Best Big Button Cell Phones for Seniors
Lively’s Jitterbug Flip2 is our top pick for big-button phones, thanks to its medical alert features, large buttons, and easy navigation.
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- Priced at $79.99
- Easy to grip
- Unique features: Magnifier to enlarge text
- Priced at $59
- Easy-to-use design
- Unique features: Personal assistant and voice commands
- Priced at $199.99
- Simple button layout
- Unique features: Damage-resistant design
- M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility
- Up to 14 hours of battery life
- Works as a WiFi hotspot
- Simple flip phone
- Medical alert features
- Large buttons
After hours of research and hands-on testing, our tech experts narrowed down the list to our top picks for older adults.
After hours of research and hands-on testing, our tech experts narrowed down the list to our top picks for older adults.
Learn MoreContents
As SeniorLiving.org’s tech expert, I know how frustrating using a cell phone can be for older adults. Many popular phones aren’t designed with seniors’ needs in mind. They have small buttons and complex smartphone features or lack tactile keys. Touch screens are all the rage, but they can be challenging for older adults to use — especially for people with arthritis, mobility issues, or vision loss.
Some companies have ditched simple flip phones for advanced smartphones, but there are still many excellent big-button cell phones for seniors. The phones have plenty of senior-friendly features, such as tactile keys, bright screens, intuitive navigation, and hearing-aid compatibility. Our tech team spent ample time researching and conducting hands-on testing with a dozen of the best big-button phones on the market. We chose the Jitterbug Flip2 as our top big-button cell phone for seniors thanks to its large, responsive buttons; long battery life; M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility; and excellent emergency response features.
Best Big Button Cell Phones for Seniors
Our Methodology
How We Tested the Phones
My tech team and I spent over 100 hours testing a dozen of the best cell phones for seniors. We followed the same steps for each phone:
- We researched the top phones for seniors, focusing only on those that offer large, tactile buttons. We looked through websites, spoke with customer-service reps, and ordered our top picks.
- After we received each phone, we spent a few days using each device to get a feel for daily use. We noted our experiences, evaluating each phone’s features, price, battery life, simplicity, service quality, and value. I also got help from my grandma whenever possible to ensure the phones on this list are certifiably senior-friendly!
- We compared notes, discussed what we liked and disliked about each model, and narrowed down our top picks to create our final list of the best big-button cell phones for seniors.
How We Chose the Best Big-Button Phones for Seniors
You’ll find that every phone on this list meets the following criteria.
- Ease of use: Our favorite big-button phones are easy to use and navigate, even for technology-averse seniors. Navigating these cell phones should be a breeze whether you need to call a friend, send texts, or call for help during an emergency. During testing, my grandma and I ensured each phone was easy to navigate and didn’t overcomplicate matters. We also evaluated the distance between the buttons. The keys on big-button phones shouldn’t feel cramped since it can make typing and hitting the correct button more difficult.
- Price: A senior-friendly phone shouldn’t put a dent in your wallet. I’m all about a good deal, so all the phones on this list are $200 or less — and most are under $100. We also evaluated the value of each phone and included only phones that offer solid bang for your buck. Just because a phone is cheap doesn’t mean it’s worth it!
- Senior-friendly features: This one’s a bit of a no-brainer. All the big-button phones that made the list have senior-friendly features, such as an easy-to-grip design, large buttons, hearing-aid compatibility, medical alert capabilities, and bright screens.
Why Trust Us
Our senior tech experts try the latest products for older adults. We’ve spent hundreds of hours testing and reviewing cell phones and plans for seniors. We consult with older adults to learn about their personal experiences with different phone models, including what they liked, what they disliked, and features they think could make their phones easier and more enjoyable to use.
Comparing the Best Big-Button Phones for Seniors
Below is a comparison of our picks for the best big-button cell phones for seniors.
Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively
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IRIS Easy Flip from Consumer Cellular
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Sonim XP3 from AT&T
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TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile
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Snapfon ezFlip
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---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rating | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 4.7 | 3.8 |
Price | $79.99 | $59 | $199.99 | $96 | $99.95 |
Network | Consumer Cellular | Lively | AT&T | T-Mobile | Snapfon |
Contracts | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Battery life |
Standby: 16 days; Talk time: 14 hours |
Standby: 19 days; Talk time: 12 hrs |
Standby: 18 days; Talk time: 15 hrs |
Standby: Up to 13 days; Talk time: Up to 20 hrs |
Standby: 4.5 days; Talk time: 5 hrs |
Internet speed | 4G LTE | N/A | 4G LTE | 4G | 4G |
Mobile hotspot | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Camera | 5MP | 8MP | 8MP | 2MP | 5MP |
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1. Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively - Best medical alert features
What we like most
- Priced at $79.99
- Easy to grip
- Unique features: Magnifier to enlarge text
Jitterbug Flip2 from LivelyOverview:Why It’s One of Our Top Picks
Lively’s Jitterbug Flip2 offers advanced medical alert features you won’t find with other big-button phones. It’s voice-activated thanks to built-in Amazon Alexa technology, so I could control the phone with my voice. It’s excellent for people with arthritis or vision loss. The Jitterbug Flip2’s features are easy to use and designed for seniors, and they can also keep you or your loved one protected on the go. 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 InsightsFrom Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech ExpertLively’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.What sold me on the Jitterbug Flip2 is that it doubles as an urgent-response device when you choose a Preferred or Premium phone plan. The Jitterbug Flip2 has 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. Having protections in place is essential!
