The Best Senior Cell Phone Plans, Tested and Reviewed in 2025

Testing out a flip phone from Consumer Cellular

Consumer Cellular has been offering simple, affordable cell phone plans for over 30 years. Customers enjoy 5G service and senior-specific phone plans. There are no hidden fees, contracts, or data overage charges. Consumer Cellular offers four plans that all come with unlimited talk and text, along with monthly data ranging from 1 GB to 20 GB.

» Compare Carriers: Consumer Cellular vs. AT&T

Choosing my Consumer Cellular plan was simple; I hopped on the company’s website, selected the number of lines I wanted, and chose my desired data (10 GB for $35). Then, I checked a box signifying that I was an AARP member, which gave me a 5 percent discount. I added the plan to my cart, selected a new phone (Consumer Cellular’s IRIS Easy Flip), and reviewed my order.

» Learn About: AARP Membership Guide

Coverage

Though Consumer Cellular is not among the largest phone carriers in the nation, it does have excellent coverage throughout North America. You can get 4G LTE in virtually every part of the country. Plus, you’ll get 5G and 5G+ coverage across dozens of states and many densely populated cities. Keep in mind that Consumer Cellular runs on the networks of larger carriers, which means that you might experience slower speeds during peak hours.

I consistently had 4G LTE coverage with reliable speeds in my hometown. I didn’t have any issues browsing websites, making calls, or sending texts.

The company uses AT&T and T-Mobile networks for more widespread coverage. Similar to most major carriers, Consumer Cellular partners with international carriers to offer coverage throughout much of Canada and Mexico.2

» For 5G-Ready Phones: Best 5G Phones for Seniors

Customer Service

If you’re the do-it-yourself type, Consumer Cellular has dozens of videos and manuals to answer common questions. If you prefer to speak with a person, you can start a live online chat between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. (PST). Or you can call to speak with a U.S.-based support specialist.

» Compare Carriers: Consumer Cellular vs. Verizon

My experience with Consumer Cellular’s agents has always been positive. I gave customer service a call to find out if I could bring my phone. I waited on hold for just a minute or two. The friendly representative answered my questions right away and let me know that I could bring my iPhone.

However, I didn’t like that bringing my own device would require me to call and sign up for a plan, as opposed to checking out on Consumer Cellular’s website. It shouldn’t be a big deal if you’re accustomed to making purchases over the phone, but it will be much more time-consuming than just purchasing your plan (and a phone) online.

Pricing

Consumer Cellular’s pricing is pretty affordable. Plans start at $20 per month and go up to $50 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data. Keep in mind that Consumer Cellular only offers the $50 unlimited plan to adults who are 50 years of age or older. Younger adults will need to sign up for at least two lines to get unlimited data.

Even for adults without AARP memberships who aren’t yet 50, Consumer Cellular is still a good deal. You can get two unlimited lines for $70 per month ($35 per line) or up to four lines for $110 per month ($27.50 per line).

Seniors can save even more with two-line plans starting at $60 per month ($30 per line), and the cost per line decreases with each additional line you add (up to four in total). This is great for adding a spouse or other members of your household to your phone plan.

» Compare Carriers: Lively vs. Consumer Cellular

For comparison, Lively’s Basic plan paired with unlimited data is $44.99. Lively’s plans don’t have age restrictions, even though their phones and plans are designed specifically for older adults. Consumer Cellular’s single-line unlimited plan didn’t have age restrictions in the past, so this is a drawback worth noting.

Some other carriers designed for seniors, like Lively, don’t offer multiline discounts, so I appreciate this perk. If you’re an AARP member, you’ll enjoy a monthly discount of 5 percent on any Consumer Cellular plan. Not an AARP member? You can join at checkout!

» Dive Deeper: Consumer Cellular review

My grandma trying out the Jitterbug Smart4

Lively’s affordable plan options and health and safety features make it one of the best senior-friendly phones we’ve tested. With Lively, you have the flexibility to build your phone plan the way you want. You pick the phone, the plan, and the data you need.

» See Lively’s Offerings: Lively Phone Plans for Seniors

I was easily able to select one of Lively’s three phone plans and a data package from the carrier’s website. Similar to Consumer Cellular, Lively allows you to bring your own phone with you, or you can purchase one of their two branded phones.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

I appreciate that Lively lets you bring your own phone, as this wasn’t an option in the past. While I’m a big fan of Lively’s Jitterbug phones for seniors, the flexibility to bring your own favorite device is a great perk, especially since it’s common with other carriers.

