We’re committed to our readers and editorial independence. We don’t
compare all products in the market and may receive compensation when we
refer you to our partners, but this does not influence our opinions or
reviews.
Learn more about Finder
.
As you'll know if you're an older Australian, it's ridiculous to assume that you don't have the same range of needs when it comes to phones and plans as anyone else. We've picked through what's on offer and found plans to suit not only infrequent users with low data needs, but also travellers, tech enthusiasts and those who hunger for data to stream their favourite shows.
Looking for the best mobile plans for seniors? 🤔
While there's no single mobile plan that's considered the best for seniors, we've presented a number of options for you to choose from. Since all our needs are different, what's best for you might not be best for somebody else. Keep in mind that we don't compare every mobile plan available in the market, and we encourage you to compare your options and find one that works for your circumstances.
How did we choose the best mobile phone plans for seniors?
At the beginning of each month, we look at all the mobile phone plans available in our Mobile Plan Finder™ and find ones that we think are best suited for you across a number of categories. None of our picks are sponsored placements - we also take into account mobile providers and plans that we aren't partnered with - so that our winners for each category are chosen without bias.
We take these factors into account when choosing our winners:
Price per month (and whether promotional pricing is involved)
Data allowance
Plan length
Other notable features such as data banking, network coverage and international inclusions.
Best cheap mobile plan:
TPG 6GB for $10
SIM-only - Prepaid
TPG's plan comes out as the best cheap mobile plan option thanks to its 6 month promotional discount. With other providers, you're likely to get only 1GB for $10/month, but TPG's comes with 6GB which is handy to have.
Keep in mind that if you're not happy to pay the normal $19.99 from your 7th month onwards, you'll need to look for another mobile plan to switch to.
If you don't need any data at all, look no further than Dodo's $5 plan. It's a unique mobile plan, with no other providers offering anything like it. It comes with unlimited standard national calls and texts, rather than a specific dollar amount which other plans will limit you to.
You also have the option to add 100 international minutes to your plan for an extra $5/month, if that's also something you need.
If you're just after a smidge of data to use on the side, amaysim does a nice $10 plan that comes with 1GB of data to use each month, together with unlimited standard national calls and texts. There's nothing fancy about the plan, but then again, do you need any flashy extras?
Until October 31, this plan is just $3 for the first 4 renewals, then $10 for the next recharges.
Catch is widely known for its frequent deals, and its 120GB for $120 wins out as the best year-long expiry plan at $1 per 1GB. You'll get your whole data allowance up front, so you can use it whenever.
The plan will auto renew at $150 by default every year, so make sure to opt out of this if you aren't keen on the long term commitment.
Catch also takes out the second top spot too, appealing to users who want a year-long 'set and forget' plan but don't need huge amounts of data. You'll get 60GB to spend throughout the year however you please.
The plan costs $99 for a full year's worth of inclusions.
Lycamobile's best known for its international inclusions, but its domestic 180 day plan is great value. You'll get 30GB added to your allowance every 28 days, until the expiry is up.
Beyond that, you'll have unlimited calls to 12 countries thrown in, adding extra value for those with friends or family overseas.
Optus' Daily Plus plan works differently to most - you'll only get charged for days where you make a call or use data, with credit lasting up to 186 days. For an extra $2 a day, you can get 500MB of data and unlimited domestic calls.
This is a great plan for those who aren't looking for a lot of data, and just want unlimited calls and texts for half the year.
Need a phone plan to take with you overseas? Whether you're travelling to visit family and friends, or just going to enjoy yourself, having a mobile plan to user overseas is always handy. It's hard to beat Vodafone when it comes to the best mobile plan for travel.
You can add Vodafone's $5/day roaming pack onto any of its SIM-only plans. We've gone with its cheapest plan as our best pick. Until November 12, this plan is just $35/month for the first 12 months. The plan goes back to being $40/month afterwards.
