AT&T Cell Phone Plans for Seniors 2024, Tested and Reviewed

At a Glance

• Offers a 55+ plan
• Offers AARP and veterans discounts
• Requires contracts
• Activation fees
• Provides a large selection of phones
• Free shipping on most devices
• Offers in-store and online purchasing options
• Select plans only available to Florida residents

The Fast Facts: AT&T Senior Phone Plans

Remember that AT&T offers additional plans; these are just our top picks for older adults.

A Closer Look at AT&T’s Plans and Pricing

AT&T Unlimited 55+ Plan for Florida Residents

With rates per line ranging from $40 to $60 per month per line, AT&T offers this unlimited plan for the 55-and-over crowd. It comes with (you guessed it) unlimited talk, text, and data. With this plan, you can check Facebook, search for local businesses, and receive pictures of the grandkids while on vacation.

The AT&T Unlimited 55+ plan is excellent for older adults who use their phones frequently. The Unlimited 55+ plan also features unlimited talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico, plus free texting in over 120 countries — perfect for frequent travelers. Some senior phone plans, including Consumer Cellular’s, don’t include international extras like this, making AT&T the ideal option for those with loved ones abroad or who travel.

>> Compare Other Brands: AT&T vs Consumer Cellular

This plan is currently only available to Florida residents. We were disappointed to see this, as some carriers like T-Mobile offer 55+ plans nationwide. Still, if you live in Florida, it’s a great option. Like other AT&T unlimited plans, the company rewards consumers for having multiple lines, so the more lines you have, the lower the rates you’ll pay per line.

It’s worth noting that the 55+ Plan does limit the number of lines you can have on a single plan. While most will allow for up to four, they only have options for one or two lines. It still allows customers to have additional savings, but not to the same extent as other unlimited plans from AT&T.

AT&T Unlimited Starter Plan for Non-Florida Residents Who Want an Unlimited Plan

If the above plan sounds perfect, but you don’t live in Florida, don’t worry. You can choose a basic unlimited plan and a senior-friendly smartphone regardless of your home state. While this plan isn’t senior-specific, it offers unlimited talk, text, and data at a reasonable price. Plus, you can apply an extra discount if you are an AARP member or a veteran.

This plan is priced based on the number of lines on your account. For example, with four lines, you can get the AT&T Unlimited Starter plan for as low as $35.99 per month per line. Users pay $65.99 per month for a single line before discounts. It’s best for seniors who use their phones frequently and want to share a phone plan with family and friends.

How to Get the Best Deal With AT&T

Let’s look at how to get the most out of your AT&T mobile plan.

• AT&T gives perks like discounts and credits for AARP members. Some exclusions may apply. Not an AARP member? Head to our AARP guide to learn more.
• If you’re a Florida resident, you could save up to $50 on activation fees and get 15 percent off eligible phone accessories from AT&T. Make sure to ask a representative about these perks.
• Veterans and active military can receive 25 percent off AT&T’s unlimited wireless plan. Visit AT&T’s Signature Program page to see if you’re eligible for the discount.
• Adding multiple lines to your account is a great way to save and add value to your plan. If you have an adult child or grandchild who would benefit from being on your phone plan, you’ll save money since the monthly rate is cheaper with the more lines you have on your account. You can also enroll your spouse for the same perks.
• Depending on the plan, enrolling in AutoPay and opting for paperless billing can offer a discount.
• In some cases, you may be able to use an employer discount to save as much as $10 per month on select unlimited plans.

The Best AT&T Cell Phones for Seniors

Some older adults prefer the simplicity of a flip phone, while others enjoy the convenience and accessibility of a smartphone. Either way, AT&T has you covered. The company offers over 40 phones to choose from. We’ve selected two senior-friendly phones we’ve personally tested to recommend: the Sonim XP3plus and the iPhone 14 Pro.

Sonim XP3plus

Sonim XP3plus

For $199.99, the Sonim XP3plus is an IP68-certified durable flip phone suitable for seniors who want vital features such as noise cancellation and long battery life. Some of our favorite features include real-time text capabilities and M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility. The flip phone also has a mobile hotspot for up to 10 devices. While the Apple iPhone 15 Pro is more substantially sized, we appreciate the Sonim XP3plus’ compact design and ease of use for people who want to stay connected with their grandkids without too many advanced features.

Benefits for older adults:

• Durable, rugged flip phone
• IP68 certified with MIL-STD-810G durability
• Comes with a three-year warranty
• AltText and noise cancellation
• Up to 21 hours of talk time

Head to our list of the best flip phones for seniors to check out our other favorites, including some from rival carriers.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

With a cell phone, you can call for help in an emergency, but only if you can speak and reach the phone. You may consider medical alert systems, which can summon help when you can’t reach the phone.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro

At $999.99, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro is a solid choice for older adults wanting to upgrade to a smartphone. Its 6.69-inch screen is large, making it easy to use. We discovered the 27-hour battery life lasted noticeably longer than the iPhone 14 Pro’s. The iPhone 15 Pro has a 48 MP camera with features like night mode, portrait mode with six effects, and focus and depth control — perfect for older adults who love to capture special moments. Weighing 7.09 ounces, this larger, heavier phone might be cumbersome for some. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a large, bright screen and a phone that doesn’t need frequent charging. Check out our best cell phones for seniors page for other Apple iPhone model choices.

Using the iPhone 15 Pro

Benefits for older adults

• Large, 6.1-inch super retina display 
• 48MP rear-facing cameras for crisp, clear photos
• Dust-, water-, and splash-resistant 
• Long battery life
• Affordable price tag compared to other iPhone models 
• Great for users who are already familiar with Apple products

Remember that smartphones are usually priced in installments and added as an additional cost to your monthly bill. Be careful when choosing your plan, and make sure to find out if you are buying or renting the phone and how many installments are required. To learn more about iPhones, visit our list of the best iPhones for seniors guide.

How Does AT&T Compare to Other Phone Carriers?

AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ Plan is competitive with other options on the market in terms of price and features. However, as mentioned, it’s only available to Florida residents. For an unlimited plan unrestricted by location, check out our 2024 T-Mobile review.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

I’ve noticed that AT&T often has less reliable service in rural areas than Verizon. When we go on family trips to remote places like campgrounds or beaches, my sister always has solid service on Verizon, while my service tends to be spotty. Other than that, I never had any issues with reliable coverage.

AT&T used to offer a Senior Nation plan – a talk-only plan for older adults who didn’t want data. Unfortunately, they discontinued it in 2020. A replacement plan has never been offered. Considering the modern phone landscape, it’s unlikely one will be offered in the future. If you’re looking for a call-only plan, consider Lively, another phone provider we’ve tested. It is one of the few carriers offering a call-only plan for just $19.99 per month.