The 7 Best Senior Cell Phone Plans of 2024

T-Mobile is the best senior cell phone plan with special deals for seniors that make budgeting a breeze.

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The best senior cell phone plans offer helpful and understandable programs tailored to the needs of older adults. Connecting with family, friends, and medical services is more important to many older adults than costly plan features like unlimited high-speed data, mobile hot spots, and real-time streaming video. 

Essential factors to consider in choosing a senior cell phone plan include your needs for a “smart” or a basic call, text, and data phone, the plan’s service coverage area, the number of lines you need, your preference for a service contract or a prepaid or “no-contract” plan, and, of course, the cost. The seven services featured here offer various features specifically tailored for seniors.

Best Senior Cell Phone Plans of 2023

Best Overall: T-Mobile

Best Emergency Plan: Lively

Best Prepaid: Metro by T-Mobile

Best Basic: Consumer Cellular

Best Flexible: US Mobile

Best Traveler: AT&T

Best Data: Boost Mobile

Best Overall: T-Mobile

T-Mobile Logo

T-Mobile Logo

  • Plans: 3 special over age 55 plans
  • Average Monthly Cost: $28 to $45 for one line
  • Unique Features: Unlimited 5G & 4G LTE data, high-speed mobile hotspots, taxes & fees included

Why We Chose It

Offering three easy-to-use 55+ plans, all coming with unlimited talk, text, and data, T-Mobile is likely to meet the needs of most seniors.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • No annual contract required

  • Unlimited talk, text, and data on senior plans

  • Free Scam Shield caller ID

  • Keep your current phone and number

Cons
  • Assisted support charges

  • Slower data during peak traffic times


Overview

Dubbed the rate plan for a "generation of rule-breakers," T-Mobile's unlimited Magenta 55+ plan offers unlimited talk, text, and LTE data for $70 monthly for two lines.

The $70 charge is the same number you should see every month without any taxes or fees tacked onto the bill, making budgeting much more manageable.

Beyond the set rate, T-Mobile adds unlimited video streaming at DVD quality (480p) and international roaming in Canada and Mexico with 5 GB of LTE data.

Additionally, retirees will note the 60 minutes of free in-flight Wi-Fi while on a Gogo-enabled flight. Customers can also turn their devices into mobile hotspots without any extra charge.

With nearly 50 percent in savings compared to leading competitors' rates, world travelers and heavy data users should flock to this T-Mobile plan.

Other options include a slightly less robust plan called Essentials 55+ for $55 per month for two lines. There's also a Magenta Max 55+ plan for $90 per month for two lines that adds UHD streaming, 40 GB of 4G LTE data, and more.

Best Emergency Plan: Lively

Lively
  • Plans: Six customizable, seniors-specific plans and phones
  • Average Monthly Cost: $22 to $50

Unique Features: Urgent response health and safety packages

Why We Chose It

Lively is an excellent option for older customers looking for a cell phone plan that's good for low monthly use, and its emergency features will ease users' and family members' minds.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • 24/7 access to health services

  • Loud speakers and bright displays

  • Highly customizable plans

  • Uses the Verizon network for wide coverage

Cons
  • Short battery life

  • No options for Android/iOS users

  • Built-in medical alert systems lack fall detection

Overview

Home of the senior-friendly Jitterbug phones, Lively offers an Unlimited Talk & Text Plan for $19.99 per month with unlimited minutes and unlimited texts.

To complete your phone plan, you'll choose a data option: 1 GB for $5 per month, 3 GB for $10 per month, 5 GB for $15 per month, and unlimited for $30 per month.

But Lively really shines with its urgent response offerings, known as Lively Health and Safety packages, which let users immediately access emergency assistance, ask medical questions, summon a locksmith, and more.

The $24.99 Basic package includes an urgent response service and a "Lively Link," which alerts designated loved ones when you access the urgent response service. A $34.99 Premium package also includes access to a live operator.

Best Prepaid: Metro by T-Mobile

The Metro By T-Mobile logo.

 The Metro By T-Mobile logo.

