Finding the best mobile plans for kids and teens
Our team of mobile plan experts have compared 322 SIM-only plans from 49 mobile providers in Australia. We've curated 4 top picks based on price, data, network and expert analysis. Not all mobile plans are created equal, so make sure you compare your options before choosing the right one for you.
Why you can trust our research
322 Mobile plans analysed
758 Australians surveyed
180+ hours of research
Best value mobile plan for kids and teens
felix Subscription 25GB GREEN COMPANY
Calls & Text
data. Slowed down to 1.5Mbps after full speed data used up
per month
$12.50/mth for the first 3 months, then $25/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
Pros & cons:
- There are no excess charges. Even if your kid goes over their monthly data allowance the download speeds will simply slow to 1.5Mbps.
- You’ll only pay $12.50 a month for the first 3 months, a saving of $37.50 overall.
- Unlimited standard calls and texts to local numbers, plus unlimited data banking so that unused data will never go to waste.
- The price reverts to $25 a month after 3 months.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $262.5
Why we chose it
To choose the best mobile plan for kids and teens to avoid bill shock, we looked at plans in our database from Finder partners that come with either unlimited data or no excess charges and cost under $35 a month. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost over 12 (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner and the cheapest cost.
Best mobile plans for kids and teens with parental control features
Spriggy Mobile Essential
Pros & cons:
- Safety features for parents include the option to sync your phone's contact list so you can see who your kid or teen is calling, and being able to turn their data on and off using Spriggy’s mobile app.
- New bedtime mode feature will be coming soon. It’ll help you ensure your kid’s not on their phone between 8pm and 8am.
- The plan stacks up well against our $1 per GB benchmark. The data allowance is plenty especially if you’re streaming content on YouTube and such regularly.
- You can rollover unused data up to 75GB.
- The plan will auto-renew by default. If you decide to cancel the plan, make sure to do it before the next billing cycle.
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $360
Why we chose it
To choose the best mobile plan for kids and teens with parental controls, we looked at plans in our database from Finder partners that cost $40 a month or less and had some sort of parental control feature. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost over 12 (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner and the cheapest cost.
Best mobile plan for kids and teens on the Telstra network
Tangerine 12GB 4G SIM
Pros & cons:
- Option to bank up to 500GB of unused data for future use.
- You can bundle internet and mobile with Tangerine and save 10% off your monthly mobile plan fees.
- Unlimited international calls to 15 selected countries.
- Travel packs are available if you’re heading overseas and need roaming switched on.
- 4G download speeds are capped at 100Mbps, though this should be fast enough for most online activities.
- If you don’t mind paying slightly more for a higher data allowance and Telstra’s 5G coverage, you could consider Belong’s 25GB plan for $30 a month.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $264
Why we chose it
To choose the best mobile plan for coverage for kids and teens, we looked at options in our database from Finder partners that cost $40 a month or less and on Telstra's full or wholesale network. Of the plans that met our criteria, we then ranked them by our value score and went with the highest-ranking plan.
Best long-expiry prepaid plan for kids and teens
Catch Connect 365 Day Plan 120GB Finder Exclusive
Calls & Text
data
per 365 days
$119 for the first recharge, then $150/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 19.11.24
Pros & cons:
- You’re essentially paying just over $9 a month for 10GB of data which is really good value for money.
- There’s a handy mobile app to help you or your kid manage their plan and track data usage.
- Unlimited calls and texts to standard numbers plus no lock-in contract.
- The price reverts to $150 after 365 days.
- There are no additional plan features such as international call inclusions or data banking.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $119
Why we chose it
To choose the best long-expiry prepaid mobile plan for kids and teens, we looked at 365-day plans in our database from Finder partners that cost $150 or less. Of the plans that met our criteria, we then ranked them by our value score and went with the highest-ranking plan.
How do I find the best mobile plan for my kid?
We understand that staying connected with your kids wherever they are is a top priority.
If you're a parent looking to get your kid or teenager on the right mobile plan, here's a breakdown of some key points to consider.
1. Don't pay too much
You don't want to be spending a fortune on your kid's mobile plan. These days, most plans come with unlimited talk and text, so it's really just data you need to look out for.
Prepaid plans can be a great way to limit spending for your kid so you don't get hit with excess charges.
Long expiry plans can also be good value for money (and possibly cheaper overall) but you're going to have to commit to a minimum of 90 days.
2. Keep an eye on data usage
If your child's big on streaming and video calling on the go, you might want to consider opting for a decent data allowance instead of paying excess charges or topping up data on the fly.
The good news is that most mobile plans come with no lock-in contract these days, so you can always switch to a plan with more suitable data inclusions if one doesn't work out.
3. Check the provider's mobile app
To make sure your kid isn't going overboard on using the Internet while they're out and blowing through their mobile plan inclusions, consider providers that offer a user-friendly mobile app.
These apps can track your kids' data usage to help you avoid excess charges and make use of other features such as recharging your plan.
4. Cyber safety features
If you're worried about your child's safety online and how much time they spend on their screen, you can sign up to specific mobile providers that offer features to address your concerns.
Optus and Spriggy both offer family-friendly features across some of their mobile plans:
- Optus offers free access to The McAfee Safe Family App on the Optus Family Plan. This will help you with content restrictions, screen time rules and location tracking.
- Spriggy has multiple safety features such as being able to track who your kid’s calling and being able to turn their data on and off.
If these providers don’t meet your needs you can look into other third-party parental control apps instead.
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Ask a question
Trying to find mobile phone for teen with disability diagnoses. Safety and security of utmost importance.
Both iPhone and Android have a range of assistive features, so either could be good choices. In practice, it might make sense to opt for whichever platform you’re already using yourself, as you’ll be more familiar with it and can check/test features on your own device as well. Hope this helps.