Best mobile plans for kids and teens

There’s no need to splurge on your kid or teen’s mobile plan. Our top 5 picks for this month will help keep your budget in check.

Top pick: Value
iiNet logo
25GB
$12.50
per month
$12.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $25/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
Top pick: Optus network
Southern Phone logo
20GB
$14
per month
$14/mth for the first 6 months, then $24/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 15.4.25
Top pick: Long-expiry
Catch Connect logo
200GB
$149
per 365 days expiry
$149 for the first recharge, then $200/recharge after. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 25.2.25
Top pick: Telstra network
Tangerine Telecom logo
25GB
$14.50
per month
$14.50/mth for the first 4 months, then $29/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 28.2.25

Finding the best mobile plans for kids and teens

Our team of mobile plan experts have compared 326 SIM-only plans from 48 mobile providers in Australia. We've curated 5 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

326 Mobile plans analysed

758 Australians surveyed

180+ hours of research

Mariam Gabaji
Expert picks reviewed by Mariam Gabaji – Utilities editor at Finder

Best value mobile plan for kids and teens

iiNet Small Plan

Unlimited
Calls & Text
25GB
data
$12.50
per month
iiNet Small Plan logo

$12.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $25/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.

Pros & cons:

  • iiNet’s offer will save you $75 over 6 months.
  • The plan includes 100 international minutes and 100 texts to 31 selected countries.
  • Option to sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
  • The price reverts to $25 a month after 6 months.

Mobile network: Vodafone 4G network

Total cost over first 12 months: $225

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 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

Unlimited
Calls & Text
25GB
data
$25
per month
Spriggy Mobile Essential logo

$25/mth for the first 3 months, then $30/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 28.2.25

Pros & cons:

  • Parental control features include the option to monitor ongoing calls and 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: $345

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 Optus network

Southern Phone Small

Unlimited
Calls & Text
20GB
data
$14
per month
Southern Phone Small logo

$14/mth for the first 6 months, then $24/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 15.4.25

Pros & cons:

  • You’ll save $60 over 6 months with Southern Phone’s current offer.
  • $50 international call credit included.
  • There’s no lock-in contract so you can leave whenever you want. You can also BYO number and sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
  • All of its mobile plans are carbon neutral.
  • The price of the plan reverts to $24 a month after 6 months.

Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network

Total cost over first 12 months: $228

Why we chose it

To choose the best mobile plan for kids and teens that run on the Optus network, 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 mobile plan for kids and teens on the Telstra network

Tangerine 25GB 5G SIM

Unlimited
Calls & Text
25GB
data
$14.50
per month
Tangerine 25GB 5G SIM logo

$14.50/mth for the first 4 months, then $29/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 28.2.25

Pros & cons:

  • You can bank up to 1000GB of unused data for future use.
  • Save 10% on your mobile bill when you bundle with one of Tangerine's broadband plans.
  • Unlimited calls and texts to 15 selected countries.
  • Option to sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset. This way you won’t have to wait for a physical SIM card to be delivered.
  • You can sign up for Tangerine’s 12GB plan for $22 a month now or switch after four months if you want to save on ongoing costs and don’t need that much data.
  • There's a $3.50 charge for non-direct debit payments.

Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network

Total cost over first 12 months: $290

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 200GB

Unlimited
Calls & Text
200GB
data
$149
per 365 days
Catch Connect 365 Day Plan 200GB logo

$149 for the first recharge, then $200/recharge after. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 25.2.25

Pros & cons:

  • You’re essentially paying $12 for 16GB each month. This is a great price for how much data you’re getting in return.
  • Catch offers a handy mobile app to help you track data usage and manage your plan.
  • The price of the plan reverts to $200 from the second recharge. However, you can easily switch providers after your 12 months are up.

Mobile network: Optus 4G network

Total cost over first 12 months: $149

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.

Compare all mobile plans for more options

Frequently asked questions

Mariam Gabaji's headshot
Written by

Utilities Editor & Tech Expert

Mariam Gabaji is a journalist with 13 years of experience, specialising in consumer topics like mobile services and energy costs. Her work appears in the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, The Guardian, SBS, 7News, A Current Affair and Money Magazine. Mariam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and was a finalist for the 2024 IT Journalism Award for Best Telecommunications Journalist. See full bio

Mariam's expertise
Mariam has written 316 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Energy
  • Mobile
  • Broadband
  • Consumer tech

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2 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    TechJune 11, 2024

    Trying to find mobile phone for teen with disability diagnoses. Safety and security of utmost importance.

      AvatarFinder
      AngusSeptember 24, 2024Finder

      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.

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