Verizon Internet Plans for Seniors

Verizon Internet Plans at a Glance

*Price doesn’t include autopay or other discounts 

Which Verizon Internet Plan Is Best for Me?

Verizon Communications is an international company that provides data, video, and voice communication services in over 150 countries.1 Verizon is available throughout the entire continental U.S., although coverage may be limited in certain areas.2

Verizon is known for reliable, fast internet and excellent customer service. Several SeniorLiving.org staffers who have Verizon internet give their Fios and 5G plans high marks for speed, reliability, and customer support. Unlike other companies such as Optimum, which is known for less-than-stellar customer service, we found that Verizon truly shines in this area.

Your geographic location and data consumption needs will significantly determine which Verizon internet package makes sense for you.

According to the company, 99 percent of the U.S. population has access to 4G LTE wireless data transmission.1 Verizon’s Fios and 5G ultra wideband packages have less of a reach, especially when compared to other internet providers we’ve reviewed, such as AT&T.

Below, we’ll get into the details of Verizon’s various internet plans and our experience!

Verizon Fios Home Internet

Plan Details

Fios Home Internet uses fiber optics to transmit data at the speed of light. But it’s only available in parts of New England and in some mid-Atlantic states. Most of our experts who tried Fios live in New York, where Verizon has solid coverage.

If Fios is available where you live, it may be a good choice if you’re looking for a high-speed internet option that can accommodate using multiple devices simultaneously. Keep in mind that you may have more devices that rely on an internet connection than you think. These may include Alexa, your doorbell, or a smart thermostat. So remember that when you’re thinking about speed and usage!

If you video chat with friends and family often, are a gamer, or have grandkids that don’t get off their devices when they come to visit, Fios may be a good choice for you. We’ve found Fios to be fast and reliable, even when we use multiple TVs, laptops, and other devices simultaneously. In our experience, lag times just don’t seem to occur, and outages are rare. The two outages that our team did experience only lasted for a few hours.

So just how fast are Verizon’s Fios plans? We ran several speed tests while using Verizon’s 1 GB Fios plan. While speeds weren’t typically as fast as our plan’s advertised speeds, they were still very fast. We experienced download speeds ranging anywhere from around 450 Mbps to 940 Mbps.

Using BBN's speed test for Verizon internet

Verizon also has a mobile app for its internet customers. We were able to view our plan details, run speed tests, manage our equipment, and modify our plan as needed straight from the app. This makes it easy to get the most out of your plan!

Managing Verizon equipment and plan information in the Verizon mobile app

Pricing

There are four Fios Home Internet plans available. Here are the prices and some estimates about what their speed levels can accommodate:

• 300 Mbps – $49.99 per month: Good for streaming, video chatting, and for using five to six devices.
• 500 Mbps – $69.99 per month: Great for HD streaming, fast downloads, and for using up to eight devices.
• 1 GB – $89.99 per month: Can accommodate 12 or more devices, plus high-speed gaming, HD streaming on multiple devices, and more.
• 2 GB – $109.99 per month: This rock-star level plan can accommodate highly connected smart houses and an unlimited number of devices.

Discounts are offered across all plans if you choose autopay and a select 5G mobile plan. You’ll also get a Target gift card for signing up, ranging in value from $50 to $300, based on the package you choose. We love a free gift with purchase!

Your monthly plan cost will be locked in for two to four years. We appreciate these long-term price locks. For comparison, other internet providers we’ve reviewed, such as AT&T, increase prices after just one year of service.

There’s an installation fee of $99 for the 1 GB and 2 GB packages, but the customer service reps we spoke to said that the fee can often be waived if you ask. Your router and router extender (Wi-Fi Whole Home extender) are loaners which need to be returned if you terminate service. This is pretty typical for any internet provider.

No contract is required, which is a nice plus in our book! If you do have a current contract with another provider, Verizon will give you $500 toward your early termination fees. This is similar to Spectrum’s contract buyout program. We love that this makes switching internet providers less of an expensive hassle.

Verizon 5G Home and 5G Home Plus

Plan Details

Verizon 5G wireless internet is available throughout most regions of the country, but some states, including Nebraska, Kansas, and the Dakotas, have very limited access to 5G service. Other internet providers, like the ones on our best internet for seniors list, may be available in your area, so it makes sense to check if you’re shopping around.

