There are plenty of wireless plans to consider for your smartphone. But there are specific plans designed for older family members or friends that come with discounts and unique perks. The best phone plans for seniors include a range of benefits such as different data allowances and bundled streaming service subscriptions. Unlike typical carrier plans, senior-focused plans are often discounted or bundled with multi-line deals that can benefit non-senior family members, too -- allowing the whole household to enjoy the savings. We break down how the best plans for seniors compare to standard options, and explain which types of customers are best suited for each of our recommendations.
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What is the best phone plan for older adults?
T-Mobile's Essentials Choice 55 plan is a discounted version of the carrier's Essentials Saver plan aimed at customers aged 55 and above. Despite the value, Essentials Choice 55 still has 5G connectivity and 50GB of data, which is a generous allotment for a no-frills service without the extra bells and whistles of pricier plans.
Other carriers also offer their own discounted plans for people age 55 and older. These options can be combined with other deals and can be helpful for those on fixed incomes. Plans typically have some or all of the same features as standard plans from the same carrier. For the most part, subscribers shouldn't expect much difference in service but some of these plans may be missing fun perks like bundled streaming services.
Best senior phone plans of 2025
Pros
- The most affordable option among the three carriers
- 5G connectivity and 50GB of high-speed data in the US
- An affordable plan for seniors who just want to use their phone for basic apps and tasks without watching much video
Cons
- The plan allows a maximum of two lines
- The 480p video quality is very low
- The 3G tethering speed is too slow for much more than checking email
- The plan lacks bundled extras like streaming service subscriptions
For one or two people who just want to stay connected at reasonable speeds but don't need a lot of extra features (or don't want to pay too much), T-Mobile offers a significantly cheaper plan for older adults than competitors, with Essentials Choice 55. This plan includes 5G access and is $45 per month for one line or $60 per month for two lines if you sign up with autopay. It's the best value for one or two people, although they won't be able to expand to three or four lines.
The trade-off is in the fine print. With Essentials Choice 55, customers will get lower speeds when they use more than 50GB of data in a month or when T-Mobile's network is congested from extensive customer activity, suggesting these customers are less prioritized than others. Video quality also "typically" streams at 480p, and tethering maxes out at 3G speeds (or 2G speeds in Mexico and Canada). The plan does give people access to T-Mobile's Scam Shield, an app service that can auto-block suspected scam calls and let you change your number once a year if the calls get overwhelming. On the other hand, its mobile hotspot data is limited to T-Mobile's older, slower 3G network.
Why we like it
It's an affordable plan for one or two seniors, with a good balance of features. The Scam Shield app is a good perk.
Who it's best for
Someone who wants fast access to data in their apps but isn't concerned about speedy hotspot tethering.
Who shouldn't get it
Folks who need more than two lines on an account or who want more overall performance.
Customer service options
• Online: T-Mobile
• Phone: 1-855-315-6244
• Store: Store locator
• App: T-Life app
Pros
- Cheaper than regular plans if not using autopay
- Has the same bundled perks as the standard Go5G Plus and Go5G Next plans
- New phone upgrade every two years (Go5G Plus 55) or every year (Experience Beyond w/55 Plus)
- Able to add up to four lines
Cons
- Same price as standard T-Mobile Go5G plans if using autopay
- More expensive than the Essentials Choice 55 plan
T-Mobile also offers discounted versions of many of its regular plans for customers over 55. For those who want a bit more functionality, data and extras such as getting a new phone every couple of years, T-Mobile's slightly discounted Experience More w/ 55 Plus is worth checking out.
Its Experience More w/ 55 Plus plan is $70 per month for one line or $100 per month for two lines with autopay enabled. (Note that it doesn't allow adding a third or fourth line.) The plan includes the same perks as T-Mobile's standard offerings, such as up to 4K streaming, 60GB of 4G LTE hotspot data and 15GB of high-speed data in Mexico and Canada (though in some areas, speeds may be limited to 4G LTE rather than 5G). It also comes with subscriptions to Apple TV Plus and Netflix (with ads).
