Easiest Cell Phones for Seniors, Tested and Reviewed by Tech Experts

Testing out the IRIS Easy Flip from Consumer Cellular

Consumer Cellular had simplicity and usability in mind when it designed the IRIS Easy Flip phone. This flip phone is very affordable, priced at $59. It fits nicely in a purse or pocket, and it comes in classic black or a fun cherry red. I’m a big fan of the phone’s long battery life, which lasts up to 48 hours of mixed-use talk time. That’s four times longer than the Jitterbug Flip2’s talk time. Battery life is key in my book, especially if you have a hard time remembering to charge your phone like I do!

Older adults who wear hearing aids will be pleased to know that the IRIS Easy Flip has an M4/T4 rating, is compatible with most hearing aids, and includes Bluetooth. Older adults who still get behind the wheel can quickly answer the phone through their hearing aids hands-free.

» You Might Also Like: The Best Hearing Aids in 2025

Fast Facts

*Rates listed are for one line. Rates per line decrease as you add more lines to your plan.

Senior-Friendly Design

The IRIS Easy Flip features a 2.8-inch internal screen for easy texting and browsing, as well as a smaller external screen to easily read notifications or check the time or battery life. I found the screen easy to read, and it’s larger than some of Consumer Cellular’s old flip phone models, including the Verve Snap.

The external screen on Consumer Cellular's IRIS Easy Flip is large and easy to see

What really sets the IRIS Easy Flip apart from many other budget-friendly flip phones is its durability. For just $59, you get a 5.47-ounce flip phone that’s easy and comfortable to hold. It features reinforced hinges so you can open and close your phone without worrying about unnecessary wear and tear. The rubberized keys are textured, which reduced the risk of my fingers slipping to the wrong buttons while I was texting or navigating the phone.

Additionally, the keys have an automatic backlight feature and large letters to make the phone easier to use in low-light environments. This is a big plus for seniors who struggle with poor vision. I didn’t have any issues using the phone in dark environments, but I noticed a fair amount of screen glare when I used the phone in bright sunlight while spending time in my backyard.

» Related Reading: Smartphone Apps and Resources for People With Vision Loss

Senior-Friendly Interface

As great as the IRIS Easy Flip looks and feels on the outside, it packs even more power on the inside. It comes with KaiOS, an operating system designed specifically for phones with keypads. I was able to download apps, browse the internet, check email, and use live maps like I would with a smartphone. It’s perfect for seniors who want both a flip phone’s ease of use and some of the more advanced features of a smartphone.

» Learn About: Best Smartphones for Seniors

The IRIS Easy Flip’s 8 GB of storage also gives you a decent amount of space to store photos and videos. It has been a while since the KaiOS has seen an update, however, so my primary concern is the potential for security threats and deteriorating usability in the future. That could be fixed with an update, so it’s not something to worry about just yet!

Who Is IRIS Flip Best For?

• Seniors looking for a simple phone at an affordable price
• People on a budget who want unlimited talk and text
• Older adults who just want a basic flip phone without a medical alert system
• Older adults who want a simple flip phone, but with some of the basic features of a smartphone

What to Know Before Purchasing

For talk, text, and data, Consumer Cellular’s monthly rates per line decrease as you add more lines. If you want just one line, you’ll pay a slightly higher rate per line. We recommend adding one or two other people to your plan to get the most savings. Rates for one line with Consumer Cellular are still affordable compared to other major carriers, though, starting at $20 per month.

» Useful Resource: Best prepaid phone plans for seniors

One of our writers testing out the Jitterbug Flip2

Priced at $79.99, Lively’s Jitterbug Flip2 has everything I was looking for in an easy-to-use flip phone with urgent-response capabilities. And Lively is offering a 40 percent discount for both Jitterbug phones, so the Flip2 costs just $47.99 (and the Smart4 is $71.99). Considering that the Jitterbug Flip2 once cost $99.99, I appreciate these price reductions! The Flip2 features a long-lasting battery, a powerful speaker, big buttons, a large screen, and a magnifier with a flashlight. That means it’s excellent for older ears, eyes, and fingers.

The Jitterbug Flip2’s 12-hour battery life will come in handy if you have a hard time remembering to charge your devices. Just plug it in every night before bed, and you’ll be set for the next day. Older adults also enjoy voice control with the built-in Amazon Alexa assistant. I used it to text my friends and navigate the phone with just my voice. It was so easy to use and perfect for people with arthritis or mobility issues, like my grandma.

Photo of my potted flowers taken with the Jitterbug Flip2

I tested the phone’s 8 MP rear camera and 5 MP front camera. They won’t win any awards, but I was pleasantly surprised at the quality for a flip phone.

I also love that the Flip2 doubles as an easy-to-use medical alert system. Lively’s Preferred package ($34.99 per month) provides access to urgent response if you need help. To test the feature, I pressed the big red Urgent Response button to connect with an IAED-certified response agent. It’s important to know, however, that urgent-response features cost extra. They’re not included in the Basic plan, which includes unlimited talk and text along with assistance in arranging a Lyft ride.

