In This Article:

Phone Plan FAQs

  • Network Coverage
  • Data Usage
  • BYOD: Bring Your Own Device
  • Customer Support
  • International Service

Plan Details

  • one. T-Mobile
  • 2. AT&T
  • 3. Verizon
  • iv. Consumer Cellular
  • five. Lively (formerly GreatCall)

Calling All Seniors

2021-Cheapism-Choice-Best-Cell-Phone-Plans-for-Seniors
  • AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all offer deals on jail cell phone plans for seniors, and some smaller carriers provide special services and more ways to save.
  • T-Mobile'south three senior cell phone plans offering the biggest savings amid the big iii carriers, with prices starting as low equally $40 per month for a unmarried line.
  • Consumer Cellular is all-time in grade for senior-friendly customer service, customizable plans, and depression prices, including 5% off for AARP members.

The prices listed below are the lowest available with a monthly/30-solar day plan, may require autopay enrollment, and practice not include taxes and fees unless otherwise indicated.

Prices and availability are subject to alter.

Unlimited Talk, Text, and Information Cell Phone Plans for Seniors

Express Talk, Text, and Data Plans for Seniors

Provider/Plan
Key Details
AT&T Senior Nation $29.99

- Must exist 65+.
- Bones phones merely.
- Limited talk fourth dimension, no information.

Consumer Cellular $17.50 for 250 mins. and up

- five% off with AARP.
- Customize talk, text, and data.
- Talk-only plan also available.

Lively (formerly GreatCall) $14.99 for 250 mins. and upwards

- Customize talk, text, and data.

See below for more than details on all these senior cell phone plans.

What Is the Cheapest Prison cell Phone Plan for Seniors?

Among the many discounts offered to seniors, there are meaning savings to be had on monthly cell phone bills. Every major carrier — AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile — offers special deals for older subscribers, and some are ameliorate than others. Providers like Consumer Cellular and Lively (formerly GreatCall) are also worth a await for their senior-friendly telephone selections and customizable plans (not everyone needs unlimited everything).

The best plan for y'all may non be the least expensive cell phone plan for seniors overall, but it may offer the biggest savings on the minutes, texts, data, and extra services you need. Information technology's worth noting, also, that discounted service for seniors may non include a few of the perks offered with standard plans — similar free Netflix, Hulu, or music streaming, for example.

The All-time Unlimited Cell Telephone Information Plans for Seniors

For smartphone users with heavy information requirements, T-Mobile offers the virtually unlimited plan options for seniors. At that place are three in all, and the prices are the lowest amid the large-name providers. T-Mobile'southward cheapest senior cell phone programme starts at but $40 per calendar month (with autopay) and is open to consumers 55 and older, with no special eligibility restrictions. Seniors shopping for a discounted unlimited plan from Verizon Wireless or AT&T (each offers just one) can expect to pay well-nigh $20 more per calendar month for a single line. And in that location'south a pretty big take hold of: Both of these providers offering unlimited senior cell telephone plans only to Florida residents. Seniors outside of the Sunshine State need not employ, and current customers who decide to move to colder climes will have to switch plans once their billing accost crosses land lines.

To its credit, AT&T likewise offers an AARP disbelieve on "eligible plans," but that applies only to top-of-the-line AT&T Unlimited Elite service. To be sure, this programme has a lot to offer — unlimited talk, text, and information (100GB at top speed), 30GB of mobile hotspot data, and HBO Max thrown into the mix — but at $85 per calendar month for a single line and $150 for two, the $10-per-line discount that AARP membership would beget seems like, well, non a lot. And it takes a remarkable amount of fine-print reading and complicated calculation to even brainstorm to understand how the visitor arrived at the advertised price it tells subscribers they should wait to pay one time all discounts accept finally kicked in, which may have equally long as ii months.

The Best Cell Telephone Plans for Seniors Who Don't Need a Lot of Data

While AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and T-Mobile tend to focus their senior discounts on cell telephone plans with unlimited everything, if you don't need all the bells and whistles, you tin become a cell telephone plan without data included at all. AT&T offers i cheap senior plan designed with basic phone users in listen. The visitor's Senior Nation plan is custom-made for non-smartphone adopters over 65 who don't require any data and need only limited talk time. At just $29.99 per month, it'southward the cheapest senior cell phone plan bachelor from any of the large four providers. But it'south however not the all-time basic phone program from a major carrier: For a penny more than, Verizon'southward 500MB Basic Phone Program provides unlimited talk and unlimited texting, with 500MB of information thrown in. That plan is available to anyone of any age (with good plenty credit, of class).

