The best mobile phone packages for seniors in 2023 (2023)

The best mobile phone packages for seniors in 2023 (1)

The best cell phone packages for seniors offer useful and understandable programs tailored to the needs of seniors. For many older people, staying in touch with family, friends and medical services is more important than expensive plan features such as unlimited high-speed data, mobile hotspots and real-time video streaming.

Basic factors to consider when choosing a cell phone plan for seniors include "smart" or basic calling, texting and data phone needs, the plan's service coverage area, the number of lines needed, contract settings for service or a prepaid plan, or a no-contract plan, and of course, the cost. The seven services described here offer different features specifically tailored to the needs of seniors.

The best mobile phone packages for seniors in 2023

The best overall: T Mobile

The best contingency plan: Full of life

Best prepayment: Metro s T-Mobileom

The best Basic: Consumer cell

Flexible at best: American cell

The best traveler: AT&T

The best data: Increase your mobility

Best overall: T-Mobile

The best mobile phone packages for seniors in 2023 (2)

  • Plans:3 special plans for those over 55 years old
  • Average monthly cost:$28-$45 per line
  • Special features:Unlimited 5G and 4G LTE data, fast mobile hotspots,taxes and fees included

Why we chose it

Offering three easy-to-use packages for 55+, including unlimited calls, texts and data, T-Mobile is likely to meet the needs of most seniors.

Za i protiv

Pros

  • No annual contract required

  • Unlimited calls, texts and data on plans for seniors

  • Scam Shield Free Caller ID

  • Keep your current phone and number

Against

  • Support fees

  • Slower data transfer during peak hours

review

Dubbed the "Gen of Rulebreakers" pricing plan, T-Mobile's Magenta 55+ Unlimited plan offers unlimited calls, texts and LTE data for $70 per month for two lines.

The $70 fee is the same number you should see every month, with no taxes or fees added to your account, which makes budgeting a lot easier.

With the fixed price, T-Mobile adds unlimited DVD-quality video streaming (480p) and international roaming in Canada and Mexico with 5 GB of LTE data.

Additionally, pensioners will benefit from 60 minutes of free in-flight Wi-Fi with Gogo support. Customers can also turn their devices into mobile hotspots at no additional cost.

With nearly 50 percent savings over leading competitors' rates, global travelers and heavy data users should take advantage of this T-Mobile plan as soon as possible.

Other options include a slightly less robust plan called Essentials 55+ for $55 a month for two lines. There's also the Magenta Max 55+ plan for $90/month for two lines, which gives you UHD streaming, 40GB of 4G LTE data and more.

The best contingency plan: alive

The best mobile phone packages for seniors in 2023 (3)

  • Plans:Six configurable plans and phones tailored to the needs of seniors
  • Average monthly cost:22 to 50 dollars

Special features:Work protection packages in emergency response mode

Why we chose it

Lively is a great option for older customers looking for a cell phone plan that is sufficient for small monthly usage, and its emergency features will make it easier for users and family members.

Za i protiv

Pros

  • 24/7 access to health services

  • Loud speakers and bright screens

  • Visoko configurable plans

  • It uses the Verizon network for wide coverage

Against

  • Short battery life

  • No options for Android/iOS users

  • Built-in medical warning systems do not detect falls

review

Nursing homeJitterbug telephonyLively offers an unlimited call and text plan for $19.99 per month with unlimited minutes and texts.

To complete your phone plan, choose a data plan: 1GB for $5/month, 3GB for $10/month, 5GB for $15/month, and unlimited for $30/month.

But Lively really stands out with its emergency response offerings, known as Lively's Health and Safety Packages, which give users instant access to emergency services, ask medical questions, call locksmiths and more.

The $24.99 base package includes emergency response service and a "Live Link" that notifies selected loved ones when you access emergency response service. The premium package for $34.99 also includes access to a live operator.

Best prepaid: Metro at T-Mobile

The best mobile phone packages for seniors in 2023 (4)

  • Plans:Choosing prepaid plans
  • Average monthly cost:40 to 60 dollars
  • Special features:Unlimited high-speed data transfer

Why we chose it

If you're looking for a simple prepaid solution, check out T-Mobile's all-in Metro plan, which offers a $40 monthly plan that includes unlimited calls, texts, and high-speed data.

