Consumer Cellular vs. T-Mobile
Key Findings
- Both Consumer Cellular and T-Mobile offer discounted senior plans with unlimited talk, text, and data. However, Consumer Cellular’s plan is only available to AARP members.
- T-Mobile operates its own cellular network — unlike Consumer Cellular, which leases T-Mobile’s — meaning it will consistently offer faster data speeds.
- For users who don’t need unlimited data, Consumer Cellular offers more affordable plans from $20 per month.
FYI: Consumer Cellular and T-Mobile let you bring your own device to their networks. To find the best deals on phones, read this list of our favorite phones for seniors.
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|---|---|---|
| Editor's Ratings | ||
| Starting Cost (One Line) | $20 per month | $45 per month |
| Starting Cost for Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data | $50 per month | $50 per month |
| Discounts for Multiple Lines | Yes, $15 each | Yes, varies by plan |
| Annual Contracts | Not Required | Not Required |
| Bring Your Own Phone Option | Yes | Yes |
| Contact | ||
| Phone Number |
Call for best price:
844-580-0512 |
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| Website | View Packages |
Consumer Cellular vs. T-Mobile: Plans and Costs
Overall, Consumer Cellular’s plans are more affordable than T-Mobile’s — regardless of age. For a plan with unlimited talk, you’ll pay $15 per month. For a plan with unlimited talk, text, and 1GB of data, you’ll pay $20 per month.
With greater data allowances, however, come sharply higher prices. A plan with 10GB of data will cost $35 per month, and one with unlimited data will cost $50 per month. That said, no matter which plan you choose, additional lines only cost $15 each. So, while $50 per month may seem steep for unlimited data, two lines would only cost $65 — or $32.50 each.
T-Mobile’s plans will cost a bit more. All of their plans come with unlimited talk, text, and data; their most affordable plan, Essentials, costs $45 per month for one line. Adding additional lines comes with steep discounts. On the same Essentials plan, two lines will cost $60 — $30 each. However, these discounts vary greatly by the number of lines and the specific plan. The Essentials plan, for example, is not available with three lines — two lines being the maximum.
Senior Plans
Both Consumer Cellular and T-Mobile offer plans for seniors. However, the two plans differ slightly in terms of eligibility and features.
Consumer Cellular offers one senior plan, and it includes two lines of unlimited talk, text, and data for $55 per month — $27.50 per line. To be eligible for this plan, you must be a member of AARP.
T-Mobile offers several different senior plans, all of which include unlimited talk, text, and data. To be eligible for these plans, a person must be 55 or older; also, to get the best deals, you’ll want to purchase more than one line. For example, their Essentials 55 plan costs $45 per month for one line and $55 per month for two lines.
To learn more about T-Mobile’s 55+ plans, read our guide to T-Mobile's senior plans.
Consumer Cellular vs. T-Mobile: Phones and Devices
Both Consumer Cellular and T-Mobile allow you to bring your own phone and use it on their network — potentially even keeping your phone number. To check if your phone is compatible, you’ll want to visit the provider’s website and enter your phone’s unique IMEI number.
In terms of the phones themselves, both providers offer a similar range of smartphones from Apple, Samsung, and Google. While there are some slight variations in price, most of the phones will cost the same — whether you purchase them from T-Mobile or Consumer Cellular. The iPhone SE, one of our favorite iPhones for seniors, costs $429 from both providers. Each also offers a limited range of flip phones that cost under $100.
Overall, Consumer Cellular and T-Mobile offer the same phones for the same prices. So, this will most likely not be a factor when deciding between providers. The only exception would be that Consumer Cellular has a greater selection of flip phones, including the Iris Flip and the Iris Easy Flip.
Consumer Cellular vs. T-Mobile: Coverage
Consumer Cellular is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), meaning the company leases its network from other providers. Mint Mobile and Cricket Wireless are two other popular MVNOs.
Consumer Cellular uses both AT&T and T-Mobile’s networks. The downside of this is that, during times of peak usage, T-Mobile and AT&T may prioritize their own subscribers. This results in decreased data speeds for Consumer Cellular users.
T-Mobile, however, owns its own network and provides 5G coverage nationwide. In terms of calls and texts, this won’t make much of a difference. But, in terms of data, users of T-Mobile will notice consistently faster speeds than they would on Consumer Cellular.
Our Favorite
If you’re 55 or older, then both T-Mobile and Consumer Cellular are reliable options with reasonable prices. T-Mobile definitely wins when it comes to data speeds, while Consumer Cellular wins out in terms of affordably priced plans.
If you want to use your smartphone to stream videos and browse the internet, then T-Mobile is likely the better option. If you only need a phone for talk, text, and some occasional data usage, then Consumer Cellular will do the job.
To compare these providers with our other favorites, read our guide to the best phone plans for seniors.
