The Best Senior Phone Plans (August 2023)

Our experts researched 15 cell phone plans and narrowed down the list to our top picks for seniors.

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Best Cell Phone Plan Flexibility and Perks
  • Largest 5G network in the U.S.
  • Three different phone plans just for seniors
  • Unlimited talk, text, and data
Call for best price: Call to Order: 844-882-3705
Best Senior-Specific Cell Phone Plans
  • Affordable plans with no hidden fees or overage charges
  • Multi-line and AARP member discounts
  • Option to change your plan at any time for free
Call for best price: Call to Order: (855) 643-4847
Best Cell Phone Plans With Medical Alert Services
  • Health & Safety Packages (with paid subscriptions)
  • Unused minutes carry over each month
  • Budget-friendly plans with no contracts
Call for best price: Call to Order: 844-618-9676
Scroll right for more options

From plan options and perks to discounts and data, quite a bit goes into the ideal senior phone plan for your needs. Our technology experts spent over 100 hours researching the best senior phone plans. Ready to find out our favorites? Read on to learn which cell phone plans outranked the competition!

Our editor showing her grandma how to use the iPhone 11 Pro

Our editor showing her grandma how to use the iPhone 11 Pro

Pro Tip:

Pro Tip: Need a new cell phone to go with your shiny new phone plan? Check out our list of the best cell phones for seniors.

How We Chose Our Top List

We evaluated 15 of the best-known cell phone providers to find the best solutions for seniors. Our considerations included plan pricing, senior-friendly features such as health and safety services, discounts, coverage areas, and customer service.

15
Plans considered
05
Experts consulted
9
Plans selected
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Hours of research
  • 1. T-Mobile: Best Cell Phone Plan Flexibility and Perks

    Overview

    T-Mobile is America’s largest and fastest-growing 5G network.1 Unlike the cell phone carriers that only offer one senior plan, T-Mobile understands that a phone plan isn’t one-size-fits-all. With three 55+ senior plan options, you’re sure to find one that’s right for you! All senior plans feature unlimited talk, text, and data. For those who love to travel, pack your bags — T-Mobile offers free texting and data (with select plans) abroad, along with data in Mexico and Canada.

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Excellent Above Average Excellent
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    Pros
    • Unlimited talk, text, and data on all senior phone plans
    • No contracts
    • Free Scam Shield caller ID
    • Mobile hotspot data
    • Option to keep your current number and phone
    • Weekly giveaways and perks
    Cons
    • Maximum of two lines for Essentials 55 plan
    • Assisted support charges
    • Potentially slower data during peak traffic times

    Pricing

    T-Mobile’s 55+ Unlimited plans start at $40 per month for one line or $55 per month for two lines. Unlike other small networks that only allow one line per plan, T-Mobile lets you add up to two lines on the Essentials 55 plan or four lines on the Go5G 55 and Go5G Plus 55 plans. Each additional line comes at a discounted rate, so the more lines you add, the more you save! You can also save $5 on each line when you enroll in AutoPay.

    Here’s a full breakdown of each plan’s starting rate:

    • Essentials 55: $45 per month for one line
    • Go5G 55: $55 per month for one line
    • Go5G 55 Plus: $70 per month for one line

    The Bottom Line

    T-Mobile’s all-in-one Unlimited 55+ plans are great for older adults who want to stream, call, text, and use their data without any limits. The perks that come with every Unlimited 55+ plan — like hotspot data, international texts, and weekly giveaways — score high marks in our books! Check out our T-Mobile pricing guide for a full list of perks and pricing information. We also appreciate that you can bring your own phone if you want, as this can shorten the learning curve for seniors and eliminate the significant upfront costs of a phone.

    Our experts took an in-depth look at T-Mobile’s plan rates, perks, and service. Find out why we awarded T-Mobile 4.5 out of 5 stars in our T-Mobile plan review. You can also watch our video  review of T-Mobile’s phone plans below.

