Best phone plans for seniors in 2021
There's no one size fits all when it comes to phone plans. And shopping for a senior cell phone plan is no different.
Flexible plans are important so you're not paying for features you don't use. But that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice technology. If you're tech savvy there's still plenty of great options to choose from.
With plans in all shapes and sizes, check out some of the best low-cost carrier deals for seniors.
Senior cell phone plans comparison
| Carrier | Network Coverage | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | T-Mobile | 1GB | $10 |
| Reach Mobile | Verizon | 3GB | $15** $15 Off for 3 Months |
| Pure Talk | AT&T | 4GB | $18.75** 25% Off for 3 Months |
| Ting | T-Mobile | 5GB | $25 |
| Twigby | Verizon | 3GB | $10** 50% Off for 6 Months |
Senior cell phone carrier benefits
- Big network coverage without the hefty price tag - MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) are powered by the same network as the big four telecom providers. You can slash your bill but still enjoy the same coverage. How are they so cheap? Being online only, they don't have the cost of physical stores and sales staff. They also don't use your money for expensive advertising.
- Customized plans - Only pay for what you need. Do you need unlimited everything? If not, tailoring a plan to fit your usage will save you hundreds of dollars a year on your cell phone bill.
- No contracts or credit checks - All low-cost carriers offer prepaid plans. No credit checks or long term tie ins. The great thing is if you're not happy you can leave at any time. No questions asked and no early termination fees.
- Keep your phone and your number - Most alternative carriers encourage you to bring your own phone. You can check if your phone is compatible on the carrier's website. They make it simple and hassle free to switch over.
Best AT&T senior phone plan
AT&T vs Pure Talk Plan Comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $675 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G LTE | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Pure Talk | AT&T 4G LTE | 2GB | $20/mo | $225/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $675/yr | |
See more AT&T senior phone plans
Best Verizon senior phone plan
Verizon vs Reach Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $645 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon 4G LTE | Unltd* | $80/mo | $960/yr |
| Reach Mobile | Verizon 4G LTE | 3GB | $30/mo | $315/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $50/mo | $645/yr | |
See more Verizon senior phone plans
Best T-Mobile senior phone plan
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | 3GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $660/yr | |
See more T-Mobile senior phone plans
Best Sprint senior phone plan
Sprint vs Tello Plan Comparison
Keep your Sprint phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprint | Sprint 4G LTE | Unltd* | $60/mo | $720/yr |
| Tello | Sprint 4G LTE | 1GB | $10/mo | $120/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr | |
See more Sprint senior phone plans
Best talk & text only plan for seniors
- No hotspot/tethering charges
- International calling and texting
- 4G LTE coverage
- Exclusive deals and discounts as a Twigby customer
- Limited handset selection
- Not for the data hungry
Twigby
If you're looking for a basic plan, we love Twigby. You can build a plan around your needs and get more for your money by choosing a no data plan.
Piggybacking on the Verizon and Sprint network you'll get great nationwide coverage.
Best cheap prepaid plan for seniors
- Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
- Prepay months in bulk for more savings
- Reliable network coverage
- Works with most GSM phones
- No family plans
- Minimum 3 months
Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile runs on the popular T-Mobile network. They have a range of plans available whatever your needs. We love their fresh attitude on saving money on your cell phone bill.
You can save even more with Mint Mobile by bundling your plan for 3, 6 or 12 months.
Best unlimited data plan for seniors
- 24/7 customer support
- No contracts
- Budget friendly family plans
- No roaming
- Coverage in rural areas
Tello
With most of us only using 3 to 5GB of data a month, we don't believe you need unlimited data. However, if you feel you'd be stuck without it, you can still nail a great unlimited data plan from Tello.
Designing their plans to save you money, Tello plans are super flexible and affordable.
