The Best Unlimited Phone Plans for Seniors in 2024
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These days, people use their phones more than ever for streaming music, browsing the web, and watching videos. When you’re not connected to a Wi-Fi network, these types of tasks require large amounts of cellular data.
While some phone plans provide a monthly allowance of data, others come with no limits, allowing you to stream to your heart’s content. Even better, some wireless providers have special unlimited phone plans for seniors.
The following six phone plans offer the best combination of service and affordability.
FYI: Not sure if you need unlimited data? Then check out our rundown of the best senior phone plans to find cellular service from $10 per month.
What Exactly Is an Unlimited Phone Plan?
Traditionally, cell phone plans came with monthly allowances for talk, text, and data. Nowadays, however, most plans from major providers come with unlimited talk and text, and the primary differentiator will be the monthly allotment of data, most often represented in gigabytes (GB). For reference, 1GB is roughly equivalent to one hour of streaming video, ten hours of streaming video, or 20 hours of browsing the internet.
For the purposes of this list, an “unlimited” phone plan is one that has unlimited talk, text, and data.
Our Favorite Unlimited Phone Plans for Seniors
- Lively : $20 Unlimited Talk and Text
- Mint Mobile : Affordable for Any Age
- Consumer Cellular : U.S.-Based Customer Support
- Visible Wireless : Best Price for One Line
- AT&T : Deep Discount for Florida Residents
- T-Mobile : Best Discount for Seniors
1. Lively - $20 Unlimited Talk and Text
What We Like Most:
- Unlimited talk and text for $19.99
- Optional urgent response features
- Smartphone and flip phone options
- Free operator service for Lyft rides
Cost: Starting at $19.99 per month
Overview
We’ve all heard of Jitterbug phones, the simple devices designed specifically for seniors; however, few people know about Lively, the company that makes them. In addition to offering an array of safety features, Lively also offers affordable cellular service, with unlimited talk and text starting at $19.99 per month.
Unlike the other providers on this list, Lively only offers three phones: the Jitterbug Flip2, the Jitterbug Smart3, and the Jitterbug Smart4; however, if you’re looking for an intuitive device for $150 or less, then one of these options will likely do the job, and all of them are compatible with the same plans.
>>Read more: Jitterbug Phone Reviews
In terms of plans, Lively offers three different plans: Basic, Preferred, and Premium. All three of these plans offer unlimited talk and text; however, they differ slightly in terms of safety features. The Basic plan costs $19.99 per month, and it includes access to Lively Rides, a free service that allows users to call an operator to arrange rides through Lyft. At $39.99, the Preferred plan adds features like Urgent Response calling, and at $49.99, the Premium plan gives users access to a 24/7 Nurse Hotline.
The one downside of Lively’s plans would have to be the higher costs for data. 1GB of monthly data costs $5 per month, 5GB costs $10, and unlimited data costs $30 per month. This means that if you want unlimited talk, text, and data, then you’ll have to spend $50 per month. While this is more expensive than other options on this list, the low cost of their talk and text, combined with the lack of long-term contracts makes Lively one of our top choices.
To learn more about these plans, read our full guide to Jitterbug phones and plans.
2. Mint Mobile - Affordable for Any Age
What We Like Most:
- Plans from $15 per month
- 5G data speeds
- Special helpline for seniors
- No overage fees
Cost: Starting at $15 per month for unlimited talk and text
Overview
Mint Mobile plans start as low as $15 per month, making them among the most affordable unlimited talk and text plans out there. They have the bonus of offering 5G data access on all plans, which is a must for those who want to stream movies or browse the internet.
The Mint 55+ plan caters to seniors, with 5GB of monthly data, unlimited talk and text, and access to the MinTech advisors. These tech pros help you activate your plan and work through issues along the way like your own personal customer services reps.
Note that Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile’s network, so your data will have a lower priority than that of T-Mobile’s users. Additionally, to get Mint’s ultra-low $15 plan, you have to sign a 12-month contract that includes paying for the whole year upfront ($180 total). They offer a 30-day free trial, however, so you can see if you like it before committing.
To learn more about our experience with Mint Mobile, read our guide to Mint Mobile plans for seniors.
Pros
- Highly affordable plans
- 5G network access
- Option to bring your own device
- Option to keep your own number
- No hidden fees
Cons
- Required upfront payments
- Potential for deprioritized service
3. Consumer Cellular - U.S.-Based Customer Support
What We Like Most:
- Plans from $15 per month
- No long-term contracts
- U.S.-based customer support, available 24/7
- Protection plans
Cost: Starting at $25 per month for unlimited talk and text
Overview
Consumer Cellular is a private, U.S.-based company, so its customer service is different from other networks’. You’ll never have to wait in queues for international service reps because Consumer Cellular’s 24/7 service line is run completely domestically.
On top of this, its unlimited phone plans are highly affordable, particularly for those who wish to purchase multiple lines. For one line of unlimited talk, text, and data, you’ll pay $50 per month; however, additional lines cost only $15 apiece. For two lines of unlimited data, you’ll pay $65; for three lines, you’ll pay $80 total; and so on.
Consumer Cellular also offers special discounts for AARP members. Currently, members can get 5 percent off their monthly bill. They’ll also qualify for a special unlimited plan with two lines of unlimited data for $55 per month.
To learn more about these plans, read our full Consumer Cellular review.
Pros
- Discounts for AARP Members
- Apple, Samsung, and Motorola phones available
- Plans from $15 per month
- No overage charges
Cons
- Unlimited data costs $60 per month
- International call fees
4. Visible Wireless - Best Price for One Line
What We Like Most:
- Streamlined, affordable plan options
- Unlimited 5G data
- Verizon’s extensive network coverage
- International service in 30+ countries
Cost: Starting at $25 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data
Overview
Visible piggybacks off of Verizon’s extensive network to give its users unlimited 5G data, which, at its $25 per month price point, is an amazing deal for those looking to stream, play, and download as much as they want.
