At a Glance
- T-Mobile’s Essentials Choice 55 plan: $45/month, 5G, 50GB data.
- AT&T 55 Plus: $55/month, unlimited data, 10GB hotspot.
- Mint Mobile 55 Plus: $15/month (12-month), 5GB data, prepaid.
- Verizon 55 Plus (Florida only): $62/month, unlimited 4G LTE, 3G hotspot.
T-Mobile’s Essentials Choice 55 plan is the carrier’s most affordable senior offering, delivering 5G connectivity and 50GB of high-speed data for just $45 per month on autopay.
With autopay, you can add a second line for $60 per month, but the plan caps usage at two lines and offers no 4K streaming.
After 50GB, speeds drop and 480p video is the default, while mobile hotspot data is limited to the slower 3G network.
The plan includes Scam Shield, which auto-blocks suspected scam calls and allows a one-time number change per year.
Pros: • 5G access • 50GB data • $45/month autopay • Scam Shield.
Cons: • Max two lines • 480p video • 3G hotspot • No streaming bundles.
AT&T’s new 55 Plus plan starts at $55 per month for a single line, offering unlimited talk, text and data with 5G access that is not clearly defined.
The plan includes 10GB of hotspot data per month, making it attractive for users who tether other devices.
Pros: • Unlimited data • 10GB hotspot • Affordable price.
Cons: • Uncertain 5G speeds • No bundled streaming services.
Mint Mobile offers a prepaid 55 Plus plan that starts at $15 per month for a 12-month commitment, rising to $20 for six months and $25 for three months.
The plan provides 5GB of data per month, with hotspot usage drawing from the same data cap, and runs on T-Mobile’s 5G network.
Pros: • Lowest cost for prepaid • 5GB data • T-Mobile 5G network.
Cons: • Limited data • No streaming extras • Hotspot counts against data.
Verizon’s 55 Plus plan is only available to Florida residents, costing $62 per month for one line or $84 for two lines with autopay.
It offers unlimited 4G LTE data, 3G hotspot, and 480p video, but lacks bundled streaming services.
Pros: • Unlimited data • 3G hotspot • Affordable for Florida seniors.
Cons: • Florida-only availability • No streaming bundles.
T-Mobile’s Experience More w/55 Plus plan costs $70 per month for one line or $100 per month for two lines with autopay, offering the same perks as its standard plans.
The plan includes 60GB of 4G LTE hotspot data, 15GB of high-speed data in Mexico and Canada, and subscriptions to Netflix with ads and Apple TV Plus for an extra $3 per month.
Pros: • Full standard perks • Hotspot allowance • Streaming bundles.
Cons: • No third or fourth line support • Higher cost than Essentials Choice.
The plan also allows a phone upgrade every two years, requiring subscribers to pay off 50% of the existing phone before upgrading.
Experience Beyond w/55 Plus is the most expensive, at $85 per month for one line or $130 for two lines, but adds annual phone upgrades and Hulu access.
Pros: • Annual upgrades • Hulu access • 5G and 4K streaming.
Cons: • Highest price • Requires phone payoff.
| 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 55+ | $40 | $140 | Unlimited | 10GB | N/A | 4 | 480p (SD) |
| Mint Mobile 55 | $15 | N/A | 5GB | Shared 5GB | N/A | 5 | 480p (SD) |
| Verizon 55 Plus | $62 | N/A | Unlimited 4G LTE | Unlimited 3G | N/A | 2 | 480p (SD) |
First, confirm that the plan is available in your state; some offers, like Verizon’s Florida-only plan, are region-specific.
Second, compare the data cap with your typical usage; a 5GB plan may be enough for texting and light browsing, while heavy streamers need 50GB or more.
Third, check if the plan includes streaming bundles or hotspot data; these extras can add value if you watch video or use your phone as a hotspot.
Finally, review the contract terms; prepaid plans avoid monthly commitments, while postpaid plans may offer device discounts and bundled services.
- Only in states that meet the carrier’s criteria; e.g., Verizon’s plan is Florida-only.
- Most senior plans limit to two lines, except T-Mobile’s Experience plans that allow up to four.
- Most plans advertise 5G, but actual speeds may vary during congestion.
- After 50GB, speeds throttle and video defaults to 480p.
Senior phone plans offer a range of price points and features, from low-cost prepaid options to full-service plans with streaming bundles. The best choice depends on data needs, budget, and state availability. By comparing data caps, hotspot limits, and contract terms, seniors can find a plan that balances cost and convenience.
As seniors weigh their options, remember that the cheapest plan may not always offer the best value. Consider your data habits, need for streaming, and whether you prefer a prepaid or postpaid arrangement. With careful comparison, you can secure a plan that fits both budget and lifestyle.
For help choosing or switching plans, use carrier websites, local retail stores, or customer-service hotlines. Many carriers offer online chat support that can guide you through plan details and eligibility. If you’re unsure, talk to a family member or a trusted tech friend for an extra perspective.
