The best cell phone plans for seniors at a glance
1. Best overall value – Mint Mobile
2. Best unlimited plan for seniors – T-Mobile
3. Best exclusive senior discount – Verizon
4. The cheapest senior plan – Ultra Mobile
The best cell phone plans for seniors can put a lid on your smartphone expenses while making sure you still get enough talk, text and data. The major wireless carriers all offer some sort of data plan specifically designed for seniors (though in some instances, those plans aren’t available everywhere), but if you look outside the Big Three service providers, you can find low rates as well.
It’s all a matter of deciding how much data you need — the plans we look at range from just a few hundred megabytes to an unlimited pool of data — and whether you need perks for travel. Once you’ve settled on those options, picking one of the best cell phone plans for seniors becomes much easier.
And as we’ve said, you don’t have to be 55 years or older to enjoy some of these plans. Deals from Mint Mobile or Ultra Mobile’s pay-as-you-go package, are two plans that, while not aimed at seniors, perfectly fit the needs of many in this category. On the other hand, when it comes to senior cell phone plans specifically designed for older age groups, many have residency requirements. (Both AT&T and Verizon can offer major discounts, but you must prove you live in Florida and that you’re over 55.) T-Mobile requires you to be 55 or over, though you can live anywhere to reap the savings from its senior cell phone plan.
With all that said, let’s dive into the best cell phone plans from seniors to find one that meets your needs.
The best cell phone plans for seniors
A great value prepaid plan for seniors
Best pay as you go plan for seniors
Best unlimited data plan for seniors
AT&T Unlimited 55+ senior plan
Best cell phone plan for seniors with AARP discount
How to pick the best cell phone plans for seniors
There are a few factors to consider when choosing a cell phone plan aimed at seniors. Most of these plans tend to be more affordable with lower data caps, more flexible, and often offer special benefits.
Some brands, such as AT&T and Verizon, offer discounted prices for seniors or packages specifically designed for people over a certain age. However, these can require you to live in the state of Florida. T-Mobile is unique among the major carriers in having no residency requirement for its best cell phone plan for seniors.
If you don’t live in Florida, your best bet is to focus on what you need. Do you need something with a minimal amount of data and low costs? One of the best cell plans for seniors from Mint Mobile, Tello, or Ultra Mobile should be a good fit for you.
Or, on the complete opposite end of the spectrum, T-Mobile offers up unlimited data plans. However, these are going to cost you a fair bit of cash to get. Consumer Cellular has an unlimited plan, too, but at $60 a month, it’s one of the pricier options.