Best Big Button Cell Phones for Seniors
If you're on the hunt for a senior-friendly cell phone, we've tested and reviewed over a dozen big button cell phones and narrowed the list down to our top five picks.
How Did We Select the Best Big Button Cell Phones for Seniors?
There are plenty of big-button cell phones on the market, but as we know, not all cell phones are created equal. Here at SeniorLiving.org, we tested out a dozen big button phones and evaluated them based on metrics such as features, price, battery life, simplicity, and value. We know hunting for a new cell phone can be a pain, so we did all of the heavy lifting for you! You’ll find that every phone on our list meets the following criteria.
- Ease of use: Our favorite big button phones are easy to use and navigate, even for technology-averse seniors. Whether you need to call a friend, send a quick text, or call for help during an emergency, navigating these cell phones should be a breeze.
Price: A senior-friendly phone shouldn’t put a dent in your wallet. We’re all about a good deal, so all of the phones on our list are $100 or less. - Price: A senior-friendly phone shouldn’t put a dent in your wallet. We’re all about a good deal, so all of the phones on our list are $100 or less.
- Senior-friendly features: This one’s a bit of a no-brainer. All of the big button phones that made the cut have senior-friendly features like an easy-to-grip design, large buttons, hearing aid compatibility, medical alert capabilities, and bright screens.
Best Big Button Cell Phones for Seniors
- T-Mobile Alcatel GO FLIP 3 - Best big button phone with smartphone features
- Lively Flip - Best big button flip phone
- AT&T Cingular Flip IV - Simplest big button phone
- Snapfon ezFlip - Best big button phone with medical alert capabilities
- Consumer Cellular Link II - Best compact big button flip phone
Below is a breakdown comparison of our picks for the best big button cell phones for seniors:
| Device | Price | Network | Contracts | Battery Life | Internet Speed | Mobile Hotspot | Camera |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcatel GO FLIP | $100 | T-Mobile | No | Standby: 17.79 hrs; Talk time: 7.9 hrs |
4G | Yes | 2MP |
| Lively Flip | $99.99 | Lively | No | Standby: 19 days; Talk time: 12 hrs |
N/A | No | 8MP |
| Snapfon ezFlip 4G | $33.95 | Snapfon | No | Standby: 5 days; Talk time: 5.5 hrs |
4G | Yes | 5MP |
| AT&T Cingular Flip IV | $62.99 | AT&T | No | Standby: 18 days; Talk time: 5.5 hrs |
4G | Yes | 2MP |
| Link II | $35 | Consumer Cellular | No | Standby: 16 days; Talk time: 14 hours |
4G | No | 2MP |
Now, let’s take a look at the phones that made the cut!
-
1. T-Mobile Alcatel GO FLIP 3
Why It’s One of Our Top Picks
The Alcatel GO FLIP 3 from T-Mobile is designed with the essential smartphone features seniors look for without the added fuss. It’s a solid choice for older adults who like smartphone features but prefer physical keys over a touchscreen. The device has large tactile keys that make navigating the phone easy for older hands. We also like the bright and clear internal and external display screens that make it easy to read texts and emails. With 4G, one of the fastest data speeds, 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 WiFi hotspot so you can provide data to up to eight other devices. This is great for seniors who may work from home or use their tablet or laptop on the go.
The Alcatel GO FLIP 3 is an excellent device for beginner and intermediate internet users alike. It’s highly accessible and provides many of the essential internet features of other smartphones in an easy-to-use flip phone design. The design adds durability as well, so no need to worry about cracked or broken screens if it slips out of your hands; we’ve all been there!
Alcatel Go Flip 3 from T-Mobile
Alcatel GO FLIP 3 Features We Love
- Hearing aid compatibility: The phone boasts an M4/T4 rating, which is the highest rating for cell phones.
- Storage: This device comes with up to 4 GB of storage or 32 GB with an expandable memory card, so you can save as many family and vacation photos as you want
- Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity: Connect to wireless hearing aids, headphones, and other Bluetooth or WiFi-enabled devices.
- Long battery life: Enjoy over seven hours of talk time or 17 days of standby time.
- Compatible with T-Mobile’s 55+ Unlimited Plans: Seniors can save on unlimited talk, text, and data with one of T-Mobile’s 55+ Unlimited Plans. Plus, these plans come with perks like hotspot data, weekly giveaways, and in-flight WiFi.
Pros
- Affordable flip phone
- Internal and external display
- Built-in Google Assistant
- Large keypad
- M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility
- Bluetooth compatibility
- Mobile hotspot
Cons
- Low-end 2MP camera
- Battery life of only 7.9 hours
- No built-in flashlight
Key Takeaways
Compared to many smartphones on the market, the Alcatel GO FLIP 3 is a big button phone that offers bang for your buck. This wallet-friendly phone offers many of the same features as popular touchscreen smartphones that cost hundreds of dollars. Plus, the simple flip design and large buttons make it oh-so-easy to use for older adults! It offers the right balance between technology and simplicity for seniors of all cell phone and internet experience levels.
Want to learn more about T-Mobile’s unlimited plans and the Alcatel GO FLIP 3? Check out this year’s detailed T-Mobile review.
Pro Tip: Struggling with vision loss? In addition to the best big button cell phone recommendations, we have you covered with our must-read guide on smartphone apps and resources for people with vision impairment.
-
2. Lively Flip
Why It’s One of Our Top Picks
The Lively Flip is the best overall big button phone on our list. The Lively Flip’s features are not only easy to use and designed with seniors in mind, but the phone also offers medical alert features to keep you or your loved one protected on the go. The phone’s big buttons are backlit, making it easy to see even in dimly lit places, and the phone’s large screen makes reading texts and navigating the phone a breeze. The thing that sold us is that it doubles as an urgent response device. The Lively Flip has a large red button that instantly connects the user to the Lively Response Team to provide help and assistance in case of an emergency. This feature makes the Lively Flip great for seniors who live alone and may be at risk of falls or other emergencies.
Lively Flip
Lively Flip Features We Love
- Camera quality: At 8MP, this is one of the highest quality cameras we’ve seen on a flip phone, which means clear photos and videos of the grandbabies!
- Magnifier and flashlight: The Lively Flip takes high visibility to the next level. The magnifier helps you see hard to read text, and the flashlight provides visibility in darker places.
- Amazon Alexa assistant: Use your voice to ask Alexa to make calls, send hands-free texts, and use other applications.
- Health and safety features: Users can opt for one of Lively’s three Health & Safety Packages to turn the Lively Flip into a medical alert device. This is great for seniors who don’t want a traditional medical alert system and prefer a more modern safety option.
Pros
- Simple and easy to use
- Amazon Alexa capable
- Powerful speaker
- Hearing aid compatibility
- Urgent Response and Lyft connections
- Variety of Health and Safety packages
Cons
- No Internet connectivity
- Extra fee for Health and Safety packages
Key Takeaways
The Lively Flip is an excellent device for seniors who are just starting out on their cell phone journey and would like a basic phone that provides them with the connectivity and safety features they need. The Lively Flip operates on Lively’s network with various plan options to mix and match minutes and texts, along with one of their optional Health and Safety packages.
Pro Tip: Need help picking the right phone for your needs and budget? Visit our cell phone buyer’s guide to learn more.
For a closer look at the Lively Flip, check out our latest Lively review.
-
3. AT&T’s Cingular Flip IV
Why It’s One of Our Top Picks
You don’t have to sacrifice functionality for simplicity with AT&T’s Cingular Flip IV; it offers both. Talk about a win-win! It provides access to everyday communication features and then some. The phone’s large keys make it perfect for seniors, and its technology capabilities rival that of your grandchildren’s smartphones. The Cingular Flip IV comes equipped with Google features such as web browsing, YouTube streaming, Google Maps for navigating, and Google Assistant for voice commands. This phone gives you access to some of the best options the internet has to offer.
Cingular Flip IV
Cingular Flip IV Features We Love
- Storage: 4 GB of memory and 32 GB of expandable storage means more photos, videos, and music on your device.
- 4G LTE: This phone offers some of the fastest data speeds on the market thanks to AT&T’s nationwide network.
- Bluetooth capabilities: Bluetooth allows you to connect to wireless headsets, hearing aids, and portable speakers for easy sound streaming.
- Google Assistant: Easily navigate your phone hands-free for hassle-free texting and calling.
Pros
- 16 hour standby battery time
- 2-megapixel camera
- Records HD video
- Affordable
- Easy to set up features
Cons
- Camera quality is average
- No front facing camera option
Key Takeaways
The Cingular Flip IV is an excellent device for older adults who use the internet daily for social connection, entertainment, and email. The big button design takes away the frustrations of oversensitive touch screens. But don’t let its easy-to-use design fool you, this little guy packs a punch with its high-speed internet connection and smartphone features.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Cingular Flip IV and AT&T’s senior plans, check out our detailed AT&T review.
Pro Tip: Get the most bang for your buck by pairing your Cingular Flip IV with one of AT&T’s senior cell phone plans!
-
4. Snapfon ezFlip
Why It’s One of Our Top Picks
Snapfon’s ezFlip 4G made the cut thanks to its easy-to-use and easy-to-see design with large backlit buttons and a bright, clear screen paired with the latest emergency features. Not only does the phone have an SOS button, but it’s also equipped with fall detection capabilities that will notify your programmed emergency contacts in the event of a fall. Fall detection is pretty rare for a cell phone, so this feature is a big bonus! The phone also has preprogrammed emergency text messages and a siren for added protection. If you’re looking for a phone to keep you protected and connected, the ezFlip 4G is for you!
Snapfon ezFlip
Snapfon ezFlip 4G Features We Love
- Bluetooth-enabled: Users can connect wirelessly to their hearing aids and other devices.
- 4G internet connectivity: Access the internet and mobile apps with fast data speeds.
