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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.
To save you time, I have excluded carriers that:
- Only offer unlimited data plans
- Only advertise multi-line prices
- Have confusing phone bills with unexpected fees
- Lure customers with "free" phones
- Constantly try to upsell additional lines
- Bundle plans with unnecessary subscriptions
- Need loads of small print to explain their offers
- Want you to go to a store
- Need a commission-based salesperson
- Reward customer loyalty with increased prices
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
Tello phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.
With free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users. Check out our review about best senior plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
- Not only are their plans affordable for all budgets, but you can build your own plan. Depending on your usage, you get to choose how much data, minutes, and texts you need, so you're not paying for stuff you don't use.
- It's always worth checking your data usage as a set data plan could save money and help restrict excessive phone usage.
- Mobile hotspot is available with a limit of 5 GB of data.
- Tello doesn't offer any discounts if you purchase multiple lines, so if you're looking to get a plan for another family member, each line is billed as a single line at full price. However, you can still save money due to the low cost of their individual plans.
- Being online-based means that activation of an eSIM plan can take just a few clicks, or you can have a SIM card mailed to you.
Best family plan on T-Mobile
Mint Mobile 15GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Mint Mobile phone plans are powered by the T-Mobile network, providing the same great service at a lower cost. They offer various data allowances, including an unlimited plan with 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text.
With Mint Mobile, their transparent messaging shows how you can save more money the longer you commit. Check out our review about best family plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
- Mint Mobile offers mobile hotspot access with all of their plans. So you can use your phone to tether to tablets or other mobile devices, and the unlimited plan includes a 10 GB hotspot data limit.
- A minimum 3-month upfront commitment is required to subscribe. The longer commitment period means cheaper prices. Choose a 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structure available after initial commitment.
- If you're unsatisfied, Mint Mobile offers a 7-day money-back guarantee.
- You can bring your own device, so there's no need to buy an expensive iPhone. However, if you prefer a new smartphone, there are many options available, including iPhones, Samsung, and other Android models like Google Pixel, with a 0% finance over 1-2 years.
- With the Mint Mobile app, you can easily monitor your usage and manage multiple lines and plans.
- One downside is that international roaming is an additional cost, and although you get free calls to Canada and Mexico, other international countries are extra.
Best unlimited plan on T-Mobile
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Tello phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.
With free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Tello unlimited data plan would save you $600 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile directly.
T-Mobile | T-Mobile coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
---|---|---|---|
See at Tello | See at Mint Mobile *$45 for 3 Months | See at Tello | |
T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 15GB data | Unlimited data |
$75/mo | $10/mo | $15/mo* | $25/mo |
$900/yr | $120/yr | $225/yr | $300/yr |
1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot | 3.3 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot |
Annual savings | $780/yr | $675/yr | $600/yr |
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
Twigby Mobile phone plans give you the option to customize your plan and only pay for what you need. They have a range of affordable no-contract plans that are powered by the Verizon network, so you don't have to sacrifice quality for flexibility.
Plus, if you have loved ones abroad, Twigby Mobile offers free international calling to 80 countries. Check out our review about best senior plans on Verizon.
Pros
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80+ countries
- eSIM compatible
- Free mobile hotspot access
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- No International roaming
- Offering a selection of customizable wireless plans with a range of data options, with Twigby Mobile, you can create plans, whatever your needs and budget.
- Twigby Mobile provides free international calling to 80 different countries, ideal for those with family or friends living abroad.
- Being 100% online based, you can purchase your plan from home, and your SIM card will be sent in the mail.
- Mobile hotspot allowance is available and comes out of your monthly data usage, which for unlimited plans is a maximum of 20GB.
- Twigby Mobile doesn't offer multi-line discounts, so if you're looking for more than one line, they may not be the low-cost carrier for you.
- There are no international roaming services, which may not be ideal for frequent travelers as it could result in a significantly higher monthly bill.
Best family plan on Verizon
Red Pocket 10GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile phone plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. 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. Check out our review about best family plans on Verizon.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network 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
- With Red Pocket Mobile, not only are their plans straightforward with no hidden fees, but they also offer features like unlimited talk and text.
- Get up to 30GB high-speed data allowance with the unlimited plan.