  • 2. Consumer Cellular: Best Senior-Specific Cell Phone Plans

    Overview

    Consumer Cellular has been offering simple, affordable cell phone plans for more than 25 years.4 Customers enjoy exceptional service and senior-specific phone plans, with no pesky hidden fees, contracts, or high overage charges. Consumer Cellular allows you to create your own plan, so you can choose your minutes, texts, and data.

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Excellent Above Average Excellent
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    Pros
    • Low-cost plans
    • Option to change plans anytime without penalties or fees
    • Free activation
    • Multi-line discount
    • AARP discount
    • Option to bring your own device or purchase a new one
    • Risk-free guarantee
    Cons
    • High-speed data may slow down after you’ve used 35 GB

    Pricing

    Consumer Cellular’s pricing includes plans for every budget, starting at $20 per month and reaching up to $50 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data. Your price per line will decrease as you add more lines to your plan, so Consumer Cellular is an excellent option if you need to add a spouse or partner. If you’re an AARP member, you’ll enjoy a discount of 5 percent off any Consumer Cellular service plan.

    FYI:

    FYI: If you’re using social media to stay in touch with loved ones, make sure you’re regularly changing your password and taking safety measures to protect yourself and your identity. Read our latest article on social media safety tips to learn more.

    The Bottom Line

    Consumer Cellular gives you the ultimate freedom to choose the best phone plan for your needs. The ability to mix and match your talk, text, and data lets you avoid paying too much for extra services you won’t use. That’s a major plus! Flexible pricing and plans that you can change at any time without penalty puts Consumer Cellular among our top picks for seniors. Don’t forget to check out our Consumer Cellular review for a closer look at the company’s plan pricing, options, and promotional offers.

  • 3. Lively: Best Cell Phone Plans With Medical Alert Services

    Overview

    As one of the original phone providers designed specifically for seniors, Lively truly shines with their affordable phone plan options, extensive health and safety features, and some of the best senior-friendly phones on the market. With Lively, you have the flexibility to build your phone plan the way you want. You won’t be locked into a contract, so you can add Lively’s Health & Safety services, such as Urgent Response and Urgent Care, whenever you want.

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
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    Pros
    • No required contracts
    • Optional Health & Safety Packages
    • Budget-friendly plans
    • Carryover minutes
    • U.S.-based customer service
    • Option to keep your existing phone number
    Cons
    • Mandatory purchase of Lively phone
    • Limited selection of phone models

    Pricing

    Starting at $19.99 per month for Lively’s Basic phone plan with unlimited talk and text, Lively’s cell phone plan pricing is easy on the wallet. Lively’s three plans also come with additional health and safety features. Add on as much or as little data as you want, with data prices ranging from $5 to $30 per month for 1 GB of data usage to unlimited data. Be aware that you’ll need to purchase a Lively phone in order to use your cell phone plan.

    Lively’s highly sought-after Health & Safety Packages have three tiers for cell phones — Basic, Preferred, and Premium. The Basic package costs $19.99 per month, the Preferred price is $39.99 per month, and the Premium price is $49.99 per month. These packages come with  a variety of features, such as help booking a ride, an Urgent Response feature, and on-call nurses.

    The Bottom Line

    Without a doubt, Lively understands the needs of older adults! Their customizable cell phone plans are the perfect way to avoid busting your budget. The biggest standout feature is Lively’s health and safety features, which instantly turn your phone into a medical alert device. Keep in mind that you’ll need to buy a Lively phone to pair with your plan, so if you already have a phone that you’d like to keep, you might want to look at the other cell phone plans on our list.

    For a look at our hands-on experience with this provider, visit our Lively phone review.

  • 4. AT&T: Best Network Service Coverage Reliability

    Overview

    AT&T is one of the nation’s largest and oldest carriers. The company’s history dates back to Alexander Graham Bell! Florida residents can snag AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ plan. It offers unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Plus, you’ll get free texting in more than 120 countries, making it excellent for travelers. AT&T offers three unlimited talk, text, and data plan options for those who live outside of the Sunshine State. Even better, AT&T goes the extra mile to protect older adults from becoming victims of fraud with free advanced security. Sadly, older adults rack up more than $3 billion in losses annually from fraud and scams.2 AT&T’s no-cost ActiveArmor service includes spam and fraud call blocking, identity monitoring, and safe browsing.

