T-Mobile Unlimited 55+ Senior Plans

What a difference a decade makes! In 2010, just 16 percent of adults ages 55+ owned a smartphone. Today, the number has jumped to about 86 percent.1 Still, it hasn't always been easy for seniors to find cellular services tailored to their needs — until plans like T-Mobile's Unlimited 55+ came along.

When we reviewed T-Mobile's Unlimited 55+ plans, we gave their Unlimited 55+ plans high ratings. We found that T-Mobile's affordability, unlimited data, great perks, no contracts, and international options made the Unlimited 55+ plans a truly standout option for seniors on budgets who didn't want to compromise on quality.

In this T-Mobile plans and pricing guide, we'll drill down into just what makes the Unlimited 55+ a good choice for budget-conscious older adults and take a look at some of our top-ranked cell phones for seniors we think would make the perfect match for a new T-Mobile plan.

Photo Credit – T-Mobile

T-Mobile at a Glance

• Adults 55 and over have three plans to choose from
• Best national 5G coverage
• Compatible with Apple, Samsung, LG, OnePlus, and its in-house REVVL phones
• Plans for other devices like tablets and smartwatches
• T-Mobile Tuesdays offer weekly discounts, promotions, and prizes
• 5,300 stores across the United States
• 5.5 million new customers in 2020 alone2

The Fast Facts: T-Mobile’s Senior Phone Plans

*Does not include taxes and fees

A Closer Look at T-Mobile’s Plans and Pricing

Essentials 55+ for Light Mobile Users

The Essentials 55+ plan is the most budget-friendly T-Mobile package for older adults. Prices start at $40 per month for a single-line plan or $55 per month when you sign up for two lines ($27.50 per line). Just keep in mind that, unlike the Magenta plans (see below), pricing for the Essentials 55+ package doesn't include taxes or fees. Still, T-Mobile's stripped-down, entry-level plan is quite a deal. For comparison, AT&T's Unlimited 55+ plan costs $60 per line per month (and you're eligible only if you live in Florida), so T-Mobile will definitely save you money.

The Essentials 55+ plan comes with:

• SD streaming
• Unlimited 3G mobile hotspot data
• Unlimited 2G in Mexico and Canada
• Texting abroad

Unsure if the Essentials 55+ plan is enough for you? Think about how often and where you'll be using your phone. If streaming and picture quality are important to you or you're on the go a lot, you might be better off with one of the Magenta plans. While your data is technically unlimited with your Essentials package, you may see slower-than-average speeds once you hit the 50 GB mark. We'd also recommend looking into the Magenta plans if you want to add the whole family to your plan. While you're limited to two lines on the Essentials 55+ plan, you can add up to four lines on either Magenta plan. On the other hand, if you want to keep things simple and affordable, the Essentials 55+ is the way to go.

Magenta 55+ for Frequent Mobile Users

The Magenta 55+ — T-Mobile's signature plan — costs $50 per month for a single line or $70 per month when you sign up for two lines ($35 per line). Want three or four lines? You're looking at $35 per line, which comes out to $105 per month for three lines or $140 per month for four lines.

With the Magenta 55+ plan, you get more primetime data, faster speeds, and a bit of in-flight Wi-Fi. The only room for improvement on this otherwise very smart cellular option for seniors is standard definition (SD) streaming. We'd like to see T-Mobile upgrade this soon, especially as 4K/Super HD streaming is becoming mainstream.

Enjoy the following benefits with the Magenta 55+:

• SD streaming
• 5 GB of 4G LTE mobile hotspot data
• 5 GB of 4G data in Mexico and Canada
• Gogo In-Flight: Unlimited texting and one hour of in-flight Wi-Fi
• Data and texting abroad (2G)
• Free Netflix Basic

Overall, the Magenta 55+ is an attractive option for older adults who will be using data for more than just the occasional trip or FaceTime session at the park. One thing to keep in mind with this plan: Your data is unlimited, but speeds may slow down after you've used 100 GB of data in a month.

Magenta MAX 55+ for Heavy Mobile Users

The Magenta MAX 55+ plan is the gold standard of T-Mobile's Unlimited 55+ plans. It's true, though, that this top-tier package isn't cheap. The Magenta MAX will run you $65 per month for one line or $90 per month when you sign up for two lines ($45 per line). You'll pay $45 per line if you want three or four lines on your plan. However, it's loaded with features that will make sense if part of your routine is staying connected while away from home.

The Magenta MAX 55+ includes:

• 40 GB of 4G LTE mobile hotspot data
• 5 GB of 4G data in Canada and Mexico
• Gogo In-Flight: Unlimited texting and in-flight Wi-Fi
• 4K UHD streaming
• 2x data speed and texting while abroad
• Free Netflix Basic for one-line plans
• Free Netflix Standard with two or more lines
• Name ID and voicemail to text feature

The Magenta MAX 55+ is the best T-Mobile option for older adults who need to get the most out of their phones while they're on the go. Faster (2x) data speeds means no waiting to send large files when you're traveling. Unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi means you're connected virtually wherever you are. (If you spend any time north or south of the border, you're also covered with up to 5 GB of data in Canada and Mexico per month.) And with a Magenta MAX 55+ plan, you'll never see slower data speeds at peak times. Your data is truly unlimited.

