The best cell phone plans offer excellent nationwide coverage, unlimited talk and text, and low, transparent prices.
Consumer Cellular provides the best cell phone plans for older adults thanks to its low monthly pricing and excellent nationwide coverage. The carrier uses AT&T’s wireless network to offer the same speeds and coverage as the “big companies,” and they do not have any surprise fees like activation fees. Plans start at $20 per month ($15 for additional lines), with further discounts for AARP members. Consumer Cellular has dozens of phones to choose from, including the most popular iPhone and Samsung phones.
Our second choice is Lively, which makes flip phones and smartphones specifically for seniors that offer unique features like medical alerts. We’ve tested Lively’s Jitterbug Flip2 and Smart4 phones, and they are a good choice for a simpler, limited-feature phone. Lively runs on Verizon’s wireless network, and plans start at $20 per month.
If you’re only looking at the “big three carriers,” is a great choice. Plans start at $35.99 per month, but can be reduced with AARP, employer, or union discounts.
Continue reading as we describe our experiences with eight providers that have pricing and phones that passed our tests.
The Best Senior Cell Phone Plans for 2024
- Consumer Cellular - Best Senior-Specific Cell Phone Plans
- Lively - Best Cell Phone Plans With Medical Alert Services
- Mint Mobile - Best Prepaid Phone Plans
- T-Mobile - Best Cell Phone Plan for Flexibility and Perks
- Verizon - Best Multi-Line Discount
- Snapfon - Best No-Frills Plan and Phone Combinations
- FreedomPop - Best Free Cell Phone Plans
Our Methodology: How We Tested and Selected the Best Phone Plans for Seniors
Our team testing out senior-friendly cell phones
Our tech team compared and evaluated 15 of the most popular carriers to find the best plans for seniors. To really separate the best from the rest, we spent over 200 hours testing each carrier. All of that testing helped us see how our first-hand experience aligned with the feedback from other consumers. Here’s what our testing process looked like:
- We started by researching each carrier’s phone plans on their website. Helpful customer service is key to a good phone plan, so we tested that, too. We spoke with customer service representatives over the phone or at a brick-and-mortar store.
- Next, we reviewed our research of the best plans and devices for older adults. We used that information to choose a plan (and sometimes a new cell phone) to try.
- Our team tested each phone carrier’s service for two weeks. During that time, we took notes about essential details. That included the coverage, speeds, useful features, and our overall experience with the carrier. We used the plan in different locations to see if the carrier’s coverage was consistent as we traveled.
- In addition to the two-week testing, our tech experts also used their own personal experience with the plans they’ve had long-term. (We all have cell phones after all!) Whether we’ve had the same tried-and-true carrier for years or had to switch to a new plan because of coverage or cost issues, we give you our honest opinions.
We broke down our experience with the providers into a few key categories. You’ll see those categories covered for the carriers below. Here’s a closer look at how we evaluated phone plans and the factors we used:
- Pricing: Many (though not all) seniors live on a fixed income. While a top-of-the-line, unlimited phone plan may offer the most bells and whistles, it may not be an affordable option for older adults who depend on Social Security and retirement savings. For this reason, we focus on phone plans that offer a good balance between affordability and quality features.
- Coverage: Regardless of your age, you don’t want to struggle to find a signal whenever you need to make a call or send a text. Companies with the largest 4G LTE and 5G service areas tend to offer the best overall experience to consumers. This is true whether you intend to travel during your retirement or stay in one place. You need a phone plan that has dependable coverage across the United States (and maybe beyond).
- Customer service: If you run into a problem with your phone or service, you’ll want easy access to customer service. We tested different carriers and interacted with their customer service representatives. We evaluated those interactions to see which companies stand behind their cell phone service with the best customer service.
- Health and safety services: Some of the carriers on our list offer health and safety services designed for seniors. This will only be an important feature for some users, so for those who want them, we’ve highlighted which carriers that offer them below. From phones with built-in medical systems to health and safety features, there are many perks that make particularly good options for seniors.
