What Technology Do Retirees Actually Need?
From laptops and monitors to smartphones, here's how to build a retirement-ready tech setup without overspending.
Retirement often comes with a long list of financial decisions. You'll need to determine how to generate income from savings, evaluate healthcare coverage and decide how you'll spend your newfound free time.
One question many new retirees overlook is technology. If you're preparing to leave the workforce, your technology needs may change significantly. Your employer may have provided a laptop, smartphone, software subscriptions or even internet reimbursement. Once you retire, those tools become your responsibility.
Fortunately, most retirees don't need the latest gadgets or the most expensive devices. The right setup depends on how you plan to spend your time, whether that's managing finances, traveling, video chatting with family, streaming entertainment or running a small side business. Here are three retirement technology setups to consider based on your needs and budget.
Budget setup: Simple and affordable
This setup works well for retirees who primarily use technology for email, online banking, video calls, light web browsing and streaming entertainment.
Chromebook
A Chromebook is often one of the most affordable computer options available. Since most tasks happen through a web browser, Chromebooks tend to be easy to use, require minimal maintenance and offer strong security features. For retirees who don't need specialized software, a Chromebook can handle most everyday tasks without the higher cost of a traditional laptop.
Look for a Chromebook with at least 8GB of memory, 128GB of storage and a Full HD or better display. That combination is more than enough for email, streaming and everyday web browsing, while helping the laptop stay responsive for years. For example, this Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook meets those recommendations and is currently on sale at Best Buy for $399.99 (regularly $499.99).
24-inch monitor
A 24-inch Full HD (1080p) monitor provides more screen space for reading emails, reviewing financial statements and participating in video calls. Look for a model with an IPS display, anti-glare screen and eye-care features to help reduce eye strain during longer computing sessions. This Acer 23.8-inch Full HD IPS monitor offers those features at an affordable price and is well suited for everyday tasks.
Basic android smartphone
Many retirees don't need a premium smartphone that costs more than $1,000. A basic Android phone can handle calls, texts, photos, navigation, video chats and mobile banking while keeping costs low.
A good budget Android phone typically costs $200 to $400 and offers 5G connectivity, at least 128GB of storage and all-day battery life. The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G offers those features at a budget-friendly price while delivering many of the capabilities found on more expensive phones.
Low-cost mobile plan
Many mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), including Mint Mobile, Total Wireless and Visible, offer service on the same major networks used by larger carriers but at a lower monthly cost.
Retirees who spend much of their time at home connected to Wi-Fi may find that a lower-cost plan meets their needs perfectly.
Estimated upfront cost: $500 to $1,000
Comfort setup: The sweet spot for most retirees
Many retirees fall into this category. They want reliable devices that perform well without paying for premium features they'll rarely use. Here are some items you may want to consider.
Mid-range windows laptop
A quality Windows laptop offers flexibility for everything from managing investments and taxes to online shopping and streaming.
Look for a model with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 16GB of memory and a 512GB solid-state drive (SSD). That combination provides enough performance and storage for managing finances, organizing photos, planning travel and handling everyday tasks. Popular options include the Lenovo IdeaPad, HP Pavilion and Dell Inspiron.
27-inch monitor
A larger monitor can make multitasking easier, especially when reviewing spreadsheets, managing retirement accounts or planning travel. Look for a 27-inch monitor with QHD (1440p) resolution for sharper text and more screen space.
Many retirees find that upgrading from a smaller screen is one of the most noticeable improvements to their daily technology experience.
iPhone or Samsung Galaxy smartphone
If you use your phone frequently for photos, travel apps, banking and family communication, a mid-tier iPhone or Samsung Galaxy smartphone offers a good balance of performance, camera quality and long-term software support. For example, the iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy A57 5G provide many flagship features at a lower price.
Retirees may also appreciate features like emergency assistance, health tracking and location sharing with family members.
Unlimited mobile plan
An unlimited plan may make sense if you frequently travel, stream content away from home or use your phone as a backup internet connection. Carriers often bundle their best trade-in offers and free or discounted smartphones with unlimited plans, helping offset the cost of upgrading.
Estimated upfront cost: $1,500 to $2,500
Power user setup: For active retirees
Retirement doesn't always mean slowing down. Many retirees launch consulting businesses, manage rental properties, trade investments, create content, volunteer extensively or spend months traveling each year.
If technology plays a major role in your daily life, investing in more capable equipment (like some of these premium tech options) may be worthwhile.
MacBook Air or premium Windows laptop
A higher-end laptop offers faster performance, better displays and a longer useful life. For retirees who spend several hours each day on a computer, the productivity benefits may justify the additional cost.
Look for a model with at least 16GB of memory and a 512GB SSD to handle demanding tasks like photo editing, running a business or managing large files. For example, the MacBook Air or Dell XPS provides the performance and battery life many power users appreciate.
Dual monitors
Dual monitors can be especially useful for managing investments, researching travel, running a business or working on creative projects. Having multiple screens reduces the need to constantly switch between applications and can improve efficiency.
Flagship smartphone
Premium smartphones offer better cameras, longer battery life and advanced features that frequent travelers and heavy users often appreciate. For example, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra provide top-tier cameras, powerful processors and premium displays that can easily handle photography, navigation, mobile productivity and entertainment. For retirees who rely heavily on their phones, these upgrades can provide real value.
Premium broadband internet
Reliable internet becomes increasingly important when video calling family, streaming entertainment, working remotely or using telehealth services. For households with multiple connected devices, look for an internet plan with download speeds of at least 300 Mbps, or 500 Mbps to 1 Gig if you frequently work from home, upload large files or stream on several devices at once. A faster internet connection can make these activities more seamless and reduce frustration.
Estimated upfront cost: $3,000 to $5,000+
Technology retirees may no longer need
Retirement can be a good time to simplify your technology and reduce recurring expenses. Before buying new devices, review the services you're already paying for to see what you still need.
Consider canceling or downgrading:
- Software subscriptions previously provided by your employer
- Cloud storage plans you rarely use
- Business-focused applications
- Multiple streaming services
- Extra phone lines
- Internet plans with more speed than you need
Reducing unnecessary subscriptions can free up room in your budget for technology you'll use every day.
The best retirement technology setup isn't necessarily the most expensive one. For many retirees, a reliable laptop, a larger monitor, a smartphone and dependable internet service are enough to stay connected, manage finances and enjoy retirement.
As you prepare to leave the workforce, think about how you'll actually use technology in your daily life. Building a setup around your habits rather than the latest gadgets can help you stay productive, connected and entertained without overspending.
Plan your next chapter with confidence. Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to connect with a financial professional who can help you build a strategy and work toward your long-term goals:
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