Consumer Cellular Review: Is It Worth the Savings? (Pros and Cons) (2024)

Consumer Cellular is a low-cost cell phone service provider that you may have first heard about through one of its TV commercials featuring Ted Danson.

Those ads say the service can cut your cell phone bill in half, but is it worth the savings?

I first tested Consumer Cellular in 2019 and signed up again a few years later because there have been some big changes with the service.

In this article, I’ll explain the pros and cons that you need to know before you sign up.

Table of Contents:

• What Is Consumer Cellular?
• Is Consumer Cellular’s Coverage Any Good?
• How Much Does Consumer Cellular Cost?
• What Phone Options Are Available With Consumer Cellular?
• How Is Consumer Cellular’s Customer Service?
• Consumer Cellular Pros and Cons

What Is Consumer Cellular?

Consumer Cellular is what’s referred to in the wireless industry as a mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO for short.

I’ve tested more than a dozen MVNOs, so I can simplify it for you.

Unlike Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, MVNOs don’t own cell phone towers. Instead, they partner with one or more of the major networks to provide coverage.

MVNOs like Consumer Cellular typically offer cheaper plans than the three major networks.

Consumer Cellular was founded back in October 1995. It currently targets seniors, although it’s available to people of all ages. It has more than four million customers.

Private equity firm GTCR currently owns Consumer Cellular after buying it in late 2020.

Is Consumer Cellular’s Coverage Any Good?

Consumer Cellular runs on AT&T’s network. In the past, customers could choose between AT&T and T-Mobile. Now, AT&T is the only network option.

Consumer Cellular Coverage Map

Consumer Cellular has an online coverage map that lets you verify 5G and 4G coverage for where you live, work and travel.

Search by state, ZIP code or an exact address to view Consumer Cellular’s coverage area on AT&T’s network.

My Personal Experience

I tested Consumer Cellular using AT&T’s network. For my 30-day test, I had no issues with call and text performance from my location in Los Angeles, California.

For data needs, 5G speeds are available in many locations with a compatible device.

During my testing period, I conducted 10 data speed tests using the free Speedtest app, and the average 5G download speed was more than 70 Mbps.

That’s fast enough to stream video, browse the web and use apps without lag or buffering.

Data Speed Test Results

If you currently have service on the AT&T network, you can expect a similar experience with Consumer Cellular because the service uses the same towers.

Look elsewhere if you prefer Verizon’s network. I recommend Visible by Verizon and US Mobile.

How Much Does Consumer Cellular Cost?

Consumer Cellular’s plans are a decent value for people who don’t use a lot of high-speed data throughout the month.

Plans start at $20 per month, but that only gets you unlimited talk, text and 1GB of high-speed data.

The plan with 10GB of data for $35 per month will be adequate for most users.

Consumer Cellular’s unlimited plan is $50 per month for a single line, which may not be a big savings over the major networks. However, this plan is a better value for two or more lines.

Here’s a look at Consumer Cellular’s single-line plans after a March 2023 update:

All Consumer Cellular data plans include 5G access at no additional charge, mobile hotspot and access to U.S.-based customer support.

These prices include a $5 monthly discount for AutoPay and E-Billing. Taxes and fees are extra with all plans.

Additional Lines

Consumer Cellular lets you share your plan with up to three people. You can add additional lines for $15 a month each.

With this option, all lines on the account will share the same bucket of data.

Automatic Upgrade

If you go over your data limit, Consumer Cellular will automatically upgrade you to a more expensive plan.

You should receive a usage alert when you’re approaching your limit.

Although there are no overage penalties, customers who are upgraded to another plan will have to pay more for the new plan.

Customers will stay on the upgraded plan unless they choose to downgrade.

If you’re not carefully monitoring your data usage through the Consumer Cellular app, you could easily end up paying more than you intended to.

I would like to see Consumer Cellular make the automatic upgrade an optional feature.

AARP and USAA Discounts

AARP members get a 5% discount on their monthly service. Consumer Cellular says this saves the average customer $24 a year.

In addition, AARP members get an extended 45-day risk-free guarantee.

If you don’t have AARP, the money-back guarantee is limited to 30 days.

In addition to AARP, Consumer Cellular has partnered with USAA to offer members a 5% discount on their monthly service and 30% off all accessories.

Postpaid, Not Prepaid

Consumer Cellular is a postpaid service, which means the company will send you a bill for the previous month at the end of your cycle.

This is how Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile typically handle billing.

Postpaid services like Consumer Cellular require a soft inquiry that won’t affect your credit score.

Most low-cost providers are prepaid. I prefer the simplicity of prepaid services that allow you to pay in advance and don’t require a credit check.

With prepaid services, there are zero surprises when it comes to billing.

What Phone Options Are Available With Consumer Cellular?

Consumer Cellular lets you bring your own phone or purchase a new one.

If you want to keep your existing device, visit Consumer Cellular’s website and confirm that it’s compatible. Your phone must be unlocked and compatible with GSM network technology.

Many smartphones such as the Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy will work with Consumer Cellular.

If your phone is compatible, you can order a free SIM card online. Once delivered, you’ll insert the SIM card into your phone and activate the service.

This is what I did. Simple step-by-step instructions are included with the SIM card.

(With the launch of Apple’s iPhone 14, Consumer Cellular has added support for eSIM.)

If you prefer to purchase a new device, Consumer Cellular’s website sells about two dozen Apple and Android phones, plus even a flip phone.

There are budget and high-end options, including the latest models. Most are sold at full price.

Consumer Cellular Phone Options

Apple Devices:

• Apple iPhone 14
• Apple iPhone 14 Plus
• Apple iPhone 14 Pro
• Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
• Apple iPhone SE
• Apple iPhone 11
• Apple iPhone 13

Android Devices:

• Consumer Cellular ZMax 11
• Consumer Cellular ZMax 5G
• Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
• Motorola Moto G Play
• Motorola Moto G 5G
• Motorola EDGE+
• Nokia C110
• Nokia C300
• Nokia G400 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
• Samsung Galaxy A03s
• Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
• Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S22
• Samsung Galaxy S23
• Samsung Galaxy S23+
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

This list was updated in July 2023.

You can either pay for a Consumer Cellular phone in full or apply for 0% financing spread over 24 months, with a down payment required.

If you prefer to shop in-store, many Target and Walmart locations sell some Consumer Cellular phones.

Whether you bring your own phone or purchase a new one, you can keep your existing number if you want to.

How Is Consumer Cellular’s Customer Service?

Good customer service is difficult to find, but this is one area where Consumer Cellular has gained a lot of recognition over the years.

The company is consistently ranked #1 for customer service among wireless providers in J.D. Power’s rankings.

What’s the secret? U.S.-based customer service representatives.

I tested Consumer Cellular’s phone and chat support several times during my 30 days with the carrier. Agents were always helpful and answered my questions appropriately.

But every time I called customer support, the automated message said the company was “struggling with high call volume and staffing challenges.”

As a result, I waited up to 15 minutes for a representative to join the call.

Customers can also reach out to support through chat. This may be a quicker way to get help during peak times.

If you prefer in-person customer support, there is an option for you. Consumer Cellular partners with Target to offer sales and support at select locations.

I visited my local Target to check out the Consumer Cellular display:

During my visit to Target, I noticed signage for Consumer Cellular and a number of other wireless providers. A store employee offered to help me choose a plan, but she wasn’t pushy.

Many low-cost cell phone service providers have limited customer support options, so I appreciate Consumer Cellular’s approach.

Consumer Cellular’s website also has a wealth of information, including a buying guide and tutorials with instructions to help you get started on many different devices.

All of this may ease fears for people overwhelmed by the process of switching providers.

Consumer Cellular Pros and Cons Summary

Consumer Cellular does a great job of marketing its service to people over 50, but many seniors use their phones just like everyone else –- talk, text and data.

Consumer Cellular’s plans are the best value for light data users. The unlimited data option is less competitive unless you have two or more lines of service.

Think about it this way:

• Visible, a Verizon-owned company, offers unlimited talk, text and data starting at $25 a month.

• Mint Mobile, a T-Mobile MVNO, offers an unlimited plan for $30 a month.

In other words, some wireless providers offer unlimited data plans for around the same price as Consumer Cellular’s 10GB plan.

But there are other differences to consider besides pricing, specifically customer service.

For those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy, customer support alone makes Consumer Cellular a good option to consider.

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• 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Switching Cell Phone Plans