Jitterbug vs. Consumer Cellular
Lively offers Jitterbug phones with medical alert features, while Consumer Cellular has affordable phone plans designed for seniors.
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Two of the top cell phone providers for seniors, Lively and Consumer Cellular, go above and beyond to provide accessible and affordable devices for older adults.
Lively, known for their senior-friendly phones, is ideal for older adults who want a cell phone that doubles as a medical alert device. Consumer Cellular, popular for their bring-your-own-phone policy, is great for the 61 percent of seniors who already own a smartphone.1 If you’re debating between the two providers, keep reading. We’ve researched phone details and analyzed plan offerings to bring you a thorough comparison. Let’s check it out!
A Side-by-Side Look at Lively vs. Consumer Cellular
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| Plan prices | Starting at $19.99 per month | Starting at $20 per month |
| Unlimited plan price | $49.99 per month | $50 per month |
| Activation fee | $35 | None |
| Medical alert features | Yes | No |
| Long-term contract | No | No |
| Bring your own phone | No | Yes |
| Multiline discount | No | Yes |
| Easy access to on-demand rides through Lyft | Yes | Yes |
| Website |
Cost Comparison: Phone Plans and Prices
Lively
Lively offers three phone plans, all of which come with unlimited talk and text, along with health and safety features. The more expensive the package, the more features you’ll have access to. Those who choose the Jitterbug Smart5 also need to add a data package, which has its own monthly fee.
| Monthly talk, text, and data options | Jitterbug Flip2 | Jitterbug Smart4 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $19.99 per month | $19.99 per month |
| Preferred | $39.99 per month | $39.99 per month |
| Premium | $49.99 per month | $49.99 per month |
| 1 GB data | N/A | + $5 per month |
| 5 GB data | N/A | + $10 per month |
| Unlimited data | N/A | + $30 per month |
*Price includes a $5 monthly Paperless Billing discount but excludes taxes and fees.
Consumer Cellular
Like Lively, Consumer Cellular lets you pay only for the data you want. We think this is great, especially for older adults who are new to smartphones.
| Unlimited talk and text + data plans | Prices starting at |
|---|---|
| 1 GB of data | $20 |
| 5 GB of data | $25 |
| 10 GB of data | $35 |
| Unlimited Data | $50 |
*Price includes a $5 AutoPay and paperless billing discount.
Which Offers the Better Value?
There isn’t a clear winner here. It all depends on the type of plan you want and how many lines you’re purchasing. For example, with Lively, you can enjoy unlimited talk, text, and data for $49.99 per month, compared to $50 per month with Consumer Cellular. On the other hand, if you’re interested in unlimited talk and text, plus 5 GB of data, Consumer Cellular’s plan costs $25, while Lively’s comparable plan costs $29.99 per month.
Where Consumer Cellular really shines is its multiline discounts. Additional lines only cost an extra $15 per month, regardless of the plan you choose. Lively doesn’t offer multiline discounts.
Still not sure? Let’s break it down this way. If you want a senior-designated cell phone with health and wellness features, Lively is the better bet. But if you are looking for a cost-effective basic phone plan with multiple lines for family, then Consumer Cellular will be a great match.
Money-saving tip: Consumer Cellular offers a 5 percent discount on plans for AARP members. Plus, you can join at checkout if you are not a member yet.
Lively offers phones designed for seniors that provide health and safety features you won’t find from other carriers.
Lively vs. Consumer Cellular Phones
Lively
While Lively does not let you bring your own phone like Consumer Cellular, it keeps it simple with just two phone offerings. For those who want a smartphone, there’s the $149.99 Jitterbug Smart4. Features include voice typing, video chatting to stay in touch with the grandkids, and an easy-to-navigate menu. There’s also the Jitterbug Flip2, a flip phone for $99.99.
Testing out Lively's Jitterbug Smart4
Expert Inisghts: Lively runs seasonal discounts on their phones, so be on the lookout when you shop! I’ve seen discounts up to 50 percent throughout the year.
Like the Jitterbug Smart4, the Jitterbug Flip2 has hearing aid compatibility, a powerful speaker, easy-to-navigate menus, and voice control with Amazon Alexa. We used Alexa to send texts, open various apps, and set reminders.
Lively’s products are user-friendly. We found the Jitterbug Smart4’s list-based menu was easier to use compared to other smartphones on the market, like the iPhone, since you can just scroll up and down to use it. Plus, there’s one central menu where you can find everything you need.
Check out our video below to learn more about Lively’s senior-friendly Jitterbug phones.
Consumer Cellular
Already have a phone? Consumer Cellular has you covered. This company lets you bring your own phone or choose from several Android and Apple devices. But remember to call the carrier to sign up if you want to BYOP. When I tried to add a phone plan online, it wouldn’t let me proceed to checkout without adding a brand new device, unlike T-Mobile and AT&T. Consumer Cellular also lets you finance the phone through monthly payments that get added to your monthly cell phone bill.
We’ve tested devices from Consumer Cellular such as the IRIS Easy Flip, a simple flip phone. The IRIS Easy Flip had a long-lasting battery life, excellent call quality, and an easy-to-navigate design. In most locations, we had solid 4G service, though the carrier does offer 5G coverage in some areas. We also found Consumer Cellular’s customer service representatives were helpful and kind.
Testing out Consumer Cellular's IRIS Easy Flip
Consumer Cellular also offers a tablet designed to keep aging adults in touch with their loved ones. We could make video calls, take photos, play games, read articles, browse the web securely, and more. We made a Zoom call on the GrandPad tablet and it had excellent call quality.
Unboxing Consumer Cellular's GrandPad
Check out our 2024 review of Consumer Cellular to learn more about this company’s phone offerings.
FYI: Want to see more options before committing to a cell phone plan? Check out the best senior cell phone plans to get a full list of our top mobile service carriers!
Nationwide Coverage
Lively
Lively is powered by Verizon’s 4G LTE network, one of the largest and most reliable networks in the country.2 If you’re unsure about coverage in your area, ask a neighbor or friend about their cell provider, or use Lively’s coverage map.
Accessing the internet on the Smart4 is easy, but we found that web pages loaded slower than on other smartphones we've tested. Seniors who want the latest features, a 5G connection, and a smoother navigation experience may want to look at other smartphones on the market.
Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular uses AT&T and T-Mobile cell towers to deliver nationwide coverage. Unlike Lively, Consumer Cellular provides 5G speeds in most urban areas. For users in rural areas, or those with non-5G phones, Consumer Cellular provides 4G speeds.
When we tested Consumer Cellular in our location, we had solid 4G LTE coverage and reliable speeds. Our experience was smooth when sending texts, making calls, and browsing websites.
Medical Alert Features
Lively
Thanks to Lively’s health and safety features, you can turn your phone into a medical alert device.
| Plan | Basic | Preferred | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $24.99 per month | $39.99 per month | $49.99 per month |
| Urgent Response | No | Yes | Yes |
| Ask Lively | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lively Rides | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lively Link | No | Yes | Yes |
| Nurse On-Call | No | No | Yes |
| Care Advocate | No | No | Yes |
Here’s what each service involves:
- Urgent Response: Press the big red button on your phone to get help in emergencies from a certified agent. We tested this out by pressing the button, and we were connected to a friendly operator in under a minute.
- Ask Lively: An operator can answer any questions you have about your device, look up directions for you, or find a phone number you need.
- Lively Rides: The Lively team can schedule a Lyft ride whenever you need transportation.
- Nurse On-Call: Call a doctor or nurse anytime, no appointment required.
- Lively Link: This is an app that keeps family and friends updated on your health and safety. We could track the Jitterbug Smart4’s location when we were out and about running errands or taking a walk.
- Care Advocate: A trained agent is available to guide you on questions involving health and wellness, financial matters, and more.
Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular doesn’t offer the traditional health and safety features that Lively does. However, you can sign up for CC Go by Lyft to access on-demand rides from Lyft. Instead of using the Lyft app to schedule and pay for a ride, you can do it all with a phone call. This service can help you get to church, a doctor’s appointment, the grocery, and other places!
Contracts and Warranty
Lively
Contracts
Providers we’ve reviewed, like AT&T and Verizon, often require two-year contracts, while Lively doesn’t. With Lively, you’re never locked into a contract. You simply pay month-to-month and can cancel at any time. Lively even has a 30-day return policy if you’re not satisfied with your phone.