While smartphones are everywhere, not everyone needs the ridiculous overabundance of features that such phones have. These plans come with phones that won't break the bank but are still more than capable of making calls, sending texts and browsing the Internet. We've preselected a couple of easy-to-use phones in the table below, and you can click the 'filter results' button to customise your budget and inclusions.
Mobile plans with a smartphone
It's not just tech-obsessed teenagers who want the latest and greatest when it comes to phones. These plans will let you get your hands on a good smartphone with all the capabilities that your heart desires. We've chosen the three most popular phones according to user activity on Finder, but you can choose your own phones by clicking the 'filter results' button.
What to consider when looking for the best mobile plan for you
There's a couple things to keep in mind when you're hunting for the right mobile plan for your needs:
Useful extras. Many phone plans come with features like free streaming and music that you might not use. Make sure that you're not paying for features that you won't take advantage of.
Price. If your needs are rather modest and you mostly need a phone for calls or you simply don't use it very often, you can secure a very cheap phone plan, perhaps close to $10 a month. Make sure you're not paying way more than you need to.
Data. When you don't need a lot of data out and about, you can usually save a heap by purchasing a low-data plan, since data is usually the most expensive inclusion. Alternatively, you might look for a higher data plan so that you can watch your favourite shows or stream with your grandkids.
Recharge options. Some prepaid phone plans come with multiple ways to pay. If you prefer calling up or recharging in person, make sure your mobile plan supports it.
Included handsets. If you're happy with your current phone, then go for a SIM-only plan. Otherwise, you can get a plan that comes with a new phone that suits what you're looking for, whether it's the latest smartphone or a much simpler, cheaper handset.
Promoted
Circles.Life 100GB for $28
Pay $28 for 100GB of data from Circles.Life - $38 after the first 6 months.
What's the difference between a prepaid and postpaid plan?
With a prepaid plan, you purchase all your credit and usage ahead of time. When you've used it all up, or you reach the end of the expiry period, your service gets cut off. However, you won't be able to go over the limits and get charged for excess.On a postpaid plan, you sign up for a certain amount of monthly usage and data and are charged for any excess if you break the limit. This can lead to bill shock, but your service won't be cut off.
Can I keep my old mobile phone number?
Absolutely. Just make sure you don't cancel your old phone plan until you've secured a new one. When purchasing your new phone plan, select the option at the checkout that lets you port your old number over, and wait until this process is complete before you cancel your old plan. Check out our guide on number porting to get more detailed information.
Should I get a long expiry plan or a monthly plan?
This mostly depends on how frequently or intensely you use your phone. Long expiry plans have the benefit that your credit will last ages, but they tend to give way less value per dollar than a monthly plan. These plans also mean you don't have to worry about topping up your plan every month, but if you're frequently making calls, sending texts and browsing the Internet, you'll burn through your credit quickly and the long expiry won't matter.Monthly plans will end up being cheaper in the long run for heavy mobile use. You can always give a long expiry plan a go and see how long your credit lasts, then switch to a monthly plan with no penalty if you run out too soon.
Sam Baran is a writer for Finder, covering topics across the tech, telco and utilities sectors. They enjoy decrypting technical jargon and helping people compare complex products easily. When they aren't writing, you'll find Sam's head buried in a book or working on their latest short story. Sam has a Bachelor of Advanced Science from the University of Sydney.
Despite its obvious copying of Apple's Watch design, Oppo's Watch delivers the goods if you're keen on an Android Wear watch to cover the smartphone basics in a stylish way.
Our expert team has analysed hundreds of customer reviews of phone films of all types to determine the best screen protectors in Australia for every budget and purpose.
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!
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 simple 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 homepage for mobile plans so you can personalize your needs when it comes to it.
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?
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.
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We compare from a wide set of banks, insurers and product issuers. We value our editorial independence and follow editorial guidelines.
finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don't cover every available product or service.
Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan.
Products marked as 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money here.
When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.
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 simple 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 homepage for mobile plans so you can personalize your needs when it comes to it.
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