Best cell phones for seniors
| Phone | AT&T | Verizon | T-Mobile | Unlocked | iPhone 11 | $349 | $599 | $699 | $349 | iPhone 11 Pro | $649 | - | - | $649 | iPhone 11 Pro Max | $749 | - | - | $749 | iPhone 12 | $579 | $829 | $829 | $579 | iPhone 12 Mini | $479 | $729 | $729 | $479 | iPhone 12 Pro | $749 | $999 | - | $749 | iPhone 12 Pro Max | $849 | $1,099 | - | $849 | iPhone SE 2020 | $149 | $399 | $399 | $149 | iPhone XR | - | $499 | $499 | $499 |
|---|
Bring your own phone to save even more
Changing plans doesn't have to be stressful. Here are some ways that make your switch over super easy:
- Bring your own phone: You don't need to purchase a brand new phone. If you've got an old phone hanging around, as long as it's compatible you can bring your own phone to your new carrier to save even more money.
- New phone: If you're in need of something new you can still nail a great deal. Whether it's an upgrade from your current phone or you want something more basic. Check the carrier's phone selection. Most offer 0% finance over 2 years.
- No contracts: With the flexibility to up and leave if you're not happy it's a win-win.
Senior cell phone service providers list
Making emergency calls
If you or a relative live alone and you're looking for a plan that provides peace of mind in case of an emergency. GreatCall is one of the best.
GreatCall
Targeted specifically towards seniors, GreatCall offers not only affordable cell phone plans but also the added peace of mind with emergency services access. Unfortunately you can't bring your own phone to GreatCall, but they have two phones available directly. If you've not heard of the Jitterbug phones you can find out more below;
- Jitterbug Lively Flip: An easy to use flip phone with large buttons and easy to read display. In case of an emergency there is an urgent response button. And the best part? It's connected to Amazon Alexa.
- Jitterbug Smart: This smartphone is easy to setup and has a large 5.5" display. Perfect for video chatting with friends and family. There's also a 5Star urgent response button in case of an emergency.
GreatCall offers optional health and safety packages. Along with urgent response, you can choose from features like 24/7 access to medical professionals. They also provide a US based customer support team.
Low income phone plans
With a low-cost carrier, you'll find a plan no matter your budget. And the best thing is there's no surprises on your bill at the end of the month. If you're looking for further discounts or you're on a low income there are plenty of options.
Many cell phone companies offer discounts to AARP members. If you're not a member find out more about AARP here.
You may be eligable for the federal government Lifeline program. Participation in the following programs may qualify you:
- Medicaid
- Food stamps/SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Programs
Senior cell phone plan FAQs
Who has the best senior cell phone plans?
GreatCall provides affordable plans and also has added peace of mind with emergency services access.
What cell phone does AARP recommend for seniors?
The Jitterbug phone and smartphone are recommended by AARP. GreatCall - powered by Verizon - has options to purchase a Jitterbug phone with their plans.
What cell phone companies offer senior discounts?
If you're a member of AARP - American Association of Retired Persons - there may be discounts available. Some carriers offer rewards with this membership. Make sure to check on the carrier's website for more information.
Does AT&T have cell phones for seniors?
Yes, there's a number of plans for seniors on the AT&T network. Compare AT&T MVNO senior plans.
Does Verizon have senior plans?
Yes. MVNO's using the Verizon network offer a good selection of plans for seniors. Check out the range of Verizon senior cell phone plans.
Recap
An uncomplicated, budget friendly plan for seniors is totally possible. A plan with an online carrier can be tailored to your needs, so check out our savings calculator to see where you could be saving money. You'll be able to cut your bill in half, with no unwanted surprises.
Whether you're looking to be able to Facetime your grandkids, have access to the internet or just have something basic in case of emergency. There's a perfect plan available. Find out the best coverage for your area and choose a low-cost plan on a network you can trust.
You don't need to purchase a new phone when signing up with an online carrier. Most providers encourage you to bring your own. If you do bring your own device the carrier will be able to check your phone is compatible before signing up. Prefer to get a new phone? Check out the carrier's available handsets with two years 0% finance.
