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FYI: Most of the phones on this list can be used on a variety of networks. To learn which ones offer you data plans from $15 per month, check out our rundown of the best cell phone plans for seniors.
When it comes to ease of use, there are several features we looked for. Each of the phones listed below is advanced in its own right, but they all share some traits that make them truly accessible.
After hours of research and testing, we’ve narrowed the field down to five exceptionally simple phones. Here is our roundup of the easiest cell phones for seniors in 2023:
Cost: $99.99 when purchased from Lively
Combining traditional phone design with advanced medical alert features, the Jitterbug Flip2 is modern yet classic. If you need a simple phone that’s easy to use, then this is a great option.
With its classic clamshell design, the Flip2 features large, tactile buttons, in addition to dedicated buttons for speakerphone, power, and urgent response. When paired with a compatible plan, the red urgent response button will connect you to trained monitoring agents who can pinpoint your location and send help in the event of an emergency.
Compared to prior Jitterbug phones, the Flip2 is especially easy to use because of its Amazon Alexa feature. By activating this feature, you can send messages, call contacts, set reminders, and look up information — solely by using your voice. For example, I can ask my phone to give me the weather forecast, movie showtimes, and the addresses of nearby grocery stores.
In terms of plans, you can either opt for 300 talk minutes and 10 cents per text message for $14.99 per month, or you can get unlimited talk and text for $19.99 per month. Features like urgent response and medication reminders will cost an extra monthly fee.
To learn more about my experience with this phone, check out my Jitterbug Flip2 review and guide to Jitterbug costs.
Cost: $59 when purchased through Consumer Cellular
While it may be a far cry from the plentiful features of the smartphones on this list, the Consumer Cellular Link II is an ideal option for someone looking for an affordable phone that makes calls, sends messages, and can maintain a single charge for several days.
The Link II, available in either black or red, looks like a traditional flip phone. Its exterior features a small screen that displays the date, time, and info for incoming calls. The large interior screen displays its simple menus and a large keypad.
While the Link II offers little in the way of advanced features — no voice commands or app stores here — what it does do, it accomplishes with aplomb. Calls come in loud and clear, and messages are easy to send and view. Additionally, this phone lasted for about eight days before we needed to recharge it.
In terms of plans, this phone can be paired with one of Consumer Cellular’s talk and text plans, which start at $15 per month for unlimited talk. Messages and data will cost extra; however, with this phone, there’s little need for a data plan.
To learn more about the Link II and its compatible plans, check out our Consumer Cellular review and guide to Consumer Cellular costs.
Cost: $149.99 when purchased from Lively
With its bright screen, large text, and streamlined menus, the JitterBug Smart3 makes its advanced features accessible and intuitive. I could see even the most technologically averse person using this phone with ease.
While smartphones are not known for being the easiest to use, the Smart3 makes it easy with a large, bright screen and its list-based menus. On the home screen, you’ll see all of its features — phone, messages, camera, and internet — laid out neatly. Activating one of these features is as easy as pressing on the touchscreen. I had no trouble typing accurately, and the same goes for dialing numbers.
In my many test phone calls, I noticed no issues. Both the call quality and volume were superb, and all of my calls, both inside and outside my home, went through without a hitch. The Smart2 also features voice dialing and messaging, so I was able to make calls and send messages solely by using my voice. The 13 MP camera on this phone is also impressive. Compared to the flip phones on this list, the Jitterbug Smart3 is in a league of its own in terms of image quality. Additionally, you can use this phone to make video calls.
As with the Jitterbug Flip, the Smart3 must be paired with a plan from Lively. Unlimited talk and text costs at $19.99 per month, and data plans range from $2.49 to $30 per month. Additionally, you can purchase safety features on a subscription basis.
To learn more about our experience with this phone, check out our Jitterbug Smart3 review and Jitterbug phones review.
Cost: $309 when purchased through RAZ Mobility
Designed for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia, the Memory Cell Phone does away with many of the features you’d expect from a smartphone. It can make phone calls, receive them, and store up to 30 contacts.
The beauty of this simplicity is that it’s nearly impossible to get lost or confused with this phone. The home screen displays the user’s contacts alongside large photos, making it easy to place a call.