My grandma and I were pleased with the two phones we tested: the Jitterbug Smart4 and Jitterbug Flip2. However, it would have been nice if Lively offered more phones to choose from. Having to pick from only one flip phone and one simple smartphone felt very limiting compared to Consumer Cellular, which offers 30 devices from six carriers. That said, it’s great that, like Consumer Cellular, Lively doesn’t require contracts, so you can switch plans whenever you want.

» Learn More: Lively phone review

Health and Safety Services

Lively's Urgent Response button is clearly displayed on the home and lock screens.

Lively offers some of the best health and safety services I’ve seen, with three packages offering various health and safety features. While choosing a plan with top-tier features will increase your monthly premium, these plans come with a ton of perks.

» Further Reading: Best Medical Alert Systems in 2025

I chose the Premium package, which came with features like Nurse On-Call, Urgent Response, and a Care Advocate. Care Advocate and Nurse On-Call are both unique features I haven’t seen from other carriers. A personal care advocate can help you create a customized health and well-being plan that fits your needs.

» Stay Health-Conscious: Changes in Health and Health Care Needs as We Age

Lively’s Nurse On-Call feature let me speak to a nurse or doctor over the phone, anytime. This feature is ideal if you’re a homebody or have mobility issues that make it challenging to get to the doctor on short notice. It’s also great for seniors who prefer to speak to a medical professional when they need one, rather than trying to Google their medical issues or wait for an in-person appointment.

Snapfon is one of the only other phone carriers we’ve tested that offers health and safety features, but Snapfon’s features are limited to an SOS button. You’ll have many more health and safety options with Lively.

» Compare Carriers: Lively vs. Snapfon

I tested out Lively’s service, along with their health and safety features, on the Jitterbug Smart4 and Jitterbug Flip2. I found that the Urgent Response button is clearly displayed on the Smart4’s home screen and the Flip2’s keypad.

One of my favorite features is Lively Link. It’s a mobile app that allows family and caregivers to check their loved one’s whereabouts and receive alerts whenever an Urgent Response call is placed.

Tracking my grandma's location using the Lively Link mobile app

My grandma took the Jitterbug Smart4 out for a test drive while running errands. I used Lively Link to check on her while I was at home. I found the app simple to use, and I liked that it updated in real time. I haven’t found any other popular carriers that offer a caregiver app like this, so I’m a big fan.

» You Might Like: Best GPS Medical Alert Systems

When it comes to user experience, the Jitterbug Smart4 was a bit laggy compared to other smartphones I’ve tested. I sometimes had to press a button multiple times for it to respond. It’s not ideal for seniors who may be accustomed to more responsive phones or devices. Check out our Jitterbug Smart4 review and Jitterbug Flip2 review for more details on our experience.

Coverage

Lively uses Verizon’s 4G LTE network, one of the largest in the country. Lively offers fast 4G LTE coverage that’s available in all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C. If you plan to travel abroad, you should know that Lively doesn’t offer any international coverage. The carrier’s devices also don’t support 5G coverage.

» Also Check Out: Senior Travel

I’ve tested out Lively’s phones in various parts of California, and one of our other tech writers tried out the Jitterbug Flip2 in Kansas. We found that Lively offered reliable coverage in both states! That said, you’ll still want to check their coverage map3 and test out the carrier for yourself to ensure that you can get good coverage in your area.

Customer Service

Lively allows you to make online support requests or contact the company directly by phone or by mail.

Lively has a great customer service team, offering short wait times and friendly interactions with U.S.-based agents. The representative who helped me was patient and kind.

Pricing

Lively’s cell phone plan pricing is easy on the wallet. Prices start at $14.99 per month for the Basic phone plan with unlimited talk and text.

Lively’s three plans also come with additional health and safety features. You can add as much data as you want, with data prices ranging from $0 to $30 per month for 1 GB of data to unlimited data, respectively.

Lively used to charge a monthly fee for 1 GB of data, so I appreciate this new free option for light internet users. Remember that you’ll need to purchase a Lively phone to use the carrier’s service.

