The best cell phone plans for seniors can help you save money on your cell phone bill if you're 55 years or older. But you're not limited to age-restricted plans. Broaden your search, and you can still find low-costs options that provide plenty of data.
Best cell phone plans for seniors at a glance
The best cheap cell phone plans — whether it's for seniors or for anyone at any age — deliver great value by including strong service and perks with affordable prices. In our search for the best cell phone plans overall, we've found serval plans designed specifically for anyone 55 or older. But we've also included any low-cost option that packs in sufficient data, including some of the best prepaid phone plans from carriers who might be off the beaten path.
The trick to finding the best senior phone plans starts with figuring out what you're willing to pay and zeroing in on an offer that meets your budget. To that end, we've lined up plans ranging from cheap options with just a little datato the best unlimited data plans that still keep costs down. We also consider plans that keep you covered should you travel. (And if your retirement years include a lot of globetrotting, be sure to check out our review of the best international phone plans you can use on your travels.)
Be aware that select seniors plans at AT&T and Verizon have residency requirements, whereas T-Mobile's best cell phone plan for seniors only requires proof of age. But you're not limited to options from big-name carriers, as several of the plans we've highlighted below aren't tied to age or residency requirements. Instead, these other choices for the best cell phone plans for seniors simply offer good coverage at a low monthly rate.
The quick list
Best senior plan overall
1. T-Mobile
Unlimited data for $60 (2 lines) at T-Mobile
T-Mobile's Essentials Choice 55 plan is a T-Mobile's lowest-cost plan for seniors age 55 and older. You get 2 lines of unlimited talk, text and data for $60 month, including access to T-Mobile's 5G network.
Best value plan
2. Mint Mobile
5GB for $15 at Mint Mobile
Mint's senior plan offers the same data and price as its entry level plan (including having to pay for a year in advance after your first three months to keep the lowest rate). But seniors qualify for extensive tech support with this plan.
Low-cost unlimited data
3. Visible
Unlimited data for $25 at Visible
If you want unlimited data on the cheap, turn to Visible. It costs just $25/month for one line of data, and you don't have to pay for a year in advance. Visible uses Verizon's network, including 5G coverage.
Most flexible plan
4. Ultra Mobile
3GB for $14 at Ultra Mobile
Paying upfront also reaps dividends with Ultra Mobile. Pay for a full year of service ($168), and your monthly rate drops from $19 to $14 for Ultra's 3GB plan. The carrier uses T-Mobile's network.
Best AT&T senior plan
Unlimited data for $60 at AT&T
Seniors 55 and older who live in Florida qualify for a $60 unlimited data plan at AT&T. Two lines cost $80 per month. In other states, try AT&T's Value Plus plan for cheap unlimited data.
Verizon's best senior plan
5. Verizon
Unlimited data for $62 at Verizon
Seniors 55 and older who live in Florida can get one line of unlimited talk, text and data for $62/month, with a second line available for $84. Outside of Florida, check Verizon's prepaid plans for low prices.
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Best AARP discount
7. Consumer Cellular
10GB for $35 at Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular's $35 monthly plan contains a generous amount of data, with a discount for adding a second line. AARP members get 5% off their monthly rate.
Best for travel
8. Google Fi
Unlimited data for $65 at Google Fi
Google Fi's wireless network uses T-Mobile and US Cellular towers for coverage. The Unlimited Plus plan costs $65/month for one line and lets you use your data for free when you head overseas.
The best cell phone plan for seniors overall
Best value plan for seniors
Best low-cost unlimited data plan for seniors
Best flexibe data plan for seniors
Best cell phone plan for seniors at AT&T
Best cell phone plan for seniors at Verizon
Best AARP discount on cell phone plans for seniors
Best cell phone plan for seniors who travel
How to pick the best cell phone plans for seniors
When researching the best cell phone plans for seniors, we've learned that there are a few factors to consider. Most of these plans tend to be more affordable with lower data caps, more flexible, and often offer special benefits.
Some brands, such as AT&T and Verizon, offer discounted prices for seniors or packages specifically designed for people over a certain age. However, these can require you to live in the state of Florida. T-Mobile is unique among the major carriers in having no residency requirement for its best cell phone plan for seniors.
If you don't live in Florida, your best bet is to focus on what you need. Do you need something with a minimal amount of data and low costs? One of the best cell plans for seniors from Mint Mobile, Tello, or Ultra Mobile should be a good fit for you.
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, T-Mobile offers up unlimited data plans. However, these are going to cost you a fair bit of cash to get, unless you turn to a discount carrier like Visible or Mint.
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