Best cell phone plans for seniors in 2024

Written by

Rob Webber

+2 others

Edited by

Amanda Webber

Reviewed by

Brian Webber

Updated October 24, 2024

MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.

Frustrated with the high costs and complex phone bills from the big three? You're not alone.

As these companies announce multi-billion dollar profits to their shareholders and further price hikes to their customers, they're missing out on a key demographic: cost-conscious seniors seeking straightforward, affordable plans.

Leveraging my decade-long experience in the wireless industry, I've reviewed 30 carriers and over 100 phone plans to find the gems.

The good news is that affordable carriers on those same reliable networks do exist, offering a breath of fresh air from the usual suspects.

I've compared the best value plans across each of the 3 networks, as the best plans depend on your network preference and cell phone usage. So, whether you're a light browser or need a bit more data, there's a plan here for you, stripped of unnecessary costs and complexity.

Below are the best value phone plans for seniors. I've done the legwork so you can easily choose a plan that fits your lifestyle and budget, ensuring you stay connected without the financial strain.

Best plans for seniors on T-Mobile

These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with T-Mobile coverage to consider.

Cheap T-Mobile plan

Tello 2GB plan

• T-Mobile coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

2GB

data

$10/mo

See at Tello

5

Read our Tello review

$780 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best family plan on T-Mobile

Mint Mobile 15GB plan

• T-Mobile coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

15GB

data

$15/mo*

$20/mo

See at Mint Mobile

*$45 for 3 Months

4.2

Read our Mint Mobile review

$675 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best unlimited plan on T-Mobile

Tello unlimited data plan

• T-Mobile coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$25/mo

See at Tello

5

Read our Tello review

$600 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How T-Mobile compares

Best plans for seniors on Verizon

These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with Verizon coverage to consider.

Cheap Verizon plan

Twigby Mobile 2GB plan

• Verizon coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

2GB

data

$5/mo*

$15/mo

See at Twigby Mobile

*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths

4.4

Read our Twigby Mobile review

$750 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best family plan on Verizon

Red Pocket 10GB plan

• Verizon coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

10GB

data

$20/mo

See at Red Pocket

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$660 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best unlimited plan on Verizon

Visible unlimited data plan

• Verizon coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$20/mo*

$25/mo

See at Visible

*$5 Off for 24 Mths

3.4

Read our Visible review

$660 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How Verizon compares

Best plans for seniors on AT&T

These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with AT&T coverage to consider.

Cheap AT&T plan

Red Pocket 1GB plan

• AT&T coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

1GB

data

$10/mo

See at Red Pocket

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$780 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Best family plan on AT&T

Red Pocket 10GB plan

• AT&T coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

10GB

data

$20/mo

See at Red Pocket

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$660 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Best unlimited plan on AT&T

Red Pocket unlimited data plan

• AT&T coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$30/mo

See at Red Pocket

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$540 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How AT&T compares

Best overall value plan for Seniors

Tello unlimited data plan

• T-Mobile coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$25/mo

See at Tello

5

Read our Tello review

$600 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Big wireless: Big prices, big profits, little value

The average phone bill is $155 per month, and while 38 million Americans live in poverty, the government cut funding to the Affordable Connectivity Program, which was assisting 22 million low-income families with subsidized internet and cell phone service.

At the same time, the big three spent January celebrating record profits and multi-billion dollar shareholder dividend payouts while simultaneously announcing yet more price hikes.

So, big wireless continues to raise prices, and the government drops assistance to those in need. However, you do have options, so the power is in your hands.

Take back control of your phone bill

A big wireless unlimited plan will cost you $1,600 extra over the next 3 years compared to getting the same service from an MVNO.

A big wireless unlimited data plan will cost you $2,700 over the next 3 years for just 1 line. In comparison, unlimited plans from a low-cost carrier over the same period would cost only $900.

So, buying directly from Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T is now 3 times more expensive for the same coverage. This does not include fees and taxes or future price hikes.

Why is it so much more expensive to buy the same service directly?

With big wireless, you are paying for multi-billion dollar ad campaigns, stadium sponsorships, and thousands of stores with commission-based salespeople - all these expenses get passed onto you to maximize profits and dividend payouts.

With this next generation of MVNOs, you switch online and just pay for phone service.

Cut your phone bill, not your coverage

These low-cost carriers offer a great alternative with transparent pricing, a range of data plans to customize to your needs, and more highly rated customer service.