Visible is also great for international travelers since its services extend to over 30 countries without additional fees. Though not all devices are covered by its 5G network, you can bring your own phone to the plan if you want to keep your current device.
Some may consider its limited plan offerings (there are only two: Visible and Visible+) to be a downside, while others may appreciate the simplicity. With straightforward services, possibly the cheapest 5G access out there, and no long-term contracts, Visible may be a great option for you.
To learn more, read our Visible Wireless review.
5. AT&T - Deep Discount for Florida Residents
What We Like Most:
- Plans tailored to 55+ users
- Discounts for Florida residents
- Great selection of devices
- Fast data speeds
Cost: Plans starting at $25.99 per month for unlimited talk and text
Overview
AT&T offers deep discounts for Florida residents and an additional 10% discount for AARP members, regardless of their state of residence. Though its plans start higher than some at $25.99 per month for unlimited talk and text ($30 for unlimited data), it offers discounts for multiple lines and never throttles its users’ data like some of the smaller networks.
Another benefit of AT&T’s service is its wide selection of compatible devices, including Apple products. If you want the Unlimited 55+ plans, however, you must be a Florida resident. Otherwise, you can still use its generic plans, though these are not as competitive.
We also discovered upfront costs when setting up AT&T’s service, such as hidden activation fees. While not everyone will want to front the cost of its plans, it offers no-contract services at deep discounts that are worth checking out, provided you live in Florida.
To learn more about AT&T’s plans, read our guide to AT&T senior plans.
Pros
- Senior-specific plans for those 55+
- Discounts for AARP members
- 5G coverage available
- Bring your own phone
Cons
- Hidden fees may apply
- Unlimited 55+ plan available to Florida residents only
6. T-Mobile - Best Discount for Seniors
What We Like Most:
- Affordable unlimited talk, text, and data
- No long-term contracts or price hikes
- Free coverage in Mexico and Canada
- 5G mobile hotspot usage
Cost: Starting at $27.50 per month
Overview
If you’re 55 or older, then T-Mobile has the best unlimited phone plans for seniors. Starting at $27.50 per line, these plans offer unlimited talk, text, and data, as well as mobile hotspot usage and service in Mexico and Canada. Best of all, these plans require no long-term contracts.
Currently, T-Mobile offers three different unlimited plans for seniors: Essentials 55, Go5G 55, and Go5G Plus 55. The latter two plans come with in-flight Wi-Fi service, AAA memberships, Netflix subscriptions, and Apple TV+ subscriptions.
The only downside of these plans would be that you’ll need to purchase multiple lines in order to get the lowest prices. For example, the Essentials 55 plan costs $27.50 per line when you purchase two lines, bringing your total to $55 per month. For one line of Essentials 55, you’ll have to pay $45 per month.
Luckily, only the primary account holder must be 55 or older to qualify for the discount, making T-Mobile a great option for parents and children.
To learn more about these plans, read our full review of T-Mobile 55+ plans.
Pros
- Unlimited talk, text, and data
- Discounts for multiple lines
- Great customer service
- No annual contracts
- Can be used abroad
Cons
- Maximum of two lines on the cheapest plan
- No talk-only plans
How We Chose the Best Unlimited Phone Plans
When comparing each cellular provider, we prioritized these factors:
- Affordability: We looked at each provider’s monthly prices, as well as activation fees, device costs, and any special discounts for seniors.
- Network reliability: While some plans come from major networks, others piggyback off their services, making those users a lower priority. Further, not all network services extend to other countries when you travel abroad.
- Extra features: Many plans offer extra features such as hotspot usage, protection plans, and even free Netflix. These features might be bonuses worth considering.
- Contracts: Some networks require a contract to get their lowest prices, while most of the ones selected for this list have no long-term contracts. You shouldn’t get stuck in a plan that doesn’t work for you, so we prioritized flexibility in our selections.
Unlimited Phone Plans for Seniors Compared
| Provider | Starting price per line | Eligibility | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | $27.50 | 55+ | Senior discount |
| Mint Mobile | $15 | 55+ | Lowest premium |
| Consumer Cellular | $25 | None | Domestic customer support |
| Visible | $25 | None | Unlimited 5G data |
| AT&T | $25.99 | 55+ | Florida resident discount |
Bottom Line
Having so many choices for a phone plan can be daunting. To choose the best one for your needs, ask yourself whether unlimited data use is important, and either select one that offers it at a good value or prioritize the talk and text plans. Next, look at the extra features and review your eligibility for discounts to see what the true monthly premium will be for each of the plans you’re considering.
Thankfully, many plans have no long-term contracts and may even feature trial periods. With a little research and experimentation, you should be able to find an unlimited phone plan that ticks all the right boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which unlimited phone plan is best for seniors?
T-Mobile offers the most robust senior discounts, but Mint Mobile has the lowest pricing overall. Other plans from AT&T may offer Florida residents or AARP members discounts as well, so the best plan for seniors depends on their individual situation.
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Do I need unlimited 5G data?
If you plan on using your phone to stream movies, play games, download files, or FaceTime with friends, you may want to consider prioritizing 5G data, which has lower latency and broader bandwidth than other data plans. If not, you can save money by getting a plan that doesn’t offer it.
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Which providers offer unlimited talk and text only?
Mint Mobile, AT&T, and Consumer Cellular offer plans that save users money by limiting the amount of data they purchase while keeping talk and text unlimited.
