AT&T Cell Phone Plans for Seniors 2024
AT&T’s 55+ plan offers excellent value with unlimited data, 5G access, and unlimited texting to 200+ countries, starting at $60 per month.
SeniorLiving.org is supported by commissions from providers listed on our site. Read our Editorial Guidelines
SeniorLiving.org is supported by commissions from providers listed on our site. Read our Editorial Guidelines
We recently reviewed AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ plan and found it’s one of the best phone plans for older adults who want unlimited talk, text, and data, starting at $60 monthly for one line. One important caveat: this plan is only available to Florida residents, similar to Verizon’s 55+ plan. AT&T also requires contracts with most plans. For comparison, other providers like T-Mobile offer contract-free options on their senior plans. However, AT&T has multiple phone plans that are ideal for seniors.
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced unlimited plan, AT&T might be the right fit. AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ plan is one of the best phone plans for older adults who want unlimited talk, text, and data. The company also offers other plans with great features that aren’t exclusively for older adults. Another advantage to the 55+ plan is that only the account holder must be over 55, so you can share it with a younger spouse. You could even get your kids or grandchildren in on the action! Let’s examine the pricing, overall value, and offerings from AT&T’s phone plans so you can stay connected with your loved ones!
At a Glance
- Offers a 55+ plan
- Offers AARP and veterans discounts
- Requires contracts
- Activation fees
- Provides a large selection of phones
- Free shipping on most devices
- Offers in-store and online purchasing options
- Select plans only available to Florida residents
The Fast Facts: AT&T Senior Phone Plans
Remember that AT&T offers additional plans; these are just our top picks for older adults.
AT&T plan | Monthly price (per line) | Features | Best for | Restrictions |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T Lifeline2 | Discount varies |
|
Those on a fixed income or government assistance |
|
AT&T Unlimited 55+ | $40 to $60 per month per line (depending on the number of lines) |
|
Technology-savvy seniors who live in Florida |
|
AT&T Unlimited Starter Plan | $35.99 a month per line (for four lines) |
|
Tech-savvy seniors who want to stay connected and maintain multiple phone lines (at least four) |
|
A Closer Look at AT&T’s Plans and Pricing
AT&T Unlimited 55+ Plan for Florida Residents
With rates per line ranging from $40 to $60 per month per line, AT&T offers this unlimited plan for the 55-and-over crowd. It comes with (you guessed it) unlimited talk, text, and data. With this plan, you can check Facebook, search for local businesses, and receive pictures of the grandkids while on vacation.
The AT&T Unlimited 55+ plan is excellent for older adults who use their phones frequently. The Unlimited 55+ plan also features unlimited talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico, plus free texting in over 120 countries — perfect for frequent travelers. Some senior phone plans, including Consumer Cellular’s, don’t include international extras like this, making AT&T the ideal option for those with loved ones abroad or who travel.
>> Compare Other Brands: AT&T vs Consumer Cellular
This plan is currently only available to Florida residents. We were disappointed to see this, as some carriers like T-Mobile offer 55+ plans nationwide. Still, if you live in Florida, it’s a great option. Like other AT&T unlimited plans, the company rewards consumers for having multiple lines, so the more lines you have, the lower the rates you’ll pay per line.
It’s worth noting that the 55+ Plan does limit the number of lines you can have on a single plan. While most will allow for up to four, they only have options for one or two lines. It still allows customers to have additional savings, but not to the same extent as other unlimited plans from AT&T.
Did You Know? Florida has more retirees than any other state. That’s just one of many interesting statistics about seniors worth knowing.
AT&T Unlimited Starter Plan for Non-Florida Residents Who Want an Unlimited Plan
If the above plan sounds perfect, but you don’t live in Florida, don’t worry. You can choose a basic unlimited plan and a senior-friendly smartphone regardless of your home state. While this plan isn’t senior-specific, it offers unlimited talk, text, and data at a reasonable price. Plus, you can apply an extra discount if you are an AARP member or a veteran.
Did You Know? AARP members can get discounts not only on phones but on many other items and services, too. Check out our AARP rental car discounts, hotel discounts, and travel discounts guides.
This plan is priced based on the number of lines on your account. For example, with four lines, you can get the AT&T Unlimited Starter plan for as low as $35.99 per month per line. Users pay $65.99 per month for a single line before discounts. It’s best for seniors who use their phones frequently and want to share a phone plan with family and friends.
Looking for an affordable unlimited cell phone plan with nationwide availability? AT&T fits the bill.
How to Get the Best Deal With AT&T
Let’s look at how to get the most out of your AT&T mobile plan.
- AT&T gives perks like discounts and credits for AARP members. Some exclusions may apply. Not an AARP member? Head to our AARP guide to learn more.
- If you’re a Florida resident, you could save up to $50 on activation fees and get 15 percent off eligible phone accessories from AT&T. Make sure to ask a representative about these perks.
- Veterans and active military can receive 25 percent off AT&T’s unlimited wireless plan. Visit AT&T’s Signature Program page to see if you’re eligible for the discount.
