Verizon Senior Cell Phone Plan Review

Pros and Cons

The Buying Experience With Verizon

Chatting With Customer Service

I wanted to learn more about Verizon’s phone plans, so I called customer service. Jason, the representative I spoke with, clarified the differences between the prepaid and postpaid plans. You get better connectivity and insurance with postpaid plans, because they operate on a different network. That said, prepaid is still the way to go if you want to pay only for what you use.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

On a few occasions, I’ve experienced long wait times when calling Verizon customer service. If you don’t want to wait on the phone, I’d recommend visiting a Verizon store in person. I’ve always received excellent help from knowledgeable staff who can answer all of my questions.

I had a pleasant experience speaking with Verizon’s customer service, and Jason answered my questions well. The quality of customer service is a vital factor when choosing a phone carrier, so I appreciate the excellent service I received.

Verizon offers several ways to contact customer service

The Purchasing Process

I decided to purchase my plan on Verizon’s website. I input my personal information, the number of lines I needed, and my state of residence to determine eligibility for the 55+ Unlimited plan. A phone number was listed if I wanted to order over the phone or ask any questions.

Since I don’t live in Florida, the 55+ Unlimited plan wasn’t an option. After inputting my information, however, I was given several plan options and chose the Unlimited Welcome plan for $65 per month for one line. It features 5G nationwide coverage and perks for entertainment, travel, and shopping for an extra $10 a month per line. That means entertainment perks such as access to an Apple One subscription, which includes Apple Music, Apple TV Plus, and more. It’s great for when my family comes to visit!

Verizon offers various discounts and extras for Verizon customers.

The purchasing process was straightforward. I also liked that I automatically saved on my bill for enrolling in auto pay. If you don’t want auto pay, your bill will increase by $10. Before checking out, I also had the option to bring my smartphone or buy a new phone from Verizon. I decided to continue using my own. At the time of my purchase, Verizon offered a promo credit for customers who sign up for a new line and bring their own smartphone. I also appreciated Verizon’s transparency, as they listed a one-time activation fee of $35. Overall, the online purchase process was a breeze. You can call Verizon directly if you’d prefer to chat with a representative before purchasing.

Choosing a Cell Phone

With various phones ranging from smartphones to prepaid flip phones, Verizon has options for most needs and budgets. Below we’ll look at my top picks for older adults.

Kyocera DuraXV Extreme+

Kyocera DuraXV Extreme

The Kyocera DuraXV Extreme+ receives high praise from Verizon customers and reviewers alike. It is a solid flip phone for older users. It offers a durable build and senior-friendly design. The DuraXV Extreme+ costs $250 (or $6.94 monthly for 36 months). It’s a no-frills, affordable cell phone that can withstand falls, water, and travel. It’s also larger than many other phones, which caters to older eyes and hands.

The flip phone is easy to operate thanks to its programmable keys (which will come in handy during an emergency) and large screen. You’ll also find an average 5MP autofocus camera for selfies with the grandkids. The camera won’t be as high quality as other phones on the market, but it’s still perfect for capturing all the important moments with family and friends.

Apple iPhone SE

Testing out the iPhone SE

Did you know that 76 percent of seniors own a smartphone as of 2023? If you want to join those smartphone users, the iPhone SE is a great option for tech-savvy seniors who feel comfortable with iOS operating systems. It made our list of the best iPhones for seniors. With a 12MP camera, 64 GB of storage, and a $429.99 price tag, the iPhone SE is a technological step up from a flip phone that won’t break the bank. It includes a retina HD display and a long battery life of up to 13 hours.

As a bonus, it’s the only model in Apple’s latest iPhone series with the familiar home button. With terrific call quality and water-resistant features, the smartphone is a fantastic upgrade for older adults who want more features to stay connected. Plus, this iPhone’s display is 4.7 inches, so it’s easy to grip for those with arthritis or chronic wrist pain. The touch screen is easy to use without applying the pressure required for physical buttons.

Nationwide Coverage

Verizon is one of the nation’s leaders in reliable coverage2 and the first to build a 5G network. The company has evolved its network to offer increasingly higher speeds, including its fastest 5G Ultra Wideband network. Currently, Verizon provides 3G in most rural areas and 4G LTE, 5G Nationwide, and 5G Ultra Wideband coverage in heavily populated areas.

The best part? Verizon’s phone plans include access to their high-speed 5G Nationwide network in over 2,700 cities. Shortly after I signed up for Verizon, the carrier extended 5G coverage to our city. I appreciate this ever-expanding coverage, because we’ve always experienced fast and reliable speeds.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

Over the years, I’ve noticed that Verizon often has better service in rural areas than other carriers. My sister has Verizon and I have AT&T, for instance, and she always has better coverage when we go on family camping or beach trips.

According to a recent study, Verizon’s speeds are comparable to AT&T’s and even faster than Sprint’s and T-Mobile’s — placing them in front of many other top-performing wireless providers.

Contracts and Warranty

Contracts

Verizon doesn’t necessarily call it a “contract,” but if you purchase a new cell phone through Verizon, you are responsible for any remaining fees if you choose to get rid of the phone before the 24-month commitment period ends. That’s typical across the industry with other providers we’ve reviewed, such as AT&T and T-Mobile. Some smaller companies we’ve tested, such as Lively, don’t make you sign a contract.

If you choose one of Verizon’s prepaid plans, however, there are no contracts. You’ll pay as you go. It’s ideal for older adults unsure about committing to a long-term plan. Additionally, Verizon offers a no-risk device trial, so customers can return devices within 14 days of delivery. You can also return or exchange wireless devices or accessories from Verizon within 30 days. Remember that if you cancel a phone line within 30 days of accepting an agreement, you won’t have to pay an early termination fee.

Warranty

Most Verizon products come with a one-year warranty through the manufacturer. Want more protection? Consider opting for Verizon Protect, which offers device protection, security, and technical support for your purchase. You can also choose the Verizon extended warranty for additional coverage, starting at $4.15 per line (not available in Florida or for Florida customers).

Verizon Senior Phone Plans at a Glance

Other providers we’ve tested, such as T-Mobile, offer multiple senior-specific phone plans, but Verizon offers only one designed for seniors: the Verizon 55+ Unlimited plan. To qualify, you need to be 55 years of age or older with a billing address in Florida, a Florida ID, and proof of address when signing up. If you don’t live in Florida but are still looking for a plan suitable for older adults, plenty of other unlimited and prepaid plans are available. Verizon has evolved its phone plan offerings to include excellent perks, 5G coverage, and unlimited talk, text, and data.

Below, I’ll highlight some of my favorite options for older adults. Remember that these plans are subject to additional taxes, fees, and a one-time activation fee.

*With autopay

Verizon Plan Details

Below, we’ll take a closer look at Verizon’s 55+ Unlimited plan, as well as Unlimited Welcome, one of our favorite unlimited Verizon plans for those who don’t live in Florida.

Verizon’s 55+ Unlimited Plan

Cost

Florida continues to be the largest market in the 55-and-over real estate industry, so it’s little surprise there are phone plans marketed directly to that demographic. (T-Mobile, on the other hand, offers nationwide 55-plus options.) Verizon’s 55+ Unlimited plan costs $84 per month for two lines or $62 per month for one line. Both Verizon’s and AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ plan offer comparable features, with AT&T’s ranging from $40 to $60 per month per line.

These plans are expensive for the industry, but you get various perks, such as unlimited talk, text, and data. You’ll also unlock access to unlimited mobile hot spots, which means you can access the internet on multiple devices while away from home. It also comes with unlimited talk, text, and data to and from Mexico and Canada for those who like to travel.

All that said, it’s not entirely perfect. Both 55-plus plans have the same caveat: They’re offered exclusively to Florida residents. Florida may have the highest number of seniors per capita, but it’s still extremely prohibitive. Nevertheless, for those eligible, the boons are worth it.

Plan Features

Verizon’s 55+ Unlimited plan was built for seniors. It’s simple, offers all the essential features, and is available in Florida, a popular retirement destination for older adults. It includes:

• Unlimited 4G LTE data, talk, and text
• DVD-quality streaming
• Unlimited mobile hot spot data with 600 Kbps speeds
• Verizon Up rewards
• Talk, text, and data to and from Mexico and Canada included
• Up to two lines

The plan is available only to new customers ages 55 or older with a Florida billing address, and it’s limited to two lines. I’d recommend the 55+ Unlimited plan for older adults who use their phones frequently, don’t want to deal with data caps, or have friends and family in Canada or Mexico. It’s also great for seniors who are active and on the go and don’t want to rely on a landline. If you’re an older adult who runs errands often or likes to hang out in coffee shops, you may benefit from the plan’s unlimited mobile hot spot data. Conversely, if you’re just looking for a simple plan to stay connected and don’t need data or a smartphone, I’d recommend checking out one of Verizon’s prepaid plans.

Unlimited Welcome Plan

Cost

Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome plan is a great, basic, unlimited option if you reach for your smartphone frequently to talk and text with your grandkids. You may not receive high-definition streaming quality like you would with the 55+ Unlimited plan, but it’s still an excellent option if you don’t live in Florida.

Compared to T-Mobile senior phone plans, which start at $40 per month for one line, Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome is a bit pricier, starting at $65 per month for one line. The price difference is substantial, and T-Mobile offers extra perks such as hot spot data and texting to over 200 countries. Still, Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome plan is a more-than-comparable choice if the carrier has solid coverage in your area.

Plan Features

Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome plan features the following:

• 5G nationwide coverage
• Unlimited 5G data
• Talk, text, and data from Mexico and Canada
• Video streaming in 480p
• Walmart+ membership
• Access to same $10 add-ons as Unlimited plan

As with all of Verizon’s unlimited plans, the Unlimited Welcome plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S., as well as talk, text, and data from Mexico and Canada.

Comparing Verizon to the Competition

Verizon offers a solid 55-and-over plan to Florida residents, but some more affordable options are on the market and available nationwide. Below is a breakdown of how Verizon compares to the competition.

The Bottom Line on Verizon

After researching Verizon and testing a plan, I found that the carrier offers plenty of plans for older adults who want to stay connected. Verizon’s unlimited talk, text, and data plans are a solid option that doesn’t have many extra fees.

Although the plan is limited to Florida residents and Verizon’s prices are more expensive than some competitors, Unlimited 55+ is still worth considering. On average, Verizon will cost you about $20 or more per month, but, from my experience, the reliable nationwide coverage and speeds are well worth the price. With unlimited talk, text, data, and mobile hot spots, you can still use your phone wherever you are for as long as you’d like. Even if you don’t live in Florida, we recommend checking out Verizon’s other prepaid or postpaid plans.