By Rob Webber - Last updated on
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Pros
Simple, solid plan options
AARP discount
Competitive pricing for light to medium users
Device payment plan
US-based customer service
Cons
Small plan selection
Expensive unlimited data plan
Consumer Cellular has been on the MVNO scene since 1995. Based in Tigard, Oregon, the carrier gears its affordable cell phone plans towards senior citizens and other light data users.
This MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) - runs on the AT&T and T-Mobile networks, and although not the cheapest they provide simplicity and value.
Check out what this carrier is all about below with our full Consumer Cellular review.
What is Consumer Cellular & is it worth it?
Consumer Cellular plans & pricing
| Plan | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Cellular 3GB | 3GB | T-Mobile | $30/mo |
| Consumer Cellular 10GB | 10GB | T-Mobile | $40/mo |
| Consumer Cellular 15GB | 15GB | T-Mobile | $50/mo |
| Consumer Cellular 25GB | 25GB | T-Mobile | $60/mo |
With Consumer Cellular you can choose one or more lines, and get a discount the more lines you add. If you're an AARP member you'll get special discounts including 5% on monthly service.
There's no contract, so you have the flexibility to amend your plan, or if you're not happy you can cancel and move on.
All plans include unlimited talk and text, with most plans aimed at low data users. They do offer an unlimited data plan, but you'll find cheaper options from other low-cost carriers.
If you're looking for the very basic without any flashy features, they also offer talk only plans.
Savings comparison
AT&T vs Consumer Cellular comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $300 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Consumer Cellular | AT&T 4G & 5G | 15GB | $50/mo | $600/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $25/mo | $300/yr | |
Consumer Cellular benefits
- Trusted coverage: this low-cost carrier is powered by AT&T and T-Mobile, providing you with the same quality coverage you're used to.
- No commitment: with no contract, activation fees, or credit checks, you can leave any time if your needs change.
- AARP discounts: special benefits and discounts for AARP members.
- Easy to switch: once you've ordered your plan you can be up and running in a few days.
- Order online: choose your plan from the comfort of your own home and it's delivered straight to your door.
Consumer Cellular coverage
Consumer Cellular is powered by AT&T and T-Mobile for nationwide 4G LTE coverage.
What network does Consumer Cellular use?
Operating on both T-Mobile and AT&T you have your choice of networks. You can check who offers the best coverage in your area for peace of mind.
Network coverage ratings
| NETWORK | ROOTMETRICS | OPENSIGNAL | OOKLA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon network | 95 | 9.8 | 74% |
| AT&T network | 93 | 9.5 | 80% |
| T-Mobile network | 87 | 88 | 79% |
Sources: RootMetrics, OpenSignal, and Ookla.
Consumer Cellular data speeds
Offering full 4G LTE data speeds, Consumer Cellular's data speeds are one of the best from MVNOs. However, when you reach your data limit you'll likely see the data speeds slowed.
Consumer Cellular data plans
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
3GB
4G/5G data
$30 /mo
Powered by: T-Mobile
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
10GB
4G/5G data
$40 /mo
Powered by: T-Mobile
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
15GB
4G/5G data
$50 /mo
Powered by: T-Mobile
Consumer Cellular features
30-day money-back guarantee
If you're not happy with Consumer Cellular you can get a full refund if you let them know within 30 days and the data use limit is under 500MB.
Multi-line discounts
If you're looking for a family plan, Consumer Cellular offers discounts the more lines you add.
Bring your own phone
Not looking to upgrade your phone? Save your dollars and bring your own phone and keep your number. You can check your phone compatibility before you buy.
US-based customer service
An award-winning 100% US-based customer service on hand to help.
Consumer Cellular Family plans
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Cellular 3GB | $30 | $60$30/line | $90$30/line | $120$30/line |
| Consumer Cellular 10GB | $40 | $80$40/line | $120$40/line | $160$40/line |
| Consumer Cellular 15GB | $50 | $100$50/line | $150$50/line | $200$50/line |
| Consumer Cellular 25GB | $60 | $120$60/line | $180$60/line | $240$60/line |
Consumer Cellular phone deals
You can bring your own phone or purchase one from their shop. Although there's only a small selection of Consumer Cellular phones, they do have the latest Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy smartphones.
Compare iPhone prices
| Device | 64GB | 128GB | 256GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone SE | $14/mo | $16/mo | $20/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 mini | - | $22/mo | - |
| Apple iPhone 13 | - | $26/mo | $30/mo |
| Apple iPhone 14 | - | $30/mo | $35/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro | - | $33/mo | - |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro | - | - | $33/mo |
| Apple iPhone 14 Plus | - | $35/mo | - |
Consumer Cellular customer service
| CARRIER | TRUSTPILOT USER RATING |
|---|---|
| Consumer Cellular | 1.3 |
| T-Mobile | 1.5 |
| Verizon | 1.3 |
| AT&T | 1.2 |
Find out what real customers are saying about this carrier with Consumer Cellular user reviews.
You can contact customer support via online chat or call them to speak to a US-based support specialist.
Consumer Cellular customer support phone number: (888) 345-5509
How do Consumer Cellular plans compare
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 1GB plan | 1GB | T-Mobile | $10/mo |
| Twigby 4GB plan | 4GB | Verizon | $10/mo** $10 Credit with Promo Code: MSP |
| Boost Mobile 5GB plan | 5GB | AT&T & T-Mobile | $5/mo** 66% Off for 3 Months |
| US Mobile 15GB plan | 15GB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $20/mo* FREE 10-Day Trial |
| Mint Mobile Unlimited plan | Unltd | T-Mobile | $30/mo** Only $90 for 3 Months |
Switching to Consumer Cellular
Move your plan to Consumer Cellular in a few simple steps.
1. Order the Consumer Cellular SIM starter kit online.
2. Pop your new SIM card into your phone and follow the activation process.
3. If you're transferring your number it may take 24 hours.
4. Enjoy your new plan.
Consumer Cellular FAQs
What network is Consumer Cellular on?
Consumer Cellular operates on the T-Mobile and AT&T networks. Check coverage in your area with AT&T and T-Mobile.
Does Consumer Cellular have unlimited data?
Consumer Cellular does provide a plan that includes unlimited data. On average we only use around 3 to 5GB of data a month so be sure to check your data usage.
Can I use my own phone with Consumer Cellular?
If you have an unlocked GSM phone from T-Mobile or AT&T you can bring your own phone to Consumer Cellular. It's always worth checking if your phone is compatible on the carrier's website.
Recap
Consumer Cellular has been on the scene for over 25 years and still offers competitive plan options for low to medium data users.
You can choose to bring your own phone or purchase a new handset directly. There's a small selection to choose from but they do include the latest smartphones from Apple and Samsung.
Rob has 15+ years experience in the US and UK running price comparison sites for cell phone plans, smartphone deals, TV, and internet. He loves thinking outside of the box to build tools that empower consumers to make more informed decisions.