Best Senior Unlimited Cell Phone Plans
Consumer Cellular is one of our favorite unlimited phone plans for seniors, thanks to its affordable rates and AARP discounts.
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- Discounts for AARP members
- Phone plans designed for older adults
- 45-day risk-free trial
- Health and safety features (with paid subscriptions)
- Unlimited talk and text with all plans
- Budget-friendly plans with no contracts
- One Unlimited 55+ plan
- Only available to Florida residents
- Discounts available for AARP members
- Largest 5G network in the U.S.
- Three different phone plans just for seniors
- Unlimited talk, text, and data
Contents
In years past, a limited data plan was more affordable than an unlimited plan. Fortunately, unlimited plans are far more commonplace and, even more importantly, affordable for seniors. According to one report, as much as 80 percent of Americans have unlimited phone plans.1
In this guide, our senior tech experts examine the best unlimited cell phone plans for seniors to help you find one that fits your budget and needs. We spent 150 hours researching and testing the best unlimited plans on the market to select our top picks. Our team evaluated each carrier for important factors like price and value, senior-friendly features, plan options, soft data caps, and more. Ultimately, Consumer Cellular was our top pick, thanks to the carriers’ affordable rates, AARP discounts, and plans designed specifically for seniors.
Testing out a flip phone on Consumer Cellular's service
The Best Unlimited Senior Cell Phone Plans
Our Methodology: How We Chose and Tested the Best Unlimited Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
Making a call on Lively's Jitterbug Smart4
How We Tested the Cell Phone Plans
Our tech team spent over 150 hours researching and testing unlimited cell phone plans from some of the nation’s top carriers. We made sure to test each carrier using the same process so that we could compare them apples to apples. Here’s what our testing process looked like:
- Our tech team visited each carrier’s website and evaluated how easy it was to navigate the website, compare different plans, view pricing, and purchase an unlimited plan.
- While searching through plans, we evaluated the offerings to see if there would be any soft data caps or other fine print details that might limit our experience.
- We evaluated the variety of plans available through each carrier and considered the price of each plan to see if certain plans offered a better overall value compared to others. We also looked out for plans specifically designed for seniors and carriers offering senior-only discounts.
- We purchased a plan from each carrier and used it for one month. We made calls (regular and video calls), watched videos, streamed content, and generally tested the reliability of the carrier’s service at home and on the go. We also tested features designed for seniors (when available) like emergency response services.
- Finally, our tech team reached out to each carrier’s customer service team to evaluate the quality of care and ensure that we could easily have our questions answered.
How We Chose the Best Unlimited Cell Phone Plans
There are several major wireless carriers and dozens of smaller carriers in the U.S. that offer unlimited phone plans. However, many unlimited plans are too expensive for those on fixed incomes. So, to find the best unlimited cell phone plans for seniors, we evaluated dozens of options to find the best features, prices, and discounts for seniors.
During our testing, we took notes and evaluated each plan for reliability and quality of service, extra perks, price and value, senior-friendly features, soft data caps, and more. We also asked for feedback from seniors to get a well-rounded picture of each carrier.
Some of the most important criteria we looked at during testing include:
- Senior-friendly features: More and more carriers are creating plans designed just for seniors. These often include features like anti-spam software, special discounts for AARP members, and even safety and medical features. We evaluated each carrier’s senior-friendly features during testing.
- Affordable pricing: On average, unlimited mobile plans cost between $50 and $70. We focused on the most affordable carriers, especially those offering special discounts to seniors and competitive pricing for multiple lines.
- Better soft data caps: Unfortunately, most carriers that offer unlimited plans still implement soft data caps. That means you can continue using data as much as you like, but after using a certain amount of data each month, your speeds will be throttled until the new month begins. Finding any carrier that doesn’t use soft data caps in one form or another is difficult. Regardless, we tried to find plans with high soft data caps. We also tested soft data caps to find out how slow speeds were.
- Multiple plan options: It’s always nice to have options! It’s especially true if you live in an area where only one or two major mobile carriers are accessible. Fortunately, all of the carriers on our list have multiple plans to choose from.
Why Trust Us
Our senior tech experts try out the latest products and tech for older adults. We’ve spent hundreds of hours testing and reviewing cell phones and phone plans from regional and nationwide carriers. We also consult with seniors to learn about their personal experiences with different unlimited phone plans, including what they liked, what they disliked, and features they would like to see in an ideal phone plan.
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1. Consumer Cellular - Best for AARP members
What we like most
- Discounts for AARP members
- Phone plans designed for older adults
- 45-day risk-free trial
Consumer CellularOverview:
Testing out the IRIS Easy Flip from Consumer Cellular
Overview
All of Consumer Cellular’s plans are designed for older adults, including the unlimited plan. At $50 per month, the unlimited plan is affordable, with no surprises or long-term contracts. If you sign up for multiple lines, you’ll see major savings: $65 per month for two lines or $80 per month for three lines. You can stop your service and switch to another carrier at any time without paying penalty fees. We love this flexibility!
