Best Cell Phones for Seniors in 2025, Tested and Reviewed by Tech Experts

The best cell phones for seniors in 2025 score well in our testing categories, including senior-friendly features, price, value, and quality.

Taylor Shuman
Taylor Shuman
Taylor Shuman
Who is Taylor Shuman?
As SeniorLiving.org’s tech expert and editor, Taylor has years of experience reviewing products and services for seniors. She is passionate about breaking down stigmas related to seniors and technology. She loves finding innovative ways to teach seniors about products and… Learn More
Expert Verified
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This content has been reviewed and verified by relevant subject matter experts. Learn More
Senior Tech Expert & Editor
Our Methodology
200
Hours of Research
25
Products Tested
5
Experts Consulted
6
Products Selected

How We Tested the Best Phones for Seniors

Testing cell phones infographic

To get a more hands-on look at how older adults feel about different phones, my tech team and I tested nearly a dozen phones — with help from my grandma!

 

My team and I researched the best phones for seniors, considering a wide range of budgets and needs. Then, we unpacked each phone, used it for a week, and tested its features. The process included taking photos, testing speakerphone volume, checking hearing-aid connectivity, and evaluating general ease of navigation.

We tested the phones at home and on the go to assess the phone’s coverage, service, and reliability. We also considered each phone’s usability, size, quality, battery life, plan options, and other senior-friendly features to create our ranked results.

How We Chose the Best Phones for Seniors

Jitterbug Smart4

Each phone on this list was ranked using several metrics, including price, senior-friendly features, battery life, durability, sound quality, appearance, ease of use, and provider perks. The three most influential metrics in our evaluation were:

  • Senior-friendly features: All phones that made the cut have features that meet seniors’ specific needs and lifestyles. While these features vary by phone, they include big buttons or icons, bright screens, loud and adjustable speakers, hearing aid compatibility, and an easy-to-grip design.
  • No long-term contracts: All of the cell phone models and carriers on our list offer month-to-month options, so you can cancel your service at any time without any extra hassle.
  • Price vs. quality: While some cell phones for seniors on our list are more expensive than others, we’ve included only phones whose quality matches or exceeds the price. We’ve included budget-friendly cell phones and pricier high-tech devices, so you can find the phone that’s right for your wallet and your needs.

Why Trust Us?

Our senior tech experts (including myself) try the latest products and tech for older adults every year. We’ve spent hundreds of hours testing and reviewing cell phones and plans available through regional and nationwide carriers.

We consult seniors to learn about their personal experiences with different phone models, including what they like, what they dislike, and features that improve their overall experience using each phone.

SeniorLiving.org is supported by commissions from providers listed on our site. Read our Editorial Guidelines

Citations
  1. The Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology. (2025). Medical students and mobile phones: a cross-sectional study on auditory health.

  2. AARP. (2025). Technology Adoption Continues as Older Adults Integrate Tech into Daily Life.

  3. Centers for Disease Control. (2024). About Chronic Diseases.

  4. National Council on Aging. (2024). Get the Facts on Healthy Aging.

Written By:
Taylor Shuman
Senior Tech Expert & Editor
Read About Our Panel of Experts
As SeniorLiving.org’s tech expert and editor, Taylor has years of experience reviewing products and services for seniors. She is passionate about breaking down stigmas related to seniors and technology. She loves finding innovative ways to teach seniors about products and… Learn More About Taylor Shuman