Best Prepaid Phone Plans for Seniors
We've researched the best prepaid phone plans on the market and narrowed the list down to our top six carriers for seniors.
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- Phone plans designed for seniors
- Cancel at any time with no fees
- Affordable prepaid plans
- Talk, text, and data start at just $20 per month
- Health and Safety Packages for medical alert features
- Runs on the fast and reliable Verizon network
- Unlimited plan available for just $30 per month
- Runs on T-Mobile’s 5G network
- Option to bring your own phone or purchase a new one
- 55+ plan for Florida residents
- 5G coverage
- Variety of phones available
- Free plan options
- No contracts
- Unlimited WiFi calls
- Nationwide 5G coverage
- Unlimited 55+ plan for Florida residents
- Variety of plans available
Contents
As SeniorLiving.org’s senior tech expert, I’ve tested dozens of phones and plans over the years. I know choosing the best phone plan is no small feat, and choosing the right prepaid phone plan for seniors can get even trickier. The FCC’s Lifeline program makes it easier for low-income seniors to access prepaid mobile plans,1 but if you don’t qualify for a subsidized plan, you’ll need to find one on your own. I’m here to help you find the best prepaid plan that matches your budget, needs, and lifestyle!
In this guide, I compared prepaid plans from regular and senior-friendly companies alike, narrowing down my top picks for you.
Our Methodology: How We Chose and Tested the Best Prepaid Phone Plans for Seniors
How did I do it? From pricing and discounts to contracts and medical alert features, I combed through the best prepaid phone plans to find the best choices for older adults. I spent over 200 hours researching plans and testing phones from each carrier, evaluating their service reliability, network speeds, customer service, plan perks, pricing, and more. I also recruited my grandma to help with testing whenever possible.
Below is a list of SeniorLiving.org’s most important criteria.
- Price: Most seniors live on a fixed income, so I focused on companies that offer a good mix of price points. I wanted the final list to have an option for everyone’s budget, no matter how small. Some carriers give a per-line discount if you buy more than one phone line, so you could save even more if there’s more than one person in your family who needs a phone plan.
- Senior-friendly perks: Many of the choices on my list cater specifically to seniors, while others have a few perks and plans that can meet the unique needs of older adults. Some perks I looked for include optional health and safety services and senior-friendly phones with assistance buttons, large screens, and big buttons.
- Coverage: A cell phone is a lifeline for many seniors. It connects you with your family, doctors, and emergency services. That means reliable service is oh-so-important. My top picks all boast excellent nationwide coverage from several cell phone carriers.
- Contracts: Phone contracts may work for some, but they aren’t as senior-friendly as we’d like them to be. None of our top prepaid phone plans require long-term contracts. That keeps your phone plan flexible if your needs change, like if you move to an area with different coverage or into a care home where you no longer need your cell phone.
Best Prepaid Phone Plans for Seniors
Comparing the Top Prepaid Phone Plans for Seniors
| Top 6 carriers | Consumer Cellular | Lively | Mint Mobile | AT&T | FreedomPop | Verizon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 line for as low as | $20 per month | $19.99 per month | $15 per month | $30 per month | $0 per month | $35 per month |
| Unlimited text and talk available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Data options | No data or up to unlimited | No data or up to unlimited | No data or up to unlimited | 5 GB to unlimited | 25 MB to 10 GB | 500 MB to unlimited |
| Other costs | Taxes and fees | Taxes and fees | Taxes and fees | Taxes and fees | Taxes and fees, SIM card | Taxes and fees |
| Number of lines | Up to 7 | 1 | Up to 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Other features | Talk-only plans available; senior-friendly phones | Health and safety packages; senior-friendly phones | Family plans available; Mint 55+ plans | Fraud-call blocking; bring your own phone | Unlimited free Wi-Fi calling, flexible phone plans | Loyalty discount; autopay discount; mobile hotspot |
*Prices do not include autopay, loyalty, or multi-line discounts.
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1. Consumer Cellular - Best Senior-Specific Prepaid Plans
What we like most
- Phone plans designed for seniors
- Cancel at any time with no fees
- Affordable prepaid plans
Consumer Cellular
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. No wasted data, and no long-term contracts. All plans come with unlimited talk and text, and I was able to 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 at any time. That’s a win!
Money-Saving Tip: AARP members enjoy a special 5 percent discount on any Consumer Cellular service plan! Learn more about the benefits of becoming a member in our guide to AARP membership.
