Best Prepaid Phone Plans for Seniors, Tested and Reviewed

Making a call on the IRIS Connect

Overview

Consumer Cellular’s commitment to helping older adults use technology and save money landed it on this list of the best prepaid phone plan providers. With this senior phone carrier, you pay for only what you need. There’s no wasted data and no long-term contracts. All plans come with unlimited talk and text. I could choose how much data I wanted. If a cell phone — or a particular phone plan — isn’t a good fit for you, you can cancel anytime. That’s a win!

One of the best parts of using Consumer Cellular is the easy setup and activation process. I went directly to Consumer Cellular’s website, chose the device and plan I wanted, and paid for my purchase. When I ordered my Iris Flip, I received the phone in the mail in 48 hours. I realized during checkout that if you want to bring your phone or sign up for more than three lines, you’ll need to call Consumer Cellular or visit one of its retail stores in person. It isn’t a huge inconvenience, but it’s not ideal for older adults who struggle to leave home or simply prefer to get a plan from the comfort of their armchair.

Consumer Cellular’s senior-friendly phones work great with the company’s prepaid phone plans. Priced at just $69, the Iris Flip is the provider’s latest flip phone designed just for older adults. You can still get refurbished versions of its predecessor, the Verve Snap. While testing the Iris Flip, I found that its simple flip phone design, large keys, and designated button for important contacts make it a wonderful choice for seniors who want a basic phone for calling and texting. I even included it in my list of the easiest-to-use phones for seniors. It also boasts more advanced features, such as GPS navigation and internet browsing, for those who want it.

Testing out Consumer Cellular's IRIS Flip

If you’re looking for something a bit more robust, Consumer Cellular also offers the Iris Connect, a simplified smartphone, plus the latest smartphones from Apple, Samsung, and Motorola. I tested the Iris Connect, finding it easy to navigate, and it had all the essential smartphone features. You can also bring your phone as long as it’s compatible with a SIM card or e-SIM.

» You Might Like: Best Flip Phones for Seniors in 2024

Considering Consumer Cellular is designed for older adults, it would have been nice to see health and safety options like those offered by Lively. The Iris Flip is a great basic cell phone for seniors, but it can’t double as an emergency response device like Lively’s Jitterbug Flip2 or Smart4.

Plans and Pricing

Consumer Cellular’s plan pricing is affordable, and I found its service reliable. Pricing ranges from $20 per month for 1 GB of data and unlimited talk and text to $50 for unlimited talk, text, and data. As with T-Mobile, your price per line will decrease as you add more lines to your plan. That makes Consumer Cellular excellent for spouses or small families. In addition to adding more than one line, you can save 5 percent by being an AARP member. Consumer Cellular even makes signing up for a membership at checkout simple!

» Learn More: Consumer Cellular Review

One thing I like about Consumer Cellular is the lack of hidden fees. You’ll never have to pay activation or overage fees if you use more than your monthly data allowance. Consumer Cellular, however, doesn’t let you use the extra data for free.

I tried the $20 plan with 1 GB of data, which isn’t very much if you use your phone for GPS navigation or other data-heavy tasks without a Wi-Fi connection. I exceeded my limit after just a few days (whoops!) since I’m always using my phone for directions, streaming music, and watching videos. I wasn’t charged overage fees but enrolled in the next highest plan (5 GB of data for $25 monthly). That’s preferable to paying outrageous overage fees or losing your coverage altogether, but it may be an unwelcome surprise when you get your bank statement.

Coverage and Availability

Consumer Cellular has excellent 4G LTE nationwide coverage that reaches 99 percent of the U.S. population (plus Canada and Mexico). Its 5G coverage is far more limited and is available mostly in large cities and densely populated areas.

While testing Consumer Cellular’s coverage on the West Coast, I had no problem with dropped calls or low bars. I consistently had three or four bars of 4G service around the house and on the go. Unfortunately, 5G service wasn’t available in my area. When testing other carriers, such as AT&T and Verizon, I consistently had 5G coverage. Still, I had no trouble staying connected on 4G. That makes Consumer Cellular a great option if you want dependable mobile coverage that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Like with any carrier, however, your experience may vary based on location.