Za i protiv

Pros

  • Access to T-Mobile's 5G network

  • Scam Shield Free Caller ID

  • All fees and taxes included

  • Faster than most other prepaid operators

Against

  • To use the service, you must go to a retail store

  • Limited range in rural areas

review

Using T-Mobile's national 5G network, Metro by T-Mobile customers can rest easy knowing that all taxes and regulatory fees are already included in the bill, so $40 is the same price every month.

The most expensive $60/month plan comes with plenty of extras like 20GB of hotspot data and unlimited texting to over 200 countries.

As a prepaid operator, users must purchase the device immediately, and prices vary from device to device. However, Metro by T-Mobile offers a bring-your-own device solution, so you can skip the initial cost of a new phone.

Best Entry Level: Consumer Cell Phone

The best mobile phone packages for seniors in 2023 (5)

  • Plans:Three discount plans for seniors
  • Average monthly cost:20 to 50 dollars
  • Special features:Unlimited calls and messages, nationwide coverage

Why we chose it

Targeted at older consumers, Consumer Cellular is a simplified cell phone retailer that offers an easy-to-understand solution to choosing a carrier.

Za i protiv

Pros

  • 5G access at no additional cost

  • Award-winning customer service

  • Paperless settlements

  • 5% AARP discount

  • Risk-free trial

Against

  • A package of telephone offers

  • Additional cost of telephone line

review

Individual cell phone users can start as low as $20 per month for unlimited calls and texts and 1GB of data, while a two-line plan that shares the same data and minutes pushes the price up to $35 per month.

As a bonus, Consumer Cellular has a well-established partnership with AARP, making every existing AARP member eligible for a 5% discount on monthly service.

Another feature of Consumer Cellular is the ability to choose a new plan each month, so you can adjust your allotted monthly minutes and data in case you travel or spend too much or too little for your monthly needs.

Best flexibility: US cell phone

The best mobile phone packages for seniors in 2023 (6)

  • Plans:Wide range of prepaid plans
  • Average monthly cost:2 to 35 dollars
  • Special features:Very convenient

Why we chose it

For seniors who still have a landline or just need a cell phone in an emergency, US Mobile offers many affordable options.

Za i protiv

Pros

  • Very convenient

  • No contract

  • Discounts for adding a line

  • Responsible customer service

Against

  • Low data transfer speeds

  • No mobile hotspot

review

For a truly flexible solution, mobile users should contact US Mobile for a wireless carrier with a wide range of packages to help you plan the right plan.

Prices start at just $5 for 2,500 minutes and 500MB and $12 for unlimited calls and texts and 2GB of data, so you can see right away how flexible and affordable US Mobile can be. Alternatively, prices can go as low as $25 for 25GB of 5G data and unlimited calls and texts. If you prefer unlimited everything, there's an Unlimited Basic plan for talk, text and data for $35/month, which drops to $30/line for two lines, $25/line for three lines, and $20/line for four or more lines .

To make things easier, US Mobile offers a 100-day risk-free trial, so you can be sure you're on the right plan and with the right provider, with a full money-back promise if you're not completely satisfied.

Customers who choose US Mobile service can provide their own device, but if they want a new phone number, there is a $10 service activation fee.

Best Traveler: AT&T

The best mobile phone packages for seniors in 2023 (7)

  • Plans:A special plan for the elderly
  • Average monthly cost:60 to 80 dollars
  • Special features:Free blocking unwanted and fraudulent calls, identity tracking and secure browsing

Why we chose it

AT&T, one of the country's first mobile service providers, offers unlimited calls, texts and data in the US, Mexico and Canada. In addition, subscribers can send free text messages to more than 200 countries, making this service great for travelers.

Za i protiv

Pros

  • AARP discounts

  • Discount for automatic payment

  • Discount for paperless invoicing

  • Block unwanted calls and scams for free

  • Free SMS in more than 200 countries

Against

  • The 55+ Unlimited plan is only available in Florida

  • It may limit the data transfer speed if the network is busy

review

Customers enjoying their golden travel years should keep an eye on AT&T's $40-a-month prepaid card.

For this price, AT&T customers get unlimited calls and texts within and between the US, Mexico and Canada.