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1. Consumer Cellular - Best Senior-Specific Cell Phone Plans
See Pricing
Call for best price: Call to Order: (855) 643-4847
What we like most
- Plans start at $20 with unlimited talk and text
- Uses AT&T and T-Mobile networks for nationwide coverage
- Works with all major phones (iPhone, etc.)
Consumer Cellular
Call for best price: Call to Order: (855) 643-4847
See Pricing
SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.6
Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing excellent excellent above average excellent excellent Please scroll to the right for more info.
Overview:
Overview
Testing out Consumer Cellular’s Verve Snap phone
Consumer Cellular has been offering simple, affordable cell phone plans for more than 25 years. Customers enjoy 5G service and senior-specific phone plans. There are no pesky hidden fees (one of my biggest pet peeves!), contracts, or data overage charges. Consumer Cellular offers four plans that all come with unlimited talk and text, along with a certain amount of data.
When I tested out Consumer Cellular, I found that choosing my plan was simple; I hopped on the company’s website and selected the number of lines I wanted, and chose my desired data (10 GB for $35). Then, I checked a box signifying that I am an AARP member, which scored me a 5 percent discount. I added the plan to my cart, selected a new phone (the IRIS Flip), and reviewed my order. That was it!
During the process, I noticed that the website wouldn’t let me check out until I selected a phone, even though the company says you can bring your own device in many cases. If you want to bring your own phone, you’ll need to give Consumer Cellular a call. This extra step is a bit of a hassle but worth it if you already have a phone you love. For comparison, other carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T allow you to bring your own phone online with a few simple steps during the enrollment process.
» Learn About: AARP membership guide
Pros & Cons:
Pros About Consumer Cellular
- Low-cost plans
- Option to change plans anytime without penalties or fees
- Free activation
- Multi-line discount
- 5 percent AARP discount at checkout
- Option to bring your own device or purchase a new one
- Risk-free guarantee
Cons About Consumer Cellular
- High-speed data may slow down after you’ve used 35 GB.
- If you want to bring your own device, you’ll have to call to sign up.
Summary:
Coverage
Though Consumer Cellular is not among the largest phone carriers in the nation, it does have excellent coverage in 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.
While trying out Consumer Cellular in my hometown, I consistently had 4G LTE coverage with reliable speeds. 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
Customer Service
If you’re the do-it-yourself type, Consumer Cellular has dozens of videos and manuals to answer common questions about its service. If you prefer to speak with a person, you can start a live online chat anytime between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. (PST). Or you can call 1-800-270-0348 to speak to a U.S.-based support specialist.
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 who helped me answered my questions right away. I could bring my iPhone — score!
Pricing
Consumer Cellular’s pricing is pretty affordable. Plans start at $20 per month and reach up to $50 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data. For comparison, Lively’s Basic plan paired with unlimited data is $49.99 (beating Consumer Cellular by a mere $0.01). Your price per line will decrease as you add more lines to your plan. This makes Consumer Cellular an excellent option if you add a spouse or other family members.
Some other carriers designed specifically for seniors like Lively don’t offer multi-line discounts, so I appreciate this perk. If you’re an AARP member, you’ll enjoy a discount of 5 percent on any Consumer Cellular plan. Not an AARP member? You can join at checkout. Talk about an easy way to save!
» Dive Deeper: Consumer Cellular review
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2. Lively - Best Cell Phone Plans With Medical Alert Services
See Pricing
Call for best price: Call to Order: 866-461-7793
What we like most
- Plans start at $19.99 with unlimited talk and text
- Uses Verizon network for nationwide coverage
- Maker of Jitterbug senior phones
Lively
Call for best price: Call to Order: 866-461-7793
See Pricing
SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.5
Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing excellent excellent excellent excellent excellent Please scroll to the right for more info.
Overview:
Overview
My grandma trying out the Jitterbug Smart4
As a phone carrier designed specifically for seniors, Lively truly shines with affordable plan options, health and safety features, and some of the best senior-friendly phones we’ve tested. With Lively, you have the flexibility to build your phone plan the way you want.