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • AARP discounts and AT&T Rewards
    • Option to bring own unlocked phone
    • AutoPay discount
    • Paperless billing discount
    • Free spam and fraud call blocking
    • Free texting to 120+ countries
    Cons
    • The AT&T Unlimited 55+ plan is only available to Florida residents.
    • AT&T may throttle data speeds if the network is busy.

    Pricing

    AT&T’s senior Unlimited 55+ cell phone plan for Florida residents costs $60 per month for one line or $80 per month for two lines. AT&T’s traditional plan pricing ranges from about $65 per line for their starter plan to $85 per line for their ultimate cell phone package. The more lines you add, the greater the savings!

    Get ready to save even more on your AT&T plan by simply becoming an AARP member! Members can save up to $10 per line per month on AT&T’s Unlimited Elite plan. You’ll also get up to $45 in waived activation and upgrade fees. Head over to our AARP membership guide to learn more.

    The Bottom Line

    AT&T is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United States, serving nearly 100 million subscribers.3 AT&T’s pricing tends to be on the higher side of our top picks. However, their award-winning customer service, reliable coverage, and extensive plan offerings make them a solid contender. For customers looking for a one-stop shop to meet their wireless plan and cell phone needs, AT&T hits it out of the park with its wide selection of devices.

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: Considering a prepaid phone plan? AT&T’s prepaid plan made it onto our list of the best prepaid phone plans for seniors!

  • 5. Mint Mobile: Best Prepaid Phone Plans

    Overview

    Mint Mobile is a newer player on the market, but they’re already making waves with affordable prepaid plans and no contracts. Customers have the flexibility to choose from a variety of data options, ranging from 5 GB to unlimited data, so there are options for most lifestyles and budgets. Plus, all Mint Mobile plans offer unlimited talk and text, which is a great perk. The company runs on T-Mobile’s 5G network, offering reliable and fast nationwide coverage. They recently released Mint 55+, an exclusive plan for older adults that starts at $15 per month. This plan comes with full service from a MINTech advisor at no extra cost.

    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • No long-term contracts
    • Affordable prices
    • Runs on T-Mobile’s 5G network
    • 5G for no additional cost
    • Free MINTech advisors service
    • Bring-your-own-phone policy
    • Can keep your existing number
    • Unlimited talk and text with all plans
    Cons
    • No physical store locations to help with setup
    • Speeds throttled on unlimited plans after 40 GB of data

    Pricing

    Generally, Mint Mobile’s plans cost $15 to $30 per month for new customers, depending on the amount of data you select. After the first three months of service, customers will choose to pay for three, six, or 12 months of service at a time. If you decide to pay for 12 months of service, your plan will keep the same rates that you started with. However, rates will be slightly higher if you decide to pay for three or six months of service at a time. We’d recommend going with the 12-month plan if it’s feasible for you.

    The Bottom Line

    Mint Mobile’s plans are affordable and straightforward, without hidden fees or long-term commitments. It is an excellent option if you’re looking for a no-frills plan that won’t break the bank. Because this provider doesn’t require contracts, they’re also a great choice for older adults who don’t want to be tied down to a provider. Visit our Mint Mobile review to learn more.

  • 6. Verizon: Best Multi-Line Discount

    Overview

    As one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, and entertainment products and services, Verizon is a popular choice for customers seeking a reliable network with nationwide Residents of Florida aged 55 and older can take advantage of Verizon’s senior-specific 55+ plan. Don’t worry if you live in another part of the country — Verizon offers several multi-line unlimited talk, text, and data plans, so you never have to stress about overage again!

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Average Excellent Above Average Excellent
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    Pros
    • Nationwide coverage
    • Unlimited talk, text, and data on all plans
    • AutoPay discount
    • Multi-line discount
    • Veteran discount
    • Free membership to Verizon Up rewards program and perks
    Cons
    • The 55+ senior plan is available only to Florida residents. If you move, your plan will no longer be available.
    • The monthly plans are more expensive than most competitors.
    • The 55+ senior plan has a two-line maximum.

