Easiest Cell Phones for Seniors To Use
Our team researched and tested the simplest cell phones on the market to find our top five picks for the easiest to use cell phones for seniors
| The 3 Best Brands |  |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Accolades | Easiest to use cell phone overall | Easiest to use smartphone | Easiest to use flip phone |
| Device Cost | $99 | $149.99 | $50 |
| How to Order |
Call for best price:
844-618-9676 |
Call for best price:
844-618-9676 |
Cell phones keep seniors connected and safe, but only if they know how to use them. If you’re looking to join the 91 percent of seniors age 65+ who own cell phones1 or just want an upgrade, let us help! We’ve compiled a list of the easiest to use cell phones for seniors.
How We Chose the Easiest to Use Phones for Seniors
After hours of research and testing, our team created a list of the top five easiest to use cell phones for seniors. We evaluated each phone’s usability, size, quality, plan options, and other senior-friendly features to create our ranked results. Our final list includes several different phone styles, but all five are simple for seniors to use.
Some of the most important metrics we considered were:
- Senior-Friendly Features: Every phone on our list is designed to meet the needs of seniors. They have larger buttons and icons, larger and brighter screens, adjustable speakers, optional safety features, and easy-to-grip designs.
- Usability: We only included phones with simple interfaces that are easy to navigate. In our book, the more straightforward a phone is, the better!
- No Long-Term Contracts: All of the phones listed give month-to-month options for flexibility. Seniors who become more comfortable with technology can switch to a more advanced phone without costly cancellation fees. Talk about no strings attached.
Top Five Easiest Cell Phones for Seniors To Use
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1. GreatCall Lively Flip
Why It Made the Cut
GreatCall’s Lively Flip phone had everything we were looking for in an easy-to-use flip phone. It features a long-lasting battery, a powerful speaker, big buttons, a large screen, and a magnifier with a flashlight for starters. That means it’s excellent for older ears, eyes, and fingers. Plus, if you have a hard time remembering to charge your devices, the battery life will come in handy; just plug in your Lively Flip every night before bed, and you’ll be set. Seniors also enjoy voice control with the built-in Amazon Alexa assistant. Sending long texts to the family will be a cinch using just the sound of your voice!
Plus, we love that this flip phone doubles as an easy-to-use personal safety device. The basic Health and Safety package ($19.99 per month) gives seniors access to Urgent Response if you need help during an emergency. Just press the big red UrgentResponse button to connect with an IAED-Certified Response Agent.
Lively Flip
Lively Flip Features We Love:
- Built-in Amazon Alexa for voice control
- Bright screen
- Large buttons
- Powerful speaker
- Built-in medical alert features
- Dial 0 to call a Lyft ride
- Keep your existing phone number
Overview of Offerings
Camera Quality 8 MP Device Cost $99 Monthly Rates Starting At $14.99 (talk); $3.00 (text) Health & Safety Packages $19.99 to $34.99 per month Cellular Network Verizon Hearing Aid Compatibility M4/T4 Rating Contracts No long-term contracts 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
Cons
- No Internet connectivity
- Extra fee for Health and Safety packages
Who Is GreatCall Lively Flip Best for?
- Seniors who don’t want a smartphone
- Older adults who need extra safety features
- Families who want the GreatCall Link app to keep track of their loved one
- Seniors who want to keep the same phone number
- Those looking for voice control
What to Know Before Purchasing
GreatCall uses the Verizon network, so don’t go with this option if you don’t have reliable Verizon service at home. Also, make sure you don’t pay for more than you need. GreatCall’s Lively Flip offers several packages with the most expensive—Unlimited Talk & Text + Ultimate Health & Safety—costing $54.99 per month. However, there are plenty of more affordable plans to choose from, so take some time to consider how much you plan to use the phone.
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2. GreatCall Jitterbug Smart2
Why It Made the Cut
Did you know that smartphones are now more popular among seniors than regular cell phones?1 It’s all thanks to smartphones like the Jitterbug Smart2, aka “the simplest smartphone ever.” Its large 5.5-inch screen features a simple, list-based menu. Seniors can easily navigate between email, maps and directions, camera, text messages, and more. A front-facing speaker and camera make video chatting simple too. No more awkward video calls where you see your grandkids, but they only see your carpet. The Jitterbug Smart2 is excellent for seniors who want to dip their toes in smartphone tech for the first time without being overwhelmed by complicated features.
GreatCall’s Jitterbug Smart2 offers the same Health and Safety packages as the Lively Flip, so it’s great for seniors who want to stay connected and protected with one sleek device.