Current Deal: Switch to Consumer Cellular from a different carrier or add a new Consumer Cellular plan by December 31st, 2024 to get $25 off your next invoice!
Consumer Cellular’s phone plans shine for AARP members. At checkout, we saved five percent on our monthly bill just for being members. It may not sound like much, but it could save you up to $30 per year, per line. If you’re not an AARP member, you can sign up at checkout, so you can still qualify for the discount. As members, we also qualified for an extended 45-day no-risk guarantee. If you decide Consumer Cellular’s service isn’t right for you, you have a little time to cancel your plan and get your money back. For those who aren’t members, this period drops to 30 days, which is still a solid chunk of time.
» Dive Deeper: 2024 Consumer Cellular review
Consumer Cellular is a great no-frills mobile carrier for older adults. The company’s website and award-winning customer service make it easy to sign up for a plan. One thing we realized at checkout: If you want to bring your phone with you, you’ll need to call to sign up. If you want to buy a new phone from Consumer Cellular, you can sign up online or over the phone.
Aside from its status as an approved AARP carrier, Consumer Cellular does little to provide specific features or perks for seniors, like Lively’s medical alert features or Visible’s international service. If you’re looking to stay connected, this won’t be a deal breaker. It is something to keep in mind.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Consumer Cellular
- No contracts
- Big savings for multiple lines
- Special savings and perks for AARP members
- Simple, straightforward plan options
Cons About Consumer Cellular
- Few perks for non-AARP members
- No medical alert features
- Speeds throttled after 50 GB
Our Hands-on Experience:Plans and Pricing
We found picking a Consumer Cellular plan is simpler than it is with carriers like AT&T or T-Mobile. There’s only one unlimited plan, and it costs $50 per month for one line. If you find you don’t need so much data, you can switch to one of three limited plans: 10 GB for $30 per month, 5 GB for $25 per month, or 1 GB for $20 monthly. These affordable plans have unlimited talk and text. But if you’re accustomed to unlimited data, they might feel like substantial downgrades. We think the jump from 10 GB to unlimited data for $20 extra per month is worth it.
We loved the simplicity of choosing a plan with Consumer Cellular. We didn’t have to sign any long-term contracts and knew what we were getting at sign-up. It was also simple to take advantage of the five percent AARP discount.
Senior-Friendly Features
We think the simplicity of Consumer Cellular’s plans is a huge plus for seniors. We didn’t have to spend hours researching different options and reading fine print to find the best deal. You pick the plan and phone you want (if needed).
We love that Consumer Cellular offers senior-friendly phones (like the IRIS Easy Flip) and a tablet for seniors. Whether you’re looking for a simple flip phone or tablet, you’ve got options. We’ve found these products were incredibly simple to use. They offer the best features for seniors, such as internet access, large screens, simple navigation, powerful speakers, and more. Consumer Cellular’s GrandPad tablet is a unique offering that’s great for those who want something with a large screen. During testing, we enjoyed using the tablet’s various features, including games, articles, and music channels.
Using the GrandPad tablet from Consumer Cellular
We love the senior-friendly phones and AARP discounts, but beyond this, Consumer Cellular doesn’t offer a lot of features for older adults. It’s a simple, no-frills carrier that makes it easy to get an affordable unlimited phone plan.
Soft Data Caps
While we noticed Consumer Cellular doesn’t advertise its soft data caps when you sign up for a plan, the information is readily available online. Once you exceed 50 GB of data usage in a given month, your speeds slow down. If you use a lot of data for streaming, GPS navigation, or even regular web browsing, you could see your speeds throttled each month.
That said, 50 GB is pretty high. Most seniors will not come close to this amount of data usage unless you have several lines on your plan. To put it to the test, we used our iPhone 15 to stream Netflix in HD for hours on end (we left the phone plugged in and playing). After doing this for about four hours daily, we hit the 50 GB limit in about a week.
» Shopping Tip: The best iPhones for seniors
We noticed a significant speed slowdown after that. It took longer to load web pages and open apps. We also encountered worse image quality and far more buffering when streaming content. But again, 50 GB is high for a soft data cap. If you can connect your phone to Wi-Fi when at home, it’s unlikely you’ll come close to the soft data cap.
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2. Lively - Best safety features
What we like most
- Health and safety features (with paid subscriptions)
- Unlimited talk and text with all plans
- Budget-friendly plans with no contracts
LivelyOverview:
The Jitterbug Smart4 home screen
Overview
Lively designs its phones and plans specifically for seniors. That makes it a great option for older adults who don’t want anything too complex. The company also offers health and safety features, making it stand out from competitors. Keep in mind Lively’s phone plans only work with Lively devices. The company offers two phones only: the Jitterbug Smart4 ($149.99) and the Jitterbug Flip2 ($99.99). If you’re looking for a more robust smartphone or a wider variety of options, you might prefer AT&T, T-Mobile, or Consumer Cellular.
