Who Has The Best Coverage
Nearly all carriers, including the ones on our best cell phone plans for seniors list operate their own network or under a big network. There are essentially three main networks at the moment – Verizon, AT& T, and T-Mobile – and they all have nationwide coverage of varying quality, depending on your location. If you want to see how good coverage will be in your area you can follow these links just below to visit each network’s coverage check pages:
Our Top Picks: Cell Phones For Seniors Reviews
According to a recent study, only 42% of consumers in the U.S. over 65 years of age own a smartphone. This number drops to 17% when only those over 80 years of age are considered. These numbers raise an interesting question: why are older consumers so reluctant to buy smartphones?
To answer this question, we reached out to dozens of anonymous consumers, being either a senior citizen or someone who purchased a cell phone for an elderly relative, for their experience and input. When asked what their major concerns were when using a cell phone, 76% of our respondents stated: not understanding how to use it.
Cell phones for seniors are available in different styles: flip phones, smartphones, bar phones, and tablet-phones. The selection for cell phones for seniors is just as varied as regular phones when it comes to features and styles and we looked at all of them for you to determine which are the best in the industry.
Consumer Cellular Link Ii A Flip Phone That Tries To Please Everyone
As the name suggests, the Consumer Cellular Link II is sold by Consumer Cellular, a wireless provider that focuses on the senior segment. It is intended to be a simple flip phone for seniors. However, unlike the other devices in this article, it is not a senior phone in the sense that it is not designed with seniors in mind. For example, unlike the Jitterbug Flip2, it does not label buttons to enhance ease of use. Rather, it is a basic flip phone manufactured by ZTE, a Chinese manufacturer, and designed for the general public.
Don’t Miss: Humana Dental Insurance For Seniors
Best Unlimited Data Plan For Seniors
T-Mobile Essentials 55 Plus | 2-line plan | $55/month – Best value unlimited senior plan T-Mobile has a fantastic offer for its senior customers . You can get two unlimited lines for just $55 a month . This comes with unlimited data, calls, and texts with no speed restrictions, 3G mobile hotspot data and scam protection you also get access to T-Mobile’s 5G access at no extra cost. However, you are limited to SD streaming and if you’re traveling in Mexico or Canada, your data will be slower. You can upgrade to T-Mobile’s Magenta 55 Plus plan, where you get two lines of data for $70/month. The 55-plus Magenta plan includes free Netflix, LTE mobile hotspot data, and more.Pros: Affordable price No annual contract 5G at no extra costCons: Limited to 2G in Mexico/Canada Only SD streaming
Richmond Hill Seniors Transportation Services
It can be difficult when your loved one can no longer drive themselves around. Whether its traveling to the store, a social event, or to a doctors appointment, finding safe and reliable transportation can be a hassle.
With Affinity Health, your loved ones dont have to miss out on any of the activities they adore. Well provide safe transport and enjoyable companionship at their favourite events, arts and cultural programs, social and charity functions, religious services, and more.
Our caregivers can also provide transportation to and from the hospital, doctors office, or treatment center, as well as services and support while there. In addition, we will help your loved one pack for visits and run errands on the way.
Also Check: Bed Rails For Seniors To Prevent Falls
How We Chose The Best Cell Phones For Seniors
Each phone on our list was ranked using over 30 metrics, including price, senior-friendly features, battery life, durability, sound quality, appearance, ease of use, and provider perks. The three most influential metrics in our evaluation were:
- Senior-friendly features: All phones that made the cut have features that meet seniors specific needs and lifestyles. While these features vary by phone, they include things like big buttons or icons, bright screens, loud and adjustable speakers, hearing aid compatibility, and an easy-to-grip design
- No long-term contracts: Cell phone plans that lock you in for years are a thing of the past. All of the cell phone models and carriers on our list offer month-to-month options, so you can cancel your service at any time without hassle.
- Price vs. quality: We know that every budget is different. While some of the cell phones on our list are more expensive than others, weve only included phones where we believe the quality matches or exceeds the price. Weve made sure to include budget-friendly cell phones on our list, along with somewhat pricier high-tech devices, so you can find the phone thats right for both your wallet and your needs
Using the above criteria, along with our research, testing, and rankings, we created this years best cell phone list to help you choose the best senior-friendly cell phone.
How To Purchase Us Mobile
US Mobile is available only via the companys online store, where you can view the plans.
If you wish to purchase a new phone, US Mobile has a limited selection of smartphones and iPhones. If you want to keep your current phone , then you can purchase a SIM card for $3.99. To activate your service, you simply place the SIM card in your phone and follow the instructions.
Read Also: Wv Bureau Of Senior Services
At& t’s Alternative Unlimited Plan
AT& T | Value Plus Plan | $50/month | Best AT& T plan for seniors outside of Florida If you live outside of Florida, you’ve still got options for a low-cost unlimited data plan from AT& T. The carrier’s Value Plus Plan costs just $50 a month, but offers unlimited data on top of unlimited talk and text. The catch is that AT& T only offers this option with one line of data couples are out of luck. There are some other restrictions as well namely no hotspot data but you do get 5G coverage with this plan.Pros: Unlimited data for just $50 No residency requirementCons: Limited to just one line Limited perks
At& t Unlimited 55+ Senior Plan
AT& T | Unlimited 55 Plus | $60/month or two lines for $80/month – AT& T’s feature-packed unlimited plan Like the Verizon promotion above, this deal is exclusively available for those who are over 55 and live in Florida. If you fit this criteria, you can get two unlimited data, calls, and text lines for just $80 a month or one for $60. You’ll be able to use your plan in the US, Mexico, and Canada, and 5G service is included at no extra cost. You can also text to more than 120 countries for free, and you’ll get spam and fraud call blocking. If you don’t live in Florida, AT& T’s regular unlimited plans are also a great choice.Pros: Unlimited 5G data Discount for Florida residents over 55Cons: Expensive Not available in other states
Don’t Miss: Senior Director Of Marketing Salary
Other Plans To Consider
While senior-specific phone plans and senior discounts are great, they arent your only options. If youre looking for the absolute cheapest mobile phone plan available, youll want to check out Tello Mobile. Mint Mobile also offers incredibly low prices, including the cheapest option for an unlimited phone plan. And Visible offers four lines for $100 per month.
In addition to senior phone plans and senior discounts, here are three other plans to consider:
| Shop Now! |
Tello Mobile offers the cheapest cell phone plans Ive found, and it runs on T-Mobiles reliable network. You can get unlimited talk, text and 1GB of high-speed data for $10 monthly. If you dont need the 1GB of data, you can get an even cheaper plan with unlimited talk and text for just $8 per month. You can also bring your own phone to Tello if its eligible.
To learn more about Tello, be sure to check out our review. You can also visit Tellos website to begin building your perfect cheap cell phone plan.
If youre looking for another cheap prepaid phone plan on T-Mobiles network, also be sure to check out the new T-Mobile Connect plans. They also begin at $10 per month for 1GB of data.
Physical Description And Battery
The Link II is very similar in size and appearance to the Jitterbug Flip II. It has a plastic exterior and is sold in either a black or red. It is 4.28 inches high, 2.21 inches wide, and 0.78 inched thick. Like the Jitterbug Flip2, it feels solid, and generates a nice sounding thud when closed.
On the front panel of the exterior of the phone is a camera. Unlike the Jitterbug Flip2, the Link II does not have an LED flash or a notification LED to notify users of a voicemail or emergency alert, although you will hear a notification sound, as well as see the notification on the outside screen. The outside screen also displays the time, day, date and status information, including the battery and signal strength.
The volume rocker and 3.5 mm jack for headphones are on the right edge. On the bottom edge is the microphone and the charging port. Unfortunately, the phone has a Micro-USB charging port, which means that the senior will need to insert the cable in the proper direction. The Jitterbug Flip2 and RAZ Memory Cell Phone, on the other hand, uses a USB type C, and is therefore directionless, which is definitely preferable for seniors. The speaker is on the back of the phone. There is no charging station.
If you flip open the phone, the top half includes a 2.8-inch display and the earpiece speaker. The bottom half includes the keypad.
Recommended Reading: Iphone Se 2020 User Guide For Seniors
Love The Power Love The Price Iphone Se Only $30
The most affordable iPhone now with 5G. On the network with more 5G bars in more places. With 24 monthly bill credits when you trade in a qualifying device.
During congestion, the small fraction of customers using > 50GB/mo. may notice reduced speeds until next bill cycle due to data prioritization. Video typically streams on tablet at DVD quality . Unlimited data on our network.
Discover The Benefits Of Senior Cell Phones
Senior citizens can reap numerous benefits from having cell phones that are easy for them to access and use. eBay stocks hundreds of cell phones that are designed for seniors. You can explore the range of models available and the features they have in order to find the one that suits your needs.
What advantages do senior phones have?
Senior cell phones offer many of the same conveniences and functions that other mobile phones have. However, some of their design aspects are intended to make them easier for the elderly to use for their daily activities. Some models that you’ll find on eBay have helpful features such as:
- Large keypads – The numbers and letters on the keypads for some senior phones are much larger than normal. This might help you see the numbers or letters you are dialing.
- Hearing aids – Some senior cell phones are compatible with hearing aids and can help you listen to voice calls clearly.
- Emergency features – On some models, you can use emergency notifications even when you can’t open or access the phone. A special button will alert your emergency contact and use GPS to find you.
Do these phones come in various styles?
Cell phones for seniors come in many of the same styles and designs as more traditional models. Any of these styles can be easy for you to use, and you can choose the one that is the most convenient for you to operate. You can find phones for the elderly with design elements such as:
What other features can you get with your phone?
Read Also: National Park Senior Pass Purchase
Menu System And User Experience
The Jitterbug Smart3 is designed to be an easy-to-use smartphone. It tries to accomplish this primarily through a customized menu system. Rather than app icons organized on the display, there is a vertical list of apps. It seems questionable whether re-organizing the menu system in this manner resolves challenges faced by seniors. A safe assumption is that most seniors looking for a simple experience have difficulty operating the apps themselves, rather than difficulty with the manner in which the apps are organized. And, on the Jitterbug Smart3, the large majority of the apps themselves are standard android apps. For example, if the senior wants to surf the internet, they must use Google Chrome if they wish to send or read an email, they must use an email client like Gmail if they want to navigate while driving, the senior uses Google Maps if they wish to place a video call, they must use a video calling app such as Google Duo to view pictures, the senior uses Google Photos etc. In fact, the only apps designed by lively are the Phone, Text Messages, Contacts and Settings apps. Accordingly, if the senior has difficulty using standard apps, the Jitterbug Smart3 is not the solution.
Free Phone For Seniors Eligibility And Restrictions
Requirements for a free phone for seniors may vary by state, but you must meet the income guidelines or participate in one of the following programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Supplemental Security Income
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
- National School Lunch Programs Free Lunch Program
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- State assistance programs
As mentioned above, you have to qualify for a free cell phone or cell phone plan. In addition, there are rules that have to be followed to get and keep your free phone for seniors. For instance, you are not allowed to have more than one per household. And, you can use the program to get a cell phone OR a home phone, but not both.
The Lifeline program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company. It is funded by the Universal Service Fund. Please visit the website link below for the programs full details.
Recommended Reading: B’nai B’rith Senior Apartments
Phone Plans With Senior Discounts
Some phone plans offer discounts specifically to people who are over a certain age and/or have an AARP membership. Unfortunately, these plans arent always the best choice, even with the discount. Many plans with senior discounts have very limited minutes, no texting and no data. Still, there is one plan that offers a great senior discount with truly unlimited data.
- Best Unlimited Data Plan for Seniors:T-Mobile Magenta Max 55+
Samsung Galaxy Note : Tech Pick
It has all the key features you may want in a smartphone like apps, internet browsing, a voice assistant, and social media. We also like Google Fit, Androids built-in health monitoring app. And because its a newer phone, it can sync with other health and safety wearables like a Galaxy smartwatch or FitBit.
You can find an unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note 8 online, but youll need to take it to your cellular carrier to get it working. So prices may vary depending on where you buy. The good news is most major carriers like Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, and AT& T support this smartphone.
The Galaxy Note 8 is great for seniors who like tinkering with home automation, new devices, and surfing the web. It can connect to smart home devices and control your home security system.
The Android operating system on your Galaxy Note works with smart devices too. Here are just a few goodies you can control from your phone:
The Palm Phone is aptly named because its small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Its 3.3-inch screen keeps everything simple but may be tough to see for some older adults.
But it does have a dual speaker for better audio. And its face-unlock feature means you wont have to remember any codes to use your phone.
Palm Phone service plan
The Palm Phone works independently or with major carriers like Verizon, AT& T, T-Mobile, and US Mobile. If you dont go with a carrier, you can use a SIM card of your own or the one Palm includes with the phone.
Read Also: Uber Senior Software Engineer Salary
Further Insight Into Our Methodology
Like other mobile phones, cell phones for seniors come in many shapes and sizesit all depends on the persons needs. Flip and bar phones are almost always cheaper and have greater battery capacity, given their relative lack of battery-draining features. Smartphones, on the other hand, have larger screens and offer a number of helpful applications and settings for those who want to do more than just make calls and send texts. We also consider the kind of monitoring a phone offers.
After looking at a phone’s features, we consider a couple of additional traits. One of them is cost and coverage. We first consider whether the cell phone model is unlocked. Unlocked phones offer users a choice of carrier, which enables consumers to shop around for the best plan. However unlocked phones must generally be purchased upfront by the consumer, potentially making the total initial costs higher. We also look at how many carriers service each cell phone. Once we’re done with service plans, we look at a few more points regarding the cell phone’s cost.
Last but not least, we looked at customer support. Given how much older people depend on their phones, strong customer support and a solid consumer rating are highly important. Cell phones are everyday items and, in the case of an issue or malfunction, it is essential for companies to be able to provide answers and alternatives.