Senior cell phone plans don't have to mean basic, but we understand the importance of saving.
If you've not heard of MVNOs - Mobile Virtual Network Operators, you're not alone. They're becoming more popular as they operate on the same networks you already know, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile but at half the price.
There's no need to pay $70-$80 a month for your cell phone plan. With an alternative carrier like Red Pocket Mobile or Ting you can save up to $600 a year without any sacrifices and we've broken it down for you below.
| Cheap prepaid plan | Tello |
| Cheap family plan | US Mobile |
| Cheap unlimited plan | Mint Mobile |
| Cheap 5G plan | Boost Mobile |
| Cheap talk & text plan | Twigby |
| Cheap individual plan | Good2Go Mobile |
| Cheap no contract plan | Reach Mobile |
| Best SIM card | Ultra Mobile |
| Cheap data plan | Mint Mobile |
Cheapest prepaid phone plan for seniors
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 1GB
- Price
- $10/mo
Tello 1GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for only $10 per month. Tello plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Tello review
Pros
No contract. No bulk buying.
24/7 friendly customer support
4G LTE/5G nationwide coverage
Free Hotspot & Wi-Fi Calling
Free international calls to 60+ countries
Cons
No roaming
Coverage in rural areas
Benefits
Service on the nationwide T-Mobile network
Money-back guarantee on phones (no refunds on plans)
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own phone or choose from a modest selection of new or refurbished devices
Keep your current phone number
Use of your plan data as a mobile hotspot through your phone is allowed
Use your minutes to call Canada, China, and Mexico
Minutes to other countries available as add-on
24/7 customer service
Cheapest family phone plan for seniors
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 5GB
- Price
- $15/mo* Free 10 Day Trial
US Mobile 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $15 per month. US Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's US Mobile review
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
Benefits
Coverage on either the T-Mobile or Verizon network
Risk-free trial: Full refund within 14 days or before 1000 talk, text, or MB's is used
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own GSM or CDMA phone or choose from a small selection of phones for sale
Keep your own phone number
Mobile hotspot use available as add-on option with unlimited data plans
International roaming plans available with eSIMs
Add-ons available for talk, text, and data, with rollover
24/7 customer support
Cheapest unlimited phone plan for seniors
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30/mo** Only $90 for 3 Months Service
Mint Mobile Unlimited plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $30 per month. Mint Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Mint Mobile review
Pros
Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
Prepay months in bulk for more savings
Reliable network coverage
Works with most GSM phones
Cons
No family plans
Minimum 3 months
Benefits
Operates on the nationwide T-Mobile network
7-day money-back guarantee
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your phone or buy a Mint Mobile device
Keep your phone number
Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is permitted
Free calling to Canada & Mexico, affordable rates to 160+ other locations
Flat-rate international roaming available as an add-on feature
Customer service by phone on weekdays and weekends, 24/7 by virtual chat
Cheapest 5G phone plan for seniors
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 5GB
- Price
- $5/mo** 66% Off for 3 Months
Boost Mobile 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $5 per month. Boost Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Boost Mobile review
Pros
New customers & Online only
No annual contract
Free SIM Kit ($9.99 value)
Free Shipping ($4.99 value)
Works w/ most Unlocked GSM Phones
Cons
Coverage in rural areas
Benefits
Owned by Dish and runs on T-Mobile's nationwide network
Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or extra fees
Bring your own phone (GSM compatible) or choose from a wide selection of new phones
Mobile hotspot allowance with all plans
International service and roaming available as add-on packs
Customer support available by phone - 4am - 8pm PST Monday to Friday, 4am - 7pm weekends
Cheapest unlimited talk & text plan for seniors
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 0GB
- Price
- $5/mo** $10 Off for 3 Months
Twigby 0GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 0GB data for only $5 per month. Twigby plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Twigby review
| Plan | Data | Price | View plan |
|---|---|---|---|
1GB | $5* * $10 Off for 3 Months | View Plan | |
Twigby Unlimited Talk & Text | 0GB | $5* * $10 Off for 3 Months | View Plan |
4GB | $10* * $10 Off for 3 Months | View Plan | |
7GB | $15* * $10 Off for 3 Months | View Plan | |
10GB | $20* * $10 Off for 3 Months | View Plan | |