I was easily able to select one of Lively’s three phone plans and a data package (more details on both of these below) from the carrier’s website. Similar to Consumer Cellular, I had to purchase a phone to complete my purchase. Unlike Consumer Cellular, I didn’t have the option to call and bring my own device. This is one drawback with Lively; you’ll have to choose one of the carrier’s two phones. Or you can add a package with health and safety features to Alexa-enabled devices or Apple watches. Still, my grandma and I were pleased with Lively’s two phones that we tested: the Jitterbug Smart4 and Jitterbug Flip2. Lively doesn’t require contracts, so you can switch plans whenever you want.
» Learn More: Lively phone review
Pros & Cons:
Pros About Lively
- No required contracts
- Health and safety features with top-tier plans
- Budget-friendly plans
- U.S.-based customer service
- Option to keep your existing phone number
- Phones designed for seniors
Cons About Lively
- Must purchase a Lively phone
- Limited selection of phone models
- During testing, Jitterbug Smart4’s speeds were slower than other smartphones
Summary:
Health and Safety Services
Lively’s Urgent Response button is clearly displayed on the home and lock screen
Lively offers some of the best health and safety services I’ve seen. The carrier’s three packages offer various health and safety features. While choosing a plan with top-tier features will increase your monthly premium, they have a ton of perks.
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. With Nurse On-Call, you can speak to a nurse or doctor at any time over the phone. This is a great feature if you’re a homebody, have mobility issues that make going to the doctor a hassle, or struggle getting an appointment with your doctor on short notice. Snapfon is one of the only other phone carriers that offers health and safety features, but their features are limited to an SOS button, so Lively’s extensive features are a huge plus.
Tracking my grandma’s location using the Lively Link mobile app
I tested out Lively’s service, along with its 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.
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 that the app was simple to use and 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.
I will say, 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. 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. That means the carrier can provide ample coverage just about anywhere you go. Lively offers fast 4G LTE coverage that’s available in all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C. If you plan to travel abroad, it’s important to know that Lively doesn’t offer any international coverage. The carrier’s devices also don’t support 5G coverage.
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!
Customer Service
Lively allows you to make online support requests or contact the company directly by phone or by mail. You can call a Lively customer support representative at 1-800-733-6632.
In our experience, Lively has a great customer service team, offering short wait times and friendly interactions with U.S.-based agents. I called to confirm that I couldn’t use my own phone on Lively’s service. The representative who helped me was patient and kind.
Pricing
Lively’s cell phone plan pricing is easy on the wallet. Prices start at $19.99 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 $5 to $30 per month for 1 GB of data to unlimited data, respectively. Remember that you’ll need to purchase a Lively phone to use the carrier’s service.
Lively’s extensive health and safety features have three tiers for cell phone plans: Basic, Preferred, and Premium. The Basic package costs $19.99 per month, the Preferred plan is $39.99 per month, and the Premium package is $49.99 per month. These packages come with a variety of features, such as help booking a ride, the Urgent Response feature, and on-call nurses. 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.
For comparison, T-Mobile’s three 55+ plans offer unlimited data. Costs range from $45 to $80 per month for one line. T-Mobile’s plans have more perks like in-flight Wi-Fi and hotspot data, but they don’t have any health and safety features. It really comes down to which features are more important to you.
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3. AT&T - Best Network Service Coverage Reliability
See Pricing
Call for best price: Call to Order: 855-929-4241
What we like most
- Plans start at $35.99 with unlimited talk and text
- AARP or employer discounts can save up to $10 per month
- Works with all major phones (iPhone, etc.)
AT&T
Call for best price: Call to Order: 855-929-4241
See Pricing
SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.5
Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing excellent excellent excellent excellent excellent Please scroll to the right for more info.
Overview:
Overview
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. Older adults in Florida can choose AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ plan. It offers unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The coverage is ideal for those with loved ones abroad, too, since it includes free texting to over 200 countries.
However, AT&T’s 55+ plans are only available in Florida. In contrast, other carriers like T-Mobile and Consumer Cellular offer plans nationwide.
Aside from its Unlimited 55+ plan, AT&T offers three unlimited talk, text, and data plans for those who live outside of the Sunshine State. Since my parents and I have been AT&T customers for years, we can vouch for the company’s reliable service and fast speeds.