» Compare Your Options: Jitterbug vs. Consumer Cellular
Lively’s unlimited talk and text plan costs $19.99 monthly. If you want to upgrade to a plan with health and safety features, you’ll pay $39.99 to $49.99 monthly. You can also add data ranging from 1GB to unlimited to your plan for up to $30 monthly.
Current Deal: Save $5 per month on your first three months of service when you sign up for any Lively plan!
Lively stands out when it comes to its health and safety features. The Preferred phone plan offers 24/7 access to urgent response agents and Lively Link, an app that keeps loved ones updated on your health and safety. The Premium package offers the same features, plus on-call nurses and a care advocate to help create a personalized health plan for you. We haven’t seen these safety features from other carriers.
» Further Reading: Jitterbug phone review
With add-on health and safety features and phones designed for seniors, there are plenty of reasons to consider Lively. However, adding all the health and safety features will substantially increase your bill. Still, we think the safety features and easy-to-use phones are worth the cost for seniors.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Lively
- Phones and medical alert devices designed for seniors
- Plenty of medical and safety features available
- No long-term contracts or cancellation fees
Cons About Lively
- Lively phone plans only work with Lively devices
- Only two Lively phones available
- Health and safety features greatly increase the cost of service
Our Hands-on Experience:Plans and Pricing
While unlimited talk, text, and data with Lively is about $5 cheaper than a comparable phone plan with T-Mobile, Lively is far from the cheapest option. That is especially true if you want to add health and safety features. Lively breaks down its plans into three distinct parts. You can get unlimited talk and text for $19.99 monthly. If you want unlimited data, it costs an additional $30 per month, bringing your monthly premium to $49.99 (not including taxes and fees).
While these prices are pretty competitive on their own, they don’t allow you to enjoy some of the biggest benefits of a Lively phone. Accessibility to health and safety features, like 24/7 Urgent Response, requires upgrades to the Preferred plan ($39.99 per month) or the Premium plan ($49.99 per month). So, if you want unlimited talk, text, and data, plus the health and safety features, you could pay as much as $79.99 per month.
Remember, Lively’s devices double as medical alert systems. That means you’re getting two devices for the price of one. Stand-alone medical alert systems can cost anywhere from $20 to $50. So, if medical alert features are important to you, Lively offers a solid bang for your buck.
Senior-Friendly Features
If you’re willing to pay more for your unlimited plan, Lively offers some of the best features for older adults. Rather than paying for a medical alert system, you can spend an extra $20 to $30 per month so your cell phone doubles as an emergency response device.
» Related Reading: Best medical alert systems in 2024
The Jitterbug Smart4 and Flip2 both have a big, red Urgent Response button that connects you with a Lively emergency response agent. During testing, we pressed the button and connected with an agent in 15 seconds. The agent could then send first responders or whatever help was needed. Whether you experience a fall or another health emergency, Lively agents are one press of the button away.
Lively's Urgent Response button is clearly displayed on the home and lock screen
We also love Lively Link, a mobile app that keeps caregivers and loved ones in the loop. In the app, we can view the device’s location, its status, and an emergency call log. When we pressed the Urgent Response button on one of the phones, we received an alert on the Lively Link app.
Testing out the Lively Link app's location tracking feature
While Lively isn’t a good fit for seniors who want a more advanced phone or simply want to bring their old phone, the Smart4 and the Flip2 are senior-friendly. If you want a basic smartphone, the Smart4 has most features you would expect, including internet browsing, GPS navigation, and email. It also has an easy-to-manage, list-style menu. Alternatively, if you prefer the familiarity of a flip phone, the Jitterbug Flip2 has large buttons and a simple interface. As a bonus, it also comes with Amazon Alexa, which is great for seniors who want to compose texts or call loved ones using their voice.
» Also Check Out: Best voice-activated phones for seniors
Soft Data Caps
The Flip2 lacks internet access, so it doesn’t require a data plan. However, if you get the Jitterbug Smart4, you must sign up for a data plan. To test the plan’s limits, we opted for the unlimited data plan and used the phone for some data-heavy activities.
» You Might Like: Best smartphones for seniors
While AT&T is pretty open about its speed throttling, you must read the fine print with Lively. We learned Lively slows down speeds to 128 Kbps once you exceed 20 GB of data usage during the month. To us, 20 GB is a pretty low number for an “unlimited” plan, especially if you use your phone away from Wi-Fi daily. For comparison, some unlimited AT&T plans don’t throttle speeds until you’ve used 75 GB. If you like to use your phone on the go frequently, you might be better off with a plan from a carrier with a higher soft data cap.
We used the phone extensively for browsing the internet, GPS navigation, and watching videos, and we hit the 20 GB limit after about 20 days (averaging 1 GB of usage per day). Though this is still more than most seniors will use, the speeds we experienced after exceeding Lively’s soft data cap were quite slow. With our speeds throttled, it took much longer to pull up web pages or get GPS directions.