    Pricing

    Verizon’s senior cell phone plan for Florida residents costs $62 per month for one line or $84 per month for two lines. Traditional Verizon Unlimited plans start at $70 per line. If you add more than one line to your phone plan, you can snag major savings — up to $25 per month.

    Shopping for a new phone to go with your Verizon phone plan? Be sure to ask about financing options. Verizon’s cell phone pricing is competitive, and they often offer 0 percent financing on a wide variety of cell phones. Already have a smartphone? If you bring it over to Verizon, you’ll receive a Verizon e-gift card for up to $500.

    The Bottom Line

    Verizon wireless plans are excellent for seniors on the go who rely heavily on their phones to stay connected with family and friends, stream videos, and browse the internet. No matter which plan you choose, Verizon offers impressive multi-line discounts. While the plans are somewhat costlier than most competitors’ plans, Verizon offers flexibility and touts the nation’s most reliable service, making it a great choice for frequent travelers or those living in rural areas. Be sure to check out our Verizon senior plan review, which provides an in-depth look at our top plan recommendations.

  • 7. Snapfon: Best No-Frills Plan and Phone Combinations

    Overview

    Snapfon’s cell phone plans for older adults may be basic, but their add-on sosPlus emergency response service makes this company stand out. With a focus on service and quality, Snapfon offers competitive pricing, 100 percent U.S.-based customer service, and nationwide 5G network coverage. You can also add on their sosPlus mobile monitoring service for 24/7 assistance in case of an emergency.

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
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    Pros
    • A la carte pricing for minutes, texts, and data
    • sosPlus mobile monitoring system available
    • No contracts
    • No overage or cancellation fees
    • All plans include unlimited text
    • 30-day risk free guarantee
    • Add up to four lines
    Cons
    • sosPlus is only available on Snapfon mobile devices.
    • The maximum amount of data is 3 GB.

    Pricing

    Snapfon’s plans start at $15 per month. If you need data, you can choose the $30 per month plan with 5 GB data, or $40 per month plan with 10 GB data. Add on the sosPlus 24/7 mobile monitoring for $19.99 per month.

    The Bottom Line

    With a 30-day risk-free guarantee, Snapfon’s customer-focused service and low plan pricing are an excellent combination. The add-on sosPlus personal emergency response service is ideal for older adults seeking a cell phone plan with health and safety features.

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: Trying to decide between Snapfon and Lively cell phone plans? Learn about the coverage, plans, and pricing differences in our Lively vs. Snapfon review.

  • 8. FreedomPop: Best Free Cell Phone Plan

    Overview

    FreedomPop makes it easy to build the best cell phone plan for your needs and budget. They’ve taken the mobile phone industry by storm with their no-cost Freemium cell phone plan. Customers who only require minimal talk time will appreciate FreedomPop — for free! Need a bit more from your phone plan? You can upgrade from Freemium to a FreedomPop plan with additional minutes and data.

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
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    Pros
    • Free plan option
    • Upgrades available for more minutes, text, or data
    • Unlimited Wi-Fi calls on all plans
    • Ability to keep your phone number
    • No contracts
    Cons
    • International calls and visual voicemail cost extra.
    • You must purchase a SIM card for the Freemium plan.

    Pricing

    FreedomPop plans start at $0 per month. All FreedomPop plans include unlimited Wi-Fi calls for free. You choose the amount of data you need along with the number of minutes and text messages. Bundled paid plans range from around $15 to $55 per month.

    The Bottom Line

    With an absolutely free cellular, text, and data service plan, FreedomPop has older adults on a limited income covered. Customers looking for affordability and simplicity will appreciate FreedomPop’s no-nonsense approach to cellular service. You certainly can’t beat free service with customizable plan packages that you can upgrade at any time.

  • 9. Republic Wireless: Best Android-Specific Cell Phone Plans

    Overview

    Republic Wireless by DISH offers basic cell phone plan options for Android users. The company claims to save customers up to 60 percent on their wireless bills. Their simple, straightforward plans come without the hassle of contracts, complex options, or hidden fees. With two of the nation’s biggest cellular networks — Sprint and T-Mobile — behind them, they have 99 percent of Americans covered.