Seniors who sign up for Consumer Cellular service don't get any special savings unless they're AARP members, but the senior-centric make'southward low-price plans are very affordable even without discounts. An unlimited talk and text programme — hold the data — costs as little as $xx per calendar month (but $19 with a five% AARP credit). That'southward as much as 37% cheaper than AT&T'southward "cutting-rate" Senior Nation plan and Verizon's "even-better" basic phone plan, and y'all never have to think twice about exceeding your talk time.

For subscribers who want to make sure they aren't paying for whatever more than they need, Consumer Cellular has a 250-minute talk-merely option for but $xv per calendar month. From there, you lot can upgrade to a programme with 250 minutes of talk time, unlimited texting, and 500MB of data for $17.fifty, with incremental increases up to unlimited data for $35 per month. Unlimited talk-text plans offset at $20 for 500MB of data and max out at $37.50 for an unlimited talk-text-data plan. And did nosotros mention that the company's AARP discounts are good for any programme? Consumer Cellular'due south straightforward, hassle-costless, client-centric approach has made it a favorite with consumers both young and former: The carrier ranked highest for value in the American Customer Satisfaction Index's 2019-2020 report on wireless telephone service providers.

Special Senior Service Plans

Lively (formerly GreatCall) is singled out for praise by users and reviewers for its medical alert services, accessed via select cell phones and wearables, to assist with elder care. But its reasonably priced wireless service plans in and of themselves should appeal to frugal seniors. Unlimited talk, text, and data plans are bachelor for $59.99, which is in line with unlimited senior program prices at AT&T and Verizon Wireless, and Lively offers discounted rates with its "Health & Prophylactic Packages." Like Consumer Cellular, the visitor besides offers users several plans to arrange their individual usage (which means international service and other perks price extra).

If you opt to have reward of Lively's wellness and safety services, the price for an unlimited talk, text, and data plan drops to $40. The 33% savings is just enough to commencement the toll of a Basic Wellness & Safety Package ($19.99), which includes 24/vii access to 5Star urgent response agents should yous or an aged family member require immediate medical assistance. Preferred ($24.99) and Ultimate ($34.99) packages add the pick of phone consultations and prescription refills from medical professionals as well as connection to Lively Link app services, which permit family members to receive medical alerts, monitor appointment schedules and activities, and track subscribers' locations, among other useful amenities.

Other Means to Save on Prison cell Telephone Bills

Seniors who are really trying to continue monthly payments to a blank minimum might want to consider switching to a prepaid cell telephone plan. Our enquiry revealed that prepaid plans — which are available even from the major carriers — tin reduce bills significantly, with monthly costs sometimes coming in notably cheaper than standard postpaid plans. For example, a no-contract unlimited programme from AT&T Prepaid can be had for as petty as $50 a month with autopay enrollment. That's $15 less than the cheapest traditional plan AT&T offers, and $10 less than AT&T's Unlimited 55+ plan with a single line. And in that location'due south no minimum historic period — or Florida residency — required.

Consumers willing to branch out beyond the big names will notice even greater savings with smaller prepaid providers. Unlimited talk and data plans can exist had for as little every bit $twoscore per month from companies such as Visible. For customers who don't require any information at all, U.s. Mobile unlimited talk and text service starts every bit low as $x a month. United states Mobile's build-your-own plans beginning at a rock-lesser cost of $2 for 75 minutes of talk.

If you lot're shopping specifically for an aging relative, adding them to a family plan can be a particularly economical fashion to provide cell phone service at a depression toll. While all the dedicated senior cell phone plans we compared let a maximum of two lines, nigh carriers offer deals on multi-line family plans, which provide ever deeper discounts the more than family unit members are brought into the fold.

Finally, people who are on a low fixed income, authorize for Medicaid, or participate in the Veterans Alimony and Survivors Benefit program (among other federal assistance programs) may exist able to sign up for government-subsidized jail cell phone plans. Check the Federal Communications Committee-supported Lifeline website to see eligibility requirements and further details. Some Lifeline service companies provide free phones for seniors who qualify also every bit free prison cell phone service.

FAQ: Choosing a Prison cell Phone Plan

Aside from simple dollars and cents, there are other factors, like coverage areas, customer service, extra features, and convenience, to take into account when deciding what senior cell telephone programme is best for you. We've answered a few of the oft asked questions near senior cell phone plans below.

Which Prison cell Phone Company Has the Best Coverage?

