Best Low Usage
5GB
Data
$10
per
month
Best mobile plans for seniors
We've done the hard work for you and compared 353 mobile phone plans to help you find the best plan in December.
Best No Data
0.5GB
Data
$10
per
21 days expiry
Best 365 Day
120GB
Data
$150
per
365 days expiry
Best Long Expiry Low Data
60GB
Data
$120
per
365 days expiry
Best International Calls
15GB
Data
$20
per
30 days expiry
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We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Here are our picks for the best mobile phone plans for seniors in January 2022:
- Best cheap plan for seniors: Circles.Life 5GB Monthly Plan
- Best no data mobile plan: Optus Prepaid Epic Value 500MB $10 for 21 Days
- Best 365-day mobile plan: Coles Prepaid $150
- Best low data long expiry plan: amaysim 60GB Long Expiry Plan
- Best mobile plan for international calls: Coles Prepaid $20
- Best mobile plan for coverage: Boost $20 Prepaid SIM
The best mobile phone plans for seniors in January 2022 were picked by our team of mobile plan experts on 2 December 2021 and reviewed by our senior writer, Mariam Gabaji.
1. Best cheap mobile plan
Circles.Life 5GB Monthly Plan
What we like about Circles.Life:
- Unlimited calls and texts in Australia
- Runs on the Optus 4G network.
- 5GB a month is enough to check Google Maps or browse the web while you're out.
- No lock-in contract so you can switch at any time.
Circles.Life also offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee so if you're not impressed, you can get your plan fees refunded.
2. Best no data mobile plan
Optus Prepaid Epic Value 500MB $10 for 21 Days
What we like about Optus:
- It's the only plan in our database that offers unlimited calls and texts with close to no data. The others work in a pay-as-you-go structure, which isn't recommended unless you use your phone once or twice a month.
- Free express delivery of your SIM if you order before 12PM AEST.
- No lock-in contract so you can switch if this isn't the right plan for you.
Keep in mind that this plan has a 21 day expiry, which does mean you'll need to recharge it before the month's end.
3. Best 365-day expiry plan
Coles Prepaid $150
What we like about Coles:
- This plan is essentially 10GB for $12.50 a month for a year. To compare a 10GB plan on Finder averages $26 a month. You're saving $193 over a year with Coles.
- Get unlimited calls and texts within Australia.
- Also get unlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected countries. Most long expiry plans don't offer international calls so this is a nice bonus.
You can find more options for long expiry plans here.
4. Best low data long expiry plan
amaysim 60GB Long Expiry Plan
What we like about amaysim:
- You'll essentially get 5GB for $10 a month for a year. To compare, a 5GB mobile plan on Finder averages $21 a month. You're saving $132 over a year with amaysim.
- Access the Optus 4G network, just like on a regular Optus plan.
- Unlimited national calls and texts.
- Unlimited data banking so you can save any unused data for the next recharge.
5. Best mobile plan for international calls
Coles Prepaid $20
What we like about Coles:
- Unlimited calls to 15 selected countries – check on the provider's website which countries are included to make sure it's what you're after.
- Unlimited calls and text in Australia too.
- Runs on the Optus 4G network.
There is no lock-in contract with Coles so you can switch at any time.
6. Best mobile plan for coverage
Boost $20 Prepaid SIM
What we liked about Boost:
- Get full Telstra 4G coverage that covers 99.5% of the Aussie population.
- $20 is cheap for Telstra coverage. The cheapest plan from Telstra itself is $30 a month.
- Get Unlimited calls and texts within Australia.
If you're happy to sign up to a longer term plan in order to save more, Boost's 12-month expiry plan is also a good choice.
Boost Prepaid $200 Prepaid SIM
Unlimited
Calls & Text
140GB
Data$180
per 12 months
Get this plan for $180 when you sign up. Then $200 per recharge after. Ends 31.01.2022
Looking for a new phone?
