AT&T Cell Phone Plans for Seniors in 2025, Tested and Reviewed
AT&T’s 55+ plan offers excellent value with unlimited data, 5G access, and unlimited talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico, starting at $40 per month.
Our senior tech experts researched AT&T phone plans for seniors and compared them to plans offered by other carriers. We evaluated several factors, such as plan features, price, value, extra perks, and limitations. We also tested cell phones offered by AT&T. To evaluate AT&T’s service, we used it over a weeklong period at home and on the go. We included essential details and impressions of each plan and phone based on our experience to help you choose the right plan.
Why Trust Us
Our senior tech experts (including me) try out the latest tech for older adults every year. We’ve spent hundreds of hours testing and reviewing cell phones and plans available through regional and nationwide carriers.
We consult with seniors about their personal experiences with different phone plans, including what they liked, what they disliked, and features they think could make their plans better.
We recently reviewed AT&T’s 55+ plan and found it’s one of the best phone plans for older adults who want unlimited talk, text, and data, starting at $40 monthly for one line. As with T-Mobile, AT&T no longer requires long-term contracts with most of their plans, unless you finance a phone.
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced unlimited plan, AT&T might be the right fit. The 55+ plan is one of the best phone plans for older adults who want unlimited talk, text, and data. Another advantage to the 55+ plan is that only the account holder must be over 55, so you can share it with a younger spouse, only paying $35 for each line. To help you decide if AT&T’s phone plans are right for you, we’ll examine pricing, value, and offerings from AT&T’s senior phone plans.
Check out my iPhone 16 using AT&T's network
At a Glance
- Offers a 55+ plan, with discounts for one or two lines
- Offers discounts to military personnel and veterans, first responders, teachers, nurses, and more
- Activation fees
- Provides a large selection of phones
- Free shipping on most devices
- Offers in-store, online, and over-the-phone purchasing options
The Fast Facts: AT&T Senior Phone Plans
Remember that AT&T offers additional plans; these are just our top picks for older adults.
| AT&T plan | Monthly price (per line) | Features | Best for | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Lifeline1 | Discount varies but starts at $5.25 off per month; qualifying people living on tribal lands could get $25 off |
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Those on a fixed income or receiving government assistance |
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| AT&T 55+ | $35 a month (per line) for 2 lines, $40 per month for one line |
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Technology-savvy seniors who live in Florida |
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| AT&T Unlimited Starter Plan | $35.99 a month per line for 4 lines; $65.99 for one line |
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Tech-savvy seniors who want to stay connected and maintain multiple phone lines |
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A Closer Look at AT&T’s Plans and Pricing
AT&T 55+ Plan
With rates per line ranging from $35 to $40 per month per line, AT&T offers this unlimited plan for the 55-and-over crowd. It comes with unlimited talk, text, and data. With this plan, you can check Facebook, search for local businesses, and receive pictures of the grandkids while on vacation.
>> You Might Like: The Best Apps for Older Adults
The AT&T 55+ plan is excellent for older adults who use their phones frequently. The plan features unlimited talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico, which is great for those who travel throughout North America. Just keep in mind you’ll need to pay extra for calls and texts to or from other countries.
Important Info: The AT&T 55+ plan replaces the AARP Signature Program and the Florida 55+ plan. No new enrollments for these plans will be accepted, but existing customers may choose to keep them.
This is the same international benefit you get with Consumer Cellular. To get coverage in more countries, you’d need to upgrade to a more expensive plan from AT&T, like AT&T’s Unlimited Premium PL plan.
>> Compare Other Brands: AT&T vs Consumer Cellular
In the past, AT&T’s 55+ plans were only available to Florida residents, but they’re now available to eligible older adults throughout the country. This brings AT&T more in line with other carriers that have offered 55+ plans nationwide for years, like T-Mobile.
It’s worth noting that AT&T 55+ limits the number of lines you can have on a single plan — while most will allow for up to four, this plan is only for up to two lines. While still a solid deal, it doesn’t offer the multiline savings that other unlimited plans from AT&T do.
Did You Know? Florida has more retirees than almost any other state.2 Check out more interesting statistics about seniors.
AT&T Unlimited Starter Plan for Non-Eligible Seniors Who Want an Unlimited Plan
If the above plan sounds perfect, but you’re worried about your eligibility, don’t stress. You can choose a basic unlimited plan and a senior-friendly smartphone regardless of your age or location. While this plan isn’t senior-specific, it offers unlimited talk, text, and data at a reasonable price. Plus, this plan offers great discounts for veterans.
Did You Know? While AT&T no longer offers AARP member discounts, you can still use your AARP membership to save on rental cars, hotels, and travel.
This plan is priced based on the number of lines on your account. For example, with four lines, you can get the AT&T Unlimited Starter plan for as low as $35.99 per month per line. Users pay $65.99 per month for a single line before discounts. It’s best for seniors who use their phones frequently and want to share a phone plan with family and friends.
>> For More Unlimited Plans: Best Senior Unlimited Cell Phone Plans
Looking for an affordable unlimited cell phone plan with nationwide availability? AT&T fits the bill.
How to Get the Best Deal With AT&T
Let’s look at how to get the most out of your AT&T mobile plan.
- You can sign up for an AT&T 55+ plan in-store, online, or over the phone. While a bit less convenient than signing up online, speaking to AT&T representatives in person gives you the chance to have all your questions answered and to make sure you get all the discounts you might qualify for.
- This plan also requires signing up for Auto Pay and paperless billing. (Auto Pay and paperless billing provide discounts for other AT&T plans as well.)
>> Money-Saving Tip: Need a phone that won’t break the bank? Check out our guide to the cheapest cell phones for seniors.
- Veterans, active military, nurses, teachers, first responders, and other public servants can receive 25 percent off AT&T’s unlimited wireless plan.3
- Adding multiple lines to your account is a great way to save and add value to your plan. If you have an adult child or grandchild who would benefit from being on your phone plan, you could save money on each line. You can also enroll your spouse for the same perks.
- In some cases, you may be able to use an employer discount to save as much as $10 per month on select unlimited plans. AT&T also offers discounts to students and members of certain unions too. Check their website for details.
The Best AT&T Cell Phones for Seniors
Some older adults prefer the simplicity of a flip phone, while others enjoy the convenience and accessibility of a smartphone. Either way, AT&T has you covered.
>> Related Reading: Easiest Cell Phones for Seniors
The company offers over 40 phones to choose from. We’ve selected two senior-friendly phones we’ve personally tested to recommend: the Sonim XP Pro and the iPhone 16 Plus.
Sonim XP Pro
With a large, scratch-resistant screen, the Sonim XP Pro is a rugged, IP68-certified waterproof, dustproof, and “drop-proof” smartphone suitable for seniors who prioritize noise cancellation and long battery life (up to 31 hours of talk time). Just under 10 ounces, this phone has 256 GB of memory and an expandable memory capacity of 2 TB. Some of our favorite features include real-time text capabilities and hearing aid compatibility.
>> Also Check Out: Best Hearing Aids
It’s not one of the cheapest options we’ve seen, at $429.99, but the Sonim XP Pro comes with a three-year warranty, 50 MP rear-facing camera, and wireless emergency alerts (WEA) compatibility. With this phone, you also have a mobile hotspot for up to 10 devices.
Benefits for older adults:
- Durable, rugged smartphone
- IP68 certified with MIL-STD-810G durability
- Comes with a three-year warranty
- Echo and noise cancellation
- Up to 31 hours of talk time
- · Fast charging (50 percent in 55 minutes, 100 percent charge in 148 minutes)
FYI: Our list of the best flip phones for seniors details our other favorites, including some from rival carriers.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
At $929.99, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus is a solid choice for older adults wanting to upgrade to a smartphone. Its 6.7-inch screen is large, making it easy to use. We discovered the up-to-100-hour battery life lasted noticeably longer than the iPhone 14 Pro’s.
>> For iPhone Users: The Best iPhones for Seniors
The iPhone 16 Plus has a 48 MP camera with features like night mode, portrait mode with six effects, and focus and depth control — perfect for older adults who love to capture special moments. Weighing 7.02 ounces, this larger, heavier phone might be cumbersome for some. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a large, bright screen and a phone that doesn’t need frequent charging.
Check out our best cell phones for seniors page for other Apple iPhone model choices.
Using the iPhone 16 PlusBenefits for older adults
Large, 6.7-inch super retina display
48MP rear-facing cameras for crisp, clear photos
Dust-, water-, and splash-resistant
Long battery life
Affordable price tag compared to other iPhone models
Great for users who are already familiar with Apple products
Remember that smartphones are usually priced in installments and added as an additional cost to your monthly bill. Be careful when choosing your plan, and make sure to find out if you are buying or renting the phone, and how many installments are required.
How Does AT&T Compare to Other Phone Carriers?
AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ Plan is competitive with other options on the market in terms of price and features. However, as mentioned, it’s only available to Florida residents. For our take on another nationwide carrier with unlimited plans, check out our 2025 T-Mobile review.
If you’re looking for a call-only plan, consider Lively, another phone provider we’ve tested. It is one of the few carriers offering a Basic plan for just $14.99 per month.
Compare AT&T to Other Providers
Final Thoughts on AT&T Phone Plans
AT&T offers solid options for seniors who want unlimited talk, text, and data, with the 55+ plan starting at $40 for one line
Remember that AT&T’s unlimited plans are priced based on the number of lines on the account, ranging from $35 to $85 per line. So, the more lines you have, the more you’ll save. AT&T is a great option, as they offer a diverse range of cell phones and mobile plans for older adults.
Frequently Asked Questions About AT&T Phone Plans
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Does AT&T offer a senior discount?
AT&T doesn’t offer an official senior discount, but veterans can get 25 percent off their bills.
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Does AT&T have senior-friendly phones?
Though not specifically designed for seniors, AT&T has several phones that would work well for seniors. They offer flip phones, beginner-friendly smartphones, and high-tech devices for seniors who are great with technology.
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Does AT&T offer a phone plan for seniors?
Yes. Currently, AT&T’s 55+ plan is available to seniors nationwide.
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FCC. (2025). Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers.
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Reader’s Digest. (2024). More Retirees Are Moving to This State Than Any Other.
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AT&T. (2025). Appreciation Discount Program.