Jitterbug vs. Snapfon

Comparing Phone Plans and Prices

Lively

Lively offers one talk and text plan called the Unlimited Talk & Text plan, which costs $19.99 per month. Thinking about the Jitterbug Smart4? You’ll also need to add one of Lively’s data plans for an extra monthly fee.

*Price includes a $5 monthly Paperless Billing discount but excludes taxes and fees.

Snapfon

Snapfon lets you customize your own cell phone plan. Pay for the minutes, texts, and data allotment you need.

Which Offers the Better Value?

In terms of better value, Snapfon has affordable talk and text plans starting at just $15 per month for unlimited talk and text. For comparison, Lively’s Basic plan comes with unlimited talk and text costs $19.99 per month. If you’re looking for data or safety features, you’ll find a better deal with Lively. However, if you just want to talk and text, Snapfon will be more affordable.

Snapfon is best for seniors looking for a user-friendly device with larger buttons and enhanced accessibility features. Lively is our pick for active seniors who want extensive safety features, such as access to an emergency response system, and health monitoring on their phones.

What sets Snapfon apart is its inexpensive plan options, making it possible to have a phone for as little as $15 per month. That’s a great deal if you only need a phone for emergencies! Keep in mind: A Snapfon Network Plan subscription is required when you purchase a Snapfon device like the Snapfon ez4G. One big downside with Snapfon is that their customer service is closed on weekends. During our testing, we had questions over the weekend and had to wait until Monday to follow up.

Lively vs. Snapfon Phones

Lively

One of our writers testing out the Jitterbug Flip2

To use Lively as your phone provider, you must purchase a Lively phone. Fortunately, they sell two affordable and easy-to-use cell phone models. Priced at $79.99, the Jitterbug Flip2 is perfect for seniors who don’t need all the advanced features that come with a smartphone. You can control it using the large keypad or with your voice, thanks to built-in Amazon Alexa.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

I’ve found that Lively frequently runs deals to help you save on your new phone! Be on the lookout for discounts as you shop online.

If you want to become part of the 61 percent of seniors who own a smartphone, the Jitterbug Smart4, priced at $119.99, is a great option.1 You can type with your voice, video-call your relatives, surf the web, and play brain games at home and on the go. Keep in mind that additional charges for the monthly plan, activation fee, and taxes will apply.

Trying out the Jitterbug Smart4

Watch our video review below on the Jitterbug Flip2 to learn more about Lively’s offerings.

Snapfon

Snapfon specializes in easy-to-use cell phones for older adults with low vision, low hearing, or dexterity impairments. Snapfon cell phones are affordable, too! The ez4G, a brick-style phone, and the ezFlip, a flip-style phone, both cost $79. Both are equipped with big-button keypads, a high-contrast screen, hearing aid compatibility, and cameras. You can easily access email, Facebook, the weather, and FM radio.

Snapfon ez4G

Snapfon phones also come equipped with a red SOS emergency button. When pressed, it alerts five emergency contacts by call and text. An optional siren can play for those nearby to hear, too. If you add on an sosPlus mobile monitoring package for an additional $10 per month, the button also connects you to an emergency response agent who can provide further help. Think of it like a phone and medical alert device wrapped into one. At $10, this is less expensive than getting a Lively package with urgent response, but Lively comes with more features.

Unlike Lively, you can also bring your own unlocked phone to Snapfon. You’ll need to buy a SIM kit and choose your plan. Then, the SIM kit will be shipped to you.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

Worried about going over your allotted data? You can use Snapfon’s free usage-tracking app to check your remaining minutes, texts, and data for the month.

Nationwide Coverage

Lively

Lively relies on Verizon’s 4G LTE network. It’s one of the largest networks in America, so odds are you’re covered. However, you can always use Lively’s coverage map to see if Lively offers coverage in your area.

When we tried to access the internet on the Smart4, we experienced slower loading web pages compared with other smartphones we’ve tested. If 5G connection and the latest tech features interest you, you might want to opt for a competitor’s smartphone instead.