Lively’s extensive health and safety features come in three tiers for cell phone plans: Basic, Preferred, and Premium. The Basic package costs $14.99 per month, the Preferred plan is $34.99 per month, and the Premium package is $44.99 per month.

I’d recommend the Preferred or Premium plan to get the most bang for your buck; the Basic plan doesn’t offer Urgent Response or access to the Lively Link app. Keep in mind that if you combine the Preferred or Premium plan with a data package, your costs will rise significantly. We would’ve liked to see more affordable options for seniors who want both unlimited data and health and safety features.

» More Pricing Info: Lively Medical Alert System Cost and Pricing

For comparison, T-Mobile’s three 55+ plans offer unlimited data. Costs range from $50 to $90 per month for one line. T-Mobile’s plans feature more perks, like in-flight Wi-Fi and hotspot data, but they lack any health and safety features. It really comes down to which features are more important to you.

Using the iPhone 14 Pro on AT&T's service

With a history dating back to Alexander Graham Bell, AT&T is one of the nation’s largest and oldest phone carriers. AT&T’s 55+ plan offers unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

AT&T offers free advanced security to help protect older adults from becoming victims of fraud.  Sadly, older adults rack up around $3.4 billion in losses annually from fraud and scams.5 AT&T’s no-cost ActiveArmor service includes spam and fraud call blocking, identity monitoring, and safe browsing. These features can help reduce the risk of falling victim to phone scams by cutting them off at the source.

Coverage

AT&T 55+ coverage is on par with other major providers, such as T-Mobile and Verizon. Their 4G LTE service is available throughout the United States, as well as in parts of Canada and Mexico. AT&T also boasts a large 5G U.S. coverage area.

I’m a long-term AT&T customer. I’ve experienced excellent service in most places, with a few exceptions. When my friends and I took a girls’ trip to the California wine region of Santa Ynez, I had terrible reception. My friend had reliable Verizon coverage the whole time.

It’s also important to consider that AT&T throttles speeds during peak hours. Unlike Lively and Consumer Cellular, AT&T owns and operates its nationwide network, but it still slows down speeds when the network is busy, whether you’re using its network directly or through another carrier.

So even if you’re in an area with good coverage, you might experience slower speeds depending on the time of day. This shouldn’t be a big deal for seniors who spend most of their time connected to WiFi, but it can be tedious if speeds slow down while you’re away from home.

Customer Service

AT&T has a very large team of customer support agents, but in my experience, it can take some time to navigate the customer service hotline and speak to an agent. Wait times tend to be long, but once you do speak with someone, the representative is often very helpful.

You can contact AT&T customer support by phone. If you want to avoid waiting on hold, you can start a live chat by logging in to your account on AT&T’s website. I’ve also visited several stores to ask questions or buy new phones and have always had pleasant experiences.

AT&T offers an online chat feature that I often use to get my questions answered quickly.

Pricing

Like T-Mobile and Consumer Cellular have been doing for years, AT&T now offers their 55+ plans to seniors nationwide, plus three unlimited talk, text, and data plans for those who don’t meet the age requirement. Since my parents and I have been AT&T customers for years, we can vouch for the company’s reliable service and fast speeds.

AT&T’s 55+ cell phone plan costs $40 per month for one line or $35 per month (per line) for two lines. AT&T’s traditional unlimited plan pricing starts at $65.99 for one line for their starter plan. The premium package costs $85.99 per line. The more lines you add, the more you save. AT&T allows up to two lines for 55+ unlimited plans and up to 5 lines for traditional unlimited plans.

AT&T’s pricing tends to be pretty affordable for 55+ plans, but it’s more expensive for the standard unlimited plans. As previously mentioned, T-Mobile’s plans start at just $50 for one line, while a plan with unlimited data from Lively starts at $44.99 per month. Still, AT&T’s award-winning customer service, reliable coverage, and great plan offerings make them a good choice.

Testing out Mint Mobile's service on an iPhone

Mint Mobile is making waves with their affordable prepaid plans and no contracts. When I shopped for a phone package on Mint Mobile’s website, I chose from data options ranging from 5 GB to unlimited data. I found that there are plans to fit most lifestyles and budgets. I picked the unlimited plan at $30 per month so I wouldn’t run out of data while testing the carrier.

