Cheapest Cell Phones for Seniors

Testing out Lively's Jitterbug Smart4

Overview

The Jitterbug Smart4 costs $149.99, making it one of the least expensive smartphones on the market, and it’s designed specifically for older adults. In addition to talk, text, and internet access, the phone doubles as a medical alert device thanks to Lively’s health and safety features. I’m a big fan of the features since they offer even more bang for your buck. You won’t find them with many other phones, including the Iris Flip from Consumer Cellular.

» Further Reading: Jitterbug Smart4 Review

The Smart4 features a large, red Urgent Response button. During testing, I pressed the button to connect with Lively’s 24/7 response center. After about 15 seconds, I was on the line with a live agent who could send the help needed. The feature is essential for older adults because they are more prone to health risks such as falls. You can also access features such as Lively Link for caregiver monitoring, 24/7 on-call nurses, and a care advocate. One caveat: The health and safety features are available only with Lively’s top-tier plans, which start at $39.99 per month. If you’re on a tight budget, that’s something to consider.

Lively's Urgent Response button is clearly displayed on the home and lock screen

While testing the Jitterbug Smart4, my grandma and I were blown away by how easy it was to navigate the phone. It has a list-style menu and large, clear icons. It’s perfect for older adults who want to try a smartphone but don’t want anything too complicated.

Price and Value

The Jitterbug Smart4 costs $149.99, with additional fees for activation, shipping, and taxes. The activation fee is $35, while taxes and shipping vary based on your location.

Lively’s Basic phone plan, which comes with unlimited talk and text, is $19.99 per month. The Preferred and Premium plans, which come with a host of health and safety features, cost $39.99 and $49.99 per month, respectively.

» Learn More: Jitterbug Phone Plans for Seniors

The Jitterbug Smart4 also requires the purchase of a data plan. You can choose the amount of data you want based on your needs. Plans cost $5 per month for 1 GB, $10 per month for 5 GB, or $30 per month for unlimited data.

The prices are added to the standard cost for your plan. That means you could pay as much as $79.99 per month if you choose the Premium package with unlimited data. That’s a lot more expensive than the unlimited data plan from Consumer Cellular, which costs $50 monthly. Still, Lively’s safety features are essential for many seniors and unavailable with most low-cost phones. You’re basically getting a smartphone and medical alert system in one device! Flexibility is essential to me, so I appreciate there are no long-term contracts or cancellation fees with these plans.

Can I Use the Jitterbug Smart4 With Other Carriers?

Unfortunately, the Jitterbug Smart4 is not compatible with carriers other than Lively. Lively uses Verizon’s nationwide network and offers an affordable Basic plan. However, an option to pair the Smart4 with other senior-friendly carriers, such as Mint Mobile or Consumer Cellular, would have been nice. That’s something you can do with phones such as the Iris Flip and TCL Flip Go, although both of those phones have waiting periods before they can be unlocked for other carriers. In any case, I experienced reliable 4G service with Lively’s Smart4 in my home and around town. I didn’t feel I was missing out on better service from another carrier.

Is the Jitterbug Smart4 Right for Me?

Research shows that older adults who use smartphone apps have increased feelings of connectedness with friends and family.2 With internet access, smartphones like the Jitterbug Smart4 can help older adults connect to resources that promote physical and mental well-being. The Smart4 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.

While testing the phone, my grandma loved the simple interface. She could switch from taking a photo to sending texts with ease. The phone’s software is pretty sluggish, though. On more than one occasion, I clicked a button repeatedly because the phone needed a few extra seconds to switch to the next screen. That often resulted in clicking the wrong thing once the new screen appeared. That sluggishness was particularly bad while browsing the internet. But if you want a senior-friendly smartphone that’s just under $150 and you don’t mind being a little patient with your device, the Jitterbug Smart4 is a solid option.

Using the internet on Lively's Jitterbug Smart4

Testing out Consumer Cellular's IRIS Flip

Overview

Priced at $69, the Consumer Cellular Iris Flip is the least expensive phone on our list. It’s $27 less than the next cheapest option (the TCL Flip Go). Consumer Cellular’s plans are inexpensive. The Iris Flip also has many useful features for older adults, such as a large keypad, a bright screen for optimal visibility, and a designated button to quick-dial close contacts.

The Iris Flip includes Bluetooth connectivity, so users can go hands-free or connect hearing aids. I also love that it can hold up to a 32 GB microSD card, providing plenty of space for photos of the grandchildren or your favorite music tracks. During testing, I found that the phone has a long battery life of 14 hours of talk time and 16 days of standby time. That’s perfect for people who may forget to charge their phone every day, like me.

Price and Value

Prices for both the Iris Flip and Consumer Cellular’s plans are big wins for me. The phone itself is just $69, and Consumer Cellular’s plans start at $20 monthly for one line. One perk of sticking with Consumer Cellular is that, unlike Lively, the carrier charges no activation fees to get your device up and running. That makes it easier to know exactly how much you’ll need to pay for your phone and plan. No hidden fees always makes me happy! Plus, AARP members can score a 5 percent discount on plans. All I had to do was click a box saying I was an AARP member at checkout.

Best of all, the plans don’t have contracts, so you won’t have to worry about early termination fees if you need to switch carriers. The 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.

Can I Use the Iris Flip With Other Carriers?

I love Consumer Cellular’s dependable service and low prices, and you can take your Iris Flip to another carrier if you want to — but there are a few caveats. Consumer Cellular requires you to stay with it for at least 60 days before you switch to another carrier. If you still want to switch after 60 days, you’ll need to contact the company to unlock the phone. You’ll then need to get a QR code from your new carrier to set up an e-SIM.

All of that can get a little confusing, so it’s not as convenient as a phone that comes unlocked right out of the box. It’s still a step up from the Jitterbug Smart4 and Flip2, however. Both are tied to Lively with no way to change carriers.

» Related Reading: Jitterbug vs. Consumer Cellular

Is Consumer Cellular’s Iris Flip for Me?

If you or your loved one is new to the cell phone game, the Iris Flip is an excellent option. It is an easy-to-use flip phone that provides all the essential functions older adults may want, including talk, text, internet access, and a camera. Overall, it’s my pick for people who want a fast, simple flip phone with many of the same features as a smartphone, such as mobile apps and internet browsing.

» Further Reading: 2024 Consumer Cellular review

I enjoyed using the Iris Flip because it’s fast and responsive, especially for a flip phone. I didn’t have to wait for the phone to respond to my inputs like I did with the Jitterbug Smart4. I also liked how durable and easy to grip the phone felt. It actually slipped out of my pocket at one point and fell on the driveway. Despite the hard impact, I couldn’t find a scratch on it! That means you could potentially put some solid wear and tear on the Iris Flip without needing a replacement. As a notorious klutz, I’m a big fan of that!

The Iris Flip uses the KaiOS system, which comes with its own quirks. I discovered that the KaiOS app store has many of the most popular apps you may want (Facebook, YouTube, etc.), but it has fewer apps than the Google Play or Apple App stores. That said, I liked using KaiVA (the phone’s voice assistant) for voice-to-text. It was faster and easier than texting with the T9 keypad. I noticed, however, that I had to speak pretty loudly for KaiVA to pick up what I was saying. The voice assistant is also great for older adults with arthritis or mobility issues that could make typing a hassle.

Using the Kai Virtual Assistant on Consumer Cellular's IRIS Flip

Navigating the Jitterbug Flip2

Overview

Similar to Lively’s Jitterbug Smart4, the Jitterbug Flip2 can turn your phone into a medical alert device. It has a simple flip-phone design at an affordable price (just $99.99), so you can stay safe and connected without putting a dent in your wallet. Just like the Smart4, I could connect with urgent-response staff in an emergency, speak with a doctor or registered nurse, and order prescriptions over the phone. I’m a big fan of those extra features for older adults. It’s crucial that we stay on top of our health as we age to maintain a high quality of life, and Lively makes that a little bit easier.

» Learn About: Best Medical Alert Systems of 2024

The phone is designed with big buttons and a large screen, perfect for older hands and eyes. It has an 8 MP camera, which provides clearer photos and videos than the Iris Flip.

Photo of my potted flowers taken with Lively's Jitterbug Flip2

Lively has also teamed up with Lyft to make it easier for older adults to get around. All I had to do was contact Lively and tell them where I wanted to go. They scheduled a Lyft to pick me up right away. It’s perfect for seniors who no longer drive or don’t know how to use ride-hailing apps.

Price and Value

The Jitterbug Flip2 is $99.99 (roughly the same as the Snapfon ez4G), with a $35 activation fee. 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 monthly. Unlike the Smart4, the Jitterbug Flip2 does not require a data plan because it doesn’t have internet access. I was disappointed to see that, since other flip phones like the Iris Flip, have internet access. Still, it’s perfect for older adults who want a simple way to stay connected.

» Compare Your Options: 2024 Jitterbug Phone Review

You can, however, connect the Flip2 to your home Wi-Fi to use the built-in Amazon Alexa virtual assistant. I used the voice assistant to make calls, check my phone’s battery life, and pull up apps. The feature is great for people who may have trouble using physical keys. If you’re not interested in using the internet and don’t need a smartphone, you can save on the equipment and data costs with Lively by purchasing the Flip2 instead of the Smart4.

Can I Use the Jitterbug Flip2 With Other Carriers?

Like the Jitterbug Smart4, the Flip2 is compatible only with a Lively plan. It wasn’t a big deal for me since Lively uses Verizon’s network. I almost always had three or more bars, and I never experienced dropped calls. Still, it would have been nice to try the Flip2 with a carrier that offers cheaper plans, such as Mint Mobile.

» Compare Prices: Mint Mobile Senior Phone Plan Review 2024

Is the Jitterbug Flip2 Right for Me?

If you’re looking for a simple, affordable cell phone that does the job without any frills, 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 those who don’t frequently use the internet.

If you love to connect with your family and friends through phone calls and texts, the Flip2 paired with Lively’s Basic plan offers the best deal. The Flip2 is also great for older adults who live alone and could benefit from the added protection of the urgent-response features, ensuring they’re protected inside and outside their homes. All I had to do to connect with a live agent was press the phone’s red Urgent Response button.

» Dive Deeper: 2024 Jitterbug Flip2 Review

My grandma really liked that the Flip2 had the same list-style menu as the Smart4, without the sluggish load times. The lack of internet was a bummer, but my grandma enjoyed using Amazon Alexa to send texts, call contacts, and even check the weather. When we tried the Urgent Response button together, we were able to connect with a Lively agent in less than 30 seconds. Fast response times are always a plus!

You can watch our Jitterbug Flip2 video review below for a closer look at our experience.

TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile

Overview

During testing, I found that the TCL Flip Go strikes the right balance between Consumer Cellular’s Iris Flip and Lively’s Jitterbug Smart4. It combines the durability of a flip phone and the technological capabilities of a smartphone, all at a great price of $96. It also works on T-Mobile’s nationwide network, one of the country’s largest providers.

» Check Out: T-Mobile 55+ Cell Phone Plans Review

Older adults who purchase the 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. They offer some of the best value for older adults I’ve seen.

Price and Value

The TCL Flip Go costs $96. T-Mobile also has a payment plan with no-interest financing for $4 per month for 24 months. If you plan to have the phone for a while and don’t want to pay the full cost upfront, this is a convenient and affordable option. You can save extra money with one of T-Mobile’s Unlimited 55+ plans. Unlimited talk, text, and data start at $45 per month for one line. I was really impressed with T-Mobile’s perks, including hotspot data, in-flight Wi-Fi, and data abroad. If you love to travel like I do, those features are super useful!

T-Mobile’s pricing is certainly competitive, considering Lively’s and Consumer Cellular’s unlimited plans start at $49.99 and $50 per month, respectively. I learned, however, that T-Mobile’s cheapest 55+ plan doesn’t include taxes and fees in the advertised price. I’m always disappointed to see hidden (or less obvious) fees. Still, T-Mobile’s extra perks and solid nationwide coverage may be worth it.

Can I Use the TCL Flip Go With Other Carriers?

Like the Iris Flip, the TCL Flip Go is compatible with other carriers, but you’ll have to jump through a few hoops. T-Mobile requires users to maintain a T-Mobile plan for the first three months before the TCL Flip Go can be unlocked and used with other carriers. Since T-Mobile doesn’t lock you into any contracts, you can use T-Mobile for three months and then call customer support if you still want to switch. They can unlock your phone and end your plan upon request.

» You Might Also Like: Best Unlocked Phones for Seniors

The TCL Flip Go uses a physical SIM card, so it’s easy to take it to any major carrier and get it up and running with a new plan. Waiting three months to get it unlocked may be a pain, however, especially if you already have your sights on a better plan from another carrier.

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. I was able to use the internet for GPS navigation and looking things up on the go. I also took advantage of T-Mobile’s hotspot data to work from my laptop in coffee shops or parks that didn’t have Wi-Fi.

I was happy with the Flip Go’s interface because it was easy to navigate the menu, download apps, make calls, send texts, and watch videos. My only real complaint was that the screen was a bit too small. Its 2.8-inch screen is the same size as the Snapfon ez4G, but it felt much smaller than the 3.2-inch screen of the Iris Flip. My grandma struggled to read the text while browsing the internet. If you have vision issues, you may want to choose a phone with a bigger screen, such as the Iris Flip, Jitterbug Flip2, or Jitterbug Smart4.

» Related Reading: The Best Cell Phones for Visually Impaired Seniors

Snapfon ez4G

Overview

Last but not least, the Snapfon ez4G is another cheap phone for seniors, priced at $99.95. Don’t let its simplicity fool you. The Snapfon ez4G has many smartphone capabilities in an easy-to-use device. The brick-style phone includes internet access, so I could use it for GPS navigation, to connect with friends on Facebook, and to check my email. Snapfon runs on AT&T and T-Mobile’s 4G LTE networks, so I experienced pretty reliable coverage wherever I went.

Safety is always a priority for me, and I’ve found that it’s a priority for Snapfon as well! The phone has a variety of easily accessible SOS emergency features to keep you protected at all times.

Price and Value

The Snapfon ez4G costs $99.95, around the same price as the Jitterbug Flip2 and the TCL Flip Go. Snapfon offers various talk, 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 $20 per month (1 GB) to $75 per month (20 GB).

I also added Snapfon’s sosPlus mobile monitoring service package for $10 per month, which gave me access to Snapfon’s medical alert capabilities. The Snapfon sosPlus package allowed me to connect with a 24/7 response agent. I just had to press the red Help button on the back of the phone to call for help. I could also list my emergency contacts, medications, allergies, and important medical conditions. The sosPlus service even offers automatic fall detection, a feature we haven’t seen from any other phone carriers, including Lively. Not bad for just $10 per month. For comparison, Lively’s plans with 24/7 monitoring start at $39.99 per month.

» Compare Your Options: Snapfon vs. Jitterbug

Can I Use the Snapfon ez4G With Other Carriers?

If you buy your phone directly from Snapfon, it will come locked to the Snapfon network. That means you’ll have to contact Snapfon and request to unlock your phone. You can also purchase an unlocked Snapfon ez4G phone from third-party retailers and use a SIM card from major carriers such as T-Mobile or AT&T. Based on my experience, Snapfon does not institute any wait times to switch carriers, unlike T-Mobile and Consumer Cellular. Just know that if you want to use Snapfon’s medical alert features, such as fall detection and 24/7 monitoring, you’ll need a Snapfon plan.

» You Might Also Like: Best Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection

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, which is great if you enjoy working outside your home like I do. The biggest data plan is 20 GB, so the phone is best for older adults with low to moderate internet usage.

I was disappointed that Snapfon doesn’t have an unlimited plan like the other carriers on our list. Still, 20 GB is substantial for everyday things such as checking email, using social media, and even watching videos. If you want to use your phone as a hotspot to stream TV and movies on your laptop, your data may get used up pretty quickly.