Verizon Senior Cell Phone Plan Review

Pros and Cons

The Buying Experience With Verizon

Chatting With Customer Service

I wanted to learn more about Verizon’s phone plans, so I called customer service. Jason, the representative I spoke with, clarified the differences between the prepaid and postpaid plans. You get better connectivity and insurance with postpaid plans, as they operate on a different network. That said, prepaid is still the way to go if you want to pay only for what you’re using.

I had a pleasant experience speaking with Verizon’s customer service, and Jason answered my questions well. The quality of customer service is a vital decision-making factor when choosing a phone carrier, so I appreciate the excellent service I received.

The Purchasing Process

I decided to purchase my plan online. I input my personal information, the number of lines I needed, and my state of residence to determine eligibility for the 55+ Unlimited plan on Verizon’s website. A phone number listed if I wanted to order over the phone or ask any questions.

Since I don’t live in Florida, the 55+ Unlimited plan wasn’t an option. However, after inputting my information, I was given several plan options starting at $60 monthly for one line. I chose the Unlimited Plus plan for $60 per month, which features 5G nationwide coverage and entertainment perks like access to an Apple One subscription, which includes Apple Music, Apple TV Plus, and more. It’s great for when my family comes to visit!

The purchasing process was straightforward. I also liked that I automatically saved on my bill for enrolling in AutoPay. If you don’t want Auto Pay, your bill will increase by $10. Before checking out, I also had the option to bring my smartphone or buy a new phone from Verizon. I decided to continue using my own. At the time of my purchase, Verizon offered a promo credit for customers who sign up for a new line and bring their own smartphone. I also appreciated Verizon’s transparency, as they listed a one-time activation fee of $35. Overall, the online purchase process was a breeze. You can call Verizon directly if you’d prefer to chat with a representative before purchasing.

Choosing a Cell Phone

With various phones ranging from smartphones to prepaid flip phones, Verizon has options for most needs and budgets. Below, we’ll look at my top picks for older adults.

Kyocera DuraXV Extreme

Kyocera DuraXV Extreme

The Kyocera DuraXV Extreme receives high praise from Verizon customers and reviewers alike. It is a solid flip phone for older users. It offers a durable build and senior-friendly design. The DuraXV Extreme costs $240 (or $10 monthly for 24 months). It’s a no-frills cell phone that can withstand falls, water, and travel. It’s also larger than many other phones, which cater to older eyes and hands.

The flip phone is easy to operate thanks to its programmable keys (which will come in handy during an emergency) and a large screen. You’ll also find an average 5MP autofocus camera for selfies with the grandkids. While the camera won’t be as high quality as other phones on the market, it’s still perfect for capturing all the important moments with family and friends.

Apple iPhone SE

Testing out the iPhone SE

This iPhone model is a great option for tech-savvy seniors who feel comfortable with iOS operating systems. With a 12MP camera, 64 GB of storage, and a $429.99 price tag, this iPhone is a technological step up from a flip phone that won’t break the bank. It includes a retina HD display and a long battery life of up to 13 hours.

As a bonus, it’s the only model in Apple’s latest iPhone series with the familiar home button. With terrific call quality and water-resistant features, this smartphone is a fantastic upgrade for older adults who want more features to stay connected. Plus, this iPhone’s display is 4.7 inches, so it’s easy to grip for those with arthritis or chronic wrist pain. The touch screen is easy to use without applying the pressure required for physical buttons.

Nationwide Coverage

Verizon is one of the nation’s leaders in reliable coverage2 and the first to build a 5G network. The company has evolved its network to offer increasingly higher speeds, including its fastest 5G Ultra Wideband network. Currently, Verizon provides 3G in most rural coverage areas and 4G LTE, 5G Nationwide, and 5G Ultra Wideband coverage in heavily populated coverage areas. The best part? Verizon’s phone plans include access to their high-speed 5G Nationwide network in over 2,700 cities. According to a recent study, Verizon's speeds are comparable to AT&T’s and even faster than Sprint’s and T-Mobile’s — placing them in front of many other top-performing wireless providers.

Contracts and Warranty

Contracts

While Verizon doesn’t necessarily call it a “contract,” if you purchase a new cell phone through Verizon, you are responsible for any remaining fees if you choose to get rid of the phone before the 24-month commitment period ends. It is typical across the industry with other providers we've reviewed, like AT&T and T-Mobile. Some smaller companies we've tested, like Lively, don’t make you sign a contract.

However, if you choose one of Verizon’s prepaid plans, there are no contracts. You’ll pay as you go. It’s ideal for older adults unsure about committing to a long-term plan. Additionally, Verizon offers a No-Risk Device Trial so customers can return devices within 14 days of delivery. You can also return or exchange wireless devices or accessories from Verizon within 30 days. Remember that if you cancel a phone line within 30 days of accepting an agreement, you won’t have to pay an early termination fee.