This plan also allows subscribers to upgrade their phone every two years. The only caveat is that plan owners will need to pay off 50% of their existing phone by the time they upgrade, which shouldn't be too much of a problem for most subscribers. Subscribers can also get the same discounts on devices that T-Mobile offers new customers switching from other carriers.
T-Mobile offers one other plan for seniors -- its priciest. Experience Beyond w/55 Plus plan is $85 per month for one line or $130 per month for two lines (also expandable up to four lines) but offers a few extras, most notably that subscribers can upgrade their phones using new customer device offers every year instead of every two years. Plus, this plan also gets access to Hulu, a five-year price guarantee and satellite connectivity service beyond T-Mobile's network.
One standout perk of every T-Mobile 55 Plus plan? Only the primary account holder needs to be 55 or older -- additional lines can be for anyone, regardless of age.
Why we like it
Now that T-Mobile has eliminated a few of its older offerings, the Experience More w/ 55 Plus plan is the best option for seniors who want a few extra perks at a moderate price -- and not just a handful, but nearly every feature included in the standard plans, from hotspot data to international coverage.
Who it's best for
The T-Mobile Experience More w/ 55 Plus plan is best for seniors who want a few extra perks, like upgrading their phone every other year. It's also for seniors who don't want to worry about their data use every month, especially if they're using their phone to tether other devices to get online beyond Wi-Fi networks.
Customer service options
• Online: T-Mobile
• Phone: 1-855-315-6244
• Store: Store locator
• App: T-Life app
Pros
- Notably discounted plan
- Large hotspot budget for the price
Cons
- Unclear when 5G speeds kick in
- No bundled extra features
AT&T recently renovated its senior offering with a new AT&T 55 Plus plan, which starts at $55 for one line or $70 for two lines. The plan's listing says it has unlimited talk, text and data as well as 5G access included but doesn't specify when or where subscribers will have access to 5G speeds when using data.
The AT&T 55 Plus plan doesn't have any extra features like bundled streaming services but it does offer 10GB of hotspot data per month, which is a sizable amount for customers who like connecting their devices through their phone.
Why we like it
AT&T 55 Plus is the carrier's new senior plan, replacing its previous Florida-only plan. It's affordable enough for us to recommend it for the carrier's subscribers and nearly rivals T-Mobile's plans. Its only holdup lies in uncertainty around when it can access AT&T's 5G and 4G LTE high-speed network service. But its 10GB of hotspot data is notable for people who tether other devices from their phones to get online.
Who it's best for
AT&T 55 Plus is best suited for AT&T customers 55 and older who don't need any bells and whistles and just want basic connectivity. At its monthly rate, it may even be for senior Verizon or T-Mobile customers who want the absolute lowest-priced phone service.
Customer service options
• Online: AT&T Wireless support
• Phone: 800-331-0500
• Store: Store locator
• App: myAT&T iOS, Android
Pros
- Very affordable
- Ideal for limited budgets
Cons
- Discount diminishes if not buying a year in advance
- Data cap is limited (other carriers offer as much as 50GB)
- No bundled extras
- Hotspot use counts against the main data cap
Mint Mobile's Mint 55 Plus plan is a modest but affordable plan that can be as cheap as $15 per month per line if signing up for 12 months in advance, $20 a month for six months or $25 per month for three months (customers must sign up for a minimum of three months). New customers can try the network for three months at a rate of $15 a month. After the promotional period ends, prices increase.
The tradeoff is that the Mint 55 Plus plan only offers 5GB of data per month and mobile hotspot use draws from that cap. Mint runs on T-Mobile's 5G network, providing similar 5G and 4G LTE service and availability as native T-Mobile customers. The plan doesn't offer any bundled extras like streaming service subscriptions but it does provide access to the "MINTech Advisor" for on-call tech support in getting started with the plan, transferring phone numbers to the service and troubleshooting issues.
Currently, you can't sign up for Mint 55 Plus online. You'll need to call Mint's hotline at 833-655-1768 to sign up over a call.
Why we like it
For prepaid plans, Mint 55 Plus is the best plan for a simple, no-frills experience. While its monthly cost goes up after the initial promotional period (after your 3-, 6- or 12-month initial purchase period ends), it can be far cheaper than traditional carrier plans and has the freedom of not being locked in a contract.