Additionally, AT&T offers free advanced security to help protect older adults from becoming victims of fraud. Sadly, older adults rack up more than $3 billion in losses annually from fraud and scams.3 AT&T’s no-cost ActiveArmor service includes spam and fraud call blocking, identity monitoring, and safe browsing.
Pros & Cons:
Pros About AT&T
- AARP discounts and AT&T Rewards
- Option to bring own unlocked phone
- AutoPay discount
- Paperless billing discount
- Free spam and fraud call blocking
- Free texting to 120+ countries
- Excellent customer service in my experience
Cons About AT&T
- The AT&T Unlimited 55+ plan is only available to Florida residents.
- AT&T may throttle data speeds if the network is busy.
- I’ve experienced spotty coverage in rural areas
Summary:
Coverage
While the AT&T Unlimited 55+ plan may be limited to Florida, AT&T’s coverage is on par with other major providers like T-Mobile and Verizon. The 4G LTE service is available throughout the United States, as well as in parts of Canada and Mexico. AT&T’s 5G U.S. coverage area is also large.
I’m a long-term AT&T customer. I’ve experienced excellent service in most places, with the exception of a few cities and rural locations I visited on camping trips. When my friends and I took a girls trip to California wine region Santa Ynez, I had terrible reception. My friend had reliable Verizon coverage the whole time, so she was in charge of navigation and making calls – lucky her!
AT&T is one of the few major providers to offer partial coverage for talk and text throughout Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. I used AT&T’s connection on a trip to Europe and had reliable service abroad. My parents always want travel updates, so I was able to keep them in the loop and send lots of photos — no problem. AT&T also has one of the most reliable service networks of any provider.
Customer Service
AT&T has a very large team of customer support agents, but in my experience, it can take a little bit of time to navigate the customer service hotline and actually speak to an agent. Wait times tend to be long, but once you do speak with someone, the representatives 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. I’m old fashioned when it comes to phones and like doing things in person!
Pricing
AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ cell phone plan for Florida residents costs $60 per month for one line or $80 per month for two lines. AT&T’s traditional unlimited plan pricing starts at $65.99 for one line for its starter plan. The premium package costs $85.99 per line. The more lines you add, the more you save.
tends to be on the higher side of our top picks. As previously mentioned, T-Mobile’s plans start at just $40 for one line, while a plan with unlimited data from Lively starts at $49.99 per month. AT&T’s award-winning customer service, reliable coverage, and great plan offerings make them a good choice.
You can save on your AT&T plan by simply becoming an AARP member! Members can save up to $10 per line per month on AT&T’s Unlimited Premium plan. You’ll also get up to $50 in waived activation and upgrade fees.
Pro Tip:
Pro Tip: Considering a prepaid phone plan? AT&T’s prepaid plan made it onto our list of the best prepaid phone plans for seniors!
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4. Mint Mobile - Best Prepaid Phone Plans
See Pricing
What we like most
- Simple prepaid plans
- Affordable rates
- Mint 55+ plan
Mint Mobile
See Pricing
SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.0
Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing excellent above average average average excellent Please scroll to the right for more info.
Overview:
Overview
Mint Mobile is newer to the cell phone market, but the company is making waves with affordable prepaid plans and no contracts. (Of course, I love their spokesperson and founder, Ryan Reynolds!)
When I shopped for a phone package on Mint Mobile’s website, I could choose from data options ranging from 5 GB to unlimited data. I found that there are plans to fit most lifestyles and budgets. I chose the unlimited plan at $30 per month.
» Learn More: Mint Mobile review
Plus, 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 comes with full service from a MINTech Advisor at no extra cost.
Pros & Cons:
Pros About Mint Mobile
- No long-term contracts
- Affordable prices
- Runs on T-Mobile’s 5G network
- 5G for no additional cost
- Free MINTech Advisors service
- Bring-your-own-phone policy
- Can keep your existing number
- Unlimited talk and text with all plans
Cons About Mint Mobile
- No physical store locations to help with setup
- Speeds throttled on unlimited plans after 40 GB of data
- I experienced slower speeds during peak traffic times
- Gaps in 5G coverage in some areas
Summary:
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.4 Similar to my experience with T-Mobile on the West Coast, I’ve experienced some spotty coverage with Mint Mobile in parts of California.
Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile’s network, which means that you might experience slower speeds. 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 a bit slower during peak times. There were a few nights after work when I experienced a slow internet connection, since many people were using their phones around that time.
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 1-800-683-7392 anytime between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. (PT), 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.
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 $19.99 (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.
I was a bit disappointed that rates increase if you don’t want to pay for a year of service. This isn’t ideal for those who don’t want to commit to a plan long term. We’d recommend going with the 12-month plan if it’s feasible for you to maximize your savings.
Added Bonus:
Added Bonus: Mint 55+ customers receive access to expert technical help during their first year of service!
If you’re considering a new phone, I’d highly recommend snagging one when you sign up for Mint Mobile. The carrier consistently offers big 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.
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5. T-Mobile - Best Cell Phone Plan for Flexibility and Perks
What we like most
- Largest 5G network in the U.S.
- Three different phone plans just for seniors
- Unlimited talk, text, and data
T-Mobile
SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.0
Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing excellent excellent above average excellent above average Please scroll to the right for more info.
Overview:
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G From T-Mobile
Overview
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. With three 55+ plan options, you’re sure to find one that’s right for you! All 55+ plans feature unlimited talk, text, and data.
For those who love to travel, pack your bags, as T-Mobile offers free texting and data (with select plans) abroad, along with data in Mexico and Canada. Plans also have extra perks like 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 like a charm.
T-Mobile allows you to bring your own phone if you want, which can save you money on the upfront costs of a phone. Bringing your own phone can shorten the learning curve, too, so this is particularly important for older adults. As I’ve mentioned, some providers like Lively don’t allow you to bring your own phone. 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. There were no extra steps or hoops to jump through!
» Read More: T-Mobile 55+ plan review
Pros & Cons:
Pros About T-Mobile
- Unlimited talk, text, and data on all 55+ phone plans
- No contracts
- Free Scam Shield caller ID
- Mobile hotspot data
- Option to keep your current number and phone
- Weekly giveaways and perks
- Reliable data and texting abroad
Cons About T-Mobile
- Maximum of two lines for Essentials 55 plan
- Assisted support charges
- I experienced slower data during peak traffic times
Summary:
Coverage
T-Mobile offers some of the best 4G LTE and 5G coverage in the nation. Its 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 its coverage along the West Coast.5
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. I remember being frustrated because I wanted something to entertain me during the long wait times for rides! But in other areas, 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.
The wait times to get someone on the phone took upwards of 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 $40 per month for one line or $55 per month for two lines. That’s $22 cheaper than Verizon’s 55+ plan and $20 cheaper than AT&T’s. Plus, T-Mobile’s 55+ plans are available nationwide, unlike Verizon and AT&T.
You can customize your plan to your needs, too. T-Mobile lets you add up to two lines on the Essentials 55+ plan or four lines on its Go5G Plus 55 and Go5G Next 55 plans. Each additional line comes at a discounted rate, so the more lines you add, the more you save! I also saved $5 on each line by enrolling in AutoPay.
» Further Reading: Best two-line phone plans
Here’s a full breakdown of each plan’s starting rate:
- Essentials 55: $40 per month for one line
- Go5G Plus 55: $70 per month for one line
- Go5G Next 55: $80 per month for one line
» Learn More: T-Mobile pricing guide
Want to learn more? Watch our video review of T-Mobile’s phone plans below.
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6. Verizon - Best Multi-Line Discount
See our favorite phone plans
What we like most
- Nationwide 5G coverage
- Unlimited 55+ plan for Florida residents
- Variety of plans available
Verizon
See our favorite phone plans
SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.0
Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing average excellent above average excellent average Please scroll to the right for more info.
Overview:
Apple iPhone SE from Verizon
Overview
As one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, and entertainment products and services, Verizon is a popular choice for customers seeking a reliable network. Similar to AT&T’s unlimited 55+ plan, residents of Florida aged 55 and older can take advantage of Verizon’s senior-specific 55+ plan.