Snapfon

Snapfon relies on AT&T and T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network to deliver nationwide coverage to 99 percent of Americans. They also offer access to AT&T’s 5G network for users with a 5G-compatible phone. To confirm coverage in your area, view the Snapfon coverage map. During testing, we experienced slower speeds at high-traffic times, but this is common among MVNOs, which are under the umbrella of larger carrier networks.

Medical Alert Features

Lively

Lively also provides health and safety features with its phone plans that turn their Jitterbug cell phones into medical alert devices. Let’s check them out below.

Below is a breakdown of each service:

• Urgent Response: Press the big red button on your phone to get help in emergencies from a certified agent. We found the Urgent Response button was clearly displayed on the keypad of both the Jitterbug Smart4 and Jitterbug Flip2.
• 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’re big fans of the app for tracking loved ones and getting updates in real time.
• Care Advocate: A trained agent is available to guide you on questions involving health and wellness, financial matters, and more.

Tracking the Jitterbug Smart4's location using the Lively Link mobile app

Snapfon

Older adults who purchase a Snapfon mobile device can add on the sosPlus Mobile Monitoring Service. You won’t be able to add sosPlus if you bring your own phone. It costs $10 per month and gives you access to a 24/7 emergency response agent. Simply press the button on your phone to connect. When you call, the agent can view a list of your medications, allergies, medical conditions, emergency contacts, and more. They’ll assess the situation and then contact emergency services or your emergency contact on your behalf.

We thought the button on the back of the ez4G and ezFlip 4G devices was located in an easy-to-reach place for emergencies and wasn’t something you might hit accidentally. Overall, we found Snapfon’s safety features less extensive than Lively’s, such as Lively’s 24/7 nurse and doctor support and device tracking.

Contracts and Warranty

Lively

Contracts

Lively has no contracts, unlike providers we’ve reviewed, like AT&T and Verizon, which require two-year contracts for some plans. Plus, you can cancel at any time. When you purchase a Lively phone, you get 30 days to try it out risk-free. If you’re not satisfied, simply contact Lively, return your phone, and get your money back.

Warranty

Lively provides a standard limited warranty against manufacturer defects. To extend that warranty and add accident protection, you’ll need to purchase a Lively Protection Plan for $3.50 per month per phone. It covers battery replacement, normal wear and tear, drops, and mechanical failure.

Snapfon

Contracts

You don’t have to worry about any contracts or cancellation fees with Snapfon. Instead, you pay month to month and can cancel or change plans at any time without a penalty. A 30-day money-back guarantee for Snapfon devices means you can get a refund for the phone if you’re not satisfied. However, you won’t be refunded for shipping, rush processing, or cellular service charges.

Warranty

Snapfon devices come with a 90-day manufacturer’s warranty that covers defects, malfunction, and product failure. It won’t, however, cover accidents like dropping your phone in a puddle or normal wear and tear like screen cracks. For that type of coverage, you’ll need to purchase a $19.99 ezProtection extended warranty plan. It covers defects and accidental damage like drops, wear and tear, and water damage for up to one year after the device purchase. It’s half the cost of similar coverage from Lively.

Overage Charges and Additional Fees

Lively

Lively charges overage fees if you go over your data limit. If you exceed your data plan, the overage cost is 2 cents per megabyte.

Lively also charges a shipping fee and a $35 activation fee for each of their phones. While activation fees are typical for the industry, not every company charges one. Lively also charges a restocking fee of $10 in certain cases.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

Want to avoid overage fees? Watch your data usage during the first month of service. If your data usage is more than you planned, you can upgrade your plan. If it’s below, you can choose a less expensive data plan.

Snapfon

Unlike Lively, Snapfon stays away from overage fees. Instead, they’ll send you a reminder when you’re close to hitting your plan limits. Then, it’s up to you what happens. Either upgrade to a bigger plan or just halt your phone usage until the next month.

Other fees include shipping, SIM kit, and activation fees. Shipping and activation fees will vary. Customers who already have a phone and just want to purchase a plan from Snapfon pay 99 cents for the SIM kit.