Best Cell Phones for Seniors Based on In-Depth Reviews
- 200+Hours of research
- 20+Sources used
- 11Companies vetted
- 3Features reviewed
- 4Top
Picks
- Look for added features such as GPS monitoring and built-in emergency buttons
- Many phone carriers offer discounts for customers ages 55 and older
- Watch out for phone scams that trick elderly people into sending money
- A great deal of “long-lasting” battery life claims are exaggerated
How we analyzed the best Cell Phones for Seniors
Our Top Picks: Cell Phones for Seniors Reviews
According to a recent study, only 42% of consumers in the U.S. over 65 years of age own a smartphone. This number drops to 17% when only those over 80 years of age are considered. These numbers raise an interesting question: why are older consumers so reluctant to buy smartphones?
To answer this question, we reached out to dozens of anonymous consumers, being either a senior citizen or someone who purchased a cell phone for an elderly relative, for their experience and input. When asked what their major concerns were when using a cell phone, 76% of our respondents stated: “not understanding how to use it.”
Cell phones for seniors are available in different styles: flip phones, smartphones, bar phones, and tablet-phones. The selection for cell phones for seniors is just as varied as regular phones when it comes to features and styles and we looked at all of them for you to determine which are the best in the industry.
Snapfon review
Best for Vision Impairment
The Snapfon ezTWO3G. Photo credit: Amazon.com
Advertised as “the big button cell phone,” the Snapfon ezTWO3G has a speaking keypad option where each dialed number is clearly announced back to you. It also has enhanced volume and numbers in 28 point font. For this, many online customer reviews stated that it’s helpful for seniors and individuals with impaired vision.
Price & Plans
The Snapfon ezTWO3G is regularly priced at $39.99 but is priced higher at popular online retailers, including Walmart and Amazon. Carriers of this phone include SnapMobile, AT&T, and T-Mobile, and customers can choose to keep their original phone number.
Snapfon ezTWO3G plans offer both monthly minutes and data options, where 60 minutes costs $9.95/month and 300 minutes costs $15/month. The plan with the best bang for your buck under this provider is the unlimited talk & text option, which costs $30/month. Also, customers can add the sosPlus 24/7 Emergency Monitoring Service for an additional $15/month to their plan. This service connects users to a 24/7 response agent who has access to their medical information and emergency contacts.
One Call Away
Even without the 24/7 monitoring service plan, users can still take advantage of the SOS emergency button, which is built into the back of the phone. In the case of an emergency, customers can press and hold the button which immediately contacts emergency personnel as well as family and friends.
Considerations
This phone has very limited functionality, as it is designed just for phone calls and sending basic messages. Since this phone is an older, original cell phone, users need a USB cable to transfer photos. They cannot receive or share them via text message. Also, weighing 8.6 ounces, which is a little over half a pound, some consumers may find the Snap ezTWO3G to be a bit heavy.
Greatcall Jitterbug Flip review
Best for Simplicity
The Jitterbug Flip. Photo credit: GreatCall.com
The Jitterbug Flip is the basic, flip phone version of the Jitterbug Smart2. There are no apps, internet connection, games, or other special features. It’s specifically designed to only make phone calls. The Jitterbug Flip has a large keypad, displays large text, and has a simple navigation menu with “yes” and “no” buttons.
Price & Plans
Consumers can purchase the Jitterbug Flip from GreatCall, BestBuy, and Amazon for $74.99, as well as at Walmart for $99. Plans are the same as with the Jitterbug Smart2, where monthly minutes, text, and data are available separately, and the unlimited option offers the best deal of $59.99/month. The same customizable Health & Safety packages are available with this cell phone as optional add-ons for a $20 discount on the plan.
Special Perks
Just as with the Jitterbug Smart2, this flip phone version has a built-in 5Star urgent response button. The difference from other flip phones, fortunately, is that the Jitterbug Flip can still sync with the “GreatCall Link.” Generally, these types of apps only function on smartphones, but this is a special perk of being under GreatCall. As explained earlier, the GreatCall Link app is free for relatives and friends to download and monitor the activity of their loved one with the Jitterbug Flip, as well as provides access to other emergency alerts.
Considerations
The same rule applies to the Jitterbug Flip as with the Jitterbug Smart2: it can only be activated under GreatCall’s service. Also, many online reviews of the Jitterbug Flip explained experiencing issues with reception and call clarity, where several had stated they’ve dropped calls regularly with this phone.
Greatcall Jitterbug Smart2 review
Best Smartphone Option
The Jitterbug Smart2. Photo credit: GreatCall.com
GreatCall’s Jitterbug Smart2 features a list-based menu with universal icons for easy navigation as well as voice typing for text messages. The phone also comes with pre-installed apps, including Google Maps and Gmail. The Jitterbug Smart2 is also designed with a front-facing speakerphone to maximize audible clarity. Like other smartphones, it has a large, 5.5-inch touchscreen with both a backside and front-facing camera. It also has 2GB of phone memory, enabling users to download a few more apps if they choose.