Warranty

In general, most Verizon products come with a one-year warranty through the manufacturer. Want more protection? Consider opting for Verizon Protect, which offers device protection, security, and technical support for your purchase. You can also choose the Verizon Extended Warranty for additional coverage, starting at $5 per month per device.

Verizon Senior Phone Plans at a Glance

While other providers we’ve tested, such as T-Mobile, offer multiple senior-specific phone plans, Verizon offers only one designed for seniors: the Verizon 55+ Unlimited plan. To qualify, you need to be 55 years of age or older with a billing address in Florida, a Florida ID, and proof of address when signing up. If you don’t live in Florida but are still looking for a plan suitable for older adults, plenty of other unlimited and prepaid plans are available. Verizon has evolved its phone phone plan offerings to include excellent perks, 5G coverage, and unlimited talk, text, and data.

Below, I’ll highlight some of my favorite options for older adults. Remember that these plans are subject to additional taxes, fees, and a one-time activation fee.

Verizon Plan Details

Below, we’ll take a closer look at Verizon’s 55+ Unlimited plan, plus Unlimited Welcome, one of our favorite unlimited Verizon plans for those who don’t live in Florida.

Verizon’s 55+ Unlimited Plan

Cost

Verizon’s 55+ Unlimited plan costs $42 per line for two lines or $62 for one line. This plan is $2 more per line than AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ plan. Both offer comparable features. While these plans are expensive for the industry, you get various perks, such as unlimited talk, text, and data. You’ll also unlock access to unlimited mobile hotspots, which means you can access the internet on multiple devices while away from home. It also comes with unlimited talk, text, and data to and from Mexico and Canada for those who like to travel.

All that said, it’s not entirely perfect. Both 55+ plans have the same caveat: they’re exclusively offered to Florida residents. Florida may have the highest number of seniors per capita, but it’s still extremely prohibitive. Nevertheless, for those eligible, the boons are worth it.

Plan Features

Verizon’s 55+ Unlimited plan was built for seniors. It’s simple, offers all the essential features, and is available in Florida, a popular retirement destination for older adults. It includes:

• Unlimited 4G LTE data, talk, and text
• DVD-quality streaming
• Unlimited mobile hot spot data with 600 Kbps speeds
• Verizon Up rewards
• Talk, text, and data to and from Mexico and Canada included
• Up to two lines

Remember that this plan is available only to new customers ages 55 and older with a Florida billing address, and it’s limited to two lines. I’d recommend the 55+ Unlimited plan for older adults who use their phones frequently, don’t want to deal with data caps, or have friends and family in Canada or Mexico. It’s also great for seniors who are on the go and don’t want to rely on a landline. If you’re an older adult who runs errands often or likes to hang out in coffee shops, you might benefit from this plan’s unlimited mobile hotspot data. Conversely, if you’re just looking for a simple plan to stay connected and don’t need data or a smartphone, I’d recommend checking out one of Verizon’s prepaid plans.

Unlimited Welcome Plan

Cost

Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome plan is a great, basic, unlimited option if you reach for your smartphone frequently to talk and text with your grandkids. Although you might not receive high-definition streaming quality like you would with the 55+ Unlimited plan, it’s still an excellent option if you don’t live in Florida.

Compared to T-Mobile senior phone plans, which start at $40 per month for one line, Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome is a bit more pricey and starts at $60 per month for one line. This cost difference is rather substantial, and T-Mobile offers extra perks like hotspot data and texting to over 200 countries. Still, Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome plan is a more-than-comparable choice if the carrier has solid coverage in your area.

Plan Features

Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome plan features the following:

• 5G nationwide coverage
• Unlimited 5G data
• Talk, text, and data from Mexico and Canada
• Video streaming in 480p

As with all of Verizon’s unlimited plans, the Unlimited Welcome plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S., as well as talk, text, and data from Mexico and Canada.

Comparing Verizon to the Competition

While Verizon offers a solid 55+ plan to Florida residents, some more affordable options are on the market and available nationwide. Below is a breakdown of how Verizon compares to the competition.

The Bottom Line on Verizon

After researching Verizon and testing a plan, I found that the carrier offers plenty of plans for older adults who want to stay connected. Verizon’s unlimited talk, text, and data plans are a solid option that doesn’t have many extra fees.

Although the plan is limited to Florida residents and Verizon’s prices are more expensive than some competitors, Unlimited 55+ is still worth considering. On average, Verizon will cost you about $20 or more per month; however, from my experience, the reliable nationwide coverage and speeds are well worth the price. With unlimited talk, text, data, and mobile hotspots, you can still use your phone wherever you are for as long as you’d like. Even if you don’t live in Florida, we recommend checking out Verizon’s other prepaid or postpaid plans.