Cheapest Cell Phones for Seniors

We've put together our top picks for the least expensive cell phones for seniors, so you can find the right phone for your budget

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Jitterbug Smart3 from Lively
  • Affordable smartphone at $149.99
  • No activation fees, shipping charges, or taxes
  • Doubles as an emergency response device with extra fee
Call for best price: Call to Order: 844-618-9676
Verve Snap from Consumer Cellular
  • Priced at just $69
  • Pairs with affordable talk, text, and data plans from Consumer Cellular
  • Durable flip-phone design can last for years without replacement
Call for best price: Call to Order: (855) 643-4847
TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile
  • Priced at $96
  • Combines the flip-phone design with smartphone features
  • Works with any of T-Mobile’s discounted 55+ plans
Scroll right for more options

We understand that searching for an affordable cell phone can be intimidating and overwhelming. If you’re budget-conscious like us, we believe that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality for value. On our list of the cheapest cell phones for seniors, we found devices that bring the best of both.

  • 1. Jitterbug Smart3 from Lively

    Why It Made Our List

    The rate of older adults using cell phones has increased to over 90 percent, and, of those cell phone users, 61 percent use a smartphone.1 That’s why the Jitterbug Smart3 made our list. It’s the least expensive smartphone on the market made specifically for older adults with a host of useful features. In addition to talk, text, and internet, the phone can double as a medical alert device thanks to Lively’s health and safety features.

    Lively is featured on our list of the best cell phones for seniors twice! Their senior-friendly smartphone and flip phone both made the cut.

    Jitterbug Smart3

    Jitterbug Smart3

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Large 6.2” screen
    • Voice typing
    • Video chat capabilities
    • 13MP camera for clearer photos
    • Urgent Response
    • Internet access
    • Simple list-style menu
    Cons
    • Premium health and safety features only included with top-tier plans
    • Additional activation fees

    How Much Does the Jitterbug Smart3 Cost?

    The Jitterbug Smart3 costs $149.99, with additional fees for activation, shipping, and taxes. This smartphone runs on Verizon’s network, which provides coverage throughout the nation. Flexibility is essential to us, so we appreciate that there are no long-term contracts or cancellation fees with these plans. Unlimited talk and text starts at $19.99 per month with an additional data plan purchase. For those who want it all, a completely unlimited talk, text, and data plan is $49.99 per month.

    Is the Jitterbug Smart3 Right for Me?

    Research shows that seniors who use smartphone apps have increased feelings of connectedness with friends and family.2 With internet access, smartphones can help older adults connect to resources that promote physical and mental well-being. The Jitterbug Smart3 allows users to stay connected through mobile apps, video chatting, texts, calls, and more. Plus, its simple design makes it ideal for first-time smartphone users.

    FYI:

    FYI: Our in-depth cell phones for seniors buyer’s guide breaks down how to choose the best phone for your needs and budget.

    Want to take a closer look at pricing for the Jitterbug Smart3? Our Lively pricing page covers everything you need to know about the phone and its talk, text, and data plans.

  • 2. Consumer Cellular Verve Snap

    Why It Made Our List

    Priced at $69, the Consumer Cellular Verve Snap is the least expensive phone on our list. Not only is Consumer Cellular inexpensive, their Verve Snap also has many features useful to seniors, such as a large keypad with a bright, colorful screen for optimal visibility.

    The Verve Snap comes with Bluetooth connectivity so users can go hands-free or even connect hearing aids. We also love that it can hold up to a 32 GB microSD card, providing a large amount of space for photos of the grandchildren, family, and friends, or even your favorite music tracks. It has a long-lasting battery life at 14 hours of talk time and 16 days of standby time, perfect for those who may forget to charge their phone every day.

    Verve Snap

    Verve Snap

    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Very affordable price tag
    • Durable flip phone means no cracked screens
    • Hearing aid compatible
    • Simple, senior-friendly design
    • Allows you to keep your old phone number
    • Lightweight design
    • Long battery life
    Cons
    • No internal memory; requires an external memory card
    • 5MP camera means lower picture quality
    • No internet connectivity

    How Much Does Consumer Cellular’s Verve Snap Cost?

    The pricing for both Consumer Cellular’s Verve Snap and their cell phone plans are big wins for us. The phone itself is a one-time fee of $69 plus tax, and it’s compatible with Consumer Cellular’s wide range of plan options, starting at $20 per month for one line.

    Best of all, these plans require no contracts, so you won’t have to worry about early termination fees if you need to switch services. It’s important to note that the monthly price per line for Consumer Cellular’s plans decreases as you add more lines. That means you could save a few bucks per line if you add a spouse or other family members to your plan.