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3. Mint Mobile - Most affordable
What we like most
- Affordable entry price for seniors
- Prepaid plans
- Affordable unlimited plan
Mint MobileOverview:
Testing out Mint Mobile's service on an iPhone
Overview
» Check Out: Mint Mobile senior phone plan review 2024
Mint Mobile’s unlimited plan is one of the cheapest options on the market. It costs $30 monthly (with a soft data cap of 35 GB). That’s $20 cheaper than Lively’s unlimited plan and $15 less than T-Mobile’s cheapest 55 and up plan.
Looking for an even cheaper option for older adults? Mint 55+ costs $15 per month. It’s important to note Mint 55+ only offers unlimited talk and text. It has a 5 GB monthly data limit. And, if you go over this limit, you’ll see your speeds throttled. But at $15 per month, it’s hard to complain about data limits, especially if you don’t use your phone for data-heavy activities like streaming HD movies or making video calls.
Current Deal: Need a new phone? Mint Mobile is currently offering $50 off select Android phones when you sign up for a 12-month plan!
Not only is the Mint 55+ plan extremely affordable, but it also comes with great perks. Your plan allows free calls to Mexico and Canada, a free mobile hotspot, and 5G access at no extra cost. Plus, Mint Mobile has a large nationwide network and a team of MINTech Advisors who can help answer any questions.
» Helpful Guide: Best 5G phones for seniors
If saving on the cost of mobile service is your primary concern, Mint Mobile is a great option, with less expensive unlimited plans than AT&T, Lively, or T-Mobile. The primary downside is if you use a lot of data, you may hit your soft data cap quickly.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Mint Mobile
- Affordable 5G phone plan
- No overage fees
- Low entry price for seniors
- Help with account activation and setup
Cons About Mint Mobile
- 5 GB data cap on senior plan
- Soft data caps with every Mint plan
- Must pay for three months in advance
- No physical stores
Our Hands-on Experience:Plans and Pricing
Unlike AT&T, Mint’s 55+ plans are available nationwide, making Mint Mobile one of the best all-around carriers for seniors. Mint Mobile’s unlimited plan costs $30. Or for $15 per month, you can get unlimited talk and text plus 5 GB of 4G or 5G data. If you already have a phone and don’t want to switch numbers, Mint Mobile is a great option, as the carrier lets you bring your phone and keep your old number. You don’t have that option with some senior-friendly carriers like Lively.
However, the devil is in the details. While you can get an unlimited plan for $30 per month, you must pay for three months of service in advance to lock in that price. In other words, you’ll pay $90 upfront for the first three months. After those three months, you can pay for an additional three months at $40 per month ($120 upfront), six months at $35 per month ($210 upfront), or 12 months at $30 per month ($360 upfront). Mint Mobile has great entry-level deals, but to keep the best prices, you’ll need to opt for an annual plan.
» You Might Like: Senior discounts and savings
Senior-Friendly Options
We like how Mint Mobile caters to seniors who want a simple, affordable phone plan. They even have a 55+ plan for those who don’t need unlimited data. You don’t have to buy a new phone or switch numbers to use Mint Mobile. You can pick the plan you want and pay upfront. If your phone uses an eSIM, your service can be up and running in minutes. Otherwise, you’ll need to wait to get your physical SIM card in the mail and follow the instructions to install it.
It’s obvious Mint Mobile tries to appeal to seniors with its no-frills plans and affordable pricing, but the lack of physical stores may be a drawback. Sure, a customer service agent was always a phone call away. However, if you’re not particularly tech-savvy or need answers before signing up, you might want to talk to someone in person. This isn’t an option with Mint Mobile. Everything is done online or over the phone.
Soft Data Caps
The Mint 55+ plan offers 5 GB of data per month. The good news is Mint Mobile doesn’t punish you with overage fees or even cut off your data entirely if you go over. Instead, it throttles speeds to 128 Kbps (the same as Lively), which is too slow to handle more than checking a few emails. Even if you have the Unlimited plan, you’ll get the same throttled speeds if you surpass 35 GB of data usage in a month.
Expert InsightsFrom Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech ExpertSince some carriers have low soft data caps, always read the fine print before signing up for a plan. If an unlimited deal seems too good to be true, it could be because of a low soft data cap.Luckily, Mint makes it really easy to track your data usage. This way, you can better understand your usage habits to help decide which plan is best for you. We could see how much data we had left in the mobile app, and we could easily add more data if needed.
Tracking data usage in the Mint Mobile app
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4. AT&T - Best for families
What we like most
- One Unlimited 55+ plan
- Only available to Florida residents
- Discounts available for AARP members
AT&TOverview:
Using Apple's iPhone 15 on AT&T's service
Overview
If you live in Florida, you may be eligible for AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ plan. One line starts at $60 per month, while two lines cost $80 per month ($40 per line). If you don’t live in Florida, you can still get a standard unlimited AT&T plan. Keep in mind these plans aren’t specifically tailored to older adults.