Again, I don’t love when 55+ plans and perks are reserved for Floridians, which is why I’m a big fan of T-Mobile’s nationwide 55+ options. But, if you live in another part of the country like me, Verizon offers several multi-line unlimited talk, text, and data plans.
Pros & Cons:
Pros About Verizon
- Nationwide coverage
- Unlimited talk, text, and data on all plans
- AutoPay discount
- Multi-line discount
- Veteran discount
- Free membership to Verizon Up rewards program and perks
- I’ve experienced solid coverage in many rural areas where other carriers don’t have service
Cons About Verizon
- The 55+ senior plan is available only to Florida residents. If you move, your plan will no longer be available.
- Plans are more expensive than those competitors.
- The 55+ senior plan has a two-line maximum.
Summary:
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.6
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. (And she made sure to rub it in my face!) As mentioned earlier, my friend with Verizon had better service than me on a recent girls trip.
Customer Service
Verizon’s customer service is a step above many of its 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.
If you’re like me, that last option is great. There are 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. I was in the middle of cleaning my house, so I was able to carry on and vacuum without holding the phone. About 30 minutes later, I got a call back. So easy!
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 similar to AT&T’s 55+ unlimited plan for Floridians, which costs $60 per month for one line or $80 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 0 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
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7. Snapfon - Best No-Frills Plan and Phone Combinations
See Pricing
Call for best price: Call to Order: (877) 249-6111
What we like most
- Simple phone designs
- Medical alert features
- Affordable prepaid plans
Snapfon
Call for best price: Call to Order: (877) 249-6111
See Pricing
SeniorLiving.org Rating 3.8
Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing excellent excellent excellent excellent excellent Please scroll to the right for more info.
Overview:
Snapfon ez4G
Overview
Snapfon’s cell phone plans for older adults may be basic, but its add-on sosPlus emergency response service is a major plus for older adults who want some added protection. With a focus on service and quality, Snapfon offers competitive pricing, 100 percent U.S.-based customer service, and nationwide 5G coverage. You can add on sosPlus mobile monitoring for 24/7 assistance in case of an emergency. Snapfon and Lively are the only carriers on our list that offer safety monitoring and a dedicated urgent response button for older adults, so sosPlus gets two thumbs up from me; it’s a pretty rare feature.
Pros & Cons:
Pros About Snapfon
- A-la-carte pricing for minutes, texts, and data
- sosPlus mobile monitoring available for an additional fee
- Conveniently located help button on all devices
- No contracts
- No overage or cancellation fees
- All plans include unlimited text
- 30-day risk-free guarantee
- Add up to four lines
Cons About Snapfon
- sosPlus is available only on Snapfon mobile devices.
- The maximum amount of data is 3 GB.
Summary:
Health and Safety Services
For an extra $10 per month, you can turn your Snapfon phone into an emergency response device. The sosPlus mobile monitoring service gives you round-the-clock access to an emergency support team. Similar to Lively’s packages that only work with Lively phones, this alert system only works with Snapfon phone models, Unlike Lively, you can bring your own phone to Snapfon; you just won’t be able to add sosPlus to it. If one of Snapfon’s devices meets your needs, this is a very affordable and easy way to access emergency support.
I found that the location of the one-touch SOS button on the back of the Snapfon ez4G and ezFlip 4G is very convenient. During testing, I noticed that it’s not in a place where you’re likely to press it accidentally, but it’s also easy to find in the event of an emergency. I’m notorious for touching emergency response buttons by accident when testing phones and medical alert systems, so I appreciated this detail! While the sosPlus feature is unique, I will say that Snapfon’s safety features are much less extensive than Lively’s, which include features like device tracking and 24/7 support from nurses and doctors.
» Further Reading: Best medical alert systems in 2024
Coverage
Snapfon uses AT&T and T-Mobile’s networks to provide nationwide 4G LTE coverage. If you have a 5G-compatible phone, you can also use AT&T’s 5G network with a Snapfon plan. While this does ensure that you can get coverage just about anywhere in the country, it also means that you could experience slower speeds if the network gets congested with too many users at once. I found that Snapfon’s speeds were generally comparable with other major providers’, but your experience may vary based on your location. Similar to Mint Mobile, I did experience slower speeds at high-traffic times, but this is a common issue with prepaid carriers that piggyback on other provider networks.
