According to recent research, more than 40% of older adults use smartphones, while 80% own a cell phone. It is important for cell phone providers to provide competitive and cheapest cell phone plans for seniors. The majority of cell phone providers will let you use your smartphone or purchase one from them.
The good news is that seniors can get free Smartphones from the Government. These devices are designed with a user-friendly interface to allow older adults to navigate through easily. If you are an older adult or have a senior in your cell phone plan, here are some of the best and cheapest cell phone plans for seniors.
10 Best Cheapest Cell Phone Plans For Seniors in 2023
1. Ting Cell Phone Plan For Seniors
Ting is one of the greatest options designed for older adults who don’t want expensive monthly bills. While Ting doesn’t give you a set plan, it allows you to customize the plan as per your specific situation. Since there is no contract, you can cancel the plan at any time. Additionally, the company offers free cell phones for seniors and the disabled. So, make sure you visit their site for more info. If you want unlimited minutes, data, and texts, this might not be the best option. However, the opportunity to customize the cell phone plan is difficult to ignore with an average monthly bill of $23.
Ting allows you to save a lot compared to the traditional contract plan. Frugal Rule readers get a $50 credit when creating an account, effectively offering you 2 months of free services. Ting operates on two networks: T-Mobile and Sprint, and this offer you dependable and robust coverage with the cell provider.
Ting allows you to add any amount of lines you wish, and each will operate at $6 per line. This is ideal if you intend to share the plan with your family members to share data, text, and talk. The average talk time for every month is $9 for 100-500 minutes. For $5 a month, you will get 101-1000 texts every month, and with $10 per month, you get 101-500 MB worth of data. If you use WIFI, you should avoid buying data. Since you pay for what you intend to use, overpaying for something you don’t require will not make sense.
Additionally, you can come with your phone or purchase one from the cell phone provider. The company provides the cheapest cell phone plans for seniors.
- Offers reliable coverage on two carriers
- You can come with your phone
- Offers completely customizable cell phone plans
- You pay for what you want to use
- No extra costs for all calls and more than 60 international calls
- Not reliable for heavy data users
2. Tello Cellphone Plan For Seniors
Tello wireless is one of the best cell phone plans for the senior since you don’t need to pay when upgrading the plan. With this plan, seniors can access some of the leading prepaid rates in the communication industry. The carrier features 4G LTE coverage and some minutes to call Mexico, China, and Canada. You can set the plan to renew automatically at the end of the month and cancel at any time without paying for penalties.
Additionally, all the unused talk time will roll over to the following month. The plan is designed to operate on Sprint Network. You can optimize the plan according to your needs, as the cheapest plan costs $10 per month. For $14 per month, you get unlimited text and minutes plus 1GB of data. However, this is after paying the $7 first month subscription. Another benefit of Tello is that it offers its clients the option to tether for free. Tethering converts a smartphone into a router or modem to connect different gadgets to the internet. This is the greatest feature for travelers who need to stay connected.
- Allows you to make international calls
- Free tethering
- The plan can be customized
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices
- Doesn’t allow roaming, but works on WIFI
- Smartphones are costly
3. Twigby Cell Phone Plans For Seniors
Since the Twigby cell phone provider is an MVNO, the plan operates on Sprint and Verizon, allowing them to offer reliable and high-quality coverage. The plan welcomes new clients with a 25% discount for the first six months of service. It comes with a standard rate of $13 per month, providing unlimited text and talk time. Additionally, you can add $6 to get 1GB worth of data. This includes discounts for every extra GB you add. Don’t worry about data usage since you will be notified when you consume 50% of your data.
Twigby live chat is accessible 7 days a week, even on Sundays up to 6 pm. The plan provider organizes double referral bonus months every year; this means that clients can get up to $20 for every referral. This is the best way for the elderly to get some extra money by inviting family members, friends, and relatives to Twigby.
- Runs on two leading networks, Sprint and Verizon
- You can make international calls to Mexico, Canada and chine
- The plan is available at as low as $13 for unlimited text and talk
- Fully customized plans
- Compatible with both iOS and Android devices
- Online only and no retail location
4. Republic Wireless Plans For Seniors
Republic Wireless is one of the top non-contract cell phone companies in the space. The provider has plans that let their clients make calls and send messages via WIFI. In case you are not near a trusted Wi-Fi spot, you can use the cellular network.
Like others on this list of the best cell phone plans for seniors, Republic Wireless is an MVNO (Multiple Virtual Network Operator). The plan relies on the leading networks: T-Mobile and Sprit to offer reliable coverage. However, the company strives to provide a competitive rating for their plans. They always offer promotions to grab the attention of new clients and keep the existing ones. For instance, when a client activates a service line and transfers their phone no within 30 days, they get free service for two months on the 1GB plan.