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 just 48 hours. I realized during checkout that if you want to bring your own 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 great 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, as well as the latest smartphones from Apple, Samsung, and Motorola. I tested the Iris Connect and found that it was easy to navigate and had all the essential smartphone features. You can also bring your own 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.
Pros About Consumer Cellular
- Prepaid plans designed specifically for seniors
- Affordable pricing and multi-line discounts
- 5 percent discount for AARP members
- Wide range of senior-friendly phones
- 30-day risk-free trial
- No contracts
- No activation or overage fees
- U.S.-based customer support
Cons About Consumer Cellular
- Going over your data allotment automatically upgrades you to the next available plan
- Must call customer support if you want to bring your own phone or get more than three lines
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 up 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 also save 5 percent by being an AARP member. Consumer Cellular even makes it easy to sign up for a membership at checkout!
» Learn More: Consumer Cellular Review
One thing I really 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 plan to use your phone for GPS navigation or other data-heavy tasks without a Wi-Fi connection. I went over 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 any overage fees, but I was automatically enrolled in the next highest plan (5 GB of data for $25 per month). That’s preferable to paying outrageous overage fees or losing your coverage altogether, but it may come as 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 (as well as Canada and Mexico). Its 5G coverage is far more limited and is available mostly in large cities and more 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 your 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
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2. Lively - Best Prepaid Plans With Medical Alert Features
What we like most
- Talk, text, and data start at just $20 per month
- Health and Safety Packages for medical alert features
- Runs on the fast and reliable Verizon network
Lively
Testing out Lively’s Jitterbug Smart4
Overview
Lively prepaid phone plans were made for seniors! Enjoy the flexibility your budget needs and the safety features you want. When shopping online, I could choose from three phone plans starting at just $19.99 per month 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 per month. For Lively’s smartphone, the Jitterbug Smart4, I also had to choose a data plan. Data starts at $5 for 1 GB and ranges up to $30 for unlimited.
Those costs really add up if you want a top-tier package and unlimited data. Lively’s phones double as medical alert devices, though, which you won’t see from any 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.
Both of 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 phones that are extremely easy to use. They both feature simple list-style menus, and 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
Pros About Lively
- Lively phones can double as emergency alert devices
- Affordable talk and text plans with the option to add data
- Nationwide coverage through the Verizon network
- No contracts
- 30-day free trial
Cons About Lively
- Can only use a Lively plan with a Lively mobile device
- Activation, product, and overage fees
- Medical alert features are available only with more expensive plans
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 per month). If you want to add data, you can get 1 GB starting at $5 per month, all the way up to unlimited data for $30 per month. 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 come with access to 24/7 urgent-response agents and the Lively Link app for caregivers. To access the 24/7 monitoring service, all I had to do was press the phone’s large Urgent Response icon. I was 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 great 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 to be a very useful app. My grandma pressed the Urgent Response button on the Jitterbug Smart4, and I immediately got a notification on my iPhone 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 with you, but you can keep your old number to make things a bit simpler during the switch. That means you’ll need to pay for a new phone, which will cost you $99.99 (for the Flip2) or $149.99 (for the Smart4). Regardless of the phone you choose, you’ll also have to pay a $35 activation fee. The fees can really 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.
FYI: Lively is currently running a 70 percent off deal on its older Jitterbug Smart3 phone. That means you can get the Smart3 for just $44.99 while supplies last!
Much like Consumer Cellular, it’s pretty 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 want to choose a more data-friendly provider, like Mint Mobile.
Coverage and Availability
Lively uses Verizon’s 4G network, which means you can expect dependable coverage and fast speeds across the country. Like any provider, you may run into dead zones, 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 though. I made calls and sent texts at home, while shopping, and on vacation without issue. If 5G is important to you, though, 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
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3. Mint Mobile - Best Prepaid Unlimited Plans
What we like most
- Unlimited plan available for just $30 per month
- Runs on T-Mobile’s 5G network
- Option to bring your own phone or purchase a new one
Mint MobileOverview
If you’re looking for an affordable plan with unlimited data, Mint Mobile is my top pick. The prepaid carrier, founded by beloved Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds, uses T-Mobile’s 5G network. All plans include unlimited talk and text, as well as 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. By the time I passed the 40 GB mark, Mint Mobile began to throttle my speeds. I could still use data, but it took much longer to stream videos, browse the internet, and use social-media apps. I appreciated that I could still use data, but the slow speeds were pretty 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.
Pros About Mint Mobile
- Affordable plans with limited or unlimited data
- No contracts
- Runs on T-Mobile’s 5G network
- Bring your own phone or choose a new one
Cons About Mint Mobile
- Prices may increase after the first three months
- Speeds on unlimited plans slow down after 40 GB
Plans and Pricing
Mint Mobile’s prices start at $15 per month. The basic plan includes unlimited talk and 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 a little more data, Mint Mobile’s 20 GB plan costs $25 per month, and the unlimited data plan is $30 per month.
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.
Money-Savings Tip: Mint Mobile runs frequent promotions to help you save even more. For example, you can often snag six months of free service when you buy a new phone and sign up for a six-month plan.
Mint Mobile’s prices are introductory rates, and they last for only the first three months of service. To keep the prices after the first three months, you’ll need to sign up for a 12-month plan. You can also pay in three- or six-month increments, but monthly prices will increase by $10 or $5, respectively. I don’t love that you have to 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, for example, 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 to you, you may want to 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
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4. AT&T - Best Prepaid Plans for One Line
What we like most
- 55+ plan for Florida residents
- 5G coverage
- Variety of phones available
AT&TOverview
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 two free mobile apps that reduce your chances of becoming a victim of fraud. The apps detect and block calls from likely scammers and alert you to telemarketers and suspected spam calls. Since fraudsters are more likely to go after older adults,3 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, which is 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.
Pros About AT&T
- Unlimited 55-plus plan for older adults
- Unlimited prepaid and international services available
- Prepaid plans with or without contracts
- AARP discounts and AT&T Rewards
- Can bring your own unlocked phone
Cons About AT&T
- Long-term contracts are costly to cancel
- Senior plan doesn’t include data or texts
- 55-plus plans available only to Florida residents
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 per month, includes unlimited talk and text, and 5 GB of high-speed data. You could also go for it all with the unlimited plan, priced at $40 per month. 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.
Money-Savings Tip: Leaning toward AT&T’s Unlimited plan? Sign up for AT&T AutoPay to save up to $25 per month!
You can also save some cash with AT&T by paying in full for a certain number of 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. There’s no need to download a separate messaging app to talk to your loved ones. I’ve used the perk on a few trips to Europe, 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 more than one line at a time. 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 call 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 of a 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
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5. FreedomPop - Best Free Prepaid Plan Options
What we like most
- Free plan options
- No contracts
- Unlimited WiFi calls
FreedomPopOverview
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, however, and FreedomPop’s $10 plan is still very affordable. FreedomPop runs on AT&T’s 4G and 5G networks, so it has widespread coverage.
Pros About FreedomPop
- Affordable plans
- Basic coverage for limited data, text, and calls on the go
- Nationwide 4G LTE coverage and limited 5G coverage
- No contracts
Cons About FreedomPop
- Free plan was discontinued
- May experience slower speeds during high-traffic times
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. If you want more data, you can pay $30 per month for 10 GB. I wish FreedomPop had an unlimited plan like the other carriers on our list, but it’s still a solid option if your main concern is price.
To make sure I could give an accurate account of FreedomPop, I tested the basic prepaid plan. 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 large nationwide 4G LTE network, as well as 5G coverage in most cities. I had no issues with dropped calls, and I was able to 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 quite 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 own customers before the MVNOs using its network. I experienced slower speeds from time to time, just like I did 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
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6. Verizon - Best Prepaid Plans With Loyalty Discounts
What we like most
- Nationwide 5G coverage
- Unlimited 55+ plan for Florida residents
- Variety of plans available
VerizonOverview
Verizon, the third major phone carrier to make 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 a lot of 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 a range of 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 you 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.
Pros About Verizon
- Prepaid plans on one of the largest and most reliable networks
- Plenty of ways to save on your prepaid plan
- Customizable prepaid plans
- Unlimited 55-plus plans in certain areas
- Helpful online tech support
- Mobile hotspot data
- International calls and texts with certain plans
Cons About Verizon
- Costly overage fees
- Unlimited 55-plus plans available only to Florida residents
Plans and Pricing
Verizon’s prepaid plans range from around $35 to $60 per month. While shopping, however, I learned that there are quite a few 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.
