The Best Cell Phone Plans for Seniors in 2024
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With home phones waning in popularity, cell phones have become an essential utility, regardless of age. And while we’ve written extensively about the many affordable phones for seniors, service for a phone can easily run you upwards of $70 per month.
The best phone for seniors is useless without an equally useful cellular plan, so we found 10 senior cell phone plans that are both affordable and full of features such as international calling, ample data, and no long-term contracts. Some providers on the list (like T-Mobile) have special deals for seniors, while others (like Consumer Cellular) offer affordable service to people of any age.
In this guide to the best senior cell phone plans, we’ll highlight our favorite cellular options for seniors and evaluate them in terms of performance and pricing. We’ve purchased service with each of them, and we’ve ranked them based on their cost, coverage, and extra features.
The Top Senior Cell Phone Plans in 2024
- Lively : Best Safety Features
- Consumer Cellular : Best Overall Value
- AT&T Unlimited 55+ : Best for AARP Members
- Mint Mobile : Cheapest Provider Overall
- Straight Talk : Best for Mobile Security
- T-Mobile : Best for International Calls and Texts
- Cricket Wireless : Best with No Long-Term Contracts
- Boost Infinite : Cheapest Unlimited Data
- FreedomPop : Best for the Affordable Connectivity Program
- Verizon : Best for 5G
How We Chose Our Favorites
To evaluate the best phone plans for seniors, we tested and ranked each provider on the following criteria.
- Pricing and contracts: You can expect to pay about $20 to $60 per month for cell phone service. Most providers on this list offer month-to-month contracts, but some, such as Mint Mobile, require you to prepay for several months at a time.
- Reliable coverage: You may not recognize all the names on this list — Boost Infinite, for example, was formerly Republic Wireless — but these carriers all use the same networks: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. That said, we tested each carrier for both coverage and data speeds.
- Straightforward plans: Extra fees and charges abound in the world of cell phone plans, so we gave extra points to providers with minimal hidden fees.
- Customer service: No one likes wading through rounds of robo-call responders when they need to troubleshoot cellular issues, so we contacted each provider’s customer service to ensure they could give us the right help when we needed it.
- Safety features: Some companies, such as Lively, offer add-on features like roadside assistance and 24/7 urgent response call centers. Providers that offer those types of services were ranked more favorably.
Senior Cell Phone Plans Compared
Provider | Starting monthly price per line | Standout feature |
---|---|---|
Lively | $19.99 | Helpful safety and health features |
Consumer Cellular | $15 | Deep discounts for multiple lines |
AT&T | $50 | AARP discounts |
Mint Mobile | $15 | Most affordable plans with data |
Straight Talk | $30 | Mobile security features |
T-Mobile | $40 | Best deals on unlimited data |
Cricket Wireless | $30 | Month-to-month contracts |
Boost Infinite | $25 | Free iPhones included on plans |
FreedomPop | $10 | Free plans for low-income individuals |
Verizon | $35 | 5G Ultra Wideband available with some plans |
The Best Cell Phone Plans for Seniors in 2024
Lively - Best Safety Features
855-403-6340
What We Like Most:
- Unlimited data starts at $49.99 per month total
- Order Lyfts over the phone
- Health and safety features
- Monthly prices start at $25.99
Overview
Known for its popular line of Jitterbug phones for seniors, Lively is a cellular carrier that aims to simplify the wireless experience. It also offers a suite of safety features that includes urgent-response buttons and dedicated nurse hotlines that go beyond typical cell phone functions. Best of all, the provider’s plans start as low as $19.99 per month for unlimited talk and text.
Performance
Lively uses Verizon’s network, which, in our experience, was highly reliable. All our test calls connected clearly, including our tests of the Jitterbug Urgent Response feature, which connected us to monitoring agents in a matter of seconds. Just about everything with our Jitterbug phones worked smoothly on Lively’s network. The one caveat, however, is data. Lively’s network includes only 4G data, and we noticed slight lags when browsing the internet on our Jitterbug Smart4. (Side note: The Jitterbug Flip2 doesn’t use data.)
What Lively lacks in speed, however, it makes up for in health features. Take the urgent-response button, for example. If I pushed it during an emergency, I could connect to an agent immediately. If we were actually experiencing an emergency, the agent could have sent first responders to our location, much like how a medical alert system works.
>> Read more: The Best Medical Alert Systems
Customer Service
Overall, we were impressed with Lively’s customer service. When we activated our Jitterbug over the phone, we were promptly met with a human agent. We were also impressed by the service we received with both Lively Rides and Nurse-on-Call.
With Lively Rides, we could schedule Lyft rides without having to use the Lyft app. That would be especially helpful for users who have trouble using smartphone apps. We booked a ride from home to downtown, and the charge for the ride was added to our monthly bill from Lively. Lively Rides comes standard with all Lively plans.