You can keep your phone, number, coverage, and most importantly, your money!

Even better, it's quick and easy; you can complete the entire switching process online in minutes with an eSIM-compatible phone.

So, now is the time to re-evaluate your options, take back control of your phone bill, and free yourself from price hikes forever!

Compare the cheapest senior cell phone plans

Check out our senior cell phone comparison to help find the best deal.

How to choose the best value carrier for seniors

• What network coverage do you prefer? As a senior, especially if you live in a rural area, network reliability is crucial. Thankfully, affordable carriers use the same robust 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks as the big three. According to an Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023), T-Mobile leads in 5G coverage, but you can choose an MVNO on your preferred network for peace of mind.
• How much data do you need? Contrary to the push for unlimited data plans, many seniors like yourself may find your actual usage is much lower, thanks to Wi-Fi at home or in community spaces. Low-cost carriers offer plans that match your real needs, as the average monthly cellular data use is around 10GB.
• Is hotspot data included? Hotspot functionality is a standard feature, though tethering data limits vary by plan and carrier. If you're a senior who enjoys tablets or needs internet on the go without Wi-Fi, you'll find data-only plans, ensuring you're always connected.
• What's the monthly price? While mainstream unlimited plans hover around $75-90 monthly, savvy seniors like yourself can find MVNO plans from $5-35 without compromising on coverage or speed.
• How many lines do you need? Unlike the major networks that only offer the best prices for four-line bundles, MVNOs provide straightforward, single-line pricing. However, some also offer discounts for multiple lines, perfect for adding a spouse or family member and maximizing savings.
• Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device? We understand, as a senior, that saving money where you can is crucial, and MVNOs allow you to bring your own phone, freeing you from the endless, unnecessary upgrade cycle. Although, if you're in the market for a new device, there are affordable options with 0% financing.
• Are there any deals or promotions? While the big three deals may seem enticing, they often entail unnecessary purchases. MVNOs, on the other hand, offer clear, straightforward promotions, making it easier to understand what you're really getting.
• What perks or add ons can I expect? Big wireless might lure you with "free" subscriptions, which often morph into paid additions to your bill. As a senior it's wise to consider whether these perks align with your actual needs to avoid unwanted costs.
• Is international calling included? Staying connected with family abroad is important. Many MVNOs include free international calling to various countries, which is a significant consideration if you have family, friends, children, or grandchildren abroad.

Check out our cell phone plan comparison to ensure you find the best deal.

Find the best phone service in your area

Senior phone plans FAQs

Recap: What is the best senior cell phone plan?

The big three seem unwavering in their strategy to hike prices, a move that appears less about market demands and more about boosting their bottom line at the expense of their dedicated customers, many of whom are seniors on fixed incomes.

With the cost of living on the rise, essentials like groceries and utilities are becoming increasingly expensive. Yet, there's a silver lining when it comes to your cell phone bill.

By choosing the right carrier, you can still enjoy the same quality service you're accustomed to as a senior but at a significantly lower cost. You could potentially save up to $600 annually for each line.

As a senior evaluating your next cell phone plan, it's crucial to make an informed decision. I recommend using our cell phone plan comparison. It's designed to help you navigate through the options and secure the best deal that aligns with your specific needs and budget.

Phone plan guides

• Best Cell Phone Plans
• Best Prepaid Phone Plans
• Best Unlimited Data Plans
• The 10 Best MVNOs
• Best Phone Plans for One
• Best Cell Phone Plans for Two
• Best Cell Phone Plans for Kids
• Best Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
• Best Cell Phone Plans for Students
• Best Bring Your Own Phone Plans
• Best 5G Cell Phone Plans
• Best Talk & Text Plans

How we choose the best carriers and plans

To select the best carriers and plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers.

Carriers were rated in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. We then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:

1. Value for money: We compare carriers based on price, features, benefits, and promotions. It's not just about the lowest price but getting the most bang for your buck.
2. Coverage: We look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. We use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
3. Customer experience: We take into account items such as current user experience, website and app usability, ease of switching, and customer service in terms of availability, channels, and satisfaction ratings.
4. Transparency: We assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. We examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
5. Range of choice: We evaluate the diversity of plan options to determine if they fit the individual needs of all customers.

Read more about our carrier ratings methodology and our editorial process.

We regularly update our comparisons. Updating cell phone plans weekly and our content monthly to ensure we are showing the latest and most accurate information.