There's no one perfect cell phone service option that fits everybody, and senior cell phone plans are no different.
Consider this:
Whether you're in your golden years or have a loved one who is, no doubt you've found your way here because you're trying to figure out exactly which device and plan will work best for the mature person's specific needs.
Don't worry - there are plenty of senior mobile options ranging from ultra-basic to the most advanced. Maybe you want the latest smartphone, or just a pay-as-you-go phone with a simple call plan so you can get help quickly in emergencies.
The bottom line is that the best cell phone plans for seniors come in all shapes, sizes, and budgets. In the following guide, I'll outline the range of available options and where to get them.
In This Guide
Plans for the Tech Savvy Senior
Consider this: 78% of adults ages 65 and over are cell phone owners, so it's a decision we're all bound to face!
Not all senior citizens are interested in just a basic phone. According to the Pew Research Center, 30% of adults age 65 and over, use a smartphone. A higher tech option gives seniors access to emergency help as well as a way to keep up with news and more without the expense of cable TV.
Tired of High Phone Bills? Calculate Your Savings!
Save NowIf you or your elderly relative are more about technology than the average senior, there are some affordable options for you as well.
US Mobile
For the senior on-the-move who wants a little bit of everything, then US Mobile's $12 plan is a great choice. Just like Tello, you can build any sort of plan you want, and their intuitive account dashboard allows you to seamlessly adjust how many minutes, texts, and data you have each month.
As always, US Mobile only offers prepaid, no contract plans with no hidden fees, overage charges, or early termination fees. They also have a 24/7 dedicated customer service team you can reach via phone, online chat, or email. They also have a small shop of cheap cell phones suitable for seniors you can peruse.
US Mobile $9 Plan (5 Lines)
Related: To learn more about how US Mobile can help you build customized plans, go here.
The People's Operator
Otherwise known as TPO, this low-cost carrier offers prepaid, pay-as-you-go plans. The plans they offer are compatible with all carriers of the Big Four, making switching a snap and ensuring solid network coverage no matter where you are. A portion of your bill is donated to charity as well, making TPO a great way to support causes you love.
All of their plans are also no contract (you may be noticing a pattern here) and without any early termination fees, it's easy to give TPO a trial run and leave in case you aren't happy with them. Speaking of happiness, however, TPO has made it their goal to ensure you are cared for, offering customer service every day of the week.
For the tech-savvy senior who uses a cell phone for surfing the web and staying in touch with friends and family, we recommend the People's Plan, which you can see below.
Freedompop Basic 200: 100% Free Talk, Text, and Data (1 Line)
Tello Mobile
Tello, similar to US Mobile, allows you to truly customize your plan to meet your needs. Being able to choose how many minutes, texts, and data you need are sure to please your lifestyle and your wallet.
All of their plans are no contract and prepaid, so there's no commitment to Tello if you're unsatisfied with their service. As a low-cost MVNO carrier, you can expect no hidden fees, no activation fees, and no early termination fees, which is a breath of fresh air compared to the Big Four.
For the senior who doesn't use a cell phone often, we recommend Tello's $20 plan, which you can see below. It's perfect for those who talk and text sparingly and comes with enough data for light Internet usage.
US Mobile $21 Plan (1 Line)
Republic Wireless
For a budget-friendly plan perfect for seniors who only need minutes and texts, look no further than Republic Wireless' Clear Choice plan. Similar to the other carriers, you can expect a prepaid, no contract plan with no hidden fees or overage charges.
What makes Republic Wireless unique is its Adaptive Coverage technology, which blends minutes and texts with WiFi, when available. Of course, this requires a 4G enabled smartphone, which may be unnecessary for a senior depending on his or her usage, but offers unparalleled service.
For $15 each month, you'll have unlimited talk and text. The plan comes with no data, but you'll still be able to surf the web, watch videos, and more as long as you have a WiFi connection.
Simple Mobile $50 Plan (1 Line)
H2O Wireless
H2O Wireless is an AT&T only MVNO that is a little more expensive than the other carriers on this list but offers great cell phone plans that strike a balance between the low-cost, budget-oriented plans like Virgin Mobile or Tello, and the Big Four. Their Economy Plus Plan is excellent for seniors still in the working world or who like to travel often.
When you sign up for Auto Pay, it's only $27 a month for unlimited talk and text with 3GB of data. You'll also receive unlimited international texts and a $10 credit for calling outside of America. The only downside is their uninteresting selection of cell phones. However, this may be right up your alley if you need a simple cell phone without the bells and whistles.
US Mobile $30 Plan (1 Line)
Other Options
Cricket Wireless offers an affordable prepaid plan at $30 for unlimited talk, text, and data, including 1 GB of high-speed access. You can bring your own device, or buy one starting at $30 for a basic flip phone.
Boost Mobile also has a great deal on its prepaid services. For $35 a month Boost Mobile gives you unlimited everything, including 2 GB of high-speed data. This service provider also carries a flip phone, with device prices starting at $20 (or bring your own).
Consumer Cellular offers no-contract plans with monthly fees ranging between $10 (pay-as-you-go phone plan) and $30 (unlimited call plan). It gets even better: not only does Consumer Cellular have great rates, this wireless service provider also has the Doro PhoneEasy 626. This senior-friendly flip phone features large buttons, including an emergency call button. The Doro PhoneEasy is easy on your budget too, at just $50.
Read More: Take a look at the buyer's guide to cheap smartphones for seniors for low-cost mobile phones suited for seniors.