With Nurse-on-Call, we had a dedicated hotline staffed by nurses. They were able to answer basic health-care questions and, in the case of our managing editor, refill his monthly prescription. The feature is particularly useful, but it’s available only with Lively’s Premium plan, which costs $49.99 per month.
Pricing
With all their extra features, Lively’s plans work a bit different than the other carriers on this list. For starters, you’ll need to choose from one of three plans: Basic, Preferred, and Premium. All three plans include unlimited talk and text.
The Basic plan, at $19.99 per month, also includes access to Lively Rides. The Preferred plan, for $39.99 per month, adds the Urgent Response feature and Lively Link, an app that allows loved ones to geographically track a user’s phone. The Premium plan, for $49.99 per month, includes unlimited use of the dedicated Nurse-on-Call hotline.
If you purchase either the Jitterbug Smart3 or Smart4, you’ll also have to purchase a data plan. They start at $5 per month for 1 GB of data and go all the way to $30 per month for unlimited data. Remember, though, that the Jitterbug Flip2 requires no separate data plan.
To learn more about Lively’s plans and features, read our full rundown of Jitterbug phones and plans.
Drawbacks
Lively offers only three phones to choose from: the Jitterbug Smart3, the Jitterbug Smart4, and the Jitterbug Flip2. The phones have some helpful features we haven’t seen elsewhere, but they’re the only phones you can use on Lively’s network. If you’re looking to bring your own phone to a network, we recommend Consumer Cellular or AT&T.
Bottom Line
With unlimited talk and text plans from $19.99 per month and some highly affordable phones, Lively is a great deal. If you’re looking to combine medical alert features with a cell phone, there’s no better network.
To learn more about this provider, read our full review of Jitterbug phones.
Pros
- Urgent response capabilities
- Simplified phones made for seniors
- Unlimited talk and text from $19.99 per month
- Nurse hotlines on some plans
- Dedicated operator for Lyft rides
Cons
- No mobile hotspot capabilities
- Only three devices to choose from
Consumer Cellular - Best Overall Value
844-580-0512
What We Like Most:
- Monthly prices start at $20
- 5 percent discount for AARP members
- No long-term contracts
- Stellar customer service
Overview
Consumer Cellular is among the few carriers that market specifically to older adults. Although the company’s service may lack the advanced features of major carriers, its talk, text, and data plans impressed us with their reliability and affordability. Consumer Cellular plans start at $20 per month for unlimited talk and text, and additional lines cost only $15, making the provider a great option for couples and families.
Performance
Consumer Cellular, like many providers on this list, piggybacks off AT&T’s network. In theory, that means we should have experienced deprioritized data service in times of peak usage. Even when using the network at a crowded sports field, however, we found consistently fast data speeds, which allowed us to stream YouTube videos at a consistent rate with no lag.
We also found that each of our test calls came through with exceptional clarity. Whether we were in the city or hiking through the woods of eastern Rhode Island, we always had access to at least a 4G LTE signal, if not 5G.
To learn more about our experience with this provider, read our full Consumer Cellular review.
Customer Service
In our experience, Consumer Cellular’s customer service was top-notch. Upon receiving my phone in the mail, I contacted the customer-service line, and I was immediately connected to a human. She informed me that all I needed to do to activate my phone was take a photo of the QR code included in my instruction manual.
That was something else I appreciated about Consumer Cellular: My Iris Flip phone already had a SIM card installed. To activate the phone, I simply had to open the phone’s QR reader app and capture the QR code. Within seconds, my phone was up and running.
>> Read more: Iris Flip Phone Review and Iris Connect Review
Pricing
Consumer Cellular’s plans technically start at $15 per month for a talk-only plan. The plan is not listed on the company’s website, but you can purchase it by calling the sales line. We recommend the next tier, though, which costs $20 per month and includes 1 GB of data and unlimited talk and text.
If you want a plan with unlimited talk, text, and data, it will cost you $50 per month. The price is a bit steeper than other options on this list, but it’s important to remember the discounts that come with multiple lines. No matter which plan you choose, additional lines are only $15 more per month. One line of unlimited data is $50, but two lines will be $65, and three will be $80. The three-line scenario boils down to roughly $27 per month per line — a highly affordable option.
Consumer Cellular also requires no long-term contracts. When I finished testing the company’s devices, I simply called customer service, informed them that I wished to cancel, and stopped paying for my service. There were no extra fees.
To learn more about the provider’s various plans, read our full guide to Consumer Cellular phones and plans.
Drawbacks
Consumer Cellular’s plans include unlimited talk and text within the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, but you’ll have to pay extra for international calls no matter which plan you’re on. Rates vary slightly by the country you wish to call. Calls to South Africa, for example, cost $0.15 per minute, while calls to Brazil cost $0.03 per minute.
If you have friends or family abroad, we recommend checking the rates for relevant countries on Consumer Cellular’s website before pulling the trigger on one of its plans.
Bottom Line
Unlimited data can get a bit pricey with Consumer Cellular, but it’s easily the best value for light data usage and unlimited talk and text. Extra lines cost only $15 each, so we definitely recommend this provider for couples and families.
Pros
- Powered by AT&T’s network
- 5 percent discounts for AARP members
- No long-term contracts
- Unlimited talk and text for $20 per month
- Deep discounts for extra lines
Cons
- Potentially high costs for international calls
- No mobile security or safety features
AT&T Unlimited 55+ - Best for AARP Members
855-959-3973
What We Like Most:
- $10 monthly discount for AARP members
- Unlimited talk, text, and data for $50 per month
- Incredibly fast data speeds
- Option to bring your own phone
Overview
AT&T is one of the most reliable cell phone service providers in the country, offering nationwide service for $50 per month. It’s certainly not the cheapest carrier on this list — that would be Mint Mobile — but it offers discounts for AARP members, as well as a special unlimited data plan for subscribers who are 55 or older.
Performance
Unlike Consumer Cellular and Mint Mobile — which piggyback off other networks — AT&T owns and operates its own network. That means our data speeds were never deprioritized at any point during our testing. Compare that to Mint Mobile, which, during peak usage times, slowed our data speeds.
With that in mind, we were able to take full advantage of 4K streaming on the provider’s 5G network. Compared to the other networks on this list, AT&T had the best performance when streaming video, with minimal lags or buffers.
We also appreciated AT&T’s ActiveArmor app, which comes standard with the company’s plans. It’s difficult to evaluate a mobile security app, but we didn’t receive a single robo-call or telemarketer while testing our AT&T phone.
Customer Service
One advantage of buying a cell phone directly from a carrier is that carriers have stores you can visit. Rather than using phone, live chat, or online support, I went into an actual store and spoke to an actual human when I was having issues with my phone freezing. A representative helped me within a few minutes. The best part? No annoying hold music!
Pricing
In recent years, AT&T has ditched customizable amounts of talk, text, and data. All the carrier’s plans now include unlimited talk, text, and data. AT&T’s plans range from $50 to $85 per month, but if you want unlimited data that isn’t throttled, it’ll cost at least $65 per month. The plans include mobile security features such as spam call blocking; virtual private networks (VPNs), which protect you on public Wi-Fi networks; and identity monitoring to prevent identity theft. They also include mobile hotspots, for the most part.
If you are a Florida resident, you can pay even less: one line for $60 or two lines for $80. Both plans include unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S. and Mexico; spam call blocking; 5G access; and unlimited texting to over 200 countries from the U.S. To qualify, you must be 55 or older and enroll with autopay and paperless billing. All plans are monthly.
Drawbacks
AT&T certainly isn’t the cheapest option on the market. Its plans start at $50 a month, which is a lot more than Mint Mobile, which starts at $15 per month; FreedomPop, which starts at $10 a month; or even Verizon, which starts at $35 per month. In recent years, AT&T has also stopped offering a wide selection of flip phones.
If you’re looking for a more affordable provider with simplified phones, we recommend checking out Lively.
>> Read more: The Best Flip Phones
Bottom Line
AT&T may be unnecessarily pricey for users who mostly talk and text, but if you plan to use your phone for data-related tasks — such as social media, streaming, or gaming — there’s no better option than AT&T.
To learn more about this provider, read our full guide to AT&T senior plans.
Pros
- $10 per month savings for AARP members
- Ultra-fast 5G data speeds on most plans
- Long-distance and international plans available
- Physical locations for customer support
- Mobile security included with all plans
Cons
- More affordable plans come with slower data speeds
- No safety features
Mint Mobile - Cheapest Provider Overall
What We Like Most:
- Plans from $15 per month
- Special discounted plan for seniors
- Free calling to Mexico and Canada
- Unlimited talk and text on all plans
Overview
If you’re looking for an affordable cellular plan with talk, text, and data, Mint Mobile may be the ideal option. With Mint’s 55+ plan for seniors, you’ll get 5 GB of data and unlimited talk and text for $15 per month. It’s easily the cheapest price we’ve seen.
Performance
As an MVNO, Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile’s network, offering coverage throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. My calls went through well even when I was hiking in rural New York State, and I was happy with the data speed. My websites and apps connected quickly, but I noticed some slower speeds during peak times — a hallmark of any MVNO.
One thing to note, however, is that Mint Mobile’s Unlimited plan is a bit of a misnomer, since our data speeds were throttled after using 40 GB of data. Although 40 GB will be enough for most users, we thought it was worth noting.
Customer Service
Mint Mobile does not have any stores I could go to for help, but the company has a robust online help center, live chat, and a phone option. I could change my plan and activate my phone using its included SIM card online. Even without a physical store, the number of ways Mint Mobile gave me to access customer support made me feel, well, supported.
Pricing
Mint Mobile is a prepaid carrier, for which you pay for three, six, or 12 months of service in one lump sum. Mint plans are advertised at $15 to $30 per month, but the low prices require you to pay for several months of service in advance.