Warranty
Lively phones have a manufacturer’s standard limited warranty, which covers manufacturer’s defects. If you’re concerned about accidents, like dropping the phone in water or cracking the screen, you may want to add on a Lively Protection Plan for $3.50 per month. It enhances and extends the warranty that comes with your device.
FYI: Learn more about our experience with Lively by reading our 2024 Lively phone reviews. We tested out the Jitterbug Smart4 and Flip2.
Consumer Cellular
Contracts
Consumer Cellular does away with contracts, so you can cancel anytime. The company even offers a 30-day risk-free trial (data use is limited to 500MB). During those 30 days, we recommend visiting your usual spots to make sure you have good coverage.
Quick tip: Still having a hard time choosing a provider or plan? Visit our guide to cell phones for seniors in 2024 for more helpful tips.
Warranty
Consumer Cellular doesn’t offer a standard warranty when you buy a phone, but you can add an Allstate protection plan. It covers cracked screens, liquid damage, speaker and sound failures, battery failure, and more. The monthly cost ranges from $2 to $9 per month, depending on your phone.
Overage Charges and Additional Fees
Lively
Lively charges overage fees if you go over your data allotment for the month. If you exceed your monthly data allowance, overage charges will be applied. Overage charges of $0.02 per MB will be applied if service plan data is exceeded.
Using the internet on Lively's Jitterbug Smart4
Along with overage fees, Lively charges an activation fee of $35 for both of its phones, which is typical for the industry. Customers can activate their phones online or via phone. When we activated our Jitterbug Smart4, we learned you can shave $10 off the activation fees when you choose online. If you decide to send back your Lively device, you may be subject to a $10 restocking fee as well.
Consumer Cellular
No activation fees, restocking fees, or overage fees here. Consumer Cellular phones do not include an additional activation fee, unlike many of their competitors, such as Boost Mobile. If you happen to exceed your monthly allotment of minutes, texts, or data, Consumer Cellular will automatically bump you up to the next plan. This guarantees you’re getting the best rate, while saving you from hefty overage charges. We’re not fans of overage charges, so Consumer Cellular has a leg up on Lively in this department.
Our Final Thoughts on Lively vs. Consumer Cellular
Lively and Consumer Cellular offer no-contract plans and phones that are extra useful for older adults. That’s why we’re big fans!
Lively is a great choice for older adults who don’t already have a phone or those who want the peace of mind that comes with medical alert features. Just be aware of overage fees, and pick your plan carefully. Consumer Cellular meets the needs of tech-savvy seniors who want to bring their own phone or purchase a mainstream smartphone. Plus, you can’t beat the value of this company’s multiline discounts, which is great for additional family members. Overall, you really can’t go wrong with Lively or Consumer Cellular if you’re looking for a way to stay connected with family and friends.
Our Methodology: How We Tested Lively and Consumer Cellular
Making a call on the Jitterbug Smart4
Our tech team compared and tested Consumer Cellular and Lively’s offerings. We spent a week using phones from both carriers, chatting with customer service, and learning the ins and outs of their service. We also recruited older adults to try out the plans and devices and give us their honest feedback. We evaluated both carriers for important factors, including:
- Pricing: Our research focused on plans best suited to aging adults, taking into consideration that many live on a fixed income. We evaluated phones and plans that provide affordability, functionality, and features.
- Coverage: While cell phone signal varies based on location, aging adults need a phone and plan they can rely on. We evaluated companies offering 4G LTE and 5G service areas that can bring the best experience and reliable coverage.
- Customer service: Easily accessible and available customer service can be important for aging adults. We contacted customer service representatives from both companies to evaluate their level of support and care. We evaluated features like response times and 24/7 customer support, along with available methods of contact, such as chat, email, and phone.
- Health and safety services: These are major features that are especially beneficial to older adults. While not every carrier offers these services, it’s important to highlight those that do. We also looked at whether the health and safety services were built in or added features and what type of features are available.
Pew Research. (2021). Mobile Fact Sheet.
Investopedia. (2021). 10 Biggest Telecommunications Companies.
