Age is just a number, which applies to both life and the best cell phone plans for seniors. You can certainly find plans strictly aimed at anyone 55 years or older, with T-Mobile's offerings standing out from the rest. But if you include low-cost options available to customers of every age, you'll have a wider array of choices that keep a lid on your monthly wireless bill.
I'm over 50 myself — not quite old enough to qualify for age-restricted plans from the major carriers but close enough to start thinking about what options are available when I hit 55. Because I spend a lot of time researching the best cheap cell phone plans for Tom's Guide, I know all about the affordable plans that will appeal to seniors, even if they don't necessarily come with age limitations. When tracking down the best cell phone plans overall, I've looked into the best prepaid phone plans from carriers that deserve your consideration.
My advice? Figure out what you're willing to pay and then zero in on a plan that meets your budget. That's why my picks for the best cell phone plans for seniors include a number of different options offering different levels of data for low prices.
As I mentioned at the start, T-Mobile's plan for customers 55 years and older remains the best age-restricted plan from a major carrier, but if you're willing to take a chance on a less well-known name, the best unlimited data plan at Visible includes a low-cost option that should appeal to seniors. Mint has one of the better monthly prices for prepaid data in a special offering for seniors, too.
The quick list
Unlimited data for $45 at T-Mobile
T-Mobile's Essentials Choice 55 plan offers the lowest price on unlimited data for seniors age 55 and older. While the single-line price is certainly low, getting two lines of Essentials Choice is an even better deal, as it will cost you just $60 total.
5GB for $15 at Mint Mobile
Mint's senior plan offers the same data and price as its entry level plan (including having to pay for a year in advance after your first three months to keep the lowest rate). But seniors also receive extensive tech support with this 55+ option.
Unlimited data for $25 at Visible
If you want unlimited data on the cheap, turn to Visible. It costs just $25/month for one line of data, and you don't have to pay for a year in advance like you would at Mint. Visible uses Verizon's network, including 5G coverage.
Unlimited data for $25 at Boost Mobile
Among Boost Mobile's assortment of plans, the $25 unlimited data option is the best bet for seniors. Not only is it a low price, the $25 monthly rate remains locked in place as long as you're a customer and you use autopay. Coverage comes on Boost's own network, with additional coverage from AT&T and T-Mobile.
Unlimited data for $60 at AT&T
Seniors 55 and older who live in Florida qualify for a $60 unlimited data plan at AT&T. Two lines cost $80 per month. In other states, try AT&T's Value Plus plan for cheap unlimited data.
Unlimited data for $62 at Verizon
Seniors 55 and older who live in Florida can get one line of unlimited talk, text and data for $62/month, with a second line available for $84. Outside of Florida, check Verizon's prepaid plans for low prices.
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10GB for $35 at Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular's $35 monthly plan contains a generous amount of data, with a discount for adding a second line. AARP members get 5% off their monthly rate.
Unlimited data for $65 at Google Fi
Google Fi's wireless network uses T-Mobile and US Cellular towers for coverage. The Unlimited Plus plan costs $65 for a single line and $110 for two lines. It's expensive, but you can use your data plan at no extra cost when traveling the world.
My name is Philip Michales, and I'm the managing editor of mobile, overseeing all the coverage of smartphones and the wireless plans that support them here at Tom's Guide. I may not qualify for some of these plans yet, but it's only a couple of years until I do. Even then, I do know where to find the cheapest cell phone plans based on a decade of experience following what wireless providers charge their customers.
The best cell phone plan for seniors overall
Best value plan for seniors
Best low-cost unlimited data plan for seniors
Best locked-in price for seniors
Best cell phone plan for seniors at AT&T
Best cell phone plan for seniors at Verizon
Best AARP discount on cell phone plans for seniors
Best cell phone plan for seniors who travel
How to pick the best cell phone plans for seniors
When researching the best cell phone plans for seniors, I've learned that there are a few factors to consider. Most of these plans tend to be more affordable with lower data caps, more flexible, and often offer special benefits.
Some brands, such as AT&T and Verizon, offer discounted prices for seniors or packages specifically designed for people over a certain age. However, these can require you to live in the state of Florida. T-Mobile is unique among the major carriers in having no residency requirement for its best cell phone plan for seniors. T-Mobile's senior plans do carry an age requirement, though.
If you don't live in Florida, your best bet is to focus on what you need. Do you need something with a minimal amount of data and low costs? One of the best cell plans for seniors from Mint Mobile or Visible should be a good fit for you.
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, T-Mobile offers up unlimited data plans and Google Fi's unlimited offering comes with a great travel perk. However, these are going to cost you a fair bit of cash to get, unless you turn to a discount carrier like Visible or Mint.
