Consumer Cellular vs. Verizon

Phone Plans and Prices

Consumer Cellular Plans

*Price includes a $5 discount for opting in to AutoPay and paperless billing.

Here are some things we appreciate about Consumer Cellular.

Flexibility

Consumer Cellular doesn’t require you to sign a contract, which is a big plus. You can also customize your plan to fit your needs, from the number of lines to data. We love that you can make changes to your plan anytime.

If you only need one phone line, a budget-friendly 1 GB or 5 GB plan may be your best bet. You can always upgrade to the 10 GB or unlimited data plan if you need more data or additional lines. It’s worth mentioning that your phone will slow down if you go over 20 GB of data. This practice, called throttling, is common. Many carriers, including Verizon and AT&T, do it.

» Learn More: Consumer Cellular Senior Phone Plan Review 2024

Affordability

Consumer Cellular’s plan prices start at $20 per month, and you can purchase up to three phone lines online at Consumer Cellular’s website. If you need four lines, you’ll need to give them a call. Each additional line costs $15 a month.

Remember that all your phone lines share data – it can add up quickly, especially if you’re buying some lines for your grandkids. With no overage fees, this isn’t a big deal; if you go over your limit, Consumer Cellular will automatically bump you up to the next data plan, so keep this in mind when budgeting. 

Opting into autopay nabs you $5 monthly savings. AARP members also get a 5 percent discount on their monthly bill, but that’s not automatic; make sure to let Consumer Cellular know you’re a member. At checkout, we just checked a box indicating we were a member.

Perks

Be sure to ask about any special deals when purchasing a phone plan with Consumer Cellular.  These include a $20 credit for sending referrals and a 30-day money-back guarantee (45 days for AARP members!) if you’re not happy with your plan.

We found a deal to add Signature Motor Club by Allstate Roadside Services to your plan for $3 per month. That’s less expensive than AAA, plus it’s a unique phone carrier add-on.

If you’re considering getting a medical alert system, Consumer Cellular makes it easy. IRIS Ally, their emergency response system, costs a budget-friendly $89 upfront, plus $25 per month. This separate alert device is compact, and provides the wearer with GPS location tracking and fall detection.

» Related Reading: Best Medical Alert Systems

Consumer Cellular offers affordable plans for older adults who talk and text but don’t need much data. It’s also a great option for AARP members with access to additional discounts. Their customer service also gets high marks from us for consistency, friendliness, and short wait times. On the other hand, if you spend a ton of time on your phone and upload lots of photos or videos, Verizon may be a better fit for you.

Verizon Plans

Here are a few of Verizon’s cell phone plans that we think are a good fit for older adults’ needs.

All of Verizon’s plans come with the company’s reliable 5G and 4G service. We’ve found that Verizon offers consistent, rock-solid data speeds. Websites loaded quickly, and games and apps ran smoothly. Unless we were somewhere with hardly any reception at all, we didn’t have any issues.

This carrier is also good for people with loved ones in Mexico or Canada. (Verizon notes that if more than 50 percent of your talk, text, or data usage in 60 days is in Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, your service in those areas might be stopped or limited.)

Unlike Consumer Cellular, Verizon charges an activation fee of $35. They also charge overage fees with certain plans if you use too much data. Below is more information about the Verizon plans we think are great for older adults.

Affordability

Verizon plans cost more than Consumer Cellular, but the Unlimited Welcome plan is cost-effective for seniors who need multiple lines. Here’s how it breaks down:

• 1 line: $65
• 2 lines: $55 per line
• 3 lines: $40 per line
• 4 lines: $30 per line

If you shop a lot at Walmart, you can also fold a Walmart+ membership into the Unlimited Welcome plan for $10 more per month.

Verizon’s prepaid plans also offer reliable speed without paying for unused data. Verizon recommends plans with 5 GB or 10 GB of data for people who stream music, upload photos on social media, and browse the internet. Those who stream videos and are always online might need more data than that.3

Perks

Verizon offers discounts to certain groups, including first responders, military members, nurses, and teachers. You’ll need two to three phone lines on 5G unlimited plans to get a discount.

Verizon offers partner deals for additional add-ons, such as the Disney bundle, Netflix, Max, Apple One, and Walmart+ membership. For instance, our plan included a free Apple Music subscription. We could also score discounts on a variety of products and events, such as concerts, which is a huge plus! These are subject to change, so check with Verizon about availability and costs when you sign up. We found that Verizon's perks are entertainment-focused, while Consumer Cellular’s perks are more tailored to seniors.

Verizon offers discounts and extras for Verizon customers.

» Dive Deeper: Verizon Plan Review

Verizon’s 55+ plan is available to Florida residents only, and you must be a new Verizon customer to get on the plan. Those who qualify get unlimited talk and text, unlimited 4G LTE data, and DVD-quality streaming. It’s a good plan for older adults who use cell phones frequently or who have loved ones in Mexico or Canada.

We found that Verizon’s customer service representatives were pleasant and helpful when we asked questions about choosing a plan. Our team had the best experience when we visited a Verizon store in person. The staff was very helpful and knowledgeable, and when we activated our phone in-store, the process was very smooth. On the other hand, we noticed a recent decline in Verizon’s virtual customer service. Calling and live chat often have long wait times and poor follow-ups.

Verizon offers several ways to contact customer service

The bottom line? We found that you get better speeds with postpaid plans, but Verizon’s prepaid plans are the way to go if you want to pay only for what you use. Florida residents who use a lot of data will also want to consider Verizon’s 55+ plan.

Nationwide Coverage

Consumer Cellular

Consumer Cellular operates on AT&T and T-Mobile networks and partners with international carriers. RootMetrics, a mobile analytics firm, rated T-Mobile the best regarding 5G availability and speed in its 2023 analysis. Verizon took the prize for 5G reliability, however.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

Consumer Cellular is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), which means the company doesn’t have its own cell towers. Instead, it operates using a large carrier, like AT&T’s, network. Because of this, you may experience slower speeds at certain times when the network is busy, as larger carriers prioritize their own customers before MVNOs.

Remember that although Consumer Cellular offers 5G ultra wideband coverage, your phone might not be compatible with 5G coverage. We realized when we tested Consumer Cellular’s IRIS Flip that the phone could get only 4G coverage. Connectivity didn’t seem to be affected at all, however. We had no problem talking on the phone and texting with the IRIS Flip’s 4G coverage.

Also keep in mind that rural cell phone users might not have coverage as reliable as in more populated areas. Weather and terrain can affect your cell phone service as well.

Verizon

Verizon has been the cell phone carrier to beat in terms of coverage and has led the way in the adoption of 5G. The company currently offers 5G and 5G ultra-wideband (ultra-wideband is a little bit faster than 5G) and nationwide coverage and has received the highest number of awards for network quality 32 times in a row from J.D. Power.5

In general, 5G service is ten times faster than 4G. When testing Verizon, we noticed that the carrier often has service in some less-populated areas where other carriers don’t. If you enjoy camping, live in a rural area, or travel to more remote locations, Verizon is an excellent choice.

Consumer Cellular vs. Verizon Phones

Consumer Cellular

With more than 30 phones, including the latest smartphones, flip phones, and certified preowned devices, Consumer Cellular likely has a phone to fit any taste and budget. Customers can choose a device ranging from the iPhone 15 Pro to the IRIS Easy Flip, the company’s simplified flip phone. You can also bring your own phone.

In our experience, the simple IRIS Easy Flip, Consumer Cellular’s flip phone, is a senior-friendly and affordable option. We took this phone out for a test drive and love its easy-to-read screen, simple design, internet access, and textured, rubberized keys that help prevent your fingers from slipping. This phone also has a simple, list-based menu to immediately access calls, texts, contacts, camera, calendar, and settings.

Navigating Consumer Cellular s flip phone, the IRIS Easy Flip.

>> Related Reading: Easiest Cell Phones for Seniors to Use

This flip-style cell phone is best for adults who aren’t interested in watching videos or posting photos on social media on their phone. If you’re looking for a simple phone to call, text, and take some snapshots, the IRIS Easy Flip is a decent option.

Consumer Cellular also offers the GrandPad, a unique tablet designed just for seniors. We enjoyed using the tablet and liked its bright screen, large buttons, easy-to-grip design, and safety features for loved ones and their caregivers. Watch our video review below to learn more about our experience.

Verizon

Verizon offers more phone options than Consumer Cellular. Customers can choose from the latest smartphones, flip phones, or certified refurbished phones to reduce the cost of buying a phone.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

Make sure you read the fine print on Verizon’s new phone deals. A promotion might offer a “free” phone, but that cost is rolled into monthly credits on your bill. While you aren’t formally bound to a contract, you’ll have to pay any remaining balance on your phone if you leave Verizon early.

One of our favorite Verizon phone options for seniors is the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme+, a solid, modestly-priced flip phone. It’s durable and water-resistant with a senior-friendly design. We like its larger size and screen that’s easier to read than many other models, and programmable keys.

Verizon currently offers 11 flip phones and an array of smartphones. They don’t offer as many promotions for particular phones as Consumer Cellular. For some phone purchases, Verizon waives the $35 activation fee, which is a nice perk.

We also appreciate that you can bring your phone when you sign up for a cell phone plan. You’ll also have the option to keep your phone number or get a new one, similar to Consumer Cellular.

Using an iPhone on Verizon's service

Our Final Thoughts on Consumer Cellular vs. Verizon

• Verizon is best for fast-speed data plans and extra perks.
• Consumer Cellular is best for budget-friendly options.

After vigorous testing, we’ve determined that Consumer Cellular offers the best cell phone plan options for seniors. If you want a simple, inexpensive plan, this carrier is a great choice.

Older adults with a little more wiggle room in their budget or who travel a lot might prefer Verizon. Verizon consistently wins awards for reliability and is an industry leader in terms of 5G network coverage. This carrier is an exceptional choice for older adults who spend a lot of time on their phones or those who live in Florida, where Verizon’s 55+ plan is offered.

Methodology

Testing out a flip phone from Consumer Cellular

Our tech team compared and tested Consumer Cellular and Verizon plans and phones. We spent 50 hours testing the carriers and reading independent consumer reviews to gauge how our experience aligned with theirs. Here’s what our testing process looked like:

1. We started by researching both carrier’s phone plans online. We connected with customer service representatives via phone or at stores to get a handle on their product knowledge and helpfulness.
2. Our team signed up for plans and phones from both carriers, assessing the sign-up process and how easy it was.
3. We tested both carriers for a week to determine their coverage areas and data speeds, using their service in various locations, both urban and rural.

Once we completed our testing, we compared Consumer Cellular to Verizon in these key areas:

• Price: Price and value are key, especially for those living on a fixed income. We assessed monthly costs, hidden fees, seasonal promotions, and any additional ways to save.
• Signal strength and coverage area: Having reliable coverage is essential. We tested each carrier’s service in various settings, including while we were at home, running errands, and traveling. Our team took note of data speeds and looked for times when speeds were slower due to network congestion.
• Customer service: Our team chatted with customer service multiple times to determine their friendliness, helpfulness, and average wait times. We also considered the methods of communication, including phone calls, texts, online chat, and email.
• Senior-friendly features: We looked for senior-friendly features that both carriers offer, including senior-friendly phones, senior discounts or plans, and any additional perks for seniors.