» You Might Also Like: Best Phone Plans for Seniors
Pros & Cons:Pros About Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively
- Very easy to use and grip
- Convenient list-based menu
- Long-lasting battery
- M4/T4 hearing-aid compatibility
- Magnifier to enlarge text
- 8 MP camera
- Speaker designed for older ears
- Urgent Response button
- Built-in Amazon Alexa
Cons About Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively
- Urgent Response service requires a more expensive phone plan
- No option to download apps from Google Play
Our Hands-on Experience: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 clearly 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. It’s bright red, and marked with a star and 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 send help immediately. 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 with any other phones on our list!
Ease of Use
Thanks to the list-style menu and clearly 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 camera is 8 MP. That isn’t stellar compared to modern smartphones, but it offers superior image quality to the TCL Flip Go and Snapfon ezFlip 4G’s cameras.
» Compare Your Options: Best Smartphones for Seniors in 2024
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, so it’s ideal for seniors who just 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 XP3plus or TCL Flip Go, which work with various mobile phone carriers, the Jitterbug Flip2 requires purchasing a Lively phone plan. Lively plans start at $19.99 monthly for unlimited talk and text. You’ll need to upgrade to a Preferred ($39.99 per month) or Premium ($49.99 per month) plan to enjoy the Urgent Response services and other safety features. Fortunately, you can shave $5 off your plan by opting into paperless billing. Although $49.99 monthly may feel spendy for a basic phone plan without data, remember that your phone doubles as a medical alert device. That’s what I call a two-for-one deal!
» Related Reading: Lively Phone Plans
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2. IRIS Easy Flip from Consumer Cellular - Most affordable
What we like most
- Priced at $59
- Easy-to-use design
- Unique features: Personal assistant and voice commands
IRIS Easy Flip from Consumer CellularOverview: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 very simple to use. It’s 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 for people with vision loss.
» You Might Like: Best Cell Phones for Visually Impaired Seniors
After testing Consumer Cellular’s previous flip phone, the Verve Snap, I can confidently say that the IRIS Easy Flip makes a lot of small but practical improvements. The main and outer screen are 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 camera was still just 5 MP, and the quality of the photos and videos I took were OK, but nothing to write home about.
Pros & Cons:Pros About IRIS Easy Flip from Consumer Cellular
- Affordable price
- Simple design
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Free activation with Consumer Cellular
- Wi-Fi and GPS
- M4/T4 hearing-aid compatibility
- Personal assistant and voice commands
- Bright display for people with vision loss
Cons About IRIS Easy Flip from Consumer Cellular
- Must use Consumer Cellular service
- Very basic camera
- Slow processing speeds with 1 GB of RAM
Our Hands-on Experience:Button Layout
The IRIS Easy Flip features the standard 12-button layout for numbers, 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 has a great layout for dialing numbers and T9 texting, especially compared to the Sonim XP3plus, which has less space between its buttons.
In addition to the basic number keys, the IRIS Easy Flip has 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, plus 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.
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 did what I told it to do.
Expert InsightsFrom Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech ExpertOne 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 Flip2Pricing
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 $140 less than the Sonim XP3plus, 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 huge issue with reliable service and plans starting as low as $20 per month. I would have liked the option to pair the IRIS Easy Flip with AT&T or other major carriers, but Consumer Cellular offers some of the best prices for its phones and senior-friendly plans with no activation fees.
FYI: Would you like to know ahead of time exactly how much you’ll pay for phone service? Check out our guide to the best prepaid phone plans for seniors!
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3. Sonim XP3 from AT&T - Most durable big-button phone
What we like most
- Priced at $199.99
- Simple button layout
- Unique features: Damage-resistant design
Sonim XP3 from AT&TOverview:Why It’s One of Our Top Picks
If you’re looking for a durable flip phone with user-friendly features and a large display, I recommend checking out the Sonim XP3plus. With extended battery life and first-responder support capabilities, the XP3plus is an excellent choice for seniors who want a flip phone made with older adults in mind. What sets apart the XP3plus is its rugged design. It’s built to withstand drops and spills. I also noticed that the phone was simple to grip. It wasn’t slippery, so I was less likely to drop it.