» Learn More: Mint Mobile Review

All Mint Mobile plans offer unlimited talk and text, and you can bring your own phone or shop for a new one. The company runs on T-Mobile’s 5G network for reliable and fast nationwide coverage. Mint Mobile also offers Mint 55+, an exclusive plan for older adults that starts at $15 per month. This plan includes full service from a MINTech Advisor at no extra cost.

Coverage

Mint Mobile offers 4G LTE and 5G coverage in every state except Alaska, as well as Puerto Rico. However, there are some large gaps in Mint Mobile’s 5G coverage area, particularly in the Western United States.6 Similar to my experience with T-Mobile on the West Coast, I’ve had some spotty coverage with Mint Mobile in parts of California.

» Compare Carriers: Consumer Cellular vs. Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile’s network. However, T-Mobile users will get priority if the network becomes too congested. That could cause slower speeds for Mint Mobile users. I noticed that my speeds were mildly slower during peak times, often around 7 or 8 PM.

Customer Service

Mint Mobile makes it easy to chat with a Fox Bot (an AI-powered chat tool) online or a real human by calling between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. (PST), any day of the week. It was very easy to connect with a person by phone.

However, using the Fox Bot isn’t always very helpful. The tool frequently directed me to how-to guides or recommended calling a customer service agent for more nuanced help. Some seniors may find it frustrating to be directed to generic guides without getting an immediate answer to their inquiry.

Pricing

Mint Mobile’s 12-month plans cost $15 to $30 per month for new customers, depending on the amount of data you select. That’s cheaper than many other carriers like Lively and Verizon, with prices starting at $14.99 (for a plan with no data) and $62 (for an unlimited 55+ plan), respectively. Plus, the fact that there’s no contract to worry about is appealing since you don’t feel locked into a provider or a plan.

After the first three months of service, customers can choose to pay for three, six, or 12 months of service at a time. If you pay for 12 months of service, you’ll keep the same rates that you started with. Rates will be slightly higher if you decide to pay for three or six months of service at a time.

You can change your Mint Mobile at any time in the mobile app.

I was a bit disappointed that the rates increase if you don’t want to pay for a year of service. It isn’t ideal for those who don’t want to commit to a long-term plan. To maximize your savings, we’d recommend going with the 12-month plan if it’s feasible for you. This is equivalent to signing a one-year contract, though, so it’s still not ideal for seniors who want flexibility.

If you’re considering a new phone, I’d highly recommend snagging one when you sign up for Mint Mobile. The carrier consistently offers phone discounts and six free months of service when you purchase a new device and sign up for a 12-month plan. When I tried out Mint Mobile, these deals included popular phones like iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices.

 » Learn More: Mint Mobile Phone Plans for Seniors

Using an iPhone on T-Mobile's service

T-Mobile is America’s largest and fastest-growing 5G network. Unlike the cell phone carriers that offer only one senior plan, T-Mobile understands that a phone plan isn’t one-size-fits-all. All 55+ plans feature unlimited talk, text, and data.

 » Learn About: T-Mobile Unlimited 55+ Senior Plans: Pricing and Cost

For those who love to travel, pack your bags, as T-Mobile offers free texting and data (with select plans) abroad, plus data in Mexico and Canada. Plans also have extra perks such as hotspot data and weekly giveaways. I used T-Mobile’s international data on a trip to Puerto Vallarta. From getting GPS directions to calling Ubers, the data worked perfectly.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

While T-Mobile’s 55+ plans are more expensive than some of the other carriers on our list, they come packed with perks. If you want extras like free streaming subscriptions and in-flight Wi-Fi, T-Mobile is a worthy contender.

As I’ve mentioned, some providers don’t allow you to bring your phone, but T-Mobile does. Bringing your phone can save on upfront costs and shorten the learning curve, so this is particularly important for older adults. I brought my trusty iPhone 14 Pro with me when I tested out T-Mobile, and all I had to do was let customer service know I wanted to keep my old phone.

» Read More: T-Mobile 55+ plan review

Coverage

T-Mobile offers some of the best 4G LTE and 5G coverage nationwide. Coverage extends to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and even parts of Canada and Mexico. T-Mobile provides the best coverage in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southern United States. The company is still expanding their coverage along the West Coast.7

The fact that T-Mobile is still working on its West Coast coverage could be a downside if you live on the coast like I do. When I tried out T-Mobile’s service, I found it was spotty in certain areas.