Who it's best for
The Mint 55 Plus plan is best for seniors who need a phone plan for minimal use. That 5GB data budget will suffice for daily texting, internet browsing and watching videos but not for uploading or downloading lots of content. It's also great for anyone who wants a quick 3-month plan in a pinch.
Customer service options
• Online: Mint Mobile Help Center
• Phone: 833-655-1768
• Store: n/a
• App: Mint Mobile
Pros
- Discounted plans for residents of Florida
Cons
- Not available to US residents in the other states or territories
- No bundled extra features
Verizon has discounted plans for people 55 and older but they come with a huge caveat: They're available only to those living in Florida. If you meet this requirement, you can get discounted plans that are pretty similar to the standard Verizon plans.
Verizon offers its 55 Plus Unlimited plan with one line for $62 per month or $84 for two lines when signed up for autopay. New customers switching to Verizon may have an easier time signing up; if you're already a Verizon customer, you'll need to talk to customer support to get your plan changed to Unlimited 55. The plan includes 5G Ultra Wideband service with unlimited low-speed (600Kbps) mobile hotspot access but lacks the bundled extras like streaming services you can add to conventional Verizon plans.
Why we like it
Verizon 55 Plus is the only plan Verizon offers for a discount to 55+ customers and it's only available to those living in Florida so that's what we chose. It offers a slight discount on its standard plans, and includes talk/text/data in Canada and Mexico.
Who it's best for
Single or coupled seniors living in Florida who want a slight discount on their Verizon bill.
Customer service options
• Online: Verizon
• Phone: 800-922-0204
• Store: Store locator
• App: My Verizon
Best senior phone plans compared
| Plan | Cost 1 line (AutoPay) | Cost 4 lines (AutoPay) | High-speed data | Hotspot data limit | Price guarantee | Max number of lines | Streaming resolution | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | Essentials Choice 55 | $45 | N/A | 50GB | Unlimited 3G | N/A | 2 | 480p (SD) |
| T-Mobile | Go5G 55 Plus | $75 | N/A | Unlimited 5G | 50GB | N/A | 2 | Up to 4K |
| T-Mobile | Experience Beyond w/ 55+ | $85 | N/A | Unlimited 5G | 250GB | 5 years | 2 | Up to 4K |
| AT&T | AT&T 55+ | $40 | $140 | Unlimited | 10GB | N/A | 10 | 480p (SD) |
| Mint Mobile | Mint 55 | $15 | N/A | 5GB | Shared 5GB main data budget | N/A | 5 | 480p (SD) |
| Verizon | Verizon 55 Plus | $62 | N/A | Unlimited 4G LTE | Unlimited 3G | N/A | 2 | 480p (SD) |
Recent updates
In May we added the AT&T 55 Plus plan, which cost $40 per month for a single line (or $35 per month per line with two lines). It replaces an older AT&T discounted senior phone plan that was $62 per month that was available only to customers living in Florida.
Factors to consider when choosing a plan
Check that you're actually saving money: Are you getting a better deal than a carrier's standard plans and offers? Most seniors-only plans don't provide substantial differences, so make sure it's worth pursuing.
Ensure availability: Some are restricted to certain states or limited in other ways, so it's worth checking the fine print to determine whether you're arbitrarily shut out from an otherwise appealing plan.
Check the coverage area: See if users around you are happy with their carrier and plan. Online forums, social media and even asking around the neighborhood can be helpful to determine whether you're about to sign up for disappointing speeds and service. If you're converting to a senior plan with your existing carrier, check to see if competitors offer better service. For that, here's our guide to switching carriers.
How we test
Picking a wireless plan and carrier comes down to what matters most. What works for you or your older family member's needs may be very different from those of your friends or neighbors.
We prioritize affordability and availability in our list but those may not be the most important factors for you. If not, we recommend checking out our more general guides for plans, like our best cellphone plans and best family phone plans.
Value for older customers aside, every carrier differs in service. Even geographically, some areas have better AT&T coverage while others work better with Verizon or T-Mobile's networks. Our recommendations are based on years of covering and evaluating the wireless carriers, their offerings and their performance.
