Best Flip Phones for Seniors

Our experts tested and researched 10 best flip phones for seniors and narrowed the list to their Top 5 recommendations.

Cell phone icon

SeniorLiving.org is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews. Read our Editorial Guidelines here to learn more about our review process and to learn more about how we are compensated.

TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile
  • Affordable flip phone
  • Loud speaker with built-in noise cancellation
  • M4/T4 hearing aid rating
Verve Snap from Consumer Cellular
  • Prices start at just $69
  • External display for hands-free notifications
  • Large keypad for easy typing
Call for best price: Call to Order: (855) 643-4847
Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively
  • Optional health and safety add-ons
  • Compatible with Amazon Alexa
  • User-friendly interface and design
Call for best price: Call to Order: 844-618-9676
Scroll right for more options

Flip phones provide an excellent way for older adults to stay connected and entertained without breaking the bank. With simple displays, large buttons, and easy-to-grip designs, they’re a great choice for those who don’t want complicated features or extra bells and whistles. Our team of experts evaluated the industry’s leading smartphones to come up with a list of the best flip phones for seniors. Read on to learn more about our top picks!

What Criteria Did We Use to Pick the Best Flip Phones?

One of our writers testing out the Jitterbug Flip2

One of our writers testing out the Jitterbug Flip2

In America, 91 percent of older adults age 65+ own cell phones.1 That’s a lot of seniors! If you’re in the market for a new phone, we’re here to help. We know how challenging finding the right cell phone for seniors can be. Looking for information on multiple websites, reading through customer reviews, and deciding whether you can trust the information that you find takes time.

That’s why we did the hard work for you. After over a hundred hours of research and hands-on testing, we put together a list of our favorite flip phones for seniors. We know everyone is looking for different phone features, so each of our picks brings a little something different to the table. But each one had to meet three critical metrics to qualify for consideration:

  • Senior-Friendly: Every phone on our list has features that make seniors’ lives easier and safer. The features aren’t the same for each phone, but some that you’ll find are loud, adjustable speakers, hearing aid compatibility, Bluetooth compatibility, large keypads, bright screens, easy-to-grip design, medical alert capabilities, and simple functionality.
  • Good Value: We prioritized phones that offer the best value, so we’d have an option for every senior regardless of their income. You’ll find affordable phones with essential features and more expensive phones with higher-tech features that justify the price tag.
  • No Long-Term Contracts: Contracts aren’t consumer-friendly or senior-friendly. Especially if this is your first time with a cell phone, and you’re not sure if it’s for you yet. With our top picks, you aren’t locked into a contract. You can choose month-to-month options and stop service at any time.

The Best Senior Flip Phones Compared

Flip phone TCL FLIP Go Consumer Cellular Verve Snap Jitterbug Flip2 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G Snapfon ezFlip 4G
Cost $96 $69 $99.99 $999.99 $99.95
Financing available Yes Yes No Yes No
Carrier T-Mobile Consumer Cellular Lively AT&T Snapfon
Contracts No Yes No No Yes
Camera quality 2MP 5MP Rear: 8MP
Front: 5MP
Rear: 12MP

Front: 10MP

Rear: 5MP

Front: 2MP

Internet access Yes No No Yes Yes
Battery Life 14 hours talk time 14 hours talk time 12 hours talk time 32 hours talk time 5.5 hours talk time
Hear aid compatibility M4/T4 M3/T3 M4/T4 M3/T3 T3/M3
Bluetooth Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Special features
  • Large keys
  • Shortcut buttons to make use even easier
  • Simplified menu and interface
  • 4G LTE
  • Available in red or black
  • Large 12-key keypad
  • FM radio
  • Lightweight design; 4.67 ounces
  • Amazon Alexa
  • Large buttons
  • Urgent Response button
  • Optional Health & Safety packages
  • Noise suppression by Goodix
  • Water-resistant
  • AT&T 5G
  • SOS button with optional siren
  • Fall detection capabilities
  • Low battery warning system
  • Speaking keypad
  • Large Buttons
  • 1. TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile

    The TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile made our list of best flip phones for seniors because it checked all of our boxes. With a simple design, easy navigation, and an affordable price, the phone is perfect for older adults. It features a powerful speaker and noise cancelation so you can hear clearly. TCL FLIP Go also has shortcut keys, so you can easily reach your favorite contacts or messages. Plus, the phone has Bluetooth compatibility and an M4/T4 rating, which is as good as it gets for hearing aid compatible phones.

    TCL FLIP Go

    TCL FLIP Go

    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Affordable flip phone
    • Internal and external display
    • Large keypad
    • User-friendly interface
    • M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility
    • Bluetooth compatibility
    • Mobile hotspot
    • 14 hours of talk time
    • Noise cancellation
    Cons
    • Low-end 2MP camera
    • Limited features
    • Not as advanced as other models

    What to Know Before You Buy

    If you want quality vacation photos or print-worthy pics of your furbabies, then the FLIP Go probably isn’t right for you. It only offers a 2MP camera. However, if you’re more concerned about how much your new phone will cost, you’ll love this flip phone. It’s just $96 outright or $4 per month for 24 months when you finance it through T-Mobile.

    Speaking of T-Mobile, did you know they have 55+ unlimited phone plans? Two lines start at just $27.50 per line, with no contract required. T-Mobile’s reasonable pricing earned high marks from our research team.

    Plus, all plans include five layers of scam-blocking protection to keep pesky robocalls, scammers, and telemarketers at bay. That’s a must-have, seeing as seniors lose more money to phone scams than any other age

    If you’re looking for a provider that offers plan perks and discounts, visit our latest T-Mobile review for more details.

  • 2. Consumer Cellular Verve Snap

    Consumer Cellular’s phone and plan pricing are outstanding. The Verve Snap flip phone costs only $69, making it one of the most affordable flip phones for seniors looking for a simplistic device. Ready to save some even more? Check out our guide to AARP memberships to learn how you can enjoy a five percent discount on service.

    Verve Snap

    Verve Snap

    Don’t let the low cost fool you into thinking the Consumer Cellular Verve Snap is a low-quality phone. It’s a great value option that delivers essential senior-friendly features. We love its large keypad, which makes navigating the phone and texting simple. Plus, its two screens are extra bright, which is a welcome feature for those with low vision. Most types of hearing aids work with the Verve Snap flip phone, too. It’s Bluetooth compatible and has an M3/T3 rating. It also has one-touch speed dialing, which makes it convenient for seniors who want to easily reach a loved one.

    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Bluetooth compatible
    • Large keypad
    • Simple functionality
    • Internal and external display
    • Discount for AARP members
    • One-touch speed dialing
    Cons
    • Consumer Cellular service required
    • Low-end 5MP camera
    • No 5G connection

    What to Know Before You Buy

    All Consumer Cellular devices, including the Verve Snap, only work with the Consumer Cellular network. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though! After a while, you can move to a new provider if you want, but you have to start with Consumer Cellular.

    Plans start at $20 per month for unlimited talk and text with 1 GB of data, and prices range up to  $50 per month for an unlimited plan. The Verve Snap doesn’t use data, but you still have to buy a plan with data if you want to text, which is important to note before you sign up.

    Our hands-on review of Consumer Cellular walks you through how to select the best senior-friendly cell phone plan.

  • 3. Jitterbug Flip2 From Lively

    Jitterbug Flip2 costs $99.99, but they often run promotions throughout the year that bring the price down even more. You also gain access to valuable health and safety features with Lively’s  phone plans. Features like Urgent Response transform that flip phone into a personal safety device. Simply press the red Urgent Response button to connect with a Lively Urgent Response team member. They’ll be able to help you through any emergency. Talk about a way to stay safe and save money!

    Lively Flip

    Lively Flip

    Phone plans range from $19.99 to $49.99 per month. For seniors struggling with any health problems, we recommend the Premium plan. You get 24/7 access to a live nurse or board-certified doctor, and you can even order common prescriptions over the phone. Check out our full review of Lively for more info.

    Even without the extra safety features, the Jitterbug Flip2 still has plenty to offer. It’s simple, practical, and compatible with hearing aids. Plus, sending texts to the grandkids has never been easier! Voice text using the built-in Amazon Alexa or take advantage of the phone’s large keypad and screen to text manually. It’s up to you.

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Doubles as a personal safety device
    • Built-in Amazon Alexa
    • Large buttons and screen
    • Simple to operate
    • M4/T4 Rating
    • Magnifier with flashlight
    • Free shipping
    Cons
    • Speaker quality could improve
    • Monthly costs can add up
    • Activation fees

    What to Know Before You Buy

    The Jitterbug Flip2 relies on Lively’s phone plans. Luckily, it’s an affordable phone service you can count on. We know; we tried it out, naming it on our list of the best no contract and prepaid phone plans for older adults. Just know that it relies on Verizon cell towers, so make sure you have good Verizon coverage in your area.

    All of Lively’s phone plans include unlimited talk and text, and you can choose to upgrade to a higher plan for robust health and safety features. With that in mind, make sure you explore all of the Lively plans and pricing.

    Quick Tip:

    Quick Tip: Our in-depth cell phone buyer’s guide includes side-by-side comparison of the top senior-friendly cell phones.

  • 4. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G From AT&T

    The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G from AT&T has a compact flip phone design that’s water-resistant and durable. If you’re looking for an advanced flip phone with smartphone capabilities, we recommend this user-friendly phone with a high-resolution, foldable screen.

    Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4

    Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4

    This durable phone has an IPX8 rating, which means it is water-resistant, and it can be submerged in up to five feet of water. On the flip side (no pun intended), it’s not dust-resistant. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G has impressive built-in sensors such as an accelerometer and barometer to check your health. Equipped with flex mode, it’s compatible with most hearing aids (M3/T3), and has a talk time of up to 26 hours.

    Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G is durable and flexible, thanks to its convenient, user-friendly flip design. This can be especially helpful for seniors with dexterity issues.

    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Five-star device eco-rating
    • Weather-resistant
    • M3/T3 hearing aid compatibility
    • 5G connection
    • Voice dialing and voice commands
    • Up to 32 hours of talk time
    Cons
    • Not dust-resistant
    • Not as affordable as other flip phones
    • Larger than most flip phones

    What to Know Before You Buy

    The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G costs $999.99, which is fairly expensive compared to other flip phones on our list. Of course, it is durable and water-resistant, so you won’t need to replace it anytime soon. This is a great choice for older adults who want a flip phone with all the advanced features. These include things like on-screen notifications, a compact design, and high-resolution images and videos to stay connected with loved ones.

    Wondering how AT&T stands up against the competition? Our AT&T senior plan review has you covered with the details!

  • 5. Snapfon ezFlip 4G

    We know what it’s like to be concerned about a loved one’s safety. That’s why we’re big fans of the Snapfon ezFlip 4G. Not only is it easy for older adults to use, but it has some of the best medical alert capabilities we’ve seen on a cell phone. An accessible SOS button calls and texts an emergency message. If you want, it can set off a siren too, which is an excellent feature if you live near neighbors who could help during an emergency.

    Snapfon ezFlip

    Snapfon ezFlip

    The Snapfon ezFlip 4G also does its part to protect older adults after a fall, which one in four Americans age 65+ experience each year.4 It has built-in fall detection capabilities, so you’ll want to keep it on you at all times. Of course, you will need to give it a break to charge. And thanks to a low battery warning system, you’ll know right when a charge is needed—a great feature if your memory’s not as sharp as it used to be.

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Average Above Average Average
    Please scroll to the right for more info.

    What to Know Before You Buy

    You’ll need a Snapfon mobile plan to go with your ezFlip 4G. Monthly costs start at $15 for unlimited calls and texts. Add in a gig of data to surf the web, check Facebook, and send emails for only $5 more.

    You’ll also need to decide if you want Snapfon’s sosPlus mobile monitoring service. It connects you to a 24/7 response agent who can contact your emergency contacts or other assistance. It’s only $10 per month, and we’d recommend it, especially for seniors who live alone.

    Check out our best cell phones for seniors list and find out why Snapfon is one of our top picks!

Is a Flip Phone or Smartphone Right for Me?

If you’re looking for a cell phone, you’re probably trying to decide what type of phone you want. Do you join the 61 percent of seniors with smartphones or the 29 percent of seniors with more traditional cell phones?5 Let us help you decide!

Overview of Smartphones

First, let’s talk about what a smartphone is. Your kids and grandkids likely have them. They’re mobile touchscreen devices that easily access the internet. You can download movies, social media apps like Facebook, and games. Since their screens are larger, it’s easier to do tasks like surfing the web, sending emails, and following GPS directions. Plus, smartphones take excellent pictures and let you video chat with your loved ones.

Quick Tip:

Quick Tip: Feel like a smartphone is more your style? Visit our list of the best smartphones for older adults.

If you prefer smartphones for their advanced features, check out our list of the best smartphones for older adults. However, since smartphones have lots of bells and whistles, they can feel overwhelming. Especially if you’re new to cell phones. Now, there are great smartphones for seniors, but they’re still more complicated than a simple flip phone.

How a Flip Phone Can Meet Your Needs

In a lot of ways, flip phones are the opposite of smartphones. They don’t typically have a touch screen. Instead, you get easy-to-use tactile buttons. Many older adults prefer this over the swiping and clicking of a touchscreen smartphone.

Flip phones also keep things simple. You get a few essential features, so you only need to master a few things. You won’t have to worry about downloading and switching between phone apps. Plus, flip phones are usually smaller in size. They’ll fit in your purse or pocket more comfortably. In other words, you might be more likely to keep it on you.

Our Recommendations for Flip Phones

If you’re not sure whether a flip phone or smartphone is right for you, below is our list of the types of older adults we recommend flip phones for. Flip phones are best for those who:

  • Want a simple, bare-bones device
  • Prefer tactile buttons over a touchscreen
  • Are buying their first cell phone
  • Don’t feel comfortable with the internet or new technology

Buyer’s Guide for Choosing a Flip Phone

Here are some questions to ask yourself and some features to consider as you decide what flip phone to purchase.

Battery Life

If remembering to charge your phone is a challenge, look for phones with long battery life. You won’t need to charge it as often. Some flip phones give you up to 21 hours of talk time, so you’ll make it through a whole lot of phone calls before it’s time to charge.

Do I Need Data?

Not all flip phones let you use data. If you think you want data, make sure you pick one that does. You can find flip phones that let you browse Facebook, send emails, use GPS, surf the web, download simple games, and more.

What’s My Budget?

You can find a flip phone at any price point. On our list above, prices range from $69 to $999.99. When deciding on a phone, don’t forget to also factor in the cost of service. Even the cheapest cell phones for seniors can bust your budget if the service plan is expensive.

What Features Do I Want?

Everyone’s looking for different features in a phone. Think about what you want and need. Do you need a bright screen because of low vision? Do you wear hearing aids? If so, make sure the phone is compatible. What about medical alert capabilities? Some flip phones offer built-in fall detection, alerts, and assistance buttons.

Other features you might want include large tactile buttons, SOS buttons, speed dial, a low-battery warning system, a high-quality camera, internet access, GPS, mobile hotspot, or durability.

Medical Alert Capabilities

Some flip phones double as personal safety devices. Others are just cell phones. If you’re interested in medical alert capabilities, Lively and Snapfon should be at the top of your list. Both providers sell devices with built-in medical alert functions and separate monthly services that help you during emergencies.

Seniors who live alone, are at high fall risk, or have chronic medical conditions should really consider a phone with medical alert features. It’s often cheaper than purchasing a separate medical alert device.

FYI:

FYI: Still not sure which cell phone is the right choice for your needs? Here are five tips for choosing the best senior-friendly cell phone for you.

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

Citations
  1. Pew Research Center. (2020). Mobile Fact Sheet.

  2. Federal Trade Commision. (2019). Protecting Older Consumers.

  3. National Council on Aging. (2020). Falls Prevention Facts.

  4. AT&T. (2020). Coverage Map.

  5. Pew Research Center. (2020). Mobile Fact Sheet.