During a trip to Disneyland, I struggled to get enough service to use social media or make calls. In other areas, however, I had more reliable service, including excellent call quality.

Customer Service

I’ve always had an excellent experience with T-Mobile’s customer service. When I logged into my T-Mobile plan page, I could contact a representative via live chat or call T-Mobile directly.

Contacting T-Mobile's customer service via the chat feature

The wait times to get someone on the phone took over 20 minutes in a few instances, but generally, I was able to talk to someone quickly. When I had an issue or question, I got prompt responses from polite customer service agents. You can reach T-Mobile customer service by dialing 611 on your T-Mobile phone or calling 1-800-937-8997.

Pricing

T-Mobile’s 55+ unlimited plans start at $50 per month for one line or $70 per month for two lines. That’s $12 cheaper than Verizon’s 55+ plan, but $10 more than AT&T’s. Plus, T-Mobile’s 55+ plans are available nationwide, unlike Verizon's.

T-Mobile lets you add up to two lines on the Essentials Choice 55+ plan, the Experience More With 55+ Savings, and the Experience Beyond With 55+ Savings. Each additional line is at a discounted rate, so the more lines you add, the more you save! I also saved $5 on each line by enrolling in Auto Pay.

» Further Reading: Best Two-Line Phone Plans

Here’s a full breakdown of each plan’s starting rate:

• Essentials Choice 55: $50 per month for one line
• Experience More With 55+ Savings: $75 per month for one line
• Experience Beyond With 55+ Savings: $90 per month for one line

Want to learn more? Watch our video review of T-Mobile’s phone plans below.

Testing out an iPhone

Verizon is a popular choice for customers seeking a reliable network. Similar to AT&T’s former unlimited 55+ plan (now discontinued), residents of Florida aged 55 and older can take advantage of Verizon’s senior-specific 55+ plan.

I don’t love when 55-and-over plans and perks are reserved for Floridians, which is why I’m a big fan of T-Mobile’s and AT&T’s nationwide 55-and-over options. If you live in another part of the country, like I do, Verizon offers several multi-line unlimited talk, text, and data plans.

Coverage

Verizon offers nationwide 4G LTE and 5G coverage. Some cities throughout the country also have access to Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network. That network provides even more reliable service and faster speeds. As a result, Verizon has some of the best all-around coverage of any major carrier.8

 » For Home Internet: Verizon Internet Plans for Seniors

I’ve found that Verizon coverage is often better in rural areas compared to other major carriers like AT&T. That observation is based on personal experience and recent Verizon tests. My sister has a Verizon plan, while I have AT&T, so we compare coverage when on trips together.

During multiple trips, my sister has had better service than I did when we camped at the coast or stayed in a mountain cabin. As mentioned earlier, my friend with Verizon had better service than I did on a recent girls' trip.

Customer Service

Verizon’s customer service is a step above many of their competitors since it’s easy to get in touch with a real human. You can chat with a support agent online, call the number listed on your account page anytime between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. (ET), or ask Verizon to call you.

Verizon offers several ways to contact customer service

If you’re like me, that last option is great. There are a few things I hate more than waiting on hold. So, when I had questions for customer support, I called, and there was an option to have Verizon call me back rather than wait on hold. About 30 minutes later, I got a call back.

Pricing

Verizon’s senior cell phone plan for Florida residents costs $62 per month for one line or $84 per month for two lines. These prices are far more expensive than AT&T’s 55+ plan. Verizon might not be the best option for seniors on a fixed income or a tight budget, unless you want to sign up for multiple lines and enjoy better rates.

Their prices are much closer to AT&T’s traditional unlimited starter plan, which costs $65.99 per month for one line or $92 per month for two lines. Traditional Verizon unlimited plans start at $65 per line. If you add more than one line to your phone plan, you can snag major savings — up to $35 per month.

Shopping for a new phone to go with your Verizon phone plan? Be sure to ask about financing options. Verizon’s cell phone pricing is competitive. It often offers zero percent financing on a wide variety of cell phones. Already have a smartphone? If you bring it to Verizon, you can often snag a discount or an e-gift card.

» Learn More: Verizon Senior Plan Review