Twigby Unlimited Data | Unlimited | $30* * $10 Off for 3 Months | View Plan |
Pros
No hotspot/tethering charges
International calling and texting
4G LTE coverage
Exclusive deals and discounts as a Twigby customer
Cons
Limited handset selection
Not for the data hungry
Benefits
Runs on both the Verizon and Sprint networks
30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee on phones and plans (under 300 minutes, 300 texts, or 300 MB of data used)
Prepaid - no contracts, credit checks, or activation fees
Bring your CDMA device or choose from a modest selection of Twigby phones
Keep your own phone number
Use your phone and plan data as a mobile hotspot
Use your plan minutes to call Canada, China, and Mexico
Free international texting to over 180 countries
US-based chat support available weekdays 7am to 9pm CST and 10am to 6pm on weekends
Cheapest individual phone plan for seniors
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 3GB
- Price
- $10/mo** 50% Off for 3 Months
Good2Go Mobile 3GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 3GB data for only $10 per month. Good2Go Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Good2Go Mobile review
Pros
4G LTE coverage
No contract
No credit checks
Cons
No unlimited data options
No app interface
Benefits
Coverage on the nationwide AT&T & T-Mobile networks
Prepaid cell phone plans - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own phone or buy a Good2Go Mobile phone
Mobile hotspot/tethering not supported
International calling to over 60 countries available as affordable plan add-on; calling to other countries via add-on calling card
Customer service available by phone 7am - 1am EST every day
Cheapest no contract phone plan for seniors
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 2GB
- Price
- $10/mo** $10 Off First 3 Months
Reach Mobile 2GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 2GB data for only $10 per month. Reach Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Reach Mobile review
Pros
5G coverage available
24/7 live customer support with helpful humans
No contract, no bulk-order commitment
Hotspot enabled
A socially conscious provider who gives back
Cons
Small selection of handsets
Benefits
Powered by the Verizon network
Service is postpaid with no credit check
Only upfront payment is shipping for SIM card
Bring your own compatible phone
Keep your phone number
Hotspot enabled on all plans
24/7 customer support by phone or chat
Cheapest prepaid SIM card for seniors
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 2GB
- Price
- $14/mo** $168 for 12 Months Service
Ultra Mobile 2GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 2GB data for only $14 per month. Ultra Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Ultra Mobile review
| Plan | Data | Price | View plan |
|---|---|---|---|
Ultra Mobile 250MB - 12 Mths | 250MB | $10* * $120 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
2GB | $14* * $168 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
3GB | $20* * $240 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
6GB | $25* * $300 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
15GB | $30* * $360 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
Unlimited | $40* * $480 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
Pros
Simple account dashboard
Unlimited international talk and text
Nationwide coverage
Cons
Customer service
Benefits
Coverage provided on the nationwide T-Mobile network
Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own compatible GSM phone or buy one from Ultra Mobile
Mobile hotspot use supported
Unlimited global texting and unlimited calling to 80+ countries
International roaming credits available in $5, $10, or $20 denominations
International plan tier comes with uTalk - a feature that gives you up to 1250 bonus minutes to your choice of 39 additional destinations
Customer service available by phone, email, and chat from 6am to 6pm every day
Cheapest tablet data plan for seniors
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 10GB
- Price
- $20/mo** Only $60 for 3 Months Service
Mint Mobile 10GB plan includes 0 mins, 0 texts and 10GB data for only $20 per month. Mint Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Mint Mobile review
Pros
Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
Prepay months in bulk for more savings
Reliable network coverage
Works with most GSM phones
Cons
No family plans
Minimum 3 months
Benefits
Operates on the nationwide T-Mobile network
7-day money-back guarantee
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your phone or buy a Mint Mobile device
Keep your phone number
Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is permitted
Free calling to Canada & Mexico, affordable rates to 160+ other locations
Flat-rate international roaming available as an add-on feature
Customer service by phone on weekdays and weekends, 24/7 by virtual chat
Cheap senior phone plans in 2022
Cheap senior phone plan benefits
We love Mobile Virtual Network Operators or MVNOs. If you're on the lookout for cheap cell phone plans, they're the best route to go down.