As a bonus, the Sonim XP3plus comes with an impressive three-year warranty. That’s longer than most manufacturer warranties. 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, and voice-command functionality. For older adults with hearing aids, the Sonim XP3plus is M4/T4 compatible, which is the highest available rating. The Sonim XP3plus even has wireless emergency alert (CMAS) capabilities to help seniors feel safe on the go. Overall, the XP3plus is packed with useful features for older adults.
» For Couples: Best 2-Line Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
Pros & Cons:Pros About Sonim XP3 from AT&T
- Extra navigational buttons
- Damage-resistant design
- Bluetooth compatible
- Push-to-talk side button
- Wireless emergency alert (CMAS)
- Long battery life
- Loud speakers
- M4/T4 hearing-aid compatibility
Cons About Sonim XP3 from AT&T
- Screen is a little small
- Higher cost than most flip phones
- Navigation system takes some getting used to
Our Hands-on Experience:Button Layout
The Sonim XP3plus is unique because it has more buttons (in more places) than the other phones on this list. Before I opened the phone, I saw the large yellow button on the side. It serves as a push-to-talk button that works like a walkie-talkie. The phone also has volume buttons on the same side of the phone. What’s most interesting, though, are the buttons on the front of the XP3plus. Two buttons just below the front screen allow you to turn silent mode on or off and check new notifications.
» Related Reading: Best Flip Phones for Seniors
Once I opened the flip phone, I was presented with 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 XP3plus has a speaker button to switch to speaker mode and a back button to return to a previous screen or delete text.
Since the SonimXP3plus offers internet access and mobile apps, it has three additional keys at the top that can be used to navigate more complex screens. I found that 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 big-button phones. I had to be more precise when pressing buttons because I often accidentally pressed two numbers simultaneously when texting. (Curse these clunky fingers!) 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 SonimXP3plus runs well for a flip 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 touch screen. Browsing the internet was quick but not necessarily easy. Trying to use the navigation keys in place of a mouse or touch screen takes some practice. If you’re not patient enough to learn the Sonim XP3plus’ navigation system, you may find yourself feeling a little frustrated.
Pricing
The Sonim XP3plus retails for $199.99, making it the most expensive phone on this list by far. It costs about twice as much as the Jitterbug Flip2, TCL Flip Go, and Snapfon ezFlip 4G. The XP3plus is hundreds of dollars cheaper than a smartphone, so the price tag is fairly manageable. Unlike the Jitterbug Flip2 and IRIS Easy Flip, you can get the Sonim XP3plus through various providers, such as AT&T. Plan prices vary by carrier. You may be able to reduce up-front costs by trading in an old phone or financing your purchase with zero-interest monthly payments.
Like many flip phones, the Sonim XP3plus 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 XP3plus, whether I was at my house, running errands, or traveling.
» Also Check Out: AT&T Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
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4. TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile - Best big-button phone with internet
What we like most
- M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility
- Up to 14 hours of battery life
- Works as a WiFi hotspot
Overview:Why It’s One of Our Top Picks
The TCL Flip Go from T-Mobile has 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 touch screen. The device has large tactile keys, making navigating the phone very easy for older hands.
I also like the bright and clear internal and external display screens that make it easy to read texts and emails. With the 4G 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 to provide data to other devices. I used it while working from a coffee shop and had no issues connecting to the internet.
» You Might Like: Best Internet Service for Seniors
The TCL Flip Go is an excellent device for beginner and intermediate internet users. It’s highly accessible and provides many essential internet features of other smartphones in an easy-to-use flip phone design. The design is also durable, so there’s no need to worry about cracked or broken screens if they slip out of your hands.
Pros & Cons:Pros About TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- M4/T4 hearing-aid compatibility
- Clear and vibrant display screen
- Android 11 operating system
- Bluetooth ready
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Long battery life
Cons About TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile
- Only 1 GB of RAM
- Low-quality camera
Our Hands-on Experience:Button Layout
If you’ve used a flip phone before, the button layout on the TCL Flip Go 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 clearly marked. I could only navigate the phone using those buttons, but they do not have any symbols to let you know they’re there. You may have to break out the manual or watch a video when using the phone for the first time.
The two buttons at the top help you to go back or forward through screens. It allows 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 Go 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 Go 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.
Another drawback is that, like the IRIS Easy Flip, the TCL Flip Go has only 1 GB of RAM. That means you can expect fairly slow processing speeds. While testing the device, I had relatively few issues, but there were some delays when using the internet browser. I had to wait over a minute to open Google Maps through the built-in browser. It won’t be an issue if you’re more patient than me, but it’s something to note.
Inside Tip: Are you struggling with vision loss? Check out our guide to smartphone apps and resources for seniors with vision impairment.
Pricing
The TCL Flip Go is just $96, making it the second cheapest phone on this list behind the IRIS Easy Flip. I recommend pairing the TCL Flip Go 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 service abroad. Plans start at $40 per month for one line, which is fairly reasonable compared to other major carriers. AT&T’s 55-and-over plan, for example, starts at $60 per month. Plus, T-Mobile’s 55-and-over plans are available nationwide. Some carriers, such as AT&T and Verizon, offer their senior phone plans only in Florida, a limitation I don’t appreciate.
» Learn About: 2024 T-Mobile Review
You can finance the TCL Flip Go through T-Mobile for as little as $4 per month without interest. If you have an old phone to trade in, you could lower the purchase price even more!
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5. Snapfon ezFlip - Best big-button phone with fall detection
What we like most
- Simple flip phone
- Medical alert features
- Large buttons
Snapfon ezFlipOverview: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 big 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.
» Related Reading: Fall-Prevention Tips for Seniors
One thing I like 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.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Snapfon ezFlip
- Large keypad and optional touchscreen
- Easy-to-recognize buttons
- Speech-to-text functionality
- Fall detection
- Wi-Fi and GPS
- M3/T3 hearing-aid compatibility
- Bluetooth ready
- sosPlus button
Cons About Snapfon ezFlip
- sosPlus service costs extra
- Short battery life
Our Hands-on Experience:Button Layout
The Snapfon ezFlip 4G’s button layout could not be simpler. 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 getting to 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 or delete text button at the top.
Like the TCL Flip Go, 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.
Quick Tip: Wondering how Snapfon stands up against the competition? Check out our Lively vs. Snapfon comparison guide for more details!
The sosPlus button, located on the back of the phone, is large and red. I liked the design since the button was easy to find and use even when folded 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. It gave me peace of mind knowing help was just one button away!
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 incredibly intuitive. I’m a big fan of phones with voice assistants since they’re useful for people with arthritis or vision loss. My grandma liked the interface for navigating from one screen or app to another. We also both agreed that browsing the internet on the ezFlip 4G was easier and faster than on the TCL Flip Go.
Pricing
The Snapfon ezFlip 4G costs $99.95. It’s about the same price as the Jitterbug Flip2 and TCL Flip Go. The ezFlip 4G packs a lot of great features into a pretty simple-looking package. Snapfon lacks trade-in or financing deals, but you can get unlimited talk and text for as little as $15 monthly. 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 an additional $10 monthly. 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
Cell Phones Are for Seniors Too
Over 90 percent of adults ages 65 or over own cell phones!2 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 Barriers, such as vision loss and mobility issues, can make using a cell phone Lack of confidence and familiarity with new tech are also major barriers to adopting new phones and tech among seniors. Fortunately, many cell phone companies are designing their devices to meet seniors’ needs. Enter the big-button phone.
Did You Know? Several of our best big button cell phones also made our easiest cell phones for seniors list!
The devices on our list provide the best visual and tactile accessibility, with just the right selection of high-tech features at affordable prices. With a big-button phone that is easy to see and use, you can make calls, send texts, and quickly access other vital features without the frustration of tiny buttons. Many phones even feature an internet connection. You can stay connected and access news, social media, and health information. Some older adults shy away from technology because it can be a lot to take in, but the phones that made our list are some of the most straightforward devices on the market. You’re much less likely to feel overwhelmed.
More Cell Phone Resources for Seniors
If you’re looking for a certain type of cell phone or just want to compare all the options, check out our resources below. We’ve tested, compared, and ranked cell phones for many different needs.
- Best Free Phones for Seniors
- Best iPhones for Seniors
- Best Cell Phones for Seniors With Hearing Loss
- Best Cell Phones for Seniors With Dementia
- Best Android Phones for Seniors
- Best Cheap Cell Phones for Seniors
- Best Samsung Phones for Seniors
- Best Voice-Activated Cell Phones for Seniors
- Best Unlocked Phones for Seniors
- Best VoIP Phones for Seniors
- Best 5G Phones for Seniors
Frequently Asked Questions About Cell Phones for Seniors
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Are big-button phones compatible with hearing aids?
Yes, each large-button cell phone on our list is hearing-aid compatible.
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Are there senior discounts for big-button cell phones?
Both T-Mobile and AT&T provide discounted plans for seniors. Other companies, such as Lively and Consumer Cellular, design phone plans for older adults.
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Do you need a cell phone plan to use these phones?
Yes, each phone is provided by one or more network carriers. There are a variety of plans with different talk, text, and data options.
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Are flip phones durable?
Flip-style phones are some of the most durable phones. The internal screen is often protected from scratches and cracks resulting from drops. The devices are often encased in strong plastic that can withstand impacts with minimal damage.
Pew Research Center. (2024). Mobile Fact Sheet.
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.
Springer Link. (2016). Technology learning and use among older adults with late-life vision impairments.