- Mobile hotspot access is available up to 30GB on the unlimited plan, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
- Being able to save on the whole family's bill is a benefit. You get a $20 discount for each additional line added. You'll need to pay a setup fee, but after that, choosing a family plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee with their eSIM plans.
- Red Pocket Mobile offers free international calling to 80+ countries, with free roaming in Mexico and Canada.
Best unlimited plan on Verizon
Visible unlimited data plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on Verizon.
Pros
- Great pricing
- Unlimited talk, text, and data
- Taxes & fees included in price
- User-friendly website
Cons
- Only 2 plan choices
- Data speed is capped at 5 Mbps
- Limited phone compatibility
- App-based service
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Visible unlimited data plan would save you $725 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from Verizon directly.
Verizon | Verizon coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
---|---|---|---|
See at Red Pocket *50% off 1st Mth | See at Visible *$5 Off for 25 Mths | ||
Verizon 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon 4G & 5G | |
Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
$75/mo | $5/mo* | $10/mo* | $20/mo* |
$900/yr | $150/yr | $230/yr | $240/yr |
1.2 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 1.5 on Trustpilot |
Annual savings | $750/yr | $670/yr | $725/yr |
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
Red Pocket Mobile phone plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. 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. Check out our review about best senior plans on AT&T.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network 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
Best family plan on AT&T
Red Pocket 10GB plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile phone plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. 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. Check out our review about best family plans on AT&T.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network 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
Best unlimited plan on AT&T
Red Pocket unlimited data plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile phone plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. 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. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on AT&T.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network 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
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Red Pocket unlimited data plan would save you $555 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from AT&T directly.
AT&T | AT&T coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
---|---|---|---|
See at Red Pocket | See at Red Pocket *50% off 1st Mth | See at Red Pocket *50% off 1st Mth | |
Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
Unlimited data *not unlimited | 1GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
$75/mo | $10/mo | $10/mo* | $15/mo* |
$900/yr | $120/yr | $230/yr | $345/yr |
1.3 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot |
Annual savings | $780/yr | $670/yr | $555/yr |
Best overall value plan for Seniors
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Tello phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.
With free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users. Check out our review about the cheapest phone plans for seniors.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
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
Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tello | 2GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Tello |
Mint Mobile | 15GB | $15/mo* | $225/yr | $675/yr | See at Mint Mobile *$45 for 3 Months |
Tello | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr | $600/yr | See at Tello |
Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Twigby Mobile | 2GB | $5/mo* | $150/yr | $750/yr | See at Twigby Mobile *$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths |
Red Pocket | 10GB | $10/mo* | $230/yr | $670/yr | See at Red Pocket *50% off 1st Mth |
Visible | Unlimited | $20/mo* | $240/yr | $725/yr | See at Visible *$5 Off for 25 Mths |
Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Red Pocket | 1GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Red Pocket |
Red Pocket | 10GB | $10/mo* | $230/yr | $670/yr | See at Red Pocket *50% off 1st Mth |
Red Pocket | Unlimited | $15/mo* | $345/yr | $555/yr | See at Red Pocket *50% off 1st Mth |
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
Low-cost carriers like Tello, Mint Mobile, and Boost Mobile have the cheapest phone plans for seniors, starting at $5 per month.
Not all MVNOs don't directly offer senior discounts; however, their low-cost plans have something for any budget. And there may be discounts available if you qualify for AARP.
The Mint 55+ plan is a cell phone plan specifically designed for seniors aged 55 and older. It offers unlimited talk, text, and data at affordable rates.
While there are no completely free cell phone plans for seniors, seniors may qualify for the federal Lifeline Assistance Program, which offers free or discounted phone and internet service to qualifying low-income households. If they don't qualify for this federal funding, there are low-cost options available from carriers like Tello, Mint Mobile, and Boost Mobile, starting at $5 per month.
Data on a cell phone plan refers to the amount of internet usage allowed for activities such as browsing the web, using apps, streaming videos, and downloading files. It is typically measured in gigabytes (GB) and determines how much data you can consume within a billing cycle before additional charges may apply. Check out your current data usage so you're not paying for what you don't use.
The average cost of a cell phone plan for seniors varies depending on the carrier and the specific plan chosen. However, low-cost options start at around $5 per month and can go up to $33 per month. These plans typically include unlimited talk, text, and a certain amount of data for internet usage.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.