Additionally, clients are given extra promotions of free services when they buy via the Republic wireless site. Those promotions are available several times within a year for all types of phones. Unlimited text and talk no-contract plan with this provider begins at $15 per month. You can add data for $5 per GB. Clients can easily add data to their plans and have a chance to use a spam call blocking feature.
- They provide a 14-day money-back guarantee
- They will refund the unused data every month
- Runs on T-Mobile and Sprint
- No contracts
- Allows clients to make free international calls
- You must buy data, but it’s cheap
- Works with android gadgets only
5. AT&T Plan For Seniors
AT&T provides two models specifically designed for seniors: senior nation meant for 65-year olds and above and GoPhone Daily plan. The company offers the cheapest cell phone plans for seniors. The Senior Nation plan offers 200 anytime talk time, 500 weekend and night minutes, and unlimited mobile to mobile talk time that comprises no roaming and long-distance charges. Anything extra will be $0.45 per minute. Note that the model is available for basic mobile phones and not tablets or smartphones.
GoPlan Daily plan allows you to subscribe to the services when using your device for data or calls. You are required to pay $2 daily whenever you want to use the smartphone. You won’t be charged if you don’t use the phone. Note that AT&T will charge $29.99 per month, but the Senior Nation model is not available on their website. If you want this program, you can call, chat or visit the AT&T shop.
The company provides specific bundles on other items like TV and the internet, which can lead to many savings. While the service is unsophisticated, it is perfect for those who use basic phones and have data needs. For those traveling to Mexico and Canada who don’t need to use data, this plan might be the best option. This is because they have great coverage in those regions.
- Several plans, allowing you to choose the one that suits your needs
- AARP 10% discount
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices
- Dependable network
- Senior nation plan doesn’t provide data.
6. Freedompop Plan For Seniors
Freedompop is one of the leading phone providers that provide genuine free mobile phone options to seniors. Their services use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), a similar technology utilized to communicate via Skype. Since Freedompop piggybacks on the networks of leading providers, it is trusted and economical.
Freedompop runs on the Alcatel Conquest LTE phone that is available at $49.9 when bought via Freedompop. Once you purchase the phone, it comes with a basic package free for 200 minutes of talk time. However, you can upgrade to a 55+ plan, exclusively for the elderly that costs $24.4 every month for the limited texts and calls, plus 2GB worth of data.
For seniors who use massive data, the provider gives a wide variety of data options that range from $3.99-$74.99 every month. The free package comes with 500MB data, and the 55+ plan comes with 2GB worth of data, unlimited texts, and calls. You can cancel this plan at any time since there are no contracts. Users who upgrade to 55+ phone plans will receive VIP support, and they also have a chance to downgrade to the free plan at any time. This plan is perfect for budget-conscious people who want a low-cost cell phone plan.
- Offers 4G LTE coverage across the country
- Ideal for people who don’t use much data
- Great client support
- The device is not senior specific
- Limited data plan options
7. Verizon Plan For Seniors
Verizon provides a broad range of unlimited, single device, international, and shared data cell phones. It also offers the largest assortment of smartphones in the market. This includes tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, wearable tech, and many more. Seniors can save some cash on their data plans once they upgrade to the GO Unlimited 55+ plan.
However, users should note that the Go Unlimited package is available to anyone with a Michigan, Texas, Missouri, and Detroit bailing address. The cost of these plans begins at $40 per month for unlimited calls, data, and texts. The provider offers a contract on the plan, so make sure you check the specifics of the contract when making a purchase. The plan is ideal for people who need unlimited usage with a huge collection of smartphones and other products.
Verizon makes the best cell phone plan for seniors since they provide various ways to plan options, accessories, and cell phones all under one roof. The provider has incredible flexibility of shared data plans and also offers great discounts.
- You get the modern smartphone tech
- Military and veteran families get huge discounts
- Unlimited single device and shared plans
- Numerous options for tablets, hotspots and cell phones
- Reliable international coverage with Travalpass-5
- Expensive monthly plans
8. T-Mobile Plan For Seniors
T-Mobile introduced its first senior-designed phone in early 2017. The carrier was created with the old generation in mind, and the provider has the Unlimited 55+ plan designed to be cost-effective for budget-conscious seniors. However, it comes with all features of the standard smartphone plan. The plan works with any phone. Two lines start at the cost of $35 per line every month, including taxes and fees. One line costs $50 per month. The plan offers unlimited calls, data, and text. You can cancel the plan at any moment if there are no contracts. You can use the plan in more than 20 countries without extra charges. The company offers unlimited hotspots at the speed of 3G. The company has created a plan for tech-savvy seniors that won’t disappoint them. It is available at a reasonable price and has incredible unlimited usage.
- Since all plans include fees and taxes, users don’t experience surprises
- Unlimited data and texting in over 200 countries
- One hour of text and data on Gogo-supported flights
- Heavy data consumers might be throttled during peak use moments
9. Lively Plan ( GreatCall has changed its name to Lively )
Lively is another leading cell phone plan for seniors. Perhaps, you’ve come across commercials advertising their Jitterbug phone for seniors. The plans begin at $14.99 for 200 free talk time and $3 for text messages per month. The provider charges its clients a one-time $99 for setting up the device, and they don’t have contracts. You can come with your phone to the provider since they will connect the gadget to medical notification services and other healthcare requirements.
Lively provided a limited amount of options for cell phones. You can obtain a flop phone that is generally considered an emergency gadget or a smart gadget. Nevertheless, they have great options that are perfect for seniors. The Jitterbug Smart 2 runs at a discounted rate of 50%. Typically, this is a solid option for older adults because of the 5.5-inch screen, which allows them to see things quickly. It comes with a simplified menu that makes navigation and finding essential features on the phone easy.
Additionally, the phone comes with a durable battery that is a perfect feature have. People tend to forget to charge a phone, especially the seniors, easily. This gives more time to get the device on charge in case of an emergency. With a single click on the button, the company’s agent is always on the phone to solve any problem. Once the call is made, a link will be sent to family members to notify them.
- Connects to medical notification providers
- Senior-specific features such as daily health tips and check-in calls
- Gadgets with large buttons
- They don’t allow you to bring your phone
- Limited to Great Call phone plans
10. Consumer Cellular Plans For Seniors
Consumer cellular is among the best cell phone plans for seniors in the industry. Like most plans, the provider is an MVNO, and you decide whether to use the service on T-Mobile or AT&T. Plans begin at $20 per month for 250 free talk time, 250 MB worth of data, and unlimited text messages. It allows you to customize your plan to even change the plan month-to-month, depending on your needs.
Consumer cellular provides a one-month money-back guarantee for any client not happy with the service. Flip phone gadgets with Consumer Cellular start as low as $30, and like other providers on MVNO, you can come with your gadget, either a smartphone or flip phone. Since the provider allows clients to get convenient user alerts, keeping track of data is easy. If clients exceed their data allowance, they will be upgraded automatically without any charges. You can add $15 to include your family member and share all text, data, and talk features. Flexibility is the trademark of the Consumer Cellular phone providers. They understand that clients’ needs change, so they can change the plan to meet that requirement with no additional costs.
- Runs on AT&T and T-Mobil platforms
- Compatible with iOS and Android gadgets
- Offers AARP discounts
- One-month money-back guarantee
- Doesn’t offer an unlimited data plan
Frequently Ask Questions
What are the cheapest cell phone plans for seniors?
The cheapest cell phone plans for seniors vary by carrier and location. However, some popular options include T-Mobile’s Magenta Unlimited 55+ plan, Sprint’s Unlimited 55+ plan, and Verizon’s 55+ Unlimited plan.
What discounts do seniors receive on cell phone plans?
Many carriers offer discounts for seniors on their cell phone plans. Some of the most common discounts include reduced monthly fees, discounted or free phones, and waived activation fees.
Can I get a discount on my cell phone plan as a senior?
Yes, many cell phone providers offer discounts for seniors. Some providers that offer senior discounts include T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T.
Can seniors get unlimited data plans?
Yes, many carriers offer unlimited data plans for seniors. However, these plans may have certain restrictions or limitations, such as reduced data speeds after a certain amount of usage or reduced video streaming quality.
What should seniors consider when choosing a cell phone plan?
Seniors should consider several factors when choosing a cell phone plan, including the coverage area, data allowances, customer service, and device compatibility. It’s also important to consider any special discounts or offers that may be available for seniors.
Are prepaid cell phone plans a good option for seniors?
Prepaid cell phone plans can be a good option for seniors who want to save money on their monthly bills. These plans typically have no contract and offer flexibility in terms of usage and payment. However, they may not offer the same level of coverage or customer service as postpaid plans.
How can seniors compare cell phone plans?
Seniors can compare cell phone plans by researching online, checking carrier websites and stores, and asking for recommendations from family and friends. It’s important to consider factors such as coverage, data allowances, customer service, and special discounts or offers for seniors.
Bottom line
Nowadays, owning a cell phone has become a necessity for every person. Cellphones can substitute your computer, home phone, and several other gadgets. Additionally, they offer more convenience when it comes to communicating with family members to keep in touch. The cheapest cell phone plans for seniors assist you in fitting the total cost into the budget.
However, you can adjust your cell phone plan to suit your texting and talk needs with these providers. The regular promotions offered by most companies will help you save more money. However, smartphones might not work for everyone since some seniors find them to be complicated. If that is the case, you need to get the best cheap landline phone service for seniors to keep in touch with family and friends.