- Adding multiple lines to your account is a great way to save and add value to your plan. If you have an adult child or grandchild who would benefit from being on your phone plan, you’ll save money since the monthly rate is cheaper with the more lines you have on your account. You can also enroll your spouse for the same perks.
- Depending on the plan, enrolling in AutoPay and opting for paperless billing can offer a discount.
- In some cases, you may be able to use an employer discount to save as much as $10 per month on select unlimited plans.
The Best AT&T Cell Phones for Seniors
Some older adults prefer the simplicity of a flip phone, while others enjoy the convenience and accessibility of a smartphone. Either way, AT&T has you covered. The company offers over 40 phones to choose from. We’ve selected two senior-friendly phones we’ve personally tested to recommend: the Sonim XP3plus and the iPhone 14 Pro.
Sonim XP3plus
For $199.99, the Sonim XP3plus is an IP68-certified durable flip phone suitable for seniors who want vital features such as noise cancellation and long battery life. Some of our favorite features include real-time text capabilities and M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility. The flip phone also has a mobile hotspot for up to 10 devices. While the Apple iPhone 15 Pro is more substantially sized, we appreciate the Sonim XP3plus’ compact design and ease of use for people who want to stay connected with their grandkids without too many advanced features.
Benefits for older adults:
- Durable, rugged flip phone
- IP68 certified with MIL-STD-810G durability
- Comes with a three-year warranty
- AltText and noise cancellation
- Up to 21 hours of talk time
Head to our list of the best flip phones for seniors to check out our other favorites, including some from rival carriers.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
At $999.99, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro is a solid choice for older adults wanting to upgrade to a smartphone. Its 6.69-inch screen is large, making it easy to use. We discovered the 27-hour battery life lasted noticeably longer than the iPhone 14 Pro’s. The iPhone 15 Pro has a 48 MP camera with features like night mode, portrait mode with six effects, and focus and depth control — perfect for older adults who love to capture special moments. Weighing 7.09 ounces, this larger, heavier phone might be cumbersome for some. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a large, bright screen and a phone that doesn’t need frequent charging. Check out our best cell phones for seniors page for other Apple iPhone model choices.
Benefits for older adults
- Large, 6.1-inch super retina display
- 48MP rear-facing cameras for crisp, clear photos
- Dust-, water-, and splash-resistant
- Long battery life
- Affordable price tag compared to other iPhone models
- Great for users who are already familiar with Apple products
Remember that smartphones are usually priced in installments and added as an additional cost to your monthly bill. Be careful when choosing your plan, and make sure to find out if you are buying or renting the phone and how many installments are required. To learn more about iPhones, visit our list of the best iPhones for seniors guide.
How Does AT&T Compare to Other Phone Carriers?
AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ Plan is competitive with other options on the market in terms of price and features. However, as mentioned, it’s only available to Florida residents. For an unlimited plan unrestricted by location, check out our 2024 T-Mobile review.
AT&T used to offer a Senior Nation plan – a talk-only plan for older adults who didn’t want data. Unfortunately, they discontinued it in 2020. If you’re looking for a call-only plan, consider Lively, another phone provider we've tested. It is one of the few carriers offering a call-only plan for just $19.99 monthly.
Compare AT&T to Other Providers
Final Thoughts on Pricing and Value for AT&T Phone Plans
AT&T offers solid options for seniors who want unlimited talk, text, and data, with the Unlimited 55+ plan starting at $60 for one line (currently restricted to Florida residents). Those who want a smartphone and unlimited mobile data can also take advantage of an AARP discount. If you don’t live in Florida, AT&T has plenty of other unlimited plans that might suit your needs.
Remember that AT&T’s unlimited plans are priced based on the number of lines on the account, ranging from $30 to $85 per line. So, the more lines you have, the more you’ll save. AT&T is a great option, as they offer a diverse range of cell phones and mobile plans for older adults.
Our Methodology
Our senior tech experts researched AT&T phone plans for seniors and compared them to plans offered by other carriers. We evaluated several factors, like plan features, price, value, extra perks, and limitations. We also tested cell phones offered by AT&T. To evaluate AT&T’s service, we used it over a week-long period at home and on the go. We included essential details and impressions of each plan and phone based on our experience to help you choose the right plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About AT&T Phone Plans
-
Does AT&T offer a senior discount?
AT&T doesn’t offer an official senior discount, but AARP members can receive 10 percent off their plan, and veterans can get 25 percent off their monthly bill.
-
Does AT&T have senior-friendly phones?
Though not specifically designed for seniors, AT&T has several phones that would work well for seniors. They offer flip phones, beginner-friendly smartphones, and high-tech devices for seniors who are great with technology.
-
Does AT&T offer a phone plan for seniors?
Yes. Currently, AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ plan is only available to seniors residing in Florida.
Insider Monkey. (2024). 5 Biggest Telecom Companies in the US.
FCC. (2020). Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers.