Mint Mobile offers coast-to-coast service using the T-Mobile network for far-reaching coverage Calling Canada, Mexico and the UK is also included For seniors who don’t go online much, the included data plan and hotspot capabilities could also serve as cheap home internet solution

Best for older adults who need to stay connected with family and friends, but don’t plan on browsing the web or sending too many photos or videos (which uses data) Easily upgrade to a plan with more data for just a few dollars more per month, if needed Consumer Cellular uses the AT&T and T-Mobile networks to provide nationwide coverage and 5G access

Use the AT&T ActiveArmorSM security app to block spam calls 10 GB mobile hotspot data per line Unlimited talk, text and data includes Canada and Mexico

Front and rear cameras Ample storage Long battery life (an impressive 14 days of standby time) Hearing aid compatibility Backlit keypad Simple layout with large icons

Call captioning, voice typing and video chat Google voice assistant Front and rear cameras GPS and Bluetooth capabilities Hearing aid compatible: M3/T4 rating

Emergency SOS function Fall detection (when paired with a Galaxy watch) that sends automatic alerts to preset emergency contacts Quick access to medical info (medicines, allergies, etc.) even from the lock screen (if needed by a first responder) Emergency inclement weather alerts

Cross-device compatibility with other Apple devices (great if the whole family is Apple users) iPhone’s closed-source operating system is highly secure, a plus for seniors seeking to avoid fraud and scams Diverse set of options for customizable accessibility modifications Medical alert features include storing medical details and emergency contacts. This info can be quickly accessed in an emergency situation, even with a locked screen

Best Cellphones and Plans for Seniors

Key takeaways

The best cellphone plans for seniors offer flexibility, plus comprehensive benefits and coverage, while staying affordable
AT&T, Mint Mobile and Consumer Cellular offer competitively priced senior cellphone plans starting at $15.00 – $40.00/mo.
The best cellphones for seniors are easy to use and offer additional safety or alert features

Nearly 30% of the U.S. population is age 55 or older, but these days, getting older doesn’t mean slowing down. That’s why many seniors need cellphones and plans that offer robust features to support a range of lifestyles and everyday tasks.

When shopping for senior cellphone plans or devices, consider how much the device will be used and what tasks will be carried out, just as you would when choosing a home internet plan for a senior citizen. If you’re looking to bundle a cellphone and internet plan for a discount, check out our best picks.

Some older adults prefer simplicity in their cellphone plans and devices, while other tech-savvy seniors are searching for the newest features. Either way, we’ve rounded up the best cellphone plans and devices that combine the functions seniors need with budget-friendly pricing.

Best cellphone plans for seniors

Cheapest cellphone plan for seniors: Mint Mobile 55+
Best customer experience: Consumer Cellular
Best coverage: AT&T 55+

Features like talk, text, data (e.g., internet access), coverage and contract flexibility were key in deciding which cellphone plans are best suited for seniors.

Provider	Starting price*	Best for
Mint Mobile 55+	$15.00/mo.	Cheapest monthly price
Consumer Cellular	$20.00/mo.	Customer satisfaction
AT&T 55+	$40.00/mo.	Availability & coverage

*Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Updated as of 07/02/25.

Mint Mobile 55+ – Cheapest plan

Cost: $15.00/mo. with three- or 12-mo. agreement

Mint Mobile 55+ has unlimited talk and text, 5 GB of data and mobile hotspot access for less than $0.50 per day.

Key features:

Mint Mobile offers coast-to-coast service using the T-Mobile network for far-reaching coverage

Calling Canada, Mexico and the UK is also included

For seniors who don’t go online much, the included data plan and hotspot capabilities could also serve as cheap home internet solution

Consumer Cellular – Great customer experience

Cost: $20.00/mo. for one line; $35.00/mo. for two lines

The Consumer Cellular unlimited talk and text plan with 1 GB of data and a mobile hotspot is an affordable option from a company known for its excellent customer service (think minimal hold times, ability to speak with a U.S.-based representative, no high-pressure sales tactics).

Key features:

Best for older adults who need to stay connected with family and friends, but don’t plan on browsing the web or sending too many photos or videos (which uses data)

Easily upgrade to a plan with more data for just a few dollars more per month, if needed

Consumer Cellular uses the AT&T and T-Mobile networks to provide nationwide coverage and 5G access

AT&T 55+ – Extensive nationwide coverage

Cost: $40.00/mo. for one line; $35.00/mo. for two lines

AT&T 55+ comes with unlimited talk, text and data, plus the reliability of AT&T’s fast 5G network.

Key features:

Use the AT&T ActiveArmor^SM security app to block spam calls

10 GB mobile hotspot data per line

Unlimited talk, text and data includes Canada and Mexico

Verizon 55+ – Honorable mention (limited availability)

Cost: $45.00/mo. for one line; $80.00/mo. for two lines

Verizon 55+ provides unlimited talk, text and data with a three-year price guarantee. The catch? Unlike Verizon’s affordable home internet, this Verizon senior cellphone deal is only available to Florida residents.

Best cellphones for seniors

Choosing the best cellphone for older adults varies based on their needs and wants. Luckily, a large range of cellphone options, from cheaper models with easy-to-use physical buttons to internet-enabled devices with smartphone capabilities, ensures a perfect solution for every senior.

Best budget-friendly cellphone: IRIS Easy Flip
Best simple navigation: Jitterbug Smart4
Best medical/alert features: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

The starting price of cellphones can vary depending on seasonal promotions. Many phone carriers will offer substantial discounts on devices (sometimes even free) when signing up for a new line. Another common option is installment payments that can help diminish the upfront financial investment for a quality cellphone.

Phone model	Starting price*	Best for
IRIS Easy Flip	$59.00	Affordability
Jitterbug Smart4	$119.99	Ease of use
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE	$649.99	Medical/alert features

*Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Updated as of 07/02/25.

IRIS Easy Flip – Easy on your budget

Cost: $59.00; or no-interest financing with $11.00 down and $2.00/mo.
Carrier: Only available through Consumer Cellular

Being easy to use and easy on the wallet makes the IRIS Easy Flip a simple option for a senior who wants to stay connected without going overboard on complicated tech. The IRIS phone balances essential features and senior-focused functions with a durable design.

Key features:

Front and rear cameras

Ample storage

Long battery life (an impressive 14 days of standby time)

Hearing aid compatibility

Backlit keypad

Simple layout with large icons

Jitterbug Smart4 – Best basic smartphone

Cost: $59.99 with new Lively service plan
Carrier: Lively, a brand within Best Buy Health, uses the Verizon 4G LTE network

The Jitterbug Smart4 combines the dynamic features of a typical smartphone while eliminating app clutter. Seniors who want to ease into a more tech-forward device will find the Jitterbug Smart4 a great introduction to smartphone use.

Key features:

Call captioning, voice typing and video chat

Google voice assistant

Front and rear cameras

GPS and Bluetooth capabilities

Hearing aid compatible: M3/T4 rating

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE – Best medical & alert benefits

Cost: $649.99; financing available through various carriers
Carrier: Compatible with multiple mobile service providers

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is a more budget-friendly version of Samsung’’s flagship Galaxy S24, but other than price, most users won’t notice the subtle differences in hardware, memory and storage. This feature-rich smartphone has quality specs, but it makes our list of the best senior cellphones thanks to its valuable health feedback and alerts.

Key features:

Emergency SOS function

Fall detection (when paired with a Galaxy watch) that sends automatic alerts to preset emergency contacts

Quick access to medical info (medicines, allergies, etc.) even from the lock screen (if needed by a first responder)

Emergency inclement weather alerts

iPhone 14 or newer – Honorable mention

Cost: $629.99 and up; financing available through various carriers
Carrier: Compatible with multiple mobile service providers

Navigating the iPhone’s various menus and settings can be overwhelming for seniors who aren’t super techy. Still, iPhone benefits can make it the best option for the right senior citizen.

Key features:

Cross-device compatibility with other Apple devices (great if the whole family is Apple users)

iPhone’s closed-source operating system is highly secure, a plus for seniors seeking to avoid fraud and scams

Diverse set of options for customizable accessibility modifications

Medical alert features include storing medical details and emergency contacts. This info can be quickly accessed in an emergency situation, even with a locked screen

Low-income cellphone plans for seniors

Seniors seeking financial assistance with cellphone plans and devices may be eligible for free cellphone service and free smartphones with Life Wireless, a division of the federal Lifeline program. Eligible seniors or low-income households that qualify for other subsidized utilities, such as low-income internet, can apply online.

Methodology

Our experts explored a range of market offerings before selecting the senior cellphones and plans to comprehensively review. Guided by research into the needs and wants of older individuals, we chose our top picks based on affordability, ease of use, plan benefits and health-related features.

Cellphones for seniors FAQs

What features should seniors look for when choosing a cellphone and plan?

Seniors are a diverse group, so choosing the best cellphone and plan starts with understanding each individual’s specific needs and preferences. In general, features to consider with cellphones for seniors include large screens, easy-to-read (or physical) buttons/icons, good sound quality and easily accessible emergency functions. Likewise, assessing how much talk time, texting and data the person will realistically use is a vital first step when choosing a senior cellphone plan.

Are there cellphones or cellphone plans specifically for seniors?

Yes. Carriers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Consumer Cellular offer plans and phones tailored to the needs of senior citizens.

Can seniors get help setting up or using new cellphones?

In-store associates and customer support by phone are available to help seniors get started with their new cellphones and plans. Many senior-focused phone interfaces are designed to be as intuitive as possible, making setup easier.