» Related Reading: Best cell phone plans for seniors
With AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ plan, we had free texting to 200-plus countries plus unlimited service in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. That is a great perk if you love to travel. We took advantage of it on a trip to Mexico and had no issues staying connected. Plus, this plan comes with free access to the AT&T ActiveArmor app, which helped us block spam callers and provided enhanced device security. We’re big fans of this feature, as seniors are often the targets of financial scams.2
» Avoid Scams: Common scams targeting seniors in 2024
We were disappointed to see AT&T’s 55+ plan is only available to Floridians, and you can only add two lines per plan. For comparison, T-Mobile’s 55+ plans are available nationwide, and some plans can have up to four lines. Still, if you don’t live in Florida, AT&T has plenty of solid, unlimited options.
The best part about AT&T’s standard unlimited plans is that you can share the benefits with the whole family. You can add discounted lines for your spouse, children, and even grandchildren, regardless of age. The more lines you add, the more you save. You can pay as little as $30.99 per line per month with five lines on the Unlimited Starter® SL plan. Plus, AARP members can save $10 per month and get activation fees waived with AT&T’s Premium® PL Plan.3. Talk about a deal!
Pros & Cons:Pros About AT&T
- No age requirements for additional lines
- Ample cybersecurity features
- Discounts on activation, fees, and accessories for AARP members
- Both postpaid and prepaid unlimited plans
Cons About AT&T
- 55+ plan not available outside of Florida
- Can only add two lines on the 55+ plan
- Rates are only competitive if you sign up for multiple lines
- Most plans require a contract
- Most plans throttle speeds
Our Hands-on Experience:Plans and Pricing
$60 for one line (or $80 for two lines) is a great deal. But, this offer only applies to seniors in Florida who have access to the Unlimited 55+ plan. For everyone else, the AT&T Unlimited Starter® SL plan costs $65.99 monthly for one line. This plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data, the ActiveArmor app, 5 GB of hotspot data, and Standard Definition (SD) streaming. This plan is only around $6 more than the Unlimited 55+ plan. And, unlike the 55+ plan, you can add up to five lines for bigger savings.
If you want more bang for your buck, you can upgrade to the AT&T Unlimited Extra® EL plan. It offers the same features as the SL plan, plus advanced ActiveArmor features, access to faster speeds, and 30 GB of hotspot data. This is great for families or seniors who spend a lot of time streaming and using data on the go.
Lastly, the AT&T Unlimited Premium® PL plan starts at $85.99 monthly and includes everything from the EL plan. It also includes truly unlimited high-speed data access, 60 GB of hotspot data, unlimited talk, text, and data in 20 Latin American countries, and 4K Ultra HD streaming.
» You Might Like: AT&T internet for seniors
All of these plans come with a $35 activation fee. We were glad to see seniors can save up to $10 per month on a Premium® PL plan for being AARP members. You can save on an unlimited plan if you sign up for multiple lines. Each additional line shaves between $5 and $15 off the cost per line. It makes AT&T one of the best unlimited carriers for families.
The biggest downside to these plans is they require contracts ranging from 12 to 24 months. After this initial period has ended, you can switch to a month-to-month plan. One member of our tech team has been an AT&T customer for years. They noted that whenever they finance a new phone, the minimum contract is 36 months. It is a very long time to be hooked to one carrier, but it might be worth it if you can't pay the full phone cost upfront.
However, if you want to pay month-to-month with no strings attached, AT&T offers prepaid unlimited plans. These plans are cheaper because they offer fewer perks. If you’re willing to prepay 12 months in advance (which defeats the biggest perk of a prepaid plan), you can get a starter unlimited plan for $25 per month. However, this means you’ll have to pay $300 upfront. While we like that AT&T offers some plans with no contracts, we don’t like that you must read the fine print to avoid signing up for 12 months in advance, even with a prepaid plan.
» Learn About: Best prepaid phone plans for seniors
Senior-Friendly Features
The best senior-friendly features come with the 55+ Unlimited plan. This plan gives you the ActiveArmor app with automatic spam call blocking. Avoiding spam calls entirely is great for seniors who want to protect their identity and reduce the risk of a phone scam. Our team could also access additional savings as AARP members with this plan. We received up to $50 off activation and upgrade fees, 15 percent off eligible accessories, and 5G access at no extra charge.
Our tech expert and her grandma testing out an iPhone on AT&T's service
Even if you’re not eligible for the 55+ Unlimited plan based on your location, you can still enjoy ActiveArmor and spam call blocking with most prepaid plans. Many AT&T plans are also solid options for seniors who like to travel. Every postpaid unlimited plan comes with free texting to more than 200 countries, plus unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. While we think Visible offers a better deal for travelers, AT&T offers plenty of travel-friendly perks!
