Consumer Cellular vs. AT&T

Phone Plans and Prices

Consumer Cellular Plans

Consumer Cellular runs on AT&T’s network (previously T-Mobile’s too). Consumer Cellular doesn’t have a devoted “senior plan,” but the carrier is designed specifically for older adults. That means you can speak with a customer service team that understands you. You can reach customer service by phone or live chat (6 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT).

Here is a brief guide to Consumer Cellular pricing to get you started:

*Price includes a $5 discount for opting in to AutoPay and paperless billing.
**Single-line unlimited data plan offer is only for customers age 50+. Age validation required.

Pricing for Consumer Cellular’s four all-ages plans runs between $20 and $50 per month. They range in data from 1 GB to unlimited data. The single-line plan with unlimited data is only available to those aged 50 or older. The only way for someone under the age of 50 to get unlimited data is through a two-line plan. Customers get free activation, and there are no contracts or hidden fees to deal with.

All plans have unlimited talk and text, 5G and 4G nationwide coverage, and mobile hotspot data. It’s worth noting that if you want a $5 monthly credit (and why would you not?). Just choose automatic bill payment and paperless billing.

» Learn About: Best unlimited phone plans for seniors

You don’t have to worry about overage fees because there are none! If you go over your monthly usage, you will automatically be placed on the next highest plan. If you reach 20 GB on the highest-tiered data plan, your speeds will drop a bit.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

50 GB is plenty for most users, so you likely won’t run into this issue unless you have several lines on your plan. I’m on an AT&T plan with three lines, and we’ve never hit our 46 GB data limit. I use my phone’s data heavily, while my parents are light internet users.

The external screen on Consumer Cellular's Verve Snap

The option to add multiple lines is great for families or large households. You can add up to seven lines. Each additional line costs $15 per month. The best part is the more lines you add, the lower the price per line will be. Need to change plans? There’s no fee for making changes at any time.

Some customers may prefer to “bring your own phone” (BYOP), and Consumer Cellular is OK with that. We tried adding our phone online during checkout but quickly realized we needed to call customer service. Luckily, the representative we spoke with was kind and walked us through the process.

Wondering about senior discounts? Consumer Cellular offers some discounts through a partnership with AARP. AARP members can get two lines of unlimited talk, text, and data for $55 per month. AARP members have 45 days to make up their minds or get their money back; that number drops to 30 days for those who aren’t members. Members also receive a 5 percent discount on their monthly service. We could easily access this discount at checkout. While AT&T offers a few AARP discounts, too, we feel Consumer Cellular’s AARP discounts offer a bit more value.

While AT&T offers a few AARP discounts, too, we feel Consumer Cellular’s AARP discounts offer a bit more value.

»  Related Reading: Guide to AARP membership

Don’t know if you need unlimited data? We’re big fans of the 10 GB plan for $35 per month. It’s an affordable plan with a good amount of data.

All in all, Consumer Cellular has inexpensive, basic, month-to-month plans designed for older adults. The carrier’s AARP discounts are a good value for those who want more than one line. The extensive money-back guarantee gives you enough time to decide on your service plan.

Visit our 2024 Consumer Cellular review to learn more about this carrier.

AT&T Plans

AT&T is recognized for its reliable service, fast speeds, and customer service. It also has a variety of plans and phones to choose from. Customers can visit in-store locations or purchase online. It’s important to note that some AT&T plans require contracts and have activation fees, unlike Consumer Cellular.

AT&T offers many plans, but the ones below are some of our top picks for older adults.

While we appreciate that AT&T offers a plan specifically for older adults, there is an important caveat: The Unlimited 55+ plan is only available to Florida residents. With this plan, older Floridian adults can get one line for $60 or two lines for $80 per month. Consumer Cellular doesn’t have any plans limited to single states like Florida.

Subscribers to the Unlimited 55+ plan get:

• Unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S, Mexico, and Canada
• AT&T ActiveArmorSM mobile security, including a free app with spam call blocking and more
• 5G speeds
• Unlimited text from the U.S. to 200+ countries

This plan offers a few additional ways to save. Florida residents can save up to $50 on activation and upgrade fees, and receive 15 percent off select accessories if they are AARP members. Veterans and active military can get 25 percent off AT&T’s unlimited wireless plan. As you can see, Florida residents get quite the list of perks!

What if you’re not a Floridian? AT&T has plenty of pre- and postpaid plans, whether you just want a few gigs of data or an unlimited plan. One of our favorites is AT&T’s Unlimited Starter SL plan, which costs $65.99 per month. That’s just $6 more than the 55+ plan, and the more lines you add, the more money you’ll save per line.