International travelers can also use international text messages in Mexico, Canada and the US to more than 200 countries. When it comes to data, AT&T offers 15GB of 5G data that can be used throughout North America, and any unused data rolls over to a single 30-day renewal period.

With national AT&T 5G coverage and easy access anywhere in North America, AT&T's prepaid option is a great choice for exploring the world.

Best data: Boost Mobile

The best mobile phone packages for seniors in 2023 (8)

  • Plans:Special discounts for seniors
  • Average monthly cost:8 to 60 dollars
  • Special features:Unlimited calls and messages, discounts on additional lines

Why we chose it

Although not the cheapest operator, Boost Mobile offers excellent services and unique benefits for seniors at affordable prices.

Za i protiv

Pros

  • Wide 5G coverage

  • Unlimited calls, messages and use of mobile hotspot

  • Discounts on additional lines

  • Various data plans

Against

  • Higher prices

  • Activation fee for users who bring their own phone

review

For seniors who use mobile devices, Boost Mobile offers an attractive solution that doesn't require unnecessary add-ons and includes taxes and fees right in the price plan.

Users who opt for the $50 Go Unlimited plan will get unlimited calls, texts and 35GB of LTE data. The inclusion of a 12GB mobile hotspot adds even more to Boost's already great offering, and adding a second line costs just $30 per month.

Once you exceed your monthly data allowance, your data speed will be limited to 2G for the rest of the month.

Final verdict

With its easy-to-use 55+ plans, all with unlimited calls, texts and data, T-Mobile is our pick as the best cell phone option for seniors. Offering unlimited data on 5G and 4G LTE networks and fast mobile hotspots, including taxes and fees, T-Mobile is likely to meet the needs of most seniors.

Seniors who love to travel should consider AT&T, our pick as a top carrier. Their 55+ plans include unlimited calls, texts and data in the US, Mexico and Canada, as well as free texting to over 200 countries.

For those looking for an affordable mobile phone plan with emergency notification features, the health and safety packages offered by Lively, our pick as the best emergency plan, will make things easier for users and family members.

Compare the best mobile phone packages for seniors

Businessplansaverage gradeSpecial features
T Mobile The best overall3 special plans for over 55 years28 to 70 dollarsUnlimited 5G and 4G LTE data, fast mobile hotspots,taxes and fees included
Full of life The best contingency planSix configurable plans and phones tailored to the needs of seniors22 to 50 dollarsEmergency response Health and life safety packages
Metro s T-Mobileom Best prepaymentChoosing prepaid plans40 to 60 dollarsUnlimited, fast data and SMS transfer
Consumer cell The best BasicThree discount plans for seniors20 to 75 dollarsUnlimited calls and messages, nationwide coverage
American cell Flexible at bestWide range of prepaid plans3 to 35 dollarsVery convenient
AT&T The best travelerUnique prepaid plans for seniors25 to 40 dollarsFree blocking unwanted and fraudulent calls, identity tracking and secure browsing
Increase your mobility The best dataSpecial discounts for seniors$8.33 to $60Unlimited calls and messages, discounts on additional lines

Frequently asked questions

  • How to get a free phone for the elderly?

    Especially important for seniors, the federal Lifeline program provides free cell phones or free home phone service to anyone over age 60 in an emergency. The Lifeline program gives you a free cell phone and free minutes every month. To qualify, your income must be 135 percent or lessFederal Poverty Guidelines.

  • Does Medicare cover cell phones for seniors?

    Generally no. To get a free state phone, seniors on Medicare must also have low income or participate in certain federal assistance programs, such as Supplemental Security Supplement (SSI) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps .

  • Is there a simple mobile phone for the elderly?

    According to many independent reviewers and top organizations,Jitterbug Smart3from Lively is the best mobile phone for the elderly because it combines accessibility, functionality and security. The phone has a large, easy-to-read menu and includes only the basics such as maps and navigation, camera, email and web browser.

  • How to choose a mobile phone for the elderly?

    Look for affordability and ease of use. Features such as large backlit buttons, bright screens and very high volume levels make the mobile phone more accessible and easy to use for the elderly.

Methodology

When creating our list of the best cell phone packages for seniors, we took into account information from service providers and dozens of online reviews from real users and senior organizations. We took into account the following factors: price, senior discounts, coverage area, number of lines required, unlimited data usage, call and text options, contract requirements, push notification options and 5G availability.

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