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
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    Pros
    • No long-term contracts
    • 30-day, money-back guarantee
    • Affordable plans with no frills
    • Option to bring your own phone or buy one from Republic Wireless
    • No contracts or data overage fees
    • 5G and 4G coverage
    Cons
    • Limited plan options
    • Wireless plans capped at five lines per account
    • Speeds may be reduced after 20 GB or 35 GB of usage

    Pricing

    Customers get unlimited talk and text and 1 GB of data per line, starting at just $19.99 per month for one line or $39.98 per month for two lines for DISH customers, with no contract required for Dish customers. You can get unlimited talk, text, and data, plus hotspot data and international calling between Canada and Mexico for only $39.99 per month. Unfortunately, if you are not a Dish customer, these prices will double.

    FYI:

    FYI: If you are a Republic Wireless member who enrolled in a plan before May 10, 2022, you may be eligible for DISH customer rates. Contact Republic Wireless for more information.

    The Bottom Line

    Republic Wireless is a great choice for older adults who don’t need a phone plan with a lot of bells and whistles. The ability to add data as needed allows impressive plan flexibility.

Top 7 Questions to Consider When Choosing a Senior Phone Plan

  1. Which cell phone carriers in your area? Your cell phone plan options will depend on which carriers provide coverage where you live. Ask your local friends, neighbors, and family which carriers they use and if they’re satisfied with their coverage.
  2. How will you use your phone? Will your phone be for just talking and texting? Or do you plan to use it for heavy internet surfing and video streaming? How you’ll use your phone dictates the type of plan you need.
  3. Do you already have a cell phone? If you’d like to continue using your current phone, be sure to ask if the plan and carrier you are considering allows you to do so.
  4. Do you need a health and safety package? Some carriers, such as Lively and Consumer Cellular, offer add-on health and safety packages that include urgent response and fall detection features.
  5. Do you want a prepaid plan? With prepaid cell phone plans, you’ll pay upfront for the number of minutes, texts, and data you need.
  6. Are you eligible for a veteran discount or low-income plan pricing? Many carriers offer discounts on phone plans to seniors, veterans, and low-income individuals.
  7. Do you travel out of the country often? You can stay connected with family and friends, even when you’re out of the country, with a plan that includes overseas coverage.

5 Common Cell Phone Plan Fees

Deciphering cell phone plan pricing can be tricky! Before locking into your new plan, ask the salesperson to total up all of the plan costs, including taxes and fees, so you know exactly what to expect when you receive your monthly billing statement. Don’t be afraid to ask for fees to be waived! You could snag some savings by simply speaking to a customer service representative.

Here are the five most common fees to look out for:

  1. Activation fee
  2. SIM card fee
  3. State and local wireless tax
  4. Phone upgrade fee
  5. Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee (RCRF)

Free to Low-Cost Cell Phone Plans for Seniors

Many older adults living on a fixed income struggle to pay for cell phones and services. And how much Social Security you get certainly plays a major role! Luckily, help is available through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Lifeline program.

Participants in Medicaid health insurance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), veterans pension and survivor benefits, and other federal and state assistance programs may be eligible for free or low-cost phone service.

The FCC’s Lifeline program provides subscribers a discount on monthly telephone service, broadband internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages purchased from participating wireline or wireless providers.

Best Phones for Seniors: How to Choose

As you shop for the best cell phone plan, you’ll need to make sure you have the perfect phone to go with it! With so many choices, finding the right cell phone can seem like a daunting task. These resources will help you make the most of your new cell phone and plan.

Written By

Jeff Hoyt

Editor in Chief

Since graduating from Harvard with an honors degree in Statistics, Jeff has been creating content in print, online, and on television. Much of his work has been dedicated to informing seniors on how to live better lives. As Editor-in-Chief of the personal… Learn More About Jeff Hoyt

Citations
  1. T-Mobile. (2022). Changing wireless for good.

  2. Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2022). Elder Fraud.

  3. AT&T. (2022). Our Purpose.

  4. Consumer Cellular. (2022). LEARN WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT.