Verizon Senior Cell Phone Plan Review 2023

Pros and Cons

The Buying Experience With Verizon

Chatting With Customer Service

I wanted to learn more about Verizon’s phone plans, so I gave customer service a call. Jason, the representative I spoke with, clarified the differences between the prepaid and postpaid plans. Basically, you get better connectivity and insurance with postpaid plans, as they operate on a different network, but prepaid is still the way to go if you want to pay only for what you’re using.

The Purchasing Process

I decided to purchase my plan online, so I input my personal information, the number of lines I needed, and my state of residence to determine eligibility for the 55+ Unlimited Plan on Verizon’s website. There was also a phone number listed in case I decided not to shop online or had additional questions. I decided to opt for the faster online purchase option.

Since I don’t live in Florida, the 55+ Unlimited Plan wasn’t available to me. However, after inputting my information, I was given several plan options starting at just $40 per month for one line. I decided to choose the Start Unlimited plan, which features 5G nationwide coverage and entertainment perks like access to Disney+, discovery+, Google Play, and Apple Music for six months. This is great for when my family comes to visit!

The purchasing process was quite straightforward and easy. I also liked that I could save an additional $10 per month just by signing up for autopay. So instead of paying $80 per month for one line, I would be paying $70 per month. Before checking out, I also had the option to bring my own smartphone or buy a new phone from Verizon. I decided to add the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for $27.66 per month for 30 months. After finalizing both the plan and smartphone, my total monthly amount due was $106.66, which isn’t too shabby for one line. Plus, the fine print mentioned that I had access to a 30-day return policy. I appreciated Verizon’s transparency, as they clearly listed a one-time activation fee of $35. Overall, the online purchase process was a breeze. If you’d prefer to chat with a representative before purchasing, you can also give Verizon a call.

Choosing a Cell Phone

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

Kyocera DuraXV Extreme

Kyocera DuraXV Extreme

Highly praised by Verizon customers and reviewers alike, the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme is a solid flip phone for older users thanks to its durable build and senior-friendly design. Priced at a one-time fee of $240 (or $10 per month for 24 months), this basic cell phone can withstand falls, water, and travel. It’s also larger in size, 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 situation) and a large screen. You’ll also find a basic 5MP auto-focus camera for selfies with the grandkids. While the camera won’t be as high quality as those of other phones on the market, it’s still perfect for capturing all the important moments with family and friends.

Apple iPhone SE

Apple iPhone SE

This iPhone model is a great option for tech-savvy seniors that feel comfortable with iOS operating systems. With a 12MP camera, 64 GB of storage, and a $399 price tag, this iPhone is a technological step up from a flip phone that won’t break the bank. It comes equipped with a retina HD display and long battery life up to 13 hours. As a bonus, it’s the only model in Apple’s latest iPhone series that still has the familiar home button. With terrific call quality and water-resistant features, this smartphone is a great 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 touchscreen also makes it easy to tap and use without applying the pressure that’s needed for physical buttons.

Nationwide Coverage

Verizon is one of the nation’s leaders in reliable coverage2 and the first to build out a 5G network. Currently, Verizon provides 3G in most rural coverage areas and 4G LTE, 5G Nationwide, and 5G Ultra Wideband coverage in heavily populated coverage areas. The best part? All of Verizon’s phone plans currently include access to their high-speed 5G Nationwide network, which is available in over 2,700 cities. According to a recent report,3 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

While Verizon doesn’t necessarily call it a “contract,” 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. This is typical across the industry with other providers we've reviewed, like AT&T and T-Mobile. Some smaller companies we've tested, like Lively, don’t make you sign a contract.

However, if you choose one of Verizon’s prepaid plans, there are no contracts and you’re charged as you go. This is favorable for older adults who might feel uneasy about committing to a long-term cell phone plan. Additionally, Verizon offers a No Risk Device Trial, where customers can return devices within 14 days of delivery. Customers can return or exchange wireless devices or accessories from Verizon within 30 days. Keep in mind: If you cancel a phone line within 30 days of accepting an agreement, you won’t have to pay an early termination fee as long as it’s within the return period.

