Consumer Cellular Reviews

Building the Right Phone Plan

All Plans Include: 

• Caller ID
• Call Forwarding
• Call Waiting
• 3-Way Conferencing
• Voicemail
• International Direct Dial
• Unlimited text and picture messaging
• Web browsing
• Additional lines are $15 each

Consumer Cellular makes it very easy to build the best plan for your needs. No hunting for information or wondering about hidden fees here! You simply go online, pick how many lines you want, whether you want 250 minutes or unlimited talk time, and the amount of text and data you think you'll use. From there, you can sign up to receive a free SIM card if you already have your own unlocked/compatible cell phone, or you can purchase a new one. With about 20 choices of phones, ranging from flip phones to the latest smartphones, and low monthly fees in addition to one-time fees, it's hard to go wrong product-wise, too. In addition to buying online, you can visit your local Target store to learn more and purchase.

The best part of it all: you can change your plan at any time without an extra charge. Let's say you're a senior who moves away from his or her family and friends and needs more talk time, then you can do it instantly without any penalties. And, if you accidentally go over the minutes or data on your plan, Consumer Cellular will automatically upgrade you to the next highest plan so you're still getting the best deal without unexpected overage charges. Honestly, it's easy to see that compared to other plans out there with long-term contracts, hidden fees, and overage charges, Consumer Cellular is all about creating useful options, not pressure.

As you can see, there is no clear senior “plan” since every plan is designed to benefit older adults. After all, the most basic unlimited talk plan is $15 per month, which is about half the cost of AT&T's comparable Senior Nation Plan option. Plus, AARP members qualify for a 5% discount3 on any Consumer Cellular plan, and they can also save 30% on select accessories. I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for a good discount.

Phone Plan	Monthly Price
1 line / 250 Minutes	$15 per month
1 line / Unlimited Talk	$20 per month
1 line / 250MB Data	$5 per month
1 line / 2GB Data	$10 per month
1 Line / 5GB Data	$20 per month
1 Line / 10GB Data	$30 per month
1 line / 20GB Data	$40 per month
AARP Discount	Members save 5% on plans and 30% on select accessories.

Customer Service 

After finding out that Consumer Cellular was awarded ‘Outstanding Customer Service' in the Non-Contract Wireless Providers category eight times in a row, I was excited to call in and witness the greatness for myself. Consumer Cellular employees go through an intense, month-long boot camp-style training course to really drill down the best ways to provide customer support to seniors who might be totally new to cell phones4. Whew, just reading about that training had me sweating. When I called, I waited for about two minutes, before Angel in Phoenix came on the line. She was very willing to answer all of my questions without probing me for any personal information. After providing me with important details, she did update me on some promotions but kept it short. All in all, I was pleased and didn't feel like I was being pushed into anything, but instead given the right tools to make an informed decision.

Contracts

As I mentioned before, Consumer Cellular ditches all contracts to offer customers the best in flexibility and reassurance. They also give users a 45-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee in case they want to return anything. Most of the big guns, like AT&T and Verizon impose contracts for up to two years in length.

Consumer Cellular Phone Options

Doro 7050 Flip Phone- $50 If you've researched GreatCall's Lively Flip, you've probably come across the well-priced Doro 7050. Why? Because it's one of the few basic phones that's designed especially for seniors, including an actual Assistance button for emergencies. In addition to that vital feature, it boasts risen keys for easy texting and dialing, hearing-aid compatibility, a well-lit display, and more. Every feature is tailored to the needs of users in their golden years, so it's a great option.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 – $750 ($50 per month)  The Note offers versatility and quality for users more interested in a smartphone. With elevated camera quality, a super-bright screen, and an easy-to-operate S pen, the smartphone surpasses others with lots of memory and a longer battery life which means less charging and worry. It, too, is hearing-aid compatible and just the right size for older hands to grasp with ease.

GrandPad – $250 (or $10 per month)  Notable publications and reviews often mention just how helpful the GrandPad can be for 5seniors[/citation ] who might struggle with sight and the hassle of social media platforms, but wish to stay in touch via technology. Thanks to a high-definition display and dual speakers, the intuitive 8” smart tablet can keep families connected with syncing and real-time updates. The 5MP camera-equipped device also does a great job with video calling and entertainment. Compared to an Apple iPad, which usually starts around $300, the price tag on the GrandPad makes it even more enticing.

Smartphone or Flip Phone: How Do I Choose?

While it's great that Consumer Cellular offers so many different phones to choose from, you may be wondering how to pick the one that's best for your needs. If the user hates all those newfangled features like mobile apps and touchscreens, a flip phone like the Doro 7050 is a solid option without any fuss. You can still make calls and texts, but it's a lot more user-friendly for older adults. If you have arthritis and struggle with grip or pressing small buttons, or if you are hard of hearing, the Doro will make your life a lot easier.

As for aging adults who love to embrace every new form of technology that comes their way, a smartphone like an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy may be the better choice. The screens tend to be brighter and clearer, and, if your mom loves to take a million pictures of those precious grandbabies, the camera quality is typically better on a smartphone than a flip phone. Smartphones also give you access to extra features like video chatting and mobile apps, so the user can catch up with friends on Facebook, FaceTime the grandkids, or watch a movie straight from their phone. To compare Consumer Cellular to other carriers, check out our review of the best cell phones for seniors.

The Bottom Line 

There is no doubt Consumer Cellular heavily values customer satisfaction6. The proof is in its longstanding no-contract plans, affordable monthly rates, and money-back policies. Another area where they really shine is customer service, where a friendly, patient voice has been trained to guide seniors through all of the perks it has to offer. With the average age of Consumer Cellular's customers in their mid-60s, specialists are trained to guide and teach, instead of just to robotically sell. The buying and user experience will be relatively painless, even for those who may be uncomfortable with technology or taking on a smartphone for the first time. Seniors can keep their independence and have fun with it, knowing that Consumer Cellular is there to help along the way.