The 5G Home Plus package is faster than the 5G Home package. However, Verizon doesn’t publish verifiable 5G speeds, since they vary by geographic region. We’ve found that Verizon 5G internet speed is fast. It’s more than sufficient for streaming and the tasks required when you work from home. When we did speed tests, we registered a speed of around 300 Mbps. This makes 5G comparable to the lowest-tier Fios plan. Fiber optic internet tends to be more reliable than a wireless connection. If you have access to both Fios and 5G where you live, we’d recommend choosing Fios.

Pricing

There are two 5G plan levels for you to choose from:

• 5G Home – $60 per month
• 5G Home Plus – $80 per month

Discounts are available when you bundle a postpaid mobile unlimited plan with either 5G plan. You’ll also get a $10 monthly discount if you opt in to autopay.

There’s a $35 activation fee for both 5G packages. We’re not big fans of activation fees, but they’re pretty typical with internet providers. Each plan also includes a free router, which is a great perk; many companies like Xfinity charge a monthly fee for equipment rentals. The Home Plus package also includes Verizon Cloud Unlimited for storing photos, videos, and files.

Similar to Fios, no contract is required with these plans. Plus, you’ll get a price guarantee of two years for 5G Home and three years for 5G Home Plus. Like Fios, if you have an existing contract with another provider, Verizon will give you $500 to put toward early termination fees.

Verizon LTE Home and Home Plus

Plan Details

LTE Home and Home Plus are powered by broadband internet service that’s delivered through Verizon’s 4G LTE wireless network. Verizon recommends LTE primarily in areas where Fios and 5G aren’t available, and we agree. LTE is a bit slower and less reliable, though it’s a good option if your other choices are limited.

Download speeds are slower than Verizon’s other internet plans, at 25 to 50 Mbps for both LTE packages. If you’re on your devices a lot or use multiple devices simultaneously, LTE service will likely not be fast enough for you. But if you use the internet sporadically to enjoy social media, read emails, or watch an occasional movie, LTE may be a good choice.

Pricing

There are two LTE plans to choose from:

• LTE Home Plus – $80 per month
• LTE Home – $60 per month

If LTE feels like the right fit for you, you’ll be happy to know that your price will be locked in for two years with the Home plan and three years with the Home Plus plan. The Home Plus package includes Verizon Cloud Unlimited. Both packages come with a wireless router and $500 toward early termination fees for another provider, if needed. Like Verizon’s other packages, discounts are available for bundling mobile service and for autopay.

Verizon Equipment

Fios Extender

The router and other equipment you’ll need for Verizon Fios are loaned for the duration of your service. However, they’re not yours to keep if you ever cancel service. The 5G and LTE packages both include wireless routers in your plan price.

There may be an additional fee for a Wi-Fi Whole Home extender. If you have a large house or a multiple-floor dwelling, we’d recommend the extender. It will help ensure that you have solid coverage throughout your home. Verizon will work with you to determine where you should place your router for the best service. We appreciate this helping hand!

Does Verizon Have a Senior Discount for Internet?

Just like other providers in the industry, such as Spectrum, AT&T, and Xfinity, Verizon doesn’t offer a senior discount. However, that doesn’t mean no discounts are available for Verizon customers to take advantage of.

Eligible Verizon customers may qualify for Verizon Forward, the company’s reduced-cost internet service. You may also be eligible for Lifeline discounts. Lifeline is a Federal program that provides a discount of up to $9.25 on either your phone, internet, or bundled service. 4

If you don’t qualify for Verizon Forward or Lifeline, you may still be able to get discounted service if you fit into any of these categories:

• You’re an active, volunteer, or retired first responder
• Your spouse, parent, child, or other close family member was a first responder who was killed in action (KIA)
• You’re a veteran or active military member, or a Gold Star family member
• You’re currently employed as a nurse, respiratory therapist, or teacher
• You’re an employee at companies that have an arrangement with Verizon for discounted packages. As of this writing, these include Amazon. Check with your HR department to see if retired employees are eligible where you worked.

Verizon Internet Bundles

Verizon Fios offers bundles for internet, cable TV, and phone service. Bundled TV and internet plans range from $85 to $129. The highest-level plan gives you over 425 channels, including movies for you, and great children’s channels that will keep the grandkids occupied when you need a breather! You can even get Disney Plus at no additional cost for six months. Fios Home Phone can also be added for an additional $25 per month. This is great for older adults who don’t have a cell phone or who just prefer a home phone around the house.

Since 5G and LTE service are both wireless, they can’t be bundled with TV service. They can, however, be bundled with mobile phone service at a discounted rate. Your service area will determine the availability of the packages you can access. If you’re interested in Verizon’s mobile plans, you can check out our Verizon phone plan review.

Verizon Customer Service

Our team consistently experienced stellar customer service with Verizon. Whether you’re connecting with Verizon customer service via phone or chat, you’ll be treated graciously. Whenever we contacted customer service, we were connected to an agent in just a few minutes, if there was any wait at all. No crazy wait times here! We found Verizon personnel to be some of the friendliest and most helpful in the industry. All of the representatives we spoke with really made us feel like valued customers.

When we first tested out a Verizon 5G Home plan, we had trouble getting a strong connection. We spent over an hour on the phone with a representative who patiently helped us troubleshoot the issue. We tried out different modem placements until we got the best connection possible.

Verizon’s chat feature connects you to a live operator during East Coast business hours. You may be connected to a virtual assistant at other times of the day and on weekends.

How Does Verizon Compare to Other Internet Providers?

There are many internet companies currently vying for senior dollars. The provider that’s best for you may not be the same as the one that’s best for someone else. When comparing internet plans, we recommend considering speeds, frequency of outages, data caps, special features, cost, and customer service. You also want to make sure that the carrier you chose offers a plan that fits your lifestyle, so you’re not paying for things you don’t need. We’ll take a look at how Verizon stacks up to other popular internet providers below.

Verizon vs. AT&T

Both Verizon and AT&T have long-standing reputations for reliability and plan options. Neither one requires an annual contract, which is a nice plus.

When contrasting these two communications giants, the first consideration you’ll have is availability. Verizon has a larger reach throughout the country than AT&T does. Verizon also provides connectivity in many rural areas where AT&T isn’t available. However, Verizon’s fastest plans, Fios and 5G, aren’t as widely available as their LTE 4G network. Pricing is comparable between companies, but AT&T offers more high-speed plan options in more places.

If both companies offer high-speed plans in your area, take a look at the special features and “perks” offered by each company. Verizon offers promotional items like gift cards to Target and Home Depot. They also have promotional add-ons, like free Disney Plus for six months after sign-up. AT&T also offers special promos, like Visa reward cards.

If you’re currently stuck in a long-term contract with another provider, Verizon will give you $500 toward your cancellation fees. In contrast, AT&T will pay the cancellation fee in full.

Verizon vs. Xfinity

Xfinity, a Comcast company, has internet plans available in 40 states. They’re known for their range of low to high speed plans. Based on your needs, you may be able to get plans in your area that range from 75 Mbps to 1,200 Mbps (1.2 Gbps).

Unlike Verizon, Xfinity requires that you sign a one-year or two-year contract in order to lock in their best deals. At the end of your contract, you can expect a price hike. In contrast, if you choose one of Verizon’s higher-level Fios plans, you’ll get a price guarantee for four years.

Xfinity’s plans start at around $20 per month. If you don’t need a high-speed plan, Xfinity may be a good choice for you, provided that they’re available in your area.

Verizon’s plans have no data cap. On the other hand, Xfinity’s plans cap data usage at 1.21 TB (terabytes) a month — but that’s a lot of data. Most people, including our staffers who use Xfinity, never get close to that amount.

You can read our full 2024 Xfinity review to learn more.

Verizon vs. Spectrum

Spectrum is an internet provider that offers three plans in 41 states. The company’s popular 300 Mbps plan has a locked-in price of $49.99 a month for 12 months when you opt in to autopay. This plan also includes one free mobile line, a great extra perk!

In contrast, Verizon’s comparable 300 Mbps plan has a locked-in price of $24.99 per month for two years if you opt in to autopay.

Both companies get high marks from customers for speed and reliability. But Verizon has a stronger reputation for excellent customer service.

Check out our Spectrum internet review for more details.