Warranty

In general, 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. For additional warranty coverage, you can also choose the Verizon Extended Warranty, starting at $5 per month per device.

Verizon Senior Phone Plans at a Glance

While other providers we’ve tested, such as T-Mobile offer multiple senior-specific phone plans, Verizon offers only one senior-specific plan: 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, there are plenty of other unlimited and prepaid plans to choose from.

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

Verizon Plan Details

Below, we’ll take a closer look at Verizon’s 55+ Unlimited Plan, along with Start Unlimited, one of our favorite unlimited Verizon plans for those who don’t live in Florida.

Verizon’s 55+ Unlimited Plan

Cost

Verizon’s 55+ Unlimited Plan costs $40 per line for two lines or $60 per line for one line. For comparison, this plan has the same cost as AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ plan. While these plans are on the pricier side for the industry, you’re getting perks like unlimited talk, text, and data. You’ll also have access to unlimited mobile hotspots, which means you can access the internet on multiple devices when you’re away from home. It also comes with unlimited talk, text, and data to and from Mexico and Canada for those who like to travel.

Plan Features

Verizon’s 55+ Unlimited Plan features the following:

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

Keep in mind that this plan is available only to new customers ages 55 and 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 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 might benefit from this plan’s unlimited mobile hotspot data. On the other hand, if you’re just looking for a simple plan to stay connected and you don’t need data or a smartphone, I’d recommend checking out one of Verizon’s prepaid plans.

Start Unlimited Plan

Cost

Verizon’s Start Unlimited Plan is a great basic unlimited plan if you find yourself reaching for your smartphone frequently to talk and text with the grandkids. Although you might not receive high-definition streaming quality like with the 55+ Unlimited Plan, your wallet will be grateful because your bill will be cut in half.

Compared to T-Mobile senior phone plans, which start at $40 per month per line, Verizon’s Start Unlimited Plan starts at just $30 per line (for five or more lines). Although the cost difference isn’t substantial, the biggest differences include the entertainment perks. Verizon’s Start Unlimited plan includes six months of free access to Disney+, discovery+, Apple Arcade, and more. These perks offer great value, especially when compared to the cost of purchasing these streaming subscriptions individually.

Plan Features

Verizon’s Start Unlimited Plan features the following:

• 5G nationwide coverage
• Unlimited 4G LTE data
• Disney+, discovery+, Apple Arcade, Google Play Pass, and Apple Music free for six months
• Talk, text, and data to and from Mexico and Canada included
• Video streaming in 480p

Like all of Verizon’s unlimited plans, Verizon Start Unlimited includes unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S., as well as talk, text, and data to Mexico and Canada. With a reliable 4G LTE network, this plan is perfect for older adults who want fast and reliable internet and data speeds with extra entertainment on apps like Disney+ and discovery+. Whether you’re having a movie night with friends or watching old Disney movies with the grandkids, these streaming apps will come in handy!

Plus, if you want even faster speeds, you can get unlimited access to Verizon’s 5G Nationwide network, which requires a 5G-capable device. If you’re not concerned about 5G, then Verizon’s 4G LTE network speeds will work just fine for most users.

The Bottom Line on Verizon

Verizon offers plenty of plans for older adults who want to stay connected. If you’re concerned about data overages or additional fees, Verizon’s unlimited talk, text, and data plans are a solid option.

Although Verizon’s prices for the 55+ Unlimited Plan are more expensive than those of some competitors, and the plan is limited to Florida residents, it’s still worth considering. On average, Verizon will cost you about $20 or more per month; however, their reliable nationwide coverage and speeds are well worth the price. With unlimited talk, text, data, and mobile hotspots, you have the flexibility to use your phone wherever you are for as long as you’d like. Even if you don’t live in Florida, I’d still recommend checking out Verizon’s other prepaid or postpaid plans.