» Learn About: Senior travel and vacations
Soft Data Caps
While testing AT&T’s plans, we were disappointed with the soft data caps. The Unlimited Premium® PL and 55+ Unlimited plans are AT&T’s only truly unlimited plans — meaning no speed throttling. Every other plan throttles speed at one point or another.
While we appreciated AT&T being upfront about this, we didn’t like its impact on our experience.
For example, when we tested the AT&T Unlimited Extra® SL plan, the speeds were throttled pretty quickly. Similar to other carriers like Visible, AT&T reserves the right to slow data speeds when the network is “busy.” We noticed a difference between the speeds with this plan and the plans with access to faster speeds.
When we upgraded to the SL plan, we got 75 GB of high-speed data before things were slowed down. Luckily, we didn’t use much data throughout the month, so we didn’t experience throttling. That said, if you plan on streaming a lot of content or using your phone as a mobile hotspot regularly, you may want to upgrade to the PL plan. Or, if you’re eligible, the 55+ Unlimited plan.
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5. T-Mobile - Best for couples
What we like most
- Largest 5G network in the U.S.
- Three different phone plans just for seniors
- Unlimited talk, text, and data
Overview:
Testing out T-Mobile on an iPhone
Overview
T-Mobile’s phone plans for seniors — Essentials Choice 55, Go5G Plus 55, and Go5G Next 55 — all offer unlimited data and excellent value for couples. While features vary per plan, they’re packed with extra perks, like international texting, advanced spam-blocking protection, and mobile hotspot data.
More benefits are available if you opt for one of the upper-tier plans (Go5G Plus 55 and Go5G Next 55). The Essentials Choice 55 plan provides the best value at $30 per line if you sign up for two lines. T-Mobile offers discounts for two lines on all plans, making it one of the best choices for couples. And, since the Essentials Choice 55 plan includes unlimited data, 5G access, and no contract, it’s great for fast, reliable, and affordable service.
» You Might Like: Best two-line phone plans for seniors
Essentials Choice 55 offers great value for two lines; however, if you’re signing up for one line, you won’t save as much. A single line starts at $45 per month, plus taxes and fees. Additionally, only higher-tier plans allow for more than two lines. T-Mobile is a great option for couples who want to bundle their phone plans, but it’s not the most affordable option for individuals (Mint Mobile wins that honor).
Pros & Cons:Pros About T-Mobile
- Multiple plans designed specifically for seniors
- Nationwide 5G coverage
- Affordable monthly premiums for couples
Cons About T-Mobile
- Some of the best perks are only available with higher-tier plans
- Plan discounts only apply if you sign up for two lines
- Additional fees and taxes apply for the Essentials Choice 55 plan
Our Hands-on Experience:Plans and Pricing
Prices start at $45 per month for the Essentials Choice 55 plan. While this is still more affordable than comparable plans from AT&T, it’s not as cheap as Mint Mobile or Visible unlimited plans. If you sign up for two lines, you’ll pay $60 per month. It’s a solid deal, with unlimited talk, text, and 5G data.
» Our Review: T-Mobile 55+ cell phone plans review
In our experience, Essentials Choice 55 is more than enough to meet the needs of most older adults. If you want to use your phone as a hotspot, you can get much faster speeds with a higher-tier plan. Go5G Plus 55 is $70 monthly for one line or $100 for two. And if you want to splurge, you can opt for the Go5G Next 55 plan, which is $80 per month for one line or $120 per month for two lines.
The extra features for the Go5G Plus 55 and Go5G Next 55 plans might be worth it, especially if you love travel like we do. These plans include unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi, Netflix Standard with Ads, Apple TV+, free phone upgrades, and more. Talk about perks!
Senior-Friendly Features
We realize the prices for the two Go5G plans are pretty steep, but all of the plans offer substantial perks seniors might find appealing. All three plans feature T-Mobile’s Premium Scam Shield, a great way to block potential spam calls before they reach you. Additionally, the plan includes SD streaming, a 3G hotspot (which we found to be pretty slow), free international texting, and 2G data in Mexico and Canada.
» Related Resource: T-Mobile unlimited 55+ senior plans
If you pay more for one of the Go5G plans, you get 4K HD streaming, 50 GB of 4G LTE hotspot data, high-speed texting and international data, Apple TV+, Netflix, and a one-year AAA membership. The benefits don’t stop there. You can save with the Go5G plans, as T-Mobile rolls the taxes and fees into the monthly premium, so you know exactly how much you’ll pay each month. We appreciate this pricing transparency.
Expert InsightsFrom Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech ExpertT-Mobile has always offered plans packed with perks, which increases the value in my book. If you’re big on extras like streaming subscriptions or weekly freebies, T-Mobile is a great option.Soft Data Caps
Like AT&T, T-Mobile is upfront about its soft data caps. Regardless of the unlimited plan, your speeds slow down if you exceed 50 GB of data usage in a month (not including hotspot data caps). This is pretty high, and you’d have to try pretty hard to hit the cap. We certainly did! We had to avoid using our home Wi-Fi entirely and exclusively use mobile data for streaming TV shows, making video calls, and browsing the internet. It still took us about three weeks to hit the cap. You might hit the cap faster if you have two or more lines.