Jitterbug Smart 2
Jitterbug Smart2 Features We Love:
- Internet access
- GPS navigation
- Simple, list-based menu
- Large 5.5” screen
- Powerful, front-facing speaker
- Video chat capabilities
- Built-in medical alert features
- Keep your existing phone number
Overview of Offerings
Camera Quality 13 MP with flash Device Cost $149.99 Monthly Rates Starting At $14.99 (talk); $3.00 (text); $2.49 (data) Health & Safety Packages $19.99 to $34.99 per month Cellular Network Verizon Hearing Aid Compatibility M4/T4 Rating Contracts No long-term contracts Pros
- Large 5.5” screen
- Voice typing
- Video chat capabilities
- 13 MP camera for clearer photos
- 5Start Urgent Response
- Internet access
- Simple list-style menu
Cons
- Urgent Response and safety packages cost extra
- $35 additional activation fee
Who Is Jitterbug Smart2 Best for?
- Seniors looking for an easy-to-use smartphone
- Older adults who drive and need mobile directions
- Seniors who want a hybrid phone and personal safety device
- Families who want the GreatCall Link app to keep an eye on their loved one
- Seniors who want video call functionality
What to Know Before Purchasing
Before you choose the JitterbugSmart2, check Verizon coverage in your area. Also, make sure a touchscreen smartphone is really what you want. The smartphone costs more than GreatCall’s Lively Flip and could be a big jump for seniors who’ve never used a touch screen device before. If you aren’t sure about making the touchscreen plunge, the next phone on our list offers Internet access and typical phone buttons for a flip phone and smartphone hybrid design.
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3. Doro 7050 from Consumer Cellular
Why It Made the Cut
Consumer Cellular truly had seniors and usability in mind when designing the Doro 7050 flip phone. This phone pairs a white background with well-spaced black control keys with white font. Talk about easy to see! Another perk is this phone’s long-lasting battery. Long battery life is key in our book, especially if you have a hard time remembering to charge your phone like we do! A single charge lasts for 16 days on standby or 14.5 hours of talk time. Seniors who have hearing aids will be pleased to know the Doro 7050 is compatible with most hearing aids and Bluetooth. For seniors that still drive, you can quickly answer the phone through your hearing aids hands-free.
Doro 7050
Doro 7050 Features We Love:
- Assistance button dials emergency contact
- High-contrast keys
- Well-lit 2.8” main display screen
- Add up to 65.0 GB of storage with a MicroSD card
- Bluetooth and hearing aid compatible
- Battery lasts for 14.5 hours of talk time
Overview of Offerings
Camera Quality 3MP with built-in flash Device Cost Factory New: $50; RFG Certified Return: $30 Monthly Rates Starting At* $15 (talk only); $20 for talk, text, and data Built-In Health & Safety Features Assistance button Cellular Network Consumer Cellular Hearing Aid Compatibility M4/T4 Rating Contracts No long-term contracts *Rates listed are for one line. Rates decrease as you add more lines to your plan.
Pros
- Emergency response button
- 4G coverage
- HD voice calling
- Bold fonts
- Large keypad
Cons
- Cannot sync contacts or calendar
- Camera quality is lacking
- No front facing camera
Who Is Doro 7050 Best for?
- Seniors with low vision who would benefit from high-contrast keys
- Those on a budget who want unlimited text and talk with some data
- Older adults who just want a basic phone without medical alert capabilities
- Seniors who currently wear hearing aids or expect to need hearing aids
What to Know Before Purchasing
For talk, text, and data, monthly rates per line decrease as you add more lines. If you want to have just one line on your plan, you’ll pay slightly higher rates per line. We’d recommend adding one or two other people to your plan for the most savings. However, rates for one line are still affordable when compared to other major carriers.
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4. Snapfon ez4G
Why It Made the Cut
The Snapfon ez4G offers a simple yet functional design with large keys and streamlined menus. Using just the buttons (without any extra navigating), you can access a calculator, take pictures, send texts, turn on the flashlight, and make calls.
Snapfon ez4G comes with straightforward safety features too. Seniors who purchase the sosPlus plan can call for help by pressing the phone’s red SOS button. This puts you in touch with a trained agent who will assist you, connect you with emergency services, and notify your family and friends that there’s an emergency. The phone even comes with built-in fall detection capabilities, which is pretty rare for a cell phone. It’s a great choice for those who want a simple phone with powerful medical alert features.
Snapfon ez4G
Snapfon ez4G Features We Love:
- Bluetooth and hearing aid compatible
- SOS Button with fall detection and siren
- Large, easy-to-use buttons
- Includes Facebook, email, weather, and radio apps
- Low battery warning system
- Standard headphone jack
- 4GB storage space plus a MicroSD slot
Overview of Offerings
Camera Quality Main camera: 5MP; Front camera: 2MP Device Cost $119.99 Monthly Rates Starting At* $10.00 (talk); $1.00 (text); $2.00 (data); $30.00 (unlimited talk and text) Built-In Health & Safety Features sosPlus ($19.99 per month): mobile monitoring service and fall detection Cellular Network SnapMobile Hearing Aid Compatibility T3/M3 rating Contracts No long-term contracts 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
Who is Snapfon ez4G Best For?
- Seniors looking for a compact, easy-to-use cell phone
- Seniors on a tight budget
- Those who wear hearing aids
- Older adults who want mobile apps
- Users who want more advanced health and safety features
What to Know Before Purchasing
The Snapfon ez4G gives seniors extra features like GPS and mobile apps while still keeping things simple. Don’t expect to take any award-winning photographs with its 5MP camera. You also can’t video chat your loved ones with this device. However, that shouldn’t matter if you’re just looking for something with a few advanced features that’s still easy to use.
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5. Consumer Cellular Grandpad
Why it Made the Cut
The only tablet to make our list, the GrandPad from Consumer Cellular, merges modern technology with senior-friendly features, like a large screen, large icons, and apps that keep families connected, along with a camera, photos, video calls, and email. The GrandPad comes with a stylus, a smart case, and a charging cradle too. The GrandPad is a great option for seniors who spend a fair amount of time at home and get frustrated with small phone keys and screens.
What makes the GrandPad stand out from other tablets is the GrandPad Central app, designed specifically for seniors and their families. One member acts as an administrator, controlling who can connect with the GrandPad. Invited family members and friends can also download the app to upload photos to the GrandPad, send messages, and video chat. This makes things a whole lot easier for your parents or grandparents and safer for you. Plus, the GrandPad is easy to grip for older hands, and the large screen is perfect for those with vision loss.
Consumer Cellular GrandPad
GrandPad Features We Love:
- Charging cradle that doubles as a stand
- Smart case turns off the screen when not in use
- 1920 x 1200 full HD display
- Control with voice or with touchscreen
- Powerful dual speakers
- Popular games, web search, news, and more
- Relies on 4G LTE; no WiFi needed
- Mixed-use battery life of 1-3 days
Overview of Offerings
Camera Quality Rear: 5.0MP; front: 5.0MP Device Cost $250 Monthly Rates Starting At* $40 per month Built-In Health & Safety Features Secure network for online safety Cellular Network Consumer Cellular Contracts No long-term contracts Who Is GrandPad Best for?
- Seniors who want a senior-friendly tablet
- Those who want to video chat with friends and family
- Older adults who spend a lot of time at home
- Families concerned about Internet safety for seniors
What to Know Before Purchasing
The GrandPad isn’t a cell phone; it’s a tablet. Your loved one won’t be able to call phone numbers that aren’t in their approved contact list or send SMS texts. With GrandPad, you just get unlimited data use, ad-free music streaming, video calling, secure Internet browsing, and mobile access with the smartphone app. If the senior in your life just wants to communicate with close friends and family, this won’t be an issue, but it’s still important to note.
Senior-Friendly Features to Look for in a Cell Phone
Shopping for a cell phone can feel overwhelming, especially with all of the different options and features on the market. But not to worry! We’ve compiled all of our favorite senior-friendly cell phone features so that you can narrow down your options. While evaluating different cell phones, consider the following:
- Hearing Aid Compatibility: If you have hearing aids, look for a phone that’s hearing aid compatible with a high rating. This will make it much easier to make calls and stream music and other entertainment directly to your hearing aids.
- Simple Navigation: The simpler the navigation menu, the better. If the phone is easy to navigate, your loved one will be more likely to use it. We love phones with list-style menus, large and clear icons, and intuitive layouts.
- Large Screen & Font: Larger screens and font options are easier on seniors’ aging eyes.
Large Buttons: As you age, dexterity declines, so look for phones with large buttons or large touchscreen icons that are easy to press. - Powerful Speaker: A loud, adjustable speaker is a must, especially if you’ve already been diagnosed with hearing loss.
- Easy-to-Grip Design: For those with arthritis or other dexterity issues, it’s essential that the phone is easy to grip and won’t be easily dropped, which could damage the device. Plus, if you drop your phone, you’ll need to bend down to pick it up. This can put you at risk of falling. Prioritize phones with an easy-to-grip design or add a grippy case.
FAQs About Cell Phones for Seniors
- Why should seniors have a cell phone?
Seniors need cell phones for medical emergencies, staying connected with friends and family, and staying safe in and outside of the home.
- What are the different types of cell phones for seniors?
Companies make flip phones, smartphones, bar or brick phones, and tablets for seniors. Seniors can also choose between a phone-only mobile device or one that doubles as a personal safety device.
- Are big button phones good for seniors?
Yes, phones with big buttons make it easier for seniors to navigate their phone. This is especially true if the senior has limited dexterity.
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 research on media consumption and consumer behavior has been… Learn More About Taylor Shuman
Pew Research Center. (2020). Mobile Fact Sheet.