A Smartphone Designed by Lively Just for Seniors
SeniorLiving.org is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews.
Lively's Jitterbug Smart3 is one of the best cell phones for seniors. Not only is it a simple, easy-to-use smartphone, but it can also be combined with Lively's Health & Safety Packages for added protection. Compared to other smartphones on the market, the Jitterbug Smart3 is relatively inexpensive, while Lively's phone and data plans are customizable and affordable. In this review, we will examine the Jitterbug Smart3 and help you decide if it's the right choice for you.
Our editor’s grandma using the senior-friendly Jitterbug Smart3
Lively offers two phone options: the Jitterbug Smart3 and the Jitterbug Flip2. The latter is a flip phone that offers an experience that might be more familiar if you're accustomed to using phones with physical buttons (no touch screen). For this reason, you won't need to spend much time choosing between phones.
FYI: Visit our Lively phone review to learn more about both cell phone options.
Once you choose a product, you can make your purchase online, in person, or by phone. If you order online or over the phone and choose the free standard shipping option, you can expect to receive your phone in the mail in three to seven business days. If you want your phone sooner, you can pay $20 for expedited shipping (one to three business days).
Regardless of how you choose to buy the Jitterbug Smart3, you can choose which plans you want to add to your phone. You can also add extra accessories for an additional fee. For example, you may want headphones, a phone case, or a glass screen protector.
Speaking of prices, the Jitterbug Smart3 is one of the most affordable smartphones available. While the standard purchase price is $149.99, Lively runs frequent promotions that bring the price down even further, so be on the lookout!
You'll pay monthly fees with a Lively phone plan, and no contracts are required. This means you can cancel your phone plan and try out another cellular provider at any time. The Jitterbug Smart3 is specifically designed to work with Lively's phone plans, so you can only use this senior-friendly phone with a Lively plan. This is a downside to consider when compared to other phone providers for seniors, like RAZ Mobility, whose phones can be used with plans from a variety of carriers.
Pro Tip: Visit our list of the best cell phone plans for seniors to see why Lively made the cut!
The Lively warranty covers your phone, phone battery, and most accessories for one year from the date of purchase. It is important to note that the warranty does not cover accidental damage. For example, if you drop your phone in water or accidentally crack the screen, the warranty will not pay to repair or replace it. It will only cover preexisting hardware issues, electrical failures, or other problems not caused by misuse of the device.
Lively offers two basic talk and text plans, as well as five data plans. The Jitterbug Smart3 requires a data plan, so you'll need to choose one of each plan type.
Name | Monthly Minutes | Price | Additional Info |
---|---|---|---|
Value Talk & Text | 300 minutes per month | $14.99 per month | $0.10 per text |
Unlimited Talk & Text | Unlimited minutes | $19.99 per month | Unlimited texts |
Data | Price |
---|---|
100MB | $2.49 per month |
500MB | $5 per month |
3GB | $10 per month |
5GB | $15 per month |
Unlimited | $30 per month |
Lively Smart
The Jitterbug Smart3 may not have as many features as some other phones, but it's designed specifically for seniors. Here are a few of the best features for seniors the phone offers:
Did You Know: Lively also makes a popular medical alert system for seniors. Learn more by reading our Lively medical alert review!
Along with the Jitterbug Smart3's standard features, there are two features that can be accessed for additional fees:
Lively's Health & Safety Packages offer access to health services at the push of a button for an additional monthly fee. Every Lively phone has an “Urgent Response” button that immediately calls an emergency response team — if you have a Health & Safety Package. If you live alone, have mobility issues, or simply want easy access to health care professionals, one of Lively's plans could be a great choice for you.
Name | Price | Features |
---|---|---|
Basic Package | $24.99 per month | – Urgent Response Service – Lively Link |
Premium Package | $34.99 per month | – Urgent Response Service – Lively Link – On-Call Nurse – Care Advocate |
To better understand if one of these Health & Safety Packages is right for you, here is a more detailed breakdown of each service:
If you want to get even more out of your Jitterbug Smart3, you can choose from several different add-ons and accessories.
Product | Price |
---|---|
Extra Wall Charger | $19.99 |
Car Charger | $24.99 |
Glass Screen Protector | $14.99 |
Wallet Case | $24.99 |
Soft Case | $19.99 |
Hard Case | $19.99 |
Bluetooth Headset | $29.99 |
Stereo Headphones | $24.99 |
Smartphone Stand/Grip | $7.99 |
Home Key Lockbox | $19.99 |
The Jitterbug Smart3 is an affordable smartphone for seniors. It comes with all of the essential features you would expect from a smartphone, with a few extra services designed specifically for older adults. If you're a senior in need of a basic smartphone or you want to take advantage of Lively's health and safety features, the Jitterbug Smart3 is probably a great phone for you. Just keep in mind that you will be limited to Lively's phone plans, and the different plans and fees could cause your affordable smartphone to become more expensive than you might have expected. Still, if it fits in your budget, Lively is worth considering.
Lively makes and sells its own phone models, including the Jitterbug Smart3 and Jitterbug Flip2.
The Jitterbug Smart3 uses a SIM card that comes installed with the phone upon purchase.
Yes, the Jitterbug Smart3 comes with built-in GPS capabilities. These can be used for map navigation, as well as unique services like Lively Link. Lively Link gives family and loved ones the ability to check your location and health status via the Lively mobile app.
You do not need Wi-Fi to use a Jitterbug phone, but the Jitterbug Smart3 can connect to Wi-Fi networks.