For seniors in item, being able to count on staying connected with loved ones, especially should an emergency arise, is often paramount. Information technology may be worth paying more for what experts agree is Verizon'south all-time-in-class nationwide coverage, although it depends on your detail area. About 70% of the country has 4G coverage from Verizon. Perhaps not surprisingly, Lively, which touts health and medical-warning services to seniors forth with its cell phone plans, uses Verizon's network. AT&T has extended its 4G service to almost 68% of the contiguous United States, and T-Mobile covers 62% of the country, according to cellular-service comparing site WhistleOut. Consumer Cellular uses both the AT&T and T-Mobile networks. When it comes to the emerging (and much faster) 5G service, T-Mobile leads the pack with 37% coverage, while AT&T and Verizon lag with xvi% and 11% coverage, respectively, according to WhistleOut.

How Much Data Do You Need?

Some seniors will never give up their flip phones and insist they want nothing to do with information. However, a smartphone can aid seniors keep in touch with grandkids and loved ones through video chat, share pictures, use GPS when out and about, manage smart-home services like alarm systems and door locks, and access beneficial health-monitoring and brain-boosting apps.

To unlock all the options that the latest phones accept to offer when yous can't connect to Wi-Fi, you need cellular information. Information technology's generally estimated that about 2GB of information should satisfy smartphone owners who autumn toward the lower terminate of the usage spectrum. If you're not planning to upload a lot of videos, stream music all twenty-four hours, or mail a constant stream of photos on Facebook, 2GB of data will probably practice. Of class, if you lot opt for an unlimited data plan, the heaven's the limit — heck, you can "nourish" a grandkid'southward altogether political party across the country via FaceTime while relaxing on a beach almost home.

Can You Buy a Phone Without a Plan?

The brusque answer is yes. If you're interested in shopping around for the very best prices on cell phones, or there's a specific make and model of senior-friendly cell phone that especially suits your fancy, most carriers will permit yous to bring your ain device (BYOD) with yous when yous sign on for a service program. Some will fifty-fifty reward yous for arriving already fully equipped: An online deal from Verizon, for example, offers $450 and waived activation fees for new users who bring their smartphones over to the service. The exception to the BYOD rule is Lively, which requires users to purchase ane of two Jitterbug phones particularly outfitted to work with the visitor'south emergency services.

That said, it always pays to check which phones your preferred service provider might have on sale. Phones are oft sold for a song to customers activating new lines of service; some even come gratuitous of charge.

What If You Need Help Setting Up Your Phone?

A few of the senior plans we looked at require in-shop signups, which does increase the hassle gene and may brand arranging jail cell phone service for a senior parent a bit more than difficult (nosotros'd recommend doing a quick search of stores in the expanse before choosing a carrier that may have express locations nearby). At the same fourth dimension, this allows seniors the opportunity to enquire any questions that they have about device setup in person.

A signal in AT&T's favor is that the carrier provides Right to You service for select devices purchased online: The company will ship an skillful to your home to activate the phone for you and gear up information technology up exactly as y'all'd like it. This same-24-hour interval service is gratis of charge.

Consumer Cellular subscribers will find a variety of helpful videos and manuals on the company'due south website that walk prison cell telephone users through many of the nuts, from setting up voicemail to storing contacts. If any technical difficulties should arise that Consumer Cellular's representatives can't solve over the telephone, customers tin can take advantage of in-store technical assistance at Target retail locations where Consumer Cellular phones are sold.

Tin can You Utilise Your Prison cell Phone in a Different Country?

T-Mobile is known for very good deals on international coverage. Its Unlimited Magenta plans include free data and texting while away in more than than 200 destinations. Both Verizon and AT&T's 55+ plans, likewise every bit the much pricier AT&T Unlimited Elite plan, take subscribers covered in Mexico and Canada, but if you're traveling farther afield you lot'll need to purchase international add together-on packages, similar AT&T's $x-per-day International Day Pass.

With Lively, international roaming and calling abroad from the United states ever incurs fees. Consumer Cellular also charges actress for all international services, and support manufactures (and at least one user review) advise that service may not always be bachelor when traveling. If you venture into the land of prepaid calling plans, pay extra attention to international options and costs. Some providers, similar United states Mobile and Republic Wireless, offer no international coverage at all.

Plan Details

The prices listed beneath are the lowest available with a monthly/30-day plan, may require autopay enrollment, and do not include taxes and fees unless otherwise indicated. Savings are based on the closest comparable program offered to the general public.

Prices and availability are subject area to change.