While getting a new mobile SIM is easier, if you're looking for a plan that comes with a phone, there are plenty available.
We've divided some options below between the 3 different tabs. Click through to see mobile plans for no-fuss non-smartphones or choose between the latest iPhone 13 and Samsung S21 plans.
How to find the best mobile plan for seniors
If you're feeling overwhelmed with choices, you're not alone. With over 300 plans to choose from, it can be tough trying to decide which one is best for you.
To help you find the right one, consider these 4 things when choosing a new mobile plan:
- How much are you willing to pay? There are plenty of options for different price ranges starting as low as $5. Make sure you compare your options before deciding on 1.
- Do you need extra features? While some plans come with features such as data-free streaming and data rollover, consider whether you'll actually use these. Plans with fewer bonus features will usually still offer unlimited national calls and texts, with better value for data if you need it.
- How much data do you need? If you don't use your phone a lot, or you're only occasionally using the "Find My Phone" or weather app, you'll likely only need as little as 1–2GB of data a month. If you don't have a smartphone, you won't need any data at all.
- Are you willing to sign up long term to save? Long expiry options exist which can give you enough features to last 6–12 months. This means you won't need to top up your plan every month, as long as you haven't run out before the expiry period. These plans are usually better value over time compared to month-to-month plans since you're paying upfront for a longer period of usage.
Compare and find the best plan for you
If none of our best picks matched your needs, there are more deals out there for you to choose from.
You can use the table below to compare all the SIM-only plans available in our database to find one that matches your needs.
Need an extra hand?
Find out more information on mobile plans and take the next step towards a better deal.
Frequently asked questions
You can click the blue headings below to find the answer to the following frequently asked questions.
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Ask an Expert
what plan and Iphone would you recommend for my 83 yr old dad
Hi Luffy,
Thank you for leaving a question.
The plans that are offered to Seniors are of different categories. You may want to check first how to maximize the value of the plan you wish to take based on how you would be using it. Will you be using it more on data? Text and calls perhaps? Please include these factors when choosing a plan that suits your needs. As per the Iphone, Depending on your budget, you may want to check the newest flagship of Apple which is the iPhone X. But if you are not into getting the newest version, most of the older iPhones have most of the features present in the new flagship. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
I have a 94yo friend and want to get her a very cheap (no data or internet) phone with large numbers – where can I find a comparison?
Hi Maggie,
Thanks for leaving a question on Finder.
We have outlined everything you need to know in our article above. If your friend is careful with her money or surviving only on a pension, she does not have the money to splash around on high-end mobile plans. For her, a mobile phone is a calling tool first and foremost, with a strong focus on a lower overall cost of usage. She can check out Amaysim As You Go or ALDImobile PAYG
You can also check out our list of mobile plans so you can personalize your search. Once you have chosen a particular plan, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with your application or get in touch with their representatives for further assistance.
Cheers,
Joel
I am just on 64, almost retired & have a 2G mobile phone . I’ve received emails & texts saying that I have to upgrade to a 3G or 4G mobile phone by August 1st. I don’t use the phone very much. I usually get $30 Virgin credit & it lasts me for about 6 months. I would like to get a replacement (probably 4G) mobile with similar conditions. Can you advise a phone & will it still be possible to get the $30 credit so that I only get charged on the calls or texts that I make?
Regards
Ray
Hello Ray!
Thanks for the comment. :)
Please be advised that you have reached finder and we provide generic advice.
Whether buying it outright or checking your telco provider if they offer this on a cheap mobile plan is your choice. Getting into a plan may give you bigger calls and texts value, not to mention, you may qualify for some Senior’s Discount! :)
Good Luck with your choice! I know you want this to keep connected to your loved ones.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
I am about to transfer my number to another person and need a new number. Am I able to have a choice of numbers and pick a favorite?
Hi Julia,
Thank you for your inquiry.
There are providers that will let you choose a mobile number. In order to request this, please contact your chosen mobile plan provider directly.
Cheers,
May