Price & Plans
The Jitterbug Smart2 is priced at $149.99 by GreatCall, a senior-focused carrier that runs on the Verizon network, but consumers can find it for less at Walmart, Amazon, and BestBuy. As for purchasing a phone plan, the phone carrier is still GreatCall. This carrier offers no-contract plans and requires customers to activate the service online. Customers can purchase monthly minutes, text, and data separately, but to avoid extra fees, GreatCall offers an unlimited call, text, and data option for $59.99/month.
In addition to the standard plans, GreatCall offers customizable health and safety packages for a $20 discount on their phone plan. Of the three available packages, GreatCall’s Preferred Package is $24.99/month, which includes brain games and the 5star urgent response service from the basic plan, access to 24/7 urgent care—where users can speak to a live nurse or doctor for assistance and prescriptions—and the GreatCall Link app for caregivers. With the 20% discount, the combo becomes a $64.98/month payment, which is average for most cell phone plans.
Peace of Mind
Through the “GreatCall Link,” a free app designed specifically for GreatCall phones, family and friends can stay updated on their loved one’s activities. The app alerts the family when the 5Start emergency button has been activated, the phone has a low battery, and it also monitors the user's location.
Considerations
The Jitterbug Smart2 is marketed as having a “long-lasting battery.” According to the manufacturer’s specifications, this phone’s battery is 3000 mAh, which is the average on most smartphones. Customers should also know that this phone can only be activated through the GreatCall wireless network. They cannot switch it to a different carrier or add it to a pre-existing family plan outside of GreatCall.
BLU Joy review
Best for Affordability
The BLU JOY cell phone. Photo credit: BluProducts.com
The BLU JOY features a sleek, shiny exterior and leather backside, giving it a more modern look. Weighing only 1.12 ounces, it’s very lightweight and includes a few entertainment features that aren’t normally available in basic cell phones such as built-in FM radio, MP3 and MP4 players, and a camera that allows recordings of short video clips in addition to photos. BLU JOY’s large keypad and easy-to-use navigation make it ideal for senior citizens. Priced under $30, it’s one of the most affordable cell phones on the market.
Price & Plans
Consumers can find BLU JOY at Walmart for as low as $24.99 and at BestBuy for $29.99. It’s also available on Amazon, but the price varies. The cell phone is compatible with 2G carriers, including T-Mobile, Straight Talk, and Simple Mobile. Regarding plans, BLU JOY comes with dual sim cards that enable users to take advantage of different voice and data plans. This also allows travelers to have both a domestic and international carrier, avoiding roaming charges.
Immediate 911 Access
BLU JOY is designed with a built-in SOS button that, once pressed, alerts emergency response, including the police, medical personnel, and firefighters. This eliminates the step of calling 911, which can be beneficial for individuals who suffer from slow or limited hand mobility, such as with arthritis.
Considerations
BLU JOY is not compatible with major carriers who offer 3G and up like AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon. Consumers should also be aware that many carriers are phasing out 2G compatibility, which considerably limits options for BLU Joy users.
Further Insight Into Our Methodology
Like other mobile phones, cell phones for seniors come in many shapes and sizes—it all depends on the person’s needs. Flip and bar phones are almost always cheaper and have greater battery capacity, given their relative lack of battery-draining features. Smartphones, on the other hand, have larger screens and offer a number of helpful applications and settings for those who want to do more than just make calls and send texts. We also consider the kind of monitoring a phone offers.
After looking at a phone's features, we consider a couple of additional traits. One of them is cost and coverage. We first consider whether the cell phone model is unlocked. Unlocked phones offer users a choice of carrier, which enables consumers to shop around for the best plan. However unlocked phones must generally be purchased upfront by the consumer, potentially making the total initial costs higher. We also look at how many carriers service each cell phone. Once we're done with service plans, we look at a few more points regarding the cell phone's cost.
Last but not least, we looked at customer support. Given how much older people depend on their phones, strong customer support and a solid consumer rating are highly important. Cell phones are everyday items and, in the case of an issue or malfunction, it is essential for companies to be able to provide answers and alternatives.
The industry for cell phones for seniors is varied and flexible. With the right amount of time dedicated to research, and after thorough and meticulous analysis and comparison, finding the best product for your needs can be done. Luckily, we already did that for you.
Features
We started by analyzing the specifications of each cell phone, identifying their design, whether traditional or contemporary smartphone, size, and weight. We also looked at extended battery life, which can be a lifesaver for seniors who forget to charge their phone on the daily. Phones with a longer-lasting battery are safer as the user can call emergency services or a family member in case of an urgent situation. Other helpful features we looked for included leisure activities, such as cameras and games, reading assistance, such as text size control and voice command capabilities, and those for disabilities, such as hearing aids.