» Upgrade Your WiFi: Best internet service for seniors in 2024
The throttled speeds weren’t terrible, but we noticed a substantial difference. It took around 15 seconds to load basic webpages with the speed throttled, compared to about two seconds before we hit the soft data cap. So, even if you use a lot of data, you should still be able to use your phone.
One plan we haven’t covered is T-Mobile Magenta MAX. While it’s not designed for seniors, it is one of the few unlimited data plans without any soft data caps (the only other options on this list come from AT&T). This means you can use as much data as you want without experiencing reduced speeds. However, the Magenta MAX plan starts at $170 monthly for three lines and requires you to sign up for a minimum of three lines. As a result, it may not be the best fit for most seniors. Still, if truly unlimited data is important to you, and you want a family plan, it’s worth looking into!
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6. Visible - Best for travelers
What we like most
- No hidden fees
- Simple prepaid plans
- 24/7 roadside assistance
VisibleOverview:Overview
Unlike T-Mobile, Visible doesn’t offer any plans specifically tailored to seniors. However, like Consumer Cellular, it does offer affordable plans with great senior-friendly features, particularly for those who like to travel.
Currently, Visible offers two unlimited plans: Visible ($25 per month) and Visible+ ($45 per month). The former offers basic features similar to most phone plans, while the latter offers extra perks like free calling to 30-plus countries and texting to 200-plus countries. Both are competitively priced 5G plans. With the Visible+ plan, you can enjoy free talk, text, and data, along with no roaming charges across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
If you find yourself on the road and requiring help, Visible offers 24/7 assistance from a trained customer service agent. Since you can use your device as a free hotspot, you can connect your other devices to stream shows, receive video calls, or check in with loved ones from virtually anywhere in North America. If you’re unsure about Visible’s coverage, you can rest easy knowing it uses Verizon’s reliable 5G network.
» Related Reading: Verizon phone plans for seniors
Visible offers a lot of great perks for seniors who travel around the country or simply want an easy way to contact loved ones living abroad. Plus, with plans as low as $25 per month and no hidden fees, Visible is a great choice for seniors on a fixed budget. If you want to save even more when switching carriers, you can bring your phone at no extra charge. Visible is ideal for seniors who travel or have family abroad, but its phone benefits are limited to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Visible
- Affordable plans
- Perks for travelers or seniors with friends or family who live abroad
- Verizon’s dependable wireless network
- No contracts
Cons About Visible
- Not as fast as some other carriers
- Only two plans to choose from
- Virtually no coverage when traveling outside of North America
Our Hands-on Experience:Plans and Pricing
Visible keeps things simple. You can choose between Visible ($25 per month) and Visible+ ($45 per month). While some seniors may prefer T-Mobile’s many plan options or Lively’s customizable packages, the simplicity of picking a plan from Visible was a breath of fresh air for us. Both plans include unlimited talk, text, data, and mobile hot spot data. Visible+ includes 5G Ultra Wideband, unlimited talk and text in Mexico and Canada, and calling to 30-plus countries and texting to 200-plus countries from the U.S.
All of these prices include taxes and fees, so you know what you’re paying from the start. Plus, with no contracts, you can cancel whenever you like. We love no hidden fees and easy cancellation!
Senior-Friendly Features
Visible is a great choice for those who want a simple, affordable plan or older adults with family overseas. It is particularly good for the latter group, as the Visible+ plan allows texting to hundreds of countries globally. Like Mint Mobile, Visible lets you bring your own device. You can request to keep your old number (though the process of keeping your number is much easier with Mint Mobile). With either plan, Visible offers automatic spam call blocking, a huge plus for keeping older adults protected from robocalls or identity theft schemes.
» Staying Safe: Best identity theft protection for seniors in 2024
The downside is that, while Visible is great for seniors who travel around North America, it’s not that great if you want to go anywhere else. Visible doesn’t offer any coverage if you travel outside of Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. We found this disappointing, especially considering that standard Verizon plans can get unlimited talk, text, and data for $10 per day in over 200 countries.
Soft Data Caps
Like AT&T, Visible uses tricky language when referring to its soft data caps. With the basic Visible plan, your speeds may be partially throttled from the start. You still get 4G and 5G access, but when Verizon’s networks are busy, your plan won’t give you priority over Verizon customers, which can slow things down a lot.
Alternatively, Visible+ gives you 50 GB of “premium” data, which means you can access 5G Ultra Wideband, 5G, or 4G, even during peak hours. If (and when) you surpass the soft data cap, speeds will be slowed down during peak hours, just as they are by default with the basic Visible plan.