- Speech-to-text capabilities: Make calls or send texts with just your voice. This feature is excellent for those with vision loss or hand dexterity issues.
- 5MP camera and 4 GB storage: You’ll have lots of space for your vacation and family photos that you take with the ezFlip.
- Touchscreen interface: While the ezFlip 4G has a big button keypad, it also offers a touchscreen for seniors who want the option. We like the versatility that this feature provides!
Pros
- Doubles as a personal safety device
- Touchscreen
- Straightforward functionality
- Large external screen
- Fall detection capabilities
- Excellent call quality
- Can access the Internet
Cons
- Snapfon plan subscription required
- Only T3/M3 hearing aid compatibility rating
Key Takeaways
Similar to the Alcatel GO FLIP 3, the Snapfon ezFlip 4G provides a high visibility big button design with added features, such as internet access and a touchscreen. The ezFlip 4G sets itself apart with its built-in, advanced medical alert features, like fall detection and a built-in siren.
For more information on Snapfon, you can head over to our list of this year’s top cell phones for seniors.
Pro Tip: Wondering how Snapfon stands up against the competition? Check out our Lively vs Snapfon comparison for more details!
-
5. Consumer Cellular Link II
Why It’s One of Our Top Picks
Practical and affordable. Those are the two words we would use to describe the next device on our list. The Link II by Consumer Cellular gets straight to the point. It’s simple to use and affordable for most budgets while still providing the key cell phone features older adults need. This flip phone is designed with large, well-spaced, and tactile buttons that make dialing and navigation a piece of cake for older hands. Plus, the dual screens are well lit for those with vision loss.
Consumer Cellular Link II
Link II Features We Love
- Simple design: The easy-to-use keypad and straightforward design make navigation a breeze.
- Storage: The phone supports memory cards up to 32 GB, so you’ll have tons of space for music, photos, videos, and other storage.
- Bluetooth connectivity: Connect your hearing aids, wireless speakers, and other Bluetooth-supported devices to your phone.
- Free activation: While some major providers charge activation fees, that’s not the case with Consumer Cellular. That’s one less extra cost to deal with!
- Compact and lightweight design: Weighing under 4.5 ounces, the phone easily fits in a purse or pocket.
Pros
- Affordable
- Bluetooth compatible
- Large keypad
- Simple functionality
- Internal and external display
- Discount for AARP members
Cons
- Consumer Cellular service required
- Low-end 2MP camera
Key Takeaways
Simply put, the Link II gets the job done. The Link II’s phone and plan pricing are perfect for budget-conscious older adults. The Link II is an excellent option for older adults who don’t use the internet frequently, or at all, but who still want to make calls and send texts to stay connected with friends and family.
Head over to our Consumer Cellular review for more details on this carrier on the Link II.
Pro Tip: Did you know by simply being an AARP member, you’ll snag discounts with AT&T and Consumer Cellular? Check out our guide to AARP membership for more details!
Cell Phones are for Seniors Too
Over 90 percent of adults aged 65 and over own cell phones!1 However, barriers such as vision loss and tactile impairments can make using a cell phone difficult.2 Fortunately, many cell phone companies are designing their devices to meet seniors’ needs. Enter the big button phone.
The devices on our list provide the best visual and tactile accessibility, with just the right number of high-tech features at affordable prices. Using a cell phone can increase the quality of life for older adults by providing options for health and safety monitoring and social interaction.3
Did You Know: Several of our best big button cell phones also made our easiest cell phones for seniors list!
With a big button phone that is easy to see and use, you can make calls, send texts, and quickly access other important features without the stress and frustration of tiny buttons. Many of these phones now feature an internet connection, so you can stay connected and access news, social media, and health and medication information. Some older adults shy away from this technology because it can be overwhelming, but the phones that made our list are some of the most simple and straightforward devices on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cell Phones for Seniors
- Are these phones hearing aid compatible?
Yes, each of the large button cell phones on our list are hearing aid compatible.
- Are there senior discounts for big button cell phones?
Both T-Mobile and AT&T provide discounted plans for seniors that are available through their website. Other companies such as Lively and Consumer Cellular are priced with senior affordability in mind.
- Do I have to have a cell phone plan to use these phones?
Yes, each of these phones is provided by a specific network carrier that provides various plans with different talk, text, and data options.
- Are flip phones durable?
Flip style phones are some of the most durable phones because the internal screen is often protected from scratches and cracks that may result from drops. The devices are often encased in strong plastic that can withstand impacts with minimal damage.
For over five years, Taylor has been writing, editing, and researching products and services covering topics such as senior care and technology, Internet and the digital divide, TV, and entertainment, and education. Her research on media consumption and consumer behavior has been… Learn More About Taylor Shuman
Pew Research. (2021). Mobile Fact Sheet.
Springer Link. (2016). Technology learning and use among older adults with late-life vision impairments.
Human Kinetics Journal. (2017). Mobile Health Interventions for Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep in Adults Aged 50 Years and Older: A Systematic Literature Review.