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1. T-Mobile

Best Prison cell Phone Plans for Seniors Overall

T-Mobile Essentials Unlimited 55

Price $40 for 1 line
$55 for 2 lines
Eligibility
& Restrictions
- 55 or older.
- In shop or by telephone only.
- Add $5 per line without autopay.
Includes - Unlimited talk, text, and data.
- 5G service where available.
- Service in Mexico and Canada (2G information).
- Unlimited international texting.
- Non-Hd streaming.
- 3G mobile hotspot.
Discount Savings vs. T-Mobile Essentials
33% for 1 line ($60)
39% for 2 lines ($90)
Price $50* for 1 line
$70* for 2 lines

*Incl. taxes and fees

Eligibility
& Restrictions
- 55 or older.
- In shop or by phone only.
- Add $5 per line without autopay.
Includes - Unlimited talk, text, and information.
- Service in Mexico and Canada (5GB of 4G information).
- Unlimited international texting and 2G data.
- Non-Hard disk drive streaming.
- 3GB 4G mobile hotspot.
- 1 60 minutes Gogo in-flight data and unlimited texting.
Discount Savings vs. T-Mobile Magenta*
29% for 1 line ($70)
42% for 2 lines ($120)

*Incl. Netflix

Cost $90* for 2 lines

*Incl. taxes and fees

Eligibility
& Restrictions
- 55 or older.
- In store or by phone but.
- 2 lines required.
- Add $five per line without autopay.
Includes - Unlimited talk, text, and data.
- 5G service where available.
- Service in Mexico and Canada (5GB of 4G information).
- Unlimited international texting and up to 256kbps information.
- Hard disk drive streaming and Netflix.
- 20GB 4G mobile hotspot.
- Caller ID, voicemail to text.
Discount Savings vs. T-Mobile Magenta Max
36% ($140 for 2 lines)
Price $29.99
Eligibility
& Restrictions
- 65 or older.
- In store, by phone, or online chat.
Includes - 200 anytime minutes.
- 500 night and weekend minutes.
- Unlimited AT&T mobile-to-mobile.
Disbelieve No similar plan.
Price $60 for 1 line
$fourscore for 2 lines
Eligibility
& Restrictions
- Florida residents only.
- 55 or older.
- In store only.
- Add $10 per line without autopay.
Includes - Unlimited talk, text, and data in U.Due south., United mexican states, and Canada.
- Gratuitous texting to 120+ countries.
- Non-Hard disk drive streaming.
- Automated fraud blocking and spam adventure alerts.
Discount Savings vs. AT&T Unlimited Starter
8% for 1 line ($65)
33% for 2 lines ($120)
Cost $75 for 1 line
$130 for 2 lines

(ten lines max.)

Eligibility
& Restrictions
- AARP members only.
- Add together $10 per line without autopay.
Includes - Unlimited talk and text and 100GB of information in U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
- 5G service where available.
- Free texting to 120+ countries.
- Hard disk streaming and HBO Max.
- 30GB mobile hotspot per line.
- Automatic fraud blocking and spam risk alerts.
Discount Savings vs. AT&T Unlimited Aristocracy
$ten per line AARP discount (first five lines)
fifteen% AARP discount on accessories
$45 waived activation upgrade fees

Toll

$60 for one line
$80 for 2 lines
Eligibility
& Restrictions
- Florida residents only.
- 55 or older.
- In store only.
- Requires autopay or eastward-billing.
Includes - Unlimited talk, text, and information in U.Southward., Mexico, and Canada.
- 5G service where bachelor.
- Non-HD streaming.
- Unlimited mobile hotspot (600 Kbps).
Disbelieve Savings vs. Verizon Outset Unlimited*
xiv% for 1 line ($70)
33% for 2 lines ($120)

*Incl. free international texting and information

Toll $15 for 250 minutes
$20 for unlimited talk
$37.50 for unlimited talk, text, and data
Eligibility
& Restrictions
N/A
Discount - five% AARP disbelieve off monthly plans.
- 30% for accessories.
- Extended 45-day risk-free guarantee.

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5. Lively (formerly GreatCall)

All-time for Health and Rubber Services

Lively Plans

Price $14.99 for 250 minutes (cheapest talk programme)*
$39.99 for unlimited talk and text
$59.99 for unlimited talk, text, and data

*Talk, text, and information tin can be purchased a la card. Prices vary.

Eligibility
& Restrictions
Jitterbug Flip or Jitterbug Smart2 telephone required.
Disbelieve Upward to fifty% with purchase of Basic Health & Condom Bundle ($19.99)