» Useful Resource: Transportation for Seniors

Fast Facts

Senior-Friendly Design

The Jitterbug Flip2 features a classic flip-phone design that is slim and easy to hold. At just 4.7 ounces, it’s even lighter than Consumer Cellular’s IRIS Easy Flip. My grandma loved the light feel, since it made it much easier to hold up the phone when taking photos and recording videos. The internal screen is 3.2 inches, which is fairly large for a flip phone.

The Jitterbug Flip2 makes it easy to access help when you need it. The Urgent Response button is bright red and located at the bottom of the keypad, so you can’t miss it. My grandma and I tested the urgent-response features, and we were able to get on the phone with an agent in less than 30 seconds. The representative was kind and patient, and it gave me peace of mind knowing my grandma could rely on them in an emergency!

The Lively Flip keypad

Senior-Friendly Interface

The Jitterbug Flip2 is extremely simple to use. When I turned on the phone, I was presented with a list-style menu that gave me access to texts, contacts, photos, Amazon Alexa, and more. It was easy to navigate up and down using the arrows on the keypad, and my grandma knew how to use it without referencing the manual or asking any questions. The Flip2 really is for people of all ages, especially those who just want a low-tech phone to stay connected. That also means, however, that it lacks some features you may expect from a modern phone, such as internet access and mobile apps.

» You Might Like: Best Medical Alert Systems

We also tested the Lively Link app, which allowed me to keep track of my grandma while she was on a walk, running errands, or at home with her Jitterbug Flip2. It showed her location, sent messages through the app, and even received updates when we tested the urgent-response feature. It’s easy to connect using the free Lively Link app. We loved how easy it was for older adults and their family members to enjoy the health and safety features without spending a lot of time getting set up.

Testing out the Lively Link app's location tracking feature

Who Is Jitterbug Flip2 Best For?

• Seniors who don’t want a smartphone
• Older adults who need extra safety features
• Families who want the Lively Link app to keep track of their loved one
• People looking for a phone with voice control

What to Know Before Purchasing

Lively uses the Verizon network, so it’s best for people who have reliable Verizon service in their area. Make sure you explore all the Lively plans and pricing so you don’t pay for more (or less) than you need. The Jitterbug Flip2 offers three phone plans, and they all come with unlimited talk and text, plus additional health and safety features. Prices range from $14.99 to $44.99 per month. Take some time to consider how much you plan to use the phone and what you will use it for. If you’re not interested in health and safety features, you can opt for the Basic package for $19.99 per month and use your Lively phone to simply text, call, and use the standard features.

You can read our Jitterbug Flip2 review for a closer look at our experience.

Testing out Lively's Jitterbug Smart4

As with younger adults, smartphones are now more popular among seniors than regular, or so-called “dumb” cell phones.1 it’s all thanks to smartphones like the Jitterbug Smart4, aka the simplest smartphone ever. Its large 6.6-inch screen features a simple, list-based menu with a powerful speaker and long-lasting battery. My grandma and I could easily navigate among email, maps, camera, text messages, and more. A front-facing speaker and camera make video chatting simple. No more awkward video calls where you see your grandkids and they see your carpet.

» Also Check Out: Best senior unlimited cell phone plans

The Jitterbug Smart4 is excellent for older adults who want to dip their toes into smartphone tech for the first time without being overwhelmed by complicated features. With a powerful speaker and a built-in, voice-activated assistant, this smartphone provides both simple and advanced features.

» Dive Deeper: Jitterbug Smart4 Review

The Jitterbug Smart4 offers the same health and safety features as the Jitterbug Flip2, so it’s great for people who want to stay connected and protected with one sleek device. Check out our Lively phone review for the inside scoop on our experience with the carrier.

Fast Facts

Senior-Friendly Design

The Jitterbug Smart4 has a standard smartphone design, which also means it’s a bit larger than most flip phones. My grandma and I found that the 6.6-inch screen is large, bright, and easy to read. My grandma is an iPhone owner, and she felt like the screen size and readability were pretty comparable. The size also means, however, that it’s a bit heavier (6.7 ounces). The weight shouldn’t be an issue for most older adults, but my grandma definitely noticed a difference when holding up the phone for more than a few minutes at a time.

My grandma trying out the Jitterbug Smart4

It’s definitely not the heaviest smartphone on the market, though, and the slim design is both comfortable to store in your pocket or handbag and durable enough to withstand minor falls. Speaking of falls, although the Smart4 is strong enough to withstand wear and tear, it does not have fall detection. If you want something with fall detection, consider the Lively Mobile+ device or another medical alert system.

» Learn More: Best Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection

Senior-Friendly Interface

Even if you don’t feel entirely comfortable with a smartphone, the Jitterbug Smart4 is an easy-to-learn phone. My grandma and I are both accustomed to touch screens, so navigating Lively’s standard list-style menu felt even easier and more fluid to use than it does on the Jitterbug Flip2. Since you only have to scroll up and down and press the menu item you want, it’s very simple to pick up and start using in a matter of minutes.

Just like the Jitterbug Flip2, the Smart4 is compatible with Lively Link to make it easy for family members to stay in touch and track the health and safety of their loved ones. The smartphone also has the best camera quality on our list, with a triple rear camera system and front selfie camera. My iPhone takes higher-quality photos, but the Smart4’s quality was still decent.

Photo taken on the Jitterbug Smart4

One drawback to note: The Jitterbug Smart4 can be pretty laggy. There were many instances when I had to press a button several times before the phone responded. If you’re looking for something fast, I recommend considering a different smartphone.

Who Is Jitterbug Smart4 Best For?

• Seniors looking for an easy-to-use smartphone
• Seniors who want a hybrid phone and personal safety device
• Families who want the Lively Link app to keep an eye on their loved one
• Older adults who want internet access and voice-typing capabilities

What to Know Before Purchasing

Check Verizon coverage in your area before you choose the Jitterbug Smart4, since Lively uses Verizon’s network. Also make sure a touch screen smartphone is really what you want. Priced at $119.99 ($71.99 with the current promotion), the smartphone costs more than the Jitterbug Flip2 and could be a bit of a jump for older adults who have never used a touch screen device. If using your mobile phone exclusively for texting and calling is more your style, there’s no need to spend the extra money on a smartphone with features you won’t use. On the other hand, if you want a simple smartphone that’s more affordable than others on the market, it may be the right choice.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

Lively recently reduced costs for their phones and data plans. For example, the Jitterbug Smart4 used to cost $149.99. And the 1 GB data plan used to cost $5 per month, but it’s now offered for free with the Jitterbug Smart4. I appreciate these cost reductions as Lively strives to meet the needs of their customers.

TCL FLIP 4 5G

If you want some of the useful features of a smartphone without the frills of an actual smartphone, the TCL FLIP Go may be just what you’re looking for. Priced at $96, the pocket-size flip phone has some high-tech features, such as mobile hotspot and email capabilities. It’s also great for older adults who are new to mobile devices, thanks to its large buttons, simple menu, and intuitive design. The balance of simplicity and modern technology at a great price is why the TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile debuted as one of our top picks for seniors.

We can’t mention the company without acknowledging T-Mobile’s competitive pricing and 55-plus plans. That’s right, T-Mobile designed plans specifically with the budgets and lifestyles of older adults in mind! Choose a talk-and-text-only plan for just $20 a month (Keep in mind that price is for a limited time and you’ll have to pay a $35 activation fee). With plans starting at $45 a month for one line with Auto Pay and nationwide availability, I was impressed with the provider’s effort to serve seniors with extra perks and affordable plans. I enjoyed the perks — including free in-flight, international, and hotspot data—when testing the plans. Read our full review of T-Mobile’s 55-plus plans for more details.

Overview of Offerings

*Monthly price including discount for Auto Pay

Senior-Friendly Design

Like the IRIS Easy Flip, the TCL FLIP 4 5G is a small but durable flip phone that can handle the wear and tear of daily usage. It’s easy to open and close, and the large buttons are clearly marked. The 3.2-inch internal screen is bigger than the TCL Flip GO’s 2.8-inch internal screen, which makes it a little easier for my grandma to read texts without moving the phone a few inches from her face. The external screen is just 1.77 inches, but since it serves only to provide basic information and notifications, the size was not a major issue for either of us.

The biggest flaw in the design is the low-resolution camera. I was not impressed with the quality of photos, which came out fairly grainy. Compared to phones like the Jitterbug Smart4, its camera is nothing to write home about.

Senior-Friendly Interface

The TCL FLIP 4 5G is easy to use. It does, however, have a small learning curve, since you have to set up shortcut keys to bring up your most-used contacts with the push of a button. Otherwise, I thought the phone was a breeze to use and pretty fast and responsive for a budget-friendly flip phone. The downside is that it doesn’t have many extra features. I could send and receive texts, make calls, check my email, and use it as a hotspot for my computer or tablet, but that’s about it. The TCL FLIP 4 5G is designed for people who just want a simple flip phone that doesn’t tack on extras.

Who Is TCL FLIP Go Best For?

• Seniors who want a flip phone with some modern capabilities
• Older adults on a budget
• Couples who want the benefits of T-Mobile’s 55-plus plans
• Seniors with diminished eyesight
• People who mainly use their mobile phone for texting and calling

What to Know Before Purchasing

The TCL FLIP Go doesn’t have the best camera. You’ll be able to take photos of your sweet grandkids or furry friends, but they won’t be very high quality. For seniors who plan to use their mobile device primarily for texting and phone calls, the TCL FLIP Go will be sufficient.

To get the most bang for your buck with any T-Mobile phone, I recommend adding an extra line to your plan. T-Mobile gives a significant discount when you add a second line, and I love a good discount! On T-Mobile’s Essentials Choice 55 plan, one line is $50 per month ($45 with Auto Pay), and two lines are $70 per month ($35 per line, or $30 per line with Auto Pay). T-Mobile charges some extra taxes and fees, so factor that in when you’re considering monthly charges.

» For Couples: Best two-line cell phone plans for seniors