Who Is a Consumer Cellular Prepaid Plan Best For?

I’d recommend Consumer Cellular’s plans for:

• AARP members
• Older adults who want to share a phone bill with their spouse or partner
• People who want one of Consumer Cellular’s easy-to-use cell phones
• Those who want a carrier designed specifically for seniors

Testing out Lively's Jitterbug Smart4

Overview

Lively prepaid phone plans are made for seniors! Enjoy the flexibility your budget needs and the safety features you want. I could choose from three phone plans online, starting at just $19.99 monthly for unlimited talk and text. If I wanted a plan with health and safety features, I needed to upgrade to one of the higher-tier plans, which start at $39.99 monthly. For Lively’s smartphone, the Jitterbug Smart4, I also had to choose a data plan. Data starts at $5 for 1 GB and ranges to $30 for unlimited.

Those costs add up if you want a top-tier package and unlimited data. Lively’s phones double as medical alert devices, which you won’t see from other carriers on our list. It’s basically a two-for-one deal!

» Also Check Out: Lively Phone Plans Review

Unlike Consumer Cellular, Lively does not offer 5G service. If you’re looking for the fastest speeds, that’s something to consider. In my experience, however, 4G is perfect for daily use.

Lively’s phones, the Jitterbug Smart4 and the Jitterbug Flip2, made our list of the best cell phones for seniors, so you can’t go wrong with either! The phones aren’t lightning fast, and they’re both midrange for smartphones (Smart4) and flip phones (Flip2). I experienced some lagging with both phones, but they’re ideal for older adults who want extremely easy-to-use phones. They both feature simple list-style menus. My grandma had no trouble navigating them. Lively’s plans work only with Lively devices, so you’ll need to consider if you’d be happy with the Smart4 or Flip2 before you sign up for a plan.

One of our writers testing out the Jitterbug Flip2

Plans and Pricing

With no long-term contracts, you can switch among Lively plans anytime! Lively’s Basic plan starts at $19.99 per month for talk and text. If you want to upgrade to a plan with more health and safety features (including medical alert services), you’ll need the Preferred plan ($39.99 per month) or the Premium plan ($49.99 monthly). If you want to add data, you can get 1 GB starting at $5 per month and unlimited data for $30 monthly. Plan prices get pretty high if you want all the health and safety features plus unlimited data. Still, the plans are excellent for staying protected.

»  Dive Deeper: Jitterbug Smart4 Review and Jitterbug Flip 2 Review

Preferred and Premium plans include access to 24/7 urgent-response agents and the Lively Link app for caregivers. To access the 24/7 monitoring service, I just had to press the phone’s large Urgent Response icon. I connected to an agent who could send help in under a minute. It’s very similar to the medical alert systems I’ve tested, making it a smart choice for older adults who want a less traditional medical alert device.

» Useful Resource: Best Medical Alert Systems of 2024

I tried Lively Link with my grandma, and we found it a very useful app. My grandma pressed the Urgent Response button on the Jitterbug Smart4, and I immediately got a notification from the Link app. I could even use the app to see her precise location, which gave me extra peace of mind. It’s a great feature for families who want to stay updated on their loved one’s activities and be the first to know if an emergency occurs.

Testing out the Lively Link app's location tracking feature

The Premium plan also gives you access to a care advocate to create a personalized care plan and an on-call nurse to answer medical questions. I love those added features for people who really want to focus on their health.

Unlike with Consumer Cellular, you can’t bring your current phone, but you can keep your old number to simplify things during the switch. That means you’ll need to pay for a new phone, which will cost you $79.99 (for the Flip2) or $119.99 (for the Smart4). Regardless of the chosen phone, there’s a $35 activation fee. The fees can add to the up-front cost of switching to Lively. If you opt for a plan with a data cap, you’ll pay overage fees starting at $0.10 per MB you use over your limit.

Much like Consumer Cellular, it’s easy to go over your data cap if you choose the 1 GB plan. I had my Jitterbug Smart4 connected to Wi-Fi whenever I was at home, but I still managed to go over my 1 GB data limit after about two weeks. If you plan to use a lot of data but don’t have the budget for Lively’s unlimited data plan, you may choose a more data-friendly provider like Mint Mobile.