Customer Service
While Snapfon does have an excellent customer support team, it’s not always easy to access. You can call 1-800-937-1532 to speak to a Snapfon agent, or you can create a customer support ticket on the company’s website. You can also email customer support at customerservice@snapfon.com. If you want an immediate resolution to an issue, you’ll have to call the number between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week, as Snapfon’s customer service is unavailable on weekends. While trying out Snapfon, I inevitably had some questions for customer service on the weekend and had to wait until Monday for a response, so that was a minor drawback.
Pricing
Similar to Mint Mobile, Snapfon’s plans start at $15 per month. However, Mint Mobile’s starter plan comes with 5 GB of data, while Snapfon’s only offers unlimited talk and text without data. If you need data, you can choose plans that offer anywhere from 1 GB to 20 GB of data, with prices ranging from $20 to $75 per month. Snapfon’s top-tier plans are pretty pricey, especially since they don’t offer unlimited data.
You can also add on the sosPlus 24/7 mobile monitoring for $10 per month. This is less expensive than Lively’s packages with health and safety features. For example, prices start at $39.99 per month for a Lively package with Urgent Response, while Snapfon’s sosPlus is only $10. Just remember that Lively has a wider variety of unique features, while Snapfon only offers the emergency response button. The choice between the two carriers will come down to whether you want robust features or a budget-friendly price tag.
» Compare Your Options: Lively vs. Snapfon review
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8. FreedomPop - Best Free Cell Phone Plan
What we like most
- Free plan options
- No contracts
- Unlimited WiFi calls
FreedomPop
SeniorLiving.org Rating 3.8
Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing excellent excellent excellent excellent excellent Please scroll to the right for more info.
Overview:
Overview
FreedomPop makes it easy to build the best cell phone plan for your needs and budget. It’s taken the mobile phone industry by storm with its no-cost Freemium cell phone plan. Customers who require only minimal talk time will appreciate FreedomPop — for free! In my experience, I’ve never seen a totally free phone plan like this, so it’s very unique. While “free” is my favorite price tag, this plan is pretty limited. It only offers 10 minutes of talk, 10 texts, and 25 MB of data every month. I tried out the plan and used up all of the talk, text, and data in about a day (whoops). Still, it offers unlimited Wi-Fi calling, so it’s an option for those who very rarely use their phone or are frequently connected to Wi-Fi. If you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) you can score a free plan with 10 GB of high-speed data.
Need a bit more from your phone plan? You can upgrade from Freemium to a FreedomPop plan with additional minutes and data. FreedomPop plans come with anywhere from 1 GB to 10 GB of high-speed data, and all plans feature unlimited talk and text.
Pros & Cons:
Pros About FreedomPop
- Free plan option
- Free plan with 10 GB of data available for those who qualify for the ACP
- Paid plans available for more minutes, text, or data
- Unlimited Wi-Fi calls on all plans
- Ability to keep your phone number
- No contracts
Cons About FreedomPop
- International calls and visual voicemail cost extra.
- You must purchase a SIM card for the Freemium plan.
- Free plan only offers 10 minutes of talk, 10 texts, and 25 MB of high-speed data per month
Summary:
Coverage
If you have an AT&T-compatible phone, you can bring it with you to FreedomPop. This will give you nationwide 5G and 4G LTE coverage. As an AT&T customer, I was able to bring my phone with me when trying out FreedomPop. However, FreedomPop specifically points out that coverage can vary by location and device type, and it cannot guarantee coverage in a specific place. Based on my experience, FreedomPop coverage works pretty well in cities and other areas with a large population, but signal strength may be weak or nonexistent in rural areas. If you live in an area with reliable AT&T coverage, you should be good to go with FreedomPop.
Customer Service
If you need to contact FreedomPop, you can open a chat window on its website, send an email to support@freedompop.com, or call an agent directly at 1-888-702-8302. The FreedomPop customer service team is available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. as well as Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (PT). FreedomPop’s customer service agents were very friendly and helpful when I called, but you may have to wait on hold for a while before speaking to someone.
