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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.

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Updated August 24, 2023
Taylor Shuman
Experts
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Verve Snap from Consumer Cellular
  • Affordable flip phone
  • Simple, easy-to-use design
  • Free activation (with Consumer Cellular)
See Pricing
Call for best price: Call to Order: (855) 643-4847
TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile
  • M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility
  • Up to 14 hours of battery life
  • Works as a WiFi hotspot
See Pricing
Jitterbug Flip2 by Lively
  • High-quality camera
  • Easy-to-use flip phone
  • Optional health and safety features
See Pricing
Call for best price: Call to Order: 844-618-9676
Scroll right for more options

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

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
Verve Snap $69 Consumer Cellular No Standby: 16 days;
Talk time: 14 hours		 4G No 5MP
TCL FLIP Go $96 T-Mobile No Standby: 14.5 days;
Talk time: 14 hrs		 4G Yes 2MP
Jitterbug Flip2 $99.99 Lively No Standby: 19 days;
Talk time: 12 hrs		 N/A No 8MP
Sonim XP3plus $199.99 AT&T Yes Standby: 18 days;
Talk time: 5.5 hrs		 4G LTE Yes 8MP
Snapfon ezFlip 4G $99.95 Snapfon Yes Standby: 4.5 days;
Talk time: 5 hrs		 4G Yes 5MP

Now, let’s take a look at the phones that made the cut!

  • 1. Consumer Cellular Verve Snap

    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 Verve Snap by Consumer Cellular gets straight to the point. It’s simple to use and the most affordable phone on our list, yet still provides 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.

    Verve Snap

    Verve Snap

    Verve Snap 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 in at just over 4.5 ounces, the phone easily fits in a purse or pocket.
    Call to Order: (855) 643-4847
    See Pricing
    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    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 Verve Snap gets the job done. The Verve Snap’s phone and plan pricing are perfect for budget-conscious older adults. The Verve Snap 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 Verve Snap.

  • 2. TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile

    Why It’s One of Our Top Picks

    The TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile is designed with 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 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 other devices. This is great for seniors who may work from home or use their tablet or laptop on the go.

    TCL FLIP Go 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!

    TCL Flip

    TCL Flip Go

    Alcatel GO FLIP 4 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 1 GB of storage or 128 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 almost 14 hours of talk time or over 14.5 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.
    See Pricing
    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Affordable flip phone
    • Internal and external display
    • Large keypad
    • M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility
    • Bluetooth compatibility
    • Mobile hotspot
    • Battery life up to 37 hours
    Cons
    • Low-end 2MP camera
    • No built-in flashlight

    Key Takeaways

    Compared to many smartphones on the market, the TCL FLIP Go 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 TCL FLIP Go? Check out this year’s detailed T-Mobile review.

    Inside Tip:

    Inside Tip: Struggling with vision loss? In addition to the best big button cell phone recommendations, we have you covered with our guide on smartphone apps and resources for seniors with vision impairment.

  • 3. Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively

    Why It’s One of Our Top Picks

    Lively’s Jitterbug Flip2 is the most high-tech phone on our list, offering advanced features you won’t find with other big button phones. It’s voice-activated thanks to built-in Amazon Alexa technology, which means you can control the phone with your voice. The Jitterbug Flip2’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 when you sign up for a Preferred or Premium phone plan. The Jitterbug Flip2 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 Jitterbug Flip2 great for seniors who live alone and may be at risk of falls or other emergencies.

    Jitterbug Flip2

    Jitterbug Flip2

    Jitterbug Flip2 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 Jitterbug Flip2 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 top-tier phone plans to turn the Jitterbug Flip2 into a medical alert device. This is great for seniors who don’t want a traditional medical alert system and prefer a modern safety option.
    Call to Order: 844-618-9676
    See Pricing
    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    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
    • Free Shipping
    Cons
    • No internet connectivity
    • Extra fee for health and safety packages
    • Activation Fees

    Key Takeaways

    The Jitterbug Flip2 is an excellent device for seniors who want advanced features that are still simple to use, along with robust health and safety features. The phone operates on Lively’s network with various plan options that all offer unlimited talk, text, along with various health and safety features. If you need help picking up the right phone for your needs and budget, visit cell phone buyer’s guide to learn more.

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

  • 4. Sonim XP3plus

    Why It’s One of Our Top Picks

    If you’re looking for a reliable and durable flip phone with user-friendly features and a large display, consider the Sonim XP3plus. With extended battery life and first responder support capabilities Sonim XP3plus is an excellent choice for seniors who want a flip phone. As a bonus, it comes with 4G LTE, noise cancellation, and a three-year warranty. This flip phone also features 16 GB of memory, easy-to-read buttons, and voice commands. For older adults with hearing aids, the Sonim XP3plus is M4/T4 compatible. The Sonim XP3plus also has wireless emergency alert (CMAS) capabilities to help seniors feel safe when they’re on the go.

    Sonim XP3plus

    Sonim XP3plus

    Sonim XP3plus Features We Love

    • Storage: 16 GB of memory and 256 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.
    • Noise suppression: Enjoy noise suppression features for a better hearing experience.
    Call to Order: 877-959-5144
    See Plans
    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Above Average Above Average Above Average Above Average Above Average
    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Rugged design with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 display
    • IP68 rating
    • Noise suppression for clearer calls
    • Long battery life
    • GPS navigation
    • Hearing aid compatible
    Cons
    • Browser isn’t the best
    • On the pricey side

    Key Takeaways

    Sonim XP3plus offers the convenience of a flip phone and an easy interface to help seniors navigate technology with ease. With large, easy-to-read buttons and a durable grip, seniors will enjoy the simplicity, longer battery life, and push-to-talk capabilities. With two new customizable buttons and loud speakers to hear all the important details – the XP3plus is a reliable flip phone that makes communicating a breeze.

    To save more money, consider pairing your phone with one of AT&T’s senior cell phone plans. You can learn more about our experience with the carrier in our AT&T review.

  • 5. 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 4G

    Snapfon ezFlip 4G

    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!
    View on Amazon
    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Above Average Above Average Above Average Average
    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Doubles as a personal safety device
    • SOS button
    • Touchscreen
    • Straightforward functionality
    • Large external screen
    • Fall detection capabilities
    • Excellent call quality
    • Can access the Internet
    • 8 speed dial keys
    Cons
    • Snapfon Network Plan 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:

    Pro Tip: Wondering how Snapfon stands up against the competition? Check out our Lively vs Snapfon comparison 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?

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

taylor shuman
Written By

Taylor Shuman

Senior Tech Expert & Editor

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 work has been cited by publications such as Forbes,… Learn More About Taylor Shuman

Read About Our Panel of Experts

Citations

  1. Pew Research. (2021). Mobile Fact Sheet.

  2. Springer Link. (2016). Technology learning and use among older adults with late-life vision impairments.

  3. 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.