How To Get the Cheapest Landline Deals For Pensioners
Finding the best landline deals in 2024 can be tricky, especially for pensioners on a fixed income. With the UK transitioning to digital voice services, navigating the options can feel overwhelming. But worry not! This guide will equip you with the knowledge to find the cheapest landline deals for your needs. You can explore the best landline deals for pensioners in the UK, and make an informed decision.
We’ll compare digital voice providers like Xinix, Simple Telecoms and Phonely. You’ll also learn about important factors such as price increases, contract terms, and the equipment needed to transition to digital landlines.
What is digital voice and what are digital landlines?
With the nationwide switch from traditional phone lines to digital voice, all landline services will eventually rely on an internet connection. This means that traditional copper wire connections are being replaced with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), where phone calls are made over the Internet.
If you’re switching to a digital landline, you’ll need either a VoIP adapter or a new digital phone. These are often provided by your service provider or can be purchased separately. For pensioners who may want to keep their current phone, most providers offer VoIP adapters that allow you to continue using your traditional handset. This means you don’t have to learn any new technology if it’s not your thing.

What are the best landline deals for pensioners in 2024?
The best landline deals for pensioners prioritise affordability, simplicity, safety and value for money. This includes ease of moving providers and keeping your number if you’d like. Here’s what you should consider when researching the cheapest landline deals:
- Digital Voice Plans: These plans use your existing internet connection for calls, often leading to lower costs compared to traditional landlines.
- Stand-alone Landline vs. Bundles: While some providers offer bundled internet and landline packages, you might save money by getting separate services from different providers. Consider using comparison tools like Martin Lewis’, to find the cheapest broadband deals.
- Keeping Your Own Number: Some providers charge for this service, but you can find companies that handle number porting for free.
- Protection Features: With new technology comes more sophisticated scams, it is important to be shielded from these.
Before you start Googling, we’ve put together a comparison for Pensioners looking for the cheapest unlimited phone call packages or best landline phone deals UK, you can see this below.
Comparison of Unlimited Digital Landline Plans (2025)
Provider | Monthly Cost | Fair Usage Policy | Keep Your Number | Features Included | Additional Costs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Xinix | £10 (Sale price down from £12) | 2000 mins to UK landlines & 1000 mins to UK mobiles | £20 | Free VoIP adapter, Caller ID, Voicemail, app | £8 postage for adapter |
Simple Telecoms | £10.98 | Voice Anytime 1000 minutes to UK landlines & 1000 minutes to UK mobiles | Free if you have an unlocked VoIP adapter | Caller ID, Voicemail | Adapter: £78.50, Special services barring upgrade: £13/month |
Phonely | £14.76 | 2400 mins to UK landlines & 2400 mins to UK mobiles | FREE | Auto call blocking, CallGuard technology, Voicemail, app | Adapter (£49.99) if not paying annually |
These providers offer a range of digital landline plans, each with its own strengths and limitations. While some focus on monthly affordability, others provide enhanced security features and value-added services. Although not the cheapest on first glance, Phonely’s plan stands out as it combines affordability with scam protection, inclusive features and more minutes than any other provider. This means no clock-watching while you chat and confidence when you pick up the phone!
Phone deals explained
Xinix landline deals
While Xinix has its sale on, it offers the cheapest unlimited plan at £10 per month, great if you’re on a tight budget. It includes a fair usage policy of 2000 minutes to landlines and 1000 minutes to mobiles. And although they offer a free VoIP adapter, and standard features, you do have to pay £8 for postage and an additional £20 if you want to keep your number. Plus, if you investigate further, you will see that they offer a minimum contract of 24 months, which is a lot. If you’re looking for cheap and basic and can sign up in the sale, this could be for you, if you don’t mind being tied in for 2 years.
Simple Telecoms landline deals
Simple Telecoms offer a Voice Anytime plan for £10.98 per month. It doesn’t claim to be unlimited, but it’s the closest they have, with a usage policy that allows for 1000 minutes to UK landlines and 1000 minutes to UK mobiles per month. This isn’t much, however their target audience are those with dementia and altzeimers, who may not make calls often. Free number porting is available if a customer has an unlocked VoIP adapter, but those needing an adapter must pay £78.50 for activation. While it appears cost-effective, for those who make very few calls, additional charges for hardware and service upgrades can increase the overall expense.
Phonely landline deals
Phonely offers one of the most uniquely comprehensive and generiously unlimited digital landline deals for pensioners. This particular plan comes in at £14.76 per month, with a cumlative 4800 minutes and the exclusive CallGuard system that blocks scammers from every angle. It may cost a few pounds extra, yet it’s a great option for elderly users who are more at risk of phone scams. A more than fair price for peace of mind.
There is no set-up fee, installation, or number porting fee, plus if you pay for your first year upfront you will recieve a free VoIP adapter – essential if you want to keep your existing phone. This makes Phonely one of the most competitive providers for pensioners. And if this plan is a little pricey, their standard plan is the cheapest of them all at £9.97. For that price you get 2400 minutes and still get some benefits of CallGuard, namely the real-time automatic call blocking, an essential feature for older adults who may be more vulnerable.
Why haven’t you included major providers?
Sadly, BT only offer unlimited calls when subscribed to one of their broadband packages, which can cost in excess of £45 per month – not pensioner friendly. As for TalkTalk and Plusnet, they are phasing out their digital voice offerings.