Coverage & Cost
Taking into account that some senior citizens only use cell phones for general phone calls, we looked at the types of service plans available for each cell phone, including talk, text, data, bundles, prepaid, and no-contract plans.
Another factor we took into consideration was the carrier service of each cell phone. A phone that's compatible with more carriers will offer consumers more service plan options. However, no unlocked phone works with all carriers, consumers should make sure the phone they are considering will work on their carrier of choice. One other thing we consider is whether the cell phone requires a contract or can function on a prepaid plan.
Since senior citizens are more likely to be retired or living off of partial income, we favored providers that offered discounts and deals for senior customers. We listed a price range for each phone to give consumers an idea of how much they'll spend on their cell phone of choice. Then, we verified if the cell phone came with any special senior plans, which tend to have a lower price or discount.
Then we verify if the phone comes with any special senior plans, which tend to have a lower price or a veteran discount. The age to be eligible for senior benefits and senior plans varies, with 65+ being the most common. Lastly, we look for any cancellation fees that customers may incur if they decide to opt-out of their phone plan.
Support
Due to age-related health concerns, safety and security are generally a priority for senior citizens. For this reason, we favored cell phones that included some form of emergency assistance or monitoring service. Phone tracking helps family members who are afraid their loved one might wander into the wrong location and want to keep track of their location. Finally, health monitoring is a fantastic solution for anyone who wants to monitor their vital signs and other aspects of their body.
Helpful information about Cell Phones for Seniors
Cell phones, specifically smartphones, can be confusing, especially to someone who has never used a phone for anything other than making a call. A modern smartphone has the ability to predict the weather for the rest of the week. It can have a driver come and pick you up wherever you are without you even having to talk to anyone. It can even have groceries delivered to your home (again, without talking to anyone). Modern smartphones do so much more than what a regular phone or even a cell phone used to do, that they could easily be intimidating for senior citizens if they are not already tech-savvy. This is where cell phones for seniors come in.
Cell phones for seniors are mobile phones that have been designed with older consumers in mind. Their displays, the keypad numbers, the on-screen text, and the icons (for apps) are larger than usual, in order to make the phones easier to use for those who have conditions that affect their vision. Some phones also include GPS location services and medical monitoring features, as well as an emergency call button, 24/7 access to registered nurses and doctors, check-in calls, and wellness calls.
For consumers looking for something simple and easy to use, we might suggest a flip phone. These phones feature two hinged sections that are flipped open when the phone is in use. They are practical, small, and often considered stylish. Flip phones usually have big, brightly-colored displays, long-lasting batteries, bigger buttons, and a simple menu. Flip phones are probably the best choice for consumers who are not interested in browsing the internet or using apps, and mainly need cell phones for making calls and texting.
Benefits of Cell Phones for Seniors
One Call Away
We spoke with Ava Griffiths, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist based in Georgia, who said she encourages cell phones for senior citizens, especially those without family assistance, enhanced medical alerts, in-home nursing, or home care service. Griffiths, who offers over-the-phone therapy for individuals with anxiety and depression, has provided services to over 200 elderly clients, those in whom, with cell phones, could contact her while away from home or on the go.
You’re More Social than You Think
Senior citizens that have limited mobility or health complications may not be able to leave their homes as often as the average person, limiting their social interactions. While house phones enable them to have conversations, they’re still confined at home and unable to see and engage with others.
Dr. Ariel Cruz, a geriatrician based in Puerto Rico, shared with us the necessity of maintaining some form of social interaction:
“The human being is social. We enjoy and need to share with other people. That interaction is very important so that we don’t feel alone, but instead feel important and needed within our families and communities. This helps us to manage stress, which is a factor of great importance to maintain our health.”
Unlike house phones, cell phones enable us to see our family and loved ones through photos and video chats. We can also interact with and learn from other people through social media, text messages, games, and other apps.
If You Don’t Use It, You’ll Lose It
Dr. Cruz, who is also an assistant professor of the Family Medicine Department at the Universidad Central del Caribe's School of Medicine, says he recommends to every patient his top seven tips for staying healthy. One of them, unsuspectedly, is a daily mental exercise.
“The mind must be stimulated and exercised just as much as muscles. One must learn new things every day, such as through music, art, and reading. These offer new experiences of learning that stimulate distinct areas of the brain and help maintain our mental agility.”
Most cell phones today enable us to download games, puzzles, books, and even tune in to Podcasts for daily learning and mental stimulation.
Types of Cell Phones
Most cell phones today are hearing aid compatible and have customizable features, such as ringtones options, but not every type fits each customers’ needs. Let’s discuss some key features of the three types of cell phones to discover which type of phone works best for you.
THE BASIC PHONE
Also called the “candy bar” phone, this type of cell phone maintains the classic, boxy design in which you can press each keypad button individually. Some also include pre-installed games, such as the popular, classic game Snake. This type of phone is considerable for customers who only want to make phone calls and send and receive text messages.
THE FLIP PHONE
While still considered a “basic” phone, the flip phone’s foldable design enables it to become more compact. Flip phones are considerable for consumers looking for a basic phone that is small, lightweight, and designed to naturally protect its screen and keypad.
THE SMARTPHONE
This type of cell phone can be thought of as a “mini-computer,” as it has dozens of computing abilities, including internet access, video calls, note-taking, GPS navigation, and artificial intelligence features. These cell phones are built on operating systems, such as Android and iOS.
In our interview with David Payette, founder and president of both upphone.com and payetteforward.com, we discussed the relationship between smartphones and our society, as well as how senior citizens can get better acquainted with them.
Smartphones connect us to the outside world and each other, Payette explained. Getting a smartphone empowers seniors to have access to the same information that the rest of us have, while also keeping in contact with their families. For grandparents who love to stay in touch with their grandchildren, kids today are much more comfortable sending a quick text message.Payette, who was formerly a technician for Apple before starting his own business, performed diagnostics and repairs for smartphones. From his observations, older people fear the idea of a smartphone because it sounds complicated, reminding us that senior citizens grew up in a time where computers would easily break.
What to Watch Out For: Cell Phone for Seniors
Marketing Gimmicks
During our research, we learned about the power of advertising. While there are dozens of cell phones marketed towards senior consumers, very few of them are transparent about their features. For example, we came across several cell phones that were advertised for having long-lasting batteries, only to discover later that their batteries have the same energy capacity of an average cell phone.
Phone Scams
We know that scammers will go the extra mile to deceive consumers out of their money. Unfortunately, senior citizens are an easy target. One of the most notorious frauds towards the elderly is the “grandparent scam,” where scammers call and pretend to be the recipient's grandchild in need of money for an emergency.
Another common cell phone scam that targets older customers is the social security scam, where people have received robocalls stressing their social security number has been stolen. In our video below, our team shares what you should know about social security scams and explains how to avoid becoming a victim:
[“Social Security Scams Explained” YouTube Video]
Expenses
David Payette and his UpPhone team member, David Lynch, advised that seniors understand their phone plans, as some companies take advantage of elderly customers:
“We would steer seniors away from plans that have minute restrictions and where they can get unexpected charges. Prepaid plans nowadays are very affordable. AT&T has one that’s $25/month, and there are others as low as $10/month.”
FAQs about Cell Phones for Seniors
How old do I have to be to purchase a senior phone?
While you do not have to be a certain age to have a senior-focused cell phone, certain cell phone plans do have age requirements for discounts. For example, Sprint’s Unlimited55+ and Verizon’s 55+ Plan both offer unlimited data use and discounts on extra lines added on the plan. Also, some carriers offer discounts for AARP members, in which all people ages 50 and up are eligible for full membership.
Do cell phone companies offer senior discounts?
Cell phones labeled "for seniors” are designed to be easy-to-use for anyone with mobility, vision, or cognitive difficulties that make it difficult to use a regular cell phone. Because of this, many of these cell phones feature larger buttons, an emergency alert to quickly call medical services, hands-free operation, and simpler controls than an average cell phone.
How are senior cellphones different from regular cellphones?
Cell phones labeled as “senior cell phones” are designed to be easily used by anyone who has trouble using a regular cellphone due to mobility, eyesight, or cognitive difficulties. Because of this, many of these cell phones feature larger buttons, an emergency alert to call medical services with one-touch, hands-free operation, and simpler controls than the regular touchscreen smartphone.
What safety features do senior cellphones have?
Cell phones intended for those aged 65+ usually have multiple security features, the main one being an emergency or SOS button that the user can press if they need help. These buttons work by connecting the user with emergency services in their area and automatically relaying the user’s location to first responders. Certain cell phones, like Jitterbug, go a step further by providing an Urgent Care feature, which can connect the caller to a 24/7 nurse or doctor who can give advice or even prescribe medications over the phone. There are other security measures available as well such as heart rate and oxygen monitors, and, for those with memory impairment or who might be at risk of getting lost, some offer a geo-fencing option, which can alert caretakers if the user leaves a pre-established perimeter.
Do I have to be a certain age to have a senior phone and plan?
While you do not have to be a certain age to have a senior cell phone, there are certain cell phone plans that do have age requirements. For example, as the name implies, Sprint’s Unlimited 55+, T-Mobile ONE Unlimited 55+, or Verizon’s 65 Plus Plan, and others have age minimums to apply.