Best Big Button Cell Phones for Seniors

Testing out the IRIS Easy Flip from Consumer Cellular

Why It’s One of Our Top Picks

Practical and affordable. Those are the two words I would use to describe the IRIS Easy Flip from Consumer Cellular. The phone gets straight to the point, and I found it simple to use. It’s also the most affordable phone on our list.

Nevertheless, it still offers key cell phone features that older adults need. The flip phone is designed with large, well-spaced, and tactile buttons that make dialing and navigation simple for older hands. The dual screens are also well-lit to assist people with vision loss.

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After testing Consumer Cellular’s previous flip phone, the Verve Snap, I noticed the IRIS Easy Flip makes several small but practical improvements. The main and outer screen is substantially larger, at 2.8 inches. The IRIS Easy Flip also comes with 8 GB of internal memory, which is great for storing all your favorite photos and videos. The IRIS Easy Flip’s 5 MP camera was passable, but nothing special.

Button Layout

The IRIS Easy Flip features the standard 12-button number layout, the star sign (*), and the number sign (#). Each button is separated by approximately 2 millimeters, making it easy to dial a phone number without accidentally pressing two buttons simultaneously. The IRIS Easy Flip features a smart layout for dialing numbers and T9 texting, especially compared to the Sonim XP5plus, which has less space between its buttons.

» Related Reading: Best Flip Phones for Seniors

The IRIS Easy Flip also features distinctly marked buttons to start or end a call, switch to speaker mode, and delete text. There are also standard arrow buttons to navigate the menu and apps, as well as two generic keys at the top of the keypad that bring up your notifications and camera.

One feature I liked was the “Favorites” button (the red button at the bottom with a heart symbol). It allowed me to quickly access a custom list of contacts rather than manually searching through all my contacts or dialing phone numbers.

The IRIS Easy Flip has large, clearly labeled buttons, one of the most important features of a phone for seniors

Ease of Use

The IRIS Easy Flip is an excellent option for older adults who use the internet infrequently (or never). You can stay connected with friends and family through calls or texts. It is a step up in usability from its predecessor, the Verve Snap, as it offers (limited) access to the internet. The Favorites button and the built-in virtual assistant make it easy to handle all the basics on the IRIS Easy Flip, from making a call to changing the default settings.

» Learn More: Consumer Cellular Review

The keys are very responsive and easy to use, but the built-in operating system is a bit slow. It was particularly noticeable when I tested more complex features, like GPS navigation and internet browsing. The 1 GB of RAM meant I had to wait a few seconds before the phone followed through.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

One downside I discovered about the IRIS Easy Flip is that it doesn’t have a voice assistant like many of Consumer Cellular’s previous flip phone models. If that feature is important to you, check out Lively’s Jitterbug Flip2

Pricing

Consumer Cellular’s IRIS Easy Flip is the most affordable phone on our list. It offers the essential features in a small, 5.47-ounce design — all for $59. That’s almost $240 less than the Sonim XP5plus, and you still get a large button layout, GPS navigation, mobile apps, and more.

» Dive Deeper: Consumer Cellular Phone Plans

The one downside is that you’re locked into using Consumer Cellular as your phone carrier. That shouldn't be a major issue with reliable service and plans starting as low as $20 per month. Still, I would have liked the option to pair the IRIS Easy Flip with AT&T or other major carriers. Fortunately, Consumer Cellular offers some of the best prices for its phones and senior-friendly plans with no activation fees.

One of our writers testing out the Jitterbug Fip2

Why It’s One of Our Top Picks

Lively’s Jitterbug Flip2 features advanced medical alert features you won’t find with other big-button phones. It’s voice-activated, thanks to built-in Amazon Alexa technology, meaning I could control the phone with my voice. It’s excellent for people with arthritis or vision loss. The phone’s big buttons are backlit. I could easily see the phone in dimly lit places, and its large screen made reading texts and navigating the phone a breeze.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

Lively’s Jitterbug phones are some of my favorite options for seniors, as they also offer medical alert features. This is pretty rare for a cell phone, and it helps the user stay protected discreetly without the need for a separate medical alert system.