Coverage and Availability

Lively uses Verizon’s 4G network, meaning you can expect dependable coverage and fast speeds countrywide. You may run into dead zones (as with any provider), but I didn’t have that issue while using a Lively prepaid plan. I almost always had three or more bars, except when I ventured into more rural areas. Even then, I was still able to enjoy decent 4G coverage.

Keep in mind that Lively doesn’t offer 5G coverage. I was disappointed to see that since 5G has become pretty standard for the industry’s leading carriers. I still had a great experience with Lively’s coverage and service. I made calls and sent texts at home while shopping and on vacation without issue. If 5G is important to you, you’ll want to consider other carriers, such as AT&T, Verizon, or Mint Mobile.

Who Is a Lively Prepaid Plan Best For?

Lively is great for:

• Older adults who want an easy-to-use phone with affordable service
• People who want health and safety features, such as urgent response and urgent care
• Budget-conscious older adults who want to pay only for what they’ll use
• Seniors who don’t already have a cell phone from another brand

Overview

Mint Mobile is my top pick if you’re looking for an affordable plan with unlimited data. The prepaid carrier, founded by beloved Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds, uses T-Mobile’s 5G network. All plans include unlimited talk and text, plus data ranging from 5 GB to unlimited. Mint Mobile’s unlimited plan is just $30 per month, making it the cheapest unlimited option on this list.

Mint Mobile, however, still implements “soft” data caps. I went with the $30 unlimited plan and used it pretty extensively. When I passed the 40 GB mark, Mint Mobile began to throttle my speeds. I could still use data, but it took longer to do almost anything. I appreciated that I could still use data, but the slow speeds were fairly annoying. I know, I know — patience is a virtue!

That said, 40 GB is more data than most older adults — or any adults, for that matter — will burn through in a month, so it shouldn’t be an issue for most people. I’d rather have throttled speeds than the data overage fees you get from other carriers like Lively! Like Consumer Cellular, Mint Mobile has no contracts. You can bring your own phone and phone number if you want to keep things simple.

Plans and Pricing

Mint Mobile’s prices start at $15 per month. The basic plan includes unlimited talk, text, and 5 GB of data. For an extra $5 per month, you can triple your data with Mint Mobile’s 15 GB plan. That should be plenty of data for light internet users who want to send emails, check social media, and use navigation on the go. If you want more data, Mint Mobile’s 20 GB plan costs $25 per month, and the unlimited data plan is $30 monthly.

Mint Mobile offers excellent value on all plans. For comparison, Consumer Cellular’s starter plan costs $20 for talk, text, and 1 GB of data. That’s $5 more than Mint Mobile’s basic plan, which offers five times more data.

Mint Mobile’s prices are introductory rates, and they last for only the first three months of service. You’ll need to sign up for a 12-month plan to keep the prices after the first three months,. You can also pay in three- or six-month increments, but monthly prices will increase by $10 or $5. I don’t love that you must commit to a year’s worth of service for the best rates, but it’s worth the savings if you’re happy with Mint Mobile’s service and don’t mind the commitment.

Coverage and Availability

Since Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile’s network, you can expect fast speeds and reliable connections. I had zero issues using my plan while I was out and about, which is part of the reason I burned through data so quickly! T-Mobile also boasts the largest 5G network in the country, so I had lightning-fast 5G speeds in many cases. I experienced a few “dead zones,” though. I had little to no service during a day at Disneyland, while my friend with AT&T had full bars all day.

Mint Mobile has reduced 5G coverage in many western states, including Oregon, New Mexico, Arizona, and some parts of California. If you live in the West and 5G is important, you should try AT&T or Verizon to see if their speeds are better in your area.

Who Is a Mint Mobile Prepaid Plan Best For?

