Best Mobile Phone Plans for Seniors

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.

Whatever you need and whatever your age, have a look through the categories below to see our top recommendations.

Best Mobile Phone Plans for Seniors April 2020

1. Best cheap mobile plan: amaysim Prepaid Plan $10
2. Also great: Dodo Mobile $5 Plan
3. Also consider: Southern Phone X Small $9 Plan
4. Best long expiry mobile plan: Boost Prepaid 12 Month Plan $150
5. Another option: Woolworths Prepaid $60 Long Expiry Plan
6. Best mobile plan for travel: Vodafone Combo Plus Plan $40

Best cheap mobile plans

If you're on a bit of a budget and mostly after calls anyway, there are very cheap plans with unlimited domestic inclusions that let you talk to whoever you want inside Australia. The trade-off is that you won't get much, if any, mobile data, so consider something else if that's important to you.

We've chosen three top picks for best cheap mobile plans this month, all serving a slightly different purpose. Dodo also does a cheap deal if you aren't after any data at all, and just want a bit of money to make calls and texts. Our other two best choices depend on whether you mind being tied to a contract. amaysim's comes with 1GB of data (enough if you need a spot of Internet while you're out) without a contract, so you can upgrade to a bigger plan if you need. If you know you'll be fine without a lot of data, Southern Phone's 12 month plan will look after you for a year.

• How did we choose the best cheap mobile plans?

  For the best cheap mobile plans, we've looked at plans that have low data allowances, assuming that you won't be needing a large amount. Less data also usually translates to cheaper plans. While we've also prefenced plans that give you unlimited standard calls and texts, so you can use your phone to keep in touch with friends and family without worrying about going over a limit.

Best long expiry mobile plan

When your mobile phone is something you only pick up now and then rather than something that's in your hand 24 hours a day, a long expiry mobile plan is perfect. These let you buy a set amount of credit which you can use when you need it, lasting up to a year.

Our current favourites are from Boost, Optus and Woolworths Mobile. Boost's plan gives you a decent amount of data with unlimited calls and texts for a full year, but if you're not too concerned with needing a huge amount of data, Optus' Daily Plus plan might be a better option for you. We've also chosen Woolworths Mobile's 180 day plan as a middle ground - you can use 2GB of data a month, and score 10% off your groceries once a month. You can find more options over on our long expiry plans page.

• How did we choose the best 365 day expiry mobile plans?

  With 365 day expiry plans, we've tried to cover the bases between whether you're a heavy or low mobile user. On the upper end of the scale, we've put preference on plans with data inclusions that are realistic enough to get you through the longer expiry period. We've also chosen an option for if you don't use a lot of data, and that's where you'll see the real savings begin. The less data you need, the less you'll usually pay. For these plans, we've looked at plans that have little or no data inclusions but with unlimited calls and texts so you can still stay connected with friends and family.

Best mobile plan for travel

These days, age isn't much of a barrier to travel. Whether you're heading off to visit kids and family who have gone overseas or you're just taking a holiday, these plans are designed for travelling, with roaming options that allow you to make calls and surf the Internet while abroad.

Vodafone's Combo Plus plan is a good fit as Vodafone's $5/day roaming deal makes it easy and (relatively) inexpensive to roam overseas using the provisions of your plan without paying the ludicrous flat roaming charges most providers apply.

• How did we choose the best mobile plan for travel?

  When it comes to using your mobile plan overseas, it's all about the roaming inclusions. We look at how much different providers will charge you for calling, texting and surfing the web from overseas. Vodafone is a leader in this category, as their roaming rates and inclusions are currently the best on the market. But we'll continue to scour the market for you monthly anyway, just incase a new face appears in this area.

Mobile plans with a no-fuss phone

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.

Seniors discounts on mobile phone plans

Of the three major providers, Optus and Telstra don't provide any discounts to seniors or pensioners for their mobile plans.

However, if you hold a Seniors Card, you can save 10% on monthly plan fees with Vodafone's Red Plans, SIM-only plans and Data-only plans when you sign up.

Frequently asked questions