The Jitterbug Flip2 doubles as an urgent-response device when you choose a Preferred or Premium phone plan. It features a large, red button that instantly connects you to the Lively Response Team to assist in case of an emergency. That feature makes the Jitterbug Flip2 great for older adults who live alone and may be at risk of falls or other emergencies. Around 36 million falls are reported each year,1 so having protections in place is essential!

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Button Layout

Like the IRIS Easy Flip, the Jitterbug Flip2 has ample spacing between the number keys on the keypad. My grandma and I agreed that the Jitterbug Flip2 has an even better layout since every button on the keypad is distinct and marked for its intended purpose.

Aside from the numerical keys, there’s an OK and Back button, a Speaker key to switch to speaker mode, and an On/Off power button. Even the directional arrows are labeled with Up, Down, L (left), and R (right). Where the IRIS Easy Flip has its Favorites button, the Jitterbug Flip2 has the Urgent Response button, which is bright red and marked with a star and an exclamation point.

I tested the Urgent Response button and connected with an agent in around 15 seconds. The agent was patient, kind, and ready to immediately send help. I also enjoyed Lively’s other safety features, including a mobile app with caregiver tracking, on-call nurses, and a care advocate. You won’t find those features in any other phones on our list!

Testing out the Lively Link app's location tracking feature

Ease of Use

Thanks to the list-style menu and marked directional keys, navigating the Jitterbug Flip2 couldn’t be easier. My grandma picked it up and figured out how to make calls, send texts, use Amazon Alexa, and take photos instantly. The 8 MP camera isn’t stellar compared to modern smartphones, but it offers superior image quality to the TCL Flip 4 5G.

» Compare Your Options: Best Smartphones for Seniors in 2025

The only downside to the phone’s simplicity is the lack of internet access. My grandma and I enjoyed browsing the internet on the Snapfon ezFlip 4G and using mobile apps on the IRIS Easy Flip. Those features aren’t available on the Jitterbug Flip2. It’s ideal for seniors who need a phone that is easy to use and can double as an emergency response device.

For a closer look at the Jitterbug Flip2, check out our latest Lively phone review.

Pricing

At just $79.99, the Jitterbug Flip2 is Lively’s most affordable phone. Unlike the Sonim XP5plus or TCL Flip 4 5G, which work with various mobile phone carriers, the Jitterbug Flip2 requires purchasing a Lively phone plan.

Lively plans start at $14.99 monthly for unlimited talk and text. Customers will need to upgrade to a Preferred ($34.99 per month) or Premium ($44.99 per month) plan to enjoy the Urgent Response services and other safety features. Although $44.99 per month may feel pricey for a basic phone plan without data, remember that your phone doubles as a medical alert device.

» Related Reading: Lively Phone Plans

Sonim XP5plus

Why It’s One of Our Top Picks

With extended battery life, brick-like design, large display, and first-responder support capabilities, the XP5plus is an excellent choice for seniors who want a phone designed with older adults in mind. What sets the XP5plus apart is its rugged design. It’s built to withstand drops and spills. I also noticed that the phone was simple to grip.

The Sonim XP5plus also comes with an impressive three-year warranty. Jitterbug phones, for comparison, have a one-year warranty. The phone also features 16 GB of built-in memory, easy-to-read buttons, noise cancellation, voice-command functionality, and optional knobs for push-to-talk channel selection and adjustable volume. The Sonim XP5plus is M3/T4 compatible, which means it will work with most hearing aids. The Sonim XP5plus even has wireless emergency alert (WEA) capabilities to help seniors feel safe on the go.

» For Couples: Best 2-Line Cell Phone Plans for Seniors

Button Layout

The Sonim XP5plus is unique because it has more buttons and knobs (in more places) than the other phones on this list. The first thing I noticed was the large, yellow button on the side. It serves as a push-to-talk button, functioning like a walkie-talkie. The phone also has volume buttons on the same side (plus a volume knob on top, unless you select the knobless version).

What’s most interesting, though, are the buttons on the front of the XP5plus. Three buttons just below the front screen allow you to pick the Options, Menu, or Notifications screens. The brick-style Sonim XP5plus has a standard keypad. It has all the numerical keys you would expect, four directional arrow keys, a center “select” key, a Start Call key, and an End Call key. Like the IRIS Easy Flip and Jitterbug Flip2, the Sonim XP5plus has a speaker button to switch to speaker mode and a back button to return to a previous screen or delete text.

Since the Sonim XP5plus offers internet access and mobile apps, it has three additional keys at the top that can be used to navigate more complex screens. I discovered the keys made it easier to use everything you would expect with a phone running Android 11.

It also means there are more buttons and less space for each button than on many of my favorite phones with big buttons. I had to be more precise when pressing buttons because I often accidentally pressed two numbers simultaneously when texting. The buttons are still a decent size and clearly labeled.

Ease of Use

Thanks to the Android 11 operating system and 2 GB of internal RAM, the Sonim XP5plus runs well for a brick phone. When you click a button, the phone responds immediately. You can switch between screens without delays.

That said, the navigation system took some getting used to since it felt like a basic smartphone without a touchscreen. Browsing the internet was quick but not necessarily easy. Using the navigation keys in place of a mouse or touchscreen takes some practice. If you’re not patient enough to learn the Sonim XP5plus’ navigation system, you may find yourself feeling a little frustrated.

Pricing

The Sonim XP5plus retails for $297.99, making it the most expensive phone on this list by far. It costs about three to four times as much as the Jitterbug Flip2, TCL Flip 4 5G, and Snapfon ezFlip 4G.

The XP5plus is hundreds of dollars cheaper than a smartphone, so the price tag is fairly manageable. Unlike the Jitterbug Flip2 and IRIS Easy Flip, the Sonim XP5plus is available through various providers, such as AT&T. Plan prices vary by carrier. You could reduce up-front costs by trading in an old phone or financing your purchase with zero-interest monthly payments.

Like many non-smart phones, the Sonim XP5plus offers only 4G speeds. As a longtime AT&T customer, I can attest to the company’s reliable 4G coverage. I had no problems with service or call quality when testing the XP5plus, whether I was at home, running errands, or traveling.

» Also Check Out: AT&T Cell Phone Plans for Seniors

TCL FLIP 4 5G

Why It’s One of Our Top Picks

The TCL Flip 4 5G from T-Mobile includes the essential internet features seniors look for without the added fuss of a smartphone. It’s a solid choice for older adults who want internet access and enjoy smartphone features but prefer physical keys over a touchscreen. The device has large tactile keys, making using the phone very easy for older hands.

I also appreciate the bright and clear internal and external display screens that make it easy to read texts and emails. With the 5G service, seniors can browse the web, watch videos, listen to music, and connect with friends and family through video call apps. The phone also doubles as a hotspot, providing data to other devices. I used it while working from a coffee shop and had no issues connecting to the internet.

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Button Layout

If you’ve used a flip phone before, the button layout on the TCL Flip 4 5G will look very familiar. You have 12 large numerical buttons for dialing phone numbers and T9 texting, as well as a green “Start Call” button and a red “End Call” button. Four directional keys surround the OK button. The downside is that they are not distinctly marked. I could only navigate the phone using those buttons, but they lack any symbols to indicate their existence.

The two buttons at the top help you go back or forward through screens. They also allow you to pull up settings and other menus. There are three additional buttons above the numerical keys: one to see your favorite contacts, one to view text messages, and one to delete text or return to the previous screen. I like that the TCL Flip 4 5G keeps its buttons to a minimum for ease of use, but I wish the directional keys were labeled more clearly.

Ease of Use

The bright screen and Android-based operating system make the TCL Flip 4 5G easy to use. My grandma had no trouble going from music and apps to text messages and contacts. Everything flows smoothly. But, once again, if you don’t already know the directional keys are there, you may be a little confused about how to navigate menus. Once my grandma got the hang of it, she had no issues.

Like the Sonim XP5plus, the TCL Flip 4 5G has 2 GB of RAM. That means you can expect fast speeds for a flip phone. I could quickly flip between screens and applications. There were some delays, however, when using the internet browser. I had to wait over a minute for Google Maps to open through the built-in browser. It won’t be an issue if you’re more patient than I am, but it’s something to remember.

Pricing

The TCL Flip 4 5G is just $99. I recommend pairing the TCL Flip 4 5G with T-Mobile since the flip phone is compatible with T-Mobile's Unlimited 55+ plans. The plans offer several perks, including in-flight Wi-Fi, hotspot data, and global service. Plans start at $40 per month for one line, which is reasonable compared to other major carriers. Plus, T-Mobile’s 55-and-over plans are available nationwide. Some providers, such as Verizon, offer their senior phone plans only in Florida, which is very limiting for seniors.

» Learn About: 2025 T-Mobile Review 

You can finance the TCL Flip 4 5G through T-Mobile for as little as $4 per month with no interest. If you have an old phone to trade in, you could lower the purchase price even more!

Snapfon ezFlip 4G

Why It’s One of Our Top Picks

Snapfon’s ezFlip 4G made our list thanks to its easy-to-use and easy-to-see design. It has large backlit buttons and a bright, clear screen with emergency-response features. Not only does the phone have an SOS button, but it’s also equipped with fall-detection capabilities.

In the event of a fall, the phone will notify your programmed emergency contacts and dispatch help if needed. Fall detection is rare for a cell phone, so the feature is a bonus! Even Lively’s Jitterbug Flip2 doesn’t offer fall detection. The ezFlip 4G also has preprogrammed emergency text messages and a siren for added protection.

One thing I appreciate about the Snapfon ezFlip 4G is the speech-to-text feature. It’s easy to make calls or send texts with just your voice. It’s also a great bonus for people with vision loss or hand-dexterity issues.

Button Layout

The Snapfon ezFlip 4G’s button layout could not be easier. You have all your numerical keys at the bottom, with ample space between each key. Above the numbers are three keys with images for the calculator, camera, and flashlight. That makes finding the function you want without navigating several menus simple. The phone features the standard Start Call and End Call keys, a menu button, and a return/ delete text button at the top.

Like the TCL Flip 4 5G, the Snapfon ezFlip 4G doesn’t clearly label its directional keys on the keypad. The central button used to select apps or menu items is surrounded by a square design. I pressed the square’s sides to go up, down, left, or right. It was easy once I knew what to do, but it’s not the best layout if you’re brand new to flip phones.

The sosPlus button, located on the back of the phone, is large and red. I liked the design, as the button was easy to find and use, even when closed. For comparison, the Jitterbug Flip2’s Urgent Response button is located on the keypad, so the phone has to be open to use it.

Snapfon makes it as easy as possible to call for help. The only drawback is that if you tend to hold your phone tightly, you could press the Urgent Response button by mistake. I quickly learned to grip the phone to avoid false alarms and had no issues. I held the SOS button and connected to an sosPlus response agent in around 30 seconds. The agent was helpful and efficient.

Ease of Use

Once you know how to use the directional keys, the Snapfon ezFlip 4G is easy. It has extra features, including GPS navigation, internet browsing, and mobile apps. I tried the speech-to-text function to send some texts and found it intuitive. I’m a big fan of phones with voice assistants since they’re essential for people with arthritis or vision loss. My grandma liked the interface for navigating between screens and apps. We also both agreed that browsing the internet on the ezFlip 4G was easier and faster than on the TCL Flip 4 5G.

Pricing

The Snapfon ezFlip 4G costs $60, making it the second most affordable phone on this list. The ezFlip 4G packs a lot of great features into a simple-looking package. Snapfon lacks trade-in or financing deals, but you can get unlimited talk and text for as little as $15 per month. Plans with high-speed data start at $20 per month.

» For Unlimited Data: Best Senior Unlimited Cell Phone Plans

If you want your phone to double as an emergency response and fall detection device, you’ll need to add sosPlus to your plan, which costs $10 per month. That may sound like a lot compared to the cost of a standard plan, but it’s cheaper than most mobile medical alert systems with fall detection. For comparison, Medical Guardian’s MGMini system, a mobile medical alert device, costs $49.95 monthly when you add fall detection.

» Also Check Out: Best Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection