informed and keep their account information up to date. The price is much better than the larger major carriers (I had T-Mobile for almost 20 years) and the voice and data services are at least as good as any others. Plus, I got to bring my own phone. Looking forward to many great years of excellent service.” Michael S.

Mature woman with dark hair and a white shirt sitting on her porch talking on her cell.

“We had a rough time switching from our previous carrier (T-Mobile), but PureTalk’s fantastic tech folks got us through the process. They all speak understandable English and had incredible patience with my lack of technical skills. Kudos to them. The coverage has been as good as or better than Verizon. Every time I look at our monthly bill, I am so thankful for Pure Talk.” Bert S.

Five mature adults, two eating ice cream cones, snapping a selfie on the beach.

“We switched from AT&T and we have not noticed any difference in coverage and it's great to save money. We have not needed to contact customer support often. When we do, it’s great that we can quickly talk to a live representative!” Tiffany M.

Young woman in a lime green jacket pausing from her hike to take a photo.

"Customer Service representative was outstanding. This is the second time I’ve had her. She’s thorough super helpful and patient. I love her and Pure Talk!" Davida C.

Gray-haired man in a cream-colored jacket having coffee and sending a text.

“Just made the switch from the T-Mobile networks to Puretalk. This was the easiest and most trouble free carrier change I have ever experienced. Number ported over flawlessly in less than 24 hours and with this change, I'm saving over $50 a month. Thank you PureTalk. Superb customer service. A+.” D.T.

Yound adult man in a long-sleeved white shirt listening to music on white headphones.

"Customer help was very professional and the person was able to answer all questions. Love this mobile virtual network operator and would recommend Pure Talk to anyone. Thank you." Susan H.

Two sweet female friends having coffee and laughing at something on a cell phone.

"Great customer service and very responsive! Love the cell phone coverage!" Kimberly N.

Pretty mom and teen daughter, both in blue shirts, snapping a selfie.

“I took the jump from a big carrier to Pure Talk and won’t be going back. The service is absolutely all I need, works as I expect, and is cheap. I have my whole family on a plan with plenty of data that costs less than what I used to pay for my personal service with one of the big providers. On top of that, customer service and the actual switch itself have been great.” Delena D.

Cheerful mature man and woman snapping a selfie with their Golden retriever between them.

“I switched from ATT and have never regretted it. I live in the middle of a pasture with very little service and with a phone booster I have never missed a call or have any trouble calling when I need to. I recommend PureTalk to everyone. Customer service is great and patient and can actually speak English. Thank you for providing this service at a very reasonable price.” J.S.

Adult daughter and dad under twinkling outdoor lights looking at a cell phone.

Don’t wait. Pick a plan now that meets your needs, suits your lifestyle, and helps you save!

Cute mom with short blonde hair and glasses snapping a selfie with her blonde daughter.

 

 


Posted 10 months ago