Best Lively Plans (2025)

Lively (formerly known as GreatCall) is a prepaid cell phone carrier that caters to seniors and their caregivers. Lively’s low-cost plans run on Verizon’s 4G LTE network, and include a number of safety and medical features that make them ideally suited to older adults. 

Lively’s phone plans are affordable, offer solid coverage, and include senior-focused services that set them apart from mainstream carriers. However, they may not be suitable for users who need unlimited data, hotspot capabilities, or the latest smartphones. 

In this article, we’ll highlight the best Lively phone plans, and further explain what sets Lively apart from the scores of other prepaid carriers on the market. 

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How Cellular Data Works on Lively

Unless you purchase specific devices from Lively when you sign up for a plan, you have to buy your data separately. This alone makes Lively different from every other prepaid carrier out there. 

If you purchase the Smart4 along with your prepaid plan, you’ll get 1GB of data per month. That allotment won’t last long, so you’ll likely need to purchase more each month if you plan to use apps.

Here are the data plans that Lively offers:

• 1GB of data per month: Free with Smart4
• 5GB of data per month: $5 per month
• 10GB of data per month: $15 per month
• Unlimited data: $30 per month

These data costs are in addition to your base talk and text plan. Lively allows users to change their data plan at any time without a contract. If you bring your own smartphone to Lively, then you’ll need to purchase data separately.

Best Overall Lively Plan: Lively Premium

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Best Budget Lively Plan: Lively Basic

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Lively Family Plans

Lively does not have a traditional family plan, but they do offer discounts for customers who add multiple lines. Through its Family Share Plan, the carrier offers a $5/month discount for the second line on an account. So, two Preferred plan lines with the Jitterbug Smart4 would cost $74.98 per month, not including data. However, both lines must be on the same account.

Lively Features 

Key features of Lively plans include:

• Health & Safety: From apps that notify family members of health events to on-call medical support, Lively’s tools are designed to keep older adults safer and healthier while on the move.
• Caring Customer Service: Lively emphasizes its U.S.-based, senior-friendly support teams. Plans include access to advisors who can assist with everything from tech troubleshooting to checking the weather.

Lively Coverage

Lively operates on Verizon’s excellent 4G LTE network, giving customers access to some of the best coverage coast to coast. 

However, importantly, this coverage doesn’t extend to 5G. That’s a significant limitation of going with Lively, especially given the scores of prepaid carriers that offer 5G support. 

Check out the coverage map below (make sure 4G LTE is selected) to check Lively coverage in your specific area of the country: 

Important note: Verizon will generally prioritize its own network members over customers on sub-carriers like Lively. In most cases, you won’t notice a difference in speed or coverage, but during high-traffic times, there’s a chance that your cellular data could slow down.

Lively Devices

Along with its straightforward service plans, Lively offers two devices to choose from:

• Jitterbug Flip2: A basic flip phone with a large screen, Amazon Alexa, an Urgent Response button, and a built-in magnifier. It does not support internet access. It costs $79.99.
• Jitterbug Smart4: Lively’s only data-capable device, this Android smartphone features a 6.75-inch display, a trio of cameras, a senior-friendly menu, hearing aid compatibility, and a louder speaker. It costs $119.99, and comes with 1GB of data each month for the life of your Lively plan.

It’s worth noting that Lively’s plans cost $5 more per month if you choose the Jitterbug Smart4 instead of the Jitterbug Flip2. The basic plan, for example, is $19.99/month with a Smart4 instead of $14.99. The Premium Plan, meanwhile, is $49.99/month instead of $44.99/month.

Lively also sells a simple medical alert device called the Lively Mobile2. It includes an automatic Fall Detection feature, and allows the wearer to easily contact emergency services with the press of a button. Lively’s dedicated Mobile2 medical alert plans are sold separately, and start at $24.99 per month.

Bringing Your Own Devices to Lively

You also have the option of switching your current smartphone to Lively’s service, though the pricing structure is different. To bring your device to Lively, you’ll need to purchase a prepaid SIM card that comes with an allotment of data, unlimited talk and text, and Lively’s health and safety features.

• Lively Basic: The Basic bring-your-own-device plan costs $24.99/month for 5GB of data or $49.99/month for unlimited data.
• Lively Preferred: The Preferred plan runs $44.99/month for 5GB of data, or $69.99/month for unlimited data.
• Lively Premium: The Premium plan is $54.99/month for 5GB of data, or $79.99/month for unlimited data.

Lively’s SIM card kits can be purchased through Best Buy, and you’ll need to contact a Lively specialist to activate your SIM card.

The carrier does not support all smartphone models with its bring-your-own-device plan. Currently, you’ll need to call Lively and give them your device’s IMEI number to figure out what kind of phone you have, and whether it’s compatible.

The Bottom Line

Lively’s plans and devices are streamlined and affordable, with features specifically tailored for older adults. Whether you're a senior looking for a no-fuss smartphone or a caregiver wanting dependable, safety-oriented service for a loved one, Lively offers solutions that meet your needs. While they don’t provide the fastest data, the latest devices, or unlimited everything, their thoughtful features promote safety, health, and connection.

Curious about other carriers tailored toward older adults? Check out our guide to the best cell phone plans for seniors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Lively plan?

The best Lively plan depends on your specific needs. All of the carrier’s plans come with Lyft ride scheduling and “Ask Lively” that lets you call a number to get questions answered. The Preferred plan, which starts at $34.99 a month, includes 24/7 access to certified agents and a Link app to notify friends and family of emergencies. The Premium plan, starting at $44.99/month, includes an on-call nurse and a Care Advocate who can connect you to resources and support.

Does Lively offer unlimited data?

Yes, Lively offers unlimited data for an additional $30 per month. Lively plans come with 1GB of data per month if you’re using the Jitterbug Smart4. Additional data starts at $5 per month for 5GB. If you’re using the Lively Flip2, you won’t be able to access internet-based services or apps. If you bring your own smartphone, you’ll need to purchase at least 5GB of data with a Lively plan, starting at $24.99/month.

Can I bring my own device to Lively?

Maybe. Lively lets users bring their own devices, but the carrier doesn’t currently support all smartphone models. You’ll need to call Lively and check your IMEI number to see if your device is compatible. If your device is supported, the carrier sells a SIM kit that lets you add a Lively plan to it. You can also keep your current phone number, though Lively requires that the number is linked to an active account at the time of switching.