Mint Mobile is a solid option for:

• People who want an unlimited prepaid plan
• Seniors looking for a budget-friendly option
• Older adults who want to bring their own phone
• Customers who live in areas with strong T-Mobile coverage

Overview

Serving more than 295 million people, AT&T is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United States.2 AT&T goes the extra mile to protect its prepaid customers. AT&T Mobile Security and Call Protect are free mobile apps that reduce your chances of becoming a victim of fraud. The apps detect and block calls from likely scammers, alerting you to telemarketers and suspected spam calls. Since fraudsters are more likely to go after older adults, having built-in protection is a huge benefit.

» Learn More: Elder Fraud and Abuse Statistics

I have been an AT&T customer since I got my first trusty iPhone over a decade ago. I can attest to the carrier’s reliable service. I consistently have at least two bars of 5G service in my town and pretty reliable service when I travel. I’m also a big fan of AT&T’s customer service. Whether I’m chatting on the phone or in person at an AT&T store, the representatives are always knowledgeable and helpful.

AT&T is also one of the few carriers on this list to offer a plan specifically for people ages 55 or older, although the plan isn’t prepaid. It’s also available only to Floridians, a pretty big buzzkill. If you’re looking for a prepaid plan, AT&T has plenty of solid options. The carrier doesn’t have introductory rates as competitive as Mint Mobile’s, but it offers discounts for AARP members and reduced premiums for plans with long-term contracts.

Plans and Pricing

AT&T’s low monthly pricing and variety of data options are impressive. AT&T offers prepaid plans with 5 GB, 8 GB, 15 GB, and unlimited data. AT&T’s starter prepaid plan, priced at $30 monthly, includes unlimited talk, text, and 5 GB of high-speed data. You could also go for it all with the unlimited plan, priced at $40 monthly. If you want 5 GB of hotspot data with your unlimited plan, you can pay an extra $10 per month. I’m a big fan of hotspot data. I use it frequently when I’m working remotely from coffee shops or parks that don’t have Wi-Fi.

You can also save some cash with AT&T by paying fully for a few months. If you purchase 12 months of service on the unlimited plan with 10 GB of hotspot data, for example, you’ll pay just $25 per month. Talk about a steal!

Do you have kids, siblings, or grandkids who live abroad? Every AT&T prepaid plan includes unlimited texts to more than 200 countries. No need to download a separate messaging app to talk to your loved ones. I’ve used the perk on a few European trips, and my family appreciated that they could easily check in on me.

Unlike Consumer Cellular, AT&T’s prepaid plans aren’t a great fit for older adults who want to sign up for multiple lines. Most prepaid plans are available for only one line, so I recommend them for older adults who don’t need coverage for a spouse or other family members. AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ plan is a great deal for couples at $80 for two lines, but it is available only to Florida residents.

Coverage and Availability

AT&T has a large 4G LTE and 5G network. I get solid 5G coverage with AT&T in my house and around town. I rarely experience dropped calls, and the quality is typically crystal clear.

Over the years, I’ve noticed that AT&T has less reliable coverage in rural and less populated areas than other carriers. When I go camping or on a trip to the mountains, I typically have little to no coverage. Meanwhile, my sister, who has Verizon, has reliable coverage in the same areas. If you spend a lot of time in rural areas, that is something to note.

» Related Reading: AT&T Plans and Pricing

AT&T may also be a better option for older adults living in the western United States since it offers more widespread coverage in areas where providers like T-Mobile have less presence. As a West Coaster, I can attest to the widespread coverage.

Who Is an AT&T Prepaid Plan Best For?

I’d recommend AT&T’s prepaid plans for:

• Seniors on a budget who want data
• Older adults with loved ones in other countries
• People who already have a phone to bring to the network
• Seniors living in an area with excellent AT&T coverage

Overview

FreedomPop offers the most affordable prepaid phone plans for seniors on our list, starting at $10 per month. The plan strips things down to the basics. It includes unlimited talk and text, 1 GB of data, and 5G coverage.

FreedomPop used to offer a completely free plan — yes, you read that right — but it’s been discontinued. I was disappointed to see that since a free phone plan is basically unheard of. The free plan was very limited, and FreedomPop’s $10 plan is still very affordable. FreedomPop has widespread coverage thanks to AT&T’s networks.