  • Plans: Selection of prepaid plans
  • Average Monthly Cost: $40 to $60
  • Unique Features: Unlimited high-speed data

Why We Chose It

For a no-frills solution on prepaid, look to Metro by T-Mobile for a one-stop plan that offers a $40 monthly rate that includes unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Access to the T‑Mobile 5G network

  • Free Scam Shield caller ID

  • All fees and taxes included

  • Faster than most other prepaid carriers

Cons
  • Must visit retail store to apply for service

  • Limited coverage in rural areas

Overview

Piggybacking off T-Mobile's nationwide 5G network, Metro by T-Mobile customers can rest easy knowing that all taxes and regulatory fees are already included in the bill, so $40 is the same rate every month.

The most expensive plan at $60/month adds plenty of extras like 20 GB of hotspot data and unlimited texting to over 200 countries.

As a prepaid carrier, customers do have to purchase the device outright, with prices varying depending on the device. However, Metro by T-Mobile does offer a bring-your-own-device solution to skip past the upfront cost of a new phone.

Best Basic: Consumer Cellular

Consumer Cellular

 Consumer Cellular

  • Plans: Three senior discount plans
  • Average Monthly Cost: $20 to $50
  • Unique Features: Unlimited talk & text, nationwide coverage

Why We Chose It

Geared toward the older crowd, Consumer Cellular is a simplified cell phone reseller that provides an easy-to-understand solution to selecting a cellular provider.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • 5G access at no extra cost

  • Award-winning customer service

  • Paperless billing

  • 5 percent AARP discount

  • Risk-free trial

Cons
  • Few bundled phone deals

  • Additional phone line cost

Overview

Individual Consumer Cellular users can start with rates as low as $20 per month for unlimited talk and text and 1 GB of data, while a two-line plan sharing the same data and minutes raises the cost to $35 per month.

As a bonus, Consumer Cellular has an established relationship with AARP, so there's a 5 percent discount on monthly service for any existing AARP member.

Another highlight of Consumer Cellular is the opportunity to select a new plan every month, so you can adjust your allotted monthly minutes and data in case you're traveling or are spending too much or too little for your monthly needs.

Best Flexible: US Mobile

US Mobile Logo

 US Mobile Logo

  • Plans: Wide range of prepaid plans
  • Average Monthly Cost: $2 to $35
  • Unique Features: Very affordable

Why We Chose It

For seniors who still have a landline or just need a cell phone for emergencies, US Mobile has many affordable options.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Very affordable

  • No contract

  • Discounts for adding lines

  • Responsive customer service

Cons
  • Slow data speeds

  • No mobile hotspot

Overview

For a truly flexible solution, cell phone customers should look to US Mobile for a wireless carrier that provides a wide selection of buckets to help piece together the right plan for you.

With prices starting as low as $5 for 2,500 minutes & 500 MB and $12 for unlimited talk & text and 2 GB of data, it's easy to see right off the bat just how flexible and inexpensive US Mobile can be. Alternatively, prices can go as high as $25 for 25 GB of 5G data and unlimited talk and text. If you prefer unlimited everything, there's an Unlimited Basic talk, text, and data plan for $35 per month, which drops to $30 per line for two lines, $25 per line for three lines, and $20 per line for four or more lines.

To help make things easier, US Mobile offers a 100-day risk-free trial to ensure you're on the right plan and with the right provider, with the promise of a full refund if you're not completely satisfied.

Customers who select US Mobile can supply their own device but if you want a new phone number there is a $10 fee to activate the service.

Best Traveler: AT&T

AT&T Logo

 AT&T Logo

  • Plans: Special plan for seniors
  • Average Monthly Cost: $60 to $80
  • Unique Features: Free spam and fraud call blocking, identity monitoring, and safe browsing

Why We Chose It

One of the nation’s first cell service providers, AT&T offers unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. In addition, subscribers get free texting in more than 200 countries, making it excellent for travelers.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • AARP discounts

  • AutoPay discount

  • Paperless billing discount

  • Free spam and fraud call blocking

  • Free texting to 200+ countries

Cons
  • Unlimited 55+ plan is only available in Florida only

  • May throttle data speeds if the network is busy

Overview

Customers enjoying their golden years by traveling should look to AT&T's $40 monthly prepaid offering.