Key considerations when choosing a landline deal
Beyond price, consider these factors in finding the perfect cheapest landline deals for you:
- Contract Term: Long contracts offer stability but less flexibility. Short contracts can be more expensive.
- Set-up Fee: Some providers charge a one-time fee to activate your service.
- Price Increases: Check for annual price hikes and if they’re clearly stated upfront.
- Direct Debit Details: Some providers might require setting up a direct debit for automatic payments.
- Benefits: Look for features like voicemail, caller display, and scam protection, which are valuable features for pensioners.
Annual price increases explained
Until recently, many telecom providers calculated price increases using the Retail Price Index (RPI) or Consumer Price Index (CPI), plus an additional 3-4%. This led to confusion and frustration for many customers, especially when inflation caused prices to rise significantly.
In response, Ofcom introduced new rules in 2023. Providers are now required to state price increases in pounds and pence at the time of contract signing, providing much-needed transparency. This makes it easier to compare costs and choose the best landline deals that fit your budget.

New phones and digital voice technology
If you’re moving to a digital voice service, you may be wondering if you need a new phone. The good news is that most people can continue using their current handset with a VoIP adapter. For example, Phonely provides a free VoIP adapter to anyone who signs up for an annual payment in their first year. This adapter allows you to keep your current landline phone while still transitioning to a digital landline.
However, if you’d prefer to upgrade, Phonely also offers a range of affordable VoIP phones that are designed specifically for digital voice services. These phones come with advanced features like better call clarity, scam protection, and ease of use, making them ideal for pensioners looking to make their phone service future-proof.

FAQs
What is the best landline deal for pensioners?
The best landline deal will depend on your specific needs. For affordability, our research found that Xinix offers the cheapest option (at the time of publishing), while Phonely includes additional features like scam protection, which are essential with new digital voice technology.
Do I need broadband for a digital landline?
All digital voice services require a broadband or 4G/5G connection.
How can I avoid price increases?
While you can’t completely avoid price increases, you can choose a provider that offers transparent pricing. Ofcom’s new regulations require providers to disclose these increases upfront.
Can I use my old phone with a digital landline?
Yes, most providers, including Phonely, offer VoIP adapters that allow you to continue using your existing analogue phone.
Why Choose Phonely?
At Phonely, we understand the importance of staying connected for pensioners. That’s why we offer:
- Simple and Affordable Plans: Our digital voice plans start at £9.97 per month, with clear pricing and no hidden fees.
- Free VoIP Adapter (First Year): Keep your existing phone with our free ATA (Analogue Telephone Adapter) for the first year on annual plans.
- Scam Protection: Enjoy peace of mind with our built-in scam call protection.

Conclusion
By carefully considering these factors and comparing providers, you can find the best landline deal for your needs as a pensioner. Phonely offers a range of affordable and reliable options, including free VoIP adapters for annual plan subscribers. Don’t hesitate to explore our website or contact our customer support for more information.
All information was correct at time of publishing (updated 04/02/2025)