Did You Know? You can bring your old phone with you or choose one of Verizon’s senior-friendly phones. It’s your call!
Similar to AT&T, Verizon offers prepaid plans for only one line, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you want to add anyone else to your plan. 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 went over 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’m not a fan of 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
How Do I Choose Between a Prepaid Plan and a Postpaid Plan?
I laid out the best picks for prepaid cell phone plans for seniors, but those aren’t your only options. Did you know there are also postpaid phone plans? I’ll sort out the differences below so you can choose between the two.
What Is a Postpaid Phone Plan?
With postpaid phone plans, you pay for your service at the end of the month. The main networks — AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile — all offer postpaid plans. Most postpaid plans include unlimited text and talk, and how much you pay at the end of the month depends entirely on your data usage. If you use a lot of data, you’ll have a larger phone bill. If your postpaid plan has unlimited data, your bill will be more predictable.
Are Postpaid or Prepaid Phone Plans Better for Seniors?
The answer depends on the user. Most seniors — especially the 56 percent who have cell phones and landlines4 — don’t need unlimited data. With prepaid plans, you pay for only what you use. What a great way to cut costs! Many major carriers, however, offer senior discounts for their postpaid plans, so it’s best to consider both options and pricing models before making a final decision.
Important Questions As You Decide Between Prepaid and Postpaid Plans
Let me help you figure out which plan makes sense for you. Ask yourself the questions below to see which plan fits your situation.
How much data do you think you’ll use?
Data makes up the bulk of a cell phone plan’s costs. Most postpaid plans include large amounts of data or even unlimited data. Prepaid plans let you pay for as few as 500 MB of data a month. If you’re not sure how much data you’ll use, ask your family how much they use. Odds are, you’ll use less than they do.
Consider what you like to do online. If you just want to send a few emails and check Facebook, you won’t need a ton of data. If you’re going to stream videos or music, use GPS navigation, or be on the internet every day, you’ll probably want at least a few gigs.
Will you be getting a single phone or a family plan?
Some prepaid and postpaid plans offer discounts if they’re used as family plans. Ask your family what phone plan they have. Adding your phone to their plan — whichever kind it is — may be your most affordable option. Prepaid plans may be better if you want your own plan, since they give the lowest rates to single users.
Pro Tip: Still having trouble deciding what type of phone or plan you want? Visit our cell phone buyer’s guide for more important topics to consider!
Do you travel a lot?
If you travel internationally a lot — even just to Canada or Mexico — postpaid plans are great. Many providers offer free international texting and calling.
Do you want free entertainment included?
Some postpaid wireless plans include free entertainment such as Netflix, Hulu, or Disney Plus. If that interests you and the numbers make sense, consider going with a postpaid plan.
Do you need a new phone?
If you need a new phone, what kind do you want? Do you want a senior-friendly phone or one of the latest smartphones?
Postpaid plan carriers let you pay for a new smartphone in monthly installments. You pay for a portion of the phone each month, plus the monthly service fee. Prepaid phone plans don’t let you do that — or, if they do, you usually owe interest.
Paying for a new phone up front is also an option. Some of our favorite prepaid phone carriers sell our favorite cell phones for seniors! They’re affordable too — like the Lively Smart4 for $149.99.
FAQs for Prepaid Phone Plans for Seniors
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What is the least expensive cell phone plan for seniors?
FreedomPop offers older adults — and everyone else — some of the cheapest phone plans out there. Plans start at $10 per month.
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Do prepaid phone plans come with unlimited data?
Some prepaid phone plans include unlimited data, while others let you choose a specific amount of data. Unlimited-data plans tend to be pricier.
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What senior-friendly features should I look for in a prepaid phone plan?
We recommend looking for plans with no long-term contracts that let you keep your number if you already have one and a monthly cost that suits your budget. Other perks you may look for include AARP discounts, savings if you buy more than one line, and scam-call protection.
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Do prepaid phone plans include a cell phone?
No, the cost of a prepaid phone plan does not include the cost of purchasing a cell phone. Most prepaid phone plan carriers, however, let you bring your own phone for no additional charge or sell separately phones that are compatible with their network.
FCC. (2023). Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers.
AT&T. (2023). Opening the Door to Greater Possibility.
National Council on Aging. (2023). The Top 5 Financial Scams Targeting Older Adults.
CDC. (2019). Wireless Substitution: Early Release of Estimates From the National Health Interview Survey, January-June 2019.