Let’s take the senior plan as an example. Mint’s 55+ plan is advertised at $15 per month, but you’ll have to pay $45 up front for the first three months, which works out to $15 per month. Something else to consider is that the low price is an introductory offer. After the first three months, you’ll need to pay for a full year to keep the $15-per-month price ($180 total). If you wish to continue paying for three months at a time, your monthly price will increase to $25.
Even if you choose to pay in three-month bursts instead of annual ones, Mint’s plans are still significantly more affordable than those from other carriers.
Drawbacks
Mint Mobile certainly wins in terms of affordability, but it’s a pretty bare-bones cell phone plan. I didn’t get the mobile security of a company like Straight Talk, the health and safety features of a company like Lively, or any streaming extras like Verizon. Given the data throttling on all plans, Mint Mobile is not ideal for people who frequently stream video on their phones.
Bottom Line
To learn more about our experience with Mint Mobile, read our guide to Mint Mobile senior plans.
Pros
- $30 per month unlimited data available
- Discount for people 55 and older
- Free calling to Mexico and Canada
- Plans start at $15 a month
Cons
- Lowest prices require larger up-front payments
- No mobile security or safety features
Straight Talk - Best for Mobile Security
What We Like Most:
- Free Walmart+ memberships on some plans
- Unlimited talk, text, and data for $45 a month
- Choose between one-, three-, six-, or 12-month plans
- Up to five lines and up to $100 in total savings
Overview
Straight up, now tell me: Is Straight Talk the MVNO for you? With relatively low prices, including $41.25 for unlimited monthly data, Straight Talk is a good option for the budget-conscious. The top-tier plans include a Walmart+ membership, and the highest-tier plan comes with Mobile Protect, which covers drops, spills, thefts, and losses, making this plan ideal if you’re clumsy.
Performance
Straight Talk uses Verizon’s network across the nation, providing access to 5G, 4G, and 4G LTE speeds. That made it easy to make clear calls no matter where I was. Note, however, that once the high-speed data runs out on any plans, speeds will be affected by a 2G network — far from the top-of-the-line 5G.
One thing I appreciated about Straight Talk was that I could use the Platinum Unlimited plan to call friends in more than 60 countries, and their voices were as clear as if I was standing right next to them.
Customer Service
Straight Talk is sold both online and in person at stores such as Walmart. I purchased my phone at my local Walmart, and I used the website’s live chat feature to upgrade my plan — although they also offer a phone option. The live chat began with an automated list of questions before I was connected with a real human who helped me upgrade.
Pricing
Straight Talk has the least straightforward pricing of any provider on this list, but I’ll make it simple. With the most basic plan, conveniently named Basic Phone Plan, you’ll get 1,500 minutes, unlimited text, and 100 MB of data for $30 per month. With the most expensive plan, Platinum Unlimited, you’ll get unlimited talk, texts, and data; a mobile hotspot; cloud storage; international calling; a Walmart+ membership; and cybersecurity features for $65 per month. All of Straight Talk’s plans are prepaid.
Domestic plans range from $30 to $65 a month. Unlimited data starts at $41.25, which is lower than the industry average, but you’ll experience slower speeds. The fastest unlimited data costs $45 per month, which is still less than the $50 providers like T-Mobile and Verizon charge.
Straight Talk does not offer discounts for seniors, but you can save money on the Extended Silver Unlimited plan by signing up for one year. The Gold Unlimited and Platinum Unlimited plans offer a Walmart+ membership, but only the Platinum plan includes mobile protection. Straight Talk’s overage policy is the most extreme of any provider on this list, not only charging a per-MB cost, but also requiring an entirely new service card or account refill.
Drawbacks
Thirty bucks for only 100 MB of data is not a good deal, especially when you can get unlimited data from Mint Mobile for the same price. I would recommend Straight Talk only if you want an unlimited plan, since the prices are more in line with industry standards.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an affordable entry point into one of the nation’s most powerful networks, Straight Talk may be the network for you.
To learn more about the provider, read our full guide to Straight Talk senior plans.
Pros
- Powered by Verizon’s network
- Unlimited data costs only $41.25 per month
- Walmart+ membership included with some plans
- Some plans include long distance and mobile hotspots
Cons
- No senior discounts
- Cheaper plans include data throttling
T-Mobile - Best for International Calls and Texts
What We Like Most:
- Service in Mexico and Canada
- Special discounted plans for seniors
- Unlimited talk, text, and data from $27.50 per line
- Spam-blocking features
Overview
Among the three major carriers — Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile — T-Mobile is by far the most affordable option for older adults. The provider offers plans with unlimited talk, text, and data starting at $27.50 per month, allowing you to make the most of your smartphone without overage charges. The plans also require no long-term contracts.
FYI: Only the primary subscriber to a T-Mobile 55+ plan needs to be 55 or older. Additional lines can be used by people of any age.
Performance
Just because I’m traveling doesn’t mean I’m OK with inferior data. With T-Mobile, I had high-speed data and texting even internationally with the Go5G Plus 55 and Go5G Next 55 plans, along with 50 GB of 4G LTE data. That came in handy when I was in a coffee shop in Italy and I needed to text my neighbor to make sure I turned off my oven. With these two plans, I also got 4K UHD streaming quality, making the flight over the Atlantic a breeze. T-Mobile has by far the best performance internationally in terms of speed.
Customer Service
When it comes to customer service, T-Mobile has it all: brick-and-mortar stores, a phone line, an app, an online help center, and live chat. Because I prefer in-person contact, I used the company’s store locator to find locations near Portland. Within seconds, 36 options appeared that I could sort by distance. Before I even set foot in the actual store, T-Mobile showed me its deals and available devices, decreasing the time I needed to spend in the store. If you prefer human connection, go to one of T-Mobile’s stores for your customer service.
Pricing
T-Mobile’s 55+ plans start at $40 per month for one line or $55 per month for two lines ($27.50 each). That makes it the only major carrier to offer plans with unlimited 5G data for $40 or less. The basic plan also includes scam-blocking protection, mobile hotspot usage, and texting while abroad.
If you choose a higher-tier plan, you’ll also get free AAA membership, in-flight Wi-Fi, and even a Netflix subscription.
>> Read more: The Best Streaming Services for Seniors
Drawbacks
T-Mobile has low prices for two lines of unlimited data, but you’re out of luck if you want to pay less than $20 a month. If budget is your main area of concern, check out Mint Mobile, which starts at only $15 for one line (T-Mobile starts at $40).
Bottom Line
T-Mobile Unlimited 55+ plans are ideal for heavy users of data, calls, and texts. No other wireless provider offers unlimited 5G data at such an affordable price. Both Verizon and AT&T offer discounted unlimited plans for seniors, but the plans are currently available only to Florida residents. T-Mobile’s senior plans, however, are available nationwide.
To learn more about the provider, read our full guide to T-Mobile senior plans.
Pros
- Up to 4K HD streaming
- Netflix and Apple TV+ memberships with some plans
- Spam-blocking features
- Most plans include high-speed data and texting while abroad
Cons
- Cheapest plan is $40 per month
- No discount if you are under the age of 55
Cricket Wireless - Best with No Long-Term Contracts
What We Like Most:
- Month-to-month contracts
- Discount if you enroll in autopay
- Most plans include international calling
- Max subscription included with top-tier plan
Overview
An MVNO backed by AT&T’s network, Cricket Wireless offers unlimited data for $50 when you turn on autopay or $55 if you pay manually. If you want to pay less, however, 5 GB of data costs $30 per month.
Performance
Activation with Cricket was a breeze. After ordering one of the company’s SIM cards online, we popped it into a tester phone and got started. We were pleased that there were no hidden activation fees.
Making calls with Cricket was smooth. We experienced crystal-clear audio, even while in a busy downtown food court, and no dropped calls. My mom, the queen of long chats, was thrilled with the connection, and my friends loved the crispness of my voice during our calls.
Data, the lifeblood of any modern soul, was surprisingly consistent. Streaming music and podcasts during my commute was seamless, and social media scrolling was a lag-free joy. Even the occasional YouTube binge (don’t judge my urban-planning video addiction) didn’t leave me waiting for the buffer wheel to disappear. Downloading a large game took a bit longer, but that’s what home Wi-Fi is for. Overall, Cricket’s data held its own, proving that affordability doesn’t have to come with sacrifices.
Customer Service
Cricket Wireless is sold in stores across the country. People who prefer interacting with a computer, however, can use the online help center or live chat. There’s also a phone line available into the late hours of the night, but I prefer speaking to people online. That’s why, when my phone wasn’t working late one Monday night, I used the live chat to help me troubleshoot. My phone was just overheating, and we got it working properly within minutes.
Pricing
Cricket Wireless offers plans that range from $30 to $60 per month. The lowest-tier plan includes 5 GB of data and 2 GB of cloud storage for $30 per month. The top-tier plan includes unlimited data, 150 GB of cloud storage, 15 GB of a mobile hotspot, a subscription to the streaming service Max (with ads), and international texting to 37 countries for $60 per month. The prepaid provider is average in terms of pricing, with unlimited data starting at $50 per month, similar to networks like AT&T.
In addition to these features, all Cricket plans come with spam-call blocking, allowing you to avoid calls that could be fraudulent. There is no discount for seniors specifically, but you can save money by enrolling in autopay. Cricket also does not have overage charges. After you use your monthly high-speed data allotment, you simply won’t have access to more data unless you purchase it.
Drawbacks
Cricket throttles data on all plans, especially if you’re streaming videos. Even with its unlimited plans, videos are only standard definition and you may have slower speeds if the network is busy. Plus, instead of charging you around $0.10 per extra MB of data you use, like Lively, you’ll be completely cut off from data if you go over your monthly allotment. The only way to get more is to upgrade your subscription. On the other hand, Cricket let me know once I reached 75 percent of my 10 GB per month so I could make sure I didn’t go over.
Bottom Line
To learn more about the provider, read our full guide to Cricket Wireless senior plans.
Pros
- Powered by AT&T’s network
- Month-to-month contracts
- Up to five lines on a plan
- Discounts for autopay
Cons
- No senior discounts
- Data throttling with all plans
Boost Infinite - Cheapest Unlimited Data
What We Like Most:
- Uses Dish, T-Mobile, and AT&T networks
- Unlimited data for $25 a month
- 5G speeds on all plans
- Some plans include free iPhones
Overview
Formerly Republic Wireless, Boost Infinite offers unlimited data for only $25 a month — half the cost of providers such as AT&T, Cricket Wireless, and T-Mobile. What really makes it stand out, though, is the opportunity to get a new iPhone, whether through a trade-in or not. With the top-tier plan, Infinite Access for iPhone, you’ll get a new iPhone every year. Boost Infinite is the only provider on this list with such an offer.
Performance
Boost Infinite is the only MVNO on this list to offer coverage from not one, but three networks: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Dish. How does it work? With the top-tier plans, wherever I was, my phone found the fastest 5G network and switched to it automatically. That ensured that I could really take advantage of my phone’s 5G compatibility and get the fastest speeds for streaming, uploading, and downloading. Because Boost Infinite offers the latest iPhones, the combination gave me the best performance in terms of speed.
Unlike other providers, Boost Infinite does not hit you with overage charges if you exceed your data allowance. You will, however, experience slower speeds if you use less than 30 GB of data per month — unless you’re on the Infinite Unlimited Plan — so make sure to forget those Wi-Fi networks!
Customer Service
Boost Infinite offers customer service via live chat, an online support center, and phone. There’s also a ton I could do within the app itself, including activate my phone and modify my plan. If you’re more of a phone person, the customer-service team is available every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. MT. I was pleased to have only been on hold for a brief moment before being helped when I had a question about the Dish network.
Pricing
All of Boost Infinite’s plans include unlimited talk, text, and data, and they start at just $25 a month — the cheapest unlimited data on this list. By paying $25 to $30 more per month, however, you can get perks such as international calling and texting or even a free iPhone, a feature I haven’t seen from any other provider.
The more you use your phone’s data, the less throttling you’ll experience. If you use less than 30 GB per month, for example, you may experience slower speeds. Contracts are monthly, but if you cancel your service before 36 months, you may have to pay for the remainder of your iPhone 15, which costs $830 total.
Boost Infinite does not have any specific plan or discounts for seniors, but we think its low prices for data make it ideal for people of any age.
Drawbacks
Boost Infinite’s wireless network combines T-Mobile, AT&T, and Dish cellular networks, connecting users to whichever service is strongest in their area. Dish’s cellular network covers only about 7.5 percent of the country, though, so you’ll usually get T-Mobile or AT&T.
Bottom Line
For affordable data and a cell phone plan that upgrades your iPhone every year, Boost Infinite is the ideal choice. To learn more about the provider, read our guide to Boost Mobile senior plans.
>> Read more: The Best iPhones for Seniors
Pros
- Dish, AT&T, and T-Mobile networks available
- Unlimited data costs only $25 per month
- Up to five lines per plan
- Some plans include free iPhones
Cons
- Dish network is not available in much of the U.S.
- No discounts for seniors
FreedomPop - Best for the Affordable Connectivity Program
What We Like Most:
- Access to AT&T’s network
- Monthly contracting
- $0 plan available for low-income individuals
- Paid plans start at $10 per month
Overview
With any FreedomPop plan, you’ll get unlimited calls and text messages over Wi-Fi. The only difference among the plans is data. FreedomPop offers either 1, 4, 10, or 25 GB of data per month for between $15 and $40. There’s no unlimited data option, but FreedomPop is a great way to save money if you don’t use your phone very much. You can access 5G in some locations, and all contacts are month to month.
Performance
Like Cricket Wireless and Consumer Cellular, FreedomPop uses AT&T’s 5G network as an MVNO. Because the provider doesn’t offer an unlimited-data option, I had the choice of only 1 GB or 10 GB of high-speed data per month. I used my phone minimally, mostly texting and talking (which worked well), so I had no issues with speed. If I was curious how much data I had used, I could view it in my account summary on FreedomPop’s website.
Customer Service
Much like Boost Infinite, all of FreedomPop’s customer-service options are remote: email, phone, live chat, or online help center. I used the online help center to downgrade my plan. It was as easy as logging on to the website, selecting my phone line, and then clicking “Change Plan,” “See Details,” and the button that said, “I would like to downgrade to the free plan.”
Pricing
FreedomPop brands itself as a free wireless provider because of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program. The program is not specific to FreedomPop; you can use it with any cellular provider as long as your household income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines or you meet other criteria. If you qualify, you can get 10 GB of free data, plus unlimited calls and texts, from FreedomPop.
If you don’t qualify for the program, you can pay anywhere from $10 to $30 for 1 GB or 10 GB of data. Strangely, there’s no unlimited data option. It’s the only provider on this list not to offer one.
GB of high-speed data per month | 1 | 10 |
---|---|---|
Cost per month | $10 | $30, or $0 if you are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program |
Unlimited calls and texts | Yes | Yes |
What happens if you go over your data allotment? Oddly, if you come even close to your monthly data limit, you will receive a message that your service is suspended and you will need to upgrade your plan. The other option is to enable automatic top-ups, which cost $20. If you have a free plan, you’ll pay $0.025 per MB from that $20, or $0.02 on any paid plan. In other words, that $20 gives you around 800 more MBs of data for the free plan, or about 1,000 MB on a paid plan.
FreedomPop doesn’t offer any discounts specific to seniors. All contracts are monthly, and with no unlimited data plans, you shouldn’t experience any throttling.
Drawbacks
FreedomPop’s lack of an unlimited data option is definitely a drawback, since every other provider on this list has one. The service is also incredibly bare-bones. No matter what plan you choose, you’ll get unlimited calls and texts over Wi-Fi, plus 1 MB to 25 MB of data per month. If you want a plan with streaming services, safety features, or mobile security, I recommend checking out providers such as AT&T or Consumer Cellular.
Bottom Line
If you’re eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program, FreedomPop can be completely free. That’s pretty hard to beat. To learn more about the provider, read our guide to FreedomPop plans.
Pros
- Can easily connect you with the Affordable Connectivity Program
- Monthly contracts
- $10 minimum cost per month
- 5G available in some locations
Cons
- No unlimited data plan
- No extras, such as streaming services or mobile security
Verizon - Best for 5G
844-227-3890
What We Like Most:
- Up to 5G Ultra Wideband network available
- Texting to over 200 countries
- Up to 4K streaming
- Unlimited Ultimate package includes ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu
Overview
Verizon is the only provider to offer not only 5G, but also what the company calls 5G Ultra Wideband, which is even faster than 5G. People 55 and older can get two lines for $84 a month — only $42 per person. Verizon is ideal for people who want a phone with speed, but also don’t want to pay an inordinate amount for unlimited data. Verizon’s unlimited data starts at $50 for the general population.
Performance
If speed is the name of your game, you’ll appreciate Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network. What does it mean? First, I had 4K UHD quality when I was streaming — a far cry from the standard definition of other networks. I could also download podcasts, movies, and TV shows for a long plane ride in a flash. Even if I didn’t have the Unlimited Plus plan, all the prepaid plans included 5G/4G LTE data, which is the fastest coverage available.
Customer Service
Verizon has a ton of stores across the country, as well as an online help center, live chat, and a phone line. One thing that stands out about Verizon’s call center is that you can log on and request a call, rather than being forced to sit through hold music for 15 minutes. Even if I had chosen to call directly, the hold time was only one minute. Verizon says live chat is the quickest option, however, which was true when I needed help upgrading my plan.
Pricing
Verizon offers three prepaid plans, two of which have unlimited data. All plans include unlimited talk and text over Wi-Fi; international calling; antivirus, antimalware, spam-blocking, and safe-browsing software; and talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada. Unlimited data costs $50 with autopay, which is the same cost as many large providers such as T-Mobile and AT&T.
Plan | 15 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited Plus |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly cost per line (with autopay) | $35 | $50 | $60 |
Verizon technically offers a “discount” for Florida residents ages 55 and older, but when I compared the numbers, I found that the regular plans are actually cheaper. One line with the “discount” costs $62 per month and has only 4G LTE data, for example, but I could get 5G Ultra Wideband for only $60. It was the same case for two lines. I never thought I’d say this, but don’t fall for Verizon’s discount, since it’s actually more expensive than the regular price.
Drawbacks
Data throttling is unavoidable with Verizon, no matter which plan you choose. If you choose the 15 GB per month plan, you’ll get high-speed data for the first 15 GB and then 2G speeds for the rest of the month. Similarly, with the Unlimited Plan, your streaming quality will reach only 480p, and you could experience throttling at peak times. Even with the Unlimited Plus plan, I experienced throttling after I used 50 GB per month, per line, of 5G or 4G LTE data. That was annoying, since the plan cost $60 a month with autopay.
Bottom Line
Sometimes you get what you pay for. If you don’t mind paying top dollar, Verizon will give you some of the best service around. To learn more about the provider, read our guide to Verizon senior plans.
Pros
- Only network with 5G Ultra Wideband
- Texting to over 200 countries
- Mobile hotspot
- Unlimited Ultimate package includes subscriptions to Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+
Cons
- No mobile security
- Data throttling on all plans
Types of Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
Before you choose a provider, you may want to familiarize yourself with the types of cell phone plans available for seniors: talk and text, unlimited, or prepaid.
Talk-and-Text Cell Phone Plans
A talk-and-text cell phone plan provides a limited number of minutes and texts per month. They have mostly fallen out of favor, which means you probably won’t have to worry about exceeding a talk or text limit. With most providers, talking and texting over Wi-Fi is unlimited.
If you don’t use your phone very much, choosing a talk-and-text plan could save you money. One provider that still offers the plans is Straight Talk. With its Basic Phone plan, you can get 1,500 minutes of talk time and unlimited texts for $30 per month. Consumer Cellular also offers a basic plan with 300 monthly minutes for $15, but you’ll have to call the company to subscribe to the plan.
Unlimited Cell Phone Plans
Unlimited cell phone plans have no limits on talk, text, or data, so you can use as much data as you want without getting charged overages. Many people choose unlimited plans so they don’t have to worry about how much data they’re using, but you can save money by choosing a prepaid plan.
Every major provider on this list except FreedomPop offers unlimited plans, and they usually come with the most perks, such as streaming services, shopping subscriptions, and mobile hotspots.
Prepaid Cell Phone Plans
With a prepaid plan, you’ll have a limited amount of data — typically 5 GB, 10 GB, or 20 GB per month — but talk and text over Wi-Fi are usually still unlimited. Prepaid plans cost less than unlimited plans, but you may be charged fees or forced to upgrade if you go over your data limit.
How to Choose a Senior Phone Plan
So which plan to choose? Remember to take into account the following factors:
- Budget: You can pay anywhere from $10 to $100 a month for your cell phone, and most unlimited data plans cost roughly $50 per month. Determine your maximum budget so you may be able to eliminate some providers automatically.
- How many lines you need: Take into account the number of lines you’ll need when you calculate cost. The more lines you need, the more it will cost — although you may be able to get a per-line discount with some providers, such as AT&T and Verizon.
- How much data you’ll need: We generally recommend unlimited data plans if you use your phone for email, streaming, or gaming. Streaming one hour and 20 minutes of video requires approximately 1GB of data.
- Availability: Check your provider’s coverage map to see how well it works in your area. Most providers offer maps on which you can type in your address and see the coverage.
Do You Need a Plan with 5G?
You’ve heard me use the term “5G” ad nauseam, but is it really necessary? And what’s wrong with regular old 4G? The short answer is that 5G is much faster than 4G, allowing for quicker streaming and browsing.
It will come in handy if you want to download high-definition films, stream music, or play mobile games at the same speeds you’d get at home. It can also come in handy when you’re video-chatting with friends or staying up late watching Netflix.
If you primarily use your phone for talking and texting, however, 5G won’t make a noticeable difference in your cellular experience.
Bottom Line
Especially if you’ve never had one before, choosing a cell phone plan can be overwhelming. Hopefully I’ve provided some clarity, so you can benefit from my vast experience with these companies. If there’s a question I didn’t get to, keep reading for some frequently asked questions below.
Senior Cell Phone Plans Frequently Asked Questions
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Who has the best cell phone plans for seniors?
Consumer Cellular has the best cell phone plans for seniors. An unlimited talk and text plan costs $20 per month, and AARP members can get extra discounts.
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Which cell phone carriers have senior discounts?
AT&T, Consumer Cellular, Mint Mobile, T-Mobile, and Verizon all offer discounts or special plans for seniors.
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Does AT&T have a phone plan for seniors?
Yes, AT&T has a phone plan for seniors, but only if you are 55 or older and live in Florida. The offer is for either one line for $60 or two lines for $80 per month. The lines both include unlimited talk, text, and data throughout the U.S. and Mexico, spam blocking, 5G, and unlimited texting to over 200 countries from the U.S.
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What is the most reliable cell phone company?
The most reliable cell phone company is T-Mobile, since it has more 5G coverage in the U.S. than AT&T and Verizon. T-Mobile covers 94.4 percent of the U.S. with 5G coverage, compared to AT&T’s 93.6 percent and Verizon’s 63.9 percent, according to a 2023 report from the consultancy firm Accenture. T-Mobile’s network is also the most stable, with 93.5 percent stability compared to 92.1 percent and 61.1 percent for AT&T and Verizon, respectively.
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Which is better for seniors: Verizon or T-Mobile?
T-Mobile is better for seniors than Verizon. At T-Mobile, people 55 and older can get one line of unlimited data for $40 per month or two lines for $55 total. Verizon, on the other hand, offers unlimited data for $50 with autopay. The company claims it has a discount for seniors in Florida, but it’s actually more expensive than both Verizon’s regular pricing and T-Mobile’s pricing.
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What is the cheapest phone plan for seniors?
The cheapest phone plan for seniors is Mint Mobile. Adults ages 55 and older can get 5 GB of 5G data, plus unlimited talk and text, for $15 per month if they sign up for a three-month package. They’ll also get three free months. Even unlimited data costs only $30 if you sign up for three or 12 months, or $35 if you sign up for six months. It’s the lowest price for unlimited data on the market.