This preferential treatment for higher-cost plans may not be ideal, but we think it’s better than the extreme speed throttling we experienced with Lively and Mint Mobile. Even when we went over 50 GB on the Visible+ plan (which took a lot of data usage), we only noticed slow service when the networks were busy. That tended to be around lunchtime and the early evening. Most seniors will have difficulty using more than 50 GB of data monthly. So, if you pay more for the Visible+ plan, it’s unlikely that you’ll have to deal with reduced speeds.
Do You Need an Unlimited Phone Plan?
Every senior’s mobile phone needs are different, so the answer to this question will largely depend on how you use your phone. For example, if you like to stream TV and movies directly to your phone, you’ll probably want an unlimited plan or a plan with a high data cap. Similarly, if you spend hours texting or chatting with loved ones on the phone, you’ll want a plan with unlimited talk and text.
Tech Tip: Do you spend most of your time connected to WiFi? You might want to check out our guide to the best VoIP phones for seniors!
Remember that “unlimited” doesn’t always mean the same thing between carriers. One carrier may use the term to refer to unlimited talk and text, while another may refer to unlimited talk, text, and data. Always ensure you read the fine print to know what you’re getting. Evaluate your phone usage so you don’t accidentally pay for more than you need.
>> Other Unlimited Plans: PureTalk Phone Plans
How Much Do Unlimited Phone Plans for Seniors Cost?
Prices for unlimited phone plans can vary substantially for all consumers, including seniors. As of 2024, it’s estimated the average household spends $144 per month on cell phone bills. This indicates plan rates have only continued to rise across all age ranges.4
Money Tip: Want to save on a new phone? Check out our guide to the cheapest cell phones for seniors.
However, this doesn’t account for important factors like senior discounts, multiline discounts, and simplified senior-only plans. Due to these factors, seniors could pay substantially less for cell service than other age groups. It’s still difficult to give an exact average for what seniors should be paying for a mobile phone plan in 2024. But based on the plans we’ve reviewed, you can expect to pay anywhere between $15 and $80 per month for an individual plan.
How to Choose the Best Unlimited Senior Phone Plan for You
Finding the right unlimited phone plan typically requires you to ask questions about yourself, your lifestyle, and your needs. Here are a few important questions to consider before choosing a phone plan:
- How much can I comfortably pay monthly for a phone plan?
- How many lines will I need?
- Do I need or want a new phone?
- Am I planning to travel a lot?
- Do I need unlimited talk and text? Or do I also need unlimited data?
- What kind of activities do I regularly do on my phone?
- Do I want medical alert features with my phone plan?
- Do I want a contract or no-contract plan?
- Is data speed important to me?
- Is customer service important to me?
- What kind of additional features do I want?
If you need additional help shopping for a new phone to go with your plan, check out our cell phone buyers guide for all the tips and insider tricks!
More Cell Phone Resources for Seniors
If you’re looking for a certain type of cell phone, or just want to compare all the options, check out our resources below. We’ve tested, compared, and ranked cell phones for a variety of different needs:
- Best free phones for seniors
- Best cell phones for seniors in 2024
- Best flip phones for seniors in 2024
- Best cell phones for visually impaired seniors in 2024
- Best cell phones for seniors with hearing loss
- Best cell phones for seniors with dementia
- Best big button cell phones for seniors
- Best Samsung phones for seniors
- Best unlocked phones for seniors
Frequently Asked Questions About Unlimited Phone Plans
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How much should I be pay for two unlimited cell phone lines?
While it varies from one carrier to the next, you can often estimate the cost of two unlimited phone lines by reducing the cost of an individual unlimited plan by 20 percent and multiplying the result by two. For example, if a plan costs $60 per month, you should reduce it by 20 percent (leaving you with $48), then multiply that number by two. You could expect to pay around $96 for two unlimited plans (in this example).
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Does anyone offer a truly unlimited data plan?
Most carriers have a soft data cap on unlimited plans, whether they tell you about it or not. That means once you go over a specific amount of data in a given month, your speeds will be substantially reduced. T-Mobile’s Magenta MAX plan is one of the few exceptions.
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Are there any free unlimited plans for seniors?
If you qualify for the Lifeline program, you may be eligible for a free cell phone plan with unlimited talk and text, plus affordable home internet.
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Does Verizon have an unlimited plan for seniors?
Yes, in addition to senior-friendly plans offered through Visible by Verizon, Verizon’s 55+ Unlimited plan for seniors costs $62 per month for one line or $84 per month for two lines.
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Who has the best unlimited prepaid plan?
Consumer Cellular offers the best prepaid unlimited plan, particularly for older adults. Monthly rates start at $50 per month for one line or just $30 per month, per line when you sign up for two lines.
Fox 6 News. (2023). Looking to save money? Check your cell phone data plan, new report says
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2016). Expenditures on cellular phone services have increased significantly since 2007.
CNBC. (2023). Cut your cell phone bill up to 50% with these 4 tips.
Federal Communications Commission. (2023). Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers.