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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 I 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, I’ve narrowed the field to six exceptionally simple phones. Here is my 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. I know that if I have an emergency, calling for help would be extremely easy. When paired with a compatible Lively plan, the red Urgent Response button will connect me to trained monitoring agents who can pinpoint my location and send help in the event of an emergency.
Despite resembling a traditional flip phone, the Jitterbug Flip2 also featured built-in Alexa voice commands. Using these voice commands, I could make calls to contacts, dictate text messages, and even search the web for questions. For example, when I asked Alexa about the day’s weather, my phone responded that it would be 47 degrees and partially cloudy.
Further, the speed dial feature made it easy to call my closest friends and family, and with 12 hours of talk time, I could talk for a while without needing to recharge. Seniors with hearing aids will benefit from the front-facing speakerphone, not to mention the M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility.
Unlike other phones on this list, the Flip2 can be used only on Lively’s network. Luckily, Lively offers plans with unlimited talk and text for $19.99 per month. For an additional monthly cost, you can also access additional safety and health features, including their 24/7 nurse hotline.
| Plan | Basic | Preferred | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per month (includes $5 paperless billing discount) | $19.99 | $39.99 | $49.99 |
| Unlimited talk/text | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lively Rides | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Urgent Response | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lively Link | No | Yes | Yes |
| Care Advocate | No | No | Yes |
| Nurse On-Call | No | No | Yes |
With Lively Rides, for example, I could have the team at Jitterbug call a Lyft for me, without me having to use a confusing rideshare app. This was a blessing after a wine night with my friends!
To learn more about the different Lively plans and their features, read my guide to Jitterbug plans.
To learn more about my experience with this phone, check out my Jitterbug Flip2 review.
Cost: $69 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 Iris Flip 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. That sounds like me, as I don’t always need extra features like video chatting or voice commands.
The Iris Flip is a traditional flip phone that is available in either black or red. 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.
>> Read more: Iris Flip Review
What I most appreciated about the Iris Flip was its voice commands. When sending text messages, I could dictate words, and the phone would automatically type out my words. This significantly expedited the process of sending out longer messages. Additionally, this voice-to-text feature could be used on the internet browser. Rather than typing out the name of a website, I could dictate it.
For example, when I said, How are you, my phone automatically transcribed these words into a message.
With Consumer Cellular as your provider, I also got access to some of the most affordable wireless out there. For $19.99 per month, I got unlimited talk and texting on my phone, as well as 1 GB of data. Although it’s not listed on Consumer Cellular’s website, there is also a $15-per-month plan that includes 300 minutes of talk time.
To learn more about the Iris Flip and its compatible plans, check out my 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 Smart4 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 Smart4 makes it easy with a large, bright screen and its list-based menus. On the home screen, all of its features — phone, messages, camera, and internet — are laid out neatly. Activating one of these features is as easy as pressing on the touch screen. 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 Smart4 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 Smart4 must be paired with a plan from Lively. All plans include unlimited talk and text, but if you want advanced medical features like on-call nurses and doctors to get medical advice from, or a care advocate to help you with your health, it will cost $49.99 per month.
To learn more about my experience with this phone, check out my Jitterbug Smart4 review and Jitterbug phones review.
Cost: $309 when purchased through RAZ Mobility
Designed for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia, the RAZ 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 displayed my contacts alongside large photos, making it easy to place a call.
From the RAZ Care app, users can remotely add contacts and adjust other features of the Memory Cell Phone.
Additionally, I could control the Memory Cell Phone 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, I could adjust the ringtone volume or add a dial pad to the Memory Cell Phone.
To learn more about this phone, read my full review of the RAZ Memory Cell Phone.
Cost: $89.99 when purchased on Amazon
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, with each of my conversations coming in loud and clear. When it comes to size, this slim device fits easily into a pocket or 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, I 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. For more storage, I could use the included microSD card, which provides an extra 32 GB. That’s great for me, as I love taking photos on my phone using the 2 MP rear camera.
What separates the Go Flip 4 from the flip phones of yore are its smart capabilities. With its 4 GB of internal memory, I 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. For more storage, I could use the included microSD card, which provides an extra 32 GB. That’s great for me, as I love taking photos on my phone using the 2 MP rear camera.
The Alcatel Go Flip 4 is compatible with T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile, and you can purchase it either directly from a provider or through a big-box store like Best Buy. Due to its affordable unlimited plans, we’d recommend purchasing the Go Flip 4 from T-Mobile.
To learn more about this phone, read my Alcatel Go Flip review.
Cost: $429 when purchased from Apple
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 multifaceted device with many 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 to checking emails. What makes the iPhone SE particularly noteworthy, however, is its built-in voice assistant, named Siri. By using Siri, I can access just about every one of this phone’s features with my voice. This makes it exceptionally easy to use. “Hey Siri, what’s the weather?” I ask every morning before I pick out my clothes. No staring at a screen for me!
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 I can download a number of useful apps, including medication managers, step counters, and news outlets. If I can think of it, there’s an app for it.
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 I recommend choosing one of T-Mobile’s unlimited plans. However, you can also use this iPhone with Verizon or AT&T. Personally, I use Verizon, which has the best coverage in my area.
To learn more about the iPhone SE, read my guide to the best iPhones for seniors.
Currently, T-Mobile offers a trio of plans specifically for those of over age 55. T-Mobile’s senior plans, starting at $55 per month, cut out much of the hassle of 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. They’re also great for those who travel abroad. While I was visiting Mexico City, for example, I had 15 GB of data with the Go5G Plus 55 plan, and I was on my phone the entire flight!
Alternatively, some of my 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 Smart4 are two of the easiest phones to use, due to their simple menus, voice commands, and accessibility features. Additionally, the iPhone SE is another intuitive option.
The Jitterbug Smart4 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 Smart4 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.
