FYI: If you’re looking for a simple phone with large buttons, then check out our list of the best big-button phones.
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View PackagesPoor eyesight can make it difficult to use a mobile phone, but modern phones have incorporated a variety of features that allow them to be used by people with visual impairments.
From simple flip phones to advanced smartphones, there are options to help people with just about any type or degree of visual impairment.
Let’s take a closer look at our favorites.
Visual impairments take many forms, and few phones address all the related concerns, but there are a few key traits we looked for when choosing the best phones for people with visual impairments.
FYI: If you’re looking for a simple phone with large buttons, then check out our list of the best big-button phones.
Phone | Price | Screen size | Additional features |
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Jitterbug Smart3 | $112.49 | 6.2 inches |
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iPhone SE | $429.99 | 4.7 inches |
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Moto G7 | $349.99 | 6.2 inches |
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Jitterbug Flip2 | $74.99 | 3.2 inches |
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Raz Mobility MiniVision2 Cell Phone | $309 | 2.3 inches |
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Price: $112.49 when purchased through Lively
Made by Lively phones for seniors, the Jitterbug Smart3 is an ideal phone for people with visual impairments because of its simple design, bright screen, and medical alert device features. It comes at a discounted price of $112.49, so it’s a great affordable cell phone for seniors.
The Jitterbug Smart3’s screen is over six inches, so you can browse the web, view photos, and stream videos at a manageable size. With its simple array of touch commands, you can easily zoom in on pages simply by pinching. Another feature we love about this phone is its voice-to-text feature, which allows you to dictate to your phone to compose messages, emails, and web searches.
We also loved the Jitterbug Smart3’s medical alert capabilities. Simply press the Urgent Response button on your cell phone, and a certified agent will get you the help you need right away.
The Jitterbug Smart3’s array of voice commands is not as wide as that of other phones on this list, but, for people with moderate visual impairment, it’s easy to use without neglecting the advanced features of a smartphone for seniors.
To learn more about this cell phone, check out our Jitterbug Smart3 review.
FYI: If you’re interested in a standalone medical alert system, then check out our rundown of the best medical alert systems.
Price: $429.99 when purchased through Consumer Cellular
The iPhone SE is a great higher-tech option for people with visual impairments. It’s incredibly easy to use and can accomplish nearly any task of a computer with a simple operating system. With water-resistant features and haptic touch shortcuts that are helpful for visually impaired seniors, this smartphone is a great option despite its high-end price.
Like the Jitterbug Smart3, the iPhone SE allows you to easily adjust the size of text and images for optimal viewing, but the iPhone SE’s voice commands really shine. Using Siri, the built-in voice assistant, you can use your voice to initiate calls, send messages, look up information online, and set reminders or appointments. All of this information can be easily tracked through your iPhone’s home screen.
The main drawback to the iPhone SE is its slightly smaller screen size of 4.7 inches. It’s the smallest smartphone on the list, but that could be a plus for people who want a more compact or discreet device. Still, when paired with one of Consumer Cellular’s senior plans, this phone is a great and relatively affordable option.
FYI: If you’re interested in an iPhone, then check out our rundown of the best iPhones for seniors.
Price: $74.99 when purchased through Lively
Also made by Lively, the Jitterbug Flip2 is a great option if you want a basic flip phone with medical alert system features. With its large, backlit buttons, the phone is easy to operate for people of any visual acuity. It also features a set of voice commands, allowing you to make calls, send messages, and set reminders using only your voice.
There’s something to be said about simplicity, and the Jitterbug Flip2 excels in this realm. Its screen is not made for viewing videos or browsing the web, but it can easily make calls, send messages, and keep you organized through its reminder functionality. Other standout features include Brain Games, a special app that allows seniors to sharpen their skills and improve memory.
If you purchase a Lively health and safety package, the phone can provide quick access to first responders in an emergency. Its array of voice commands is relatively limited, but the Jitterbug Flip2 is a great option if you want a simple and affordable phone.
To learn more about this phone, check out our full Jitterbug Flip review. Also, be sure to check out our review of Lively as a service.
Price: $189.99 when purchased through Mint Mobile
The Moto G7 may be a solid choice for older adults who are looking for a larger screen, built-in voice commands, and intuitive shortcuts. Google Play has plenty of useful apps for seniors, and the built-in Alexa functionality allows you to operate a majority of your phone’s features without pressing a button.
When using the Moto G7’s voice commands, we were able to make calls, check the weather, set reminders, and browse the web. The G7’s large, 6.2-inch screen also makes it easy to read information or view images and video. What’s more, the phone’s customization features make it easy to adjust text size and color and improve readability. For seniors with visual impairments, this cell phone was particularly helpful because it has Motorola-exclusive shortcuts to quickly access important features and apps with ease.
The G7 features impressive battery life and can last more than a day on a single charge. With its rapid charging capabilities, we charged the phone to full capacity in just under an hour.
The phone’s detailed levels of customization could make it more difficult to use if you’re unfamiliar with smartphones, so we’d recommend it for people with a bit more experience in this realm. Additionally, when paired with one of Mint Mobile’s senior plans, you’ll get affordable access to unlimited talk, text, and data.
If you’re looking for an Android phone, then check out our rundown of the best Android phones for seniors.
FYI: If you’re looking for an Android phone, then check out our rundown of the best Android phones for seniors.
Price: $309 when purchased through Raz Mobility
The MiniVision2 Cell Phone by RAZ Mobility offers large buttons, intuitive voice commands, and additional features and apps that are easily accessible to seniors who are visually impaired or have hearing loss.
What’s more, this cell phone is equipped with an SOS button for emergencies. Although carrier compatibility is limited (the MiniVision2 Cell Phone doesn’t work on Cricket Wireless), it still has a plethora of other features that make it a great option for visually impaired seniors. This includes powerful voice commands that let users send text messages by voice or through the help of a talking keypad. Additionally, apps for functions such as listening to FM radio, identifying colors, recording voice memos, and taking notes can be opened by voice command, and are also accessible to visually impaired seniors.
With this cell phone, I was able to quickly place clear phone calls and send text messages without lifting a finger. The phone even recognized the patterns of my voice and was able to send clear messages to loved ones. I also thought it was convenient that this phone could help users enter important contacts or set alarms by voice. Overall, I thought this phone was easy to use, extremely lightweight, and equipped with plenty of smart voice commands and apps that are accessible to visually impaired seniors.
When selecting a phone, you might want to consider looking for a large, legible screen; voice commands; and a user-friendly design. The best way to find out whether a phone will work for you is to try it in a store to see how its interface works for your needs.
To learn more about phones for seniors, check out our thoroughly researched guides.
We’d recommend either the Jitterbug Smart3 for its intuitive design or the iPhone SE for its sophisticated voice commands.
There are several phones made specifically for blind people, but we think a traditional smartphone with voice commands can work just as well.
The Jitterbug Flip2 is likely the easiest phone for seniors to use due to its simplistic design and Alexa-based voice commands.
T-Mobile offers the most affordable unlimited talk, text, and data plans for seniors, but other providers, such as Lively and Consumer Cellular, offer affordable plans for people who don’t use or need data.