How to Get the Best Deal With T-Mobile

T-Mobile’s 55+ plans offer excellent value in and of themselves. That’s at least what T-Mobile had in mind when they launched a trio of senior-friendly cell phone plans aimed at providing better mobile experiences and smarter phones, rather than milking dollars from the generation who “invented the internet.”

T-Mobile then took it a step further in early 2021, when they began including Netflix and unlimited data (with no slowdowns at peak times) in their T-Mobile’s 55+ family plans. Plus, you can now add up to four lines per account, meaning grandparents could put their kids and grandkids on their plans if they wanted. Even better, the more lines you add, the less expensive each line becomes.

So, when it comes to senior savings, T-Mobile is built for it. However, if you’re looking for one-time, seasonal deals, your best bet right now is to download the T-Mobile Tuesdays app. Every Tuesday, as the name implies, T-Mobile announces new deals and promotions to enhance your T-Mobile experience even further.

The Best T-Mobile Cell Phones for Seniors

These days, older adults aren't just looking for cheap and easy phones to use (though many are). Many seniors are also looking for smartphones with style and power (at least enough power to enjoy HD Netflix and download hi-res family pics). We've tested quite a few of T-Mobile's senior-friendly smartphones, and two of our favorites are the iPhone SE and T-Mobile's in-house REVVL V+ 5G.

Just keep in mind that you don't need to buy a new phone to switch to T-Mobile. Like Mint Mobile's budget prepaid plans and Xfinity Mobile's pay-as-you-go packages, T-Mobile is now fully on board with the idea of new customers bringing their own phones. If you decide to bring your own phone, visit the T-Mobile website first and run your make and model through their phone compatibility checker to see if it's possible.

Apple iPhone SE

Apple iPhone SE (3rd Generation)

In the old days, “senior” phones had large buttons and no touch screen. These days, practically any phone can be adapted for accessibility if needed, so style and the latest tech are major considerations for older buyers, too. The iPhone SE offers the best of both worlds.

The SE doesn't have as big a screen as some newer iPhones. However, it's the SE's ease of use — swiping is low impact for arthritis sufferers — that makes it one of our top-ranked phones for seniors. At $17.92 per month with no down payment, it's also ideal for anyone on a budget.

Other benefits of the SE include Apple's always great accessibility features (zoom, magnification, text-to-speech, and Touch ID). If you bank via your phone or regularly access apps that require a password, Touch ID will save you tons of time and keep your personal info more secure.

Photo Credit – T-Mobile. REVVL 4+

T-Mobile REVVL 6 5G

The more time we spend on our phones — and we're spending more time than ever these days4 — the quicker our eyes become fatigued. The fact that some smartphones were designed to be as compact as possible doesn't help. Smaller screen size also equals more eye strain. This is one reason the eye-friendly REVVL 6 5G with its super large 6.5-inch HD+ display is a great pick for older adults who like stylish phones but don't want to trade their eyesight for the privilege.

At $169.99, the REVVL 6 5G is also a very budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on essential features. You get great battery life (30 hours talk time between charges), plenty of storage (64 GB), and fingerprint and face ID unlock. While Apple is still the king of accessibility, the REVVL 6 5G comes with text-to-speech and is fully hearing aid-compatible.

How Does T-Mobile Compare to Other Phone Carriers?

T-Mobile is passionate about serving older adults. So much so that former T-Mobile CEO John Legere gave a pretty awesome speech about how most carriers patronize adults aged 55 and over with their jacked-up prices and dumbed-down features.5 Legere rightly points out that most older adults actually do want a smartphone and not a “brick with large numbers.” So how do competing brands hold up against T-Mobile's challenge?

T-Mobile vs. Verizon

Verizon's Unlimited 55+ plan is aimed at seniors, but it's available only in Florida, making it inaccessible for most residents of the United States, whereas T-Mobile's 55+ plans are available in all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. If you do happen to reside in Florida, Verizon's Unlimited 55+ plan offers unlimited calling, texting, and data for $60 per month (one line only), or $80 per month for two lines ($40 per line), which is almost double the price of T-Mobile's entry-level plan.

T-Mobile vs. AT&T

As with Verizon, AT&T's 55+ plan is also restricted to Florida residents. And like Verizon, AT&T's entry-level plan also starts at $60 per month (single line only), or $80 per month for two lines ($40 per line), which is almost as much as T-Mobile's Magenta MAX 55+ plan.

AT&T does offer additional discounts to older adults with an AARP membership: Ten percent off monthly service charges and 15 percent off eligible accessories.

Final Thoughts on Pricing and Value for T-Mobile

Compared to rival brands, T-Mobile's 55+ Unlimited plans are impressively affordable (starting at $40 per line and dropping as low as $27.50 if you purchase two lines). T-Mobile also delivers solid speeds, data allowances, and coverage across the board, especially when it comes to 5G.

With unlimited calls, texts, and data across their network, T-Mobile's Unlimited 55+ lineup has a plan for every customer, whether you use your phone once in a while or you don't leave the house without it. Most importantly, T-Mobile doesn't dumb down its plans for subscribers over 55. You get real smartphones (chosen for their accessibility features) and real perks, like HD video, Netflix, and data transfer speeds that are as fast as anyone else's.

This makes the T-Mobile Unlimited 55+ plan a good option for older Americans seeking sophisticated cellular service — without the extra fees associated with traditional seniors plans.

Watch our video review below for a closer look at T-Mobile's 55+ Unlimited plans.