The Unlimited Starter SL plan is excellent for larger families. It costs just $35.99 per month per line when you have four lines. Plus, AARP members can save $10 per month.

» Dive Deeper: AT&T phone plan review

AT&T’s plans are good for older adults with wiggle room in their budgets who want more data, features, and services than providers like Consumer Cellular offers. While AT&T’s plans tend to be on the pricier side compared to Consumer Cellular, remember that there are discounts for AARP members on select plans.

AT&T is known for its award-winning customer service. In our experience, AT&T's customer service is excellent, with friendly and helpful agents. Whether visiting a store in person or speaking with a representative on the phone, we’ve always had pleasant experiences.

Overall, AT&T’s enduring reputation in the industry, reliable service, fast speeds, and customer service make this service provider worth a look.

Nationwide Coverage

Consumer Cellular

As mentioned, Consumer Cellular uses AT&T’s 4G and 5G networks, but there are some differences in service. AT&T prioritizes its customers above MVNOs that use its network, such as Consumer Cellular. That means Consumer Cellular customers may experience slower speeds during peak traffic times. When testing Consumer Cellular at home and on a walk, we found that we consistently had three bars of service.

So, if reliable, fast speeds are your top priority, you may want to consider AT&T. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a simple, affordable plan, Consumer Cellular is a great choice.

AT&T

AT&T has one of the fastest and most reliable 5G networks nationwide. Customers can access 5G and 4G LTE services nationwide, along with 4G coverage in parts of Canada and Mexico. This is great for those who enjoy traveling in the continental U.S.

If the network is busy, AT&T may throttle data speeds. This is common with most carriers. When we tested out AT&T, we experienced great coverage. On occasion, we had spotty service in rural areas where other carriers like Verizon had better coverage. However, this is a fairly common issue with many carriers.

Consumer Cellular vs. AT&T Phones

Consumer Cellular

Consumer Cellular has some great cell phones for seniors. The carrier sells devices from several brands, including Apple, Android, and their own line of flip phones and smartphones. We’re big fans of Consumer Cellular’s phones. When testing the IRIS Connect smartphone and a flip phone called the IRIS Flip, we found that Consumer Cellular’s phones are simple to use. They’re great for those who want something simple without many bells and whistles.

We tested the IRIS Flip’s reception at home and on a walk. We sent some photos, which were delivered quickly. However, there was no internet connection, which is a bit of a drawback for those who want to use data.

Testing out the IRIS Easy Flip from Consumer Cellular

Like its competitors, Consumer Cellular offers discounts and promotions on certain phone models. Most discounts are geared toward AARP members, but they do have occasional limited-time promotions. If you prefer to bring your own phone, you can get your service up and running in no time; you’ll just need to give Consumer Cellular a call.

AT&T

AT&T offers some of the best cell phones for seniors. The carrier has a large selection of the latest 5G phones. Consumer Cellular and AT&T have many of the same flip phones and smartphones, but AT&T sells far more models.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

AT&T lets customers turn in their old wireless phones and other devices for credit or promotional perks. Every time I upgrade my phone, I trade in my old one, and I get at least a few hundred dollars in credits. Just know they may reduce the trade-in value if your phone is damaged. I learned this the hard way when I turned in an iPhone with a damaged camera!

AT&T has a tab on their website just for all their deals, and there are several! Some brands they sell include Apple, Motorola, Google, Samsung, and Sonim. AT&T provides free shipping on most devices, and customers get 14 days to return or exchange. Of course, you also have the option to bring your unlocked phone.

When we’ve purchased new phones through AT&T, the provider has often offered a deal to help us save money. AT&T also offers a solid trade-in program, which helps to further reduce the cost of a new phone.

Using an iPhone on AT&T's service

Our Final Thoughts on Consumer Cellular vs. AT&T

By now you probably have a better idea of which cell phone plan you are leaning toward. Or, at the very least, you probably know what you want or don’t want in a plan.

Depending on your budget and needs, you may just want to bring your phone and have a simple plan that allows you to stay connected. Or maybe you are looking for a little something extra and prefer the latest device, more data, and features.

Whatever your preference, it’s important to get a plan that offers the features you need. Customers looking for a provider with higher data usage options on a reliable network may like AT&T. Those who want a more basic plan with multi-line, and AARP discounts may want a Consumer Cellular plan. Both companies have experience working with older adults and offer solid plans worth considering!