Pricing
FreedomPop plans start at $10 per month. All FreedomPop plans include unlimited Wi-Fi calls and text. When it comes to data, plans range from $10 per month for 1 GB of data to $30 for 10 GB of data.
Top Questions to Consider When Choosing a Senior Phone Plan
If you’re struggling to choose a phone carrier, ask yourself the questions below to narrow down your options:
- Which cell phone carriers are in your area? Your cell phone plan options will depend on which carriers provide coverage where you live. Ask your local friends, neighbors, and family which carriers they use and if they’re satisfied with their coverage.
- How will you use your phone? Will your phone be for just talking and texting? Or do you plan to use it for heavy internet surfing and video streaming? How you use your phone dictates the type of plan you need.
- Do you already have a cell phone? If you’d like to continue using your current phone, be sure to ask if the plan and carrier you are considering allow you to do so.
- Do you need a health and safety package? Some carriers, such as Lively and Snapfon, offer add-on health and safety packages that include urgent response and fall detection features.
- Do you want a prepaid plan? With prepaid cell phone plans, you’ll pay upfront for the number of minutes, texts, and data you need.
- Are you eligible for a veteran discount or low-income plan pricing? Many carriers offer discounts on phone plans to seniors, veterans, and low-income individuals.
- Do you travel out of the country often? You can stay connected with family and friends, even when you’re out of the country, with a plan that includes overseas coverage.
Five Common Cell Phone Plan Fees
Deciphering cell phone plan pricing can be tricky! Before locking into your new plan, ask the salesperson to total up all of the plan costs, including taxes and fees, so you know exactly what to expect when you receive your monthly billing statement. Don’t be afraid to ask for fees to be waived! You could snag some savings simply by speaking to a customer service representative.
Here are the five most common fees to look out for:
- Activation fee
- SIM card fee
- State and local wireless tax
- Phone upgrade fee
- Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee (RCRF)
Free or Low-Cost Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
Older adults living on a fixed income may struggle to pay for a cell phone plan. And how much Social Security you get plays a major role! Luckily, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Lifeline program provides help.
Participants in Medicaid health insurance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), veterans pension and survivor benefits, and other federal and state assistance programs may be eligible for free or low-cost phone service.
The FCC’s Lifeline program provides a discount on monthly telephone service, broadband internet service, or bundled voice and broadband packages from participating wireline or wireless providers. You can also check out our guide to free cell phones for seniors for more ways to save.
Best Phones for Seniors: How to Choose
My grandma making a call on the Jitterbug Smart4
As you shop for the best cell phone plan, you’ll need to make sure you have the right phone to go with it! With so many choices, finding the right cell phone can seem like a daunting task. These resources will help you make the most of your new cell phone and plan.
- Best smartphones for seniors: Our experts spent over 300 hours researching, asking questions, and testing various phones to find the best smartphones on the market.
- Best flip phones for seniors: Find out which flip phones made our top five recommendations.
- Best cell phones for hearing-impaired seniors: Get the most out of your hearing aids by pairing them with one of the best cell phones for hearing-impaired seniors.
- Best cell phones for visually impaired seniors: If you have vision loss or are blind, there are plenty of accessible phone options to choose from.
- Best big-button cell phones for seniors: We tested and reviewed over a dozen big-button cell phones and narrowed them down to our top five picks for seniors.
- Easiest cell phones for seniors to use: Searching for a simple cell phone? We have you covered with the easiest cell phones based on usability, size, and other senior-friendly features.
- Best cheap cell phones for seniors: If you’re on a tight budget, check out our top picks for cheap cell phones.
- Best iPhones for seniors: Are you a big fan of Apple products? We’ve hand-picked the best iPhones for older adults.
- Best Android phones for seniors: If you prefer Android over Apple, check out our top Android picks for seniors.
- Best voice-activated phones for seniors: Want a phone that you can operate with the sound of your voice? Take a look at our top picks for voice-activated seniors, perfect for those with arthritis or mobility issues.
