MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
If you're tired of overpaying for your phone bill, you've probably considered switching to a low-cost carrier. Red Pocket and Consumer Cellular both promise big savings compared to the Big 3, but they take very different approaches.
Red Pocket lets you pick your network (AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile) and offers some of the cheapest prepaid plans on the market. Consumer Cellular, on the other hand, is designed for seniors, offering AARP discounts, simple plans, and highly rated customer service.
So, should you go with Red Pocket for its rock-bottom prices and network flexibility, or choose Consumer Cellular for its senior-friendly features?
Red Pocket vs Consumer Cellular plans
Winner: Red Pocket
Red Pocket keeps things simple and affordable with some of the lowest prepaid prices available, starting at just $10 per month. Unlike most prepaid carriers, you can choose which network you want-AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile-which is a huge advantage if you already know which network works best for you.
Consumer Cellular focuses on ease of use rather than rock-bottom pricing. Their plans start at $20 per month and include AARP discounts and customer service geared toward seniors. However, their prices are higher than Red Pocket for the same amount of data.
If you want the lowest prices and the flexibility to choose your network, Red Pocket is the clear winner. If you prefer a senior-friendly carrier with premium customer support, Consumer Cellular might be worth considering.
Red Pocket plans
Red Pocket unlimited data plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T wireless network. And if you're looking for multi-line discounts, they're one of the best MVNOs for family plans, with a $20 discount for each additional line added.
You also get free international calls to 80 countries, so you can stay connected with loved ones abroad.
Pros
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket 1GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $10/mo |
| Red Pocket 10GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $20/mo |
| Red Pocket unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $30/mo |
| Red Pocket unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $40/mo |
Consumer Cellular plans
Consumer Cellular unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Pros
- Simple, solid plan options
- AARP discount
- Competitive pricing for light to medium users
- Device payment plan
- US-based customer service
Cons
- Small plan selection
- Expensive unlimited data plan
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Cellular 1GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $20/mo |
| Consumer Cellular 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $25/mo |
| Consumer Cellular 10GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $35/mo |
| Consumer Cellular unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $50/mo |
Red Pocket vs Consumer Cellular coverage
Winner: Red Pocket
Red Pocket gives you more control over your coverage, allowing you to choose between AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile. This is a huge plus if you already know which network works best in your area.
Consumer Cellular operates on AT&T and T-Mobile but doesn't offer Verizon as an option. If you live in a rural area where Verizon is the best choice, Red Pocket is the better option.
If you want the ability to pick your network, Red Pocket wins. If you're fine with AT&T or T-Mobile's coverage and want a senior-friendly carrier, Consumer Cellular works just as well.
Red Pocket coverage
Red Pocket is powered by AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Consumer Cellular coverage
Consumer Cellular is powered by T-Mobile and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Consumer Cellular coverage map
Data speeds: Which carrier delivers better performance?
Winner: Red Pocket
Since both low-cost carriers lease coverage from major networks, their data speeds depend on which network you choose.
Red Pocket's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 30GB per month, which is plenty for most users.
Consumer Cellular's unlimited plan also includes 50GB of high-speed data, so performance will be similar on AT&T and T-Mobile.
If you want to choose your network and possibly get better speeds on Verizon, Red Pocket is the better choice. If you stick with AT&T or T-Mobile, both carriers perform about the same.
Features and perks: Who gives you more?
Winner: Consumer Cellular
Red Pocket is all about affordability, offering low-cost plans and multi-network flexibility. However, it doesn't include many extra perks beyond international calling options.
Consumer Cellular is designed for seniors and people who prefer hands-on customer service, offering:
- AARP discounts for additional savings
- U.S.-based customer support with strong reviews
- Easy-to-use plans without hidden fees
If you want the cheapest plan with flexible network options, Red Pocket is the better choice. If you prefer a carrier with premium customer support and AARP perks, Consumer Cellular is a great option.
Red Pocket vs Consumer Cellular plan features
| Carrier Features | Red Pocket | Consumer Cellular |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon | AT&T & T-Mobile |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA & GSM | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | ||
| Bring Your Phone | ||
| Keep Your Number | ||
| Contract | Prepaid | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | ||
| Customer Service | Mon-Sun 5am to 9pm | Mon-Fri 5am to 6pm / Sat-Sun 6am to 5pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 7 days | |
| 5G | ||
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | ||
| WiFi Calling | ||
| Visual Voicemail | ||
| Multi-line Discounts | ||
| Multi-month Discounts | ||
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 80 countries | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the better deal?
- Best for the lowest-cost plans → Red Pocket
- Best for network flexibility → Red Pocket
- Best for senior-friendly service → Consumer Cellular
- Best for AARP discounts → Consumer Cellular
If you want the cheapest plans and the ability to choose your network, Red Pocket is the better choice. If you prefer a carrier designed for seniors with strong customer service, Consumer Cellular is a great alternative.
See if Red Pocket is right for you
Check out our Consumer Cellular review
Red Pocket vs Consumer Cellular FAQs
The main difference between Red Pocket and Consumer Cellular are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Red Pocket is powered by AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon and Consumer Cellular runs on T-Mobile.
Most newer handsets are compatible if they're unlocked, but if you're not sure you can check phone compatibility with our IMEI checker.
If your Red Pocket phone is unlocked it should work with Consumer Cellular. Most of the latest handsets are compatible but you can check your phone's compatibility with the carrier before purchasing.
Why you can trust me
I've spent years helping people find ways to cut their phone bills without sacrificing service quality. At MoneySavingPro, we go beyond the marketing hype to compare real customer experiences, network performance, and hidden costs so you can make an informed decision.
I've tested Red Pocket, Consumer Cellular, and other prepaid carriers, looking at speed, coverage, and affordability. If there's a better way to save on your phone bill, you'll hear about it here first.
Red Pocket comparison guides
- Mint Mobile vs Red Pocket
- Red Pocket vs Consumer Cellular
- Red Pocket vs Cricket
- Red Pocket vs Metro by T-Mobile
- Red Pocket vs Mint Mobile
- Red Pocket vs PureTalk
- Red Pocket vs Straight Talk
- Red Pocket vs Tello
- Red Pocket vs Total Wireless
- Red Pocket vs Ultra Mobile
- Red Pocket vs US Mobile
- Red Pocket vs Visible
- Red Pocket vs Xfinity Mobile
- Tello vs Red Pocket
Consumer Cellular comparison guides
Related Content
Phone plans guides