Want to stay on the same network, keep your phone and number, plus get greater flexibility?
Yep. You've got it. Forget the major carriers. Plans include everything you need, but come at a much better price with an MVNO.
- Same great nationwide coverage: These cell phone carriers operate on the very same networks as the big three carriers.
- Much lower prices: Save up to $600 per year on your cell phone plan. Why are MVNOs so much cheaper? They don't have the huge overhead and advertising costs the big guys do.
- No contracts: Don't get trapped into a two-year agreement. Switch carriers when you decide to with a no contract phone plan.
- Same cell phone service: Just because you're paying less, that doesn't mean you have to scrimp on features. Plans with unlimited everything are easy to find from these prepaid carriers. Usually, a low-cost carrier plan comes with unlimited talk and text as standard, high-speed data, and even mobile hotspot data features.
- Keep your phone and number: You can bring your own phone and keep your phone number. No need to sign up for pricey device payments.
- Customize your plan: You decide how much data you need. Choose to pay as you go, opt for unlimited or no data, minimal minutes, or unlimited talk text and data. Unlimited data plans come at a much better price with an alternative carrier. Pick the plan options that fit your budget - not the one your carrier thinks you need.
- Great customer support: Smaller mobile providers are known for their attention to their customers. Stop feeling like an anonymous number getting lost in the crowd! Check out our carrier user reviews before switching.
Best cheap phone plans for seniors
| Carrier | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tello 1GB plan | 1GB | $10 |
| Mint Mobile 4GB plan | 4GB | $15** Only $45 for 3 Months Service |
| Twigby 10GB data plan | 10GB | $20** $10 Off for 3 Months |
| Mint Mobile 15GB plan | 15GB | $25** Only $75 for 3 Months Service |
| Tello unlimited data plan | Unltd | $29 |
Senior phone plans features
- 4G LTE & 5G data speeds: Since MVNOs operate on the big three cellular networks you'll pay less without sacrificing speed. More and more are adding 5G coverage all the time so you can expect high-speed data.
- Unlimited talk and text messaging: Finding a new unlimited plan has never been easier. Virtually all small carriers include unlimited text and calls in their plan options. Compare cheap talk and text plans with or without data.
- International calls to Canada and Mexico: International calling is a must for many people. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, with free calling to certain countries like Canada and Mexico, and discounted rates on others.
- Multiline discounts: Low-cost carriers also offer some of the cheapest family cell phone plans, with multi-line discounts.
- Wi-Fi calling: This feature is handy when you're out of your service area, allowing you to make calls over the internet instead of on your cellular connection.
- Tethering/hotspot data: Many low-cost carriers allow you to use your phone as a hotspot. Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans so you can share your mobile hotspot data with other devices.
- HD video streaming: Just like the big guys, some MVNOs offer HD video streaming and some don't. Read the fine print to find the option you want.
Cheapest T-Mobile senior plan
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
4GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo*
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: T-Mobile
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | 4GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $660/yr | |
Compare: T-Mobile senior phone plans
Cheapest Verizon senior plan
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
5GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo
$3 per GB
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Verizon vs US Mobile comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $780 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $80/mo | $960/yr |
| US Mobile | Verizon 4G & 5G | 5GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $65/mo | $780/yr | |
Compare: Verizon senior phone plans
Cheapest AT&T senior plan
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
3GB
4G/5G data
$10/mo*
$20/mo
$6.67 per GB
Powered by: AT&T & T-Mobile
AT&T vs Good2Go Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $690 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Good2Go Mobile | AT&T 4G & 5G | 3GB | $20/mo | $210/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $690/yr | |
Compare: AT&T senior phone plans
Carrier network coverage
| NETWORK | OVERALL | RELIABILITY | SPEED | DATA | CALL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Coverage | 95 | 96 | 94 | 96 | 94 |
| AT&T Coverage | 94 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 92 |
| T-Mobile Coverage | 86 | 88 | 82 | 89 | 82 |
Source: Rootmetrics
Carrier customer service comparison
| CARRIER | TRUSTPILOT USER RATING |
|---|---|
| Reach Mobile | 4.9 |
| Tello | 4.6 |
| US Mobile | 4.6 |
| T-Mobile | 1.5 |
| Verizon | 1.3 |
| AT&T | 1.2 |
Switch to a cheap senior phone plan
It's never been easier to switch. Let's break it down.
- Customize your plan. Whether you're looking for a truly unlimited plan, or in the market for something more basic, choose a plan to suit your cell phone needs.
- Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your old bills are paid up and your phone is unlocked. If you're getting a new device, transferring data from one to another is simple. Even if you're going from an iPhone to Android, and vice versa.
- Set up your new plan. Keep your current carrier account open until your number has ported over. Once you're sure your new plan is up and running, cancel your old account. If you've got a new device with your Tello plan, it should be ready to use when it arrives. If you're bringing your own phone then you'll need to follow the instructions with the new SIM card kit that Tello will send to you in the post.
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
Cheap phone companies list
Cheap cell phones for seniors
| Phone | Carrier | Network | Monthly Price | Total Cost | Apple iPhone SE | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $18/mo for 24 mths | $429 | Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $18/mo for 24 mths | $432 | Apple iPhone 11 | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $21/mo for 24 mths | $499 | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $25/mo for 24 mths | $599 | Apple iPhone 13 mini | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $30/mo for 24 mths | $729 | Apple iPhone 12 | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $30/mo for 24 mths | $729 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $30/mo for 36 mths | $1,080 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $30/mo for 36 mths | $1,080 | Apple iPhone 13 | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $31/mo for 36 mths | $1,099 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $37/mo for 24 mths | $899 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $42/mo for 24 mths | $999 |
|---|
Cheap senior phone plans FAQs
What is the cheapest cell phone service for seniors?
If you're looking for a basic plan for calls and texts or emergencies, MVNOs like Tello offer plans starting at $10 or you can find plans with more features starting at around $15.
Who has the best cell phone plans for seniors?
The best depends on your personal cell phone needs and the features you're looking for. MVNOs offer the best value, by running on the main US networks they provide the same nationwide coverage but with monthly costs starting as low as $10.
What is the Verizon 55 plus plan?
It's a plan for customers who are 55 and over, but is exclusive to Florida residents. You can find a great deal on a cell phone plan with Verizon MVNOs. Carriers like Red Pocket Mobile offer the same nationwide coverage but at half the cost.
Is T-Mobile 55+ a good deal?
It's available to all customers over 55 and in all states, however T-Mobile MVNOs offer the best value plans. Offering the same coverage but with plans starting from $10 a month.
Recap
MVNOs make it easy to save money on your cell phone plan.
Compare a variety of affordable plans suitable for all needs while still having access to the same nationwide coverage you're used to.
Some of the carriers offer the latest handset with a 0% finance plan over two years, or to save more money you can bring your own phone. As long as your phone is compatible, switching over is quick and easy.
MoneySavingPro methodology
We're here to bring transparency to telecoms, putting power back in your hands. This guides everything we do.
- We've got high standards. We use our industry expertise to find carriers that reach these standards. We all deserve the best value for money, choice and customer experience.
- We care about accuracy. MoneySavingPro is run by cell phone geeks and money saving obsessives. Our content team researches everything thoroughly so that information you read here will give you the whole picture. Everything we do is backed up by the data.
- We keep things simple. It's our job to break down what you need to know, so you can make informed choices.
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tello | Cheap prepaid plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
 US Mobile | Cheap family plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Cheap unlimited plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30/mo |
 Boost Mobile | Cheap 5G plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15/mo |
 Twigby | Cheap talk & text plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $10/mo |
 Good2Go Mobile | Cheap individual plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $20/mo |
 Reach Mobile | Cheap no contract plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $20/mo |
 Ultra Mobile | Best SIM card | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $14/mo |
| Mint Mobile | Cheap data plan | 0 | 0 | 10GB | $20/mo |
