Quick links
1. Top tips & jargon explained
2. The best cell phone plans for seniors
FAQ:
1. Finding the right plan
2. How much data do I need?
3. Who am I best covered with?
Finding the best cell phone plans for seniors needn't be a hassle - it can actually be relatively simple thanks to our handy guide. We've tirelessly researched all the nation's favorite carriers (and a few up-and-comers) to determine which ones, in our opinion, offer particularly strong options for older citizens.
Like all phone users, the requirements of older folks differ widely from person to person, so we've made sure our best cell phone plans for seniors takes into account a wide array of differing requirements. Just need the basics? We've got you covered with some fantastic, easy-to-use plans. Alternatively, if you're interested in getting a plan with unlimited data then you'll also find the best value options rounded up here.
Firstly, here's a very quick summary of our top choices.
- Mint Mobile (opens in new tab) - best all-rounder
- Tello (opens in new tab) - best for flexibility
- Ultra Mobile (opens in new tab) - best pay as you go
- T-Mobile (opens in new tab) - best unlimited data plan
We're deep-diving into why these are the best cell phone plans for seniors just down below and you'll find plenty more options to consider as well. Before we do that, however, here are a few top tips to help you find the right plan for you as well as a quick explainer on the jargon that's commonly used with senior cell phone plans. If you'd like to see a run-down of the market as a whole, head on over to our main best cell phone plans (opens in new tab) article to see our top contenders this month.
best cell phone plans for seniors: top tips
5G: the latest, fastest phone network connection
Data allowance: how much internet you can use
Prepaid: no-contract plan renewed each month
Postpaid: contracted plan paid for in installments
Pay as you go: only pay for what you use
Coverage: how good cellular service is near you
1. Determine budget
Set an upper limit to how much you're willing to spend
2. Determine data usage
More data equals higher bills, so cut out what you don't need
3. Check if you're covered
Check to see if you're best covered on AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile
4. Compare the market
See who offers the cheapest rate possible for your requirements
best cell phone plans for seniors
1. Best overall cell phone plan for seniors
2. Best plan for flexibility
3. Best pay as you go cell phone plan for seniors
4. Best unlimited data plan for seniors
5. Best non-data plan
6. Best coverage overall
7. Best prepaid for two lines
8. Best for peace of mind
9. Best cheap AT&T alternative
Best cell phone plans for seniors: FAQ
Finding the right senior cell phone plans
Determine your budget
The easiest and simplest criteria to consider when shopping around for the best cell phone plans for seniors is how much are you willing to spend? As with most things you get what you pay for with cell phone plans but being strict with your costing will be the best way to narrow down the field of choices. As a rule of thumb, we'd recommend spending no more than $25 a month per line if you're a light user.
Determine your usage
Generally speaking, higher data allowances mean higher bills - even for phone plans for seniors. Subsequently, the easiest way to cut your costs is to cut out any of that unneeded data and instead use the local Wi-Fi connections where possible. Note, you can also cut out minutes and text allowances too, although the savings don't tend to be as good there. If you need help working out how much data you'll need, simply scroll down to the next section.
Find which carrier has the best coverage in your area
Nearly all carriers, including the ones featured on our best cell phone plans for seniors list above, use the three major nationwide networks for service - Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile to be specific. Before you commit to any one plan, you'll definitely want to know whether you're well covered in your area. It's also worth asking around your friends and family to see who gets the best service and to find out what plans they're on. You can check your local coverage just below.
Compare the market
Finally, you'll want to thoroughly compare all carriers which fit within the criteria you've already set above. You'll probably find a good two to three different companies that fit the bill, so do a bit of further reading on each one or simply go with the one that looks to be the best value overall.
How much data do I need?
In this day and age, most people are using their cell phones to check social media, stream video content, or simply browse the internet. If you think you'll be doing any of those, then it's definitely worth paying a bit extra to get a data allowance on your cell phone plan.
If you need a bit of help determining how much data you'll need, here's a quick guide on how much data TechRadar recommends, based on common uses:
- Emailing and messaging - under 5GB of data a month
- Social media and web browsing - 5GB a month
- Streaming music - 10GB a month
- Streaming HD video - 10GB+ a month
Of course, if you see yourself simply calling and texting only, then you can forgo the data allowance altogether and opt for a cheaper plan - a few of which we've included on our best cell phone plans for seniors list above.
Who has the best coverage?
Nearly all carriers, including the ones on our best cell phone plans for seniors list operate their own network or under a big network. There are essentially three main networks at the moment - Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile - and they all have nationwide coverage of varying quality, depending on your location. If you want to see how good coverage will be in your area you can follow these links just below to visit each network's coverage check pages:
- Verizon - check your coverage (opens in new tab)
- AT&T - check your coverage (opens in new tab)
- T-Mobile - check your coverage (opens in new tab)
Follow the links above and simply enter your ZIP code to see if your local area is covered. Note - 4G coverage is pretty widespread now, but 5G (the latest and fastest network type) is still mostly confined to urban areas. If you want the fastest connection possible, then you should see who gives you the best 5G coverage in your area - but you'll also need a 5G-enabled device to use it.