For that price, AT&T customers receive unlimited talk and text in and between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

International travelers can also take advantage of international text messaging in Mexico, Canada, and from the U.S. to more than 200 countries. As for data, AT&T offers 15 GB of 5G data that's good for use in all of North America, and any unused data rolls over for one 30-day renewal period.

With nationwide coverage on AT&T's 5G network and no-frills use anywhere in North America, AT&T's prepaid option is a terrific choice for seeing the world.

Best Data: Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile

 Boost Mobile

  • Plans: Special senior discounts
  • Average Monthly Cost: $8 to $60
  • Unique Features: Unlimited talk and text, discounts for extra lines

Why We Chose It

While not the cheapest carrier, Boost Mobile offers excellent services and some unique benefits for seniors at affordable prices.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Extensive 5G coverage

  • Unlimited talk, text, and mobile hotspot use

  • Discounts for additional lines

  • Diverse data plans

Cons
  • Higher prices

  • Activation fee for users who bring their own phone

Overview

For mobile-savvy seniors, Boost Mobile offers an attractive solution that is no-frills and includes taxes and fees directly in the rate plan.

Customers opting for the $50 Go Unlimited plan receive unlimited talk, text, and 35 GB of LTE data. Including a 12 GB mobile hotspot adds even more value to Boost's already great offering, and adding a second line is just $30 per month.

After your monthly data allotment is exceeded, you'll be reduced to 2G data speeds for the rest of the month.

Final Verdict

For its easy-to-use 55+ plans, all with unlimited talk, text, and data, T-Mobile was our choice as the best overall senior cell phone option. Featuring unlimited 5G & 4G LTE data, and high-speed mobile hotspots, with taxes and fees included, T-Mobile is likely to meet the needs of most seniors.

Seniors passionate about traveling should consider AT&T, our choice as the best travel carrier. Their 55+ plans feature unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, along with free texting in more than 200 countries.

For those seeking an affordable cell phone plan with emergency notification features, the health and safety packages offered by Lively, our pick as the best emergency plan, will ease users' and family members' minds.

Compare the Best Senior Cell Phone Plans

 Company  Plans Average Cost   Unique Features
T-Mobile Best Overall 3 special over 55 plans $28 to $70 Unlimited 5G & 4G LTE data, high-speed mobile hotspots, taxes & fees included
Lively Best Emergency Plan Six customizable, seniors-specific plans and phones $22 to $50 Urgent response Lively Health and Safety packages
Metro by T-Mobile Best Prepaid Selection of prepaid plans $40 to $60 Unlimited high-speed data and text
Consumer Cellular Best Basic Three senior discount plans $20 to $75 Unlimited talk & text, nationwide coverage
US Mobile Best Flexible Wide range of prepaid plans $3 to $35 Very affordable
AT&T Best Traveler Unique prepaid plans for seniors $25 to $40 Free spam and fraud call blocking, identity monitoring, and safe browsing
Boost Mobile Best Data Special senior discounts $8.33 to $60 Unlimited talk and text, discounts for extra lines
FAQ
  • How Can I Get a Free Phone for a Senior?

    Especially important for seniors, the federal Lifeline program provides free cell phones or free home phone service for anyone over 60 for emergencies. The Lifeline program provides a free cell phone and free minutes every month. To qualify, your income must be 135 percent or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines.



  • Does Medicare Cover Cell Phones for Seniors?

    Generally, no. For seniors on Medicare to obtain a free government phone, they must also have a low income or participate in specific federal assistance programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps.

  • Is There a Simple Cell Phone for Seniors?

    According to many independent reviewers and senior organizations, the Jitterbug Smart3 from Lively is the best cell phone for seniors because it combines accessibility, functionality, and safety. The phone features large, easy-to-read menus and only essentials like maps and navigation, a camera, email, and an internet browser.

  • How do I Choose a Senior Cell Phone?

    Look for accessibility and ease of use. Features like large lighted buttons, bright screens, and extra-loud volume levels help make a cell phone more accessible and easier to use for older people.


Methodology

In compiling our list of best cell phone plans for seniors, we considered the service provider’s information and dozens of online reviews from actual users and senior organizations. Some factors we considered included cost, senior discounts, service coverage area, number of lines needed, unlimited data, talk and text options, contract requirements, emergency notification options, and 5G availability.

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