Additionally, the Memory Cell Phone can be controlled through an online portal (accessible either through a web browser or a smartphone app). Through this portal, a loved one can add contacts and change the settings on the phone. For example, using the portal, we could adjust the ringtone volume or add a dial pad to the Memory Cell Phone.
To learn more about this phone, read our full review of the RAZ Memory Cell Phone.
Cost: $96 when purchased through T-Mobile
Combining the features of a smartphone with the simplified design of a flip phone, Alcatel’s GO FLIP 4 offers an advanced yet streamlined experience. Let’s start with the basics.
First off, the call quality is great on this handset, each of our conversations coming in loud and clear. When it comes to size, this slim device fits easily into pockets or a purse, yet its 2.8-inch screen makes it easy to read. Additionally, this phone lasted two weeks before it needed a recharge.
What separates the GO FLIP 4 from the flip phones of yore are its smart capabilities. With its 4 GB of internal memory, you can download a handful of apps, including Facebook and WhatsApp — a rarity on flip phones. This phone’s app store also offers weather and stock trading apps.
The Alcatel GO FLIP 4 is compatible with a number of networks, and you can purchase it either directly from a provider or through a big-box store. Due to their affordable unlimited plans, we’d recommend purchasing the GO FLIP 4 from T-Mobile.
Cost: $399 when purchased from T-Mobile
If you’ve only ever used flip phones, then any smartphone will seem a bit complicated; however, for those unafraid of a slight learning curve, the iPhone SE is a multi-faceted device with useful features and a great camera.
If you’ve ever heard of Apple’s iPhones, then you already know how they can do just about anything a computer can, from taking high-quality photos to surfing the web and checking emails. What makes the iPhone SE particularly noteworthy, however, is its built-in voice assistant, named Siri. By using Siri, you can access just about every one of this phone’s features, purely by using your voice. This makes it exceptionally easy to use.
As with all iPhones, the SE has high-quality cameras, making it great for taking photos and chatting over video. It also has a loud speakerphone and access to Apple’s App Store, where you can download a number of useful apps, including medication managers, step counters, and news outlets.
The iPhone SE can be used on just about any network of your choosing; however, if you plan to make use of its internet features (including the App Store and video calling), then we recommend choosing one of T-Mobile’s unlimited plans.
To learn more about the iPhone SE, read our guide to the best iPhones for seniors.
Currently, T-Mobile offers a trio of plans specifically for those of over 55. T-Mobile senior plans, starting at $27.50 per month, cut out much of the hassle with choosing a wireless provider. Not only do they provide you with unlimited talk, text, and data (perfect for avoiding pesky overage charges), but they also come with no annual service contracts. These plans are a great, straightforward way to make the most of the phones detailed here.
Alternatively, some of our other favorite wireless providers include:
Pro Tip: Did you know that T-Mobile now offers home internet service? To learn more, read my T-Mobile internet review.
Finding the right cell phone can be a challenge, especially when it comes to keeping things simple. Luckily, as these devices become more advanced, manufacturers are striving to make them even easier to use.
If you’ve still got questions, I’d recommend checking out my guide to senior cell phones. Additionally, if you’re looking to save some money, check out my list of senior discounts on cell phones. Finally, be sure to check out our helpful guides:
The Jitterbug Flip2 and Jitterbug Smart3 are two of the easiest phones to use, due to their simple menus, voice commands, and accessibility features. Additionally, the Alcatel GO FLIP 4 has a simple design that anyone could pick up and use.
The Jitterbug Smart3 is likely the easiest phone for seniors to use; however, iPhones are also a good option, albeit more costly.
For first-time users, either the Jitterbug Smart3 or iPhone SE would be a good place to start. Both of them have extensive feature sets. The former is easier to use, and the latter features a built-in voice assistant to help you navigate.
Several phones made by RAZ Mobility, including the RAZ Memory Phone, feature calling only. This phone is designed for those with dementia or other memory disorders.
As smartphones with data plans become more popular, many wireless providers are pushing consumers to purchase them, as opposed to simple flip phones.