Plans and Pricing

FreedomPop has only two plans to choose from, which makes picking a plan super easy. The starter plan costs $10 per month for 1 GB of data, which makes it even cheaper than Mint Mobile’s comparable plan. You can pay $30 monthly for 10 GB of extra data. I wish FreedomPop had an unlimited plan like the other carriers on our list, but it’s still a solid option if your biggest concern is price.

I tested the basic prepaid plan to ensure I could give an accurate account of FreedomPop. All I had to do was go to FreedomPop’s website, select my desired plan, and check out. FreedomPop emailed me my virtual SIM card, and I was ready to go! FreedomPop’s plan was comparable in speed and coverage to Consumer Cellular’s base plan.

Coverage and Availability

FreedomPop has a sizable nationwide 4G LTE network, plus 5G coverage in most cities. I had no issues with dropped calls and could pull up a webpage on my phone in less than 10 seconds. That’s just as fast as pulling up a webpage with Consumer Cellular or Lively, but not as fast as larger carriers like Verizon or AT&T.

FreedomPop runs on AT&T’s network. That means you’ll have decent coverage if you have solid AT&T coverage in your area like I do. I had a similar experience with both carriers — with one exception. FreedomPop uses another carrier’s network rather than its own. That’s what we call a mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO. You may experience slower speeds during high-traffic times because AT&T prioritizes traffic for its customers before the MVNOs using its network. I experienced slower speeds occasionally, as with other MVNOs, including Mint Mobile.

Who Is a FreedomPop Prepaid Plan Best For?

FreedomPop’s plans are best for:

• Seniors who are on a tight budget
• Older adults who mainly use data for maps, emails, and the web, not gaming or streaming videos
• Seniors looking for their first wireless plan

Overview

Verizon, the third major phone carrier on our list, rewards loyalty with its prepaid phone plans. I chose the company because I love finding ways to save money — but who doesn’t? You can get several discounts for remaining with Verizon over time, and there are plenty of ways to customize your Verizon senior plan to fit your needs and budget. That’s what I like to see!

» More Ways to Save: Senior Discounts

Verizon has various prepaid plans to meet your data needs. If talking and texting are the main ways you use your phone, Verizon’s 500 MB plan is an excellent option. If you love to stream videos and post on social media and don’t want to worry about overage charges, Verizon’s Unlimited plans have you covered. All of Verizon’s prepaid plans include unlimited talk and text in the U.S. Before you lock into a plan, ask what other features it includes, such as a mobile hotspot or calls to Mexico and Canada.

Plans and Pricing

Verizon’s prepaid plans range from around $35 to $60 monthly. While shopping, however, I learned several ways to save some cash. After three months of continuous service, you’ll save $5 per month. After 10 months, you’ll knock $10 off your monthly bill. If you enroll in autopay, you’ll save another $5 a month! Be sure to find out which plans offer a loyalty discount.

Like AT&T, Verizon offers prepaid plans for only one line, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you want to add anyone else. If you have a plan with a data cap, it’s extremely important to keep track of how much data you’ve used. I tried the 500 MB plan. When I surpassed my data limit, I was automatically charged $15 for the first GB of excess data. Had I continued using data, I would have been charged an additional $15 for each GB I used. I dislike overage fees, and they’re pretty hefty with Verizon.

Coverage and Availability

Verizon is among the best carriers in the country for its network size and reliability. It offers 4G LTE from coast to coast. The company also has one of the largest 5G networks in the country, alongside T-Mobile and AT&T. I had no issues with slow speeds while using Verizon. I found it to be one of the fastest carriers for internet browsing. On average, it took as little as three seconds to pull up a webpage on my phone.

» Learn About: Verizon Phone Plans for Seniors

Verizon also consistently offers solid coverage in rural and more remote locations. I’ve been on several trips where my sister has reliable Verizon coverage, while I had unreliable or no service with AT&T. That held true during my most recent testing experience. During a camping trip, I had great Verizon service.

Who Is a Verizon Prepaid Plan Best For?

Verizon is my pick for:

• Seniors who live in areas with reliable Verizon service
• People who already own a Verizon cell phone
• Older adults who plan to stay with one carrier for the long term