Best kids phone plans (2026): Simple, safe, and smart

Modak
February 5, 2026

Main takeaways

📱 Prepaid phone plans are ideal for kids because they offer cost control, flexibility, and no long-term contracts.

🧠 The best kids’ plans prioritize simplicity, safety, and predictable pricing over extra features.

🛡️ A child’s first phone plan can help teach responsibility and healthy digital habits.

When it comes to your child’s first phone plan, prepaid is often the smartest choice. No contracts, no surprise fees, and total control over usage make prepaid phone plans ideal for kids and teens. But not all plans are created equal.

In this guide, you’ll discover the best prepaid phone plans for kids in 2026, and learn how Modak combines prepaid flexibility with in-app money tools to give your family a smarter setup.

Kids using mobile phones

Why prepaid phone plans are ideal for kids

A prepaid phone plan is a pay-as-you-go service where you pay upfront each month. That means no bills, no late fees, and no hidden surprises. Here’s why it works so well for kids:

✅ Full cost control

Parents pay a set amount monthly, usually under $20. No unexpected overages.

✅ No contracts

You’re not locked into a long-term agreement. Cancel anytime.

✅ Safer for kids

With prepaid, you can control how much data, talk, and text your child can use.

✅ Easy to manage

Most plans are digital-first, letting you activate and cancel online.

But traditional prepaid services don’t offer much beyond the basics. That’s where Modak comes in.

What makes Modak a smarter prepaid option for families

Modak was designed around the exact reasons parents choose prepaid: predictability, safety, and control.

Kids using their phones at school

Here’s what makes it stand out:

Prepaid simplicity with smarter tools

Modak offers two prepaid-style plans on AT&T’s 5G network*:

  • 5GB Plan: $12.99/month
  • Unlimited Plan: $34.99/month

There are no activation fees, no credit checks, and no contracts.** Parents see taxes and telecom fees upfront, so there’s no confusion at checkout. Everything is billed through your Parent Wallet in the Modak app.

Managed directly inside the Modak App

Instead of juggling different carriers and apps, parents activate and manage their child’s phone line from the same place they already:

  • Set savings goals
  • Assign and pay for chores
  • Monitor their child’s Modak Visa® debit card1

A real prepaid alternative

Modak eSIM behaves like a prepaid service: month-to-month billing, no penalties for canceling**,. But it goes a step further, combining phone service with the financial tools your family already uses.

It’s not just a phone plan. It’s a better way to start your child’s digital independence.

How Modak supports families

💳 Modak offers affordable prepaid-style plans with clear pricing and no contracts.

📲 Parents manage phone service, chores, savings, and spending together in one app.

🎯 Modak connects connectivity with financial learning, helping kids build independence responsibly.

Start your financial journey now!

Everything you need, fast, safe and simple.

Top prepaid phone plan options for kids in 2026

Here are some of the top choices parents are considering this year:

1. Modak phone plans

Best for: All-in-one family management + financial literacy

Affordable, cancel-anytime plans with instant eSIM activation. Unified with financial tools. Transparent pricing with all fees shown before checkout. Parents keep full control, and kids stay connected and financially empowered.

2. EE Safer SIMs (UK)

Best for: Content filtering and smart caps

EE offers SIM-only plans with spending caps, data restrictions, and premium number blocking. A great option for families in the UK looking for strong parental controls.

3. Mint Mobile

Best for: Low cost, prepaid simplicity

Offers 5GB data plans starting around $15/month. Requires buying 3-12 months in advance. Great if you're looking for low-cost US-based options.

4. US Mobile

Best for: Customization

Build your own plan by choosing data, minutes, and texts. Flexible pricing but requires manual setup and oversight. Not built specifically for kids.

Phone, airpods and

FAQs

Are there prepaid phone plans suitable for kids?

Yes. Many providers offer prepaid plans, but Modak is built specifically for kids and families. It combines the predictability of prepaid service with in-app parental controls and money tools.

Is there a phone that only texts and calls for kids?

Yes. Devices like Gabb and Pinwheel offer basic features without apps or browsers. You can also limit smartphone usage through parental settings if you want more flexibility.

What is the best starter phone for a kid?

Look for an unlocked, eSIM-compatible phone with long battery life and strong parental controls. iPhone SE, Google Pixel 6a, and Moto G Power are popular choices for kids.

Which SIM is good for kids?

A SIM card that’s prepaid, no-contract, and supports eSIM activation is ideal. Modak’s eSIM plans are great because they’re managed entirely inside a family-friendly app.

Final thoughts

Phone plans give kids a safe, affordable way to stay connected. But Modak takes it further by unifying phone service and financial learning into one platform.

No contracts. No surprise bills. Just a smart prepaid plan that lives inside the Modak app, where you already manage chores, savings, and your kid’s Visa® debit card.

With Modak, your child’s first phone plan is also their first step toward digital independence and financial responsibility.

Explore Modak’s Prepaid Phone Plans

1 Deposit account and the Modak Visa® debit card issued by Legend Bank, N.A., FDIC-Insured. Modak is a financial technology company and not a FDIC insured financial institution. Funds deposited into a Deposit Account may be eligible for up to $250,000 of FDIC insurance.

* Modak Mobile runs on AT&T’s 5G network
** You may cancel your subscription at any time in the Modak app. If you cancel, your plan will stay active until the end of your current billing cycle. The cancellation will take effect at the end of your current billing cycle, and you will not be charged for subsequent periods. 

Follow us on social media:

Latest articles

Browse all articles