    Is Consumer Cellular’s Verve Snap for Me?

    If you or your loved one is new to the cell phone game, the Consumer Cellular Verve Snap is an excellent option. It is an easy-to-use device that provides all of the essential functions older adults may need. Overall, it’s our pick for those who don’t need internet access but still want to use Bluetooth to connect to hands-free devices or hearing aids.

    Buyer’s Tip:

    Buyer’s Tip: Want to save five percent on Consumer Cellular’s monthly service and usage charges and 30 percent on accessories? Our AARP guide has the details.

    Are you interested in learning more about Consumer Cellular’s Verve Snap flip phone? Visit our hands-on Consumer Cellular review or compare Consumer Cellular and Jitterbug.

  • 3. TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile

    Why It Made Our List

    We chose the TCL FLIP Go because it offers the right balance between Consumer Cellular’s Verve Snap and the Jitterbug Smart3. It combines the durability of a flip phone and the technological capabilities of a smartphone, all at a great price of $96. Additionally, it works on T-Mobile’s nationwide network, one of the country’s largest providers. Older adults who purchase this phone can choose any of T-Mobile’s Unlimited 55+ plans to go with it. T-Mobile’s three 55+ plans offer discounted rates, great perks, and unlimited talk, text, and data. Overall, they offer some of the best value for seniors on the market. For the latest details, head over to our full review of T-Mobile’s 55+ plans.

    TCL Flip

    TCL Flip

    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • 4G internet access
    • Mobile hotspot data
    • App shortcuts
    • Can be combined with T-Mobile’s Unlimited 55+ plans
    • Large, tactile keys
    Cons
    • 2MP camera, limited photo and video quality
    • Only 8 GB of internal memory
    • Small screen for internet browsing

    How Much Does the TCL FLIP Go Cost?

    The TCL FLIP Go costs $96; however, T-Mobile also has a payment plan with no interest financing for $4 per month for 24 months. If you plan on having the phone for a while and don’t want to pay the full cost upfront, this is an affordable option. You can save extra money with one of T-Mobile’s Unlimited 55+ plans. Unlimited talk, text, and data start at $27.50 per line for two lines or $40 per month for one line. T-Mobile’s pricing is certainly competitive; given that many unlimited plans on major networks start at $50+, that’s a deal! You’ll also get extra perks with T-Mobile’s unlimited plans like mobile hotspot data, weekly freebie giveaways, and in-flight Wi-Fi.

    Is the TCL FLIP Go Right for Me?

    The TCL FLIP Go is a perfect companion for older adults who want smartphone essentials but are loyal to the flip phone style. It’s also a great option for those who venture out often, as the internet capabilities can assist with location, navigation, and looking things up on the go. Older adults who work on their laptops or other devices outside of the home can benefit from the mobile hotspot data included with T-Mobile’s unlimited plans.

  • 4. Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively

    Why It Made Our List

    Lively’s products offer features that cater to the needs of older adults, including medical alert capabilities, which is why the Jitterbug Flip2 made the cut. This phone offers medical alert features and a simple flip phone design at an affordable price point, so you can stay safe and connected without putting a dent in your wallet. With the Jitterbug Flip2, seniors have options to connect to Urgent Response staff in an emergency and even speak with a registered nurse or doctor and order prescriptions over the phone. Talk about quality customer service!

    The phone is designed with big buttons and a large screen, perfect for older hands and eyes. It has an 8MP camera, which provides clearer photos than other flip phones with 2MP cameras. Lively has also teamed up with Lyft to make it convenient to get a ride to any location, such as the grocery store, doctor’s office, or to visit friends and family.

    Jitterbug Flip2

    Jitterbug Flip2

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    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 features
    Cons
    • No internet connectivity
    • Health and safety features increase plan costs

    How Much Does the Jitterbug Flip2 Cost?

    The Lively Flip is $99.99, with additional tax, shipping, and activation fees. Prices start at $19.99 per month for the Basic plan with unlimited talk and text. If you want to upgrade to a plan with more safety features, prices range up to $49.99 per month.

    Is the Jitterbug Flip2 Right for Me?

    If you or your loved one are looking for a simple, affordable cell phone that does the job and does it well, the Jitterbug Flip2 may be for you. It’s a great option for older adults who are not necessarily interested in the bells and whistles of smartphones or who don’t frequently use the internet.

    However, if you love to connect with your family and friends through phone calls and texts, then the Jitterbug Flip2 paired with Lively’s Basic plan provides the best deal. Jitterbug Flip2 is also great for seniors who live alone and could benefit from the added protection of the Urgent Response features, ensuring they’re protected in and outside of their home.

    For a more hands-on look at the Jitterbug Flip2, check out our detailed Lively review and learn why we gave Lively five out of five stars!

  • 5. Snapfon ez4G

    Why It Made Our List

    Don’t let the simplicity fool you. The Snapfon ez4G has many of the smartphone capabilities in an easy-to-use senior-friendly package. Older adults will know where they are at all times with GPS, navigation, and a reliable 4G LTE network. They can also stay connected online with internet access and popular mobile apps like Facebook and email. Safety is always a priority for us, and we’ve found that it’s a priority for Snapfon as well. This phone has a variety of easily accessible SOS emergency features to keep you or your loved one protected at all times.

    Snapfon ez4G

    Snapfon ez4G

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Average Above Average Average
    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Fall detection available
    • SOS button
    • Hearing aid compatible
    • Simple design and navigation
    • Speech-to-text capabilities
    • Internet access
    Cons
    • Small internal memory
    • Not available in all areas, check availability first

    How Much Does the Snapfon ez4G Cost?

    The Snapfon ez4G costs $99.95. Snapfon offers various mix-and-match minutes, text, and data options at different price points. Unlimited talk and text start at $15 per month. If you want to add data, prices range from $30 (5 GB) to $40 per month (10 GB).

    Users can also add Snapfon’s sosPlus mobile monitoring service package for $10 per month, which gives you access to Snapfon’s medical alert capabilities. The Snapfon sosPlus package connects you to a 24/7 response agent with the push of a button. With sosPlus, you can list your emergency contacts, medications, allergies, and important medical conditions.

    Overall, Snapfon’s talk, text, and data plans are flexible and affordable.

    Is the Snapfon ez4G Right for Me?

    Snapfon ez4G is an excellent option for on-the-go seniors. The 4G LTE internet access provides connectivity away from home, and the SOS emergency features offer monitoring for added safety. The ez4G can double as a hotspot, so older adults who enjoy working outside of the home can do so anywhere their network is available. The highest data plan is 10 GB, so this phone is best for seniors with low to moderate internet usage.

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: Learn more about the Snapfon ez4G in our comparison of Snapfon and Jitterbug.

How We Chose the Cheapest Cell Phones for Seniors

After hours of research and hands-on testing, we narrowed down the list to five cell phones with features designed specifically for seniors that are also some of the least expensive on the market. Our list contains both flip phones and smartphones for beginners to advanced cell phone users. Every phone on our list had to meet the following criteria:

  1. Price: This one’s a no-brainer; every cell phone in our top five is affordable for seniors. We’ve included options for those on the tightest of budgets, along with some that have slightly higher price tags but still offer great value and won’t break the bank. There’s something for everyone!
  2. Value: While we’re all about getting the best deals and discounts, we also make value and quality a top priority. What’s the point of purchasing a cheap phone if it’s just going to fall apart or provide unreliable service? All of the affordable phones on our list offer value that’s much greater than the price tag.
  3. Senior-friendly design: You’ll find that our top five cheapest cell phones come with senior-friendly features, like high visibility screens and big buttons, medical alert capabilities, and hearing aid compatibility.

How Much Do Cell Phones for Seniors Cost?

Cell phone prices vary depending on the style and features of the phone. We broke down the average prices you can expect below.

Style Price range One-time activation fees Unlimited talk, text, and data
Flip phone $60-$100 $30-$35 $27.50 to $50 per month
Smartphone $100-$1,000 $30-$35 $27.50 to $70 per month
Bar/brick $60-$100 $10-$35 $27.50 to $50 per month

Frequently Asked Questions About Cell Phones for Seniors

  • What makes a cell phone for seniors different from other cell phones?

    Seniors can use any cell phone they’d like; however, senior-specific cell phones have user-friendly features such as larger buttons, clearer screens, and more powerful speakers to address older adults’ needs.

  • Should I get a cell phone that connects to the internet?

    This depends on your estimated monthly internet use. If you or your loved one connects to the internet daily or weekly, it may be worth it to have a phone and plan that offers internet capabilities. However, data does cost extra on some plans, so you may be paying for it unnecessarily if it’s not used.

  • Are all cell phones for seniors hearing aid compatible?

    The majority of cell phones made for seniors have hearing aid compatibility through Bluetooth, but it may depend on your hearing aids’ connectivity. Many standard cell phones for seniors have M4/T4 ratings, which offer the best hearing aid connectivity and sound quality.

  • Can I keep my existing phone number?

    Most people can transfer their existing cell phone number to their new phone line. It depends on where you live and your old service provider.

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